Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 09:03:00 AM
My bank account has taken a mighty hit and I own more stock in a couple of western states (permits) than a man should be allowed. If I have them counted right, I have 3 antelope permits, one mule deer, and elk in Oregon and possibly one in Wyoming... haven't decided about bear permits yet as that's usually pretty hit or miss as far as even seeing one and I need to back off on the expense somewhere.
I leave for my home in Wyoming in a week and have been assembling and/or replacing gear ever since I got back from my Texas bowfishing trip.
I started with arrows and have a collection of 40+ in a combination of carbon (number one shooters) and aluminum (beaters and small game arrows).
As soon as I can I'll put up some pictures as I assemble my "kit" for the coming two months in the mountains.
It's one way for me to keep track of my gear, so I don't forget anything.
Post by: IB on August 01, 2006, 09:39:00 AM
My wife just passed out :eek:
From what I've heard yer taking, are you renting a U-HAUL
!["[tunglaff]"]("graemlins/tunglaff.gif" "\"\"")
This ought to make quite a story, Ther ROAVING GNOME hunting adventures. Do Daily upedates PLEASE
Post by: the Ferret on August 01, 2006, 09:41:00 AM
Good luck Charlie..hope you have a super duper sized deep freezer ;)
Post by: Littlefeather on August 01, 2006, 09:45:00 AM
Quote
It's one way for me to keep track of my gear, so I don't forget anything.Better double check and make sure you included the scatter gun, super-electro taser gun, steel toe boots, brass knuckles, piece of garden hose, a battery and some wire, pliers, and a pen knife. Never know when ya might run into an Archery Theif! :readit: :bigsmyl:
Travel safe and save some energy so you can carry my Elk up the Snake River Canyon. OK???? Thanks man! CK
Post by: JC on August 01, 2006, 09:56:00 AM
Heck Vance, why you need an update? Yer gonna be with him half the time :D But make sure the rest of us get a regular "fix"....ya hear?
Post by: John/Alaska on August 01, 2006, 10:39:00 AM
Post by: rabbitman on August 01, 2006, 10:40:00 AM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 01, 2006, 10:43:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 10:54:00 AM
After the antelope season kicks in, I'll be meeting up with Terry Green for fun and games in the sagebrush...I'll be huntin before he arrives and will have two weeks to aclimatize and get to know the habits of the local herds.
Sometime in September I get together with Robin "Roughcountry" Severe and Curtis "Littlefeather" Kellar to chase elk in Oregon... the Rocky Mountain variety, not the Roosevelt.
I plan on having a mule deer permit in my pack in Oregon, since the area we'll be hunting elk is known to have some super buck muleys in it.
Since I didn't draw a Wyoming bull permit in the regular drawing I did take a shot at a leftover cow tag in the same area. Still have my fingers crossed on that one.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 11:22:00 AM
The arrows chosen are 2219 aluminum and Carbonwood 4000. All four fletched 75x105 and 5" parabolic. Carbons and aluminums weigh within 5 grains of each other and I can shoot them interchangeably.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/arrowsinbox.jpg)
Post by: Glenn29 on August 01, 2006, 11:31:00 AM
Bring back some stories for us all to dream over! :readit:
Post by: Whip on August 01, 2006, 11:35:00 AM
This is the time of year that keeps me going the rest of the year. It's all I dream about the rest of the time, and gives me the motivation for stuff I really probably wouldn't have done as much of otherwise. Things like saving money. Riding my bike and hiking in an attempt to get in shape. Being nice to my wife. It even was the prime motivator that made me finally give up smoking years ago. The lure of the West has been a powerful influence on my life. To me, there is just nothing else I've ever done that is quite like it.
You're going to have a great time out there. I'll sure be looking for updates along the way!
Have fun Charlie!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/standingbowsandboxes.jpg)
I've really gotten to like the American Leathers Big Shot glove... this is the buffalo model.
The guard is one made for me by Mike at M.A.L...nice stuff right there. :thumbsup:
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/gloveandguard.jpg)
Post by: beachbowhunter on August 01, 2006, 11:45:00 AM
Hunt sharp, shoot straight, write often :bigsmyl:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 11:59:00 AM
Now that carbon is a real traditional shaft if I ever saw one... cept the woodgrain pattern has some bad runout. :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
This is just about what I'll typically carry on day hunts.... will aquire a new compass when I get out west.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/daypackkit.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 12:05:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/sharpeningkit.jpg)
Post by: TexMex on August 01, 2006, 12:08:00 PM
Post by: Glenn29 on August 01, 2006, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: Chad Edgar on August 01, 2006, 12:37:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 01, 2006, 01:12:00 PM
Post by: sticbow on August 01, 2006, 08:25:00 PM
Scott
Post by: SteveMcD on August 01, 2006, 09:26:00 PM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on August 01, 2006, 10:11:00 PM
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Roughcountry on August 01, 2006, 10:52:00 PM
I'm countin on Vance to slow you down, feed you lots and keep you from gettin to fit, that way I can keep up :thumbsup:
Hope you have tons of those special times you convey so well in print, maybe more material for that overdo book :thumbsup:
Post by: Pete Patterson on August 02, 2006, 06:58:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 02, 2006, 09:29:00 AM
You still live at Paynesville? I see a different town and that's just a few miles down the road.
Still shootin them Shafer's?
Brian... Thanks! I'll get that right back to you. I imagine there's gonna be a ton of stories that come out of this hunt. :campfire:
Robin... it'll take me a month's head start just to come in behind you guys.
!["[dead]"]("graemlins/dead.gif" "\"\"")
I'll be workin on it! Can't wait.
Post by: Puma Tom on August 02, 2006, 11:35:00 AM
> Good luck, hope ya get to cash in a couple of those tags.
> I hope to have a tag for Idaho and Wy., if I can afford em both.
> I'll be packing my new Bearpaw longbow.
> Maybe if I did'nt buy a new bow, it would of been easier to afford those tags.
> Have a great trip.
>>> Tom >>>
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 02, 2006, 12:07:00 PM
So for the trip I've selected these knives... every trip should include LOTS of knives.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/06huntingknives.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 02, 2006, 12:13:00 PM
2.My trusty Swiss Army knife...always in my pocket.
3.My bigger Doug Campbell hunter/drop point... (Damascus and I'll carry it for elk and/or whim)
4.A Buck combination folder...very handy knife w/saw blade. (have an actual saw for elk, but this will work neatly for antelope and muleys.)
Post by: Puma Tom on August 02, 2006, 12:59:00 PM
> Looks like your preparred to do so serious cutting.
> Hope they get plenty of use.
>>> Tom >>>
Post by: sticbow on August 02, 2006, 02:35:00 PM
I'm in WInfield had to move closer for my wife's job..still have the land in Annada north Of Elsberry..I'm shooting a 3 pc alum riser cx I've been shooting a long bow for a couple years now..
your right about pete heart as big as texas..I will leave it at that..I hear you moved from Silex..we shoot every sun at 7:00am at bush wildlife hope to see you one sunday..usally quite a few guys we have a blast...good to hear from you..be safe on your trip..
Scott
Post by: IB on August 03, 2006, 10:28:00 AM
Terry you had better PACK EXTRAS :bigsmyl:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 04, 2006, 01:36:00 PM
First thing was that my application for a leftover cow elk tag in Wyoming was rejected.
All that means is I've got a month to chase antelope around the sage brush.
Vance and I are gonna do it the old fashioned way from the days long ago when we chased goats.
We didn't do the waterhole thing then, preferring to outwit the prairie speedsters on our hind legs.
Oh yeah, we ambushed them. It's always a fair tactic. But mostly we stalked them.
I also got word from Robin Severe about a spot he knows for mule deer. Wanted to know if I could get out there a little early and he'd turn me loose in some good country.
Gonna make that happen! :thumbsup: I love huntin those muley bucks.
Just talked to the landowner where I hunted last year and it's a go for when I return from Wyoming.
Almost half of the farm has been converted/raped for a housing developement. This will probably be the last year for that farm.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 04, 2006, 01:41:00 PM
This is it in color.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/GhillieAug06.jpg)
This one in black and white.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bnWghillieaug06.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on August 04, 2006, 01:43:00 PM
Quote
preferring to outwit the prairie speedsters on our hind legs.:D ya'll don't get started before I get there with the camera. This is going to be great footage of some master "stalkers" at work. :saywhat:
Oh yeah, we ambushed them. It's always a fair tactic.
CK
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 04, 2006, 02:08:00 PM
How'm I doin? (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/BnWghilliejacket.jpg)
I know, I know! Gotta lose the white socks and bare legs. :scared:
Post by: beachbowhunter on August 04, 2006, 02:12:00 PM
Post by: Brad Davis on August 04, 2006, 02:17:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on August 04, 2006, 02:22:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 04, 2006, 02:24:00 PM
"LIKE THE OLDEN DAYS" :scared: :scared: :eek:
LAM"O" you nuts or what :knothead: :knothead:
Let's just play like we're BUSHES or something slow............vance
Post by: IB on August 06, 2006, 04:50:00 PM
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/uppergreensquirrels_e.jpg)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on August 06, 2006, 05:05:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 06, 2006, 05:34:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 06, 2006, 10:21:00 PM
I'm outta here in the morning. Will be out of touch for a few. :wavey:
Post by: vermonster13 on August 06, 2006, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 09, 2006, 10:31:00 AM
The trip west was long and uneventful. Spent the first night in far western Kansas after being amazed (again) by the never ending scenery... who was the guy who stopped his covered wagon and said, "Hey Margaret! This looks like a good place to homestead."
Awoke to much dryer conditions than back home. Even though it had rained during the night, there was still less humidity.
The really cool thing was that when I woke up I still had all my stuff.... see accounts of my last trip. ;)
Tucked in here about 9 p.m last night and after a great nights sleep, I'm catching up on email and PM's and sampling some really great coffee.
Will be dragging out the recurve in a little bit to do some shooting and looking to terrorizing some of the local game before the day is over.
This thread will be kind of a daily journal thingie and I'll try to keep it updated as best as possible.
From my roost I have already seen mule deer, antelope and elk this morning. Not a bad way to start the day.
With 6 days left to season opener, I'll be shooting (at) jackrabbits and trying to help my buddy Iron Bull with a beaver depredation problem.... he's overrun.
Stay tuned and I promise we'll load this thread up with pictures. :thumbsup:
Post by: JC on August 09, 2006, 10:56:00 AM
Post by: el cazador on August 09, 2006, 12:17:00 PM
Good luck and be safe.
Post by: tmccall on August 09, 2006, 12:17:00 PM
Post by: Whip on August 09, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on August 09, 2006, 02:24:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on August 09, 2006, 02:46:00 PM
Quote
who was the guy who stopped his covered wagon and said, "Hey Margaret! This looks like a good place to homestead."Charlie it wasn't that guy.... It was the one who had heard "are we there yet?" one to many times.... :D Have fun ...... Terry
Post by: IB on August 09, 2006, 07:07:00 PM
Can't wait for the stories
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Lets_GO_e.jpg)
Post by: Hunter John on August 09, 2006, 07:31:00 PM
John
Post by: Roughcountry on August 09, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
I can see why Charlie says "life is wonderfull in Wyoming"
I'll be tuning in to hear the blow by blow :thumbsup:
lil side note, those beaver might be worth skinnin, price is way up. I guess the demand has cleared all the stale goods out.
Post by: Guru on August 09, 2006, 10:09:00 PM
...Nice pic Vance :bigsmyl: ...good to see the 'ol boy relaxing!!!
Post by: Littlefeather on August 09, 2006, 10:39:00 PM
Post by: Whip on August 09, 2006, 10:56:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 10, 2006, 10:05:00 AM
I spent a little time yesterday looking over the country, getting used to seeing antelope again and stretching flatland legs.
As of this writing I'm starting to see a couple of spots that might prove to be good ambush spots.
You antelope hunters will appreciate the fact that water is literally everywhere, so it's not gonna be a "sit in a pit" kind of hunt.
Post by: Littlefeather on August 10, 2006, 01:30:00 PM
Post by: Talondale on August 11, 2006, 10:34:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 11, 2006, 10:55:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 11, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 11, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
So far we've spent quite a bit of time loading software getting computers ready to accept cameras and Photoshop ad nauseum.
I made a stalk on some antelope yesterday and got within killing range of them, so I'm pretty tickled with the potential for that.
And yes Curtis, we'll be sneaking up on them and not waiting them out at water as there is water literally everywhere in this valley.
Post by: JC on August 11, 2006, 11:50:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on August 11, 2006, 12:05:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 12, 2006, 12:01:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 09:34:00 AM
As mentioned before, we've been doing a lot of geek work getting cameras and computers in sync and having it fight us most of the way.
Vance and I come from the "if you can't fix it with a ball peen hammer" school. So sometimes this new fangled stuff gets a little "techy".
I've got a bunch of photos on my camera at present and will get them up soon. (it's next on the list of things to do.
One thing we did accomplish... and it tickled me pink... was to scan a whole pile of my hunting slides the other night.
Here's an oldie until I can get up some new picks.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/goodantelopebuck.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 09:37:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 09:43:00 AM
This is another old timer.
Post by: Littlefeather on August 12, 2006, 11:24:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on August 12, 2006, 02:20:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 03:07:00 PM
Randy...the only trouble with western seasons opening is how early the end. :thumbsup:
Yesterday afternoon I set up the scope above one section of the ranch and counted 110 antelope in a 180 degree sweep. That's not to mention the twelve sage hens, an elk, two deer, and three sandhill cranes.
Post by: JC on August 12, 2006, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on August 12, 2006, 03:37:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 07:27:00 PM
The stalk I made the other day.
Far...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeghilliestalk1.jpg)
As close as I could get...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeghilliestalkclose.JPG)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 07:32:00 PM
This is Vance in his suit... we're both pretty hyped about the possibilities for hunting sharp eyed antelope on foot.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/VanceinGhilliedraw.jpg)
there's been a ton of equiptment fine tuning going on. Maybe I should say it's "on going"!
Vance fiddles with something or other.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancefixgear2.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 07:36:00 PM
The pic doesn't do justice to how complex the terrain is.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ryegrassscenic.jpg)
While we're traipsing around we're sure to have one of these bows in hand.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopehuntbows.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 07:39:00 PM
Shooting over broken terrain helps hone the eye and muscles... things just look different out here.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bibdraw2.jpg)
And of course we are constantly studying the country and the antelope in it. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/glassryegrass.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 07:43:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/indianpaintbrush1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/indianpaintbrush2.jpg)
Post by: sticbow on August 12, 2006, 08:48:00 PM
Scott
Post by: Guru on August 12, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on August 12, 2006, 10:59:00 PM
Great looking photo's. The colors are so vivid when your up close that its amazing that it can look so barren from a distance. The west has its own beauty that is unmatched in a lot of ways.
I don't recognize the bow you are shooting (other than the Howard). If you get a chance let us know a little bit about the bows in the picture. That new recurve sure looks nice at full draw.
Have fun and thanks for taking us along.
Chris
Post by: vermonster13 on August 12, 2006, 11:06:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 12, 2006, 11:40:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 12, 2006, 11:50:00 PM
Chris... before long we'll get to share of a little of this rocky mountain magic.
Scott... you know what kind of weather I left at home. I don't miss it.
Got up this morning after sleeping all night under a down sleeping bag and a comforter. Standing on the porch glassing antelope at first light in my T-shirt, the thermometer read 35 degrees. Nipply out for sure!
Day time temps are hitting 85 and it's pretty warm since we are so close to the sun and the thin air and all. (8000 ft. elev.)
Covered a couple of miles of ranch today that was new to me. Antelope and more antelope.
Going way off down the creek in the morning to check out more country. With each passing day I grow a little more in harmony with the country and the animals. By the time season is open I should be ready.
Post by: Olebow on August 13, 2006, 01:10:00 PM
Way to go Charlie! You really said a bunch there in that sentence....
For me, that getting in harmony always takes several days, and includes the altitude change, and getting my (critter eyes) tuned up.
Thanks for the pictures and stories.
Good luck bud! Olebow
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 13, 2006, 04:21:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 13, 2006, 04:29:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 13, 2006, 05:05:00 PM
They're shootin clean even in a wind and I can tell you the wind has been blowing.
Not sure I'm going to use the mask. More likely that I'll use some burnt cork on my face... can't stand masks of any kind.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 13, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 14, 2006, 12:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 14, 2006, 12:19:00 AM
Went up high to smell the pines and of course more exploring of the ranch.
I've located at least two different spots which seem to be natural funnels for the antelope as they move around the ranch.
We have a game camera there and will see what's come by in the last two days. To tell you the truth, it could have pics of about anything. Can't wait to see the pics and will put some up here.
Going out to bring in the camera in the morning.
Post by: cjones on August 14, 2006, 02:14:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 14, 2006, 07:48:00 AM
Post by: JC on August 14, 2006, 08:21:00 AM
Ghillie is lookin good Vance, if it wasn't 100 degrees here that might work me :knothead:
Great pics Charlie. I've been through that area once and you are exactly right...it looks flat and uniform....until you start walking through it.
Post by: IB on August 14, 2006, 10:24:00 AM
We should be able to fill in a bit more today, my clients have left and no new ones in the near future (I hope). Charlie is WELL fed up now so he has the extra needed fuel to push forward.
Now all that's needed is to find him this morning get some coffee in him so he's focused :scared: :scared: takes time don't ya know
Joe... Went out this morning to look at the BAD BOYS and they were no where to be found :scared: :scared: Lam"O" finally suggested we look "IN" the house :bigsmyl:
Yep there they was under the lectrik blanket and didn't want to come out
!["[nope]"]("graemlins/nope.gif" "\"\"")
Darn sothern raised chillens.
Please stay tuned for more...........vance
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 14, 2006, 10:45:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/doeantelopeR.jpg)
Post by: Bpaul on August 14, 2006, 11:39:00 AM
Thanks for sharing your exploits, great stuff.
Post by: Whip on August 14, 2006, 03:43:00 PM
Any pics on the trail cams? :readit:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 14, 2006, 06:45:00 PM
Vance and I pulled the game camera. It's a cheaper model digital and I like it so far. Called a "Wildveiw" I paid about 80 bucks for it.
The camera has been out for two days and had eight exposures. Of the eight, we got three with animals.
Here's one...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Wildview1.jpg)
Not a bad buck.
This one is the one you have to look close at.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Wildview2.jpg)
This is more like what I was expecting.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Wildview3.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 14, 2006, 06:59:00 PM
The buck and the does are moving to a fence crossing on a trail that runs at right angles to the camera. The fence can just be seen on the lefthand side of the pic.
Having seen fifty or sixty animals move through the area yesterday, I could tell they weren't coming past the camera (duh), so I found where they ARE moving and put a hasty ground blind there.
Post by: rabbitman on August 14, 2006, 07:45:00 PM
Post by: highcountry on August 14, 2006, 10:33:00 PM
Post by: Carcajou on August 15, 2006, 10:13:00 AM
What section of the State are you guys in?
Shoot strait when the speed goat season opens, you know how quick they can turn inside out at the drop of the string!
Post by: Terry Green on August 15, 2006, 02:44:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 15, 2006, 11:01:00 PM
HOw'd opening day go. I had to chime in because I recognized some of the peaks in one of your photos. I chased some antelope around tonight after work myself. Close but not close enough. Let me know if your on my side of the valley. I would like to introduce myself.
Nathan
Post by: cjones on August 15, 2006, 11:31:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 15, 2006, 11:42:00 PM
How's this one Nate? We'll have to hook up one day. I had lunch at Los Cabos today. Yumm!!
No blood to report so far. Got close to several goats today, but I'm being selective with my permits.
Got lucky and came up with a cow/calf permit for elk up my way. Pretty cool for me as I thought my time in Wyoming was just gonna be antelope. Now I can get back into some of my old elk huntin haunts. I'm very excited about that prospect and Vance and I are layin down some plans.
Post by: cjones on August 15, 2006, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 16, 2006, 09:42:00 AM
We moved the game cam a couple of days ago and I went in to pick it up yesterday evening.
It had thirteen exposures on it... only one that actually shows an animal.
We put the camera on a stake that we drove in the ground by a very small waterhole. I'm talkin small as a #2 washtub.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/drywater.jpg)
Without a lot of rain, the waterhole went dry, but I figured the antelope (and anything else) would come to it out of habit.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Poundpost.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Charlie_set_CameraR.jpg)
The one photo is of a buck antelope's eye... ultra close up.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopecam.jpg)
All I can figure on the rest of them is that it was setting on the ground at the bottom of the stake when I got there... must have slid down.
I suspect that local birds, magpies and ravens, found the stake and camera to be a handy place to sit.
The camera was covered with their "sign". Except for the close antelope, the rest of the photos are close up's of grass and weeds.
The strong winds that are common around here made the grass activate the camera.
I'm thinking of going up country today to scout some elk locations and will fill in details when I return.
