Beating the Odds: One Hunter’s Perfect Missouri Turkey with the Ravin R10
For many hunters, the woods serve as more than just a place to pursue game — it’s a place of healing and achievement. For Michael Callahan, his journey back into the field after a battle with cancer was about more than just hunting — it was about reclaiming a part of himself. Equipped with a Ravin R10, Michael took to the woods and made a memory that will last a lifetime.
Why Did You Choose the Ravin R10?
What really got me looking into crossbows was after I found out I’d have a lot of extra time on my hands. In 2023, I was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer, and I went through a lot with it. My wife kept pushing me, telling me, “You’re going to be back out there pretty soon,” and, by the grace of God, I was. I’m still cancer-free today.
I started doing a lot of research online, talking with friends who are pro hunters, and Ravin Crossbows kept coming up as the best option. Then I made the mistake of shooting one. And when you do that, it’s over. Coming from a compound background, it was like — holy smokes! The accuracy and speed are unbelievable. The quality and precision of those Ravins — that’s what sold me.
The R10 I used has even gotten my dad in the game. He’s never been a bowhunter, but now he also owns a Ravin. I’m gaining my strength back, and I’ll shoot a compound again someday, but I can tell you what — I won’t ever put my Ravin down.
Tell Us About Your Experience on This Hunt.
When I got the news I was cancer-free, my wife said, “You need to go turkey hunting and just go running around all over.” So I did. I took off to Missouri, and that’s where I got the bird we’re talking about today. The next day, I took another color-phased turkey in Kentucky. This whole hunt turned into a celebration tour through Missouri, Kentucky, and back to Arkansas.
The Missouri hunt was on day three or four of the season. It had been raining every day. I was hunting with an older gentleman who works for me, and after enough wet mornings, I told him, “I’m going to Kentucky.” But 45 minutes into the drive — still in Missouri — the skies cleared up. I was near Mark Twain National Forest, so I found a road, pulled over, and gave it a try.
I had never been in that area before. I got out, fired off a call, and 45 minutes later I was walking out with a turkey of my dreams. Getting to see a bird like that, much less take it with a crossbow, was surreal. I worked a pair of gobblers, and I knew which one I wanted. The other had twice the beard, but something about this one just felt right. It was like I was outrunning the storm — both literally and figuratively. It was meant to be.
I think there are times when, after going through enough, the good Lord smiles down and says, “Here you go — get after it.” I had never even been within 20 miles of that spot before. It was just meant to happen. I’ll definitely be going back there this season.
When I got back to the truck, a Missouri Game and Fish officer had just pulled up. He was the one who took those photos for me. He was great — just as excited as I was.
How Did You Like Using the R10 for This Hunt?
It was a 25-yard shot, and the bird never knew what hit him. He went 15 feet in the air, came down, and I thought I’d have to chase him — but he was done.
I’ve killed several turkeys with a compound, but the speed of the Ravin is unreal. The bird didn’t have a chance to react. Even at 25 yards, with a compound, it can still be a tough shot. The accuracy of the Ravin R10 made all the difference. If you don’t hit a turkey perfectly with a bow, you’re chasing it — and blood-trailing a flying turkey isn’t easy.
I typically hunt public land in the mountains, with a run-and-gun style, not from a blind. The Ravin R10 fits that style perfectly — the compact size and weight are ideal.
I’ve been shooting archery since I was 12. I’ve seen a lot change. But the speed of these Ravin Crossbows is ridiculous. I don’t know how they could get any faster without dipping your arrow in water just to keep it from catching fire.
And the accuracy? It’s as accurate as any rifle I’ve ever shot.
