Post by: IB on August 20, 2007, 08:41:00 AM
"Feathers Through the Wind..Steel through the Flesh" Well Put Mark
Post by: vermonster13 on August 20, 2007, 08:49:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on August 20, 2007, 09:18:00 AM
Our season starts saterday, I'll be thinking of you guys while smelling fresh washed pine needles. Luck to you, have a great hunt :campfire:
Post by: Kevin Bahr on August 20, 2007, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 20, 2007, 09:27:00 AM
Always praying for rain for you guys.
May even limber up my phone arm and dialin finger.
Post by: vermonster13 on August 20, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on August 20, 2007, 09:57:00 AM
Post by: Whip on August 20, 2007, 10:58:00 AM
Seems like I've been waiting a long time for this one to get rolling!
Post by: MW on August 20, 2007, 03:16:00 PM
Nothing worse than sitting in an office talking to a fired up guy about his hunt starting ;) . Sounds like an adventure is brewing for sure.
Good luck all making memories!
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on August 20, 2007, 03:41:00 PM
Post by: Golden Hawk on August 20, 2007, 04:30:00 PM
Post by: Miss Kim on August 20, 2007, 07:32:00 PM
JC said he could "feel" my eye roll from the other room..... :rolleyes:
I have to say that I was remiss and forgot to bake the cookies to send. I fell down on my duties and just simply didn't think about cookies. JC did go bearing gifts however. He took several packages of dry javi sausage and some specially requested chow chow for Vance. Seems you can't get chow chow in good old WY.
Anyway, he had a few treats....just no cookies.
Dang, might not live that down when Vance checks JC's bags and finds no cookies... :scared:
Post by: Terry Green on August 20, 2007, 07:40:00 PM
I dont' leave till next Tuesday :D
And, I am sending out some buff for the camp...if you want to include the cookies in the package, I'll be glad to add them.
Post by: Kevin Bahr on August 20, 2007, 08:48:00 PM
K. Bahr, Quality Assurance Dept.
Post by: Killdeer on August 20, 2007, 09:00:00 PM
Oh, and that's mighty wifely of you to take the fall and come up with the excuse that gets Joe out of trouble for eating all the cookies.
What're ya getting for that little favor? :archer: :biglaugh:
Post by: hormoan on August 21, 2007, 10:28:00 AM
Brent
Post by: Ray Hammond on August 21, 2007, 11:08:00 AM
My best friend's brother makes a monster chow chow. PM me your address and I will scare you up a jar to try...awfully good.
Post by: IB on August 21, 2007, 12:37:00 PM
JC arrived safely and VERY SOUNDLY yesterday around 3:00 pm. By 4:30 the young archer was blending into his surroundings Sticks in hand about to get a Wyoming Goat lesson. 2.6 mins. into his first stalk and at 150+ yards, I heard the BUSTED SNORT up here at the house, 1/4 mile away. She made him and was on the move. To quote MR Coots " Man they do see very well don't they"
Pretty much the rest of the evening was spent introducing them to the rest of the ranch, we did spend some time with the Corner Buck and Nummie. Then it was time ta RIP a LIP which was accomplished in GRAND style.
So far today the lips are first priority, leaving the goats to fill in this afternoon.
Talking this morning over Milk Bacon and Eggs, Joe allowed that he felt the Gillie might be the order of dress for this afternoon. LOL wounder WHY.
We'll be back later.
Post by: Miss Kim on August 21, 2007, 04:28:00 PM
Got Tarzans too late to bake a batch and get to him. Oh well, they are cookieless....I bet Vance gets cranky without his cookies. :eek:
The chow chow we sent was made from several different peppers, onions, tomatoes, cabbage and spices. It is a relish type stuff that Vance had here one night and loved it. JC eats it on brats, white beans w/ham or something like that.
Maybe Ray can find ya some good stuff and send it your way for a taste. It would be cool to see what you think.
Thanks for the offer Kevin, but I am working all week and loaded down between that, the farm and ball. I will pledge to do better next time. If you can give me a little notice then I may be able to send some cookies for your next group hunt with tradgangers.
Oh boy....what did I just start????? :confused:
Post by: Bob Walker on August 21, 2007, 05:15:00 PM
Be sure and share some of the "strawberry nectar of the Gods" with the boys, preferably after they are finished functioning for the day, LOL! Also, tell Ms. Sandy Bobby said hello and pet Emme for us, that is if you can catch her...
Border.............
Post by: Guru on August 21, 2007, 06:43:00 PM
Check out the Pix of Cade.....
Post by: Killdeer on August 21, 2007, 08:11:00 PM
That chow chow sounds like something I should have found out about sooner!
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Post by: Miss Kim on August 21, 2007, 08:36:00 PM
Post by: d. ward on August 21, 2007, 08:55:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on August 22, 2007, 12:01:00 AM
Brent
Post by: hormoan on August 22, 2007, 12:05:00 AM
Brent
Post by: cjones on August 22, 2007, 02:54:00 AM
Post by: d. ward on August 22, 2007, 05:32:00 AM
Post by: Guru on August 22, 2007, 05:54:00 AM
Didn't mean to side track this thread....
