Very Special PA whitetail!! Picture added page 5" Another Harvest added Page 9"

[Big Ed]

Well as many of you may know I had a horrific injury to my hand last December.  After four different surgeries to repair and rebuild most of the bones in my Index finger and pointer fingers on my shooting hand. Which included four plates in my hand between the knuckles and wrist. I have had quite the year of rehabilitation.
I wasn't really sure if I would be hunting this year or not. A lot of ups and downs. But I was bound and determined to work the very hardest that I could to attain my goal.  
My Surgeon gave me the go ahead to begin the long road of strengthening the third week of September. I started at home with bows made of PVC pipe 3/4" by 84" long. Not much weight at all but the fingers were very sore and weak. I worked very hard at Therapy and at home three to four times a day. I gradually cut the PVC pipe down to increase the weight.  
In the mean time I contacted Ron and Gregg at Shrew bows back in July  and they made me a 62" Super Shrew Carbon 43Lbs. at 30 Inches( P.S. I had a standing Order)  My initial goal was to be able to hopefully shoot it by the rut in November.
The first real bow I could shoot was 28# at my 30" draw and I could only muster up about 5-10 shots a day. The weakness in the fingers was more of an issue than the pain. So I gradually increased the weight and about two weeks ago I was able to shoot the Shrew for the first time. I was elated, but still not sure if I could have it tuned and hunt worthy by the first day. I never pressured myself but could start to see a little light at the end of the tunnel.
 Not being able to shoot for the last 10 months has really been depressing and I really appreciate all the Prayers and Concerns from every one.
 The first day was on Saturday October 1st  and I was getting  pretty confident in my set up. I was able to get it tuned in with some broadheads . I had a couple of thing to do on the first day with my daughter so I figure I would wait for Monday to hunt.
 On Sunday my daughter and I went out and put up a ladder stand. I put the ladder stand in a hedgerow between two fairly large corn fields. We put it up about 8 foot off the ground to be sure the shot angle would be good.
 I'll be back in a bit!!
I

[pdk25]

Looking forward to this. I am glad that your hard work paid off.  

[huntmaster80]

great to hear that you are back in the game!!!

[crotch horn]

Can not wait to hear more

[stujay]

Good for you , we will be pulling for you during the season, best of wishes. Stuart

[Guru]

Like we talked about .... I couldn't be any happier for you brother    

[Green]

Man....that's enough of a story right there.  Congrats on rehabing yourself to the point where you're shooting and hunting again.  Can't wait for the rest of this......

[Gator1]

Ed fantastic perseverance... It makes one appreciate what you have, health home family etc...

     

[Stone Knife]

This is going to be awesome  

[glenbo]

Way to go Ed.l Looking forward to the rest of the story and photos.Quite the long road .

[Jwilliam]

Congrats      I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.


Bill

[Izzy]

Didnt know about your hand big fella. Way to persevere.

[tukudu]

Ed you brought a bright smile to my face this morning. I am very happy for you. tom  

[dirtguy]

[Mudd]

How cool is this?...Way!!!...I'm saying..

As someone else said.."This is enough of a story already!"

I thank God for your healing,attitude and tenacity.

I will be back for the "Paul Harvey" portion.

God bless,Mudd

PS: Thank you for sharing!

[Froggy]

Oh man, this morning is getting off to a good start. Might not need a cup of coffee..    

Lanier

[JoeM]

Good for you big man!!!  Can't wait for the rest.  Joe

[Tater 2]

.......  

[KentuckyTJ]

Alright Ed, two more paragraphs then we NEED pictures.

[Huntrdfk]

This has made my season Ed! I am so happy that you have been able to get to the point where you could hunt again, way to go my friend!!!!!


David