Post by: Brian Halbleib on August 16, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
Dang Charlie, my journal becomes a pain in the :banghead: by the end of a couple of days. Couldn't imagine the effort involved in what you're doing. But we sure do appreciate it!!! :D
All these western landscape pics got me going already and I won't be chasing mule deer until October. Keep them coming my friend.
Good luck, be safe and shoot straight...
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 16, 2006, 12:04:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 16, 2006, 12:06:00 PM
Glad you guys are having fun and staying focused! Keep um comming! CK
Post by: Shaun on August 16, 2006, 01:48:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 16, 2006, 07:52:00 PM
Be careful with that Los Cabos food and hunting. It could be a bad situation. How about that smoke last night?
nathan
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on August 16, 2006, 07:57:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on August 16, 2006, 08:51:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 16, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 16, 2006, 10:38:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 16, 2006, 11:26:00 PM
Nate...... "What SMOKE" Didn't see any our eyes was burnin to bad.
Stick a little closer to the office we'll buy ya lunch one day.
Hunting was GREAT today :bigsmyl:
Made a couple of sneaks on some Goats
ended up "Just being there was good enough"
I'll let the PRO fill ya'll in on the events, and i'll be going fer somethin to NAW on.
Thanks for staying tuned.......There WILL be MORE
Post by: cjones on August 16, 2006, 11:33:00 PM
Charlie, That sounds great to me. I'll really be rooting for ya to kill an elk now!
Good luck buddy.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 16, 2006, 11:54:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 12:20:00 AM
Another great day in paradise. Fixed a flat and looked over some really nice antelope bucks.
Late this afternoon Vance and I slipped off to the lower end of the ranch. In hand were our Shaggy suits and bows and arrows. We were gonna give the suit the acid test.
Here's what we came up with.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeclosestalk.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 12:23:00 AM
For a short while we had it made and then I guess I relaxed too much and scraped some brush. It was all she could stand and blew out of there... taking the buck with.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeclosestalkend.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 12:26:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vanceredbutte.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 12:28:00 AM
It may be Friday before we're back on here.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancesilouette.jpg)
Post by: kawika b on August 17, 2006, 01:10:00 AM
Post by: brackshooter on August 17, 2006, 01:12:00 AM
Mind telling where you got your ghillie? It is a little lighter in color than the ones I usually see, looks like it would work great in my neck of the woods.
Love the Stories, keep em coming
Brackshooter
Post by: IB on August 17, 2006, 09:47:00 AM
We have the Deluxe Long Coats W/ hats and masks. They are the 4 season all purpose cammo pattern Jeriflage is the pat. name and they are Ultralite style.
I am totaly sold on these rascals. We chose this pattern because it seemed to fit all areas we hunt in.........thanks for the post
Post by: Whip on August 17, 2006, 09:50:00 AM
I'm heading to Montana to chase the prairie speedsters three weeks from tomorrow - you can bet the ghillie will be packed! Can't believe how close you got to that gal!
Post by: Roughcountry on August 17, 2006, 09:52:00 AM
That pic of the doe is a classic :notworthy:
Post by: JC on August 17, 2006, 10:07:00 AM
Thank ya'll for including us...anxiously awaiting more.
PS- that camera takes a good picture :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 10:08:00 AM
You (I) can't believe how much stuff we got by with in those Shaggy suits.
Most of the time we were moving single file, but other times we were side by side.... and the wind was real "iffy".
Individually we looked like walking house plants. Together we looked like the house plant from hell. ;)
Here is a pic of the prize that waited just beyond the doe...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bucklook.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bucklookbig.jpg)
I should add that these photos were taken with my little Sony camera... no fancy big lense stuff or photo shop. (Ron... :D )
Post by: JC on August 17, 2006, 10:11:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on August 17, 2006, 10:12:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 17, 2006, 10:17:00 AM
We's been workin REAL HARDLY fer ya :bigsmyl:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 17, 2006, 11:31:00 AM
:D :D :D
anybody need this?
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bucklookbigX.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on August 17, 2006, 11:58:00 AM
Yall have fun, be safe, and continue to bring us some of those great pics. I'm really jealous right now. Headed for goat country myself next week! CK
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 17, 2006, 12:10:00 PM
Post by: Chad Edgar on August 17, 2006, 12:11:00 PM
My last encounter with horns was more like this: (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v407/ColtnReed/bucklookbig.jpg)
Now I see where I should have been looking.....thanks!
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 17, 2006, 04:36:00 PM
Great being able to eavesdrop on your hunts, Charlie and Vance. Hope you have great weather, wind in your face, and many more days of great adventure!
Post by: fxe on August 17, 2006, 04:52:00 PM
Post by: Guru on August 17, 2006, 06:49:00 PM
Keep it coming guys,you're getting me fired up for my trip to MT!!
That's a nice buck,good length, high cutters.Hope I get one that nice.
GOOD STUFF!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 17, 2006, 06:51:00 PM
I figured it was you guys that stopped by the office. My boss told me that a guy that kind of looked like santa came by and asked for me. I won't be too close to the office during the midday for a while. I have to get my field work done before serious hunting season starts september 1st so I can take some time off. Have fun in the mountains.
nathan
Post by: Whip on August 17, 2006, 07:20:00 PM
Post by: Barney on August 17, 2006, 07:37:00 PM
Charlie, where you gonna be elk hunting, if I may ask?
Post by: Terry Green on August 17, 2006, 08:09:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 17, 2006, 10:50:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 17, 2006, 10:57:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 18, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
Barney... got myself a cow/calf tag for area 94. Will be working it over pretty good.
Nate... we did clean up a little bit for the trip to town. Vance and I will try to look you up once you get set in elk camp.
:thumbsup:
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 18, 2006, 12:10:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 18, 2006, 06:06:00 PM
This whole hunt event that we are partaking in for me has been all about my friend Charlie and another Trad gang member having a SMOKING good time, with the goats I am blessed to have hanging around my diggins.
Over coffey this morning Charlie an I relized that some of our plans have take a turn in a different direction, Elk NOW taking a higher seat in the order of things to come. We have 13 days until the elk archery opener.
The desision has been made :scared: :scared:
I have passed on several slick head SLAM DUNKS :saywhat: .. did I say that :help: IN MY DREAMS
I have now narrowed the feild down, with the help of my most esteemed BIG GAME GUIDE to 3 rather healthy males of the species.
We will now attempt to bring one of these lucky fellows to ARROW!!
As I said things have taken a change in our camp so to make best use of time I am being FORCED aginst my will, kicking and screaming to commit or get out of the bathroom.
I guess this is where the rubber meets the road stuff really starts. Put up or shut up. Can this dog hunt and all that stuff comes into play. I am very conifdent that this should not take the whole 13 days, to get control of one of these fellows. I think I can get it done in...well just stay tuned we'll keep ya up ta speed on this........................vance
Post by: Whip on August 18, 2006, 06:34:00 PM
Post by: kawika b on August 19, 2006, 01:21:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 19, 2006, 09:58:00 AM
I'm saving my antelope permit until the other member of our team shows up. Since I got my hands on an elk tag we'll be doing some scouting over the next few days and that will be the thrust of what's going on.
I'm not sure what was going through Vance' head the other day when we stalked right up on those antelope, but it sure wasn't shooting one.
I think I have gotten his priorities straight now and we should have something on the ground soon.
I'm going to try and put my game camera somewhere really neat in the mean time.
I suspect there may be a bunch of people "up country" since it's the weekend, so will see what it's like up there and report back... may have to wait until Monday when everyone is at work.
I've arranged to meet Nate Fikkert on the opening weekend of elk season and that will be pretty cool.
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 19, 2006, 08:20:00 PM
Post by: kennym on August 19, 2006, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 19, 2006, 11:43:00 PM
What a great day we had. Started out with a little practice at the bale this morning and a trip to the closest store for a few supplies.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/landerpeak.jpg)
Once we were squared away we headed back into the mountains to look over elk huntin country.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/readsignlong.jpg)
I find it interesting that when Vance and I hunted together years ago it was in the Wind River mountains.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancemtndraw.jpg)
I started hunting the mountains we visited today while I still lived here. During the time that Vance and I lost touch, he also adopted this mountain range as his own and lives virtually in the middle of it.
Needless to say, I'm picking his brain for every bit of information he can give... That seems to be considerable.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/elkstandvance.jpg)
So we looked over favored places from both our files and I liked what we found.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/readsignclose.jpg)
This afternoon we took off to try and way lay one of the countless trouble making beavers that make the ranch home.
It's obvious from the sign... damns, slides, cut brush, etc.... that there are a bunch of them and their common goal seems to be to turn this valley into a lake.
As it turns out, we didn't see so much as a single beaver hair, but I did play ring around the sage brush with one of the local jackrabbits.
I spotted him hopping along through the sage and was able to ease up within 30 yards before he started getting goosey.
That's not surprising since I was wearing a jet black jacket... not exactly the best camo.
I shot a Magnus blunt right past him and watched him wind his way off through the sage. Usually they'll take off like a scalded dog and don't stop until they are hundreds of yards away. This one didn't seem all that upset. I shadowed him for another 50 yards until he stopped under a large sage bush.
It wasn't a much better opportunity than the first shot, but it was a shot, so I sent a Magnus I his way.
I knew from the moment I slid into anchor that he was mine and so I held there just a second before releasing.
The broad blade slipped through him like butter and he dropped immediately.
Perfect shoulder shot at around 30 yards ain't all that bad in my book and I'll take those confidence builders any time.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Firstkilljackrabbit.jpg)
Post by: Guru on August 20, 2006, 06:57:00 AM
I know for a fact you just like to give them a chance to get away first,but if they don't take it............ :archer:
Way to go bud...no pic???
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 20, 2006, 10:02:00 AM
Since it's not my computer, I chose the non destructive approach. ;)
Post by: Randy Morin on August 20, 2006, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 20, 2006, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 20, 2006, 12:23:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 20, 2006, 03:01:00 PM
Those Jack Rabbits are tough. I shot one this winter with an ace hex head and the rabbit ran for 20 yrds with the arrow sticking in him and kept running after that. I never did find him. I am only shooting them with blades from now on!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 20, 2006, 04:11:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 20, 2006, 04:22:00 PM
:D ;)
Post by: JC on August 20, 2006, 04:24:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 20, 2006, 05:24:00 PM
Nathan
Post by: rabbitman on August 20, 2006, 06:01:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 20, 2006, 06:09:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 20, 2006, 06:16:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 20, 2006, 10:02:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 12:30:00 AM
So far we've seen some very nice bucks. Tonight we found one that deserved our attention so we suited up for a serious stalk.
As serious stalks on antelope often go, we found ourselves too far from the buck with zero cover and darkness coming on fast.
Instead of attempting the final push across open ground, we opted to leave the buck undisturbed for another day.... maybe tomorrow. ;)
With each passing day, the antelope come closer to rut and we watched some of the preliminary chasing that signals the beginning of the crazy time for bucks.
They'll move more and more looking for does like bucks of all the other species. Couple that with the natural tendency for the animals in this area to start "drifting" toward winter range this time of year and we'll be seeing bucks tomorrow, the day after and for the next several weeks that we've never seen before.
Hunting pressure will also move them onto the ranch once the firearms season opens.
It will pay us to wait.
After we pulled away from the buck, I suggested to Vance that we find a place to set up and give my varmint call a try.
I didn't have to say it twice and Vance was tucking himself into a leafy willow nook overlooking half of the pasture. I quickly found my own hiding spot and proceded to do my rendition of the dying rabbit blues.
I don't think more than a couple of minutes went by from the time I blasted out the first notes of the call until I spotted a jackrabbit loping toward me. As he approached he suddenly veered back in the direction from which he had come. That's when a flash of movement to my right brought my attention to a large coyote bounding in toward me.
Considering where he came from there was a possibility that Vance hadn't seen him.
I raised my bow ever so slowly and the dog reacted away from my position. I started to draw the bow, but it was pretty hopeless as the coyote was now 50 yards away and leaving.
I'm always happy when anything responds to my calls. I've made a hell of a lot of dying rabbit noise in my life with very few resonses.
I relaxed a little as I watched the coyote go only to be surprised by a second yodeler coming past on the same course.
Caught flat footed again, the second dog reacted just as the first one had.
Thrilled beyond words, I watched the two departing dogs convinced it couldn't have worked out better.
That would be when the THIRD coyote came romping in.
(Cont. in the morning)
!["[moon]"]("graemlins/sleeping.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: cjones on August 21, 2006, 12:44:00 AM
Post by: Jumper on August 21, 2006, 02:24:00 AM
Post by: Frank AK on August 21, 2006, 03:15:00 AM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on August 21, 2006, 09:10:00 AM
Good stuff fellas!
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: PaPaFrank on August 21, 2006, 09:16:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 21, 2006, 09:27:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 09:56:00 AM
Post by: Firstarrow on August 21, 2006, 09:58:00 AM
Post by: Whip on August 21, 2006, 11:39:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 21, 2006, 12:00:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 12:02:00 PM
I'd love to say that I was the varmint king last night, but I'd be lying if I did.
That third dog blasted right in and just as quickly zipped out of there, circling downwind as he ran and only offering the opportunity to lose an arrow in the grass and sagebrush.
I held onto my arrow for future use.
As I watched the retreating coyote I could hear muted squeeks coming from the other side of the willow where Vance was hiding.
It was doubtful that he was calling to the animals I'd had in front of me, so it could only mean he had critters of his own working.
I wasn't sure how that could be possible. I mean three coyotes on a single calling stand is some kind of record for me... that there would be more critters coming just didn't compute.
I held my ground and waited...
Post by: IB on August 21, 2006, 12:48:00 PM
That as I recall was what went down yesterday afternoon, “Think we ought to give them something to read?? Let’s DO IT” and so set the stage.
:eek:
A quick jaunt down to DOE ALLEY, some glassing trying to spot the one we want, the spot is made, then come the inevitable question “Vance can we pull this off” I guess because I’ve been on this ranch for 20+ years, he thinks that makes me invisible to the goat herd and if he sticks close it will include him. Or maybe he just trust my judgment when we’re in the west as I trust his other places.
Dressed for the sneak, as we have noted from your comments on posts, I NOW wear a facemask and HAT. Thanks for the "TIP"
Off we waddle, down this ditch, behind that willow and into a small swale a quick peek to see what their up to and which way their moving then off again, Oops no more willows and still need 50+ yards for even an attempt at a shot.
Where did they go Charlie? In our tunneled vision we hadn’t noticed the angle of the sun, it had dropped behind the hills, so now the only way to see them is through binoculars. Neither Charlie nor I had remembered to bring our “LUMA-NOCKS” so we backed off leaving them undisturbed.
Heading back to the parking lot well away from the Trophies, Charlie suggests that we set up a VARMINT call. Visions of the past flash through my brain housing, kinda like those old news reels we saw just before the Saturday Matinee.
I don’t care to remember how many of these calling rehearsals we’ve been through together, there fun but NOTHING EVER HAPPENS other than we get to tell each other what they did wrong.
Tonight this was not going to be the case Charlie was the only one with a mouth call so the blame was going to fall squarely on his shoulders.
We had picked a finger of willows for the calling spot, I took the North side and Charlie choose the South side.
Charlie had no more than broken wind when I had three jack rabbits busting a move to get to where he was, WOW this is cool I tell my self at least they ain’t running away. After a few more blasts I hear some rapid foot beats behind and to my left. More rabbits, is my best guess cuz their coming from Charlie’s side toward me and within EASY bow distance of him, but I had better take a peek.
Now I am nested up pretty well in this willow bush, NO HUMAN OUTLINE down on one knee, as I ease my noodle around to meet the foot beats,
OH NO a Giant RED rabbit with a LONG tail and a white tip on the end of that tail is prancing around the end of the willow coming my way at 10 feet, but still behind the brush no shot yet, BE PATIENT , Take up the tension on the string, spread those fingers, have I got the spot, get ready to start the DRAW, remember to push the bow arm…..
Damm someone just pulled up in my drive way so I need to run for a bit I’ll get back to ya here short……………vance
Post by: Marvin M. on August 21, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
Post by: kojac on August 21, 2006, 03:17:00 PM
br
PS vance and charlie I sent ya something in the mail today. I sent to others also so if there are some how-to instructions with the outline. don't assume I don't think you know what you're doing, it just means you got one ment for someone else.
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 21, 2006, 03:19:00 PM
You could have left that part out. :)
Post by: David M. Mathis on August 21, 2006, 04:33:00 PM
Post by: Randy Morin on August 21, 2006, 04:45:00 PM
lets keep this respectable guys. :D
Post by: Jumper on August 21, 2006, 04:57:00 PM
Post by: Talondale on August 21, 2006, 05:13:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 21, 2006, 06:11:00 PM
Post by: Guru on August 21, 2006, 06:23:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 21, 2006, 07:48:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 21, 2006, 08:18:00 PM
Oh yes Bow arm pushing. I am set for this BAD boy, Pelt on the stretcher, WAIT WAIT WAIT don’t go that way, NO not away from me NO !!! OK the ole hand squeaky trick.
So now I’ve got a Red FOX stopped at about 30 yards out showing me nothing but THE BACK OF HIS FRONT and this huge Tail going from side to side.
Well as any one knows sticking one broad side is tough enough let alone trying to take him facing away, my broadhead is wider than he is under all that hair. :banghead: Them rascals is fast on their feet. Back to #1 where did he get to, must have teamed up with #2 cuz it’s just me and my arrow left flat footed. :banghead: :banghead: What to tell the Trad Gang NOW :o :o
Well to make a short story long, we had started out trying to stack up a goat and ended up with a fabulous calling experience.
All toll Charlie had seen 3 Song Dogs and I had 2 Red Foxes within spittin distance from one hastily and unprepared set up.
I can say that I am VERY proud of my big BRUDDER, since we last did this 20+ years ago he did learn better calling skills. And shouldered no blame for his callin this trip. And
"Just Being There Was GOOD ENOUGH"
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 09:11:00 PM
I was a little confused by the mouse squeeks Vance was making because I couldn't imagine that there were more animals coming in behind me.
It just never happens this way for me.
Heck, there was even an un identified animal that past us out of range and through a screen of high grass. All we know is that it was bigger than a bread box and smaller than a grizzly.... which reminds me.
Talked to the ranch owner up the road this afternoon. I hung around to visit because he's a hell of a nice guy and because he's offered me access to 20K+ acres to hunt... that's me, myself and I!!! I'd have hung out with him even if I didn't like him.
(supper break)
Post by: Roughcountry on August 21, 2006, 09:13:00 PM
Post by: tippit on August 21, 2006, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 21, 2006, 09:55:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 11:22:00 PM
Anyway I'm talking to the ranch owner and the subject of grizzly bears comes up. Pretty soon this guy is telling me about the agressive actions of a griz that lives in one of my all time favorite canyons.
Got my attention right away!! :scared: I've been hunting that spot for about the last 30 years and never had to worry or even put any thought into the presense of grizzlies.
I thought for a while about just finding new territory, but damned if I'm gonna let some silly old bear run me out of my sacred place.
We'll see how the hunt plan goes from here out. I may not be making any before daylight trips up into the canyon. Good visibility in daylight sounds like the ticket to me.
So to conclude this tale about the last couple of days let me say that we have more plans for the local varmint population and hopefully with a more cunning approach. :p
Since I'm feeling a little under the weather tonight we pretty much took it easy all afternoon.
Except for a small run in with a skunk out in the sage brush.
Lets just say they are a lot faster than they look.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 21, 2006, 11:25:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/nightowl1.jpg)
Last we saw of him he was wolfing down huge chunks of Mr.Muskrat.
Post by: cjones on August 22, 2006, 12:05:00 AM
Post by: JC on August 22, 2006, 08:32:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 22, 2006, 09:58:00 AM
Anything for a buddy! :wavey:
Post by: Terry Green on August 22, 2006, 10:09:00 AM
My phone needs to ring!!!
Post by: hormoan on August 22, 2006, 03:05:00 PM
MAYBE FOR NEXT YEAR WE CAN GET YOU GUYS SOME KIND OF COMPUTER FOR THE FIELD. FOR FASTER UPDATES!
HEY CHARLIE AND VANCE THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR TRIP WITH US ALL. I CAN SEE THERE ARE A LOT OF US WISHING WE WERE THERE! I READY TO QUIT MY JOB AND COME FIND YOU GUYS. GIVE ME YOUR GPS NUMBERS I'M HEADED OUT THERE.
BRENT
Post by: hormoan on August 22, 2006, 03:07:00 PM
WHUPPED IN MICHIGAN
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 22, 2006, 09:08:00 PM
I'm at home, ate dinner and got the chores done. I even tried to watch the Cubs game, but they're getting stomped...again.
NOW WHERE'S THE UPDATE!!! :D
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 22, 2006, 10:53:00 PM
Might as well consider all of it grizzly country now. Supposedly game and fish "officially" confirmed a grizzly sighting near the area 92/94 border, so in my opinion they are probably south of that already. Keep your eyes open and a clean camp.