I can't wait to see a big ol Joe Coots smile with his 'lope!!!
Post by: Roughcountry on August 22, 2007, 09:54:00 AM
Hope he's in Vance's guille :)
No pressure JC. By the way, how old is that older brother? :D
Post by: Curveman on August 22, 2007, 11:00:00 AM
Border Bob, Do you think they will maintain the "balance" with that "strawberry nectar of the Gods" like we did with "Jack?!" :biglaugh:
Steve
Post by: Bob Walker on August 22, 2007, 03:24:00 PM
The "Georgia Boys" MAY be able to but Vance, No Way!!! I witnessed his loss of balance when I delivered it, LOL!!!! Course I wasn't too much better............By the way, how is the Alaska plans coming along?
Later Bro,
BB
Post by: Curveman on August 22, 2007, 03:58:00 PM
I heard from Bowdoc and he has spoken to the man. Bowdoc wants to make sure we get into some game and "don't end up tourists" as he put it! :biglaugh: I am committed to going and planning on '08, anytime he thinks best!
S
Post by: d. ward on August 22, 2007, 04:02:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on August 22, 2007, 09:39:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Miss Kim:Now you AINT!!!!!!!....I'm STIL HERE!!!!!!!
Got Tarzans too late to bake a batch and get to him. Oh well, they are cookieless....I:
Gonna ship out a package to Vance tomorrow...and another(frozen buff) next Thursday...so start pre-heatin!
Post by: Bob Walker on August 22, 2007, 10:53:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 22, 2007, 10:54:00 PM
I'm jonesing for some goat already!
Post by: Littlefeather on August 23, 2007, 06:38:00 AM
Post by: Miss Kim on August 23, 2007, 08:34:00 PM
Anyway, spoke to JC around 6:00 tonight and he said they have had a blast with the fishing. Still stumped on the antelope though. They have busted him at every turn. Said he got to half draw once but she busted him. Trying the ghillie tonight but was worried that the wind would be a factor and cause problems with his bow string.
Said that this trip has been VERY laid back and relaxing.
Been eating a lot as well...then again, he is at Vances house....one would expect that a man like Vance would make sure he has an abundant amount of delicious vittles. :saywhat:
That's all I've got....more later if I get a call.
Post by: Miss Kim on August 23, 2007, 08:38:00 PM
He also knew he had a hunting trip in WY on the horizon as well.
Just kidding, he does give me props a lot. He has always been a sweet talker. ;)
Post by: IB on August 24, 2007, 01:56:00 PM
BEFORE any thing more may be said, I must admit to a fault that I have and one we may all share.
When this trip first started, it was amongst Kindred spirits, people that I knew, a safe social setting if ya will. Then I was ask if one could bring a friend. Sure says I, then the mind starts it's little games, What's the friend like ? Will he fit in? Will he like TECATE? We all know how these little games go. After this trip with JC, I have come to the conclusion, THAT what your gonna end up with is a person JUST LIKE the person they are commin with. In this case an ODD SHAPED JC....Same Heart, Same Thoughts, and same NO HUMOR :bigsmyl:
As Miss Kim said, this was a pretty relaxed hunt
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Relaxed_Hunt_e.jpg)
We did manage to get that thrown into the mix from time to time though
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/JC_e.jpg)
I do hope that y'all will BARE with me I now mus make up for four days lost work....I'll be back
Post by: Whip on August 24, 2007, 02:11:00 PM
Looking forward to hearing all about it! :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 24, 2007, 06:45:00 PM
I know from phone conversations with Vance over the last couple of days that Joe had a great time and was just minutes away from putting it all together on a speed goat. The boys a quick study if you ask me....took me a year or two to put it all together.
Sounds like I can hold on to the "Hair Brained Scheme" trophy as well. Joe just went right at them.
Supposedly he's got a no fail spot picked for me to try when I get there. I'll take the pre scout. :thumbsup:
Post by: Sunnybear on August 25, 2007, 01:21:00 AM
Post by: cjones on August 25, 2007, 05:30:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 25, 2007, 06:27:00 AM
Deer season doesn't open for a week, so I'll have some undisturbed time with the antelope and I'm really looking forward to that.
With 1200 +/- miles to go and all that fudge, I should be there by noon. :D
I'm out the door, so see you in a couple of days. Hold down the fort. :thumbsup:
Post by: cjones on August 25, 2007, 06:43:00 AM
Post by: IB on August 25, 2007, 09:02:00 AM
Post by: d. ward on August 25, 2007, 10:21:00 AM
Post by: hormoan on August 25, 2007, 12:43:00 PM
Summers over and ya got somebody to shoot with :thumbsup:
Brent
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 27, 2007, 12:19:00 AM
My hind end is draggin from too many hours in a truck seat and eyes bugged out from a thousand miles of super slab staring.
Funny how my attitude changes when I cross that Wyoming border. I was almost "perky" when I finally roled into Laramie and holed up for the night.
Got all my gear moved into the room with me, grabbed a hot shower and promptly passed out in the middle of "Pirates of the Caribean".
Daylight found me on the road again and crossing the continental divide with a bright mountain sky burning holes in my retinas through my rear view mirrors.
