How can I archery hunt with a broken collarbone

Pack mule

New Member
Mar 18, 2015
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Above is a picture of my broken clavicle. I broke it around July 15 in a motorcycle crash and the picture was taken on July 31. I would like some suggestions from you guys on how I can shoot an elk in with my bow by September 10. Does anyone have any suggestions on exercises, slings and treatment I should be doing so I can draw my bow back by then?
 

highplainsdrifter

Very Active Member
May 4, 2011
703
128
Wyoming
You could use a crossbow with a crank cocking system. Not sure which state you plan to hunt, but in Wyoming crossbows are legal for everyone. In some other states you need a disability permit which you could probably could get with a broken collar bone.
 

Pack mule

New Member
Mar 18, 2015
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I plan on hunting in Colorado. Id hate to use a crossbow but if that's my only choice I'll definitely do it. Do you know how I can get permission to use one in Colorado?
 

ivorytip

Veteran member
Mar 24, 2012
3,768
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SE Idaho
cross bow is only way I imagine you can, sucky news my man. good luck on recovery. damn that would suck to be in that position.
 

Pack mule

New Member
Mar 18, 2015
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How long do you guys think I will be able to carry my pack? Do you think I will be able to load 100 pounds of elk out in time?
 

HeartElk1

Active Member
Mar 30, 2011
193
0
That is a bummer. It looks like it is your right collar bone and I imagine you are right handed. It would have been easier if it was your non-drawing arm, but it still may have "pinched" trying to hold your bow out straight... plus you didn't have much say in the matter!

Your doctor likely has you in a stabalizing sling or splint and it is pretty amazing how the ends will fuse together, heal hairly quickly, and actually be stronger at that point than before the beak. I had the same break many years ago - very inconvenient and it sure hurt. They heal nicely but may leave a big bump under the skin where the ends grow back together. Since your accident happened July 15, you might be ready to go by the time of your hunt depending entirely on how you heal. Your ability to practice will be impacted and your back and shoulder muslces will weaken while not in use, but I wouldn't give up on it just yet. Make sure your doctor knows what you want to do and see if he can recommend a physical therapist (ideally a hunter!) who may have ideas and be able to help as well. Best of luck!
 

Pack mule

New Member
Mar 18, 2015
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I made sure to tell my doctor that my plans were to hunt in September. He said that I would have better luck girl on my bow back without a rod drilled in. He said that if I had that Rod our plate drilled in though it would totally heal completely much faster.
 

ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
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Feb 3, 2014
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Get the surgery, and get healed. A few guys I grew up with playing hockey had the same injury. The ones who got it fixed were able to play much sooner than those who didn't. The ones who didn't usually broke it again later too...


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Eberle

Veteran member
Oct 2, 2012
1,009
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Sasakwa, Oklahoma
I agree with Scott get healed up. I had a horse buck me off in January 2011. I broke my elbow, had surgery done. I got a screw in there now. I got everything back except full extension. My Doctor told me to not shoot a bow for a year. So I bought a crossbow, in Colorado you apply for a handicap crossbow permit. Your Doctor will need to fill it out and put his license # and State certification on it. I would get the app started asap, if you go that direction. If it was me, I'd lay off get healed up. You can always go help your buddies & camp. I turned 40 this year, I look at things way different than when I was 30! Good Luck!
 

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
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North Umpqua, Oregon
I had an impingement in my left shoulder (the one I hold the bow with) and have been through physical therapy and 10 months later it is still to weak to draw a bow against. I couldn't carry a heavy pack for many months.

I will be hunting Wyoming with a crossbow this year. I did a lot of research and went with an Excalibur with recurve limbs for accuracy and reliability.

Like the others have said, get healed up and don't mess yourself up for future hunts.
 

Colorado T

Active Member
Aug 28, 2011
455
114
Littleton, CO
I feel your pain, I am in the same boat. I separated my right shoulder two weeks ago and am still in a sling. Hoping by start of season I'll be able to draw my bow, until then I have been watching my two boys get ready for the season shooting their bows. Good luck man!
 

outdoorsman_3

New Member
Dec 9, 2014
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0
I broke my collar bone 3 weeks before archery elk season. I made a device that would hold my string back until I hit it out of the way. I could hold my bow at 59lbs for 2 seconds after I pushed it away. I also applied for a crossbow permit but it didn't come in on time. Came in after archery season and was good for 5 years [emoji17]. I never shot anything as I knew I needed the perfect situation but it gave me an excuse to get out in the woods. FYI. My doctor told me if I could hold my bow back then go for it. It seriously hurt the few times I tried but I was determined.


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Catahoula12

Very Active Member
Apr 26, 2013
710
125
Loveland, CO. was AZ.
Just read this post. If you are fairly young you should heal up fast and should heal nicely. You should be healed up by Sept 10th. I've broken my right collar bone twice with ice hockey, once in D1 and then again semi-pro. I was under 25. No issues drawing bow ever. 44 now. Hope you mend up and stick a nice elk come September. Good luck. Oh, and have extras with you to pack out the goods. Bow only for you..
 

buckbull

Veteran member
Jun 20, 2011
2,166
1,351
I made sure to tell my doctor that my plans were to hunt in September. He said that I would have better luck girl on my bow back without a rod drilled in. He said that if I had that Rod our plate drilled in though it would totally heal completely much faster.
My son broke his collar bone back in April. Dr. recommended against the surgery, said most collar bone breaks heal on their own and the risk of infection associated to the surgery wasn't worth it. He was pretty adamant about not having the surgery, and he stood to make $$$ as the orthopedic surgeon. Son healed up just fine, he just wore a sling for several weeks.
 

Don K

Very Active Member
Sep 10, 2011
664
22
Northern Illinois
Sounds like your planning the hunt and did not draw a special tag?

Just pick up a nice video camera this year and hunt with that. Don't mess yourself up for the future just to worry about the present.
 

Pack mule

New Member
Mar 18, 2015
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0

I went ahead and drew my bow back anyway and it payed off!


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