Nathan
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 22, 2006, 11:38:00 PM
We decided to let someone with a more "delicate" touch do the actual repairs.
I did some scouting on the ranch up the road and while it all adds up to success somewhere down the road, nothing was bagged.
Saw about a bazillion sage hens in the late evening and a new world record badger but no insult passed at either as seasons aren't open on them just yet.
Nate... I kinda figured there wasn't anything holding that bear (or any other) in that one drainage and am sure there are many more than are actually talked about.
Just makes a guy a very alert hunter.
There will be more to report tomorrow so don't get discouraged guys (Jason). :D
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 22, 2006, 11:40:00 PM
Post by: JC on August 23, 2006, 07:21:00 AM
Enjoy it brothers....savor the moments.
Post by: Chad Edgar on August 23, 2006, 08:11:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 23, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 23, 2006, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on August 23, 2006, 02:39:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Littlefeather:What happened CK? Did you lose Sweet Spot in the Pecos? ;)
Hu? Grizzlies? I'll go cut a Hickory switch. You're gonna need some protection up there! :D
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 23, 2006, 05:12:00 PM
:scared: :D
Post by: JC on August 23, 2006, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on August 23, 2006, 09:08:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 23, 2006, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 09:51:00 PM
Had a good morning. Got my butt in gear and went up to check out the elk timber again.
Didn't find much in the way of fresh sign and didn't hear any bugles, chirps, farts or sneezes.
What I did find was a little pocket that needs closer inspection as I'm almost positive there is water there.
Time was running short and I need to get back in there in the next couple of days. I'd broken out of some dark timber and glassed the place I'm going back to so I was none too close.
The whole place looks pretty nice though with lots of dark timber with pockets of aspen and the odd sagebrush opening.
There wasn't a leaf or stump that was safe from my judo as I limbered up. I wanted to make sure that my open country eye worked in the closer confines and different perspective of the timber.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/darktimbershoot.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:06:00 PM
I did remember to take my pack. Forty yards down the trail I became aware of just how spoiled I'd gotten with my old Bison Gear pack. Man I miss it.
What I was using did the job, but I guess a WalMart shopping bag would have done as well.
The packstraps cut into my armpits. There edges hard and much too sharp for sensitive upper arms.
A handy little pouch on the right strap seemed like a good place to keep my GPS, but when I took my first shot the pad of velcro which kept it from flopping around pulled loose with a loud ripping sound.... that ain't gonna cut it in my world.
Hope my new Bison Gear pack (an exact replica of my old one) gets here soon. If I have to do any serious trekking with my current WalMart special I'm liable to end up shooting a broadhead straight up and catch it with my forehead.
I'm not too sure just how far I walked, but when it got to be time to return to the truck I pulled out the GPS just to build trust in the thing.
It's a different unit than what was in my pack when the whole works was stolen, but it walked my right back to the vehicle just the same.
Eventually I'll become familiar with it's slightly different format. That's really just a minor issue as it's spot on with it's directions and aquires satelites easilly even in the thick canopy of dark timber where the elk like to spend their days. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/GPSreading.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:13:00 PM
That's a shame since the fire danger is very high at this time and there are at least two fires burning over in the Wind Rivers to the east of me as I type.
A heavy rain would fix a lot of things right about now.
Closing the last gate behind me I headed back down into antelope country.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/opengate.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:16:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/chicken.jpg)
Post by: T. Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:20:00 PM
P.S. Pick up the Phone and give me a call when you get a little time.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:24:00 PM
He was very intent on what he was doing and didn't even flinch as I rumbled past.
A hundred yards down the road I turned the truck around and with camera at the ready slowly eased down toward him.
As I came to a stop he blitzed out of there, leaving me with a nice picture of the tall grass he was hunting in.... ain't that the way it goes?
I've got my game camera out on a waterhole that's being visited by a little band of antelope with a pretty nice buck as escort.
I had to drive another post to support the camera and if pics prove the spot worthy I'll set up a pop up blind there. I'll check the pics around mid day tomorrow and will share whatever I've got.
I'm getting ready to go out and check on the wind... it was blowing pretty hard a while ago.
If it has laid a little, I'll probably get out in the brush with my varmint call.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 10:27:00 PM
Give me a shout . My new phone doesn't have your number in it and I'm not even sure it's in my notebook...I need to fix that.
Post by: knife river on August 23, 2006, 10:34:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 23, 2006, 11:08:00 PM
You must have really picked that picture apart. :thumbsup:
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 23, 2006, 11:19:00 PM
Post by: Joe D on August 23, 2006, 11:40:00 PM
Post by: knife river on August 24, 2006, 12:04:00 AM
I love all your pics. Great stuff. I just wish computers had a "scratch and sniff" option. The smells of the big woods and high country is something I desparately miss. Drink it in deeply and tell us all about it, Mr. Lamb!
Post by: IB on August 24, 2006, 12:15:00 AM
Charlie won't share a Damm thing with me no more!!!! :bigsmyl:
Post by: RayMO on August 24, 2006, 07:48:00 AM
Post by: JC on August 24, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 24, 2006, 10:45:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on August 24, 2006, 11:45:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 24, 2006, 12:23:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 24, 2006, 12:53:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 25, 2006, 12:02:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 25, 2006, 12:25:00 AM
As I had stated previously, fire danger is very high out here right now. We got a taste of that.
About 6 a.m. I was laying in bed thinking about getting up and rolling when I started having this ringing in my ears. That's not unusual...been too close to too many loud noises in my life.
I noticed that if I turned my head in one direction that it dimenished and even went away for a moment.
Well, it got louder and I thought I was losing it at last.
Then I remembered the carbon monoxide detector in the camper I'm staying in. That got my attention and I got up and pulled on my jeans.
Sure as anything, the little life saver was making a most irritable noise. I opened a window and the door and went out side.
As I stepped into the chill 29 degree air I saw Vance racing out of the house. "Get in the truck!", he yelled.
I can tell you I was a little confused, but jumped on in the truck.
As we raced down the drive, throwing rocks into the billowing dust cloud behind us he explained what was going on. "We got a fire!"
Less than a quarter mile from the house I could see the yellowed grass blazing along side the road. This could get interesting, I thought.
Come to find out, a power line had snapped and as it hit the ground the shower of sparks had set the grass afire.
The alarm I'd heard in the camper was the detector reacting to the power outage caused by the downed wire....I'll sleep better tonight knowing that.
Well, long story short, we got the fire out, didn't get toasted or electrocuted. The power company showed up and fixed the problem in short order and we went about our business.
The rest of the day was a pretty routine day. We had several stalks on antelope today, but they were less than successful. Mostly we had lousy cover to work with and the goats were their usual uncooperative selves.
But man did we see some nice bucks.
Each day the bucks show more signs of the approaching rut and the large herds of does hanging on the ranch are becoming more important...bait on the hoof as we all know.
A varmint stand at last light proved futile, but I'm gonna keep at that. Saw another red fox today and I really am developing a desire to arrow one.
I'll be bringing in the game camera that I put out day before yesterday, some time tomorrow around mid day.
So should have some pics to share then.
Checking on the dried pond from my first game cam pics showed the antelope still hanging out there even though it's bone dry.
May end up staking out that place yet.
(how's that Chad?) :D
Post by: cjones on August 25, 2006, 12:55:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 25, 2006, 01:19:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 25, 2006, 07:45:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 25, 2006, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: JC on August 25, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
(we don't have a daydreaming graemlin)
Post by: vermonster13 on August 25, 2006, 11:35:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 25, 2006, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 25, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
Today started a bit quieter than did yesterday NO FIRES, fire gets me PUMPED when ya have 3000 + acres of tinder you’re settin on. :scared:
As Charlie prepared himself for another arduous day a field, I set about the daily duties that befall a “RANCH MANAGER”.
Get the car out the garage so my bride can go to work, make coffee for guest (Charles) get “desayuno” for the guest.
Check in on the GANG. :bigsmyl:
As I peered out the hole in the BLIND this morning what should I see but this?
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Gas_Does_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/BackYard_Goats_e.JPG)
You know just being here is “Good Enough”
A couple of lessons learned from last nights unsuccessful stalks, worthy of passing along might be NEVER leave home without being Gillied up totally. Arm guard face mask all that stuff, it takes WAY to much time to get ready in the heat of things and what can go wrong does go wrong. :thumbsup:
Post by: David M. Mathis on August 25, 2006, 01:38:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on August 25, 2006, 03:37:00 PM
Uh, in case the thought didn't cross yer mind, thats a real short drag ta the pickup :thumbsup:
Post by: JC on August 25, 2006, 03:53:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 25, 2006, 03:54:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 25, 2006, 03:55:00 PM
Post by: Fritz Brown on August 25, 2006, 04:03:00 PM
So we have Ferret taking pictures of deer and turkeys within rock throwing distance of his deck, now Vance taking pictures of pronghorn within rock throwing distance of his deck. Now we need someone with hogs and elk in their back yard and we can start a new competition: the lawn chair slam. The rules will be that you have to take each animal while sitting in a lawn chair on someones deck. Extra points for having lunch and a pot of coffee within arms reach when the shot is taken. Whatcha think? :)
-Fritz
Post by: vermonster13 on August 25, 2006, 04:07:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on August 25, 2006, 04:08:00 PM
Post by: Barney on August 25, 2006, 07:50:00 PM
Did see alot of antelope, big bucks. Most antelope I ever saw at 11,000 ft.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 25, 2006, 08:07:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 25, 2006, 09:05:00 PM
.
.
.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/BackYard_Goats_e.JPG)
.
.
.
One doe is looking at who ever shot...and another doe is trying to figure out how that arrow got in the fence. :D
Post by: JC on August 25, 2006, 09:09:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 25, 2006, 09:17:00 PM
That just looks too easy :D
Post by: vermonster13 on August 25, 2006, 11:51:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 26, 2006, 12:04:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on August 26, 2006, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on August 26, 2006, 09:10:00 AM
Don't make me come out there :saywhat: :saywhat: :saywhat:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 26, 2006, 10:43:00 AM
We had a pretty good day yesterday. As I've said before, we're kinda holding back until our third member shows up here.
After waking up yesterday morning surronded by antelope, we went on to find a superb buck hanging in cover that we could have easilly (?) used to our advantage.
We settled for a nice picture instead. It's in Vance's camera and we'll try to post it in a bit. Like I said, we're saving him. Are we great guys or what? :D
Of course we received his gear via next day air yesterday and have decided it would be fun to hide his stuff at different locations around the ranch... kind of an easter egg hunt on a grand scale. ;)
Aside from the putzing around with the goats I fixed up my crock stick with a new antelope horn handle and we got out the decoy pattern that our friend "Kojac" sent... very nice pattern by the way!
All the materials were collected... paint, piece of paneling, etc. and we're gonna crank that out today. When the timing is right we're gonna put it to real good use.
As with any other bowhunting, this antelope hunting about diversity and we're reaching deep into our bag of tricks.
I guess it's as much about wanting to do it all as anything. Preparation and execution go hand in hand and add flavor to an already tasty bowhunters stew.
We'll get a few pics of the decoy making process... if we don't lose any fingers in the cut out phase.
I went out to retrieve my game camera yesterday and was disappointed to find that I'd only gotten 3 exposures.
Two were empty except for sage brush and pond water and the third was of a wide eyed (and somewhat startled) me as I missed my approach and came in from the front of the camera in the dark.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/nightsurprise.jpg)
The last minutes of light were spent hunkered in the sage trying to lure a coyote to our simulated dying rabbit calls.
While the coyotes were less than receptive, we were buzzed by some kind of owl that hung around quite a while.
I kept a wary eye on him as he was intent on finding the rabbit that he was sure waited in the odd shaped sage bush.
The last thing I wanted was to have him land on my head.
Since I was calling at the time, the owl passed behind Vance without drawing attention at least twice.
I gave a low whistle to let Vance know something was up and to clue him in on this cool little event. He gave a squeek or two and had the owl within inches of his face several times.
I finally quizzed the ranch hands about what they've been seeing during their comings and goings around the ranch.
Looks like we now have a couple of prime spots for calling El Zorro... No! Not Antonio, either. :saywhat:
By the time we got in last night I was beat. Living at 8000 ft. can take a toll on an old fat man that normally lives at 800 ft.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 26, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
Nothing like the smell of sagebrush and pines after a storm. It's a heady scent that fills the senses and is about as natural a high as any man could want. :archer:
Just looked out at the thermometer and it's holding steady at 38 degrees... not that far from rain becoming snow.
Snow camo for antelope? Yep... been there, done that. Got the frost bite to prove it. :D
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 26, 2006, 12:00:00 PM
Nathan
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 26, 2006, 01:18:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 26, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 26, 2006, 01:58:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 26, 2006, 11:59:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 27, 2006, 12:23:00 AM
Rubbed shoulders with the owners of Southwest Airlines, and Yahoo... really out of my league there!
Today was shop day with two antelope decoys fabricated while we watched the rain come down and when it finally cleared enough to see the mountains, they wore a white frosting.
We'll catch everything up in the morning... I'm planning an attack on the local fox population at first light.
The antelope were acting kinda funny today. Took them a long time to make their way into the hay meadows and get on with their normal routines.
We're gonna spoil the hell out of that third member. I figure if he has a good enough time it will make him miserable at work for quite a while. :D
There was an absolute dynamite sunset tonight and moonset as well. The sun bathed the mountains in golden light while great billowing clouds crowned the peaks.
A short while later the moon, a narrow sliver of a cresent showing neon yellow, slid slowly behind the western mountains. Not quite a hunter's moon and guarenteed black as the inside of a coal miners lunch box tonight.
Good thing I've got the steps to my digs memorized or I'd surely walk into or over something hurtful.
Not likely that there would be a grizz around here, but moose are always a possibility... I try not to think about it.
We'll post some pics in the morning and then probably take a break until Monday some time.
Post by: Frank AK on August 27, 2006, 12:35:00 AM
Im going on my trip this tuesday I cant wait for that..
Meanwhile I will come along on your trip Mr. Lamb. I really appreciate you taking us on yours hunts and adventures.
Post by: cjones on August 27, 2006, 12:54:00 AM
Post by: suNaj on August 27, 2006, 01:05:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on August 27, 2006, 10:14:00 AM
Post by: Whip on August 27, 2006, 09:39:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 27, 2006, 10:15:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 28, 2006, 12:25:00 AM
It's added a new dimension to our hunting the "TALL TALES" have to end up "short stories"
Thanks to all who keep us CHARGED.........vance
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 28, 2006, 01:02:00 AM
I intended to put up a bunch of pictures tonight and it's just not happening for me as far as getting them uploaded. Maybe tomorrow the computer will cooperate.
Started out this morning early with varmint call in hand, my bow and a quiver of sharp broadheads.
I parked the truck in a wash where it couldn't be seen and far enough from the area I intended to call so that the noise of my arrival wouldn't mess things up.
Staying to the washes I made my way down to the creek bottom and along the willows that line the creek... out here it's pronounced "crik".
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/coyoterocksR.jpg)
On the first stand 4 magpies resonded to my calling. I could see the black and white bandits coming from clear across the flat. Their black feathers shone irridescent blue in the bright morning sun.
The first one to arrive came within a few feet of my face. I'd set up in the shadow of a willow to help hide my camoflaged figure and turned my face away from the birds to keep from startling them... you never know if you frighten a bird if it will alert an approaching dog. It's better to play it safe.
But no coyotes appeared so after half an hour I left that position and eased down the "crik" a quarter mile and set up again.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/coyotestandR.jpg)
This time my opening calls started 3 mule deer and sent them running up through the sage and rocks, no doubt looking for a quieter place to spend the day.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/blowcallR.jpg)
In just a few minutes I was surronded by no less than a half dozen kestrels. These cool little hawks were pretty sure there must be something to eat in that willow and circled repeatedly.
At one point I tried for a picture, but they were much too fast for my camera skills and I gave up on the notion.
No coyotes on this stand either and after an appropriate time on stand I moved toward the truck and a hot cup of coffee.
I kicked up a jackrabbit which took off like he had afterburners and offered no shot. I started to wing one at him at around 60 yards as he paused to look back, but he was on his way before I finished my draw.
During the day Vance and I looked over many antelope. I've told everyone before that we typically see a lot of antelope. Well, we must have looked over a couple hundred today... and that's a conservative guess.
Several were very nice and shooters for sure, but never in a place where we'd have had a chance for a stalk. Stalking antelope is about as tough as it gets and I don't care what kind of camo you have.
Often they are in groups of a half dozen or more. All those 10X eyes don't miss much.
One old buck in particular amazed us. His right horn was heavy and long. We guessed him at 16"... maybe more!
His right horn was around 10 inchs and had a weird shape.
All in all, I'd have to say that this will probably be that old timers last summer. He was gaunt and rough looking. His hip bones spoke of poor nutrition and age (probably due to worn teeth). They almost seemed as if they would break through his skin at any moment.
We'd have taken him in a heart beat for the unusual trophy he was, but also to put a merciful end to his suffering and what will surely be an unpleasant end when the cold finally gets him or a pack of coyotes catches up to him, or any one of a number of other miserable ways mother nature deals with age in the wild.
Vance and I got out for an evening varmint stand in the last minutes of light.
That we jumped two jackrabbits from the very cover we were heading for seemed to bode well for the area.
With thunder rumbling to the east of us and distant flashes of lightening puntuating my squeals and screams two red fox came at us on the dead run.
But they never got close enough for an effective shot and eventually worked around down wind of us and evaporated in the waning light.
We'll be off for Rock Springs in the morning. I need a couple of new tires... hadn't planned on that!
We'll no doubt have a nice lunch in the big city and see what other adventures await.
Post by: JC on August 28, 2006, 07:04:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on August 28, 2006, 07:39:00 AM
Your description of the sunset and moon rise really paint a beautiful pic.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 28, 2006, 09:44:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on August 28, 2006, 12:50:00 PM
Post by: tippit on August 28, 2006, 08:07:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 28, 2006, 11:44:00 PM
Post by: Whip on August 29, 2006, 06:26:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 12:20:00 PM
No doubt it's going to heat up starting tomorrow afternoon.
Until then I'm gonna give you all a little antelope decoy build along.
We started with the basic pattern transfer.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopepatternR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 12:22:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopecutpatternR.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on August 29, 2006, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on August 29, 2006, 12:31:00 PM
I've never been to Wyoming, but I'm starting to feel right at home with the pictures and stories you guys are providing.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 12:37:00 PM
:D
Marvin... Thanks for the encouragement. I've really been wanting to have something really exciting happen to share other than "we looked at these antelope, or saw this rabbit, blah, blah, blah".
I'm not gonna quit. Just feeling like it ain't all it could be. Guess it's a matter of perspective. :)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 12:41:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/antelopeholddecoyR.jpg)
From there we painted it up with our best Picasso style. (OK, so he didn't use spray paint)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/paintdecoyR.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 12:49:00 PM
In the end, we decided that the painted decoy didn't look as natural as leaving the plain wood with the black and white parts painted in.
What do you think?
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/finisheddecoyR.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on August 29, 2006, 12:50:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Maybe stain in honey color would fix the paint problem. That is the best dang decoy I've ever seen. CK
Post by: vermonster13 on August 29, 2006, 12:52:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 01:03:00 PM
Roness in Montana for sending us the pattern for our decoy.
That is the true spirit of Trad Gang and Brian is tops in my book for sure.
Soon I'm going to cut the decoy in half and add hinges to make it more portable.
Initial exposure to a nearby buck showed him being VERY interested in the decoy and showing territorial behavior.
As the rut heats up and with a slightly closer approach I think we'll be able to suck him right in for a shot.
This particular buck hangs near good stalking cover. The problem has been that to complete a stalk and get withing shooting distance we'd have to somehow sneek right through the middle of his does and I doubt that's gonna work.
With the rut, we should be able to pull him away from his does and send an arrow his way.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 01:07:00 PM
Vance promised me he'd show me his super snowshoe rabbit honey hole today. I'll report on that when we get back... season opens for them Friday just like the local elk season. :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2006, 01:09:00 PM
Post by: Firstarrow on August 29, 2006, 01:38:00 PM
:D
I'm green with envey, you all are having more fun than ya ought to. Thanks for sharing with us.
I just can't wait to get after elk again tonight.
Only been into them once since season started and no shot opportunities for me (Bulls were sparing) but I will take the first yearling cow that gives me the shot.
I'll check back in tomorrow!!!
Thanks for the pics and story telling.
Post by: Brian Halbleib on August 29, 2006, 01:45:00 PM
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Marvin M. on August 29, 2006, 01:51:00 PM
Post by: Jumper on August 29, 2006, 02:02:00 PM
Post by: TXRED on August 29, 2006, 02:05:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on August 29, 2006, 03:01:00 PM
May the Goddess Diana be with you and look over you both. ( Remember she is also the protector of children!)
Thanks again, I check for updates all the time, and look forward to the next.
This is really making me miss Wyoming, its been 5 years since I've been out there hunting. There is nothing like those rolling hills. And the smell of the sage brush in the morning.