Roled into Vance's place around 11a.m. and immediately got behind the lense of his Zeiss spotting scope.
The antelope are here, I've got all my incidental permits, conservations stamp, archery permit, etc., in hand and a plan for tomorrow.
Though Vance had been saying that the antelope just weren't around in numbers like in the past, they started making their appearance en masse soon after my arrival.
Maybe they've just shown up to mock me... they've been known to do that. If that's the case, then all I have to say to them is MOCK THIS... I've got a trusty bow and a quiver of razorsharp Magnus I w/bleeders I'm gonna tickle a couple of funny bones with.
I'll be getting into full hunt/story mode tomorrow and have a feeling it's gonna be a good one.
There's antelope to outwit and mule deer to scout in anticipation of Terry Green's arrival in a few days... hold onto your key boards boys. The hunt is definately on. :campfire:
Post by: Bill Shepard on August 27, 2007, 12:43:00 AM
Good luck on your hunt Charlie. I love reading your stories :archer:
Post by: cjones on August 27, 2007, 12:56:00 AM
Post by: BlkDog on August 27, 2007, 01:13:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 27, 2007, 07:20:00 AM
Quote
My hind end is draggin from too many hours in a truck seat and eyes bugged outWhat did you sat caused that again? :confused:
:biglaugh: Have fun! CK
Post by: Guru on August 27, 2007, 07:50:00 AM
Post by: JC on August 27, 2007, 12:19:00 PM
Post by: d. ward on August 27, 2007, 02:55:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on August 27, 2007, 08:52:00 PM
The experience’s of those that are shared, and so looked forward to. Last as long as the four seasons. And some forever etched in our minds.
They never go at the speeds wished, weather it sharer or the shared with.
So go ahead etch me, and I’ll try and not be grumpy about it. (Time factor wise)
As the story is as good as the hunt.
hormoan
Oh yeah we are waiting, (dang it there I go again, and I said would'nt) :D
Post by: Miss Kim on August 28, 2007, 07:27:00 AM
By the way, pray for JC.....games start on opening day of deer season. They did that last year too. Bless him....he has to chose boys or hunting. Never an easy choice. We have our fingers crossed that we will draw the later time slots. Still kills the dream of a long awaited FULL day in the woods.... :(
JC will be caught up on the work stuff and on to give you some stories soon.
Sunnybear, you are the woman. Charlie is one lucky man to have a woman like you to stash goodies in his gear. Sounds like you were a baking fool....
Thank you for picking up my slack. :D
Post by: the Ferret on August 28, 2007, 07:31:00 AM
Post by: Missouri CK on August 28, 2007, 07:41:00 AM
Chris
Post by: IB on August 28, 2007, 09:54:00 AM
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Brodie_Sunset_e.jpg)
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Double_Bull_Ready_e.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 28, 2007, 09:56:00 AM
:wavey:
I fully intended to get this rolling a little quicker, but you know how it goes.... lots to catch up on with my bud Vance.
So far all that's been going on is a lot of eye time behind the spotting scope and binoculars. All part of the game as you know.
I did get a few pictures yesterday so will get those posted sometime today.
We've got a few patterns figured with the antelope and wanting real bad to put the Double Bull into play.
It's the timing so far that's messing with us. The old Zig and Zag thing.
We watched antelope passing and eating in front of a big pile of boulders across the valley for two days.
There's a grassy gap between the boulders and an old hay stack yard that spans 30 yards max. The goats have been coming right down the middle.
There's an addition to the boulder pile as of night before last.... a big camoflage boulder "look alike". ;) The shot should be no more than 20 yards.
I spent a few hours there yesterday but as mentioned, they goats zigged while I zagged. Got to observe a lot of bird life and that's about it.
The plan for this morning was to wait until later (around 10) to get back in the DB. It's the antelope's habit to move down to the meadows from the sage around 11 or 12.
As I sat on the porch with a bowl of Cheerios at 7:30 I looked across the valley and about choked. The antelope were flowing into the meadow above the blind in numbers.
We're gonna check them again after this post and with luck they'll bed in the upper grass flat before making the push to the meadows below... and past my blind.
I can use the lay of the land to approach the blind from below and enter in unseen if they'll just hang out for a while.
Anyway, we took care of a few odds and ends yesterday afternoon. Broadheads were checked and touched up and of course I took time to sling a few arrows.
Vance has his 3D deer set up and I've been shooting 40 yards from sitting in a chair. Laying them right in there I might add. :thumbsup:
Should make the 15 yarder I'm expecting a slam dunker.
We've got to run up to Jackson Hole this after noon for some errands, so don't know when my pics will be installed.
I will get caught up shortly... I promise!
Going hunting... you guys take care of the important stuff. ;)
Post by: IB on August 28, 2007, 10:10:00 AM
And a NEW one joins the FOAL
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/BirthinganArcher_07_e.jpg)
Not all was about Chasing Goats about in the SAGE.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/McDougal_07_e.jpg)
Post by: Gary Kellar on August 28, 2007, 10:14:00 AM
Best of Luck to All!!
