Probably sitting this year out.
Can't pull a 45# bow because of shoulder, back muscle spasms.
Last week I thought about getting a X bow and I went to the sport shop and stood a foot from one.
Didn't even touch it; and it seemed like finger nails on a chalkboard.   
I just would rather go without than to ever even think about that again.
So I hope some of you will take me along on your hunting adventures, success or not.
Hope to read your stories.   

Even though you have been dealt a bad hand, you haven't folded.

Pine how close are you to the UP?  I have a 35#er (or more) you can try or borrow for the season.

Appreciate the offer but its kinda late to try and do something new.
But thank you again.

Pine I hope you feel better. I fully understand. After my surgery I was in bad shape, a friend brought a crossbow over and put it in my liv room. Well intentioned of course, I could barely walk w a walker, eye sewed shut, no dexterity, needed help eating and showering. I still hated that thing being there. Bought a real light for me PSA and worked til I could get it back. Stay positive, you have time. Use a string bow to keep form sharp if possible. Get a light bow if possible and start rebuilding. I hope it all changes for you

Sir, here are some things to think on....

I personally believe that it's about "being out there," and not necessarily the "tool" that one uses. That being stated, I use one of my recurves 90% of the time. The other 10% is during the late season, when I have not yet harvested a deer, & am looking for some fresh venison for the freezer. This happens frequently, since most of my bowhunting is done on the ground in public land, so I come home empty-handed way more often than not! 

So, come the late season, & looking at an empty freezer, that's when I pull out my Xbow, or my .44 mag, one of my rifles (or shotguns,) or my flintlock, depending on when/where I'm hunting, and I take the first nice fat deer that I see.

But, I enjoy the experience & learn something new each time, regardless of the "tool" that I'm using.  I started my son with trad bows many years ago. He's now 28 yrs old, & has migrated to compounds & Xbows- that's ok, because he still enjoys spending just a few days a year hunting with "the old man," & as long as he does, I don't care what he hunts with. I even talk him into shooting the trad bows once in a while when he comes home to visit! So, maybe that ember that I'm trying to keep smoldering in him will turn into a flame someday...then again, maybe not, but if he still enjoys "being out there" after I'm long gone, I'll check that one in the "win" column!

Maybe it's too late to try yer buddy's lighter bow, then again, maybe not... the season runs long, & maybe you'd be ready to hunt with it in late season?

Or, maybe it's time to consider buying a lighter, much less expensive bow, (like a Galaxy Sage, for example,) so you can be ready if the same misfortune happens next year, & you'll have yer own rig to use...

I know there will come a time when I can't draw a bow...it will happen to each of us, and at the time decided by God.

But, then I'll use something else, because to me, it's all about "being out there." As long as I can "get out there," I'll "be out there!"

....just some food for thought....hope you recover soon!

Have you seen an orthopedist and obtained a diagnosis for the problem. It could be a little physical therapy is required to rehab. Good luck with it. I hear you with the crossbow.

Quote from: katman on September 16, 2021, 08:35:49 PM
Have you seen an orthopedist and obtained a diagnosis for the problem. It could be a little physical therapy is required to rehab. Good luck with it. I hear you with the crossbow.

Had an adjustment a few hours before I posted this thread.

Sorry to hear that Pine. I had to sit out most of our 5 month season a few years ago due to med issues so I know where your coming from. I'd do the same thing with the xbow as you did.  Maybe you can take a camera out or something if you can't pull a bow.  Hope ya get better soon...

Good luck with being able to get back out there! I feel your pain and would have made the same decision. I put my gun down over 30 years ago so that never enters my mind. Maybe one day if I ever get to the point where I can no longer use my longbow my decision might change.

I have more issues that you do. I use a mouth tab. just shot a nice doe thursday.
Never give up. PM me if you want some help. It only took me two weeks once I had a system figured out.

Quote from: Pine on September 16, 2021, 08:57:51 PM

Quote from: katman on September 16, 2021, 08:35:49 PM
Have you seen an orthopedist and obtained a diagnosis for the problem. It could be a little physical therapy is required to rehab. Good luck with it. I hear you with the crossbow.

Had an adjustment a few hours before I posted this thread.

Hate to hear it. 
I get an adjustment about once a week if I can get enough time out during a day to go.  Keeps things looser and moving most of the time.  Now and then they hurt more than they help and I have to get them to undo it.  Most times though when the damaged area mid back gets irritated and can't get it to lay down I end up getting an ESI.  Helps for a few months.  Even though they give it up in my neck it settles out the midway as well.
Hope you get to feeling better sooner than later.

I'm being forced to sit this one out, too. But I still go out and look, dream, and read my TBM magazines, thinking about next year. Like you I know I could never do the Xbow thing and seriously doubt I could go back to hunting with a compound. It does nothing for me anymore.

I agree with your sentiment about the crossbow. Some things just don't feel right to me, and there is nothing traditional about the modern crossbow. Same for the compund. The thought of sitting out the season is tough for sure. My back surgery has been rescheduled for october 18th so I will be sidelined the rest of the year also.  Too bad we don't live close enough to cry in our beer together. Well, good luck with your issues. Maybe next year...

I'll never do the Xbow thing or the combine thing.  Rather go with a 50cal Hawkin gun.