you can't pull back that bow any longer?
I'm struggling with mine now. Reduced the draw weight on it and everything. Still back surgery is inevitable for me later on. I don't think I personally could go to a crossbow.

We'll all be there eventually. What then? We meet up at the country store and talk about what we used to do?[&:]

I could, would, and will if/when I have to. Like you said, what else am I going to do? Quitting hunting is certainly a worse option than using a crossbow. Heck, I only use a bow now b/c I am too weak to do it with a spear.

You can use a draw lock system. Dan has helped setup numerous handicapped hunters with a draw lock. You could always use a bite tab as well. How bad do you really not want to use that crossbow? If a guy w/ one arm can do it this way you could as well.........

its very easy for any of us to tell you to not give up on hunting and accept the crossbow. but I personally can't feel how that would feel to you. I'm guessing you feel that it will be conceding that you will never be the same again, and accepting the beginning of the end of hunting for you. that would be a totally natural way to feel, and I couldn't blame you if you felt that way. I'm a chiropractor, and see people facing descisions like yours frequently. I can tell you from many of their experiences that the ones who accept the changes and do what their body tells them they can, are usually surprised by how satisfying modifying their activities can be. I do know of some hunters who had to go to crossbow, and even though it was hard to accept, they eventually said they were glad they did. I will also say, those who continue to do all they can, usuall have better health outcomes than those who give up the activities they always loved. I hope this helps and that whatever you decide, you areas happy as possible with your choice.

Hold on. I don't have anything against crossbows at all. I personally just don't like them. That might be because I don't know much about them.
I wouldn't quit hunting all together. I'd still be out there teaching kids how to hunt. I'm just talking about my bow season.

I can tell ya right now....I just had deja vu (seriously)

I will have NO PROBLEMS switching to a ML later in life if I still have the desire to hunt on a regular basis. I'm trying to take pretty good care of myself....and hope to bowhunt well into my 60's.....but if I get to th epoint I can't pull it back.....but still wanna be out there with the deer....

I will shoot a ML at them.......occasionally

I've never took a gun to a deer stand. I have nothing against it, though....and might, one day.

I enjoy it all. Bow, ML, and rifle. Granted most of the time I take my bow with me, but I still enjoy all.
Next year I'm going to try my luck with a .357 pistol during gun season.

Some day that big decision will come to us all, i'm not looking forward to it one bit! When it does or if it does happen to me there won't be a cross bow in my hand. I'm guessing if it happens it will be a muzzleloader for me, i've never hunted big game with a gun.

Dang GMMAT... you're setting your sights awfully low. 60's???? I'm 64 and still enjoy bowhunting. I hope to be doing it until I'm 80s. Should I not beable to do so it'll be alright. I'm about at the point in life I really don't care if I shoot any more deer. I'd still like one to eat on during the year, but I've killed my share and have the memories forever. I have nephews that'll get me some deermeat if need be, or I'll go to the gun or whatever to get my meat.

Farm, what weight is your bow. You know a modern 50 pound bow will kill a bunch of deer. I'm pulling close to 70s and dropped 10 pounds when I bought my last bow. Before that I was yanking 76...definitely an overkill in whitetail woods I hunt. If the day comes I can't pull 60-70 I'd have no problem dropping to 50-60.

My bow is now set at 56# and has 65% letoff. I'm good this year. Just thinking about the future.