I been bow hunting for over 40 years, it is my most enjoyable aspect of deer hunting for numerous reasons that I won't get in to. But, due to arthritis, bursititus, and other unnamed calamities and injuries , I can no longer pull my bow back enough times to keep in good form. I can get it back a couple of times but more tries than that and the next day I can't pull it back at all. I backed off the poundage but it really didn't help. My two options, give up the bow season or switch to crossbows which is legal here in Tennessee during bow season. I still love to deer hunt so I bought me a new Parker Hornet Extreme Crossbow. I was looking at the wicked ridge bows but I like the narrowness of the Hornet Extreme. I've just got it and it hasn't quit raining to allow me to shoot it plus I need to get a target that will handle a crossbow.
I've not told my bow buddies, I'm sure they will give me hell but to hell with them, a man has to do what he has to do to hunt and enjoy himself. I'm sure I'll enjoy crossbow hunting just as much as bow hunting but I'll miss my bow shooting evenings with my friends.
I've been shooting my Mathews Q2 for about 11 years I think, I never replaced it because I've yet to see a bow that made me want to get rid of the old Q2. I guess I should sell the Mathews, if not, I'll be tempted to pull it out and mess my shoulders up.
Anyway, I'll meet some new folks on the crossbow forum and hopefully next fall, we'll all be bragging about our kills.