Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 01:52:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on October 13, 2006, 01:55:00 PM
Post by: TXRED on October 13, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 02:13:00 PM
Got a shock the other day when I finally got caught up with my honeydo list after 2 months of western adventure.
I wonder if Fred Bear had to clean up the yard?
Anyway, the property that I'd hunted last year near the house was slated for early death by subdivision and I'd anticipated not hunting it this year.
The land had gone under the blade. I mean every living thing that wasn't a mature tree was bull dozed. It looked pretty bleak.
It looked pretty bleak until I realized that the deer that were use to hanging out on this property still visited the same mast trees that they had when there was undergrowth. Now they come on the property at night from neighboring properties that still have cover.
The first sign I found of consequence was under a red oak near the fringe of cover bordering a big bean field.
Going on first impressions of the feeding sign I put up a hang on stand near the oak.
The first night I sat the stand I saw 12 deer in the beans. One group got past me on, what ole Butch would call, a sneak trail. I made a note of the trail.
When they had come out in the beans, they eventually worked their way over to another red oak and spent considerable time there eating.
Another mental note was made and the decision to check out that oak more closely.
Which is just what I did the next day around noon.
I was so sure that I could catch the deer there, that I brought along a hang on for the tree.
Sign was good under the oak and I went ahead with the plan.
Now every year I go through this period where nothing I do goes easy. In particular the hanging of the first stand or two of the year.
This tree was no exception to that rule.
I fought the dang tree steps up one trunk of the double trunk oak until at around fifteen feet I stopped and hauled up the stand.
Strapped up good, but hanging precariously off balance I did the "you need three hands and only have two" waltz with the mighty oak.
With the stand pressed against the tree with one hand I slung the chain around the mighty bole with the other.
It came up a foot short of reaching all the way around. I was a tad miffed... with a capital F!
I had no extension with me and hadn't thought about it.
I took the whole works down and went off to sit in the first stand.
Saw 12 more deer and had five of those move to the failed red oak stand and lounge.
The next day I went to WalMart and got an Ameristep ladder stand. By late that afternoon I had it in place against the oak.
I'd always stayed away from ladder stands, but have to say that it was an unfounded aversion.
An hour before dark two deer approached from across the bean field.
Post by: Talondale on October 13, 2006, 02:20:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on October 13, 2006, 02:29:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 02:38:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 02:50:00 PM
I need to have at least 5 yearling type deer (preferred) to have meat until next season.
Unless I missed my guess, the two deer galloping toward my new ladder stand were candidates for a free shopping trip.
In minutes they were underneath me and about 12 yards from the base of the tree. I had placed my stand to use the large tree trunks to hide my position and was well hidden on the shady side as the sun dipped low in the west.
I looked them over and could see that the larger of the two was a button buck, so I switched my attention to the smaller one which was a doe.
By kneeling on the seat and leaning out between the massive trunks I could make my shot undetected.
It was a tough angle to shoot, but it looked like the only game in town. I had to hold the bow vertically and shoot down at that damn angle.
I held for a moment and let the arrow slip. As they so often do the deer went into motion before the arrow got to it's mark and the shaft hit behind the shoulder and high, angling slightly rearward.... I'd have sworn it would take her dead broadside and low of center.
With nothing else to do but watch, I observed as she crossed the bean field for 125 yards and entered the brush.
There was every indication that she should keel over, but she didn't. She laid down at one point, but her companion urged her on.
Given the uncertainty of the damage, I let her go and got after the trail first thing this morning. Luck was with me and the temps dropped to subfreezing.
I expected to find her in the fringe of brush at the fields edge in the morning.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 02:54:00 PM
I found the arrow this morning. It had stayed in the wound until the doe laid down the first time. It must have snagged on a bean stem and pulled out when she got up to leave.
Note that bleeder is in good shape and was only dislodged by the snagging.
Post by: Littlefeather on October 13, 2006, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: Stickbow98 on October 13, 2006, 03:42:00 PM
NICE GOING!!! :bigsmyl:
Gonna have borrow that line: "I was a tad miffed... with a capital F!"...sounds much more dignified than the way I usually describe my all too frequently occuring similar tales of just enough strap to hang myself, but not the STAND!!! :mad: :banghead:
>>--Ron--<>
Post by: IB on October 13, 2006, 03:59:00 PM
Ya might want to touch up the fletching for ya use that one again :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: Littlefeather on October 13, 2006, 05:02:00 PM
CK
Post by: Stone Knife on October 13, 2006, 05:49:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on October 13, 2006, 06:01:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 10:11:00 PM
Driving right to the edge of the field, I parked and cut a line straight toward where the little doe had entered the cover.
I'd watched her closely and from the wound positions knew I'd find her just inside the brush. I'd also carefully marked in my mind, the very spot where she entered the cover.
I just bulled through the first thick edge cover and broke out on the high bank of the creek that runs through the place.
There below lay my deer just as I'd hoped.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/firstdeer06.jpg)
Post by: Roughcountry on October 13, 2006, 10:11:00 PM
I was missin some good hunt story's, all ears here :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 10:29:00 PM
Since there is nobody else hunting this property this year, I'm free to move around on a different part of the farm than I'd seen before.
Tonight I Ghillied up and came up on the creek in a different place and from a different direction.
A half fallen tree provided excellent cover and was conveniently located near a creek crossing that was pretty torn up.
I got a real good test of the suit when a coal black house cat came ambling through the woods. He turned right down the creek bank headed my direction.
Now I ain't one of those guys who shoots every cat he sees and I just let this one come on.
He was passing me slowly about 3 feet away when I suddenly shook my foot at him and put him into hyper space.
I grinned about that for a long time.
Within an hour I spotted deer moving through the cover toward me. I adjusted my cap and swiveled slightly to cover the crossing.
With three does in front of me (actually two button bucks and a doe) I watched with almost total lack of concern about being spotted... they didn't have a clue, but I could have gotten along just fine with plaids and jeans. It was a good natural blind.
I let them drop off into the creek, where I knew they'd come in below me and pause before climbing the other bank.
As planned, they came out about 15 yards below me... facing away, broadside!
I then had one of those moments that we all dread. I twitched my release and watched the yellow ball of feathers spin straight over the little does back.
Hell, it didn't even scare them that much and they just stood there looking around. Far be it from me to pass up second shots.
I drew down on the doe again...thump. All hell broke loose as that doe gyrated around my streaking arrow, letting the creek bank absorb the energy and penetration of the once sharp broadhead.
With this they all split and it would have just about been over when the doe ran back down the opposite bank of the creek and stood in an opening at 20 yards.
The shot was deliberate and she didn't move as the arrow left the bow... FLUP! My bowstring hooked a piece of the material on the Ghillie. I watched in total shock as the arrow passed beneath her ribs.
I guess maybe next year I won't hunt on Friday the 13th.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 13, 2006, 10:38:00 PM
My old pal Butch will be picking me up Tuesday and I'll try to take notes and somehow hold on to my sanity... ya just have to be there to understand!
All I know right now is that he's got some new hot spot and it will probably be where I killed my last deer last year... we'll see. Oh yeah and Butch told me on the phone (he called because he couldn't remember if he was supposed to pick me up Monday or Tuesday. At noon... he'll show up around 9 a.m.
Not long after that I'll be heading off for the swamps of southern Georgia for a romp through the palmetto and cyprus with Terry Green and a host of dignataries.... and I hope a hog and deer or two.
Then in November it's off to Ohio for some of that bruiser buck stuff I've always dreamed of... seems like my normal hunting spots suck!!
We'll just see how it all shakes out.
:thumbsup:
Post by: the Ferret on October 13, 2006, 11:06:00 PM
When ya coming to the Buckeye state?
Post by: cjones on October 13, 2006, 11:37:00 PM
Mickey, Nov. 5th-10th.. :D
Post by: Shaun on October 13, 2006, 11:39:00 PM
Post by: Justin Falon on October 13, 2006, 11:49:00 PM
My area got axed this fall too! If I would have killed half as many as I missed, I would rival the record for total number of Pope and Young deer or something like that......
It broke my heart to see the houses and shopping mall come. The deer are still around but just cannot hunt them anymore. It really stinks!
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 14, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
Post by: the Ferret on October 14, 2006, 11:20:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 14, 2006, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: Glenn29 on October 14, 2006, 02:06:00 PM
Keep the stories and pictures coming! Gives us guys that have to work something to dream about :campfire:
Post by: cjones on October 14, 2006, 11:43:00 PM
Post by: SHOOTO8S on October 15, 2006, 12:04:00 AM
Post by: fxe on October 15, 2006, 08:36:00 AM
Post by: JC on October 15, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Yer on a roll Charlie! Looking forward to more great stories.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 15, 2006, 09:35:00 AM
Joe... Not sure I'll be bringing out the longbow. I have been eyeing my old osage selfbow, "Grover", for a while now. Got some special arrows and some Hunter's Heads (gift from my friend Bill Carlson) that could stand some attention and add a little "twist" to the hunt. Just have to see how things go. ;)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 15, 2006, 10:00:00 AM
Seems I fell out of the habit as soon as I returned from Wyoming. Almost like it isn't worth taking pictures back here.
Of course that's just wrong!
It's a fantastic time of year around here. The trees are showing color and that special feel is in the air. You can smell the season changing.
One draw back to being in the west for two months and then returning to an open whitetail season is the lack of scouting prior to season.
Not a huge deal when you've done your homework the winter before.... but still a bit of a handicap.
Throw in the total destruction of all the protective cover that you were expecting and it's like starting over.
I'm not new to the concept, though! I've lost more good hunting spots to housing developement than I care to remember.
Matter of fact, I figured out one time that I average 2-3 years on a place before it sells to somebody who wants to "improve" it.
