Trad Gang
Topic Archives => Memorable Hunts => Topic started by: TBone07 on November 15, 2006, 04:10:00 PM
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Let me start off by saying that Traditional Archery is one of the toughest things a hunter can do. It takes dedication, hard work, patience, and a whole lot of self discipline. That being said, I love it!!! This whole season has had some big ups and downs for me. It's my first season using Traditional Gear and I have had lots of interesting things happen. Yesterday in particualar was a day I will never forget for the rest of my life.
I had been nearly every available moment since the start of the season back in the first week of October and had no luck to speak of. I had football after school and school during the day, plus on the weekends we would have practice so I might only get to go out twice a week if I was lucky. Like I said this was my first year switching to Traditional Gear but my Dad still shoots compounds and for the last two years we have enjoyed harvesting several does each and he shot a nice buck each year. I was comfortable taking 30-35 yard shots with my compound and I could get deer, but this year I was struggling to have a deer walk into my range of twenty yards or so and present me with a good shot. I was frusterated. I wanted to get a deer with my recurve so bad! I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it so I decided not to give up even though I was half tempted.
I woke up with a stuffed up nose and a headache and I didn't really feel like going out hunting. Yesterday on our day off of school so I just went to help my Dad with some errands he had to do. We decided we would hunt in the afternoon on a farm where neither of us had even seen a deer the last 4 times we had been there. Why? I don't know, call it fate I guess. We sprayed off and went to our treestands, his about a half mile away from mine. There was a pretty strong breeze right in my face when I sat down, but I knew that the deer all would be coming from behind me through a creek that seperated a bean feild and a corn feild that had just been picked maybe and hour earlier. It was overcast and cool out. The conditions seemed perfect to at least see some action. The only issue was the breeze and sure enough not longer than 5 min after I sat down I heared a deer snort behind me to the left and take off. "Busted." :banghead: Just as I was about to hang up my bow and wait for dark to meet my Dad back at the truck, I hear a really low grunting and trotting hooves coming fast from my left down a grass path seperating the creek from the bean feild. I turned my head and nearly swallowed my tounge. There was a huge buck just trotting down this path sniffing the ground without a care in the world, and he was coming right at me! He walked in front of my stand and I stopped him and ten yards. He looked up at me as I drew back the bow and I noticed a patch of dark hair right behind his left shoulder where he had licked. I stared at the mark and let the arrow go. It drilled the spot. He jumped in the air and took off through the bean feild and then ducked back into the timber 30 yards away and crashed after jumping the creek. He piled up a total of 40 yards away from where I shot him. I was estatic and so happy I nearly fell out of my tree. I called my Dad and we just looked over a real brute of a buck. He was huge! :pray:
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r94/TBone0740/PictureSet1036.jpg)
He was my first buck ever, gun or bow, and I will never forget the day I got him. But it's more than the buck, it's the journey traveled to get that buck. The practice, the patience, it's all stuff that you Traditional guys are all about and that's why I'm so pround to be one of you. You all are testiments of what hunters should be. I have respect for you all because now after I realize just how hard it is to connect on a deer, let alone a buck. Any animal I would have taken is a trophy when I hunt with this gear, that's why I'm so happy to call myself a Traditional Bowhunter. Now I know that this is the only kind of bowhunting to do. Nothing beats that feeling of success like the one I had yesterday, and I'm so glad I could share it with all of you. Sorry to make this so long, here are some quick stats...
My Tackle: Bear Kodiak Magnum 52"- 60#@28, Magnus 2 Blade 125gr., Cedar Arrow
The Deer: 12 countable points, (he might gross 140-150 but that doesn't really matter to me), he weighed 243 lbs dressed, and here is my favorite part, his neck was 34" around! That's as big as my waist!
Once again, thanks for letting me share guys! Good luck with your seasons! -Nate
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Congratulations!
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Very very nice good story you never know have to be out there.Wish my K-mag would be so lucky.Kip
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Stinking Fantastic! Way to go....and you did a great job of telling the story! While I may be "reading between the lines here," I think you are going to do great in life, and with your traditional hunting. Congratulations, and stick with it! Hope to see more of you here.
Take care.
Goose
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Dang, you did it up real nice! What a deer!!!
