Too Weak to Bow Hunt

[rford]

Its a sad day...I went to Bass Pro Shop to try out one of these newfangled 65% drop off bows and I could not draw it! I haven't bow hunted for twenty years...closer to 30 actually, and thought I'd give it a try because I keep getting knocked over by deer when I'm out in the woods. In my youth I didn't have any trouble with my 50-60# 1980's Darton compound which I still have and which my son is using. I'm going to try it tonight to see if these puny stick arms of mine can draw it. Jeez.

[Kevin B.]

I think the Matthew's I shoot is 80 to 85% let off. I got mine set at 60 pounds. It's kinda stiff to get back baut once it's there. it's easy to hold.
My problem is, I keep spooking deer when I try to get positioned for a shot. I've never seemed to have this much trouble. I had a fawn and it's mother and a small bauck come within range this morning and they busted me immediately. I can't wait for ML season!!!!!!

[ozark]

rford, Since I begin the downhill slide many years ago I have learned that adjusting to the changes is the road to being contented and happy with life. I always looked forward to the day when I didn't have to get up and work daily. Now, I miss being able to do work. What I miss is doing the work I like to do like firing up a chain saw or climbing on a tractor to bushhog around my deer stands and cabin. But I have adjusted and am living a phase of life that I thououghly enjoy. I probably bother others with my mouth but with so much wisdom and experience and so little time to pass it on keeps my keyboard hot. LOL.

[Rifleman]

There is a new Matthews bow that comes in lower draw weights from 20-50 pounds that you can change cams on as you build up your strength. If you are determined, maybe this will be an answer.
Also I don't know what state you are in, but in Indiana there is a form you can get signed by a Doctor if you are physically unable to shoot a bow and then you can legally hunt with a crossbow during the regular archery season.

[rford]

I can handle the old Darton just fine...which means its probably about a 45# draw with 50% let off... but it shoots straight and my son had it set up a year or so ago by a bow shop with a whisker bisket rest, a fiber optic site, and some other gizmos. I set up a 20 yard "range" in the basement and I was doing just fine this weekend (except for the one that hit the concrete door jamb). So I plan to use it to get in shape and maybe use it this year on a close shot. In Kansas, you can bow hunt during the rut but cannnot use a firearm. From what I read, the ruts the time to hunt even though I can't shoot a buck with a bow (another Kansas tagging deal).

I was watching an Outddor Sports show last night -- some NASCAR kid has a show--and he was bow hunting deer and what I thought was odd was he had no face or hand camo at all....and he had deer all over him. I've been dressing like I was turkey hunting -- maybe that's not necessary.

[SW]

kevinbrian said:

I think the Matthew's I shoot is 80 to 85% let off. I got mine set at 60 pounds. It's kinda stiff to get back baut once it's there. it's easy to hold.
My problem is, I keep spooking deer when I try to get positioned for a shot. I've never seemed to have this much trouble. I had a fawn and it's mother and a small bauck come within range this morning and they busted me immediately. I can't wait for ML season!!!!!!

Kevin, I've shot over 50 deer from stands with a bow - NEVER have I stood up. I believe that your bow should be set-up at a poundage that you can even turn 135 degrees to your left(if rt handed), point the bow down 45 degrees and still draw easily. I see many people who must raise the bow to help in the draw and need to stand for the extra leverage they get. A 50# bow will shoot the same speed as an 85# bow if shooting the same grains/lb(about 8 grs per # for me). I can shoot an 85# bow standing without much problem. I hunt with appx 58#. I don't know your strength or proceedure when hunting but this may help. I can shoot as accurately sitting as standing. My practice is mostly done sitting in a chair or a tree stand in my yard.