The last few years I've considered hiring myself out to realtors. You know? Hire Charlie Lamb and your property will sell.... quick!!
Last night I returned to the Ghillie ground blind.
There were deer in the bean field when I got there and I'd not even gotten set up when I looked over my shoulder and saw a deer leaving my patch of timber... obviously because of me.
I'd waited until almost 5 p.m. to get on stand and it was apparent I needed to get out there a little earlier.
The evening went along pretty routinely. I spotted a doe moving along the field edge about a hundred yards from my set up and with previous sightings I know there is a better crossing just down the creek from me. I'll save that for a midday scout.
A little before dark, another doe crossed between my position and the road. She was never closer than seventy yards and moved along deliberatly through the open timber heading for the thicket.
Often we focus on an animal and dismiss it after it fails to come in range. It pays to watch and remember.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 15, 2006, 10:12:00 AM
Pattern? I think so. The spot is one I'd noted when looking for a set up in this place.
It's a poor place for a hasty blind w/ghillie, but just happens to have a double trunked oak (of reasonable diameter) in the perfect location for a hang on. Wind is typically good there and I'll probably put in a stand today...I'll get a few pics of it.
Post by: Roughcountry on October 15, 2006, 03:25:00 PM
Tryed to trade the guy at walmart for the camera but he said he wasn't tough enough to handle Cindy. :D
I've been studing the book so's I can get some pics on my next trip to the hills, after 3 days I'm getting good enough to turn it on. :confused:
When your out this way again, bring your fancy camo. I'll be taking pics :scared:
Post by: cjones on October 15, 2006, 11:51:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 16, 2006, 10:04:00 AM
I'd study that book real good... remember, the "Butch Award" can be given at any time for acts of extreme stupidity. I know you can beat the camera!!
Chad... more coming soon. :campfire: :archer:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 16, 2006, 10:26:00 AM
Remember how I was seeing deer coming from a trail leading out of a thicket and how I was going to put a hang on stand in the perfect tree close by?
It didn't get done!
I had a chance to make some pocket money yesterday and took the opportunity. That kept me busy well past midday and the time to get that stand in place slipped by.
I like to put my stands up during midday when things aren't so active and it gives a few hours for the area to calm down and the latent scent to dissipate.
So not wanting to waist an evening, I headed out for the creek crossing ground blind for one more hunt.
I'd spent too much time there already and figured it needed a rest. It doesn't take long for a spot to get figured out by the local deer and I figured they were hip to this spot.
The evening was quiet. A light, intermittant rain broke the silence from time to time with it's leaf soaking patter.
Here and there, through the open forest, squirrels searched for nuts, occasionally reacting to some unseen (by me) threat and scurrying up a nearby oak.
Bluejays flitted back and forth looking for something to scold and a single crow flew high about the tree tops calling for his brothers and no doubt thinking about a favorite roosting place.
The Herons which had given my a start or two didn't work up and down the creek. A very quiet evening indeed.
Some deer were already in the bean field working for their supper, so that part was normal. I wondered if I would continue to see movement as early as I had been.
Nothing moved until half an hour before last light. Up the hill, from the trail that leads from the thicket, I caught just a hint of movement.
Something big had crossed between two tree trunks and I'd caught just a glimpse.
Without looking forward I turned my attention to my bow which was leaning against the log which gave me cover.
With the bow in hand I slid to one knee and grabbed the arrow which was neatly tucked under the log to protect the fletching from moisture.
As the nock clipped into it's resting spot on the nocking point, I turned my attention to the movement.
In seconds a buck moved from behind the trees, some 70 yards from me. He was soon joined by a second and a third.
It took a look through my binoculars to identify them as bucks. In the dreary light and because of the darkness of their antlers they'd been hard to see.
I was surprised at how big the antlers were and I'd not been able to see them. The last buck in line was a definate candidate for my buck tag... though I've decided not to be selective around here this year.
Post by: JC on October 16, 2006, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: Whip on October 16, 2006, 10:49:00 AM
One thing I have never done is to take a deer from the ground - it's become one of my goals this year. Show me how Charlie!
Post by: Littlefeather on October 16, 2006, 11:33:00 AM
Quote
My old pal Butch will be picking me up Tuesday and I'll try to take notes and somehow hold on to my sanity...Oh yea, please take notes! Do tell! :D
Quote
remember, the "Butch Award" can be given at any time for acts of extreme stupidity.Oh yea, please, please take some notes. These campfire stories just aren't quite the same as the live ones if ya don't throw in some "Butch" for spice! :bigsmyl: Carry on! CK
Post by: Terry Green on October 16, 2006, 06:51:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb::bigsmyl:
Just when you thought it was safe to go near your computer....
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 16, 2006, 08:42:00 PM
The first in line was the smallest of the group. He moved along quite casually but parallel to my position and never nearer than around 60- 70 yards.
I was watching to see if they'd give any indication of wariness when they crossed the path I'd walked getting in place.
It got that first buck's attention, big time. When he came to my path, he locked up. The other two bucks held up immediately as the little guy postured and stared off in my direction.
The wind was favorable so they weren't picking up my direct scent and they sure couldn't see me, tucked in like I was.
Finally the trio turned and retraced their steps back into the thicket from whence they'd come.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/edgestandveiw2.jpg) The big arrow is where they came out of the thicket and the small arrow points to where I was hiding along the creek bank.
No more deer sighted this evening. I determined to get the hang on stand in in the morning.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 16, 2006, 09:24:00 PM
I determined to get the stand in the tree I'd selected by noon.
With the rain pelting down I grabbed my Gorilla hangon stand and a set of climbing sticks and hit the woods just after lunch.
It's an ideal situation when you can hang a stand in the rain. Everything gets washed down good and nothing is left of your scent to alarm deer.
I've taken advantage of this strategy many times.
Putting the stand up went smoothly enough. I'll let ya know how the intimate tete a tete with poison ivy went... I'll know more in a day or two. Yuck!
Here's a look at the set up. The tree is a little closer to the spot where the deer come out of the thicket than I usually prefer and will be easy to burn out.
The stand is marked by the pinkish arrow. The blue line is my entry path and the orange lines are deer paths.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/standdiagram.jpg)
With a favorable wind, all I should have to worry about is my approach to the stand. A deer coming in under me will be on the upwind side of the tree and of course my scent would be above him.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 16, 2006, 09:36:00 PM
At least that's the plan. :D
I gave it a good sit, but nothing showed. Squirrel movement was zilch and all the birds were holed up somewhere.
All in all a very miserable evening.
I considered what the limitations of the shot would have to be considering the rain.
It should be a very close shot and delivered with as close to surgical precision as possible... the blood trail needed to be short and profuse to withstand the light, but steady rain.
I intended to poke a big ole Magnus I clear through and into the dirt on the other side.
Ah yes! The best laid plans.
I'm off for north Mo. tomorrow for a few days with my old hunting partner Butch. Should be back on Friday.
Where the turkeys are pretty scarce on the property close to home, there are loads of them where I'm going.
Gonna work out the ghillie some more and get that deer from the ground for Joe Lash.... and/or a turkey, but they don't ever play fair.
:wavey:
Post by: Whip on October 16, 2006, 09:54:00 PM
I broke out in a rash just reading those words!
Be careful what you hide in......
Post by: cjones on October 16, 2006, 11:30:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 17, 2006, 11:09:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on October 18, 2006, 05:50:00 PM
Post by: sgrogg on October 18, 2006, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on October 18, 2006, 07:29:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 18, 2006, 09:06:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 18, 2006, 10:30:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 20, 2006, 01:30:00 PM
Perhaps a BLOODY story????
OH CHARLES WHERE IS YOU
Post by: Whip on October 20, 2006, 02:05:00 PM
Post by: DarkeGreen on October 20, 2006, 03:25:00 PM
Post by: the Ferret on October 20, 2006, 03:35:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 20, 2006, 05:30:00 PM
I'll shake it again
LAM"O" we'll catch ya
!["[tunglaff]"]("graemlins/tunglaff.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: houseman on October 20, 2006, 05:35:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 20, 2006, 11:42:00 PM
Post by: Jim Jackson on October 21, 2006, 12:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 08:13:00 AM
It was time for my annual trip with old buddy Butch and as usual I had mixed emotions about it.
You see, Butch and I go way back to a time when I'd just moved back east from Wyoming and needed somewhere to hunt.
I'd stopped at a local watering hole one day after work and made aquaintence with one of the regulars. Seems he'd seen me out shooting my bow and was quite interested.
Well, we kind of hit it off and the next thing you know I had access to some local land... small chunk, but it had deer on it.
As time went by, old Butch and I had a bit of a falling out.
You see, Butch liked to sit in the bar on Friday night and see how much whiskey he could drink and then brag about it for the rest of the week.
Not quite my style! I think it must have been the second time that he was supposed to pick me up for a hunt and didn't show that really hacked me off.
I let him know in no uncertain terms that if he wanted to get wasted drunk on weekends, it was fine with me... but I wasn't gonna be part of it and sure wasn't gonna miss a hunting day because he had a hang over.
We didn't hunt together for almost 10 years after that little talk.
Well, one day the phone rang and guess who it was? That's right!
Seems he wasn't drinking like he used to and wanted to know if I'd go hunting with him at his brothers farm up north.
I was ready to blow it off, but thought that since the man had gone out of his way to lay off the sauce and wanted to hunt with me again.... I'd do it.
As with most things connected to the man, there was more to the story than I was hearing.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 08:30:00 AM
Though I felt that Billy wanted to choke the livin snot out of Butch on more than one occasion, they were afterall, brothers.
Little did I know at the time that Butch's prime concern was getting any deer he might shoot, out of the woods.