Good luck guys, we all envie you both.
Brent
Post by: ironrhino on August 29, 2006, 03:32:00 PM
and for the record... this thread is giving me hope that one day after i'm out of college a few years maybe i to can roam the west... and ask myself
"Is this what its like to be Charlie Lamb?"
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 29, 2006, 08:40:00 PM
Post by: kojac on August 29, 2006, 09:17:00 PM
I'm sure you will have a buck come run you off but the problem will be if he comes closer than 50-75yrds before he turns to get the wind on ya.
If both of ya can go, have a shooter in a gille-suit down-wind 25-30yrds (just like a elk calling set-up)these goats like to come into 70yrds or so than circle down wind before they come all the way and also try to stay out of site until your under 100yrds or so than set the decoy up and hopefully the herd buck will try to run ya off and you can poke'em with cupids arrow.
also don't be surprized if the antelope run off 90% of the time just dog'em and beat the old boy down if ya can.
good luck
Post by: JC on August 30, 2006, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on August 30, 2006, 03:04:00 PM
If all else fails and it don't get here in time, I had my bride save a couple feed sacks, it would match that bush your wearing better anyhow. :D
Good luck with the decoys, I've been glued in watchin the blow by blow :thumbsup:
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 30, 2006, 03:13:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on August 30, 2006, 07:11:00 PM
Heading to camp tommorrow after work, hope to see you sometime this weekend. I would say your welcome to the campfire but I saw they just put in a fire ban for the whole Bridger-Teton NF. Will have to sit around the lantern.
Nathan
Post by: Guru on August 30, 2006, 10:27:00 PM
Continued good luck guys!!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 08:58:00 AM
Our third party arrived yesterday in a cloud of dust and smoke reeling off the rental car tires from a world record trip to the ranch.
We immediately got him in his cammies and after a short broadhead sharpening session had him on his way toward a VERY nice antelope buck.
Will I be blowing it if I say it was almost perfect? ;)
Post by: vermonster13 on August 31, 2006, 09:00:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 10:00:00 AM
I had a ringside seat for an excellent stalk. The buck had been spotted at a distance moving toward a line of willows.
Our stalker moved quickly into position as the doe the buck was following moved past. In my mind it was all over but the shoutin.
The buck, a nice 14 incher, moved slowly forward. As I watched through the 30 power spotting scope, the distance between shooter and antelope was compressed... as it usually will be.
Vance and I thought that any moment a chartreuse fletched shaft would arc across the short space and end the hunt almost before it had begun.
We waited and waited, but no yellow streak came and no startled reaction to a shot from the buck.
At last the buck turned to face our hunter and we figured the jig was up... and in fact it was.
In time we'd meet our nimrod and get the whole story.
What had seemed like a slam dunk close shot of 10 or 15 yards through the scope was in fact more like 30 for the shooter.
The wind, which was all wrong, was blowing the willow cover almost flat. Gusting hard from hunter to quarry. It's a good thing that antelope don't depend on their noses like a whitetail... though in that wind it would have been tough for even a wiley old whitetail buck to sort things out.
So in the end we had a stand off with the buck. Heavy, gusty winds, coupled with a quartering on angle and long shot distance made for a no win situation and our hunter wisely passed on the shot.
A late evening ride showed us more antelope... duh and as we got back up in the mountains, we saw our first moose of the trip... a paddle horn bull.
We closed out the evening at the lodge with a cold Tecate and a few heated hunting stories.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 31, 2006, 10:13:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 10:50:00 AM
Nate... we'll try to get up and see you this weekend.
Post by: JC on August 31, 2006, 10:53:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 31, 2006, 10:57:00 AM
The wind should be in his favor this morning and with a better lay of the terrain he should be set in about 20 to 30 min. :bigsmyl:
We're perched on a bluff above him fitted with a 60x Zeiss BIG EYE , a Cannon 20D with a 300mm lens attached. With any luck we hope to bring the action right into your lap.
So with that friends, You'll all be waitin right beside us. :banghead: ............vance
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 31, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 31, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 31, 2006, 12:11:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 31, 2006, 12:15:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 31, 2006, 12:21:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 12:46:00 PM
Through use of hand signals we've alerted our hunter to the new position of the buck and he's making needed adjustments.
Looks like the stalk is getting tricky at this point....now back to the studio. ;)
Post by: RayMO on August 31, 2006, 12:50:00 PM
I guess a direct video feed via a satellite might be asking a bit much :D :D :D
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 31, 2006, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 01:26:00 PM
Post by: Whip on August 31, 2006, 01:26:00 PM
I guess those loans are just going to have to wait - we got action going on!!
Post by: AZStickman on August 31, 2006, 01:35:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 02:43:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on August 31, 2006, 02:47:00 PM
Well????
Post by: ArcticArcher on August 31, 2006, 02:50:00 PM
Post by: Chad Edgar on August 31, 2006, 02:56:00 PM
Post by: IB on August 31, 2006, 03:03:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on August 31, 2006, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 31, 2006, 03:30:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 03:34:00 PM
This played out like a suspense novel and it's been just as hard for me waiting for the conclusion as it has been all of you.
In the end an unseen doe came ambling in from the exact wrong direction and the anticipated target went on his merry way.
That's about 4 hours of anticipation for our hunter.
The buck, who had been heading for a meeting with his maker had spotted another band of does entering the meadow... seems a coyote was harrassing them and that's why they showed up.
Once in the field Vance's mule, who takes a dim veiw of coyotes and wolves (yep, we've got those too), ran the dog off and the does settled right down, but in a bad position for our hunter.
Since it looked as if it was going to unravel quickly, Vance took the bull (decoy) by the horns and ghillied up.
Soon he had rendesvoused with our third member and a new plan commenced.
The rest was a waiting game and in the end it was like so many other stalks.
There's more goats out there and we mean to get us one... stay tuned. The day is young.
(we've got pics to post a little later)
Post by: Marvin M. on August 31, 2006, 03:46:00 PM
Quote
This played out like a suspense novel and it's been just as hard for me waiting for the conclusion as it has been all of you.It's not the same. You are on a hillside in Wyoming. I'm in an office in Kentucky -- working (sort of)!!!
Want to trade?
Post by: Marvin M. on August 31, 2006, 03:47:00 PM
Post by: JC on August 31, 2006, 08:41:00 PM
Post by: Guru on August 31, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2006, 10:52:00 PM
We looked over several BIG bands of antelope today trying to find just the right buck in just the right place.
It looked like we'd found that in one herd at the base of a high hill. As we moved into position to begin the stalk they busted us and lit out for higher and safer ground.
Blasting around behind the hill we took a gamble that we could cut them off... it almost worked!
We had our choice of draws to ambush in and of course the goats chose the one we didn't.
After cruising some new country looking for stalkable goats or at least an overlooked waterhole, and finding neither, we were back on home turf for the last blinding rays of the setting sun and a final go at the meadow goats.
It almost worked! Our bowman got seriously friendly with sagebrush and sandy soil in an attempt to close the distance.
He simply ran out of time. At sixty yards the dandy buck left the field, followed by the rest of the herd, passing within 15 yards of a ditch crossing I'd deemed "unfit".
Don't ya just love it. :banghead: (I think I'll be using that Graemlin a lot in the next few days) :D
The last dying rays of light were snuffed out by the spreading cold of evening and I pulled on a jacket before heading back to the cabin for a late, but much needed supper.
The pictures of the day are in the works and I hope to have them up before long.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on August 31, 2006, 11:10:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 01, 2006, 07:14:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 01, 2006, 09:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 09:46:00 AM
Got a few pics to share... file uploader finally working this morning.
Here's one of how the day starts every day.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/scopeveiw.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 09:49:00 AM
(note arrow leaving bow) (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/tshoots.jpg)
Post by: Marty B on September 01, 2006, 09:50:00 AM
Signed: a frustrated observer
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 09:52:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/wrongwayhunt.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 09:56:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 10:17:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 01, 2006, 10:24:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on September 01, 2006, 10:27:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 01, 2006, 10:35:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 01, 2006, 11:24:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 01, 2006, 11:34:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 01, 2006, 11:36:00 AM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on September 01, 2006, 01:59:00 PM
Great stuff guys, keep it coming. JC and I need something to keep us busy until we're harassing the critters down his way next weekend.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Marvin M. on September 01, 2006, 02:13:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 01, 2006, 02:21:00 PM
Post by: suNaj on September 01, 2006, 03:01:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 01, 2006, 04:18:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2006, 05:57:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Torangerocks.jpg)
Post by: cjones on September 02, 2006, 12:06:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 02, 2006, 07:17:00 AM
No pressure but we're all count'n on you to stick one.
Post by: Guru on September 02, 2006, 08:50:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 02, 2006, 09:20:00 AM
Lots of good happened yesterday and there's more pics to come. Besides, why would we want to rush the killin? :D
Post by: Terry Green on September 02, 2006, 09:27:00 AM
Darke,....don't worry about our nurishment....Charlie just had a craving for Hot Dogs yesterday at lunch for some reason.....other than that, breakfast and supper have been feasts of Buffalo and Hog.....we are eating just fine, and have good drink as well...and I'm just now finishing off a hot cup of Columbian and a Maduro.
Today looks very promising....
See you guys later. :wavey:
Post by: BMOELLER on September 02, 2006, 11:13:00 AM
AWESOME,AWESOME story boys
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 02, 2006, 08:13:00 PM
Man I can't wait for the next update. I had to run over to another town to help the inlaws and all I could think about was what was on this thread. This is just cool stuff!
Post by: Killdeer on September 02, 2006, 08:56:00 PM
I hope it's a purty sunset.
Killdeer :archer:
Post by: cjones on September 02, 2006, 11:20:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 02, 2006, 11:38:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 12:34:00 AM
We just finished supper and it's 10:30 and beddy bye time. See you all in the morning.
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 03, 2006, 06:04:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 09:29:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/pondsunrise2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/pondsunrise.jpg)
Snow? Yes folks, snow. It's entirely possible with temps averaging in the 20's every morning. This one being no exception.
We've certainly been busy the last couple of days.
Up and down the ranch, off onto public ground, and high against the base of the mountains, working plan after plan.
As all good hunters do we started with plan A and as close as I can tell we're now at plan R. That leaves us a few plans to work yet and we're sure gonna do that.
This morning Terry is off to an ambush site that has shown habitual movement over the last week.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 09:36:00 AM
As per usual, our binoculars have stayed glued to watery eyes seaching for the perfect opportunity.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/tglasstitrock.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 09:40:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Tdrawcliff.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 09:45:00 AM
Sometimes just pausing at some pretty spot that captures our imagination and stimulates our appreciation of the little and not so little things that we encounter daily.
A picture of good looking country without an archer in it is somehow empty, so we fill that void to satisfy some future need.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/tdrawcubby.jpg)
Post by: el cazador on September 03, 2006, 10:10:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 10:25:00 AM
There is still a charm to the high sage and we couldn't resist a picture along this old fence line.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/tdrawfence.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 10:33:00 AM
But pretty country makes for a light heart and puts a bounce in your step...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/twalkshillside.jpg)
Post by: Huntrdfk on September 03, 2006, 10:46:00 AM
David
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 12:21:00 PM
Often the whole thing is blown before it starts and we've found that the local goats are "skittish" to say the least. Way beyond what is normal in my experience and even to the conditioned eye of local ranchers that we visit with almost daily.
But there are exceptions.
For instance, day before yesterday we set out for a move on a very nice buck who was feeding in broken country.
He'd been spotted from a mile away so we jumped in the truck to close the distance to something reasonable.
I dropped T. off as we passed a wash which ran close to the bucks position... 200 yards. I slowed to a crawl for an instant as to not alert our quarry. As Terry slid out of the moving vehicle I speeded up and drove well past the feeding buck.
When I'd put a half mile between me and the antelope I parked to watch the show.
I'd parked by a gate into one of the ranch pastures and a herd of 30 goats down the fence line 300 yards went into hyper drive.
No looking back or nervous posturing, they went from zero to warp speed in an instant and were gone.
Looking back down the fence in the other direction I was perplexed to see a small band of does feeding along unbothered by my presense. I doubt they were more than 60 yards away. Figure that one out!
Terry's stalk ended when the feeding buck (who'd kept a wary eye peeled my way) crested the hill behind which Terry was hiding and casually fed away from him.
Late in the day we went to an old homestead site which lay in a small valley. A natural spring flowed from the rocky terrain and created a green belt down the center of the valley.
The plan was to move any antelope that might be holding there toward a fence crossing that Vance knew of.
We'd hidden Terry far below the spring and circled far above and beyond to start our drive.
We must have moved 25 head on that push, but every one of them took off AWAY from our stander. So much for best laid plans.
As Vance and I moved the truck to the spring to await dark and watch our distant partner and try to will something to happen, a nice buck appeared on the hill above us and sauntered to the spring a mere 50 yards below us. He was oblivious to th presense of the truck.... until Vance got out and tried to move on him.
We decided that it was a natural ambush spot. The homesteader's cabin, which had stood at that spot for a hundred years or better, lay within a bow shot of the spring.
It's roof had collapsed decades before leaving enough overhead to provide shade.
The walls, however, were sound, standing gray and weathered, the marks of a broad axe plainly visible on it's hand hewn walls.
After a frustrating morning in the local meadow we packed food and drink and Terry spent the afternoon waiting for his ship to come in. It didn't quite make it to the dock!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 12:33:00 PM
We were able to find the camp of Trad Ganger and local resident Nate Fikkert, where we spent an enjoyable hour or two visiting and learning of his days hunt.
Seems he and his partner Dan were feeling the effects of a tough days hunt high on the mountain.
Young and in good shape it had taken it's physical toll on the two.
I understand that! I used to climb that very mountain when I was much younger and in much much better shape.... I doubt I'll ever see that mountainside again.
We left Nate and his buddy (who held up the Trad Gang tradition of being a outgoing and friendly) with a couple of tips to secret places and a hand full of well wishes.
Vance and I checked out several "old man" spots before heading back to pick up Terry at dark.
We came across this little egg sucker on the way.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/skunkshoot.jpg)
The striped skunk is the bane of the sage hen clan. Destroying entire nests of eggs in the spring. They also play havoc with other ground nesting birds.
They've long been on the unprotected list in this state and are typically shot on site... but there still seem to be plenty.
Their coat is gorgeous if one has the stomach for skinning them.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/skunk06.jpg)
The sage hens will thank me for this... at least until the season opens in a couple of weeks when they'll have other things to worry about besides skunks.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 03, 2006, 12:41:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/sunsetcabin.jpg)
An hour before dark a compound commando and his crossbow toting companion appeared on the horizon riding their 4 wheeled mounts within sight of a water hole a quarter mile below Terry's hide out.
They took up positions on the pond bank where they stuck out like a sore thumb in their dark camo and with rings and watches flashing in the bright rays of the setting sun.
I'll let Terry tell a little of his adventure when he gets time.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/toldcabin.jpg)
We returned to camp for a hot meal and some solid sack time after a cold Tecate.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on September 03, 2006, 01:03:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 03, 2006, 02:40:00 PM
I started out early this AM before the lopes woke up and got set finally in a place the herds had been crossing, yesterday I didn't make it in time...they got there before I did. I was in the best place I thought that would walk em right by me or I could put a move on em.
Well, after watching them at a distance for 2 hours, they finally made a move in my direction....but so did four other BIG animals from the rear. I was between two thick willows with a slight opening behind me and very open in front. There was also a small willow I could see thought set out in front of me....a very natural blind I could move and shoot out of very easy.]
As the group of doe moved in, I was set to take one being the last day....any buck or doe that got in range was on the list. I heard footsteps behind me, and I dare not turn around....then stomping, very very heavy stomping, and a very deep snort. I slowly turned around and there were four horses stanging over me, and they let it be known that they were not happy with me at all. Raring up on hind legs, stomping and I'm willing to bet there's snot on the back of my camos.....
I was trying to keep an eye on them and the lopes, but more so them. Thinking they were going to charge right through that little opening and stomp a mud hole in me. So, I waived at them, ...didn't work. I took my ghillie hat off and that didn't work. I had a serious talk with them, and they just weren't listening. They came around in front of me and this one beautifull stallion just kept bluff charging me and circling back for another go.
The lopes, including a buck, had crossed the snakey creek about 150 yards in front of me and to my left, and there was enough cover for me to cross to the left of me out the back of the blind. I ducked out and crossed the creek, and the horses seemed to have settled a bit....like I'd crossed some imaginary boundry. They were settled, but still very concerned with me, so I had to keep an eye on them and the lopes now in front of me......
Charlie and Vance have lunch ready.....these guys are something else let me tell ya....and they are spoiling me rotten!!!....
Post by: Guru on September 03, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
Post by: Randy Morin on September 03, 2006, 04:16:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 03, 2006, 04:24:00 PM
Finally the jig was up with them....now where was the buck?.....
Post by: TXRED on September 03, 2006, 04:42:00 PM
Post by: kojac on September 03, 2006, 06:41:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on September 03, 2006, 08:24:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 03, 2006, 08:43:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 03, 2006, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 03, 2006, 11:48:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 04, 2006, 12:39:00 AM
I eased into the scattered willows scanning for the nice buck I'd seen go in, much sooner than later I saw movement....it was a doe...and another...and a 3rd.....and the buck was taking up the rear.
I figured they were going back out to the field to the right via the 2nd point of willows that lead out to the open planes. I needed to get back across the creek quick and get set up. As they moved behind a wall of willows I scampered across the creek and got on my knees just a few yards from the bank....just maybe they would come close enough for a shot.
Here they come, crossing a wash and heading toward me. The lead doe was quicky in range, but I figured the buck was going to follow the same path so I let here keep walking, and sure enough....here comes the buck trotting out of the wash following the same footsteps.....
Be back in a bit.....
Post by: Terry Green on September 04, 2006, 12:58:00 AM
My lower limb was resting on the ground, and I began to ease it up, but for some reason it didn't want to lift more than 3 inches. Some stray sage had grabbed my fletch cover and I had to lower the bow and lean it over to clear it. I guess that was all they needed to see, cause when I came back up with the bow they all bolted. What a sight that was to see that beautifull buck kick it in to hyper space, man was he cuttin a shuck.
That was about all the exitement I could stand. With the horses, the Mexican stand off with the herd of does, and this 'almost' with the buck, I took off my hat and layed on my back for a couple of minutes.....it was some morning.
Stay tuned...its the last evening for me...the 4th quarter, and you never know what might happen in the two minute warning......
Post by: Terry Green on September 04, 2006, 01:32:00 AM
As we arived, we saw the 4 wheelers again parked in the same spot as last night, and there were comments asking if I wanted to stay. I chose to figuring they might have moved some out of the bottom again and they might come in from the top to feed or drink from the little spring.
The sage in this area was about knee high, but there was a little flat spot in a depression on the side of this hill that looked like the place to be if anything showed on the upper end of this valley.
I suited up with Vance's Ghillie suite, and the guys wished me luck and went on their own journey of mule deer and elk.
Not long after they left, the sage hens began to pile in. Other than the 3 dozen birds grazing about it was very quiet. The next thing I spotted were the two hunters from the night before climbing back out to their rides before the sun had even gone behind the mountains.
As they finaly left, I caught some movement from way down below and raised my binos. It was a song dog out for a stoll. He scurried about paralleling the sage line. He kept me entertained for a while, and I though I'd give the predator call Charlie had left me a whirl if he didn't get in decent range, and that's what I did. He came bounding across the grassy valley toward me, and as I adjusted Vance's ghuillie hat he spun and lit out looking over his shoulder at me most of the way till he was safely into the sage across from me some 100 yards away.
It was very quiet in the valley now, too quiet really. As I sat in the silent beauty of it all, I began to recall the stalks I'd made with Vance and Charlie, the storries they'd told about 'back in the day', the meals we'd had, and all the diverse scenery I'd had the pleasure of hunting in. It had been quite a hunt to say the least. I was a lucky man to share a camp with these two men at the same time.
As my mind was wandering about all that, I got interupted by the sound of trotting footsteps coming from my left......
Post by: charlielambsdaughter on September 04, 2006, 01:44:00 AM
love melissa
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2006, 02:08:00 AM
Post by: cjones on September 04, 2006, 02:17:00 AM
Post by: Frank AK on September 04, 2006, 03:36:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 04, 2006, 05:53:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2006, 09:23:00 AM
He is in the shower at this moment and will be heading south to Salt Lake City and the freedom bird home.
This long awaited portion of the trip is complete and new adventures are just over the mountain.
It's certainly been grand, like it always is when good friends meet for the first time and old friends are reunited.
I'll leave Terry's unfinished tale for him to tell... it's a beaut! So this is a good news bad news thing. The good news is it was great. The bad news is that you have to wait until Terry gets home and settles in for the exciting conclusion to his hunt. (don't jump to conclusions guys! ;) )
Post by: IB on September 04, 2006, 09:54:00 AM
As for Mr Lam"O" who really knows whats left in his pocket ? Rest Assured he does have a few more TRICKS left ta pull on us :knothead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2006, 11:24:00 AM
Let me fill in a few blanks.
