The wheels might have to come out.
 

This sucks. I have dupuytren's contracture in my draw hand. It started developing two years ago. It had not bothered me shooting untill now. When i try to draw it feels like my hand is ripping apart. My favorite hunting bow is a ipe R/d 68# @28". I tried dropping down to a 60#@ 28" yet it was no better. I built a 55# @28" a few years ago, tried it and it was no good. I even tried a fishing bow which is 45#@28" and it hurt like heck. I guess ill have to hunt with a compound. I cant help but feel as if i have lost something. It is bugging the heck out of me. My hand has not started to draw closed yet but does not open too well. I was rebuilding an old Nagant 7.62x54r and noticed just working with the tools made my hand ach.


Sorry for the whining. I have not been around in a while, and when i do it gets me wanting to shoot. Arrrrgggggg.

Sorry to hear about the hand. In my opinion and trust me I'm no doc but wouldn't the same issue arise when drawing a compound? I know it's tough and being a traditional archer you may feel a little uneasy but would think a xbow would allow you to continue hunting and not cause you the pain. I traded my bow in a few years ago after my father had both shoulders done with surgery so he could continue.

I can draw with my wrist and pull the trigger on my release with my index finger. I always keep a compound ready for emergencies. About five years ago i broke my middle finger and had to go with the compound. Its just not the same with a compound. I started in the 70s with a longbow and have used a compound just a few times. I might see if i can draw and shoot my trad bows with a wrist release. I remember back in the early 80s target shooters using flipper rests with recurves. I might even make a thumb ring and see how that works. Its been years since I've shot with a thumb ring but its worth a try. The problem with my hand affects my middle, ring, and pinky fingers.

Have you thought about setting up a traditional bow to shoot with a release? I know it doesn't quite have the same appeal but I'm sure it could be done.

EDIT... must have missed that thought in your post above.

If you do try it out, let us know how it goes.

Would definitely be great to hear if you find something that works out for you. Keep us updated.

I know a guy who developed a problem and uses a release aid with a recurve. He's deadly with it

Made a thumb ring and it seems to be working out. Just need to dial my shot back in. Happy happy happy.

Good to hear it!

That would be hard to get used to, I imagine.

Glad the thumb ring is working out for you. Hopefully that holds up long term.

If it gives up on you, I'd say go ahead and tie on a D-loop and use a release. Could even get a retro leather buckle wrist strap made to add a little traditional flair to it if you felt too awkward about it. ;)

Changing hands would be another option. Takes a little getting used to, but you obviously know the mechanics that go into sending arrows down range, would just need practice. I shoot either hand, different bows, different releases, but just as accurate with either.

I know by experience it sucks having to use something you don't want too.

I used a crossbow last year with my arm in a sling from rotator cuff surgery. Still a challenge even pulling the trigger with my right arm at that point, but still lost something.

I dropped from 64lb longbows down to 43lb zipper. Year later, and still not 100%. Can't get to full draw on my 55lb selfbows consistently. My shooting sucks.

Is there any treatment for this condition? Pray for you to work it out. I know how much you like harvesting with your bows.

BC sorry to hear about the shoulders. Its one of those things that never gets back 100%, father had both shoulders done including both biceps. Thats why i got the xbow its something he can use and still get out there on his own. Bow no way he could pull it without risking re tearing anything.

Glad to hear you found something Bernie. Hope to see a deer down in the future from ya.

Might contact Rod Jenkins and see what he suggests. He's had surgery, and I think he is back to near 100%. Not sure just what his surgery consisted of though.

Sorry to hear that Kent.

I chatted with Kent (Burnie) this morning; the finger is getting worse. Last year he used a compound and a pistol, he's not going to quit deer hunting.
He's a good friend of mine and sometimes hunt at his place. It's such a shame, he really loves the long bows he's built and he sure can shoot them well too. Doctors believe surgery could make it worse.

Hate to hear that. Tell him we miss him here.

Chad

I will he has some good knowledge to pass along. I know he's slowed down a lot of stuff since he was elected Mayor.

I really miss ArtuhrP; I don't know whatever happened to him. We never could get along in politics but he know a lot about Trads. I met him in Ft. Worth when I was working the Bowtech booth at the Texas Hunters Extravaganza, and talked several times on the phone, he had some health issues.

Kanga went back to Australia about a month ago, he and I used to hunt ,compete in 3d together and had an affiliation with Bowtech. He's quit building bows and archery altogether, he got into wood turning mainly bowl making.

I was sidelined for three years after the car wreck I was in in Illinois, but I'm back strong and putting away competing with a compound and going back to my first love, trads.

I'm glad you're still here Chad; don't go away anytime soon Bubba, you're the backbone here. I'd like to see it where it was several years ago.

Arthur had some serious health issues, and as best I can recall had a meltdown on the political board and left.

Been wondering about Kanga here and there, never could remember to ask.

Really glad you are back in rare form! Honestly I'd forgotten about your wreck...so many have just drifted away for one reason or another.

I'm not going anywhere--at least not by choice. Traditional archery is my hobby and my business--I'm just getting deeper into it.

Im still alive. Yup, one deer last year with a long bow and had to finish the archery season with a compound. Took two more doe with it and finished the season off with a revolver taking a nice buck. It has not been all that disparaging, i forgot how fun revolver hunting is. I got a new Smith and Wesson 460 XVR that is a hoot to shoot. I cant wait to hunt with it. I have three fingers turned in, so finger drawing is off the plate. Drawing aids just dont float my boat with a long bow. I might go full wheels. Wheels on the bow the wheels on the revolver.

I know this is not a trade video, but what the heck. This is the revolvers i will be hunting with. 44 mag, 454 casull, and 460
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=06ktvEh-eQA

:woot:I'm glad I finally rattled your cage and got you up from your hibernation! I've been seeing you and the girls shooting the pistols on FB, they are a lot of fun, I've been pig hunting with mine and lots of fun....
Yes; lets get together soon, I'm doing a wedding mid October don't remember the date, but I'm free the rest of the year.

Burnie can shoot a rifle too; one hunt I was in the ladder stand and I heard Boom, Boom, Boom, we came out later and I asked him what were you shooting at? He said, there are three does at the bottom of the ravine, and we had funning fetching them up the hill through cactus, barbed wire and mesquite brush.... Oh, remember what you did with the discards. :confused0024: :D I'm not telling.

Hey now. I look forward to getting together.

Glad you are still around Burnie! Hope they can find a fix for your hand!