He'd always (and still does) complain about his "burning hip,and leg and foot".
That didn't bother me all that much, except I knew for fact that Butch never was much for doing any kind of physical labor.
But he was my senior by 5 years and I guess I could put up with it since he always made a point to mention that he wasn't drinking "that much" anymore.... besides, he hardly ever shot anything.
So we loaded up Butch's truck at my house. I put my bow and travel bag on the back seat, on top of Butch's hunting clothes... I'd given him a travel bag of his own a few years ago, but to this day he just throws his clothes on the back seat of his truck.
Soon we were headed north.
Interstate 70 bisects the state of Missouri like a concrete belt, separating the "Northern" counties, which are primarily good farm ground, from the southern counties, which are primarily Ozark hills and fit for little but flint production.
It's pretty good deer hunting where we go. Small woodlots are surronded by huge expanses of corn and bean fields.
If it wasn't for the fact that the locals hammer the hell out of the deer, there's be some true wall hangers around.
I guess there still are... you here about them now and then, but always described by the number of points or perceived body weight.
That's the measure of what is and isn't a big buck up there.
The talk after firearms season goes something like this... "Hey Joe, I heard you got a deer?" "Yeah, I got my buck, eight pointer and 175 pounds dressed." "Wow! That's a good one"!
Hmmmmmm!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 08:44:00 AM
Butch had a spot that he'd found and knew of a great spot where I could sit.
Turns out my "great spot" was just beyond where Butch's spot was and "oh by the way, will you help me move my stand".
By now I'm not caught off guard by stuff like that. I've come to expect it.
We moved the homemade ladder stand with the usual amount of cursing and banging of the aluminum part of the stand on every tree and bush on the 80 acres we were hunting.
I did most of the carrying. The old burning hip, and leg and foot thing, ya know.
So once I got him settled and figuring there wasn't a deer left on the property, I drifted off to the far corner of the place for an evening of peace and quiet.
That's about all I got. No deer were sighted and I spent the time easing around looking at sign.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/stalkscrape.jpg)
Butch had decided on his "hotspot" based on what deer he had seen in the area last year... I should have known.
It didn't seem to matter that we had walked right through much better sign than anything around his new stand site and I didn't say anything... I filed the information away for future use.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
The usual trails were marked with fresh rubs... some of the fresh rubs were on old rubbed trees and some on brand new trees.
Scrapes were found in there usual spots as well and I knew where I wanted to be before the week was through.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/06scrape.jpg)
Back at the house that night we relaxed and talked about the next day and how we'd approach the hunt and of course there was Butch's usual rant about how expensive archery gear was today and how he didn't know why it costs more than it did in 1967.
And I can't overlook the great Cheerio's conspiracy! You see, Butch is convinced that the maker's of Cheerio's bought out the people that make the generic brand so he'd have to pay more.
I didn't mention that I could buy the generic stuff all day long, almost anywhere. I let him rant.
He'd seen and heard a big flock of turkeys and insisted I hunt near his stand in the morning. I'd surely get shots at a bird if I did.
Well, morning came soon enough and as I sat staring at the bottom of my cup through what passed as coffee in Butch's world, I tried to tune out the constant stream of babble that spewed from my partners mouth... he wakes up talking to no one in particular!
I passed on his offer of a heart healthy breakfast consisting of a small bowl of instant oatmeal and 6 slices of bacon.
Before we got out the door he just had to show me how he'd fixed a new sight pin on his hunting bow.
Butch has always been a sight shooter. Just a single pin or something like it is all he uses.
I'd fixed him up with one of my best bows which I'd missed weight on a couple years back. He showed up the very next hunt with a paper match taped to the riser.
He said it was his lighted sight pin and thought that was pretty funny stuff right there.
But he wasn't kidding about using that for a sight.
It had been adjusted for point of impact in his usual meticulous way... "that oughta be about the right place"!
I was a little miffed about that, but kept my mouth shut.
I'd later give him an old Merrill Heartshot sight (he pronouces it Morel) so he'd have a decent sight for his bow.... and I haven't seen it since.
This morning I would witness such an engineering feat the likes of which most mortals seldom encounter.
He'd saved his money for a new custom recurve, but somewhere over the months that he was saving, he'd made a few trips to the tavern.... the bow he ended up buying was an entry level Martin. (nice bow, but I wondered how nice a bow he could have gotten with the money he'd drank up)
Anyway, he decided, after I'd suggested drilling and tapping a small hole for a single pin in the sight window of his bow that that was a pretty good idea.
The pin would be out of the way and pretty well protected from bumping or other damage.
What he did was take a #4 finish nail and drove it into the wood of the sight window on that bow with a hammer. (how he got that done, I'll never know!!) "that oughta be about the right spot"!
One thing is sure, it won't ever move!!
I couldn't get off alone soon enough.
Post by: Shaun on October 21, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 09:19:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 09:29:00 AM
As I eased down toward the spot where I'd decided to build a hasty ground blind, I soon found myself surronded by turkeys greeting the new day from above.
The light continued to grow in intensity as I craned my neck to find a bird above me. You see, as long as it's daylight, I'll punch a turkey off his roost... I've never done it, but I would!!
Finally, high in the limbs of a huge red oak, I spotted a gobbler. There was no way to get an arrow up to him, so I just stood watching.
The birds were all getting upset at this point and were leaving the area in one's and two's. I hoped they'd try to regroup here after a while.
It never happened.
So the morning went. No deer spotted and the turkeys never returned.
By the time we'd gotten back to the house, a fine misty rain was coming down. It didn't look good for the afternoon hunt.
You see, part of the Northern Missouri mystique is about the soil. It's rich and fertile and as close as I can tell... bottomless.
Add a little water to the road that leads to the 80 acres and you have an impassable mess.
But there was a plan B!
Post by: Roughcountry on October 21, 2006, 09:59:00 AM
Post by: Missouri CK on October 21, 2006, 10:26:00 AM
And you tell the tale with such enthusiasm!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 11:08:00 AM
I just can't compute all of it. I'd thought of taking notes, but would probably end up with writer's cramp.
Maybe a pocket recorder, but then I'd have to listen to all of it again and don't think my brain could stand the strain.
Plan B was to hunt "up front". Seems Billy owns another 18 acre piece of ground just off the blacktop. We could get in there without problems.
I already knew Butch's plan for the evening. He'd hunt a hotspot he'd found last year.
What that means is he'd go to the stand he'd put up on the spot where I took a deer last year.
That's using your head!!
To get there he only had to walk through all the cover that held deer near the only spot left for me to sit.
Just a small problem for him.
I listened as the crashing of brush faded away and settled in for what I suspected would be a long and fruitless afternoon. I was right.
The temperature was dropping steadilly when we returned to the house, but the forecast was for the rain to clear out.
A steady breeze from the west would dry the back road overnight and we anticipated hunting the 80 in the morning.
Butch was pretty much set on me coming to hunt near him and on the way to the property he told me how he intended to move his stand again.
I agreed that that was probably a pretty good idea, but that I wanted to hunt a different spot. He looked perplexed, but went off toward his stand after we'd parked, while I set off down the field edge toward a spot where I'd seen scrapes, rubs and the unmistakable sign of deer feeding heavilly on acorns in an old slough.
With the cold we were both dressed more heavilly than the day before. I think I had on a few top layers while Butch had pulled on two cotton T shirts with a polypropylene shirt over that. Add two more cotton shirts and a jacket and he was set... even if he was too bound up to draw his bow.
I wondered what had happened to the fleece neck gaiter I'd given him. The one he'd promptly cut eye and mouth holes in to use as a face mask.
He just couldn't understand how he could get so cold. I just shook my head as I thought of our conversation about layering, moisture transfer and leaving the collar of your shirt gapping open.
I've given up on giving presents to help him be more comfortable.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 11:22:00 AM
The temps were hovering around 35 degrees and a damp haze hung in the timber. The sun would not be showing today and I felt pretty good about that.
I eased into the area where I'd seen the feeding sign and looked it over one more time.
The original plan was to ghillie up and take a position down wind of the spot, watching several trails that merged near the place.
The more I looked however, the more I realized that an old (but very solid) home built ladder stand was in just the right place for what I wanted to do.
I climbed up and made myself comfortable. Butch's nephew had built the stand two years prior, to firearm's hunt from.
It had a very comfortable seat in it and even though big and blocky, he'd had the forethought to tuck it back in the trunks of a huge multi trunk oak.
Yep! It'd do.
I trimmed away a couple of small branchs for bow limb clearance and one at just the right height to hang my bow from.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/hawkintree.jpg)
I like hanging my bow. That way I can keep hands in pockets where they are nice and warm and also avoid shifting around or inadvertant hand movements.
The stand provided an excellent view and I setled in to watch the squirrel show that was in progress around me.
I'd noted the presence of lots of squirrel sign when we first came through. They always know where the tastiest acorns. Seems like if you aren't seeing squirrels and lots of them, you ain't that close to a good deer feeding spot.
I hadn't seen acorns or squirrels on the other parts of the 80 that I'd visited.
About half an hour into my sit, a butterball fat racoon came waddling down the trail.
I always love watching them when they are around and knew he'd spot me if my cover wasn't good or he crossed my entry trail.
I went unnoticed and he missed my trail by a few feet, coming almost to the base of my stand before heading off to whatever mischief he could find.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 11:39:00 AM
I had decided that the next big fox squirrel that came by half way close was going to get shot at.
I took the broadhead arrow off the string and stood up.
I wasn't going to be completely off guard... I mean, things are more likely to happen the more vulnerable you get... I'd take the blunt out of the quiver when I saw the opportunity coming.
