I hope to hunt with a compound this year!

What ever you need to do to stay in the game is important. I would like to add that careful rehab can produce good results and that it is possible that a light recurve or longbow may actually put less stress on the injured tendons than a compound. Perhaps you could check your draw and form out to see if there is something you can do to minimize the threat of further injury with a very light bow first.

[bornagainbowhunter]

was the target panic you speak of caused by pain.  I have never had target panic, so I really don't understand it, but I team rope.  Horses develop a reaction to pain.  It is how you first know they hurt.  You ask them to do a certian move and they do it, but first there is a sudden quick shimmie, of sorts.  It is almost like a reaction due to dread of the pain.  Maybe that is where you got your target panic.  

When you remove the pain from the horse they stop the jerk in a matter of days.  This might be good for you...

[Stone Knife]

Get out and enjoy the woods with whatever it takes to get the job done.

[Arwin]

Shoot lots and lots of stumps!!!!!    

 I sometimes suffer a little target panic during the off hunting season, mainly because I'm trying too hard. I'm my own worst critic and not hitting exactly where I want to leaves me with a flushed face and too worked up to have fun.

 Change it up for something silly like balloons, old Barbie dolls, stuffed toys, anything that takes the seriousness out of your practice routine. Get loose and goofey.....all will be well.  

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

I will be in the wood with something be it long bow, atl-atl left handed, recurve or wheelie. Les the 26 # trainer is a good idea.  check with that famous bear slayer and see if he is done with it.  I may need to call bloody ugly home too.  I forgot about both of them till you mentioned the lightweight.  Still under the affect of the strong happy pills. (only excuse I can come up with)

 I need a bowl of ice cream!!!! to ice my elbow... yea right...

pete

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

I wish it was target panic>  it is a blown out elbow with the tendons screwed in to place as of yesterday.

[lpcjon2]

You could always take a kid hunting and be his mentor,That can exceed the thrill of a kill.

[illianabowhntr67]

Huntin is huntin! Dont matter what tool or method as long as you are huntin!

[bmfer]

No shame in that at all, hunt with what you have/want to/need to. Good luck with healing the arm.

[xtrema312]

Hang in there, listen to the Doc, do the PT, and get out there with what ever you can shoot to enjoy the hunt.  I still have a compound and don't plan to get rid of it.  It is dusty, but there if I should need it.

[Ssamac]

I'd use a crossbow to stay in the game. Hate to say it, but I would. I think you should stay off the bow as long as it takes to recover. The crossbow will allow you to keep your eye sharp and keep hunting. Most states have an exception for crossbow based on age or disability. I think with your surgery you can get that option this year.

Good luck whatever you do and be careful

sam

[Arwin]

Originally posted by Pennsyltuckey pete:
I wish it was target panic>  it is a blown out elbow with the tendons screwed in to place as of yesterday.

:(
 Awe man that stinks.  I shoulda read the post better.      

 Whatever can get you out in the woods. I saw the Draw-Loc set-up before, might be worth trying out.  

[Pennsyltuckey pete]

Crossbow has crossed my mind. They are legal in PA. the expense for one season is  a little steep though. I think  I would rather take the year off and hunt with a camera or take a kid out. If I cant hunt FL deer with Les this fall I will be his go to videographer and grab a january-february hog hunt.

I just have to make sure i don't push and re injure the arm.  You know how us Pennsyltuckey types are... strong as a bulls but only half as bright.

I have to go.  I think I hear my wife cutting all of my bow strings            

Pennsyltuckey pete

[Mudd]

The draw-loc makes a compound sort of like shooting a variation of a vertical cross bow.

The biggest disappointment I had when using it was not having a legal deer come within my range..lol No turkeys either.

God bless,Mudd

[Algonquin]

You have your priorities right....first, do no harm....you don't want a short-term setback to become a permanent one by pushing too hard, too soon. I don't know if you're a hockey fan or not, but as an Islanders fan I know what that strategy has done to possibly end Rick DiPietro's career as an NHL goalie. So skip this season if you must. But see if a slow and steady work-up to a 35# longbow will get you into the woods this fall. Even an inexpensive selfbow of that weight could "keep you in the game", and that's what it's all about right? Carrying around the heavy mass weight of a crossbow or compound won't do you any good, either, but a feather of a longbow would be no strain at all.

[Rusty in Fla.]

When I was a kid a 45# bow was about the norm. Some people used 50's and a 55 was a real WOW factor. Maybe it's time to take a step back in time.

[Hooked]

Pete,

take it slow and do what the doctor and physical therapist say and you will be back in the saddle before you know it!

Someone mentioned that a trad bow might be easier on it than a compound.  Makes since to me.  Talked to less and he said it was the tendon that you would use to turn a doorknob.  Might be wrong but using a release on a compound seems more like that than drawing a trad bow.

Anyway, know that we are praying for a speedy recovery...oh and offer still stands to cover your spot in Florida   :D

[crotch horn]

Hunt with whatever gets you out. I had my shoulder done in Dec of 08. 16 days after surgery I started shooting 32#. Slowly built up after April but had to sell all my bows 60 & over. So what. I could shoot them pretty well but really painful so I sold them. I shoot all 50-55 now pain free and love it. I took my compound as backup but didn't need it. Be careful and listen to MD  & PT and get back when you can. I even got my first trad turkey this spring. Best of luck.

[djanko]

You can get a good used crossbow that will work on Archery Talk and you will have it if things don't work out...the important thing is to stay at it keep hunting/shooting and having fun!!!!!!!!!!

[joevan125]

65#-70# pound stick bows would tear most peoples shoulder up. Next time go down in weight and i bet you will shoot just as good as before.