The morning was all about coffee and watching Terry work antelope. After that I threw together a pot of chili and set to cooking in the crock pot. We wouldn't see it again for 9 hours!
Loading up in the Suburban the three of us headed for high country. There were goats there, hanging around the fringes of timber and providing unique opportunities for our antelope hunting buddy.
Where we had seen plenty the day before, this day none were spotted in positions to stalk. It's the name of the game.
Our travels took us up beyond the antelope and into the realm of the mule deer and elk.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2006, 11:48:00 AM
Just an off colored spot against a pine green backdrop, my buddy Vance picked up on it quickly and we were soon using our optics to confirm what lying old eyes suggested.
Still sporting his red summer coat the buck fed unconcernedly in the grass in the fringe of lodgepoles. It was Ghillie time and Vance was soon suited up and slinking off through the timber, bow in hand and tag in pocket.
Terry and I took the rig and headed up the mountain to kill some time and a few stumps.
On our return we found Vance waiting. His quiver was full and all the arrows in it were dry.
It's tough stalking up there right now. In near corn flake conditions Vance had approached almost within range before the crackling ground cover gave him away.
Before long we were on our way again but this time we were taking Terry back down into antelope country for a late afternoon set at the cabin site.
A quick strategy session, hand shakes and best wishes, and Vance turned the Suburban back toward the mountains. We'd see what we could see.
I don't think either of us expected to run into another buck like the first one, so we were just putting along merrily looking over likely elk cover when at a bend in the road we came on another muley.
Pulling out of sight I again left Vance slipping into the pines while I went else where to kill time.
When the game is afoot it's tough not to have a tag in your wallet. Dang!!
This time when I made my way back down the mountain, I found Vance with an arrow missing from his quiver and a wry look on his face.
In his usual style he made me guess what was going on as we walked into the lodgepoles.
What he showed me was something I'd seen before. The buck had stood for the approach and allowed a solid full draw and anchor. However, as the arrow sped toward his ribs he bolted in time to avoid the well aimed shot.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/vbroadheadintree.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2006, 11:57:00 AM
Now Vance swears the buck saw the Luminock blazing toward it and that's what caused the reaction. It made me think.
It made Vance think too, because he didn't know that was the arrow he had on the string. All of the nocks on his arrows were the same color.
So when the tracer whizzed across the dark forest opening, he was as surprised as the buck... it was his first time shooting a lighted nock.
We spent quite a while whittling the Magnus II out of that tree... good thing it was a pine and not an oak like back home or it would still be there.
Soon we were on our way and before long we found more bucks.
These deer were within 50 yards of a hunters truck. He'd parked back in the pines and undoubtedly was off chasing elk... I wondered if he had a deer tag in his pocket.
That stalk ended in short order and we were once more on the road. Still high on the mountain, Vance's cell phone rang. The results of the call would have us racing toward the sagebrush country.
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 04, 2006, 12:43:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 04, 2006, 01:40:00 PM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on September 04, 2006, 02:58:00 PM
Well we broke camp after more climbing ridges and seeing very little. Here I have been climbing to the top of the mountains looking for Muleys and looks like I should have been staying lower. We took you and Vance's "secret" walk yesterday and found where the elk "had been" but seems we were just a day or two behind them, until next weekend I guess.
Nathan
Post by: robtattoo on September 04, 2006, 03:41:00 PM
Post by: Arrow4Christ on September 04, 2006, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: kojac on September 04, 2006, 04:52:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 04, 2006, 05:46:00 PM
Post by: bayoulongbowman on September 04, 2006, 07:11:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 04, 2006, 07:14:00 PM
Oh well I have to go too!
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 04, 2006, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: UKarcher on September 05, 2006, 07:07:00 AM
Graham
Post by: Littlefeather on September 05, 2006, 07:31:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 05, 2006, 08:47:00 AM
Charlie could post some pictures of mule deer and Elk they kill today while we're waiting on Terry to get home. :)
Post by: IB on September 05, 2006, 09:02:00 AM
CK.........Stand BY....Need COFFEE...WILL CALL
Post by: Whip on September 05, 2006, 09:23:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 09:31:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 05, 2006, 09:43:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 09:48:00 AM
He came trotting down the middle of the valley as if he owned it, but he didn't want to stop. I was ready for the shot but he just kept moving, and the lumpy ground sure caused for a jumbled up target. Then the buck looped left and moved up the opposite side of the valley and headed back the way he came, only on a smooth trail now.
He stopped this time.........
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 09:48:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on September 05, 2006, 09:55:00 AM
Post by: Bert Frelink on September 05, 2006, 09:57:00 AM
and THANK YOU!!! for taking us on the ride.
Regards, Bert
Post by: vermonster13 on September 05, 2006, 10:03:00 AM
Post by: Arrow4Christ on September 05, 2006, 10:03:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 05, 2006, 10:09:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 10:16:00 AM
Charlie and Vance's expressions on arrival, and getting the final news that WE had our antelope, showed that they were as pumped as I was....and I wanted pics with them as well cause I sure couldn't have done it without them...so here they are......
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/vtantelopebuck1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/tandcantelopebuck.jpg)
Post by: Chad Edgar on September 05, 2006, 10:16:00 AM
Post by: Marvin M. on September 05, 2006, 10:22:00 AM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 05, 2006, 10:23:00 AM
Post by: el cazador on September 05, 2006, 10:28:00 AM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 05, 2006, 10:54:00 AM
Danny
Post by: TXRED on September 05, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Here's a neat hide out...wish I'd have gotten a pic of this little cabin from the outside...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/cabin1.jpg)
That little green grassy area is where the buck was standing....only I was not in the cabin.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/c3.jpg)
View out the front door....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/c4.jpg)
Post by: kojac on September 05, 2006, 11:09:00 AM
great job,
br
PS Terry, I think you can stop using the ROGAIN, your hair looks like its geting a little bushy!
Post by: Brian Halbleib on September 05, 2006, 11:11:00 AM
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 11:16:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/w1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/w2.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 05, 2006, 11:18:00 AM
To take an antelope buck in this part of Wyoming without sitting over a waterhole (it can be pretty hit or miss around here) is not only difficult, it's damn near impossible... at least it is if you only have 5 days.
When it comes down to the last half hour of the last day you'd better be a pressure shooter. Terry is all that and a bag of chips.
To take one literally under the noses of "modern" equiptment shooters with stick and string makes it all that much sweeter.
In the words of that immortal philosopher, "I love it when a plan comes together." (Hannibal Smith- The A Team) :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 05, 2006, 11:23:00 AM
I'll warn you right now, though. I'm gonna peel off for a few days and head south. There won't be any computer access where I'm going so I'll have to leave it all to Vance to keep you entertained.
If he drops the ball, I'll surely drag this thread back up from page 12 or wherever it ends up in my absence... I'm not done with you guys yet. :readit:
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 05, 2006, 11:25:00 AM
Just wanted to say thanks to all three of you for sharing this hunt. I look forward to the next phase.
Terry,
Is is mounted yet? :)
Post by: TXRED on September 05, 2006, 11:49:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 05, 2006, 12:04:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 05, 2006, 12:07:00 PM
The pics are great Terry, can almost smell the sage over the smoke.
Lookin forward to the next installment of the wanderin archers :D
Post by: Huntrdfk on September 05, 2006, 12:20:00 PM
Thanks to all of you for bringing us along, and I look forward to the rest of the adventure!
David
Post by: AZStickman on September 05, 2006, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: RayMO on September 05, 2006, 12:35:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on September 05, 2006, 01:18:00 PM
Post by: Doug Campbell on September 05, 2006, 01:24:00 PM
Post by: kojac on September 05, 2006, 01:26:00 PM
thanks again!!!!
Post by: tradtusker on September 05, 2006, 01:30:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 05, 2006, 01:55:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 03:01:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/v2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/v3.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/v4.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/v5.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/v6.jpg)
Post by: Randy Morin on September 05, 2006, 03:25:00 PM
Post by: Mike Yancey on September 05, 2006, 03:59:00 PM
Mike
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 05, 2006, 07:16:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 05, 2006, 08:28:00 PM
As I left my two hunting partners the next morning, I saw 4 mulie doe jumping the fence onto Vance's place.....and as I rounded the corner, I blew the horn at the 'Corner Buck' and his harem only 15 yards from the road........it was business as usual.
I topped the hill and all the hunting grounds were now behind me, and I wondered what I'd be missing while back in GA. I left a piece of me there for sure....a piece of my heart. I'd even seen Charlie's avatar, 'O'l Triple Peak.
Luckily the GA season opens Saturday....but I know where my mind will wander if its slow.
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on September 05, 2006, 08:34:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on September 05, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 05, 2006, 09:06:00 PM
Post by: charlielambsdaughter on September 05, 2006, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: JEFF B on September 05, 2006, 09:25:00 PM
Post by: Frank AK on September 05, 2006, 10:13:00 PM
haha I have been saving that corny joke for osme time.
I followed this thread for quite some time and look forward to the hunt of my own..
YOU GUYS GOT ME PUMPED!!
Frank
Post by: Mudfeather on September 05, 2006, 10:26:00 PM
THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Post by: kennym on September 05, 2006, 10:42:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 05, 2006, 10:58:00 PM
Terry, thanks for your contribution. You put the icing on the cake.
Lamb.. Way to quote a line out of the A-Team. A personal favorite from my childhood.
"I pity the fool who doesn't read this thread!"
Chris
Post by: highcountry on September 05, 2006, 11:00:00 PM
Post by: BTH on September 06, 2006, 12:23:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 06, 2006, 10:24:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/r1.jpg)
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 06, 2006, 12:11:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 06, 2006, 03:51:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/r3.jpg)
Vance 'Iron Bull' Brewer got added to my hero's list. He treated me better than family.
Post by: JC on September 06, 2006, 04:05:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Terry Green:I tolt ya! :readit:
A Mountain.....and a Mountain of a Man.....
Vance 'Iron Bull' Brewer got added to my hero's list. He treated me better than family.
The good news is, he's coming to see his daughter in Raliegh in the not too far off...and promised to stop by and stay a while...so we can return the favor. :bigsmyl:
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 06, 2006, 04:16:00 PM
Cool picture!
Post by: Littlefeather on September 06, 2006, 05:19:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 06, 2006, 11:51:00 PM
Post by: suNaj on September 07, 2006, 03:31:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 07, 2006, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: Chad Edgar on September 07, 2006, 09:01:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 07, 2006, 09:48:00 AM
My Daddy always told me
"To have Friends.... You must First be a Friend"
You TRAD GANG make that VERY VERY easy to do.
Terry let's do her agin and next time bring LITTLE BRO with ya.
Post by: waknstak IL on September 07, 2006, 10:47:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2006, 11:16:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/IMG_0857R.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2006, 11:21:00 AM
I'm not sure, but I think "Nummy" (and if he's all that why didn't we get him...he's the buck in Terry's story about the horse fiasco) was thumbing his nose at us.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/IMG_0861R.jpg)
Had to order a set of new tires for my truck and those arrived yesterday. We're going to mount them this morning and get back to proper business for an old bowhunter.
See ya in the elk timber later. :wavey:
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 07, 2006, 11:29:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2006, 12:00:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Meese_eR.JPG)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 07, 2006, 12:06:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2006, 12:11:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 07, 2006, 12:13:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 07, 2006, 12:18:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 07, 2006, 12:18:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on September 07, 2006, 12:20:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 07, 2006, 12:25:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 07, 2006, 12:30:00 PM
It will be after the Elk trip though. CK
Post by: Marvin M. on September 07, 2006, 01:04:00 PM
Put a harness on it and hitch it to your little red wagon and you're good to go!!!
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Drifter on September 07, 2006, 02:06:00 PM
Post by: T. Lamb on September 07, 2006, 11:00:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 08, 2006, 12:40:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 08, 2006, 06:27:00 AM
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 08, 2006, 08:26:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2006, 09:20:00 AM
The weather man is promising rain (but he might have his fingers crossed behind his back) and with that promise comes a heavy cloud cover that seems to be interfering with satelite function.
Last night there were two old men sitting in front of their monitors cussing a blue streak and wanting desperately to read, write, add pictures or anything.
Same frustration this morning, but starting to get used to frustration on this trip... to many changes of plan for my old brain. :banghead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2006, 10:09:00 AM
So I'll just put down what I have to say without pics and plug them in later.
With new rubber on the old truck and Vance obligated to other endeavors, I headed for the high country alone.
It's hard to beat the company of a good friend like Vance, but there is something about high lonesome country that begs for a single set of boot prints.
I have to admit to having reservations about traveling alone up high. I think it's an age thing and in fact believe it's more a mental thing than a physical thing at this point in my life.
All the "what if's" gnawed at me during the empty months before this trip came around.
I'd gained way too much weight over the past several years, but had trimmed down substantially before and during the early stages of my visit.
There are grizzly bears in these mountains now that were never present when I lived here. I thought a lot about that too.
But if the mountains are anything, they are about exploring ones limits and not the least of those limits is the psychological limits we impose on ourselves.
That's really what has always drawn me to the high wild places. Getting out where you push yourself physically and mentally.
"Blow out the cobs", as a friend use to say. Stretch muscle that's been too long in front of a computer monitor and shake off the bonds of civilization.
Court the wild thing that lives in everyone's heart, make love to it and set it free.
I found myself once again aching to be alone and high on the mountain... and I knew just where I'd go.
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 08, 2006, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2006, 10:45:00 AM
Thoughts of an old friend flashed in my minds eye. Buck Moore was an old man when I'd known him.
A character and true mountain man, we'd worked in a local sawmill together before I was called to a grander adventure in Southeast Asia.
He and his brother Snooks had been grizzly hunters in their youth with stories that sent chills up my young spine and set the tone for my own adventurous spirit.
I remembered the day I returned from overseas. The mill owner had welcomed me back with open arms.
"Old Buck is down at the millhouse, he'd said, go on down there and give him a hand".
I walked through the door or the old gray clap board building as Buck was finishing the first cut on a huge lodgepole log.
Buck looked up from his position at the control levers and without a blink, reached in his pocket for the denim polished tobacco can that rested there.
He'd roll a smoke as the log returned to the ready position, never taking his leathery hand from the lever.
The rolling was done with one hand and I always marveled at that...I wasted a couple of pounds of tobacco over the years trying to learn too.
I'd grabbed the first board as it fell onto the conveyor and carried it to the appropriate stack.
When the last board from that log was stacked, Buck walked down the dusty isle and offering a strong hand in greeting looked me right in the eye. "What brings you back to this God forsaken place?"
He smiled and a twinkle of light flashed in his steel gray eyes as he cast a glance toward the distant mountains... I didn't have to answer. Buck knew better than I did.
Post by: Glenn29 on September 08, 2006, 10:47:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2006, 10:52:00 AM
I put such neccesities in my pockets as I thought I might need. I'd not be hampered by a pack which bit too deep into my shoulders. My prefered bib overalls would carry the weight of what little I needed should the need to spend a night out arise.
With my bow and quiver of broadheads in hand I struck out up the mountain.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/highcountrywalk.jpg)
Note: I hadn't put my mini tripod in my pocket and this picture was taken from a handy rock. Guess I missed the grass in front of the lense and that's what the camera focused on... poop!
Post by: Whip on September 08, 2006, 12:16:00 PM
We REALLY need a book Mr. Lamb. Thoughts like that are too profound not to be set down permanantly for others to enjoy......
Post by: JC on September 08, 2006, 01:02:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 08, 2006, 10:44:00 PM
I had fully intended to throw out a couple phots for ya ta chew on. NOW I can't get into Photo Pail :mad: :bigsmyl:
Post by: Randy Morin on September 09, 2006, 10:07:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 09, 2006, 07:16:00 PM
I can't bad mouth technology to much, its kept food on my table for more years then I want to think about. I sure have some bad thoughts run my mind about it from time to time though. :)
Just keep feeding us more stories as tech toys and time permit. It's well worth the wait from where I'm setting!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2006, 10:12:00 AM
I'd never wanted it to rain anywhere so bad.
As I walked I pulled a Judo tipped carbon shaft from my quiver and slid it across the bow.
A kill zone sized sage bush took the whispering shaft right through the middle at 15 steps.
I plucked the arrow from the dust without slowing my pace and looked for the next target.
With little deliberation, another rib cage sage was punched... this time at closer to 35 yards.
(dang! Breakfast is ready)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2006, 10:56:00 AM
A razorbacked ridge sliced up the mountain toward timberline. Following my usual Zen pattern of hunting I let my subconscious lead me toward the ridge.
It went where I wanted to go anyway and would provide a good test of legs and lungs... not to mention a great view of the surronding country.
I fully expected the climb to be too much and was surprised that although my breathing became labored, my legs didn't complain at all and my heart maintained a steady, reasonable tempo.
I was stopping every little bit to catch my breath and would have been stopping to glass the country anyway. It all seemed quite natural and I could feel the age dropping away with each foot of elevation I gained.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2006, 11:19:00 AM
I'd already climbed higher than I needed to to find elk. Below I could see the large blocks of timber where they probably were, but I kept on pushing.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/highcountry2.jpg)
It wasn't the elk I was after anyway and I think that most bowhunters will come to the same conclusion at some point.
Elk may be the excuse, but the reason we come to the places they reside is so much more.
I think we come not so much to visit the elk as to live with them... or maybe live LIKE them. To marvel at the sights they see every day and fill our lungs with the rich pine scented air... air that is heavier with pine than oxygen. If a person could only bottle it!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2006, 11:32:00 AM
To my left the mountain fell away sharply and far below I spotted a small waterhole. The pock marks on the distant, bare dirt, mountainside told me that it was a game magnet. I noted it's location for future investigation.
I'd not go there today. It was much too steep from this side. One careless step could send a man sliding out of control to rocks and lodgepoles below. In some places you'd have fallen a long bowshot without touching anything but air.
So I kept trekking upward. It was impossible to tell how long it had been since the tracks had been made in the dusty trail. Maybe a month or maybe an hour.
The dropping told another story,however. Dry and hard and round like marbles they hinted of a browse diet and not the homogenous clumps that spoke of a rich grass diet.
I'd push on until I found sign which was green and glossy. No need wasting time where the elk weren't.
In time I found myself in cover which was much more sparse. The lodgepoles had given way to alpine fir. I found myself giddy with the altitude and searching the alpine meadows for some huge old buck mule deer.
I had no tag for them, but I dearly wanted to see one of those heavy horned old timberline bucks... I'd hunt elk on the way back down!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/highcountry1.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2006, 11:47:00 AM
Instead of tired and footsore, I was rejuvenated and longed to push on. For this moment in time I was part of it all, one with the mountain and wise enough in my years to recognize and appreciate it.
The sun hovered low to the west and I knew I needed to bale off now or face an unpleasant walk through rough terrain in the dark.
With care and by sticking to the edges of the high meadows I'd be able to hunt my way back to the truck. It was prime time and all my senses were on full alert.
I'd like to say I came on a huge bull, bugling to the world and how I layed him low with a sharp broadhead, but the truth is I saw no elk on the way down.
I thought I heard a cow chirp at one point, but it was just the call of a Clark's nutcracker. (a high country bird) Just at dark and still a half mile from the truck I thought I heard the last chuckles of a bulls challenge, but I couldn'td be sure.
I was making time now and making too much noise in the process. I made mental note of the location to check out another time.
At one point a bat came darting and diving by and it made me smile. Then an owl swooped noiselessly overhead and wheeling around came back to see what I was.
I stopped for a moment to watch before entering the meadow where I'd find my truck.
The days ahead would be better for what I'd learned today and I'd left an old man on the mountain.
Thanks Buck! I truly understand.
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 10, 2006, 12:17:00 PM
Post by: Shadow Hunter on September 10, 2006, 02:05:00 PM
Shadow Hunter
Post by: Roughcountry on September 10, 2006, 03:08:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 10, 2006, 03:11:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on September 10, 2006, 03:22:00 PM
Post by: Al33 on September 10, 2006, 09:09:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 10, 2006, 11:58:00 PM
Post by: charlielambsdaughter on September 11, 2006, 01:42:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on September 11, 2006, 07:48:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 11, 2006, 11:44:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on September 11, 2006, 08:27:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 12, 2006, 12:03:00 AM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 12, 2006, 07:22:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 12, 2006, 12:18:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 12, 2006, 12:26:00 PM
Yesterday I had still hunted off into some "low" country that had held elk in my youth.
My thought was that possibly hunting pressure had not been as great.
I found long ago that often hunters follow conventional wisdom... "Get beyond where the other hunters are willing to go", the outdoor writer types are want to say.
Anymore, it seems that everyone is reading that stuff and taking the advice. "Back beyond" can be pretty crowded at times with energetic hunters trying to escape the crowds.
In the case of elk, "they just have to be up high". Not always so!