So there I stood, bow in hand, wondering which squirrel would come close enough to become a victim, when a movement near the field edge got my attention.
A nice buck whitetail was moving slowly through the grass toward a distant trail. I'd watched that trail before and had never been there when a deer was. I wished I'd have picked that spot this morning.... pretty common wish for most guys! :D
As he entered the timber I brought my grunt tube to my lips and let go with a soft grunt. He stopped and looked my way.
Shortly he moved forward again. Once again I called softly and once again he stopped.
He was interested, but wasn't going to come. I could tell that much!
Just about the time I was cursing my luck and resigning myself to watching the buck walk away, I heard commotion to my left.
Two more bucks were approaching on a different trail.
Where the first buck was close to 70 yards away, these two would pass me at 15.
By now I had my Magnus I four blade back on the bow and was facing perfectly for a shot at the closer bucks.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/siteofshot.jpg)
Note: The yellow "X" is the spot where the first buck stood.
The blue "line" is the path followed by the second buck, who wasn't in the clear until he reached the blue "X".
Post by: Missouri CK on October 21, 2006, 12:48:00 PM
Thanks for the morning reading material. I've pulled up trad gang between patients this morning.
Now just so I get this right. If Butch has to take a long shot does he just pull out a crowbar and bend the nail down?
Looking forward to the conculsion of this story.
Chris
Post by: kojac on October 21, 2006, 01:57:00 PM
Here it is 5 pages and I have not red a word until now.
I don't really have time to read 5 pages at a time but I on the other hand know before long there will be 10 and I really don't want to read 10 pages in one sitting but if I don't there will be 20.......you all know what I'm getting at.
The worst part of the whole deal is now I can't wait to read page 10 :banghead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 03:19:00 PM
As he passed behind the double trunked tree out in front of me he stopped for a moment to survey the area.
All was quiet, I was well hidden and the wind was perfectly in my favor. I focused on the spot where I'd take the shot.
I knew that it was unlikely that he'd stop until after he'd passed the opening, so the shot would have to be taken "on the move".
As he started forward again, I loosened my grip on the bow handle and drew the arrow full. In just a second he was passing through my opening and the arrow was away, barely flickering in the subdued light.
I saw the hit and was a little disappointed. I knew I had a slight angle but didn't know for sure how much of one and the arrow had hit a little far back to suit me.
The buck lunged forward and ran for 30 yards before slowing to a walk. Due to the open nature of the timber, I picked him up quickly in my binoculars.
The wound seemed to be leaking bad.... real bad!
With the glasses, I followed as far as I could see him and with each step my hopes faded a little.
He was going too far, I thought. He should be going down if it's a lethal hit. Dammit!!
I lost sight of him when he crossed the slough a good 100 yards from me and walked out of sight into the woods beyond.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 03:39:00 PM
A great crashing sound, as if huge limbs were being crushed under something heavy came from the direction I'd last seen the buck.
I was sure he was down... well, pretty sure. We always second guess these situations.
I've tracked deer within minutes of hitting them and walked right to them. You can do that if you're sure of the hit.
But I wasn't sure of this one... not sure at all. So I waited.
Forty five minutes went by and I decided I'd waited long enough. I'd go find the blood trail and make a decision at that time to continue the trail or back out of there until later in the day.
Though I expected to find the arrow laying in the leaves behind where he'd been standing, it was not there.
I moved directly (and very quietly) to a log that had been directly in his path. There I found first blood.
Bright red and lots of it, but no bubbles.
I'd take the blood trail a little further.
Within 20 yards the blood was constant and profuse. It was obvious that it was coming out both sides of the animal, but I had never doubted full penetration of the big head.
Soon I found the front 2/3's of the arrow and the trail increased dramatically. I knew now that I'd find the buck laying at it's end.
Now across the slough I was still slipping along quietly, pausing frequently to search the cover ahead while I walked along beside the blood trail... so I wouldn't get it all over my pants legs.
I found the bloody feathered section of arrow laying beside a log and paused for a second. There ahead of me in a slight depression was a patch of brown that was out of place.
Soon I could make out a leg coming off the brown patch and I knew my buck lay right there.
I stood for a moment saying a prayer of thanks and breathing in the day. My senses were taking in every sight, every sound, and every smell the woods had to offer.
Once again I knew the joy and pain of taking the life of one of these wonderful creatures. It is a gift from God and I never take that for granted.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/whitetailbuck06.jpg)
Post by: Ted Fry on October 21, 2006, 03:43:00 PM
Post by: bayoulongbowman on October 21, 2006, 03:45:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on October 21, 2006, 04:32:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on October 21, 2006, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: Bowspirit on October 21, 2006, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: Randy Morin on October 21, 2006, 05:50:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 21, 2006, 06:09:00 PM
It was pretty cool all day.
In the evening I returned to the little patch of oaks in the finger of timber near the equiptment road.
It would be good enough for a last hunt and I had no great need to gather in more meat to deal with.
The late afternoon turned golden as warm light broke through the steely skies, rending great holes in the overcast which spilled yellow tinted rays of warmth across the forest. (whew! :D )
Except for the constant stirring of squirrels there was little going on.
At some point a little black flash broke into the timbers edge. Immediately behind the little bird came a Kestrel, darting and weaving through the trees at a speed which made him only visible and not much more.
Had I been looking elsewhere, I'd have not seen any of it. Cool stuff right there!
A little before dark a small doe came under the oaks to feed. I watched her the whole time and considered shooting her, but never took the bow from it's branch.
She finally fed away and spooking at something way down wind bounded off with tail high.
I never did figure out what spooked her.
It had been a good trip with an old friend. I break pretty hard on my pal Butch from time to time. Probably always will.
He's quirky and the quirks make me crazy. But hell, I'm quirky too and he puts up with me.
I doubt there isn't anything old Butch wouldn't do for anyone... stranger or not. There's not a mean bone in his body and his intentions are always honorable if not a little misguided at times.
He's pleasant company even when the huntin's tough and always seems to have a smile. I've learned a lot from him.
Post by: EASTERNARCHER on October 21, 2006, 07:18:00 PM
Post by: Joe D on October 21, 2006, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: CheapShot on October 21, 2006, 08:46:00 PM
Post by: waknstak IL on October 21, 2006, 09:04:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 22, 2006, 12:15:00 AM
Post by: Guru on October 22, 2006, 07:41:00 AM
Is Butch the same guy you had us cracking up about in TX?????
Post by: Guru on October 22, 2006, 07:51:00 AM
Post by: Jim Jackson on October 22, 2006, 10:27:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on October 22, 2006, 10:45:00 AM
I've been lookin in my camera book, tryin to figure out how you put those ribbons in the brush for those picture's. I gave up and went and got a roll of surveyer's ribbon :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 22, 2006, 11:07:00 AM
Andrew... just keep at it and show me the "Kinslow Chronicles". You and Chris got it goin on, bro! :wavey:
Robin... Photoshop or spray paint. Whichever is handy at the time. :D
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 22, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
Post by: AZStickman on October 22, 2006, 12:17:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 22, 2006, 09:10:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 22, 2006, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on October 23, 2006, 12:22:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 23, 2006, 06:50:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on October 23, 2006, 07:32:00 AM
See you soon. :wavey:
Post by: JC on October 23, 2006, 07:33:00 AM
You're about in need of another freezer by now aren't ya? :readit:
Post by: Whip on October 23, 2006, 07:55:00 AM
On to Paradise!
Post by: hunt it on October 23, 2006, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on October 23, 2006, 11:31:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 23, 2006, 07:59:00 PM
I'm sure it will be easy enough to find a source with an online search.
Taking pictures to support a story requires time set aside to just take photos. No way around it. If you just wait for the right time you end up going home with few pics.
Better to spend a few extra minutes taking different shots and having a selection of photos to chose from. :wavey:
Post by: Mudfeather on October 23, 2006, 09:37:00 PM
I probably wont be able to hunt with you guys at Paradise but I'm planning on riding down and seeing you one of those nights around the fire.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 23, 2006, 10:19:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 23, 2006, 11:43:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:Oh, now that's just mean. :D
Looking forward to seeing you again Keith... I'll warm up the KFC. :biglaugh:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on October 24, 2006, 09:12:00 AM
I ain't got a mean bone in my body... well, maybe just a little bit of one!! :goldtooth:
Post by: Littlefeather on October 24, 2006, 09:42:00 AM
Post by: Huntschool on October 24, 2006, 11:54:00 AM
I gotta figure out a way to get your old butt over here to Southern Illinois for a hunt.
The woods are better when there are "Ole Farts" in them.
Great story.......
Post by: JC on October 24, 2006, 02:04:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on October 24, 2006, 02:12:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 24, 2006, 08:01:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:The look on his face was priceless when he saw that bucket of chicken. :D
Well Jason, it is kind of an inside joke.(maybe 6 of us that "get it")
I ain't got a mean bone in my body... well, maybe just a little bit of one!! :goldtooth:
Post by: Mudfeather on October 24, 2006, 11:25:00 PM
I'll bring you some good chicken and you'll never be happy with 11 herbs and greases again. :biglaugh:
Post by: trashwood on October 24, 2006, 11:58:00 PM
sure enjoy your writing and pics.
rusty
Post by: Terry Green on October 25, 2006, 11:24:00 PM
We will dump the clutch early in the morn....
And the advertures of 6 will begin..... :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
Post by: IB on October 25, 2006, 11:58:00 PM
Post by: Guru on October 26, 2006, 05:54:00 AM
Post by: cjones on October 26, 2006, 11:36:00 PM
Post by: IB on October 27, 2006, 04:47:00 PM
Post by: wingnut on October 27, 2006, 05:18:00 PM
I think the proper spelling is "pair a dice". And like most dice games it would be craps around.
