19 October 2007
When Travelling With A Bow - Take Spare Parts Or A Spare Bow
Posted by Darrell under: Tips & Ideas .
On the third day of my recent Colorado Elk hunt I had a semi-harrowing experience. I dragged the fiber optics off of my bow site. The result was that I could only see the pins if they were against a bright clearbackdrop - like the sky. Unfortunately, there aren’t any deer or elk in the sky so I quickly realized that pins without fiber are virtually worthless.
I did not have any spare parts. Amazingly, I have extra sights for my bow. However, I didn’t bring any. So, I spent a day and a half of time that I should have spent hunting driving all over creation trying to find a bow shop and get my bow fixed.
I’m glad this happened to me because I was able to find a bow shop and get my bow fixed and more importantly I learned an important lesson. Next time I might not be in a place where this is possible. If I’m sitting in some fly-in camp in Alaska or Northern Quebec and I break my sight, I’m going to be SOL unless I have a spare one with me.
So, I’ve decided to purchase a complete extra bow prior to my next hunting ‘trip’. I know, it really stinks to have 2 bows. And it will be terrible to have to spend all that time sighting in my new Mathews Drenalin (the bow I’m leaning towards buying). But, as I’ve explained in great detail to my wife, I am now keenly anticipating the possibility that I might need another bow - so common sense demands that I buy another one. Soon, I will embark on the journey to purchase a new bow (actually the journey began with my long explanation to my wife, followed by much pleading, and then crying). I’ll let you know how that journey ends.
Please keep the following moral to this story in mind:
If you travel to hunt with your bow, take spare parts. They could save your hunt. IF you are adept at begging and crying and you have a wonderful and understanding wife like myself (hi hon) then buy and take a spare bow with you on your hunting trips!
6 Comments so far...
deerPhD Says:
19 October 2007 at 6:27 am.
Definitely common sense to get another bow! Another good use for the second bow would be to have a blogging buddy (like me) come along (all expenses paid) and care for (hunt with) it! (thanks for the link)
Kristine Shreve Says:
19 October 2007 at 7:50 am.
This is good advice. You should always plan for the worst that could happen and make sure you are prepared if it does.
I have to say, Bryan, you’re suggestions weren’t all that subliminal. I’d have thought a PhD psychology student could have been a bit more subtle.
Arthur Says:
19 October 2007 at 9:16 am.
Being prepared is never a bad thing. I’m not sure, as understanding as my wife is, that I could get the extra bow thing through committee though! Nicely done Darrell.
Dana Says:
19 October 2007 at 10:42 am.
We all should take two bows, and just in case we miss our flights - book TWO trips while we’re at it, right? You never know when you might need a spare hunting trip.
Darrell Says:
19 October 2007 at 11:02 am.
Bryan, I’ve never considered a ‘gear guard’ before. It sounds like an interesting, albeit expensive, idea.
Kristine, I agree - Bryan must have missed the subliminal class.
Arthur, just learn how to cry. I’m kidding, of course. My wife would probably part with a lot more than a bow if she could catch me crying. (not that I’m suggesting that men shouldn’t cry)
Dana, I like the way you think. If we need two bows, well why not two trips? Awesome idea!
BuckNakedFever Says:
19 October 2007 at 3:41 pm.
If you convince your wife to allow you to buy a whole other bow you are a god among men!
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