Hope i am welcome here....

[BUDFIELDS]

Hi Folks..

I sure hope I am welcome here.. Let me explain. I have been an active archer/bowhunter since 1964. I have used recurve, compound and also crossbow. I have taken a total of 242 whitetail deer with "vertical bow" and 9 with crossbow.

Through the years, I have suffered some injuries that required corrective surgeries and due to arthritis, cervical stenosis and "the aging factor," I had to switch over to using a crossbow in order to remain active in the sport of bowhunting. I did NOT want to risk inflicting a bad hit on a deer because I could no longer perform the basics of drawing a bow, anchoring and releasing the arrow without enduring ALOT of pain. (I possess a lifetime disabled permit for using a crossbow.)

I was astonished at how much animosity there is toward people, like myself, that use a crossbow. It was NOT my idea for "making things easier" and I would STILL prefer to shoot a vertical bow IF I HAD THE PHYSICAL ABILITY. I always stated I would NEVER use a crossbow but that was because I refused to consider the fact I was NOT invincible and that someday I would have to change my mind or QUIT BOWHUNTING..

I was received well at some other hunting sites UNTIL it was discovered I used a crossbow then I was told I was NO LONGER a deer hunter, etc. etc. In MY opinion, we, as hunters, have enough problems with "non-hunters" trying to get our tradition taken away from us that we NEED NOT be fighting amongst ourself. I believe the individual has the right to use whatever equipment works for them and allows them to enjoy their time spent in the woods...

Bud Fields
Galveston, Indiana

[05_sprcrw]

Welcome aboard, and you are most certainly welcome!

I to will go to a crossbow if/when I am no longer able to draw a normal bow. Enjoy and feel free to converse this is a great group of people on here an they don't get caught up in the bashing.

[yoda4x4]

All are welcome here at BHT. Being an "older" person, I'm sure you've had alot of experiences both good and bad with a variety of BHs (broadheads). Care to share with us what you've used, what's worked well, and what hasn't?

David

[Highball]

Welcome to the group! You won't find the haters here like on some other sites. What you will find is some great, open, exchanges of thoughts and ideas from a group of men and women more focused on being friendly and helpful than "right"!

[mudslinger]

I say welcome to the group. I do not care what you hunt with or how you hunt as long as you do hunt and it is legal wherever you hunt. I believe this is the biggest threat facing us today is other hunters saying to others that they are no longer considered a hunter for the weapons they use or the style of hunting they do. I feel the same on certain sites because being from TX, most think we hunt high fenced tamed, feed deer and they come running to the feeder evertime it goes off just waiting to get shot.

I am sure that with your record, you have a lot to share with us and I am personally looking forward to hearing or your exploits in the field and the observations you have had in your many years of hunting.

Again, welcome to the site.

[BuckFeverLodge]

Bud - Thank you for joining BHT. As for being welcomed here, let me ask you something, and your response will answer your question hands down.

Do you hunt game, specifically with broadheads? If yes, you are welcomed with huge open arms on this site, regardless of what you use. Heck, even if you didn't, you are still welcome here. We don’t really care what you hunt with, as long as you are ethical, humane, and follow the law. You tip your arrows with broadheads, and that's what counts.

We are hunters and this site is for us to learn and explore each other’s experiences, abilities, and expertise. Like I said, thank you for joining us here, and please don’t be shy about sharing in some of those stories you have accumulated from your numerous archery kills.

[richa3md]

Wow..animosity towards you because your bow is horizontal rather than vertical. That's prejudice hahahaha . Welcome to BHT the place where every body knows your name. WOW I am full of it right now.......

[cartman308]

Welcome brother! This is a broadness site. I could care less what weapon you shoot . I fully support the use of crossbows for anyone! We can use all the hunters we can get!

If anyone gives you greif about using an xbow let them mods know. We will staighten them out! My dads in the same shoes as you. Shoulder injury doesn't allow him to vertical bow so he has to use a crossbow or stay home

[Whitetail assain]

Welcome to the site

[Archer]

I don't think anybody has any problems with Elderly or handicapped people using a crossbow within an archery season. I think that is a perfect use of a crossbow.

[TheOutdoorFever]

Welcome to BHT! You won't find better people or a better forum anywhere on the web.

[SwampSnyper]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy!

[BoMaestro]

Regardless of your physical ability, if it's legal and it makes you happy, knock yourself out. Welcome aboard!

[camoprincess]

First of all WELCOME ~ It doesn't matter what you shoot, like has been said as long as you are hunting and following the rules that is the important thing. Secondly ~ you have been an active archer longer than I have been alive (only by a couple of years) the wealth of knowledge you possess is reason enough for you to be a member of this site.

Again, WELCOME to the family, we are growing by the minute, and I sure am glad that I don't have to buy Christmas presents for you guys Now for Tradgirl maybe Us girls gotta stick together.

I am looking forward to hearing you thoughts and suggestions.

[EricJ]

Welcome Brotha!!! I know many hunters who use crossbows, I just love the fact that they make them so you can still get out there and enjoy the outdoors! Once a hunter always a hunter no matter what you use!!