LOL
Mike
Post by: IB on October 27, 2006, 05:24:00 PM
Don't wann go there :eek: :eek:
Post by: cjones on October 27, 2006, 11:22:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on October 28, 2006, 09:58:00 AM
Post by: Bill Carlsen on October 29, 2006, 10:09:00 AM
Post by: Mudfeather on October 29, 2006, 12:51:00 PM
I had a great visit and wished I could have stayed and hunted..... :banghead:
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on October 29, 2006, 01:52:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 30, 2006, 12:16:00 AM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: knife river on October 30, 2006, 09:24:00 AM
Post by: knife river on October 30, 2006, 10:21:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para1.jpg)
Here's Terry at full draw:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para2.jpg)
Terry's arrow is on the way.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para3.jpg)
"Dang, that boy ain't half bad."
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para4.jpg)
There was a variety of habitats at the Paradise. This was a stand of bottomland hardwoods.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para6.jpg)
This was a palmetto flat. Some of the palmettos have berries which are eaten by deer and hogs.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para5.jpg)
Here's a stand of cypress which are normally in water. It hadn't rained much in months and the standing water was gone.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para7.jpg)
Post by: IB on October 30, 2006, 10:35:00 AM
Looks like Chicken and Taters ta me, and they ain't using no spoons. :biglaugh:
Post by: knife river on October 30, 2006, 10:41:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para9.jpg)
These cypresses lined the edges of the oxbow. You can see the old water lines on the tree trunks.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para10.jpg)
This old sweetgum had toppled into the water. That evening we saw alligators under it in the water. I wouldn't have been so adventurous if I'd known about them at the time...
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para12.jpg)
The featured menu item for deer and hogs was chestnut oak acorns. There's nothing in the photo for scale (my bad), but the acorns were as big around as a quarter.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para15.jpg)
This chestnut oak had a wiggle in the middle.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para14.jpg)
This pics shows some of the life on top of that downturned section.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para11.jpg)
I sat against this fallen tree one morning. The roots extended up about 18 feet.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para8.jpg)
These were growing on the trunk. Is this oyster shell fungus? Anyone know?
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para13.jpg)
Post by: knife river on October 30, 2006, 10:56:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/para16.jpg)
It was a real pleasure to visit the Paradise -- Terry did his darndest to spoil us. The best thing about it was having the chance to spend time with a great bunch of guys. The first thing I look for on Trad Gang is Charlie's posts about his hunts, so I was very happy to get to meet him and share a little adventure with him. Sure hope to do it again sometime.
:wavey: :notworthy:
Post by: Mudfeather on October 30, 2006, 02:49:00 PM
I'm fortunate to get to be a part of it.
Post by: Terry Green on October 30, 2006, 02:53:00 PM
3 days of hunting.....with my most familiar area being shut down, and with the last two hours of the 1st evening being a toad strangler.... we still managed to see over 80 deer....just gotta see how many deer Woody saw to get the final total.
Post by: Terry Green on October 30, 2006, 02:55:00 PM
Post by: knife river on October 30, 2006, 03:49:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 30, 2006, 11:46:00 PM
Woody, I had the pleasure of sharing a camp with all the guys in your group pic this past spring. Ya won't find a better group of guys. Paradise looks like an awesome place. I might have to bid a little at the next auction!
Post by: Guru on October 31, 2006, 05:47:00 AM
Chad,when's Charlie getting to your place.Anyone else huntin' with ya??
Post by: cjones on October 31, 2006, 06:48:00 AM
Charlie will be coming in on sunday the 5th. Vance will be making the trip from WY. Big Dick will be down a day or two. Mickey said he is going to come up at least one day. Should be alot of fun!! Now i just need to get you down here sometime.
Post by: the Ferret on October 31, 2006, 07:08:00 AM
Post by: Glenn29 on October 31, 2006, 07:34:00 AM
What state is "Paradise" located?
Post by: Terry Green on October 31, 2006, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: knife river on October 31, 2006, 08:29:00 AM
Post by: IB on October 31, 2006, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: cjones on October 31, 2006, 11:27:00 PM
Post by: IB on November 01, 2006, 12:17:00 AM
Post by: cjones on November 01, 2006, 12:30:00 AM
Post by: Guru on November 01, 2006, 05:23:00 AM
Come'on guys,ya gotta have something for us from last weekend.....
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 01, 2006, 05:36:00 AM
On the road to Paradise - Terry at the wheel, Charlie riding shotgun ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p14s.jpg)
Charlie settling into Terry's "chalet" ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p13s.jpg)
A gourmet meal at the Pardise lodge, exclusively prepared by master chef Terry Green - them grilled buffalo bugers and antelope steaks were OUT OF THIS WORLD GOOD! Left to right - Joe (JC), Bob, Woody, Terry, Charlie ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p9s.jpg)
A walk off the road and into the thicket ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p6s.jpg)
... destination - the hardwood hollow ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p12s.jpg)
My first morning's still hunt location, behind some downed logs just off the trail (at 9:30am a non-typical chocolate 6 point buck grazed 40 yards in front of me, through the hardwoods) ..
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p4s.jpg)
At 7am on Saturday morning I returned to the hollow and hunkered down behind a large tree stump, about 30 yards before my first still hunt location (shown above). At 8am NINE golden hued and fat does GALLOPED down the "V" trail, into the hardwoods, about 45 yards away! They slowed down and started to graze on acorns, still keeping a good 45 to 60 yard distance. Behind my loction was a cane thicket about 4 feet high and behind that was a number of oaks. While watching the does prance around and feed, I heard some shuffling noises behind me and I made out the form of a doe feeding under one of the oaks, 20 yards behind me - no chance for a shot as the choke of canes barely allowed me to see her form. Wow! Deer all around me - but it gets better! TWO more does gallop down the trail and join the eatin' party. I watched this action for about 15 minutes, thinking "man! if I only went back to my first spot, I have 15 to 20 yard shots at LOTS of deer!" In short order all the does slowly walked back out the trail, out of the hardwoods. I HAD to move to a better location! So I slowly picked up my gear and moved over to edge of the trail the deer had used and parked myself behind a large chestnut oak tree, and kept an eye on the trail, off the right side of the tree ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p1s.jpg)
Within 20 minutes, a gorgeous amber racked 6 point buck materializes outta thin air 35 yards to my right, within the hardwoods, feeding on acorns - and very slowly moving towards me! There were lotsa saplings and brush 'tween me and him, no chance to bust a shot so I knelt down behind the tree, Horne longbow and WW tipped AD Trad carbon at the ready, hoping he'd pass in front of my tree and come out the left side where there was plenty of clear room for a shot at less than 20 yards. 30 yards, 25 yards, finally 20 yards away and YES! he's gonna cross in front of my tree!!! Then I see his head and rack nudge past the tree and into my view, the bow is fully drawn, I'm sighting down the shaft, it'll be a sucker shot at maybe 17 yards ... whooeeee this ol' boy's gonna be MINE! ... THEN, with just a front leg showing past the tree, HE QUICKLY TROTS OFF INTO THE THICKET! WHAT?!?!?!?!?!? No white flag, no snorts - heck, I wasn't busted. Go figure. I'm still replaying that moment in time and space to this very day. Ack!!! In the pic below, you can see the view at the left of my tree, and the downed pine that the buck trotted past ...
(http://www.tradgang.com/rob/para/p10s.jpg)
That one Saturday morning, within an hour and a half I'd see 13 deer up close and personal. Wow. Only at the Paradise!
I also got to meet some of the other Paradise members - Matt, Danny, Tom, Keith - all really super swell fellers. What a GREAT place for huntin' - and folks!!!
Thank you Terry!!!
Post by: cjones on November 01, 2006, 05:41:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on November 01, 2006, 08:26:00 AM
BTW...This is the St Judes Hunt we are talking about, Woody Blackwell and Bob Walker were the winning bidders.....and we'd like to thank them for their bidding on the St Jude's Auction....thanks guys.
Anyhow, I got all the hunters out Friday AM, and got into my area about 3 minutes after daylight.....climbed a tree, got my bow up, turned around and leaned back against the tree......looked over my shoulder, and here came a big buck :pray: that he will change course a bit and start closing that 60 yard gap. It didn't happen, he went to 'the other tree'....which happened quite a few times on this hunt.
See this little guy-----> :jumper: He has now been deemed the 'Rob at Paradise' smilie :D
Post by: IB on November 01, 2006, 09:30:00 AM
Don't weakin boys were all "EYEs" on this trip.
Thanks fer the adventure
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 09:51:00 AM
I found out a long time ago, that it's not always the size of the mountain that wears you out, but the intensity of the hunting.
When you put a guy in terrain that is different than anything he's use to it can really be a drain on the old energy banks!
I'd been wanting to get back to south Georgia for a while now. It had been a couple of years since I'd last roamed among her cypress swamps and reveled in her wildness.
The country can be bright and airy or dark and forboding and do both in very short order depending on the weather. We'd experience both on this hunt.
I'm not sure we'd even gone to camp first before we were striking off into the pine thickets and hardwood flats looking for sign.
I'd chosen to revisit an area that I'd hunted on my first trip. It had a special feel and I knew from Terry's reports that it could give a man all he wanted in a hunt.
Hogs and deer both frequented the area.
Terry had called it the "Bathtub" because of a bathtub shaped wallow that exists there.
You come off the main road (there are plenty of roads on the 4000 acres, but most are gated to allow foot traffic only) and enter a long narrow food plot. At it's end a narrow trail winds off down the ridge (possibly 10 feet higher than the "low ground")through pines and brambles.
Just as you bottom out, you pass the "bathtub" and the timber becomes scattered hardwoods with palmettoes growing in emerald green patches throughout.
