might get back to hunting this year

[wabi]

The past couple years haven't been very favorable for allowing me to hunt. I had actually planned to hunt a little last season, but things went wrong from the start. Went out to check the Phoenix for accuracy & performance and the serving on the string broke on the first arrow I launched. That was my only good dacron string (I quit using fastflight type strings to see if dacron would be easier on my limbs), and by the time Vixenmaster so kindly fixed me up with a new string and a couple spares (Thank you for your kindness!!!!!!) I just never got out to hunt. My son was in the pre-recruit training phase of his entry in the US Marines enlistment (he was a poolee and had to go to PT frequently which somehow always worked out to mess up my schedule).

This summer I decided to try it again this fall. My old target had literally fallen apart and I like to take a shot or two at home to be sure everything is still good to go before I head to the woods. I ordered a new target and it arrived yesterday. I had left the Phoenix strung to allow the dacron string to stretch out over the summer, so when I got the new target set up in my shop I got the Phoenix out and gave the string a few twists to bring the brace height up to where I like it.
Where I have the target I have a backstop behind it in case an arrow goes through. There is a softer small area in the backstop (layered thin plywood & foam sheets) backing up my pellet trap for when I shoot my air rifles inside, so I put the first couple arrows in that area to test the new target to be sure it would stop the arrows. (Bone Collector target from WalMart advertised to stop arrows up to 350fps, but I don't trust advertising ). The bag type target is only 10 or 12" thick, and the arrows were actually penetrating only 5 1/2" ).
Once I saw it was safe to shoot I tried the center bullseye offhand from the maximum range I can get indoors (about 40') using the 15 yard reticle on my scope. (I use a Leupold VXII 1-4X with duplex reticles and the duplex "posts" for 15 & 35 yards with the scope zeroed at 25 yards)

I think the Phoenix is ready to hunt!!!!!!!!!!!!

[janesy]

That's a dead deer right there! Good luck!

[SEW]

I’m glad things are working out.
Your son is going through a character building experience. Read the just released book, CHAOS. You’ll get additional insight into US marines. You may be a marine yourself, though. The book is excellent. When I was in the USAF, I got to work with a few marine aviators. Made me wish I’d been a Marine. They have my upmost respect!
Steve

[paulaboutform]

Great news to hear Wabi. I hope to see some successful hunt pics soon.

Paul

[amythntr]

.....first of all I salute your son for what will be the protection or our country....

.....according to your target you are ready to get out there...so do so and enjoy!

Anthony

[xcaliber]

Mike, glad to read this. Good luck and please thank your son for his service.

[papa bear1]

Vixenmaster, is a very generous man, I know that first hand ,
Good luck in all you do
and thank your son for his service
Dave

[gerald strine]

Good luck this season filling the freezer looks like it held its zero pretty well .
I appreciate your sons service in these trying times we live in.

[vixenmaster]

Mike shootin lookin real good. Let us go kill some tick toters n enjoy our life

[georgiaboy]

Looks like your ready to go
Great to hear from you again
I installed a water heater in Port Royal Friday, drove right by the entrance to Paris Island and thought of your son. Thank him for his service

[wabi]

Thanks for all the comments and good wished for my son. He's actually at home right now, but has to go back in a week. He was at Paris Island for 3 months, then came home for 10 days before he went to NC for a month of combat training, then to FL for "A" school, then to CA for "C" school. There was a long delay in CA actually getting into the classes, so he applied for "RA" (recruiter assistance) and was given 30 days to come home and assist his recruiter in his job. He had to pay his own travel expenses, but he gets 30 days at home that doesn't count against his annual leave.

georgiaboy,
I learned a quick lesson in what sand fleas are was when I was down there in March. Thank goodness we don't have those little pests here! Some beautiful country down there, though. Wish I had time to come down some time and bring my fishin' poles along.