Well, after having to give up the recurve due to health issues, a friend of mine last season insisted on setting me up with a crossbow. I was leery as I had no experience with them, but I knew I loved being up close and personal with the animals. Anyway, we needed some does taken out in the worst way, and where we are at, that can only be done during archery season.

I do not have a blind and can no longer even think about getting into a tree, so – thanks to the work of our twin boys – we snipped a few limbs and brushed in a small spot for me to try. The view needed to be restricted simply because I cannot remain in any one position for more than a couple minutes at a time. But we considered the trail, the tendencies of the deer and the wind in setting up. So far, it has worked to perfection. I took a doe at 19 yards (photo in a separate thread from a little over a week ago)and then another at approximately 27 yards. I’ve had deer (including bucks) within 3 yards and have yet to have them detect me in any form or fashion, despite being on the ground with them.

The first doe was shot through the heart with impact into the opposite-side shoulder. There was no exit, but – to my surprise – the doe went down on the spot. I originally though I must have spined her, but that was not the case as the bolt flew true and she did not jump the string. The 2nd was taken around 27 yards. The angle was slightly quartering away. The generic version of the Hell Razor broadhead, set up on a 20” carbon shaft, damaged not only the edge of the liver and both lungs but sliced plumbing atop the heart before exiting and lightly imbedding itself into the ground. The doe went about 45 yards and simply tipped over. There was no tracking needed.

I had been rather disappointed that I can't shoot the recurve anymore, but the crossbow is making me forget all about it.

Now we get to enjoy the wonderful bounty…

That is the key to life Bobby and your an excellent example, never give up, adjust.

Great story and pics as usual. Congratulations.

I think I enjoy taking out does as much as bucks. Especially since I'm in a position that I don't need to kill a buck every year, plus it helps old dad out on removing some of the mouths that's been feeding on our crops.

Keep up the great work!!!

Bobby,
Great stuff, luv the photos.

It's simply great news to hear you were able to get out and about, and hunt to boot. Glad you were able to take the does. That's gotta feel pretty good. I bet the twins were excited. They're probably becoming old hands at skinning. Are hogs and turkey next on the menu?

Although I've employed a bow since I was eleven, I've seen so many animals wounded using archery equipment, that I've pretty much quit bow hunting. However I am definitely becoming a cross bow fan, with the advent of the new equipment. Every animal/bird my son has arrowed with his crossbow has been recovered. He employs a 100 gr. rage expanding broadhead. They are devastating.
I'm not trying to start an argument about the merits or efficacy of bow hunting. That's not the point of my post. What I have experienced is that one becomes a better hunter through bow hunting due to the degree of difficulty in remaining undetected and taking game at close range, say 10 to 25 yards, having to wait for just the right angle and catching the prey unaware. Last year I was on a bow only lease, and hunted quite a bit between April and December. This place was covered in Turkey hogs and deer. No problem seeing animals. The problem was not getting busted by a sharp nosed old doe, or 10 different pairs of eyes on turkey hens when your sitting in a tripod or a ground blind at +/- 20 paces. It will definitely humble one and teach patience. It would seem to me that it is a totally different experience/feeling about taking game with a bow as opposed to a rifle or hand gun. Your thoughts?

Best to you and yours.

GWB

Nice to see you are making way!

Glad to hear from you Bobby....and as always you take the best pictures

As always! Great photos! Nothing wrong with a crossbow, kinda fun to. Sold my bow last year, I had bow hunted longer than gun hunting, close to 47 years. I used to love to just go out in the back yard and shoot 20 or so arrows. I haven't bought a cross bow yet, but maybe soon. I keep thinking I will be able to get back to a compound!

Glad to hear you're back out there.
I've been fighting shoulder/elbow problems for a couple of years.
I've had 2 elbow operations, 1 shoulder operation and they're about to work on my other shoulder.
I haven't been able to shoot my recurves for 2yrs and I miss it SO BAD!!!
All my friends keep trying to get me to shoot a crossbow but I just can't make myself do it.
Maybe after your hunt I can suck up my pride and give it a go next year.
I REALLY miss bowhunting!!!