I stepped into this open to find the bathtub dry and the "swamp" in the same condition. As one of the guys so aptly put, "hell, there's stuff growing on the bottom of the sloughs!"
I wondered how the lack of water would affect game movement.
Finding sign where I'd found it the last time, I set up a ground blind in a favorable wind position and got out of there.
Post by: JC on November 01, 2006, 09:58:00 AM
It was a fantastic time. As usual, my time in camp with Terry, Charlie, and Bob was a pleasure. It was my first time to meet woody in person, but he's certainly as fine a feller as anyone could share a camp with...and felt like I'd known him as long as the rest of the crew by the time he had to leave. Now, if we could just get him to quit talking for a minute... :rolleyes:
Vance, I took a shower that night and actually changed into some flannel sleepin britches...I'd been goin on about 4hrs/night for the previous 3 nights to that pic and about to fall into my plate.
I saw a bunch of deer....all just out of my preferred range. It's tough setting up on a spot, blind in the dark, trying to find food/trails....then they come through and you realize you were close, but maybe 15-20 yards too far.
It was probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever hunted. And it was a real treat to hunt deer that didn't walk through the woods looking up into the trees searching for treestands like mine do here at home.
More story and pics to come as I catch up on work...
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 10:24:00 AM
We had a bunk house, Terry's pop up camper (very cool)and Cabin for sleeping.
With camp set we had nothing to do but eat and relax with old and new frieds. Pretty good stuff any way you cut it.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Robsup.jpg)
That's Rob DiStefano up front...kinda looks stunned by Terry's cookin, don't he? :D
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/TJCBob.jpg)
From left to right... JC (Joe Coots),Terry Green, Bob Walker.
Post by: knife river on November 01, 2006, 10:56:00 AM
Honestly, it's been a long time since I saw so much sign. Joe and I hunted a 100 yard stretch of old logging road with about nine hot scrapes on it. I hunted another place with five scrapes I could see from my ground blind: there were more a few steps down the trail in some dog-hair thick pines. But my favorite spot was by the two big chestnut oaks with the two scrapes under them next to a truck-sized hog wallow.
THAT much sign, THAT much activity, SO many deer seen -- how did we NOT kill a deer? Better call Ripley's. I don't know if they'll believe it or not. :confused:
Joe, did I really talk that much? I went there intending to be in "shut up, listen, and learn" mode. We should have had a tape recorder or video camera to capture some of those great stories! :knothead:
Post by: JC on November 01, 2006, 11:26:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 11:32:00 AM
Sure glad he posted about this trip first to keep the guys off our backs... also help me get the juices flowing. :thumbsup:
Post by: JC on November 01, 2006, 11:52:00 AM
Post by: kojac on November 01, 2006, 11:59:00 AM
by the way the kids were trick-or-treating last night in 5 degree weather.
Post by: knife river on November 01, 2006, 12:10:00 PM
No kidding, folks, some critter with cojones that clang dug up a yellow jacket nest that was as big around as a number 3 washtub. There was still a gallon-sized ball of yellow jackets boiling around a little hole in the side of that pit. The thought of tumbling in there is very pucker-inducing. :readit: I'm sure glad Joe described the spot with careful details before I went be-bopping down that road before daylight! :eek:
Post by: Terry Green on November 01, 2006, 05:05:00 PM
Here's JC entering a 'hot spot' we found after a morning hunt.....he's going to try his luck in this beautiful flat.....he's got a good story to go with this pic....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/jp1.jpg)
Post by: the Ferret on November 01, 2006, 05:13:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on November 01, 2006, 05:43:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 09:43:00 PM
I was thinkin about that when the alarm went off at o'dark thirty the next morning.
Somewhere out in the swamp an owl called, his cry was lonesome and haunting, but somehow fit this time and place.
Small frogs chirped weakly in the cool of predawn. I found it odd that they were still around and smiled a little.
Several cups of strong hot coffee and a quick affirmation of each man's hunting plan were followed by a light sandwich and with hope springing eternal, we headed off into the Georgia darkness for our rendesvous with destiny.
Where the long clearing I'd walked down the day before held a couple of scrapes along it's edge, I now saw evidence of new activity since my last
visit.
Light was coming on quickly as I passed the last pawed spot and entered the thicket above the bathtub. I kept my pace slow and deliberate, prefering a late, but quiet approach to the hunting area.
The morning passed quickly with no hint of big game to go with it. There had been the usual squirrels, but nothing out of the ordinary.
I'd been told that the water oaks and chestnut oaks would be dropping their acorns and that it would be a dinner bell for the deer and hogs.
I'm sure that's right, but I didn't hear a single nut fall during my vigil.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/bathtub1.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 09:48:00 PM
It had been pretty slow for most of us. The exception was Rob D. who'd apparently seen every deer on the place where he was.... dang smart aleck!!
It sounded like a pretty good spot and I know each man there fully expected his own spot to show the same activity during the afternoon hunt.
Before you know it we were back in the woods going after it again.
The mosquitoes were a slight bother, but not enough to turn on my Thermacell. I killed the four little nuicances that wanted in my ear and it was over.... and that's about all the action I had
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 10:08:00 PM
Maybe I should consider a new spot.
The following morning I moved to a different place only to have the same experience as before... some squirrels, no acorns falling, no deer and no hogs.
When we once again returned to camp reports were somewhat better, with Rob once again turning in the most sightings.
With the help of Danny and Matt Shuster (a Trad Ganger and VERY knowledgable bowhunter) we laid further plans for the rest of the day.
Both Danny and Matt had spent a lot of time on the property and had a few good spots they'd found and were willing to share. You gotta love that.
The generosity made me smile.
Danny personally walked me out to a spot he knew of and said it was about 50/50 hogs and deer. If I didn't see deer, I'd be sure and see hogs was his advice.
I was game for either.
Once again I built a hasty blind from materials at hand (mostly palmetto fronds) and settled in for the evening.
I was keeping a close eye on the surrounding cover and paying little attention to my downwind side.
Hunting from the ground is like that. There aren't gonna be any miracles that brings an animal straight up an air current full of human scent.
Well, maybe it was miracle and maybe the group of eight hogs that suddenly burst from the palmettoes behind me just missed my scent stream, but suddenly there they were.
The closest hog was red and otherwise perfect for my needs if I could get a shot off.
The whole mob was on full alert and I wasn't sure if they were getting a hint of scent from me or if they'd seen the little reflex head jerk I'd done as they busted through the dry palmetto cover.
It was a cinch they wouldn't be around long, one way or the other. I tried to move my bow around the tree I'd been leaning on but didn't get it done before the last hog had trotted off across the clearing.
For a moment I considered shadowing them as they trotted out of sight, but gave up the notion. They were probably moving too fast for these old knees and I wanted to see if a deer would show up.
I knew that somewhere in that swamp the deer were getting rutty and at any moment a huge old bruiser buck would hove into view.
It was a good thought, (it's always good to have a positive attitude) but it wasn't meant to be. I saw no deer at all this day.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 01, 2006, 10:16:00 PM
You can sit in the best spot in the world and not see a thing while just beyond a fringe of trees deer can be thick as ticks on a dogs back... you'll never know it if you stay in one spot and don't move around a little.
What I found in my walk was the reason the hogs had come from where they had. A wallow of generous proportions lay just a hundred yards from my ambush and a hefty trail with plenty of hog sign led from it into the palmettoes where I waited.
Had I known that before hand, I'd have set up a little differently.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/hogtreerub.jpg)
Hogs will rub trees near their wallowing spots and along the trails that lead to it. The large mud spots caked on the trees tells the tale... not large hogs at all, but just right for the grill and all the trophy I needed.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/hogtreetrail.jpg)
Post by: knife river on November 01, 2006, 10:41:00 PM
Post by: cjones on November 02, 2006, 12:13:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 02, 2006, 08:47:00 AM
It had rained hard one night and I was happy to see it, though we all took a thorough soaking making the best of the situation.
It should have driven the hogs wild, but sightings remained low to nonexistant.
After watching another sunrise and feeling the effects of the previous nights soaking aching in my joints I slipped off into the swamp for a look around. I'd go farther today, in a go for broke attempt to find better sign AND the conditions were perfect for still hunting.
The sandy soil and leaves soft and silent I eased into a steady wind, watching ahead for the dark forms of deer slipping through the timber.
I'd come along an area that was slightly thicker than anything I'd just come through. A slight movement off to my right front brought me up in mid step.
A coyote trotted out of the brush on the other side of a small creek, paralleling my own course about 50 yards out.
As he moved behind a screen of brush, I dropped to one knee with my bow pointed toward him.
Raising my drawing hand to my lips, I let out a very weak squeek. The coyote came to a stop, looking in my direction and just as quickly started a dog trot toward me.
I got my hand back on the bowstring as he went behind a screen of brush, but he changed directions at that point. The thick brush prevented even a long shot as he finally got an angle on my cover and made me.
My still hunting adventure had brought me almost all the way back to camp. I eased up on the bank of the same slough the lodge building was on and drank in the scene.
From my veiw point up on the high bank I could easilly see across the chocolatey water and into the great cypress swamp beyond. Long sceins of Spanish moss hung from the trees forming a sort of veil beyond which you could just make out the boney forms of cypress knees jutting from the forest floor.
A slight movement below me got my attention. A small alligator trolled along lazilly.
It was a perfect end to a perfect morning... I couldn't wait for a little mid day shooting session and the afternoon hunt.
Post by: Shaun on November 02, 2006, 08:54:00 AM
Post by: Guru on November 02, 2006, 08:31:00 PM
Goos stuff here.....go on......