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WOW, Way to go!!
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Nice going....you da man...er kid!! Congrats!!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: ;)
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Gotta love those big Iowa bucks. Congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Nice, hope my first trad buck is anywhere near as nice.
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WOW! that is Awesome! :eek: :eek: :eek: :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by TBone07:
Sorry to make this so long
Don't you dare appologize for that!!!...
You make it as long as you wish!!!!!! :readit:
Gongrats to you and your dedication!!!! :thumbsup:
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atta boy
nicely done and congrats but from what ive read youve always been one of us... Welcome to the crew...
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What a great story to go with that beautiful buck. That's a hoss that's going to be very hard for you to top. I hope you are having him mounted. He deserves that and so do you. So that each day that you look up at that mount you can remember the joy you have expressed in your post.
Nice job young man and we are happy and proud that you belong to this group. :thumbsup:
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Wow! Congrats. Great deer and story there is nothing better then having hard work pay off, and in such a big way. awesome, congrats.
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Wow! What a bruiser! Great Job! :clapper:
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but he's living in the right place to beat it, isn't he, Mickey?
Way to go, TBone!!!!!!! Great photo.
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That is AWESOME!!! I've been getting points and trying to find land to hunt in your nirvana just to see a buck like that walk by. Good Job.
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well Ray, there have been a nice bruiser buck or two come out of Iowa over the last couple of years :bigsmyl:
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Thats one fine buck for your first,and a great story.Good luck to you in the future>>>>-----> ED
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WOW!!!! Your experience is an inspiration to us all. Good on ya mate!
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What a Pig!!!!......
Man that one will hard to beat. Enjoy the afterglow. I get to hunt Iowa next year. Hope to see one 2/3 that size. Congrats... Jeff
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Congrats, that's the way to start off!
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awesome deer and awesome pic cingrats
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TBone, that is one grand deer, and good story. Your hard work and dedication make you truly appreciate the experience. Good job!!! Shick
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Congratulations on a super buck! Good job!
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It won't matter if you get 10 bigger than that one, though, it will always be THE ONE because it was your first..think maybe that's what Mickey was saying and it went right over my head!
But I hope you do get one even bigger next year, T!
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Wow, what a first! Great job, great story and great pic, you will never, ever forget this one.
Congrats... :archer: :clapper:
David
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Most awesome and excellent. Congrats. Must have been difficult keeping your cool with that beast.
Bret
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WOW!!! :clapper:
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congrats!!!!!!
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I have been hunting for years and have never even laid eyes on a deer of that size. WOW is all I can say
Congrats
Phil
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great story and an outstanding first deer!!! way to stick with it.Hey two yellow feathers and a barred cock feather same as me.Yours are a little luckier for you though.
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Dang now that's what I'm talkin about!!
That is a great buck for a fine young Trad Bowhunter. It just doesn't get much better then that. I couldn't be more thrilled for ya.
Heck I'm just trying to get a doe this weekend.
LOL
Mike
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You have done good. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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What a brute! Excellent on absolutely everything - the persistence, the buck, the shot, and certainly the story telling!
Great job! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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WARNING: THE THRILL OF HUNTING WITH A TRADITIONAL BOW MAY DECREASE AFTER 100 YEARS.
Just a theory; I have only been hooked for half that time :)
congrats!!! a beautiful buck and a great story!!
:thumbsup: :campfire: :archer: :clapper:
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NICE.... :thumbsup: :notworthy: :clapper:
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Nice, congrats.
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Thanks for sharing the story.. What a beautiful deer!!!
John III
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Extremely cool buck and story. Now I am kind of jealous. HA
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congrats on a magnificent deer.
you will remember the first one for the rest of your life.
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Nate,
It's been over 25 years since I killed my first deer (small doe) from a ground blind with a Kodiak Mag. That experience still holds a special place in my memory. Congratulations on a great buck and more importantly, on a never quit attitude. Welcome to the wonderful world of traditional bowhunting!
Bryan
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Great deer and a great story that you'll remember the rest of your life. WElcome aboard.
Woody
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If I shoot one with my longbow this year that is half that size I'll be tickled pink! I just have to say it again, dang that is a nice deer!!!
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Great Job! That is one hech of a buck.
