Thinking about quiting

[Slingblade]

After 40 years of bow hunting I'm thinking of hanging it up. I'm a lefty and had surgery on my left shoulder in December, had to turn pounds down on bow and it changed things up and now just doesn't feel right. I seem to have lost my drive to bow hunt and am not passionate about it any more. I seem to just want to take my 11 yo sun out riffle hunting and watch him get deer. Anyone else been in my shoes? I'm not sure I really want to quit. And if I don't how do I get the passion back to hunt?

[Justin84]

Have you thought of giving a cross bow a shot?? I know it isn't the same but your still injecting the shafts

[tgil]

I'd rather watch my daughter shoot a deer than kill one myself any day! I love the hunt, and being outside, the meat is great too, but I don't have the drive I used to either. It will pick up once season gets here, but this time of year usually bites!

[Brian H]

You are still passionate about hunting, just not killing. Sounds like your passion has turned to letting someone else do the killing. I think that is normal and great. I would rather see my Dad kill deer now than for me to shoot one. I get my passion from scouting and helping him get on the best deer I can.

[UncleBubba]

See if your son would be interested in archery... My dads best hunting memory is watching me shoot my first hog with my bow. We put a lot of time and effort into getting me ready to hunt and he has always said thats one hunt he will never forget. Just an idea. It's hard when theres no drive or passion anymore but maybe through your son it will come back. Best of luck with it.

[Poppy]

Same boat here.I would rather go out with my 13 year old grandaughter.She is a bow hunting killer and sail fish catching little fool.

[Buckshot-73]

You are in stage 4 of a Hunter's life.

It has been well documented.





I am with you, for the record.

[Eric Pence]

Thats kind of like me...I ONLY enjoy hunting when my kids are there.(2 Boys 13-15) My Youngest son loves it more than anything.my oldest is a sports fanatic playing NOT watching.I love Dove Hunting with them the most,but watching my son face after he shot his first Decent Deer and being with him when he shot his first hog brought me NEW LIFE into my Hunting Passion..Concentrate on your son for a few seasons and it will come back...I went thru this about 5 yrs ago.

[Eric Pence]

Here is my Youngest son Ty (13)....The look on his face is what keeps the fire going inside me..

[rubydog]

I had my shoulder restructured a couple of years ago. I shoot a longbow or a recurve and I went down from about 60 lbs to 45 lbs. I have killed a pile of animals with a 45 lb trad bow. Don't give up just know that your equipment might change a bit.

[DJM]

I can honestly say my absolute best times hunting have been taking others,especially beginers,out to get their first kill.

DJ

[Wood Man]

I am in the same boat as you. I hunted hard for 20 years. Once my boys got old enough to hunt my drive is to get them a deer (Or more) each year. I get plenty meat and get to be with my boys in the woods.

[axis16]

Man dont give up,get a crossbow,i shot a buddy of mines with a scope on it
bad to the bone

[sharkhunter]

I quit for about 10 yrs and made a comeback a couple of years ago. Watching the kids hunt is a real joy of life take advantage of it while you can.

[Pedernal]

Don't give it up... Take a break & rehab the shoulder and see how you feel down the road... The fire will probably rekindle once you start hunting with your kids... Additionally, you might consider hunting a different area which will provide a different challenge... i.e. public land if you are hunting a lease to change things up a bit... Good luck as you go forward...