Post by: cjones on August 28, 2007, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on August 29, 2007, 04:29:00 AM
Vance buddy, you truly have some B-E-A-yoootiful views there my friend. :notworthy: :clapper:
Post by: Shaun on August 29, 2007, 08:42:00 AM
Post by: Guru on August 29, 2007, 09:34:00 AM
Vance, thanx for the pix bro,you certainly live in one of the prettiest places on the face of this planet! Some day.......
Looking forward to more....
Post by: Whip on August 29, 2007, 10:02:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on August 29, 2007, 11:25:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2007, 01:35:00 PM
I'll try to be a little more "current" with my posts, though I think that the updates are gonna be more like every other day this trip.
Last year I almost wore myself out trying to hunt, photograph, work with the photos to get them ready for Trad Gang and taking the time at the keyboard to put down my thoughts.
Curt... I'm very confident in my shooting at the moment of truth. It's the getting to the moment of truth that sure as hell isn't a slam dunk.
I can sure miss. I'm not a big enough liar to say I don't, but if an antelope or deer lets me get to full draw at 20 yards or less, he's about to have a real bad day... most times! ;)
Shaun... As Joe found out during his stay here, the ground squirrels have already gone to bed for the winter. It happens pretty early out here. Same for the rock chucks.
Those little guys spend more time sleeping than my ex wife.
Chuck... the wind is pretty predictable...out of the west most of the time. My hideout is perfectly down wind from the spot I intend the goats to come from.
Antelope don't tend to be quite as tuned in to their noses. The eyes have it with them. Not that they won't smell you... they're just not as touchy about it.
Joe... traffic in Jackson was stupid. I couldn't wait to get back out of a "town" and all the stuff I come hunting to get away from.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2007, 01:47:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_DBwalk_e.JPG)
Early in the day the antelope drift down from the high sagebrush hills where they spend the night right now.
Some mornings they've poked and dinked there way. It makes for pretty slow times in the blind.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_DBLOOK_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_DBinterior_e.JPG)
There's a bench just above where the Double Bull is positioned and most of the antelope that come my way seem to like to lounge on the smooth shortgrass meadow. They'll lay and chew cud for an hour or so before moving down toward the creek for water and more grass.
Knowing that I got up this morning and went out of the back porch to have my coffee. I'd head over to the blind on my bike as soon as I saw antelope on the move toward the flat.
I about spewed my first black sip of my steaming cup when I looked across the valley and saw a doe and two youngsters standing in the kill zone of the blind... ZIG
:saywhat:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 29, 2007, 02:05:00 PM
In minutes they strolled up over the brow of the hill and lay down out in the meadow with about 20 other antelope.
I knew it was time to act and quickly had a bottle of water in my pack, bow strapped to bike, and coffee transferred to a small
Thermos... go time!!!!
The bike works slick in this situation. I could move quietly and quickly in a circuitous route.
Within minutes I was throwing an aching thigh over the seat and laying the bike out of the way just short of the blind.
I'd make the last 60 yards on foot, following an irrigation ditch that wound just below the blind.
As long as I approached in a crouch I would remain totally out of sight of the lounging antelope.
It seemed that I'd barely got settled in the blind when I looked up to see the backs of of 3 antelope feeding toward the gap, following the fence that bounds the old stack yard.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_DBGoats_e.JPG)
I slipped on my shooting glove and nocked an arrow on the string. The Double Bull gave me the advantage and luxury of flexing the bow and bringing it to full draw a couple times.
If I can, I like to short draw a couple times and then do a half dozen repititions slightly overdrawing the bow.
It's a kind of mental and phyical "imprint" that sure beats hell out of a cold shot.
The antelope were now 40 yards away and feeding slowly down toward me. I sat ready.
Finally one of the does looked up and seemed to get edgy and before long all of the animals were drifting back the way they'd come.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_DBbuck_e.JPG)
I was let down hard... no doubt.
All the animals above finally drifted out of the field by other routes and I gave Vance a shout on the walkie talkie to come get me.
I was all packed and standing at the gate when he rolled up in a cloud of dust.
"Get your bow off the bike and get in, I've found a troublesome badger you need to take care of for me." Vance was obivously excited...I've deleted any obscenities which actually occurred in his exclamation.
:D
Post by: Whip on August 29, 2007, 03:12:00 PM
Actually Charlie, we're just teasing ya' about posting more often. I know last year it became almost a job for you to keep it all going around here. It takes a lot of time to tell a story right.
This year you need to just relax, have fun, and drag this one out for as long as it takes.... We'll be waiting. :campfire: Patiently. :rolleyes: Sort of. :p
Post by: Roughcountry on August 29, 2007, 03:34:00 PM
Hey guys, I've witnessed what happens to a critter that lets Charlie get to full draw. :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 12:43:00 AM
These little lions of the sagebrush are a pain in the patoot for ranchers and dig leg breaking holes wherever the fancy strikes them.
They can be taken for predation anytime by ranchers on their property.
As we pulled into the area where Vance had seen the striped faced critter, Vance quickly spotted him scurring up the nearby hill.
I was out of the vehicle in a flash and over the fence.
I'd hadn't actually seen the badger and was going on directions given to me as I left the rig.