Congratulations once again!
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Another WOW. Great Job young man. You Done GOOD. Thanks for the story and the pic :bigsmyl:
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Boris196 here on Ferret's PC.
First off Congrats on a once in a life time story and a ginormous buck.
One thing that really caught my attention. I grew up with my Dad (Ferret) being a traditional hunter and shooting every kinda bow possable. For you to just take up Traditional Bowhunting on your own at your age is just simply amazing. I was trying to think if I would have been mature enough at your age to pull off what you have accomplished, and I can easily say NO!!
:clapper: :clapper:
I'm was also happy you got to have your Dad there for this one. My Dad and I were together for my first deer and I know neither of us will ever forget the excitment of that day.
Congrats again on the great story. It makes me want to go hunt the place I haven't been seeing many deer. lol
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thats fantastic man! Im proud for ya. I know very well the pride that you felt with your first trad harvest. Aint it great?
kyle
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Great story and thank you for sharing it with us.That is a super first Whitetail with a recurve.You will never forget that days memory or the days leading up to it. :thumbsup: :notworthy: :clapper:
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Good grief that's a huge buck! Congrats on taking such a fine animal!!!
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:thumbsup:
Well done brother!
F-Manny
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Good job young man. Way to go!
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What America needs is more young men like you! The tenacity and sticktoitiveness you have is remarkable. Don't ever loose that. If you continue through life with the attitude you have displayed in your short trad bowhunting career, and the poise you showed with this buck, you'll go places.
Great buck!
Awesome story!
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Congratulations and a firm handshake from Missouri!
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You're so lucky...Its been years since my waist was 34"! Man! That is an AWESOME buck. The mass is incredible. I've been doing this trad thing for 13 years and, though I've taken a bunch of deer, nothing even close to what you accomplished. That you held it together and made the shot is more of an accomplishment than you know. Congrats. And ditto on the nice picture. I'll take a good photo over a mount any day. Way to go!
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All I can say is - WOW! Not just a very nice first buck, it would be outstanding even if you'd harvested MANY bucks.
Congrats on your on a job well-done; an outstanding deer; and a story well-told. :thumbsup:
(by the way, you know of course that you're now hooked for life. :D )
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You really captured what being a traditonal bow hunter is in your post.
Yes we are more dedicated, practice longer and harder, hunt harder, get closer and have many more emotions to control to pull off the shot. Doesn't make us any better, just makes us what we are....
Great deer. You have started a long, fullfilling journey. Enjoy it.
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T-bone...that is a great buck...Congrats! You should really have that big brute mounted! It is pretty rare that a beauty like that comes into the C.O.D.(Circle of Death). I hate to say it, but you may have to wait a long, long time before that happens again.....but then again, it may be the very next time you sit in your stand...and that is why we are so obsessed!!!!!! Take care my man!
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WOW! I am so jealous. Great job! And that is how a hunting story sould be!
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Awesome...congrats!!!!!!
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Nice
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Awsome buck and with a 3R arrow too! Congrats :clapper: Great story and something to be proud of. dino
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DAAAAMMMMMMM, thats one fine dear and the story got me so fired up i want to call in sick at work!!!! congrats on such a great deer and great hunt, i bet your dad is as happy as you!
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Nate, I just keep pulling up this thread and staring at that picture. I have already congratulated you once, but this is such a great story I have to say it again - Way to go! :thumbsup:
I just love the whole idea of you taking up trad on your own, and then sticking with it even though things were getting tough. That's what traditional bowhunting is all about, and I sure give you credit for figuring it out at such a young age. Sure wish I had! You have many more years ahead of you, and I can only imagine what great things you are going to do with them. Your Dad must be so proud of you his chest is about to explode from being so puffed up!
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Don't know how I missed this first time around...you ain't kiddin, What a buck! Can't say it any better than the 5 pages before me did...congrats on sticking with it, a great shot, and a true trophy animal. You done good!
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Just saw the post. Tbone Great Buck :thumbsup: congrats on the super buck. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Jeff
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Beautiful buck. I would have been hard pressed to be able to get my bow drown back on that bruser! Congratulations! It's gonna be hard to top this one. Pat
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I'm like JC, don't know how I missed this before..
