This is a NOV 2009 photo of me and a dandy 3 X 4 buck I took with my modern crossbow. The hunt took place near Pretty Boy Reservoir, Maryland on public land. How 'bout my camo shirt?
I began archery hunting with a Red Wing 45 lb recurve bow in 1972. Back then, a leather back quiver loaded with cedar arrows and fletched with turkey feathers was quite common. As the years clicked by, I upgraded to a 60 lb custom take down bow by Master Bowyer Owen Jeffrey and hunted with it until 1997. I never did get excited about modern compound bows.
A bicycle accident caused an unhealed fracture to my right elbow and my recurve shooting days ceased. But in 2004, I bought a modern crossbow and was able to cock it with a stringer device that reduces effort by 40% or so. Although I missed my recurve bow, there appeared to be no other options until I discovered this website.
My plan is to construct a medievial style bow and shoot it throughout 2010 and for deer season. Eventually, the modern crossbow with scope sight will be sold. My Ten Point crossbow does not thrill me at all but it's a fine hunting bow for a partially disabled crossbowman like myself.
Hoping to meet some new buddies on this site soon.
Sherwood
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania