These deer toppled over less distance than 4 car lengths after being struck by my accurate bolts. Thunder Head 3 blade is deadly!!
In 1972 I began my life long interest in archery. A slightly dinged Wing Recurve bow at 45 lbs draw weight got me started. It was ordered thru Herters at a heavy discount because it was a "factory second". But it shot great for me. Of course I cont'd hunting game with rifles and shotguns.
As the years clicked by, my friends sold off their stick bows in favor of compound bows. I recall handling a Bear WhiteTail Hunter model in 1983 that had 6 wheels. Price was $99.00 It was ugly as sin but they sold 'em like crazy. Fred Bear and other archers as well took many world class trophies with this early compound bow. But I remained with my recurve bow.
More years clicked by. In 1989, I ordered a custom 3 piece take down recurve bow from Owen Jeffreys. It was a like a dream come true. Smooth and powerful with better accuracy than my old Wing.
Out of the blue, my wife bought me a Bear WhiteTail II for Christmas in 1994. I pretended to like it. But after shooting it a few times, the bow really began to impress me with its speed, accuracy, and ease of shooting.
Sadly, an accident left me with an un-healed elbow fracture in 1997. My recurve bow days were gone forever. I still shot the Bear WhiteTail II for a time. But eventually the pain caused by drawing the bow ruined it for me.
My Dr. signed a state form which qualified me for a Crossbow Permit. I bought a slightly used HuntMaster Advantage crossbow for a great price. This company changed their name to Ten Point. Parts are interchangeable. I've taken many South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia deer with my crossbow. It turned out to be an excellent investment.
For those who are put off by high dollar crossbows:
- consider buying second hand (used but not abused)
- consider a second hand "TOP of the line" Horton for same price as their new but bottom of the line models. Do not buy a discont'd model that no longer has parts available. Call the Horton factory about parts before buying an older model.
- consider NEW
Parker BuckBuster or Spartan models; they're very well made in USA with lifetime warranty. Cost is affordable.
Good hunting to you.
TR