Great buck, you have a right to be very proud !
Congratulations..
The other
Pat B.
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Great Buck, great story, great attitude! You are wise beyond your years friend.
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I'd say for a kid you've got things pretty well figured out,congrats young MAN.With that kind of attitude I think you will suceed at whatever you choose in life.
CB
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WOW, and great job. I hope this is the first of several more to come.
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I vote this one goes up top next week for everyone to get a good look at.
Heck I'm going to guess 80% of the hunters in my state have never shot one that big with a gun let alone bow. When you add the traditional thing in the mix that would put you way up at the top of the list around here!
Dang you did good!
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You did very well young man!
Great Job!!
Bill
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Great animal.... Be proud and great shot......
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Congrats. You have accomplished every trad shooter's dream.
You have started at the top. It may take you a while to top that buck, but with your attitude, that probably will be done soon.
Congrats again. Good shooting.
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VERY nice! Way to go!
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You guys are all so nice, I can't thank you enough for all your nice comments, they mean a lot. I have learned a lot just by reading some of the posts you guys put up and have had a whole lot of fun learning about Traditional Archery's history, great archers, technical stuff, and most of all how to be a good person. I learned to shoot from a couple guys who have bowhunted for the last 45 years and they've probably forgotten more than I'll ever know, which makes me just happy to be a part of this all. What really touches me is how excited they got for me when I called them and showed them the buck. Their reactions were similar to yours which just goes to show you that Traditional Archers are just perfect examples of how humans should treat eachother. You guys are compassionate and full of energy, so once again thanks for all the nice comments and I hope to be able to post many more pictures over the years to share with you all. Thank you for making this great sport what it is today!! -Nate
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You're going to find yourself welcome in a lot of camps in the future TBone. With an attitude like that most guys would be honored to have you around. I hope we can meet someday so I can shake your hand and congratulate you properly.
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papa bear would be proud that ya took him with an old mag...congrats!
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Congratulations! That is an awesome Buck. The thrill of a lifetime for sure! Best of luck.
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Congratulations! What a BRUTE!
Your attitude, dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring. Keep going down the same road and you will do well in whatever you do.
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Nate, The world needs more young men like you bud.Glad you're a part of this great site,and I look forward to reading about more of your adventures.....congrats again!!
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Nate,
Holy smokes thats a big deer! As you can tell, most of us have been down this road a long, long time and havne't taken a deer like that!
You have so eloquently captured what it means to be a true hunter! I am very impressed with your maturity and your ability to articulate your thoughts to this group. Keep that positive attitude and you will accomplish anything in life!
Again congratulations!
Geoff
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Nate, you are the man, son! Wow what a buck! Sorry I've missed your post I've been out chasin-em myself.
Sounds like you have alot of composure already. I dont think I'd of held up quite that well. My congratulations to you bud. Way to go.
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Congrats on your first deer, that sure is a big one.Thanks for the great story,it sure made my day. Good luck on many more.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: Super deer. Good story!!.........Chort
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What a great buck! Congratulations on your trophy!
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Well done and well written! That is a first deer that will be hard to top! Congrats!
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nice buck! and having your dad there to share the day ...it just doesen't get better than that.
well done.
joe
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One of the best stories I've read on this site...and that's saying something! Congrats! :notworthy:
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Very good job with the deer and the story. Congrats!! I am sure your Dad is proud.
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Good Stuff, Congratulations young man.
ROOTER
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Nathan.....How do like that Ol' Kodiak Magnum??? It is a sweet shooter or what? Man that buck gets the blood pumpin'....
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You know what ?
That's the best story and ending I think I have read.
Congratulations to you son , could there possibly be a better reward for your dedication , I don't think so ! we are all inspired by your persistence and your reward.
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If'n that dont get you into the tradgang hall of fame I dont know what will! Awesome! Congratulations to you and to the proud papa. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
note to the mods: I hope this gets put somewhere to keep for posterity.
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Now that is a mature one! And the deer ain't bad either. You give the state of Iowa a good name.
I've been admiring you picture on top for a few days, but was away from the computer for a few days and missed this story. Proud to be sharing the same site and passion of stick and string with you. Well done all around. Hope to meet you in person some day. Keep up the fine work.