I'd covered fifty yards when I suddenly spotted the culprit looking over his shoulder from a stubby sage bush. I hadn't expected to run into him so quickly.
He was about fifteen yards away and holding really still. If I tried to get a few steps closer there was a good chance the badger would run and then I'd have a closer running target. I readied an arrow.
It was a Carbonwood shaft in the 4000 series with four five inch parabolic fletch and a two bladed Magnus I honed razor sharp up front.
I only hesitated at full draw for an instant and sent the missile spinning forward. The wide broadhead slice from rear back forward into the chest cavity and plunged into the dirt.
Without a sound the badger leaped from the sage bush. Obviously hurt he scampered a few yards and laid over. It was done that quick. Something that I hadn't experience in a lot of other badger encounters.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_Badger_CT_Mag1_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_Badger_CT_e.JPG)
I took the front claws and we disposed of him.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 12:46:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Uphill_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Tree_Bear_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/CT_Tree_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Safty_First_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Stand_View_e.JPG)
We saw little but one small bull moose and returned home for a late supper.
Having trouble getting photos to my storage file and from there to the internet. Once we get it worked out, we'll plug in the right pics in the right spots.
Post by: cjones on August 30, 2007, 02:35:00 AM
Post by: sticshooter on August 30, 2007, 05:37:00 AM
Post by: Guru on August 30, 2007, 06:45:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 30, 2007, 07:33:00 AM
I love the pic of JC at my hunting camp sign. I think the TBJ woolie hat might have been a set-up. Sure wish I'd been there with you guys! Next year for sure. Me and Charlie have it all planned out and haven't even talked to the Bull. LOL!
I see Joe dropped by. Another of my favorite camp mates!!! I think we need an annual version of T-Sweat in Wyoming this time each year. Howz about it Vance?? LOL!
Keep after those sage demons fella's! I feel success is just around the other side of the Double Bull(HOPE SOMEONE IS IN THERE). I wish I was there instead of jockying this damn Catipillar. Fave fun fella's! CK
Post by: Shaun on August 30, 2007, 08:46:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 09:14:00 AM
He'd been impressed with how easilly I'd set mine up and wanted a little personal tutorial. Feeling all the expert I readilly volunteered.
I lined up the hubs and grabbed the first one. A simple push and it should be open... it was pretty stiff, but I got it.
Next I grabbed the remaining hubs in my left hand and the hub of the open side in my right.
Lifting and shifting my left and to the center hub a great push, I ended up whirling in a great circle until until it was all one huge spinning camoflage blur...that whole Tazmanian Devil cartoon thing.
Shortly I was standing there with the broken pieces of Vance's blind, a curse word forming on trembling lips and a somewhat perplexed buddy scratching his head.
To the Double Bull guys credit, we got great response from their customer service and expect the repair and replacement part today.
Vance told me he's gonna put the blind up himself this time. :knothead:
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on August 30, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Post by: hormoan on August 30, 2007, 10:55:00 AM
Hopefully your package arrives tomorrow, US mail would not guarentee it. May not make it until Sat. it should travel well. Get some good cheese & crackers, I assume you have cold brew. Take a cooler with ice to the post office, in case your return gets divertied.
:campfire: Brent
Post by: IB on August 30, 2007, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: robtattoo on August 30, 2007, 11:11:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 11:20:00 AM
Post by: Caddo on August 30, 2007, 11:55:00 AM
:archer:
Git-R-Done!
LD
Post by: rabbitman on August 30, 2007, 12:33:00 PM
Post by: stick_string on August 30, 2007, 03:00:00 PM
I may have missed it but what is your setup? What kind of gear you usin'? :wavey:
Godfirst!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 04:36:00 PM
Arrows are Carbonwood 4000's, 30.5 long, with 4- 5" parabolic fletch, Trad Gang wraps, Magnus I w/bleeder, sharpened razor serrate. The whole works weighs around 620 grains.
Post by: Guru on August 30, 2007, 05:03:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on August 30, 2007, 05:17:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/Stingcloseupn.jpg)
So I would say he has!
Brent
Post by: Whip on August 30, 2007, 05:36:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: hormoan on August 30, 2007, 06:01:00 PM
Brent
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on August 30, 2007, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 30, 2007, 11:23:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 30, 2007, 11:37:00 PM
Yes, I've made a few lefties, but don't like to...how the heck do I know when I get the grip correct?
We had an interesting day today. I spent a very uneventful morning and early afternoon in a blind near a waterhole that I figured couldn't fail. WRONG!!!
I saw absolutely zero antelope. Altogether action was pretty slow on the ranch.
This afternoon Vance tripped or something going down a couple of steps. Something popped in his foot and after a trip to the Dr. he's home and hobbling around on crutches.
No worse for wear... maybe a hairline fracture of one of the long bones of his right foot. Some swelling and a little discoleration.
He'll be manning a Double Bull when he is able to get out at all.
Tomorrow we pick up Terry in Jackson so it'll be a non hunting day except for possibly getting out a little tomorrow evening. We'll have to see.
