Help with hand injury

[BAO]

Help!.  I am scheduled to hunt Greater Kuduland with TooShort in August.  This is a hunt two years in the planning and 30+years in dreaming!  On the 29th I had a run in with a moulding shaper and tore up the end of my middle finger on my drawing hand.  I am still waiting to get an appointment with a hand specialist (do not get me started!) to find out if I need skins grafts or???  I think that my only viable option is to learn how to use a release to draw.  I shoot a 72# osage/sinew bow and my regular drawlength is 29".  My problem is that I have never used a release.  I am borrowing a couple from wheel bow friends to try out but I am looking for any tips or suggestions you may have.  Anyone? Thanks.

[Plumbob]

Sorry to hear this, good luck.

[madness522]

I would do what I had to do to make that dream hunt.  If using a release enables you to go then do it.  You choose to shoot trad gear for your own reasons so don't thank for a minute that using a release because of a torn up finger takes anything away from it.  Don't let any naysayers talk you out of it and for heavens sake don't argue with them they'll only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Best of luck on your hunt!!

[Flatshooter]

Hey BAO! I'm not a trad snob. I started with the recurve as a kid and shot it for years. Went to the compound in the early 80's, then went back almost exclusively to the longbow. I love the longbow but still hunt occasionally with the wheelie. Granted both are very different animals, but each provides me with a sense of joy and satisfaction. I agree with Madness 522 and offer one additional option. Why mess around with a "hybrid" situation... recurve/longbow and a mechanical release. If this 30 year dream hunt hunt is important to you why not consider the comfort and ease of a total compound setup. The beauty of the wheelie bow is you have a totally compatable setup. Trying to time a release with traditional equipment just seems too awkward and chancey. No apologies necessary for taking game with a wheelie bow!! Just another option given your current situation.

[KILLER B]

Sorry about your finger.  But you don't have to use a wheelie bow as long as you practice with a release try a thumb release and that should feel more comfortable than using one with a trigger. Oh and flatshooter youve got some people at home turning inside out.   :eek:  
Good luck BAO...

[bmfer]

Look into a Wynn's( or spell Winn's) Free Flight release. It's like a glove and the release caliper is way in tight to your hand, almost in your palm. That lets you pull the weight from your wrist, not your hand, since it's probably sore. I would not get a long throated caliper, that would shorten your draw lenght. If you have a local archery shop that sells them, they might let you try before you buy. Oh, and remember to get the caliper style,not the gate style. The gate style will be hard on your serving. Good luck and remember to let us know how you make out with the release and with the hunt.   Bret

[painthorse]

After my horse stepped on my hand and broke it I used a Tru-Fire Judge release.I used a kisser button ,installed where my index finger should have been,so I could have a repeatable anchor.I had to drop down in weight until I got used to it.
Once I was used to it my groups were pretty good with it.
Good luck
Scott

[mooseman76]

BAO...I had carpal tunnel surgery in Jan and 3 weeks ago had an injury similar to your's (only my run in was with a commercial air conditioner's belt, and my ring finger took the brunt.)  I tried a scott trigger release just the other day.  It felt really awkward at first and was REAL loud when I shot.  The awkwardness is gone and I'm shooting good groups, but can't get rid of the noise.  Hope every thing works out for you.

Mike

[Keefer]

Bao... I see no problem using a release aid. I had my right hand severed and reattached in the mid palm area and cut off all four of the bones leading to my fingers and they were all pinned back together. I was out of service for about two years but I wanted to shoot my bow so bad and had my brother weld a spoon on a release trigger so I could shoot.I learned to pull with the wrist strap and had some movement in the thumb to release the trigger.This was back in 1985 when this happened but around 1987 I was back shooting a golden eagle compound that I set at 65# .Today I shoot all traditional and praise God for healing me.I think you could shoot a release but will need plenty of practice to get used to it.I hope you get well soon and don't let someone talk you out of the release.I forgot to mention that my hand was severed in a logsplitter and I am very careful letting someone else work the levers when I put the logs on.Take care and get shooting when it feels right to you. Keefers <")))><

[BAO]

Guys, thanks for your concern and advise.  I got real lucky.  Th Secialist says no grafts needed and I should be set for removal of stiches on the 11th.  I have shot 5 different releases and am confident that will be an option if my fingers are still too tender.  Noise is the big problem.  These things are loud!  Any tips to quiet same?  With fingers my bow is very quiet.  Thanks.