1st post on this forum

kenh wrote:Welcome, Jack.  There's a wealth of info here to help make your dream crossbow become reality.  Looking forward to seeing what you get up to!

What part of "upper" Michigan?  My Dad was born & raised in Charlevoix and I spend many summers up in that area.  Or are you a Yooper?

Hotspur wrote:Welcome Jack,

Its great to have another fellow hunter on the boards here.  I too am interested in crossbow hunting and took my home-built out last season.   No big x-bow bucks to pose with like Todd yet but there is NEXT SEASON!

I'm looking forward to your builds and sharing ideas.

Here's to venison in the freezer in 2014!

All the best from western Canada

Ernest (aka Hotspur)

Hotspur wrote:[size=13.33]Hi Jack[/size]


[size=13.33]The avatar is my one and only x-bow.  There is a second one in the works based on more modern design that will also be for hunting.[/size]

Moose are a good way to fill the freeze with one shot.  I live on Vancouver Island (big chunk of land off West coast) No moose here, but I did hunt moose on the mainland last year (rifle).  My tag was restricted to spike-fork bulls - no luck.  Saw a few cow moose and one killed by wolves (not much left!) but that was it.

We have an early archery season that starts in late August. I will get the second bow ready for that.  The avatar bow was a great learning exercise.  It is basically medieval with a roller nut and short power stroke steel prod.  I want more speed with the second build and have decided on a fibreglass prod and a modern trigger.  I got a chunk of purpose made glass billet from Gordon Composites that I will tiller into some kind of prod.

Hermit wrote:Hijack.........lol,forgot the space.........Moose is good,in fact I'm having Moose stew tonight.Have you tried Elk?many here say it's the best,but I must admit I prefer Moose.Got a good Moose stew recipe if Mrs. Pine is interested,probably work for venison as well,using common ingredients,nothing exotic.One thing I'm curious about,If you're going to use your crossbow for hunting,why make a target crossbow?,none of the serious hunters on here do.Trudging around in the bush,and the sometimes rapid shots you have to take is a much different affair to target shooting.Whatever crossbow you make,good to see you on here tho',lots of 'been there,done that' people on here to help,and if you have an idea and share it,good for us all!.Been a savage winter up here,staying warm and clearing snow has been the focus,but it's nearly over,and the sap,and interest in crossbow building is rising..........good luck with your build.
                                           Hermit.

Hermit wrote:1lb Moose or Deer,cubed
3 tbs oil.
1 medium onion(rough chopped}
2 good sized carrots
1 stick celery
4 medium potatoes
1 cup frozen peas(or mixed peas and green beans}
1 clove of garlic(crushed)
1 can tomato soup
1 1/2 cans water
2tsp. worcester sauce
1 tsp basil
1 tsp salt and pepper
Method: brown meat in the oil(approx 10 mins)put into crockpot along with veggies.In a bowl mix together tomato soup,water,basil,salt and pepper,and worcester sauce,pour over meat and veggies in crockpot.set crockpot to low,and cook for approx. 8 hours,stirring occasionally.Makes 3-4 servings(depending on appetite.
                Hermit.

Hermit wrote:You're welcome Jack.I like this recipe because it's quick(Prep. time less than half hour)very tasty,and after working all day,I often don't feel like cooking.Like all stews,and most soups,it's at it's best the second day.Along with secret ingredient biscuits,you have a healthy,tasty cold winter meal.
                                          Hermit.