Not whining here but things havent been normal for almost 3 years. My wifes major stroke in 18, Losing my job in 2020, then covid, and my hunting partner quit hunting, and now double hernia surgery

well Im going to kick it on gear asap. The woods have been my happy place for years. A source of tranquility. At 60 years old I dont what to waste another season. Going to either order a new bow or pick up one used in a lower weight. Just typing off the Anesthesia lol Preston

WOWthats a bummer

I haven't went thru what you have but I'm 64 & I miss it also. Just 3 weeks ago I went out looking for sheds & moved a couple of deer stands around. I always like to get out before things turn green & investigate the years rubs & trails that I might have missed during the season. Now a comment (warning) about getting a bow. I know we are all different but my shoulders slowed me down this past season. I was only able to pull my bow 6 times for practice & 1 time during the season to shoot a doe. I am now looking into a lighter weight or maybe even a cross bow. it's not easy accepting old father time but just getting out to watch & observe gods creations are pretty special in it's self. Happy hunting for the upcoming season.

Basscat7 I agree

Ive often thought of hunting small game only. I believe Ohio has not a pound limitation of small game. but I see the game warden often at the lake so I can ask. But 40 would feel better to pull

Ohios 40 limit is deer only.

You have a good attitude. Do what ever takes to keep you out in your happy place. I hope you can work your way up to a hunting weight bow this year. But don’t rule out taking a camera. I have gone with a camera during Winter bow. And got some great memorable pictures. There are other ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Do you fish?

All different kinds of therapy. And the wild places are usually a good kind.

Preston I know your feelings well

My wife is a hemiquadraplegic

Making me a caregiver and very hard to get away

I take short local stump shooting trips with the new puppy

Gets me out

Just need a place to hunt.

I hear ya. My Dr told me once when I asked him if walking was enough. I have a bad back and heel and can’t run like I used to. He told me if you walk every day you can walk every day. Good advice. So shoot your 40 pound bow everyday. You will be fine Hod Bless

In the Woods is a great place, if it all became macadam and concrete, we will be in heap of trouble. Stay with it and take care, prayers for a better time.

When I get out to woods. Mountain etc I say it’s god’s church. Clear your mind and talk to the man

Good attitude man. You will be back on top in no time.

hunting rules say 40lb minimum draw weight. no mention of any exceptions. some gamewardens go strictly by the book. n its a slippery slope :)

40 lbs at what draw? Who is to say you won’t short draw. ? Another stupid law insults my intelligence since 90 percent of hunters short draw

I remember a article in a hunting mag from the early 60s?? about deer hunting rules in different states concerning minimum draw weight. seems some went with 35 lb some 40lb n some no weight limite. some mentioned draw lenth n most did not. lots of opposition from gun hunters. I believe it was written by fred bear. it was mostly about the fight to get an archery season. well? I guies since 90% short draw they should raise the minimum to 60 lb. ? ..... :)

Wishing you a speedy recovery and a quick return to the woods. I too love the woods, always have...cannot imagine not being able to at least go for a walk in the woods everyday. A camera, as suggested above is not a bad idea!! Especially in the very early spring. I like close ups of buds and things getting ready to break loose from winters grip. Best of luck and a speedy recovery to you sir!!!!

I miss my woods also. The timber company cut them down and hauled them off.

James

All the best to you Preston. The woods make us all feel better. Go for walks to get your fitness back. You'll be chasin' critters before you know it.

Deno

Preston, sorry to hear of your struggles the last 3 years. Keep your head up and keep your good attitude! I too refer to the woods as my happy place and have counted on the tranquility they bring my entire life.

Please follow your doctors orders regarding your hernia surgery. I also had a double hernia surgery (lower groin, both sides) about 4 or 5 years ago so I know what a pain it can be. Don't over do it and let your body heal. I was told by my doctor that as painful as the initial surgery is the surgery to repair if you re-tear is about 10 times worse. Take it easy, the woods will be there when you heal up.

Best of luck to you!

Prayers for your full recovery.

I've been there with the hernia and also with shoulder surgery. For the hernia the best thing is to just get walking. I wouldn't even worry about shooting a bow for about six weeks. Hunting season is far off. Don't start straining yourself now. Let the hernia heal. The surgeon told me it takes a year for that to totally heal. I am not saying not to shoot for a year but give it some time. A good option is a Black Hunter or Samick Sage in a low weight. They are inexpensive to buy new and are easy to resell if you want to. I have one in 35# and I use it for 3D shoots, it's allot of fun to shoot and doesn't hurt my shoulder. As far as hunting you will have to be the judge of what you can handle. With a medium weight arrow and a bit closer shot a 35# bow will do the job. By hunting season you may find that you can move up a bit more in weight but again that is for you to decide. A well placed arrow from a light weight bow is far better then a poorly placed arrow from a bow that is too heavy for you to handle. I wish you the best of luck in your situation. Life is just tough at times, I know too well myself.

I am wishing you well and a return to the woods you love. I know your words resonate here. JW

sir misalots; In life you are not alone. I'll pray that it works out for you, but give it another 10 years and reflect on the good days.

Had a Hernia operation just over a month ago and am feeling almost back to normal. Hope your situation gets better.

I feel your pain Sir Misalots. My wife had a stroke also, and I am afraid to leave her alone. I just passed up a chance to go on an overnight sturgeon fish trip on a buddy’s boat tonight. I crave getting into the woods to decompress. Turkey season opens Saturday and I can’t even stand or walk far enough to go due to my back. Good luck Sir.

When I get cranky my wife will send me to the woods. She’s pretty awesome.

I’m 60 now, have some shortcomings but still head for the hills when possible. I feel pressure peel off like layers of an onion.

If you can’t actually get to a forest. A yard or park will do in a pinch. I’ll sling the hammock in the yard or read in a chair on the deck. All that being said, good on ya for caring for your bride.

Woods are my happy place as well.

Prayers sent.

I have a buddy that dropped to 40# limbs on his Bear TD, 1916`s and wood shafts fly with authority. After my hernia surgery, I think after a few weeks I couldnt wait any longer and started taking a few shots with a 30# Panda bow I have. I waited a month or more before I pulled the 45# and then limited it to a couple shots for a while. I knew once I could shoot again I would be ok. Just takes time.

My luck a year or so ago was similar, coming off a shoulder injury, got hurt at work, fractured elbow, pelvic and neck issues, got back to work for 2 weeks got the hernia, covid hit, had to wait a few months for the hospital to open to get the hernia surgery, and got permanently laid off, lost my insurance right after the surgery. Had to pack up and move to a cheaper place to live this past Dec.

Unemployment got me my last new bow, a used pick up and a utility trailer to move with. So with my bad news, I think it was a blessing. I`m living in a small cottage house in the UP, best place in Mich for forests, lakes and rivers and looking forward to the best fishing and hunting of my life even being physically limited. This is called Gods Country, and I can see why and happy to be here.

Ive got my archery stuff, make my strings and arrows up, few guns and load my ammo, couple small boats and fishing stuff and tie my flies. Lots of tools and do my own repairs. Aside from a good woman, dont need much else, life is good.

Weather has broke a little, Ive been hiking in the forests a little bit, its my happy place too. I feel so good being in the woods, course here I pack a side arm for anything that wants me for dinner! You wont be long to get back to your happy place :)

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