A hunting tale with a twang
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher With a 21 3/4-inch outside antler spread, humble Scott Jordan used a Ten-Point Viper crossbow and Rage broadheads at 32 yards to bring this Western New York buck home.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Modern crossbows offer manual cranking to cock the bow, extendable shoulder stocks, lighted scopes and high accuracy. Some brands are more complicated than others, read the operating manual. Prices vary from $300 to $3,000.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher With a 21 3/4-inch outside antler spread, humble Scott Jordan used a Ten-Point Viper crossbow and Rage broadheads at 32 yards to bring this Western New York buck home.
Photo courtesy of Forrest Fisher Modern crossbows offer manual cranking to cock the bow, extendable shoulder stocks, lighted scopes and high accuracy. Some brands are more complicated than others, read the operating manual. Prices vary from $300 to $3,000.
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New York's early big game archery season brings thousands of hunters into the woods in pursuit of whitetail deer and black bears. Judging by the number of us older sportsmen out there, we're not ready to hang up our hunting gear just yet.
Let's face it: age can take a little of the spring out of your step -- and some of the strength out of your bow arm. Drawing a 65-pound compound bow isn't getting any easier for many of us. Thankfully, modern crossbows offer a welcome alternative, a crank arm, allowing more of us to enjoy the sport we love.
How do you spell relief? C-R-O-S-S-B-O-W.
Today's crossbows are impressive machines, with some models sending bolts downrange at speeds exceeding 400 feet per second. After sighting in, they can deliver excellent accuracy at 30 to 40 yards. That's reassuring for someone like me, who limited compound-bow shots to 27-30 yards to ensure a precise shot. Even modern technology can leave you scratching your head.
Last season, after spending an entire day in a ground blind and passing up plenty of does and young bucks, I decided to discharge my crossbow before heading home. It was about 15 minutes after sunset. I pointed the bow toward the ground, released the safety, and pulled the trigger.
Twang! What a sound. This was followed immediately by the unmistakable smell of something burning.
My string had snapped. I'd held the bow too close to the ground, leaving insufficient clearance for the bolt as the string released. So much for ending the day on a high note. I was busted in more ways than one.
With no local dealer nearby to service my CenterPoint Sinister 430, I figured I'd be waiting for a replacement string from the factory. Then I remembered the good folks at S&S Taxidermy and Archery Pro Shop in Springville. I called Brian Stedman, who told me they didn't handle my particular brand as a dealer but added, "Maybe we can help, c'mon down."
Help they did. Their quick call to the manufacturer confirmed the proper string specifications. Fortunately, S&S had the generic replacement in stock, and their archery expertise got me back in business that same day.
Fast-forward to this season. On my second day of hunting, I went to discharge the crossbow -- and twang! Another broken string.
My first thought? "Stupid is as stupid does, Forrest!" But this time, I knew I'd held the bow at the proper height.
Back to S&S I went. One of their service technicians, Jarod, replaced the string in just a few minutes. Then Brian finally got a break from his line of customers and asked, with a half-grin, "How did this happen again, Forrest?" I was surprised he could recall that one day a year ago.
After hearing my explanation, Brian suspected the problem might be a sharp edge on the discharge bolt. I retrieved the old Horton aluminum bolt from my truck, and sure enough, its plastic nock had become embedded in the bolt's aluminum shaft, exposing sharp edges that could damage the string.
Brian's diagnosis was spot-on. He showed me several purpose-made discharge bolts designed to prevent that very problem. I picked one up for less than $20. Problem solved. No more broken strings. And I was headed back to the woods.
That's what makes a good local business willing to troubleshoot a problem, make repairs and help hunters get back to the woods is worth remembering. They also carry a wide assortment of firearms and related supplies, including ammunition, and offer an archery practice range where you can test your equipment. Their experience, willingness to help, and friendly service turned two frustrating hunting mishaps into a story worth telling.
Good luck in the woods, everyone -- may your strings stay intact.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Oct. 17: Women Fishing Class; 3-4:30 p.m., The Hairy Trout, 3891 Seneca St., West Seneca, w/Nicole Marie and Sara Hastings.
Oct. 17-30: Fall turkey hunting season, one bird either sex allowed, sunrise to sunset. See dec.ny.gov for zones.
Oct. 20: Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing/4-H Program, Fly tying/fly fishing classes, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center at SUNY Fredonia, For info: email Alberto@albertorey.com.
Oct. 21: Fly Tying Class, 6-8 p.m., free, Falconer Rod & Gun Club, 329 Falconer St., Jamestown; info: 716-467-0782.