Post by: IB on August 30, 2007, 11:47:00 PM
Lam"o" is fast but from Tree stand to the ground with a TIMER.....That's just plain Cold BUD :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Post by: cjones on August 30, 2007, 11:47:00 PM
Post by: cjones on August 30, 2007, 11:49:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on August 31, 2007, 06:10:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on August 31, 2007, 06:52:00 AM
And, he had a broken part but his was more painful. Call Mike at Mikes Archery Leather. He built me a pouch for my crutches a few years ago. I hunted just fine off crutches. Heal well my friend! CK
Post by: RayMO on August 31, 2007, 07:59:00 AM
CK,
Quote
Ask me if I'm surprised somethinhg got broke.LOL, yep that pretty much describes a lot of my hunts too...
RayMO
Post by: Guru on August 31, 2007, 08:15:00 AM
Vance, Take it easy Mr.,hope you heal quick my brother :thumbsup:
How about little pic of Cade to make you feel better....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/stumpin8-19022.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/th_stumpin8-19082.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/?action=view¤t=stumpin8-19082.flv)
Post by: hormoan on August 31, 2007, 08:15:00 AM
You where probably just dancing coming down the stairs, with delight, thinking about that airmail package coming in today. With random thoughts of just what was inside the box. When your thoughts turned to cheese, you tripped over the block. See you are not clumsy, just deep in thought. Along with Terry arriving also by plane today. Going through your list of things to do to be the great host that you are. It was probably you just coming down from your lofty high step of joy.
Ok where over that, that was all the excuses I could come up with in your defense!
Now all I can say is, I hope you feel better. And you better heal fast!!!!! Theres hunting to be done. I just hope Charlie and Terry don't have to strap you to a two wheel deer cart, ta get you in and out of the hills :D All though if they do, we all want pictures :thumbsup:
Brent
Post by: IB on August 31, 2007, 09:09:00 AM
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/stumpin8-19035.jpg)
I've sent for a BOW BEARER...Hope he got the Smoke Signal :goldtooth: Thanks CURT
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on August 31, 2007, 09:32:00 AM
Post by: vermonster13 on August 31, 2007, 09:36:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on August 31, 2007, 09:55:00 AM
I feel compelled to address our antelope hunting situation out here. To say the least, it's different.
Most of us think of antelope hunting as setting up residence in a blind of some sort, strategically placed near a waterhole that's visited daily by hordes of the black horned beasts... That's exactly the way my last antelope hunt near Casper was and what's you'll get most of the time in eastern Wyoming and most of Colorado.
Things go differently in the western part of Wyoming...or at least this part of western Wyoming.
Waterhole hunting works here. It will anywhere there is a scarcity of water. It's just not that dependable here.
Since we've gotten some recent and pretty heavy rains over the last couple of weeks, there are standing pools of water in places that haven't seen water in years.
Lets just say it's unpredictable at best.
The strategy is, as it has been since I've been hunting out here, to make the best of the situation.
What does that mean? Well, it means keeping eyes open for patterns.
For instance...we know that one group of goats likes to stroll right down the middle of a ranch access road. Especially in the afternoon when they are leaving the ranch.
Cover is sparse at best, but there are a couple of "washes" that could provide cover for a well camoed bowman.
Then there is this one little fenced in field that the goats like to frequent. They seem to come at random and don't stay long. Getting there in time to sneak on them is the challenge.
Of course we've been watching the boulder pile. They really like feeding in the gap between it and the hay stack yard.
Of course once I started hunting the spot they seemed to shift to the other end of the stack yard.
It is a little different this year. Last year (with no permit) there were antelope trading back and forth over the entire ranch. Every pasture seemed to hold a half dozen. Not so this year... and we don't know why.
Stalking gets the nod for a large portion of the hunting opportunities.
Ever try to stalk an antelope? As tough as it gets!
Especially if you're overweight and less than flexible.
Most often the stalk ends with the antelope never even knowing you were there. They'll often just pick up stakes and move to who knows where. right in the middle of what you are doing.
It happened to me just last night.
I did move on one other group late yesterday afternoon.
On the way in from the Dr. I spotted a group of does and fawns not far from the road with plenty of cover between us.
Pulling the truck down the road and out of sight I returned to the area and found them contentedly feeding.... when you look closely at the places they feed you have to wonder what the hell they're eating. It looks pretty sparse to me.
The sun was low, but not so much so that I could use it for the old "low sun gambit" and I eased up over a rise to find the antelope standing watching my direction at 50 yds.
I knew it was over at first peak. They added insult to the situation by slowly feeding away from me.
Tomorrow is the first day of deer season here and if there isn't a horde of people up on forest Terry and I will be after them... hell, we'll be after them anyway. :wavey:
Post by: RayMO on August 31, 2007, 10:14:00 AM
Quote
Especially if you're overweight and less than flexible.That would be me :D Thanks for the update!
Post by: DarkeGreen on August 31, 2007, 11:25:00 AM
Post by: kojac on August 31, 2007, 03:54:00 PM
Hunt On!! :campfire:
Post by: JEFF B on August 31, 2007, 04:14:00 PM
Post by: Guru on August 31, 2007, 05:35:00 PM
Charlie, I know what you mean about sneakin' on antelope,about as tough as it gets!!!!
