Trad Gang
Topic Archives => Memorable Hunts => Topic started by: Longbow rookie on October 13, 2008, 09:25:00 AM
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I'm headed out to do a bunch of work but I had to post at least the beginning of last night's story before I left. I'll finish writing as soon as I get home and add pics...
I got a call yesterday afternoon from my uncle who offered to take me to one of his spots where he's been seeing a good amount of deer. I almost jumped on it but had a gut feeling about my own spot. I easlily could have come up empty due to the fact that I've been hunted this area for the past few weeks and haven't seen too much. But I really wanted to try and harvest my first deer in a place that I scouted and chose myself. Stubborn I guess?
Ok - sorry - to the good stuff. I walked in and just as I started climbing I was staring at three deer (does and a spike) on a high point which would end being behind me when I was set up. I paused long enough for them to move and got situated. I kept hoping they were far enough away. I won't lie - I thought that I was busted and that was the most action I was going to encounter all night. I was wrong!!
The call just came in and I have to get work done....I promise I will post story and pics this afternoon-night. Maybe it's better this way? I'll have a chance to contain the excitement so I don't write a ten page story - ha!
Seriously, I have every moment etched so clearly in my head I can still see every second. I just can't believe my heart didn't blow through my shirt and ruin the shot!!! Ha!
Ok - until later....there are a lot of tradgang members who helped me get to the point where I was last night - Thank you all!! I really appreciate your help.
Christian
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:thumbsup: look forward to the story and pics
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Sounds like you'll have to change your name to longbow rookie-no-longer!!
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Standing on pins and deedles... Congrats ond the hunt!!! let the excitement flow..
blueline
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:campfire: :campfire:
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:coffee:
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:campfire: :coffee:
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Congradulations!! Tap Tap Tap
Hap
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Charlie Lamb is responsible for this.... :)
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Ready and waiting!
:thumbsup:
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I just spoke with Christian and he'll be posting the rest of the story soon.
He's still pumping adrenaline 24 hrs later!
Hawkeye is right, "Longbow rookie" no more, We'll have to start calling him "Longbow addict" or something along those lines because he's hooked for sure.
Ron
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Thanks Ron! We just got off the phone and I'll admit I was pretty pumped telling him the story. Any of you guys who have dealt with Ron know what a class act he is....he's always willing to help me (others) get it right. He's become a good friend. Thanks again buddy!
Ok - I'm going to type while the camera charges.
I was in my stand for maybe 15 minutes and off to my right I hear steps - "cracking!" I didn't want to turn my face because he was up on the hill and almost at eye level with me. I kept my back pressed into the tree and just moved my head slightly to see him. I had hung my quiver (Arrowmaster) higher than normal. It's a good thing I did because I was able to put my face behind and just stick my left eye out to watch him. He was chomping away and didn't seem to notice me at all.
However, as I kept looking he seemed to become alert and stop! Holy s#$%...I'm busted! But, I didn't move a muscle and turned my head back around. Now, he started to move higher on the hill - maybe 20yds. I was afraid he was going to continue and not come down to the stand...well he did - come down!
He worked his way slowly toward my stand. I have to stay at this point my heart is pumping out of my chest!! I kept breathing and saying "slow down, slow down...you need to be ready when the shot comes."
He walked right underneath my stand. I could see the top of his head through the grates. I thought - "now I'm done!!" I tried to keep my boots from rubbing or squeaking even the least bit. He was probably under me for a minute or two - it seemed like an enternity.
He then started to walk behind me and to my left where the trail continued. Ok...that was great but now he's going to head down the trail and walk off leaving me no shot...wrong again!
He slowly makes his way forward and looks like he's going to turn broadside and be quartering away. Perfect!! "This is too good to be true. Is he really going to offer me this perfect shot? Maybe ten yds. and quartering away? The shot I've rehearsed in my head a thousand times for the past year?" Not yet!!
He now has his head down but front 3/4 of his body is behind a tree which is obviously blocking my shooting lane - however it did hide my silouette and allow me to get ready to draw as soon as he took one or two more steps.
He did - he took two steps forward. I wish I could really describe exactly what happened next - how I drew and shot but I'd be lying. When I saw his front leg go forward - I picked a spot just behind the shoulder. I was about 18ft. up so the angle was steep. I was trying to bore in on the spot while also thinking about the goods on the other side. He took a half-step and .......
I drew, hit my anchor and shot!!! OMG!! You would have thought I'd been shot the way my heart was pounding. The only thing I remember is the arrow hit....he paused for a second and blasted away out in front of me. The last thing I saw was the yellow and black fletching sticking out of his side!!!
"No way? I didn't get full penetration? What happened? Why did the arrow not go through? I hit the opposite shoulder? Angle was too steep? I'm going to lose him!! Ok...calm down and breath."
I watched him run forward hard, then stop, then run off to my left but slowly, and then started to walk - but now he's out my sight.
It was 5:35pm - "ok I'm going to give him some time and then go look."