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 02, 2006, 09:00:00 PM
Like you said, the shooting sessions were great and each man there shot his equipment with the precision of a practiced eye.
We slew a pile of old cans and poked a few holes in the rubber pig target that someone had made and left there.
As far as the gangs bows is concerned, there were Morrisons, a Border, Horne, ACS, and my old Sky Hawk... all upper end performers in there respective classes.
For broadheads you could find Woodsman, 4 blade Zwickey Delta, STOS, Razorcap, and my Magnus I w/bleeders.
Woody was shooting some of his fine hand knapped heads. You should see the work he does on these. Beautiful!! And wicked sharp as well.
I passed the evening back in my new location with nary a critter seen. It was so still that it got a little creepy out there just before dark.
It was decided (after much discussion) that I'd go in with Rob the following morning. All of the other guys had their own strategies they wanted to pursue and I was ready for a change.
Post by: the Ferret on November 02, 2006, 09:20:00 PM
BTW bucks are moving up here, had a close encounter tonight with a dandy..he won of course. Weather should be ideal when you get up here but maybe just a bit too much moon.
Sorry to hijack..back to your regularly scheduled program.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 02, 2006, 09:23:00 PM
Terry dropped Rob and I off just before first light and we were off into the darkness.
A fringe of pine bordered the road and within 50 yards opened into a hardwood flat. It may have been 100 yards across this flat to a large thicket.
In the gathering light Rob walked me to a place where he'd seen a couple of does the previous day.
It was merely a small clearing in the middle of some cane along the edge of the thicket.
In whispered tones Rob pointed out the direction he had seen deer move and he was soon disappearing into the darkness, headed for his own stand.
Looking over the hiding place I opted to open more cane behind a large snag of a stump. The spot would give me good cover to sit in and the stump would give me shielding cover if I wanted to stand. I settled in to wait for daylight.
I surveyed the land in front of me and mentally noted different spots I could shoot to and imagining different scenarios that could arise.
I'd been doing the little mental excercises for about half an hour when I looked down along the edge of the thicket at the exact time that a shadowy brown figure glided between two trees.
I could have been looking anywhere else at that moment.
There was some brush in the way and I lost sight of the buck (as it turned out to be). It gave me a chance to adjust my position a little and ready my bow.
Luck was with me as he cruised along the thicket's edge feeding here and there on who knows what. He was coming.
At twenty yards I knew I'd be getting a shot and relaxed to see what he would do. The wind was absolutely perfect and steady, my footing was solid and quiet, my cover was just right.
He had focused on an oak that stood in front of me about 20 yards away. His feeding brought him in behind it for a short while.
As he passed out from behind the oak, he walked out from behind a vine that grew there. He took a look around and dropped his head to take an acorn.
My bow was already pointed at him so all I had to do was draw to anchor and I did that. He suddenly raised his head, but the arrow was away.
In a blur of speed the buck turned hard away from me, the arrow impacting more toward the point of the shoulder than behind it. Penetration was poor to say the least and I was very disheartened by the turn of events.
If you hunt long enough, bad stuff is gonna happen. It's been a while for me, and I hated that it had happened. I settled back to wait. There would be no rushing it. I'd give him plenty of time. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/buckdoediagram.jpg)
The photo shows the oak with the vine coming out of it's left side. The red line and X indicate the buck's travel path and position at the shot.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 02, 2006, 09:26:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 02, 2006, 09:42:00 PM
I had the tag to cover it and figured I might as well try. I slid an arrow across my bow and seated it on the nocking point.
The path taken by the doe and yearling are the yellow lines. Where they stopped to feed is the "X".
Feeling guilty about the buck, I determined to wait until the doe was right on top of me. I didn't have long to wait.
At one point she stood feeding just ten yards away as I stood slumped behind the telephone pole size stump.
The problem was that she was always facing me. I waited for the broadside that had to come.
Finally she turned and stepped behind some brush. Her line of travel would take her through an opening and I'd shoot.
Wasn't gonna happen!! She jumped across my only opening and fed off behind cover. The yearling had also turned and was feeding away.
I guess that's one the things that excites me about hunting. You can be sooooo in control of a situation and suddenly have it disentegrate before your eyes. Keeps you guessing I suppose.
Two hours from the time I'd shot the buck, I took the trail. It was easy enough to follow at first, but in the end it stopped as I've seen other muscle hits do.
With Terry on hands and knees at the end we had to back out. The country was too dense and the animal not leaving any sign that we could find.
I was pretty quiet going back to camp. Even though the likelyhood of the animal surviving from what was surely a muscle hit was very good, it made me feel bad. The next time would be different.
Extra time was spent at the practice range that afternoon and I felt a little better by the afternoon hunt.
Post by: Roughcountry on November 02, 2006, 10:41:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on November 03, 2006, 10:16:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on November 03, 2006, 04:45:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/woody1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/woody2.jpg)
Post by: the Ferret on November 03, 2006, 04:53:00 PM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on November 03, 2006, 06:04:00 PM
Post by: Arrowslinger on November 03, 2006, 08:25:00 PM
Jeff
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 04, 2006, 07:40:00 AM
I can't remember the last time I went on a hunt that wasn't just great. The taking of game doesn't even fit in the equation of a great hunt... and that's a good thing for me. Even hunting a lot, there will be days that just don't show any game.
But it's about enjoying what you've got and in time, when the dues are paid, the harvests come along.
I could have set around camp at Paradise and visited with Rob, Terry, Woody, Joe, and Bob (who left straight for another hunt at the conclusion of this one) for the entire time.
This is one fine bunch of guys!
Remember, this was a hunt that was auctioned for St. Jude's, so I guess you'd expect the winners to be great guys with big hearts. They certainly were!!
I can't forget to mention my huntin bud, Keith Brunner.
Keith and I met on an elk hunting trip in Colorado a few years ago and have been friends since day one.
He drove a long way just to drop in and "hang around" with us one evening.
Maybe he just wanted to even up the fried chicken playing field... I'd brought a bucket of KFC to camp in Colorado, not knowing that Keith owns his own restaurant which specializes in chicken.
The other guys put me behind the eight ball on that one and I'd been paying ever since.
Keith brought along a bunch of his own chicken just to broaden my horizons.... Buddy! That stuff is great eatin!! :wavey:
Post by: Littlefeather on November 04, 2006, 08:01:00 AM
Dang Woody, Those are absolutely awesome in every detail. Keep up the beautiful work! CK
Post by: Randy Morin on November 04, 2006, 08:56:00 AM
Lookin forward to hearing about Ohio next. :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 04, 2006, 09:16:00 AM
I've called more coyotes (and foxes) using that method than any commercial call I've used... but I'm a hack at varmint calling and the ones I do call always spot me at 80 yards or something rediculous like that.
They won't get within 100 of any tree I'm in so I guess I have the coyote curse or something. ;)
Post by: the Ferret on November 04, 2006, 09:19:00 AM
Looking forward to seeing you again and meeting Vance
Post by: rabbitman on November 04, 2006, 09:57:00 AM
Dick
And CK...I'll deal with you later. :jumper:
Post by: cjones on November 04, 2006, 11:45:00 PM
CK, In this part of the world, Dick is safe. Now if we was related that would be different! :D
Have a safe trip guys! I'm looking forward to it. I'll see ya Monday Dick!
Post by: cjones on November 05, 2006, 06:11:00 AM
Charlie,Vance, and I will be out of the loop until saturday. But i'm sure there will be plenty of stories when we get back. Maybe Dick and Mickey will give ya'll some updates during the week.
Post by: the Ferret on November 05, 2006, 09:31:00 AM
Chad I'll give the gang day by day reports each night.
See you this afternoon.
Post by: Jimbob on November 05, 2006, 10:19:00 AM
Post by: cjones on November 11, 2006, 12:58:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 12, 2006, 10:26:00 PM
Dang! What a season this has been! As you all know by now, I just returned from a trip "east" to visit and hunt with my buddy in Ohio, Chad Jones.
I've known Chad for a while now and have to say he's as good a hunting companion as you'll ever find.
He'd invited me and my pal Vance "Iron Bull" Brewer to share his vacation time with him chasing huge old Ohio bucks during the rut.
It was at the top of my list of "must do's" and I didn't let the door hit me in the ass at departure time.
Vance and I convoyed east to Chad's place. Vance would leave at the end of the hunt for a visit with Joe Coots and Terry Green down in Georgia and then off to his daughter's home from there.
I'd turn around and head home... but now I'm way ahead of myself.
We arrived much later than expected do to heavy traffic trying to get clear of the city on my end.
Since it was the first day of Chad's vacation (the man works way too much!) he had the good sense to head for the woods when it looked like we would be out of the loop for the evening's hunt.
Turns out the deer were really moving that day and he took a very nice buck.
Vance and I arrived in time to give a hand with the trailing and dragging so the day wasn't a total loss for us.
Even in the steady rain which heralded our arrival, the buck was easy to find. Leaking bad from a Snuffer "Owie" we found him a short ways off in the brush at the end of a profuse blood trail.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 12, 2006, 10:40:00 PM
It was sure good to see Chad again and with Micky Lotz present we were all wearing a steady smile and finding plenty to laugh about.
Before long we would retreat to our repective beds for a short nights rest and it seemed my head had just hit the pillow when I heard Chad nocking at the door of my cabin.
More good food followed and we sat down to bisquits and gravy while we discussed the morning plan.
Chad would put Vance and I on stand and get back to take care of his buck. The weather had been rather warm and care of the meat was paramount on his mind.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiochadpoint.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 12, 2006, 10:51:00 PM
If worse came to worse I'd sit on the ground. That problem never materialized as he'd underestimated my climbing ability.