I have a really good feeling about your hunt this year :pray:
Thanx Darke
Post by: Terry Green on September 01, 2007, 01:14:00 AM
:readit:
Post by: Guru on September 01, 2007, 06:47:00 AM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 01, 2007, 01:17:00 PM
Chris
Post by: Gary Kellar on September 01, 2007, 04:31:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 01, 2007, 05:40:00 PM
Gary... Vance is on the mend, but his boss is around the ranch and I've noticed he's limping more than he was yesterday. ;)
Post by: Randy Morin on September 01, 2007, 05:59:00 PM
I'm starting to take it personal. :mad:
I wish you guys better luck than me and I'm enjoying the stories so far. Beautiful country.
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 01, 2007, 06:18:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 01, 2007, 06:18:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGYW_1.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_2.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_4.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_3.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_5.JPG)
More later, Charlie and I are headed out again.....
Post by: Landshark160 on September 01, 2007, 06:42:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 01, 2007, 11:35:00 PM
The air was aroma therapy with mixed pine scents tickling our nose. Nothing much to report but the great scenery, and one spot I found.
Charlie and I split up, as he was going to parallel some tall timber on the edge of some bordering short pines, and I was going into the tall timber to an opening I saw, and parallel Charlie's route.
I got to my opening, and saw another one more appealing higher up, so I trekked up to it and started paralleling Charlie's path, only to be lured into yet another opening. As I came up to this flat, I froze in my tracks as I peeked into the glacial pan.
What a beautiful place at the base of a big rocky mountain, and the trails leading into and out of this trampled spring had me looking for an animal, any animal behind every tree and rock. It was like an oasis, and a 1st stop for any big game that was hanging and running in the last layer of forest at the timber line. It was covered UP in elk sign.
I could peek over knoll after knoll, and just new I would soon see something.....yet I did not. But I sure was on point for some time till I made my way down to try and meet up with Charlie.
After I met up with Charlie I told him what I'd found, and he wanted to see it for himself....as he's been hunting this area for decades, and this was a spot he'd somehow missed....
Here's a few pics.....
Trampled spring #1
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_6.JPG)
Trampled spring #2
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_7.JPG)
One of the many rolling knolls, and well trodden trails
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_TGWY_8.JPG)
Post by: cjones on September 02, 2007, 12:36:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on September 02, 2007, 10:43:00 AM
Post by: Toecutter on September 02, 2007, 11:47:00 AM
Thanks to all for sharing, this is exactly the kind of stuff that continues to get me out of bed and put one foot after the other every day. :help:
Post by: Terry Green on September 02, 2007, 03:27:00 PM
Then another doe came down another trail and she 'pogoed' off at about15 yards as well....too bad I didn't have a doe tag....but it was exciting anyway...and I'll be back in there again before the hunt is over.
Had a little fun this AM...no mule deer, but I did bring home a tasty lunch, and saved one for the smoker this eveing...more later...as we are assessing this evening's plan.
Post by: Terry Green on September 03, 2007, 12:18:00 AM
With the moon phase as it was, I left at 9 AM to climb and see what I could find up high. I found some great scenery for sure, and still hunted a few areas along the way, but no mulies to be found.
Here's a few pics....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_11.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_9.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_12.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_14.JPG)
I have a great deal of scenic pics, and I'll post more later.
As I returned back to my 'spot'...the grouse were back. I took a male ruffed with a judo, and grabbed a Wensel Woodsman as another one danced down a log. I couldn't shoot till he got to the end due to some little saplings, and I was at full draw when he danced to the end, but he took flight. I swung with him and nailed both wings. He never even made on flop. As luck would have it, both breasts were unmarked....doubt I'll ever do that again!
Man to these birds taste good! Thanks for the frying Vance, and putting your chef touch on the young one. We plan on smoking the larger one tomorrow.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_13.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/07_TGWY_15.JPG)
Post by: cjones on September 03, 2007, 12:52:00 AM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on September 03, 2007, 01:02:00 AM
Post by: hormoan on September 03, 2007, 08:35:00 AM
Looking at the pictures, seems I can feel the cool breeze, and smell the pine in the air. Makes my heart ache a little, with a smile on my face.
For those of us waiting for our season to begin, and others that it has started. Thanks for sharing the hunt with us. We all wish we could be there. :thumbsup:
Brent
Post by: cjones on September 04, 2007, 01:01:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2007, 09:59:00 PM
Well guys this has been a whirlwind week with an ending to match.
As I sit here in Vance's log home, the wind lashes wickedly out of the west, spilling in great sheets of horizontal water from the face of the Wyoming Range of the Rocky Mountains.
Vance and I had watched it come, looming dark and angry in the west. Long crooked fingers of light crashed on the mountains crown and temperatures dropped like a rock.
We'd let Terry out down stream a mile or so to stalk an area of river bottom where'd a nice buck had appeared. Patterning and watching narrowed the hunt area down to a half mile of willow bottom maze.
Fifteen feet high in places and often closing to empenetrible green walls. A guy can't get through that very easilly (if at all). Certainly not as well as the deer and moose that call it home.