This place I hunted is one of those "drive right past it on the way to the good huntin spots"... it has always shown good sign for me.
Lots of aspen there with a pinch of pine thrown in for aroma. What I found was a surprise to me.
Sunk in a little bench on the mountain side was a natural water hole... and it still had water.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/elkpond2.jpg)
As I spotted the glistening little jewel through the quakies, I stopped where I was. I'd been seeing elk sign along the trail I was following. There was no need to mess up the area with a lot of tramping around.
Nestled into a little circle of lodgepoles I surveyed my new domain. Within half an hour, a slight movement up the mountain caught my wandering eye. I focused my Leica's on the spot.
A small racked fork horn muley was busy destroying a bush. He must have been feeling pretty froggy, because he spent a good fifteen minutes at it.
I followed his progress up the mountain. He'd obviously been at the pond earlier and seemed happy to move 30 or 40 yards up the hill. At each stop destroying whatever sapling struck his fancy.
At one point I thought I heard the mew of a cow elk in the distance, but I couldn't be sure. I figured they had to be using this water source.
As the morning wore on, nothing showed, so I moved down to check out the perimeter of the water.
Elk, deer and moose tracks pocked the damp earth.
At the far end of the pond and opposite from where I'd approached was the extension of the trail I'd followed.
Another heavilly used run came up the hill from more open cover and another snaked it's way up the mountain.
On the trail which led in the direction I'd heard the suspected elk calls were the tracks of elk and the shiny, fresh, green droppings of that critter. hmmmm!
I went back in there yesterday afternoon and sat until dark. Quick work with pruning shears had a hasty blind built on the down wind side of the waterhole in no time.
Along about an hour before dark I thought I heard the distant crunching of gravel under truck tires. I expected to hear the growing noise of a vehicle moving down the distant road.
But the character of the noise changed and I soon realized I was hearing something big moving clumsily through the timber... note to young guys: TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOUR HEARING OR PAY THE PRICE LATER.
A careful glance over my left shoulder and I spotted the cause of the noise. A young bull moose was clutzing up the mountain.
His path brought him just to the edge of my scent stream and the jig was up for me. Those big black critters may look dumb, but they are nobodies fool.
He stood just out of camera range for a long time and finally drifted away.
Nothing else showed and with the cold air spilling down the mountain I pulled on a jacket and headed for the truck in the dark.
Post by: Frank AK on September 12, 2006, 04:41:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on September 12, 2006, 08:46:00 PM
Thanks, Charlie. Between the story of your sawmill crony and the trip up the mountain, I left my aches and my postal stresses and this condo full of highway noise far, far behind. The wild things in my heart breathed clean, sharp air and smiled expectantly. They grew hopeful. Ya did an old lady a great kindness by writing all this down.
Now, go gather more wood for this campfire!
Killdeer :bigsmyl:
Post by: Missouri CK on September 12, 2006, 10:52:00 PM
Post by: Jim Jackson on September 13, 2006, 08:47:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
Took a day off to take care of some organization of gear and other prep for the trip to Oregon.
We're expecting Joe "Whip" Lash to show up early this afternoon and I may take him by the collar and head for the hills for one last go at the elk pond... of course, at this point if I do put one down then I could run into schedule conflicts trying to take care of a whole lot of meat. Guess there are worse problems to have. ;)
Sat on the pond last night with the usual high expectations. The place just has to produce!!
It was a good night to be in the high country... I have a hard time thinking of when it would be a bad time. :D
The wind was bad when I first settled in, but I knew it would change about the time I could expect game to start moving.... and it did.
With a good breeze coming down the mountain just after the sun dropped out of sight a small mule deer buck caught me by surprise. He'd come to the water slowly and VERY cautiously.
It made me think of how things have changed out here for the prey species... and you have to figure yourself into that equation when Grizzly bears are one of the factors.
The elk seem very quiet for the time of year it's getting to be and I wondered if maybe they have become more silent in their pursuits when bugling becomes a dinner bell for predators who are more than up to the task of bringing them down. Something to think about.
About half an hour before dark a huge, black form trotted down to the pond through the aspens and pines.
It's always a surprise to be watching diligently and have something as big as a horse suddenly hove into veiw.
A different moose than the other night made his way confidently to the water, walked right out into it and noisilly snapped off the tip of a dead tree which lay midway across the water.
Wind was no consideration and I was quite well hidden.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/elkpondwait.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2006, 02:51:00 PM
A paddle horn bull is big enough to cause all the trouble he wants and dumb enough to do it.
There was no fear of agitating him as my position was quite defenseable and he was clueless.
I was surprised that I could see so little of him as he fed at watered at the pond. The ground broke over and the pond depression was deeper than I'd anticipated. Note to self: if elk show up you're gonna have to creep forward slightly to have a shot.
No picture ops presented themselves so I just sat and watched until he made his exit for parts known only in the minds of moose.
As the last hint of light left the mountain I gathered my gear. Shouldering my pack I noticed the young bull standing off in the timber, a black spot in the gathering gloom.
Where the trail cut down hill toward my truck I spooked something very big at very close range.
There was just a glimpse of it's body before it disappeared behind cover and though it could have been an elk, it could also have been a big muley... the light was that bad.
These little encounters always make me smile and over the years I've come to enjoy them, even look forward to them and have gotten quite used to them... I'd clean my drawers when I got back home. ;)
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 13, 2006, 08:07:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 13, 2006, 10:28:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 14, 2006, 10:05:00 AM
Drive safe sir, see ya on Friday :thumbsup:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 14, 2006, 10:11:00 AM
See you guys on Saturday! :campfire: CK
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2006, 10:43:00 AM
As so often happens, a stump shoot broke out and we murdered more than our share.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/macdugaltrio.jpg)
Joe is always great company and a fine shot with his recurve. He made us work for every shot.
He'll be heading off for Colorado in a bit for his high country elk hunt and I'll be headed out the door for Oregon.
Going to be out of touch for the next week, but sure I'll have a bunch to report when I get back.
Everything is working out just right for a fine time. The moon phase is gonna be good... gotta check my flashlights cause it's gonna be dark up there for sure.
The weatherman is even cooperating with a cold front coming in from the northwest. That should tune up the bulls.
Just hope CK doesn't scare them off with all the teeth chattering. :D
See you all in a week. :wavey:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 14, 2006, 12:19:00 PM
:scared: Dang, I better go pack even more clothes now! I can't even lift my pack as it is. :help: ck
Post by: RayMO on September 14, 2006, 12:33:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on September 14, 2006, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 14, 2006, 12:55:00 PM
Light rain this AM in Hood River. Should kick things off for you Charlie. Good hunting
Post by: Littlefeather on September 14, 2006, 01:07:00 PM
Post by: Hoodoo Arrow on September 14, 2006, 06:47:00 PM
Melody Harding was just in the office and we looked through this entire thread. She recognized you both right off, but she said you looked "a little different" than she remembered. I could tell your pictures made her homesick for that country.
Post by: Fritz Brown on September 14, 2006, 06:54:00 PM
Good luck on your hunt over there in Oregon, Curtis.
Seems to be quite a few fellers heading to the pacific north west this year. Hope you all enjoy the area and take home lots of memories for future campfires.
-Fritz
Post by: Terry Green on September 14, 2006, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on September 15, 2006, 12:54:00 AM
Post by: Firstarrow on September 15, 2006, 04:28:00 AM
Congrats Terry.
I've been away since the 1st chasing elk. Got my first Trad big game kill on the 12th, a 3yrd shot can you say :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: ?
Thanks for keeping us informed and sharing your adventures. They provide a great boost during the day!
Post by: IB on September 15, 2006, 12:11:00 PM
He ask that I pass on his progress in the first stages of this adventure :knothead:
Then he was going to head off to find some STRONG BLACk "HOT" COFFEE. and perhaps some Biscuts and Gravy, he wants to keep his calorie intake pretty high cuz it's taking so much just to stay warm outside.
He wants Curtis to know that the S--W ain't ALL THAT DEEP yet, but he was sure glad he has the new MUD and S--W tires on the truck, expects to use them, for the rest of the trip to Robins :eek:
He had to add Anti-FREEZ last night his wouldn't go low enough
Robin called also to check on Charlie's progress, and to let us know that his confuzer burnt down last night, so there won't be any news from them unless they can get cell service.
He did say that he was installing a generator on yer bike Curtis to run the letric Snowmachine suit he got for you to wear. He said you might get tired but as long as you peddled the bike you should stay warm. :bigsmyl:
Sounds to me like everything is just A OK and every thing is pretty normal nothing very exciting happening yet.... we'll keep ya posted
Post by: IB on September 15, 2006, 12:19:00 PM
I haven't shared a top rail with her for many sleeps, is she still with Bronc? What she up to.
I read your post to Charlie his response was "OH MY.... MELODY"
My dad and Her Dad worked together 50+ years ago
send her a tip of my hat when ya see her again........vance
Post by: Ted Fry on September 15, 2006, 02:19:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 15, 2006, 02:56:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 15, 2006, 04:22:00 PM
Lamb called a few minutes ago. Said he was where he was supposed to be but someone must have move Helix, Oregon to someplace else. I asked if he was lost? Lamb just said "nope", I have A Sears Repairman standing outside waiting to give me some directions. :rolleyes: I'm sure Charlie's map malfunctioned or something. Oh yea, he said " IT'S COLD ". :scared:
I'll talk with you guys in about 11-12 days if I make it back from the Ice Berg by then. Be safe, hunt hard, and have a great time doing it! See yall soon! CK
Post by: StanM on September 15, 2006, 05:38:00 PM
Vale is just short drive from Ontario and home to one of the best traditional bowhunters, or any kind of bowhunters for that matter, alive. His name is Jerry Stout, he is the bowyer of Juniper Mountain Longbows.
I've been to Helix. Before I met Robin, however. Nice place, but I guess it could be difficult to find. If it helps, it's on the way to Athena :D
I'll be stompin' the coast this weekend. Wish I had the time head East and hunt with you boys, though. Been a few years since I hunted Rocky Mountain Elk. Maybe when the kids are older. Have fun.
Stan
Post by: TXRED on September 15, 2006, 05:58:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 16, 2006, 12:45:00 AM
Post by: Firstarrow on September 18, 2006, 12:03:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 18, 2006, 12:40:00 PM
I don't think I want to know how that works! ;)
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 18, 2006, 12:44:00 PM
Next trip to walmart pick up a little water pump, hot water bottle, 50' of plastic tubing, antifreeze, and a torch. If the project goes well you'll be nice and toasty. :)
Post by: IB on September 19, 2006, 10:09:00 AM
Wyoming is so considerate of the Bow Hunter, The only Archery season left open around our area is ELK, which is way cool, except that GUN season has opened for DEER and Antelope in all the Archery areas, NOT COOL. There is a very bright side to this however , I am in control of roughly 4000 acres of Deer and Antelope habitat that becomes very popular to these critters when things get to hot for them on public ground. Yesterday I added another 8500 acres to that which is PRIME ELK habitat with two feed grounds on that piece. It ain’t over yet for “WAY WEST”
I sure hope that the boys in OREGON are not experiencing the temperatures tat have blessed us this last week, most every morning I have been in the TEENS with one in single digits, the day time temps have been higher 40-50. :eek:
We have heard not a peep from Oregon short of the last cell phone call when they were at the store getting some last min. supplies. I think Curtis was after an letric blanket and Robin and Charlie were after more extension cords. :readit:
Odds are pretty good we got us a new type POPCYCLE, "THE SWEATCYCLE" :bigsmyl:
I’ll try and get some photos up of happening around these ole diggings soon.
Seems that this cold weather has brought ALL my clients out of the woodwork to catch one more fish before freeze up, I am not at all happy to have to go back to work.
Please stay tuned I will add what I know………………………………vance :thumbsup:
Post by: IB on September 20, 2006, 11:39:00 PM
As I say it was VERY brief, bad cell service topped off with a dying battery.
About all that really came of this call was, that they are weathered in and have been pretty much since they got to the jump off point. Some one had taken a Deer and they were going to keep trying. Then they were gone.
This got my curiosity up so I gave Mrs. Robin a call to see if she had gotten a better review of the activities. She had gotten a brief message from Robin so between the both of us we put together what we think is going on.
This is our best put together story. Fact: They have around 10-11 inches of snow on the ground where they are camped. They have not left the jump off point. Robin had hauled most of the food and supplies into the 1st and 2nd camp spots where they were going to Mt. Bike to. Fact: Bikes are OUT OF THE QUESTION in MUD and SNOW.
One of them has taken a Deer don’t know who or what it was, they must be getting short on vittles cuz we think they said they were gnawing on fresh venison. Robin had said that Charlie really liked Fresh Baked Bread and ask if Mrs. Robin would bake up some.
Now she feels that there was a hidden message in that question and suspects that they be getting close to pulling stakes and heading for warmer ground.
They were planning to head back to Robins on Saturday so Curtis cam make an EARLY connection (3:00 AM) she thought on Sunday. :scared: :scared:
She may be correct in her hidden message thoughts.
I said that I didn’t think they would be to cold
they have Curtis, NO Fire danger and they are in the middle of the forest. Bet ole Wing can see that fire from his side of the canyon.
Post by: JC on September 21, 2006, 07:30:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 21, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Marvin M. on September 21, 2006, 09:27:00 AM
Post by: rabbitman on September 21, 2006, 09:33:00 AM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 21, 2006, 09:39:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 21, 2006, 09:42:00 AM
Curtis wasn't real keen on the Bike thing, so I guess this is a plus for that. Wonder how he really likes the TRADE OFF :help:
Terry don't weaken and take no prisoners.
Post by: Doug Campbell on September 21, 2006, 10:02:00 AM
Mornin Vance :)
Post by: Olebow on September 21, 2006, 07:46:00 PM
What a he-haw! I just got out of the white stuff
myself. Too cold for this old boy up at 9,500..
Keep us posted, as we all want our boys to have a
good hunt. Olebow
Post by: IB on September 22, 2006, 11:17:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 22, 2006, 05:53:00 PM
Anyone know what he's up to ??
Perhaps he's home getting things CAUGHT UP....Honey DOOOOOOS :scared:
Guess I should have looked before I posted....There he is below me :bigsmyl:
Post by: Whip on September 22, 2006, 09:45:00 PM
Post by: **DONOTDELETE** on September 23, 2006, 01:17:00 PM
Post by: slow walker on September 23, 2006, 10:12:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 25, 2006, 07:40:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2006, 08:02:00 AM
There must be more stories coming I hope!
Post by: Shaun on September 25, 2006, 08:10:00 AM
Thaw out those fingers and get to typing CK.
Post by: Terry Green on September 25, 2006, 08:17:00 AM
Pretty picture Vance. :campfire:
Post by: IB on September 25, 2006, 09:51:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 25, 2006, 10:04:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 25, 2006, 11:53:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 11:53:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 25, 2006, 11:56:00 AM
Here, this should take care of any "Home Sickness" that you may be experiencing.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/hardsnowtent.jpg)
Where's Robin? CK
Post by: Jumper on September 25, 2006, 12:37:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 25, 2006, 12:48:00 PM
Going to be in the 80s all week in Oregon now that you guys went home.
Hope you had a grand time in the Pacific North West.
Post by: BryanB on September 25, 2006, 12:57:00 PM
Bryan
Post by: slow walker on September 25, 2006, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 25, 2006, 01:03:00 PM
Glad to here everyone made it home safe.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 01:18:00 PM
What we'd planned and the reality of it all didn't quite line up.
It all started good enough. Meeting Robin and his lovely wife Cindy was certainly a high point.
After picking up CK at the airport and stuffing ourselves with Cindy's home cooking (lasagna...yum!) we loaded up and headed toward the mountains.
The ride up to our destination was thrilling to say the least. There was little room for mistake along the road as the mountainside crowded us on one side and the downhill side promised to send us hurtling for thousands of feet if Robin didn't stay away from the shoulder... I focused my gaze on the mountainside and tried to ignore the dizzying depths of the canyone just out my window.
Both CK and I constantly reminded Robin to keep his wandering eyes on the road... like that worked. :eek:
We just couldn't resist the opportunity to stop (at the wide spots) and glass for game as we neared our camp spot.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreglass1.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 01:22:00 PM
Looking over distant cliffs below us that first day I spotted a small white speck through my binoculars. Suspicious of it's identity, Robin soon had set up the spotting scope and revealed the identity of our "spot".
A large mountain goat fed up a steep chute, quite content, alone and safe from intruders.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreglass4.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 25, 2006, 02:43:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/mountainnightfall.jpg)
Temps continue to plummet into the low 20's by the time we set up base camp in the darkness. Charlie and I shoveled lots of snow to get set-up and the cold really started to bite. The bedrolls were really nice but stopped producing comfort as the temps reached the mid-teens. Sunrise will be a great relief. (cont)
Post by: ptaylor on September 25, 2006, 03:26:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/ptaylor/DSCF0022-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y94/ptaylor/DSCF0023.jpg)
Post by: Brian Halbleib on September 25, 2006, 07:44:00 PM
!["[laffsmyl]"]("graemlins/laffsmyl.gif" "\"\"")
A little northern justice for all things prickly and hot
Looks like you got to see some incredible country buddy. A successful trip in and of itself. Keep it coming please.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 08:30:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orecampfire1.jpg)
There had been no time for wood cutting of the magnitude we'd need to fuel the sheepherder stove in the tent so we didn't even bother to set it up.
Well insulated against the chill of nighttime temps which promised to dip into the twenties, we each sank deep into our sleeping bags with hopes of a good nights sleep and sunshine in the morning.
We
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 08:51:00 PM
As for Robin, he was totally at home and a veteran of many winter nights snug in his canvas home.
Me? Well, the nylon of my down bag was frigid and raised goose bumps as my feet first touched it, but was soon warm and cozy. I pulled on a stocking cap and neck gaiter as insurance against any drafts and was soon sound asleep.
The night passed uneventfully except for three unexpected calls of nature which were answered shivering and grudingly each time... I vowed to lay off liquids before bedtime from then on.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 08:54:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orecampfire2.jpg)
Today we'd set up the stove and cut wood. The tent would be cozy to tuck into tonight.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 09:02:00 PM
In that group was a small fork horn buck and after a quick palaver, it was decided that I'd attempt to fill my tag and provide us with some fresh meat for camp... "Dang! Just like the old timers would have done it", I thought, thinking back to stories of one of my boyhood heroes, Chet Stevenson.
The juvenile buck let me get within 15 yards and paused in front of a huge old pine to take one last look.
Care to join me on the search for blood sign?
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orebloodtrail2.jpg)
Never get into a two blade vs. multiblade with me... I know what I like! (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orebloodtrail1.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2006, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Hunter John on September 25, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
Thanks for sharing.
John
Post by: rabbitman on September 25, 2006, 09:40:00 PM
Post by: slow walker on September 25, 2006, 10:29:00 PM
Post by: slow walker on September 25, 2006, 10:31:00 PM
Post by: slow walker on September 25, 2006, 10:37:00 PM
Post by: Fritz Brown on September 25, 2006, 10:38:00 PM
-Fritz
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2006, 10:47:00 PM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on September 26, 2006, 12:13:00 AM
Curtis, that is a fine looking camo beanie. Who'd of thought that a dude from Texas would have got to try his out before me... :saywhat:
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: cjones on September 26, 2006, 12:24:00 AM
Post by: Coop on September 26, 2006, 08:03:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 26, 2006, 09:19:00 AM
I'll be back with a journal entry shortly. CK
Post by: JC on September 26, 2006, 10:24:00 AM
By the way, got them bleeders glued in to the 200gr treesharks with the SG gel like ya showed me. I showed that "meat cleaver" to some compound fellers the other day and they ran screamin into the distance :bigsmyl:
Post by: tmccall on September 26, 2006, 10:50:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2006, 10:55:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on September 26, 2006, 11:04:00 AM
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 26, 2006, 11:08:00 AM
Coffee and a sit around the morning fire was sure nice this morning.The plan is to head out of camp on a trail and do some scouting. We'd left camp no more than a mile when we cross deer in a bend. One deer is a forky buck and Robin and I prod Charlie to try and use his tag for camp meat. The buck took a couple of bounds into cover while Charlie fumbled to draw out an arrow and put on his glove. We just knew the deer was going to drop into the canyon before the shot. Charlie slowly came to draw as I was snapping pictures. He released and hit the forky directly through the heart at 15 yards.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreheart.jpg)
The buck immediately bailed off the 50% incline and down the canyon. Blood was immense!! 50 yards down the grade we find the buck, took pics, and gutted the deer.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Charliemuley.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Charliemuleylays.jpg)
Robin had some rope and we tied all four legs together at the knees to form a shoulder strap of sorts. Me and Robin took turns shouldering the buck and struggled our way back up to the rim above. The calf deep snow and almost verticle ascent was almost impossible. My lungs burned from the cold air and lack of oxygen.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orepackdeer.jpg)
Back at the top we tagged the buck and continued on to scout for elk. The views into Hells Canyon are second to none.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/mountainoverlook.jpg)
We return back to camp to finish setting up and cut some fire wood. Damn "Misery wip"!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/CharlieRobinwood.jpg)
Evening scouting session finds Charlie with three elk in his bino's. We'll find them in the morning. Deer ribs for dinner tonight. Greasy but damn good after a hard days work.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreribs.jpg)
(cont.)
