I'm new to this forum so here's the rundown on me: 25 yrs old, married, a 2yr old son and a baby on the way. I've relatively new to archery and hunting, but I've been shooting since I was ten.

Regarding my equipment, I got into hunting to get away from everyday life filled with playground pissing contests about who has the coolest/most expensive/biggest stuff. But for those who absolutely MUST know, it's a Mossberg 12ga., Marlin .22, and a crossbow that has no identifiable markings. The crossbow was free in exchange for some old stereo equipment and it shoots straight so I'm not too concerned with who made it. (When you've got baby butts to diaper, free is a mighty attractive price). A bow tech once told me that it looks like an old Barnett but he's not sure. So I tuned it up, sighted it in and started practicing.

I usually hunt public land in Ohio (Killbuck Marsh or Spencer Lake Wildlife Areas), however, this year I've got the ONLY permission slip to hunt an overgrown apple orchard in southern Ohio. Now if I can only decide whether to bow hunt it, or gun hunt it.

Hey Whistlepig,

I'm a newbie myself. I understand everything you're saying, believe me - I've been there! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle> I'm 41 yrs old, married, with 16 yr old twin daughters. I got interested in hunting last season for the first time EVER. Well, I mean, I've sort of hunted before, but all I did was pop a squirrel off my mom's birdfeeder with an old Marlin .22 back when I was like 15 yrs old...

You have a Mossberg 12GA. That's cool. I have a Remington 870 Express 12GA in a lefty version. I still have the Marlin .22LR and recently picked up a PSE Centerflite lefty compound bow off Ebay. I'm starting bowhunting this season after doing serious practicing in the backyard and getting tips from a good friend of mine.

You may want to check Ohio laws about crossbows. I know here in Virginia they are outlawed, except for someone who is disabled.

Take care.

Butch

Welcome Whistlepig.

15 days shy of 30 myself. Married,3 year old son, another kid due in 3 months and I know damn well what you mean about money crunch. Shoot well what you shoot and put venison in the fridge.

Ohio has allowed crossbows in archery season since the late 80's if I remember the article I read correctly. But since I've started hunting, the ODNR regs. webpage has been at the top of my FAVORITES list. That way, I can just click and look it up. By the way, I think Ohio has some of the least complicated regs out there. I tried to understand TN and CA (relatives in those states) but to no avail.

Welcome young man

26, married, and the wife won't let me have kids yet. I guess I should just enjoy the little extra freedom while I have it. I also hunt in Southern Ohio. Since gun season is only 1 week and it's still nearly 2 months away, I'd say get out there with that crossbow! If you don't get close enough to anything to get a good shot then you still have gun season, then another 2 months of archery after that.
Good luck!