Well... I couldn't tell you how long after because I had no clear concept of time at this point - but I heard a crash not 30-40yds to my left. I tried to use my binos and see if it was him going down. I figured out later when I found him why I couldn't see through the binos. He'd gone off a drop and laid down maybe 6ft. from the small hill. However, I didn't know that he'd laid down yet. I was still unsure of the hit and thinking maybe he was just running.
When I got down it was starting to get dark. I had my head lamp on and started to look for blood. Didn't see any!!! Ok...now I wasn't sure if I should back out or keep looking. I started marking where I thought I'd seen him run. Still not seeing any blood!! I'm getting more and more nervous. Got my bearings so I could think for a minute.
I figured I'd just go toward the spot I'd heard the sticks break and see if he was there? Sure enough there he was - down!!
Before I finish this - I want to say this wasn't just my first deer with a trad bow. This was the first animal I have killed with any type of equipment. I've fish, spearfish, I hunted ducks years ago. But never hunted with a compound and have never taken an animal with a gun. So, with that being said - I needed a minute to take it all in. I had a lot things running through my mind.
I'm hoping what I said above will explain my excitement and lengthy description. As you guys know the first one is something you never forget.
I told Ron earlier that no story, video, explanation etc..could have prepared me for the feeling in my blood when the deer was walking around me and eventually showed me the shot.
I'm going to pause here and post this....my camera is charging. I'll be back on with pics and the end.
Thank you guys for hanging in and sharing this experience with me. I apologize if I was a bit long but once I got going it was tough to stop. I didn't want to leave anything out.
I went back to the site today and I'll let the photos tell the rest but I promise they are worth it. Especially, when I found the front 3/4 of my arrow (Ash arrow with a modified Grizzly "El Grande" by sharpster - Ron at KME. I had thought the broadhead and shaft was in the deer.....boy was I wrong - the pic will explain.
Be back soon to wrap up.
Christian
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I should also say that throughout my story I keep saying "he." Please don't expect to see any moster buck. In fact, until I rubbed my hand on his head I had thought I'd shot a doe. Button buck - but a trophy in my mind.
Be back on with pics...
C
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Ok...I'm going to give this a shot. Here's a few pics. Enjoy!
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1165.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1168.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1166.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1164.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1163.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1154.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1157.jpg)
(http://i473.photobucket.com/albums/rr99/cjohns2008/Deer%20pics/IMG_1150.jpg)
Please let me know if I did this correctly and if these links work.
Thanks again - You all know what's for dinner tomorrow!
Good luck to everyone this season!
Christian
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:thumbsup:
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Your story is the best definition of "Trophy" I've ever read. Thanks for sharing that.
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:thumbsup: :archer:
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Congrats on a fine Deer.
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Thank you guys for the kind words...appreciate it.
I just shared the pics with a couple of my high school students and they were really psyched for me!
I try to show them that I'm more than just a guy who makes them do homework and turn in assignments. Ha!!
I asked if I should use the pic of me with the deer as my yearbook picture. As you can imagine, they were all for it! I did have to say - that wouldn't fly...ha! They cracked up!
Here's a reaction you will all appreciate:
"Mr. J - that picture would be more you than if you wearing a shirt and tie." Frank R.
I thought that was pretty cool!
I was very humbled by their excitement.
C
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Yes!
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
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Chris,
I have been there myself, and you described the feelings and excitement of the first time deer just the way I remember it. The nice thing is that the feelings and excitement never seem to go away even after many years of hunting. I can't begin to count the number of animals that I have harvested, and I still got so worked up I almost fell out of my tree stand a couple of weeks ago just hearing a hog grunting 100 yards away while I was deer hunting and thinking something MIGHT walk under my stand. Congratulations on achieving a goal and having such an exciting experience.
You talk about looking through your binoculars. Which ones are they? Do you like them, or what are your thoughts on them?
Best - Allan
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Allan...thanks bud! The binocs are the ones you recommended. The Burris Select - I was going to email you later today but you beat me to it. If he didn't go down the small hill I would have been zeroed right in...the spot was 30 -40yds from my stand.
The binoculars have been put to good use so far- I may not have a ton to compare them to but I couldn't be happier with the quality. It's excellent - just as you described. Thanks again for your help in choosing them.
Glad you liked the story...it was an intense night to say the least. I'm running to teach but I'll be in touch soon. I had question for you.
Thanks,
Christian
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Christian,
Glad you like the binoculars - and even happier about your hunting successes. Fire me off an email any time and I will get back with you on your question. Always good to hear from you!
Allan
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That just makes my day. I felt like I was in the stand with you! Awesome job on a trophy deer! You just gotta love it.
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Great story and pic's. Way to go!! :thumbsup:
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Originally posted by Longbow rookie:
I should also say that throughout my story I keep saying "he." Please don't expect to see any moster buck. In fact, until I rubbed my hand on his head I had thought I'd shot a doe. Button buck - but a trophy in my mind.
Be back on with pics...
C
Every animal big or small, antlered or antlerless is a trophy. The life of your button buck is evey bit as valuable as his grandaddy's with the 170 rack. The memory of this hunt will be with you forever, and you'll get pumped years from now every time you think about it.
Well done, you SHOULD be proud. :thumbsup:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Now about this "rookie" thing...