It was a pretty straight forward climb if you don't count "barber poling" around the tree, switching to another tree in mid climb and back onto the original as I got up to the stand.
With visions of Chad's buck fresh in my mind and new country being revealed as morning pulled back the veil of darkness that had surronded me, I sat ready and full of anticipation... and I wouldn't wait long.
Though Chad had given me the short course on what to expect and where to expect it, I still found my head swiveling from side to side.
During one glance down behind me along a little creek that eased through the timbered draw, I spotted a deer casually following it's course.
I expected him (it turned out to be a buck) to turn my direction and he did just that.
Before long he had come up along side my position and I got a good look at his head gear. Pretty small for the area and what I'd seen on Chad's trophy room wall... I'd wait.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohioforky.jpg)
Post by: cjones on November 12, 2006, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on November 12, 2006, 11:35:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 06:02:00 AM
The spot I was sitting was great and it seemed I was never long in waiting for another deer to show up.
They came from literally every direction of the compass.
As each one came along I would look them over good and with smug optimism let them walk on by.
Chad had told me that he mostly saw bucks from this stand. I found that hard to believe at first.
I mean, back home, you hardly ever saw "just" bucks and as a matter of fact, hardly saw a buck at all most times... but this wasn't back home and it was apparent that my buddy had a very special hunting spot.
It was just like I'd imagined it would be, but seldom ever experienced.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 06:33:00 AM
As it had turned out, I saw MANY birds leaving the roost not long after first light. Like the deer, they were spotted at every point of the compass and some quite close.... but nothing landed or walked anywhere near.
The first morning passed without loosing an arrow, but with a feeling of great anticipation of what was ahead.
As with any hunt, we would spend some time looking around for fresh sign trying to read what was going on in the area when we found it. There was no shortage of sign.
Here, Vance and Chad check out a scrape that showed up just down the field edge from the house... I'm talkin bow range from the house!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiochadvancescrape.jpg)
The woods seemed to be full of rubs. Big ones, small ones, old ones, new ones. They were everywhere. I was starting to get a feel for the property.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiocharliepointrub.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 06:41:00 AM
For the moment at least, we'd visit more and take the edge off old muscles with a little shooting session while we waited the arrival of Dick "Rabbitman" Easter.
I'm here to tell you that Chad Jones can handle a bow!! It doesn't take a truck running over me to spot that, either!
He'd centered the spot on his buck he'd wanted to hit and our sessions at the bales just confirmed what I already knew.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiochadshoot.jpg)
Post by: bayoulongbowman on November 13, 2006, 07:34:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on November 13, 2006, 09:43:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on November 13, 2006, 11:58:00 AM
Post by: JC on November 13, 2006, 03:18:00 PM
Post by: Guru on November 13, 2006, 08:50:00 PM
I wish Chad could have stayed and joined us in our shooting sessions in TX......Someday we'll all be together again shooting....I'm sure he handles a bow just fine with the bucks he kills!!!
Post by: houseman on November 13, 2006, 08:59:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 09:21:00 PM
The afternoon came quickly and on the heels of Dick Easter's arrival. We suited up and headed for the "other" farm for our evening hunt.
Chad and Vance dropped me off at the end of a long field with instructions on where I'd find the stand, then slowly drove away.
I'd soon entered the fringe of brush along the field edge and found the stand. Without undo fanfare I was soon settled in for the evening.
The farm was a natural. It was high ground, with long fingers of pasture spreading across a summit like fingers on a hand. The sides of the fingers dropped off into more rugged country, heavilly wooded and brushy.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/pondstand1.jpg)
The evening was pretty uneventful except for a lone doe which sneaked along a brushy edge some fifty yards from my stand.
We all met at the barn where we'd parked at dark to compare notes. It had been pretty slow for everyone and Dick got the unexpected surprise of arriving to a missing stand.
Some scum bag had stolen one of Chad's stands and ladders.
Being the resourceful guy he is Dick had made the best of it with a hasty ground blind.
You need to keep in mind that my buddy Vance is a westerner from way back. All this whitetail huntin stuff is as foreign to him as branding parties are to most of the rest of us.
But after all he is a hunter and I watched with interest as he absorbed this strange new game.
He hadn't known going into it if he'd get along with tree stands or not and as it turns out he was most often more comfortable in his ghillie hiding on the ground close by a tree stand.
We did get him in a ladder stand one evening and I guess that was an eye opener for him. He seemed to enjoy it.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 09:28:00 PM
For nearly four months now, I'd been hunting almost daily and it was starting to catch up to me. I was bushed and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
But there was coffee on and the guys were assembling, so I slipped into my cammies and headed for the house.
That morning turned into a washout. It was just too wet and none of us really had any desire to go out and get soaked.
A quick run to town and a hearty breakfast took away some of our disappointment and a nice long nap on our return did wonders for my attitude and the weather.
It turned off nice in the afternoon, and we all suspected it would be a busy night in the woods... but it wasn't. Movement was very slow.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 13, 2006, 09:49:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiovanceclimbs.jpg)
In this one he's probably saying something under his breath about dang eastern hunting practices.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiovancewalkaway.jpg)
Post by: kojac on November 14, 2006, 02:15:00 AM
good job guys, another GREAT adventure for sure.
thanks again!!!
Post by: Guru on November 14, 2006, 05:16:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 14, 2006, 07:53:00 PM
We'd grab a bite, take a few practice shots, look over a promising spot and head for the woods again in the early afternoon.
The deer just weren't moving quite like we had hoped, but the weather was working against us. There was only one morning that could have been called cool and the afternoon stands were often made in long sleeve T shirts.
Not the optimum weather for hunting rutting whitetails... but you takes what you gets! ;)
Even with Chad's great knowledge of the deer in his area, we just weren't seeing them.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiochadwalk2.jpg)
But that didn't keep my spirits down. I stayed keyed up from the time I arrived on stand until it was past time to get down.
I just knew that at any minute a huge old gagger of a buck would come strolling into view.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 14, 2006, 08:13:00 PM
One evening I was in the stand by the little pond. It was a quiet evening and I was glad that the sun was setting.
I'd been getting my eyes full of the last bright rays of the setting orb and it was playing havoc with my vision into the darker places... Anyplace below the tree tops qualified for that description.
I'd been putting off rattling with the rattle bag I carried in my pack.
Rattling kind of goes against my grain anyway. I mean I'm not use to making all that noise in the woods.
Yeah, I've done my share, but with typically poor results around home, so it's not the first thing that comes to mind when I'm wanting to see a big buck... or any buck for that matter.
But it worked in Ohio. It was something that Chad and his buds did all the time with good results.
They also used grunt calls and can type calls at random times with equally good results.
So I waited until late evening, when I suspected the bucks were on their feet moving and I did a grunt, bleat, rattle sequence.
The bag is one of those big ones that they make now. Heavy and bulky but good sound and volume. I worked it pretty hard for thirty seconds or so then hung it up.
I stood stock still pressed up against the bole of the giant oak I was in and turned my head slowly, watching for movement.
I'd looked the ground in front of me over pretty well, sweeping my gaze off to my left where I'd seen a doe a couple nights before, as my eyes swept back I zeroed in on something out of place in the brush 30 yards away.
A still gray form stood shielded by a screen of light brush. An unmoving watcher in the woods.
As my eyes slowly focused out the brush and background color and zoomed in on the gray form, I could see it was a small buck.
It was obvious that he didn't arrive with the intent of getting his young butt kicked. He stood a long time before finally moving at an angle past my position.
He'd have been unshootable because of intervening limbs, but I had decided this hunt was a do or die trophy hunt and I'd eat my tag before I killed a little guy.
I'd had a pretty good season so far. I'd had my encounters with critters, filled some tags and put plenty of great protein in my freezer. There was no pressure to kill anything at this point.
Post by: Shaun on November 14, 2006, 08:17:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 14, 2006, 08:18:00 PM
The cameras got a good work out the next to last day of the hunt. It's so easy to get caught up in the hunt and forget to take time for photography.
It's a whole nuther discipline that can take time away from hunting, but the memories saved in photos are priceless.
On the last evening we got this one of the whole gang minus Dick Easter.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/ohiogangattruck.jpg)
left to right... myself, Chad, Mickey, Vance.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on November 14, 2006, 08:35:00 PM
Walking out that last evening, I reflected on this hunt and the hunting I'd been doing since August.
It was all so different and yet each type of hunting had been satisfying in it's own wonderful way.
The physical nature of mountain hunting and the wild strikingly beautiful vistas that awaited beyond each ridge.
The brooding stillness of south Georgia swamps, foreboding and mysterious in their vastness.
The hills of home ablaze in fall colors, reds, orange and greens splashed against a canvas of cornfield yellow.
Now to finish in country so much like home but in it's own way different. To set in classic ambushes near rubs and scrapes of huge proportion. To eat, drink and sleep deer hunting with brothers of the bow. A merrier band of men you'd be hard pressed to find.
It was hard leaving what had become a second home there with Chad and his family. It was tough to just turn off the hunting switch and head down the road.
I'd hunt more in Missouri, you can count on that, but it will be much more sedate now. I'll sleep in more often and keep a more casual pace.
We'll see how the rest of the year goes down, but from my perspective it's all gonna be gravy. :thumbsup:
Post by: Guru on November 14, 2006, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: Whip on November 14, 2006, 10:28:00 PM
Post by: cjones on November 14, 2006, 11:19:00 PM
This hunt was kind of bittersweet in the fact that this group will probably be the last to hunt the farm where i killed my buck. This far has been in the family for 4 generations. Now they have decided to up and sell it. I'm sure it will be sold before next season. Atleast the last season there will be a memorable one! :campfire:
Post by: BamBooBender on November 15, 2006, 01:29:00 AM