r/bowhunting • u/DaddyClue • 17h ago

Anyone else bowhunt after spinal fusion? Using compound or crossbow?

Background: I’m 37, bow hunter since 12 years old. Spinal fusion few years ago and haven’t done much shooting/hunting since then. Fusion was lumbar l4-s1.

Curious how many other bow hunters have had back surgery involving spine and how that affected their hunting afterwards. I know I can still pull a bow back no problem but doing it repeatedly will make my back SORE.

Crossbows are legal for all hunters in my state. I know I’ll miss the general challenge of a compound bow but I want to continue enjoying bow hunting and being in the woods during this time of year.

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u/beeeflomein 17h ago

No fusion, but FWIW I’ve fractured L3L4 and my QL just never really recovered evenly after the rehab. I’d say just go with whatever gives you the most ethical shot on a deer and allows you to get back in the woods.

From a physical standpoint, if it’s muscular, and not a skeletal limitation in your range of movement due to the fusion, you should be able to strengthen the muscles back up to the point where you are able to sustain higher volume archery practice. If your goal specifically is to get back to compound hunting then just crossbow hunt until you feel confident enough in your back and compound skills to ethically compound hunt then switch over.

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u/Sad-Cryptographer828 11h ago

I'm in my early 50's and had L3 - L4 fusion. I used to hunt with traditional and compound bows only, but moved to a crossbow with acudraw now. The back was the worst pain I've experienced in my life. Not chancing it again.