Ron
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Thanks Marty - the arrows I got from you are going out with me on my next hunt!!
Thanks Ron! I think you should come in and teach my kids...they wouldn't be short on confidence!! Which is half the battle, right? Ha...seriously, thanks.
I would like to change it to what you posted - "Longbow addict" but I don't think you can change names. No biggie...I think I'll always feel like a rookie - it will keep me sharp. Ha!
Have a good one bud...C
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I was delighted to read this story.
A job well done!
Thanks for posting this here :clapper:
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So from the pictures I take it you shot low, missed the button head, impaled a stick on the ground, the other end of the stick was levered upwards where it's razor sharp broken end skewered the unsuspecting deer from below, which caused it to loose all it's blood but because the stick was broken off in his chest cavity he didn't bleed a drop. Oh, yes, and the fleching end of the arrow must have snapped off on impact with the dead branch, flipped up and snagged in his hair. Is that right?
The way your heart was racing after the shot you probably would have believed that.
Congratulations on a well placed shot!
Christopher
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Well done. I think you may very well have a future in writing.
Joe
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Great story.. Thanks for sharing and the pics.. Congrats on a beautiful deer.
JDS III
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:thumbsup: :clapper:
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Absolutely fabulous Christian! No doubt you'll have many more memorable moments in bowhunting to look forward to, but this first one will be forever burned indelibly into your inner being.
Someday, after you've shot many, many animals with your bow, you may find that there are many you can no longer remember the details of (or perhaps that's just me getting old and forgetful), but you'll always remember not only this first deer, but the first few, as though they were yesterday.
With the back like it is, and not being able to do much of anything right now, you've made my day. Thank you for the PM. I really needed that. Now, I think I'll go have a pipe and do a bit of solitary remembering of the days when ... :)
Ed
TGMM Family of the Bow
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awesome!!
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Way to go! Good story, I'm still looking for my first trad deer. :clapper:
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Outstanding story telling! Congrats on your first!
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Outstanding story! Congratulations on a job well done! Many more will follow.
:clapper: :clapper:
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Thanks guys for checking out the story and pics. I've been busy with a course but I can't wait to get back in the woods on Thursday.
I kept the broadhead exactly the way it hit in the stick! I stole the idea from Kingwouldbe...he's got a pretty serious arrow collection!!
Thanks again - these responses are what makes Tradgang such a great place....C
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cool camo!!!
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Great shot, great story, and great pics. Thanks for sharing.
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outstanding congrats on a job well done!!!!!!
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I've taken a few deer with compounds and guns and none compare to the one I took with a recurve I built. It was my first trad deer.
Anything less than traditional archery hunting will probably leave you less than satisfied from now on. Congrats!
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Bowhunting straight from the heart...and in this case straight THROUGH the heart.
Congratulations on your first kill, and many happy returns.
Perfect shot placement, considering your high perch. I love drain holes under the heart.
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Congrats on a fine deer and an excellent story.
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Congrats!!!!! :thumbsup:
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You did good!, Congratulations on your first and the fine table fair, the best eating actually. Your story had me pined to the couch, great read.
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Awesome story, well told! I felt like I was up in the stand with you, peeking, listening, dreading the Big Snort. This stirred a lot of my own memories, and I thank you for taking the time to share with us.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
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Just returned from a hunt myself and had a chance to catch up on this. Great job Christian! On everything - the shot, the story telling, pictures, but most of all for sharing the excitement with us all. You had my heart pumping just reading it! :cool:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Don't mean to sound like a broken record but thanks to you all for reading my story and posting the kind words.
Earlier today, I brought a few students in to see the pics and read the story - it was a blast!!
One of them (Chris) was the recipient of a bow and set-up from Vermonster's youth give-away program...we only had a chance to look at the pics. He's going to read the story tonight.
Based on the look he had while viewing the pics - I have a feeling we're going to be doing a lot of shooting in the upcoming months.
Thanks again all for your support - means alot.
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That was great, although I am past my first it always seems like my first Trad keeps me challenged and inspired to take on challenges, congratulations
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Congrats, Christian! I also took my first big game animal, a whitetail doe, with a sticbow ... back in 1964. These things we never forget. Cheers, dave
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Congrats on a nice deer! You'll never forget your first with trad gear!
Ken
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Congrats :thumbsup: you are hooked forever. Great story.
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Thanks guys...Venison chilli is on the menu for tonight!! Can't wait...
Good luck to all and enjoy every moment of the hunt.
Christian
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Congrats, good job with the story and the pics!! got to love those el grande grizzlys,they mean business! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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good job!
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Congrats Christian!
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Ok...I'm going to say my last thanks to all and I promise to have a post of my "Second EVER" as soon as it happens. Can't tell you how much I appreciate all the support and responses.
Christian
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Well done! Fine telling too, felt the thrill myself and know it well. Many happy returns.
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Awesome!
I remember my first deer like it was yesterday. Its a feeling and a moment we all never forget! Great job and great story.
Way to go my friend!!
Peter
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Great stuff! Well done! ;) :thumbsup:
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Awesome story and pics! Congrats buddy....first of many! cheers
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Awesome congrats
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ttt...for the deacon.