After 2 back surgeries, torn hamstrings, getting old, and a long rehab, Montana Grant is trying to get back into the field. Lots of stretching, walking, soaking in the spa, and preparation have helped. It’s not easy. Quitting is easy.
I am still reluctant to get back into the field for a bow elk hunt. I have been archery hunting since I was a teenager. Thousands of shafts have been shot during my lifetime. The closest bow kill was a deer at 12 yards and the furthest was an elk at 18 yards. It has been hard not to bow hunt for the past few seasons.
So, I grabbed my bow, which had a new string and dust on it, and set up the target in my yard. I could not pull the compound bow back! AARRRGGGHHH!!! Instant failure.
My son Kyle encouraged me to go to the Big Sky Archery with him. This complete archery shop in 4 Corners, near Belgrade, Montana has everything an archer would want. Downstairs is a 3-D archery range where teams compete weekly. Upstairs there is standard 20-yard range that is free to use. The staff are younger kids that are respectful and knowledgeable.
Quinton was the bow tech that offered suggestions to help me out. Adjustments to the poundage and cams can help reduce my pull stress and still keep speed and power to tag an elk. He made the adjustments and sent me into the shooting range. He was not judgy but was patient and supportive.
I pulled the bow and was still a tad shaky, so he lowered the Bow tech bow a bit more. This time I did the trick. I was able to comfortably hold the pull and aim like I had so many times before. My back muscles had not pulled a bow in 4 years, so they forget what to do.
I only use a single pin for sighting and sent several shafts downrange. A 3-inch group was the result. WOW! My son Kyle adjusted my sight to bring the group up a little. Lowering my poundage lowered my grouping a few inches. His adjustments elevated my next arrows perfectly. On target and in the kill zone.
My confidence level went through the roof. I now have faith that I can target a bull within the ranges I am comfortable at shooting. I am taking my portable target on the hunt so I can continue to practice and regain my strength and form. Mental memory is intact, and the muscle memory is next.
If I was not confident at accurately targeting a critter, I would leave the bow in the case and just call and spot. That won’t be the case. Sometimes you need a little shove to move forward. I appreciate my son helping me instead of discouraging me. I was doing enough of that to myself.
This moment was a turning point. Any more negative thoughts or comments would have encouraged me to sell the bow gear and never archery hunt again. I have plenty of excuses and reasons to stop bow hunting and more. Kyle did not let that happen.
I may never get another bow shot at a bull elk again but at least I can still be in the hunt.
The real assessment is when you can show others how to do what you were taught. Kyle is an expert archer after me training him to shoot and hunt. He passed his test with flying colors. It’s nice to get some support and love.
Hunt hard, Hunt Harder!
Montana Grant