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 26, 2006, 11:08:00 AM
Tracy
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 26, 2006, 12:02:00 PM
Stick one of those three elk so we can see another one in action. :)
Post by: hormoan on September 26, 2006, 12:32:00 PM
Thats one way to keep warm! I perfer a good two stroke and smoke to keep me warm! It does have a way of driving those critters out of the area though! But real late in season its a dinner bell for them.
Post by: hormoan on September 26, 2006, 12:35:00 PM
Great shot! :) :)
Brent
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 26, 2006, 12:36:00 PM
Whatever I was thinking prior to feeling the bow on the tips of my fingers flew out my ear leaving me alone in my concentration on the target.
It's like that for me...if I'm smart enough to let it "just happen". I like to think I've gotten pretty good at it.
That little bucks life hung at the end of my drawing arm and I let the arrow slip away without a second thought.
I knew he was dead as soon as the arrow was away (maybe even before that). Inspection of the spot he had been standing confirmed what I already knew...There'd be venison waiting at the end of the blood trail.
The massive broadhead (Magnus I w/bleeder... that's 1 1/2"x 1 1/4") had punched through the heart and out the other side.
From the arrows position on the ground it was obvious that though the arrow had completely penetrated the deer's chest, it was probably hanging by the nock or fletch and was thrown clear as the deer bolted... otherwise it would have probably stuck in the tree behind him.
Curtis and Robin sure saved these old legs from a brutal retrieval up that cow faced hillside.
Thanks guys.
Post by: IB on September 26, 2006, 12:39:00 PM
Run off to work for a bit and when ya get back there's 2 pages of catch up. I would hate to be just beginning this. :banghead: :banghead:
Feeding us from BOTH ENDS Texas and Wyoming
Keep it comming I'll suffer through all the AGONY.
Post by: Littlefeather on September 26, 2006, 01:20:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/morningday3.jpg)
Robin treated us to coffee and pancakes for breakfast. He's the finest host I've ever encountered! We walked about three miles out to ***** **** and looked off ******* Ridge. It was an uneventful hike for about the first two miles and then we really got into lots of deer and elk sign. One herd of elk was obviously a bachelor group of bulls. The Rut hasn't started yet. As we near the end of the ridge we find two sets of tracks made by muck larger bulls.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/outonaridge.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/robinmerub.jpg)
These are fresh too! They drop off into the canyon and we decide to follow them to the next ridge over in the morning. As we start the return trip to camp I do some stump shooting to stay sharp. Other than that, the trip proves nothing more than a really good work-out. Returning to camp, Robin surprises us again with a couple of t-bones that he had stashed in his cashe. Tonight we truly fed like Kings in a Canvas Palace. Tonight is warmer. 35 degrees at dusk and the snow is melting off. I'll rest now. (cont)
Post by: Werewolf on September 26, 2006, 02:10:00 PM
Post by: jindydiver on September 26, 2006, 05:19:00 PM
Post by: Glenn29 on September 26, 2006, 05:25:00 PM
Ya'll should do a book about these hunts...
Post by: Littlefeather on September 26, 2006, 05:58:00 PM
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 4) Up at dawn. Coffee with oatmeal for breakfast. We're headed back outafter the Elk we located yesterday. The plan is to jump over one ridge to the Northand try and catch up to them. All the animals are moving North for some reason. By 9:30am we find ourselves still reigned to camp. Rain mixed with snow has set in and made things really miserable.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/SNOWED-IN.jpg)
It's story time here in the tent. It's nice and dry but it's a really long way from the Elk I'm dreaming about. As morning lags on I get more and more antsy. We eat to pass the time. Robin tells great stories about Hounds, Mountain Lions and Bears. Charlie chimes in with his own stories slightly spiced with bygone years of archery. I'm the young one in this camp, 38 about to be 39. I feel like a kid waiting to open gifts on his Birthday, sitting here waiting on the weather to clear. It snows harder as we fix cans of beef stew for a meal. Too late to head out now so we sharpen broadheads, tell stories, and wait for Mother Nature to clear her throat. (more in the AM) Good evening Gang! CK
Post by: Coop on September 26, 2006, 06:16:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on September 26, 2006, 09:12:00 PM
Yeah...you guys look really miserable. :readit:
This is making me itch for my own camp, my own hills and winter weather. I was feeling so out of it...thanks for the jump-start!
Killdeer :wavey: :campfire: :)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 26, 2006, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 26, 2006, 09:30:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 26, 2006, 09:51:00 PM
Post by: Brian Halbleib on September 26, 2006, 10:54:00 PM
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
Post by: cjones on September 26, 2006, 11:31:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2006, 10:08:00 AM
But I guess you haven't really been mountain hunting until you've have to deal with the weather.
I know that over the years I've dealt with it more than I can even begin to remember and there were a couple of times I'd just as soon forget.
We were prepared for whatever was sent our way so it was only a small inconvenience. Hadn't I told Vance weeks ago that I'd give up hunting days for a good soaking in my beloved and very parched mountains?
Ok, so the timing isn't exactly what I'd prayed for, but it was raining and snowing none the less and that could only be a good thing.
There are always bigger, more important things to consider than the wants of some lowly little bowhunter and his somewhat selfish needs. We snuggled into our warm accomodations and made the best of it.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreoatmeal1.jpg)
Post by: JC on September 27, 2006, 10:15:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2006, 10:19:00 AM
It's the center of civilization in elk country and I can't help but recall the times, late at night, that I'd crested some steep dark ridge to see the tent glowing like a diamond in the dark.
The light from a Coleman lantern beckoning with the promise of food, warmth and companionship.
Somehow adding strength and spring to tired legs at the end of a long day of hunting.
Yep! I like those tents and their luxurious comfort in a hard land.
We'd talk of days and hunts past and generally get to know each other in ways that would escape us if the only time for bonding was that spent in pursuit of game when quiet is the watch word.
When at last no rain drops rolled down the roof of our abode and through the hole around the stovepipe, dancing and sputtering on the hot steel, we saddled up for more adventure.
Rested and rejuvenated we were ready for the trail.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreckrobinbike.jpg)
Post by: Joe D on September 27, 2006, 10:52:00 AM
Really enjoying the pics guys, thanks for sharing. :)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 27, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 4 cont.) Evening draws near and the camp vote is for me to do the cooking. Charlie and I skin back and take a backstrap from his deer.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/backstrap.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/charliefire.jpg)
I chop some potatoe and carats that Robin had and start the stew.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/uncookedstew.jpg)
Robin makes some biskits and we eat them with honey while the stew simmers in the Dutch Oven. Once the coals around the Dutch oven turn to dust, the meal is ready.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/cookedstew.jpg)
A finer stew I've never eaten! The venison is so tender it bearly holds together. Yummy!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/charlieRobineat.jpg)
My sleeping bag becons my return and soon I'm fast asleep. 30 degrees at nightfall.
The middle of the night finds me outside in the snow. Nature called and the blanket of snow through the fog is very spooky. Visibility, although supported by moonlight is at bare minimum. Back in the tent Robin stirrs. I stoke the fire and we begin a conversation through the dark confines of the tent. Robin reminesses of The Gulf of Tonkin. Good time stories, bad time stories, Horror stories, and stories of records he still holds today as the Roach Killing King. The record stands today at 89 roaches killed(aboard ship) in 15 minutes. The weapon of choice being the blunt end of a broom handle, gravity dropped, not forced into motion. Somewhere through the darkness I make the connection, one hunters pride shared with another. (cont.)
Post by: TexMex on September 27, 2006, 11:48:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 27, 2006, 12:36:00 PM
This is as close as you can get TO BEING THERE without actually BEING THERE as you'll EVER GET :readit:
VERY GREAT STUFF Charlie and Curtis :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: vermonster13 on September 27, 2006, 12:38:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 27, 2006, 02:16:00 PM
After weighing our options we decide to journey out into this cold, miserable soup. We can see no more than 50 yards in any direction. It's almost mystical to enter the forrest this morning as we head out to scout some more. The Christmas trees are deccorated by snow, fog, and dew drops. Our destination today will be ****** Ridge, some 5 miles out in some of the roughest terrain we've encountered so far. This day will mark our first on Mountain Bicycles. All I can think before we leave out is "OUCH", THIS IS GOING TO HURT A LOT!!!!! (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/oreckrobinbike.jpg) (cont)
Post by: Tom Leemans on September 27, 2006, 03:44:00 PM
Post by: Emmons on September 27, 2006, 04:21:00 PM
James
Post by: Whip on September 27, 2006, 04:24:00 PM
CK would probably whither away to nothing if he had cook in the snow all the time :bigsmyl:
Post by: Killdeer on September 27, 2006, 04:40:00 PM
Wonderful! Such beautiful thoughts will accompany me as I take the dog to the park.
Killdeer :archer:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 27, 2006, 04:52:00 PM
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 5 cont.)We rode the bikes till the snow got deep and the grade got too difficult. We packed in from there. Snowshoe rabbit tracks riddle the trail. Grouse tracks in the snow seem to become more frequent. The Grouse tracks really excite Robin and Charlie. I've never shot a Grouse so I can't share in their excitment. We find Bobcat tracks following a Snowshoe Rabbit. Neat stuff! Elk and deer tracks become frequent. We open up into medows surrounded by giant Christmas trees and Ponderosa Pines. It's magical out here. 2:00pm... We stop at the edge of the forrest and start a small fire for lunch. A coyote trots by, sees us, and starts scolding us through yipps and short barks. Robin grabbs his squeeler but the jig was already up! We do get out farther to glass today.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/CharlieFred.jpg)
I see three Elk afar. We start the return to camp. Elk tracks cross ours from earlier. We somehow had missed each other. I could feel my knees and thighs giving way today. Somehow I made it back to the bikes stashed on the ridge. I fearfully climb on the ass-torture machine and start peddling the 2 1/2 miles back to camp. Charlie dumps his bike in the snow and sustains injuries. It happened close to camp. Good thing! Rain returns just as we get to camp. The evening meal is leftover deer stew. It's better tonight than last. Cold, rain, no snow thank God! (cont) CK
Post by: Hunter John on September 27, 2006, 04:57:00 PM
John
Post by: Littlefeather on September 27, 2006, 05:03:00 PM
Post by: Steve H. on September 27, 2006, 05:10:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 27, 2006, 05:12:00 PM
Want to see the last photo....But don't want this hunt to end
Post by: Littlefeather on September 27, 2006, 05:13:00 PM
CK
Post by: kojac on September 27, 2006, 06:57:00 PM
Way Rad story,
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2006, 10:52:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreckbike.jpg)
Curtis was all smiles as we started this little wheeled adventure. Time on the "ATM" would take care of that. ;)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oresillouette.jpg)
Days of hunting lead to fatigue in old guys and by the end of this one I was showing all the signs... in other words my butt was draggin.
It was sure a welcome pause when we stopped at midday for a lunch fire... a luxury we couldn't have enjoyed just the week before due to the dry conditions in the west.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orelunchfire.jpg)
Post by: cjones on September 27, 2006, 11:39:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 27, 2006, 11:45:00 PM
Of course it's not the last pic since I went back and added a photo that I had to put in my file. (in case anybody didn't understand)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 12:01:00 AM
In the pine forests of the west you can always find tinder in the form of pine pitch which flows from certain trees, solidifies and can be broken off in chunks.
I knew the mid day break was coming when I saw Robin collecting pitch and wrapping it in his bandana.
Once small branches and pine cones are collected it is a simple matter to put a match to the pitch and watch it flame. The more the wind blows the hotter is blazes.
Soon we had a toasty fire going and Robin was preparing his favorite noon time mountain snack... Kipper tea.
We were in the middle of contemplating the fire when our reverie was interupted by the inquisitive yipping of a coyote very near by.
Curtis and I were reaching for our bows even as Robin hissed to get ready and drug his battered varmint call from a handy pocket.
There was something about the call of the song dog that told me he knew what we were and where we were... we hadn't been trying to be very quiet.
Even though Robin played his most seductive notes on his call the coyote refused to play.
Soon we were back to studying the fire and planning for the afternoons hunt.
I'll bet you're asking yourself, "what the heck is Kipper Tea?"
Let me tell you it is one disgusting snack. Here's the recipe... take one can of Kippered fish snacks. Eat the contents of can. Now add water to half fill the tin. Heat over fire, stirring to loosen any bits of fish that may have been missed. Drink just like it's good or sumthin. :eek:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 12:08:00 AM
I fell behind as we returned to camp. Tired from the long march, I was just taking it easy.
As I neared the trailhead on my mountain bike, I had to negotiate a sharp turn around a gate.
I'm not sure what happened other than I suddenly was pitching headlong over the handle bars of the bike.
I landed hard on my side and left knee. The impact knocked the wind out of me and I lay there in the half dried mud and rocks for several minutes collecting my wits. It seemed like the last of my strength was knocked out of me in the fall, other than that and a skinned knee I was fine... I walked the bike the rest of the way up the hill to the tent.
Grabbing a small bite to eat, it wasn't long before I was tucked in my bag and ready for much needed rest.
Post by: cjones on September 28, 2006, 12:15:00 AM
Post by: Cutty47 on September 28, 2006, 12:40:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 28, 2006, 08:02:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 28, 2006, 08:21:00 AM
Post by: RayMO on September 28, 2006, 08:29:00 AM
Charlie I sure like the picture in the mist also, only problem is it is not me :D
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 09:21:00 AM
Nice mist pic Charlie! :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 10:03:00 AM
Thanks for pushin the button dude! :thumbsup:
Post by: IB on September 28, 2006, 10:29:00 AM
With all this PRAISE it seems to be getting MUCH SMALLER for me :scared: :scared:
He now thinks he's PECKINPAUGH
Post by: JC on September 28, 2006, 10:38:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 28, 2006, 10:48:00 AM
You'r so HELPFUL......JC :banghead: :banghead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 10:57:00 AM
I knew they would be able to cover more ground and could focus on the job at hand without worrying about how I was doing.
Besides, it would give me a chance to be out alone and I need that from time to time.
Robin is a true mountain man. Wise in the ways of animals he's made the transition to trad archery in fine style.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orerobindraws.jpg)
Not only one of the world's premier saddle makers, he also has vast experience as a trapper. Not only for fur, but in research applications for the Oregon Fish and Game. You name it he's trapped it.
Then there's his damage control work, where he has been a great aid to the state and local ranchers.
And last but not least (certainly not least) he has a consuming love of chasing cats with his hounds. Limited to bobcats because of state regs, he dreams of the day he can bring a mountain lion to bag with his recurve bow.
We spoke of it at length and like myself he aspires to take a lion without the aid of dogs and plans to call one... a worthy and very difficult task!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 11:23:00 AM
So I left the guys to their own devices, not knowing what adventures they would encounter along the way, but knowing they would have some just the same.
My own walk on the wild side found me overlooking the big canyon, slipping along in sunshine and soaking in the radient energy while gazing at distant hillsides.
Then suddenly melting into cloud banks that swirled up and around or passed just below.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreclouds1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/oreclouds2.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 11:24:00 AM
I'll be back with a journal entry later. CK
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
Treading along in the rocks I'd slip up close to the canyons edge and peer over... and down. Often my stomach would leap into my throat at the sight which parting clouds would reveal.
You couldn't have forced me close enough to look over the shear cliffs with a gun at my head, but I'd sidle up to the steep places where you wouldn't hurtle to your death through empty space... but you'd only bounce off the mountain a time or two before coming to an abrupt stop with the same result.
Always conservative with my bugle I mostly cow called and then only occasionally. It being the the last day, however, I did stop and break out the tube for a quick squeal.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/orebugle.jpg)
Soon I'd be back at camp and the guys would be returning from their foray.
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 01:01:00 PM
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 6) Rained all night. Temps around 35 degrees. We are happy that Robin has such a fantastic tent with a stove. At 8:30am the rain stopps but the winds blow 35-40 at times. Robin makes a second pot of coffee and we discuss beginning woods for early Bowyers. Cabin Fever finally gets the best of me and I dress for the hunt. I'll be going alone. Just as I get all dressed, a sleet storm opens up. I've had enough of the tent so I climb on the bike and peddle like hell for heavy timber. The sleet stings and makes vision almost impossible. I thought the timber would protect me from the ice but I later found I was wrong. I repeatedly thought about returning to camp but couldn't bear the thought of returning while it was still daylight. The weather continues to deterriorate. 4 1/2 miles out I find three cow Elk and a really big Bull have crossed. I follow the tracks into the timber but decide not to pressure them until I get Charlie or Robin to call them. A snow whiteout starts to sock me in and water on the tiny pools of water are freezing over. I need to get out now or prepare for a cold and lonely night on the mountain. (cont)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/snowbound.jpg)
Post by: TexMex on September 28, 2006, 01:05:00 PM
Gracias
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 01:11:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 28, 2006, 02:16:00 PM
But after seeing these recent pics, "Curtis the Cold Creeping Companion of Charlie" might be more appropriate.
Post by: Doug Campbell on September 28, 2006, 02:27:00 PM
Great story guys, wish I'd been there!
Post by: Roughcountry on September 28, 2006, 03:31:00 PM
Curtis & Charlie, gotta say it was a hunt that I'll think about everytime I stay in that tent :D With fond memories I might add.
I'll catch up on everything tonight :thumbsup:
RS
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 04:03:00 PM
You guys making jokes about me and the snow still haven't seen the last pic I'm gonna post. :wavey: Robin, Glad to see you. I've tried calling but keep getting the busy signal.
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 6 cont.) I find my way back to camp and somehow have remained unfrozen.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Charliesplitwood.jpg)
I find we have a visitor in camp. Luke is his name. He's a ***** Salesman from ****** Oregon and a Bullsh***er delux! He has no lack of something to say. Oh well, it's a small price to pay for the use of a real chainsaw that he was packing. We spent the evening in much the same fashion as the evenings before. Lots of story telling and occasional looks outside to watch the snow continue to get deeper.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/snowbikes.jpg) (The blue A.T.M. is mine)
Real cold tonight even with the stove. My cot tears sometime during the night. I try to remain still so I don't fall through. (ont.)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 04:17:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Robinforrest.jpg)
Coyotes, deer, elk and bobcats have been here this morning. As we emerge back out of the timber we find two Mountain Lions have crossed here in the last few minutes. As Robin and I start to follow their tracks they end up headed down our footprints from earlier. Robin urges me forward but my feet get a good grip on the ground and won't go that direction. I'm cool with pigs, hell with those big cats! cont)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2006, 04:48:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Liontracks.jpg)
Robin finally leaves the cats alone and we make a really big circle of the mountain top.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Robinonridre.jpg)
We decide to start heading back to camp The deep snow constantly building up on my boots has worn me to a frazzle and destroyed my attitude. Robin's an Iron Man. He's more than matched me step for step and I'm in good shape. He certainly seems less strained.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/GIANTXMASTREE.jpg) Back at the Mountain Bikes we ride the 2 1/2 miles to camp stopping only twice to rest. I'm totally exhausted! Dinner is hotdogs boiled in snow water. Better than Lobster if you ask me! I start packing my gear in preparation for leaving in the morning. Tonight I showered in the freezing cold. I used Robin's tomatoe sprayer as a shower. Brrrrr! I'll sleep well tonight. I'm fed, showered, and too exhausted to even talk. I'll revisit my old friend the Army cot hoping the tear in the side grants me immunity and carries me through another nights dreams without dropping me in the dirt. In the morning we'll pack up and head back into our daily rigors. Good night. cont)
Post by: Kip on September 28, 2006, 05:38:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 28, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
A lot of folks on this ste have shared camps with Curtis & Charlie, this was my first time sharing a hunt with anyone from this site. I think I'm gonna have to work pretty hard to ever top this trip. As most of you know these guys are bout as good a company as you get in the hills.
I'm still laughing about the little things. Like Curtis tossing pebbles at Charlie first thing in the morning. And Charlie saying, right out of a sound sleep " what" :D
I'm gonna sit back and let these guys tell the tale and live it all over again.
Curtis And Charlie, my thanks for a great hunt,hope for a repeat soon. :thumbsup:
Robin
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 28, 2006, 11:03:00 PM
Great times with good buds have to be repeated!!!
Talk to ya soon.
Post by: Guru on September 29, 2006, 06:13:00 AM
Hopefully someday we can all get together somewhere....amazing hunt and pix guys!!!!
Post by: RayMO on September 29, 2006, 07:16:00 AM
It seems to me that the most memorable hunts are determined by the adventure, danger, and just plan difficulty and not meat on the pole. If that is the case this one will last a life time :thumbsup:
Post by: Littlefeather on September 29, 2006, 09:28:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/CHARLIECOFFEE.jpg)
Ahhhh, I sure appreciate the cup of Joe! How about Robin, he may need a cup.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Robincoffee.jpg)
You're a good man. Well, this is our last day here. I'm sure going to miss you guys's company. Better get loaded for the trip home.
