sad day for elkherder

[tawmio]

-Shooting a bit less have only improved my shooting.
Hope everything works out.
Tommy

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Some of the 30 lb bows these days can really spit an arrow. May not be able to hunt with them but you can still enjoy the passtime.

I second what everyone else said.

Whatever you decide good luck!

[Jerry Wald]

Larry pm sent....please check it out.

jer

[buckster]

Larry,

Hang in there buddy!  As others have stated, I'd suggest you look at doing a little research into possible medical solutions and theraphy.

[L. E. Carroll]

Larry

I noticed from your posts that your a pretty good Elk caller with years of Elk Huntin' experience.... maybe a season or two of informal guiding and just being in "Camp" with buddies, helping guide some novice Elk Hunters, will help..Give this some time, perhaps look at some of the advise your getting here, and go see another Dr.

I always have a "Late Season" elk camp down near the Bear River unit.[pretty much, the full late season]... your welcome to come down and spend some time.      

[Mr.Vic]

Your just in a slump mentally wise on this, i know from my own mental blocks in life. Never let the mind change the heart. There are many ways around this (see all advice above)and other things in life.  My wife has the same problem with her fingers and joints in the wrist. RELEASE AID and a ultra nock on the strings solved it and made her pep right in to it. In my own mind i would NEVER give up the stick and string even if it met i had to pull the string back with my teeth, Out of a wheelchair. When we give up on the things we love,we begin to die in spirit. Listen to nature she'll tell ya.

[Bill Sant]

Larry,

Would not profess to know what you are going through, but can offer what has happened to me.  6 months ago I was so stoved up I could barely stand after sitting for a few minutes.  Pulling my bows was agonizing and worse than that was the  remorse of having to quit one of the joys of my life.  I tried different things and just by circumstance went on a diet where I couldn't eat bread, pasta or things with wheat gluten in them.  Bingo!!!!!  As I got older my body just didn't like the stuff and reacted.  After 10 days or so all was well, and all the stiffness has gone.
Don't mean to say you should immediately go on a high protein low carb diet, just want to share with you so you might be able to find your own happy spot.
Heck if nothing else, jump on a jet and we can go salmon fishing.  I still shoot the osage widow I got from you and love it.  Later.....Bill

[JEFF B]

larry DONT YOU  DARE GIVE UP! that word aint aloud around here. there are ways to deal with pain some aint nice but they work. just hang in there bro.

[Muleyslayer]

cortozone shot and prednisone meds., I'm 40 and have bad arthritis in my knuckles,elbow back,knees, and recentley showing up in my shoulder. Try the shots there not that bad,and the med(pred.) works for me, I wouldn't be able to shoot with out it.  Like the boys said, second opinion and ask the new dr. about this. Good luck friend, Hope it works for you.

[bolong]

NOT MUCH i CAN SAY THAT HASN'T ALREADY BEEN SAID.jUST HANG IN THERE, THINGS MIGHT JUST GET BETTER.

[PA Bones]

Larry,
We spoke awhile back regarding a bow I sold you.  I really enjoyed talking with you.  I hope you can find a way to continue in the sport we all love.  Try to keep a positive attitude and take some advice from others here on Tradgang who have gone through what you are dealing with.  Best of luck.
Bill

[sagebrush]

I got me an old compound I haven't shot for years. I bought it when my tendonitis got too bad to shoot my stick bow. After my shoulder healed I went back to my stick bow. I still have the compound just in case. I don't use sights. When I shoot it I shoot instinctive. It's still fun and I can still hunt with it. Gary

[knobby]

Larry,  Give a release a try. The pain in your hands is one thing; the pain in your heart for losing your beloved archery would be another. I went to a release to save my archery last year, and it was worth it. You can still shoot barebow, you just have to get used to a new anchor. Believe me, it works. Hang in there. We're all here for you.

[PAPA BEAR]

thank you all for the words of encouragement and support,i have been shooting less than fifty pounds for a while now but thats not legal for elk in oregon.50 plus for elk...i shoot 60 minimum on elk,thats just me and my ethics i guess.i have planned on just stopping completely and see where it leads me.i refuse to strap on a release with a trad bow.just ain't right in my own personal opinion.may as well be honest about it with myself and just see what father time brings me.

[Mudd]

I just made a leather(non- mechanical) release that works great. If you'll send me your mailing address I'll give it to you.
I got the idea while looking at a release aid the Black Widow used to sell. I was amazed at how easy it was to master.  I use it almost like same way I'd use a  a thumb ring.

God bless,Mudd

[DesertDude]

Larry,

  Thanks for bringing alot of joy into my life, as I said in the PM I sent you, I hope all you seek in life turns out well. Give me a yell and I'll let you know when I get to Texas. All the best my friend.......

"DD"

[Cane Knife]

What if you try to learn to shoot Lefty?

[Butch L]

Larry,
  I echo the suggestion of a second opinion. If the Dr. you are seeing now is not a specialist I would highly recommend seeing one. I would also suggest that you look into a Physiatrist ( a MD that specializes in physical therapy). I saw one for a few years for my back problems, not a cure-all, but definitely helped. Also, remember that there are advances in science and medicine all the time, so a decision now may not have to be final.

Butch L

[L. Harris]

Had a friend that got his left shoulder and hip busted up real bad from a fall. Before he was out of the wheel chair his daughter caught him shooting. He had fashioned a mouth tab onto the string and was holding his bow with his right hand and drawing the string with his teeth!! He was DEADLY shooting like this! Of course he was shooting 45#s instead of his usual 65#s, but still killed a deer easily with the 45#er! Where there's a will, there is a way! Good luck and prayers up for you!

[amar911]

I thought I was doing well coming back from surgery on a severely damaged and arthritic shoulder and then from stage 4 near-terminal cancer immediately after that. But then I saw what Tred Barta is doing to keep shooting. I never had so much admiration for Tred. Each person has his own ideas about what he needs to be able to do in order to get satisfaction from something he has enjoyed doing in his life. If shooting a bow in the manner you will be capable of in the future doesn't satisfy you, then quit. If you can enjoy shooting with some changes like those suggested by others, then go for it. Just because it is good enough for someone else doesn't make it right for you. On the other hand, I wouldn't give up on something you love just because it isn't EVERYTHING it used to be. Otherwise, you might as well give up on life after age 50, because almost nothing after 50 measures up physically to what it was when you were younger. Best wishes in whatever you do.

Allan