Stealthy, dude, I am jealous. Even though you didn't connect, you have had some amazing time in the woods, and the memories that go with it. Heck, I went to Canada a couple months ago on a moose hunt--needless to say, that ain't cheap. I didn't even see a moose, much less get a shot, but you know what? It was, without a doubt, the best hunt of my life to date. I absolutely had a ball, got to meet some great people, spend time with friends, make new ones, and see some of the most awesome wilderness on God's green earth (not to mention them blueberries). Did I want to bring home some moose meat? You dern skippy I did! But the experience was worth so much more. I would do it again in a minute (if I could afford it!).

Now that is my experience and opinion. I don't expect you to feel exactly like I do about it--you aren't hunting for me any more than I am for you. If you really want to take up the other bow to make some meat, that is your choice--just be true to yourself, because that is the only one you have to answer to.

It is definately a challenge--heck, if it was easy everyone would be doing it--lol. You have just had some bad luck, but it will change--just hang in there. You overcame the problems you were having before, and you will overcome this. If the situation was reversed--say that monster came out and you had the high-tech gear in hand, but something else went wrong--I bet you would be feeling the same way--"Blast! If I had only brought my longbow instead of this thing I would have tagged that one!".

Do what is right for you, but don't let a little bad luck make that decision for you--follow your heart. Btw, one of the fellows in our moose party most likely would have gotten a shot with trad gear, but it was a missed opportunity with his compound--it can go both ways.

Chad

Long Bows Rule!