I'll be back with a final journal entry. CK
Post by: Littlefeather on September 29, 2006, 11:02:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/LASTDAYSKY.jpg) I can only smile. I finally get everything packed up and I bid farewell to my friends the mountains. We'd no doubt see each other again. I understand the call of the wild from within this place much better today and I find much difficulty in parting.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Leavingmountain.jpg)
Two hours drive and we're back at Robins. We visit with Cindy a bit and Charlie announces that he must go now to meet with other friends to hunt more. I found some jealousy in the moment but also understand that Charlie earned his lifestyle many years ago in the jungle's of other lands. I was sad but bid him farewell.
Robin drives me to the Airport Hotel in Washington via the backroads. We stop once to kill a small Rattlesnake and take pictures of the wind farms. I sadly bid Robin farewell too as I enter my hotel. We'd also see each other again, I'm quite sure. 30 minute shower tonight. The best I've ever felt. 4:00am comes early so I sleep.
JOURNAL ENTRY-day 9) I awake unrested. Homesick for Debbie and my dogs. I write these last few words as the engines humm on the wing of my plane out the right hand window. We'll be in the air in a few minutes. What a trip it's been but I couldn't be home soon enough. CK
Post by: John Scifres on September 29, 2006, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: Tom Leemans on September 29, 2006, 11:53:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 29, 2006, 12:13:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 29, 2006, 12:15:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/CKshirtlessnow.jpg)
:saywhat: :bigsmyl: Happy hunting and good luck with your season! CK
Post by: JC on September 29, 2006, 12:15:00 PM
Post by: TexMex on September 29, 2006, 12:20:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 29, 2006, 12:40:00 PM
Very Very GREAT Adventure. Glad ya got to make the hunt for us...............vance
Post by: Chad Edgar on September 29, 2006, 12:44:00 PM
Post by: hit or miss on September 29, 2006, 01:03:00 PM
Scott
Post by: Whip on September 29, 2006, 01:21:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 29, 2006, 03:19:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 29, 2006, 03:26:00 PM
When you get to have that kinda fun it ain't work, no thanks needed bud :wavey:
Great job tellin the tale guys, pictures were superb as always.
It's all your's Charlie, got any grouse pics?
Cindy says thanks for the pics you got of her, your her hero now :thumbsup:
Post by: jcsnapshot on September 29, 2006, 03:38:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:And when ya do that, I'm guessin' that the general consensus here will be ................
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
We won't be needin photos of that one. The story will do just fine :bigsmyl:
Post by: DarkeGreen on September 29, 2006, 04:24:00 PM
Post by: CheapShot on September 29, 2006, 04:52:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2006, 10:16:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2006, 10:39:00 PM
It's been a fantastic time for sure with plenty of adventure and wildlife encounters. I'm sure to miss it... but for now there's still huntin to be done and more adventures to experience.
For instance... when I arrived back in Wyoming the sage hen season had just opened and I'd been looking forward to that for some time.
Chickens (as they are lovingly referred to in this country) are big birds. Big as...uh...chickens. ;)
Though I'd been seeing a lot over the last month or two, I knew they could be very difficult to find in the expanses of sagebrush, but I had a spot or two in mind that usually produced sightings.
So my very first night back from Oregon, I unpacked the truck and then threw my bow back in and headed for my hot spots.
You don't actually hunt sage hens at night, but they are easiest to find just before dark, when they can be found filling their crops with fine grit in gravelly areas.
I hoped that they hadn't been worked over by shotgunners and be spooky as a march hare... my luck seemed to hold.
The first bunch I got into spotted me before I spotted them and were moving slowly away, weaving in and out of the foot high sage.
Because of their size I had a Magnus I broadhead on the string and drew it fully to anchor on a huge adult that trailed the group.
The Carbonwood shaft, with yellow cap and yellow fletch, streaked through the evening air and took the bird admidships at 15 yards.
I jockeyed for another shot, but the remaining birds rocketed away...for as big as they are, they are VERY fast.
Oh well, I had a bird in hand and that was a damn site better than none at all. I pressed on looking for another flock.
I could hardly believe my luck when a few minutes later I heard a warning cluck from the nearby sage.
The light was failing fast now, but I picked out the form of a bird standing stock still 20 yards distant.
Once again I drew the heavy recurve to anchor and let the shaft fly. THWOCK!! The big Magnus connected once more and ended the days hunt. (state regs limit you to two birds a day and four in possession).
I was more than thrilled with my performance. I've done much worse.
By the time I got to my camera, the light was almost gone, but I did the best I could with the situation and got this picture...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Sagehens1.jpg)
Post by: Hunter John on September 29, 2006, 10:48:00 PM
John
Post by: vermonster13 on September 29, 2006, 10:48:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2006, 10:51:00 PM
We accessed National Forest via a neighboring ranch hoping to find undisturbed animals, but sign was scarce.
It was, however, a glorious day to be in the mountains and I never take that for granted. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vanceaspenwalk.jpg)
Just above a mountain stream and in the shelter of aspens, shining in their golden grandeur, we made a stand and called. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vanceaspenlook.jpg)
A lusty bugle echoed off into the hills and was gobbled up by the dark forest.
Faintly and for just an instant we heard an answering challenge.
There just wasn't enough light left to move on the bull and he never tried to close the distance either. We backed off with plans to try the area again the next day.
Some of huntings best trophies don't leave a bloodtrail... but this one comes close.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/wyomsunset.jpg)
I had to stop for several minutes as the sunset took away the breath which carried my prayer of thanks for this time, this day and this sunset.
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 29, 2006, 11:26:00 PM
Nice shooting on the chickens :thumbsup:
Tracy
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 29, 2006, 11:29:00 PM
Todd
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 29, 2006, 11:30:00 PM
Todd
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 29, 2006, 11:37:00 PM
They both smell like hell when you're cleaning them, though. :scared: Like an old friend says, "they'd gag a maggot"! ;)
Post by: cjones on September 30, 2006, 12:14:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 30, 2006, 11:56:00 AM
Vance and I headed down the ranch road for home and were just coming down through a patch of aspen when we spotted a pretty nice buck antelope feeding among the sage.
Realize that at that point the aspen are the only trees around and those are scattered around in large expanses of open ground.
Vance shut down the "burb" and quickly moved off into the sage behind a covering rise of ground. With luck he hoped to catch the feeding buck just beyond that rise.
I watched from the warmth of the vehicle as he finally rose and drew his Shrew in one fluid move. The shot was away.
About this exact same moment I noticed movement down the hill in front of the vehicle... a hundred yards or better and there was NO cover in that direction.
My first impression was of a large group of horses moving up the hill at a right angle to our line of travel. Boy! Was I ever wrong!!
As my focus sharpened in the waning light I realized that what I was seeing was a large herd of elk....doh!!
They were out where no self respecting hunter would ever expect an elk to be. I mean clear out in the open sage and they had our number.
I hissed at Vance to get his attention and watched him melt into the low sage. But it was too little too late.
With increasing speed the herd, which I could now see clearly through my binoculars, moved up the hill and toward the closest aspen patch.
Trailing the herd and making sure all of his girls were accounted for was a bull that would make any hunter drool in his stew.
I couldn't count points... there were just too many and the light was getting poorer by the moment... but I could tell that he was wide and long and heavy of beam.
We'd come back and look for him the next day, but without really finding him. At one point we heard a distant bugle and from it's location we assumed it might be him, but once again, daylight, or rather the lack of it, put an end to our hunt. :mad:
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/wyomsunset2.jpg)
Post by: Randy Morin on September 30, 2006, 04:57:00 PM
I'm ready for the next installment now Charlie. Keep them beautiful photos comin too. Randy.
Post by: Joe D on September 30, 2006, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: kennym on September 30, 2006, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: charlielambsdaughter on September 30, 2006, 11:01:00 PM
SORRY I HAVE NOT WROTE IN AWHILE BEEN IN FLORIDA YA KNOW. I KNEW THERE WAS A REASON I WAS NOT IMPRESSED WITH THE OCEAN VIEW SUNSETS. IT IS PROBABLY FROM SEEING THOSE IN WYOMING THEY ARE MORE IMPRESSIVE. COOL STORIES I LIKED THE PICTURES OF THE SNOW AND YOUR HESD OUT OF THE TENT. WELL BACK TO THE SAME OL' GRIND IN THE ER TOMARROW .
I LOVE YOU AND SAVE A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN FOR ME WILL YA.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 30, 2006, 11:12:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 30, 2006, 11:24:00 PM
From his low angle and the hill breaking over the way it did, the shot went low just under the bucks chest.
Hope you had a good Florida trip Melissa!! :wavey: Will be enjoying till the last minute... which is coming way too fast.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 30, 2006, 11:26:00 PM
Got another sage hen. The shot went a little high of where I was aiming, but took the bird through the neck.
Pretty quick results when you hit them like that.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/singlechicken.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 30, 2006, 11:32:00 PM
No tolerance on that miss (it was a pretty close miss) and the chicken hit the breeze at 120 mph. :D
Post by: cjones on October 01, 2006, 12:30:00 AM
Post by: Killdeer on October 01, 2006, 08:55:00 AM
Killdeer
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 01, 2006, 09:47:00 AM
Killy... we skin them. The tail is pretty (local native tribes used the whole thing...tail... for decorative stuff.
If I shoot another do you want it?
Post by: cjones on October 01, 2006, 11:16:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 02, 2006, 12:48:00 AM
We plan on giving it the best we have for the BIG GUY.
Terry and Curt have set some pretty high STANDARDS and some large tracks to follow :bigsmyl:
Would hate to send him home with a freezer full of CHICKENS
Post by: kojac on October 02, 2006, 01:35:00 AM
Oh and CK, if eat alittle more and put a little meat on your bone ya might not get so cold!
!["[heman]"]("graemlins/heman.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Littlefeather on October 02, 2006, 07:20:00 AM
Brian, I'm eating enought for two guys. It isn't working! :D
Post by: JC on October 02, 2006, 07:44:00 AM
Post by: trashwood on October 02, 2006, 07:52:00 AM
rusty
Post by: Roughcountry on October 02, 2006, 01:06:00 PM
Just wan'ted to say thanks for the great thread as time is trikling away. I know how much effort and time you, Vance, and CK put into giving the rest of us a great hunting trip thru the stories and pics.
Still laughing at the comments of you and CK in the time you spent in Oregon.
Have a safe trip home, hope you have time to get a elk small enough to fit in that cooler. RS
Post by: Whip on October 02, 2006, 01:38:00 PM
Eventually all good things do end, and so will your trip. I know it always seems like you don't want the end to come, but with no end, there can be no beginnings. I would bet that on your drive east you will already be starting to look ahead to the next adventure. For me at least, the anticipations of coming hunts are as delicious sometimes as the hunts themselves. What you have been able to do is a dream to most of us, and I know you treasure every minute.
Post by: Killdeer on October 02, 2006, 08:03:00 PM
I know! I will carry your camera for free on one of your adventures! :bigsmyl:
Killdeer :archer:
Post by: Guru on October 02, 2006, 09:52:00 PM
Still pullin' for ya Big guy..
Charlie,Vance,CK,and Robin....Thank You
Post by: Nate Fikkert on October 02, 2006, 11:18:00 PM
Glad to see your adventure in Oregon went well, and that you made it back to Wyoming no worse for the wear. Try to get in touch with me I have stories to tell.
Nathan
Post by: highcountry on October 02, 2006, 11:31:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 02, 2006, 11:50:00 PM
Elk are totally out of the picture now and I guess it was just luck that kept a couple of old farts out of trouble.
Both Vance and I assumed that we'd get to hunt elk all the way up until the opener of the firearms elk season... we were wrong.
Found out today that the archery portion of the season ended day before yesterday. Good thing we were taking it easy letting the weekend crowds clear before going back up to hunt more... and a real good thing that our good friend Nate Fikkert alerted us to the situation with the regs.
You just can't read the regs too many times... lesson learned.
We're gonna hook up with Nate tomorrow for a sandwich or something and let him regale us with deer hunting tales and I'll bet he'd got a good one... cause he said he GOT a good one.
Gonna talk him out of a pic or two to put up here as well. :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 02, 2006, 11:54:00 PM
A strong storm system moved in this morning, keeping us house bound and away from the elk timber... see how it works? :D
Not wanting to shoot the last two days sitting at home we took a ride anyway. It was pretty even if wet and of course the moisture magnified the smells of the pine, sage and willows along the creek.
Here's a veiw or two up the mountain... (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/cloudyaspen.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 03, 2006, 12:01:00 AM
With time on our hands and arrows to burn we headed back down below the squall line... it wasn't raining near as hard at lower elevation... and hit some of our favorite sage hen spots.
At first we were having a little trouble hitting the dang things, though we were certainly finding plenty.
But then we hit stride and took advantage of their reluctance to fly in the damp conditions. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/cloudychicken3.jpg)
This is another limit for me and danged if I knew at this point that Killy wanted the tails or I'd have sure saved them.
Now I have to use my last day here trying to get another one or two... oh the pressure! :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 03, 2006, 12:09:00 AM
I understood completely... hell, I don't hit every bird I shoot at. (at least not this time out!)
I got a ringside seat as he walked into the middle of a good sized flock of frying size birds.
One by one they got up around him. First one on the right and now one on the left. Vance double clutched as one came up almost underfoot and misnocked the arrow... I know what the bugger had in mind! He was want'n to wing shoot a sage hen. That's a tall order folks!!!
Well, he settled on evening the score on a nice plump bird that decided walking was better than taking the A train.
The little Super Shrew spit that carbon arrow right through the chest of the big gray bomber and it was down.
We got this picture as we ran out of light and chickens.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/darkchickenduo.jpg)
Post by: Guru on October 03, 2006, 06:08:00 AM
Post by: JC on October 03, 2006, 07:20:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on October 03, 2006, 07:34:00 AM
I have to comment on the hat "dew" rag. That's a novel idea and the truest usage for the term I've seen. I hat rain-coat! Sure glad you had such a fantastic trip!!!! That goes to show you that a guy doesn't have to kill a truck load of critters to have an epic adventure. I for one am real glad to have been a small part of the trip! :thumbsup:
Be safe in your travels Bud! CK
Post by: Bowspirit on October 03, 2006, 09:11:00 AM
Kudo's on all the sage hens.
Post by: wingnut on October 03, 2006, 09:19:00 AM
Drive safe going home.
Mike
Post by: vermonster13 on October 03, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 03, 2006, 09:52:00 AM
They gave bowhunters a great preseason for elk and in their wisdom opened the firearms deer season right in the middle of that time... for all the good they do (very good Game and Fish department) they sure seem to have had their heads where the sun don't shine on this one.
Hunters aren't required to ensconce themselves in the orange crap... a hat cover will meet requirements... so that explains the hat cover. Keeps my Peter Brothers felt somewhat dry as well.
Post by: IB on October 03, 2006, 11:39:00 AM
To say that this season had any one moment that stood out more than any other would be to short change the whole. I would just for myself like to include in this thread a few of the highlights that spawned great and everlasting memories from this season.
The most recent was a E-mail that we received, just last night from a local Trad Gang member.
Charlie and I had the PLEASURE of meeting a VERY fine gentleman named Nate Fikkert at his hunting camp this fall. Nate is a True Trad Archer in ALL ways and we are Very Proud to include him in this camp fire.
Allow us to share this e-mail with ya’all
“Vance and Charlie,
Here are some pics of my buck, feel free to post on the web or just enjoy. A little bit of the story, I was hunting with a rifle toting companion who was out for meat and willing to shoot any buck. It had snowed quite a bit over night and was still pretty socked in when we woke up so we waited until the sun busted up the fog a bit to head out. We still-hunted our way up a drainage together and saw a few deer. I put a sneak on a doe that didn't pan out and we continued our way up. Nearing the top of the basin we spotted a fork horn that was looking intently up the drainage. We then saw 8 cows and calves head up and over the ridge into the next drainage. At this time elk were still my number one priority so I told my buddy to shoot the fork horn and after we had him taken care of I would take up the trail of the elk and try to get one.
He made a great shot and within an hour I was on the trail of the elk. They had headed into the dark timber and by this time the snow was falling off the trees so heavily that I lost there trail. I knew where I was (sort of) and figured I would hunt my way down the drainage and call it a morning. I didn't go another fifty yards when I jumped a buck and a doe. The buck had no Idea what happened and I really think he felt very secure in his bed because shortly after I jumped him I see him working back up the drainage towards me. I knelt down, knocked an arrow and the next thing I know I am drawing my bow and the fletches hit him perfect right behind the shoulder. He went 70 yards and faltered but I didn't actually see him go down, so I made myself wait 20 minutes and after a short trail I found him.
The rest of the story gets long so I will abbreviate it. Turns out I was alot farther from a road than I thought, a bit over a mile to be exact, and if you know the Cliff Creek area at all then you will believe me when I say it was a NASTY mile, cliffs, snow, mud, shale slides, etc. I ended up getting the cape, antlers, and boned meat out in my first trip and went back the next morning to get the rest of the meat. I didn't sleep much knowing my meat was out there with the bears, wolves, and coyotes, but God continued to provide and the meat was not touched and had cooled out nicely.”
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/natebuck.JPG)
Thanks Nate :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: AZStickman on October 03, 2006, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: Olebow on October 03, 2006, 04:40:00 PM
CK, Terry, and Robin who all added to this long and exciting story of the hunt; thank you!
We all have enjoyed it so much.
You guys are all truly our Tradgang brothers of
the bow!
There is absolutely no other place in cyber space
where such a tale could unfold than here on
Tradgang. Olebow
Post by: Terry Green on October 03, 2006, 09:14:00 PM
I HATE seeing this thread end.
Thanks for everything Charlie and Vance. :campfire:
Post by: Bowspirit on October 03, 2006, 10:57:00 PM
You gotta understand, thats not just really cool. For me, it's a real big deal, cause you're right up there on my lists of bowhunting heros. Right there with Fred Bear, Howard Hill, and all the rest.
I guess I just want to end this by saying...congrats on the game you killed, the places and things you saw, and that perhaps on one of your future westward excursions, somehow, our paths will cross.
Post by: Nate Fikkert on October 04, 2006, 10:13:00 PM
Thanks for posting my pic and story. It was great to meet you guys and hopefully we can share a real campfire sometime. I enjoyed sharing this adventure with you two on this site, and the others involved. Vance, thanks for the kind words, stay in touch.
Nathan
Post by: DarkeGreen on October 05, 2006, 05:44:00 AM
Post by: Guru on October 05, 2006, 05:54:00 AM
Here's to many more adventures :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :campfire:
Post by: trashwood on October 05, 2006, 07:25:00 AM
rusty
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 05, 2006, 09:22:00 AM
I'll be looking forward to catching up on it when I finally roll into the drive way at home.
To all who've added their encouraging comments and to those who participated, I've gotta say a big THANK YOU!! It wouldn't have been possible.
It's been a wonderful trip. Time with old friends and new friends keeps a guy young... and on his toes. :D
I spent the last day and a half visiting people around here that I needed to say goodbye to and saying good bye to a couple of special places that I didn't have permits to hunt in... so I went there without a bow in hand.
It felt totally weird not to have the bow along, but there are just some places in my life that I have to visit.
I got out with Vance the last night of the sage hen season and arrowed one more "bomber". That officially closed the western hunting season for me and it was somehow fitting.
I've put Killy's sage hen tail feathers in the cooler and will be getting those to her.
So, anyway, the truck is packed and sitting in the drive.
It rained last night and all the smells of western Wyoming are leaping on my senses.
I'm not sure what plant is blooming here now, but it seems to be irritating my tear ducts. Dang, I'll have trouble seeing the mountains in my rear veiw mirror... I dread that veiw anyway.
Talk to you all another time. :wavey:
Post by: Littlefeather on October 05, 2006, 09:43:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on October 05, 2006, 10:02:00 AM
Post by: IB on October 05, 2006, 10:51:00 AM
When he came it was sunny and in the 60s!!
Today 33deg. with snow....Much like the feeling around here this morning.....COOL and DAMP
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Bye_Trk_e.jpg)
Bless you all for being in our CAMP :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :campfire:
Post by: Whip on October 05, 2006, 11:30:00 AM
Thanks for taking us with you.
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Post by: Carcajou on October 05, 2006, 11:39:00 AM
YOU GUYS ROCK!
Have a safe trip home Charlie!
Post by: Emmons on October 05, 2006, 11:43:00 AM
James
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on October 05, 2006, 12:01:00 PM
But now you can start planning for next year :)
Tracy
Post by: knife river on October 05, 2006, 12:14:00 PM
Post by: houseman on October 05, 2006, 05:41:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 05, 2006, 08:00:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 06, 2006, 11:08:00 AM