Post by: hormoan on September 04, 2007, 10:28:00 PM
So whats up doc? I mean what happened? :saywhat: :jumper: Prey Tell
Brent
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2007, 10:42:00 PM
It's hard to tell if it's been the moon phase, the weather or what, but we sure haven't seen much for deer or deer sign.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_lander_e.JPG)
I could tell from his words that Terry had fallen for the high country. He talked of it "luring" him higher and higher... I know the feeling.
It wasn't treating my knees all that well and I somehow found extra time to rest them. Terry was sent off into the mountains more and more.
I knew he'd sure get what he needed up there... whether I was there or not. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_TG_Wallow_e.JPG)
I'd begun to spend more and more time at lower elevation, concentrating more on the antelope and less on the deer. It was no different than the deer hunting had been.
Where you would normally find groups of 10 and 12 animals, there now were only empty meadows. All the patterns and habits I'd picked up on a couple of weeks ago had vanished into the thin Wyoming air.
I tried several stalks that never quite brought me into reasonable range of the speedsters.
Tried the Double Bull at a waterhole that has always attracted goats...nothing! Finally I'd packed the truck and headed up country.
I knew there would be antelope up near the trees and I'd been thinking about taking one by stalking through the timber for some time.
Terry pulled away toward his date with a treestand and some aspen stalking and left me standing in the dark near a spot I'd often seen antelope feeding and bedding near the timber in the past.
I quickly tucked back into a thick patch trees to await the light which was building behind distant mountains.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 04, 2007, 11:37:00 PM
My plan was to wait in the cover of the pines for feeding antelope to wander by.
The spot was perfect. A ring of aspen and lodgepole pine, open in the middle and completely shaded.
I settled in to wait and watch.
In my kit was my ghillie suit. I didn't see a need for it in my present position, but figured I'd use it if the antelope approached the timber at a distance and didn't come my way.
My attention span was being tested when the first goats showed up. I was eyeing the nearby timber and thoughts of mulies danced in my head. I'd almost left my hideout a couple of times.
It looked like my patience and plan would soon be tested.
Within the first hour and a half I could count 8 antelope within a hundred yards. By the end of the second hours they had fed off away from me along the aspen fringed pines.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_TGStill_e.JPG)
As soon as they were out of sight, I pulled on the Shaggy suit and headed off into the dark timber above the antelope.
Even at a very slow pace I knew I could quickly outdistance the feeding animals.
Threading my way up through downfallen timber I swung much higher on the mountain than I really wanted to, but I was in slow mode and time meant absolutely nothing.
Finally I eased down from the dark timber and entered the even thicker edge growth of aspen and pine.
Just below me and in the direction of my hide lay the antelope. They'd bedded and would be that way for an hour or more. The closest doe was 50 yards. I was already to punch my permit.
I took the time to untie my boots and slip them off. Footing was pretty quiet, but not totally silent while wearing the boots.
Going forward in my sock feet, I moved silently as a ghost. Each step carefully measured and placed just so between twigs and scattered aspen leaves.
The wind was blowing steadilly up the mountain as it had since the sun first shown over the eastern mountains and warmed the hillside. It would present no problem.
At 30 yards I could see that this would come together just right. Just ahead a small alcove in the trees stood in deep shadow,ready for my shot. The screening pines barely touched limb tips, providing valuable cover. I'd be able to take my time with this shot.
I moved through one last sunbeam.
Out in the sage there was a commotion and the strange wheez of an upset antelope. Busted!!!
I knew Terry would be along soon with tales of his hunt and we'd formulate another plan in the P.M. I headed back to my pack shooting a judo as I went.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_FullDraw_NCwood_e.JPG)
It was a good morning.
Post by: fredbear92 on September 04, 2007, 11:45:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 05, 2007, 05:20:00 AM
How's Santa doin'? :goldtooth:
Post by: Minuteman on September 05, 2007, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 05, 2007, 10:01:00 AM
Post by: Murph From The Bay on September 05, 2007, 10:19:00 AM
Geoff
Post by: robslifts on September 05, 2007, 10:23:00 AM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 05, 2007, 09:02:00 PM
Danny
Post by: IB on September 05, 2007, 09:37:00 PM
Everyone was up around here at the crack of dawn as has been the order for the past week with only one place left to go The AIRPORT in Jackson's Hole.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/07_CT_E.jpg)
We were even able to BLESS Mr. Green with a FRESH GROUSE BREAST for his departing meal.
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/TG_07_Breakfast_e.jpg)
The trip to the airport was not without plenty of anxiety's for the Boss. We had left in plenty of time for a normal trip of 77 miles. I guess I had a senior moment forgetting that we still have "TOUROIDS" that really "LOVE" to drive that 77 miles doing PLANT STUDIES in their Motor Coaches. What had started as plenty of time was quickly turning into a Panic Attack for Terry, he VERY nicely kept reminding me about the security check and early arrival stuff.
His fight was leaving @ 11:15 am. Well we made it with time to spare like 14 Mins. ta spare. Lets just say weren't any LONG Drawn Out GOODBYES
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/1159_TG_07_e.jpg)
Charles and I returned to the little ole cabin on the hill to face more days of the Dold Drums of HUNTING
Post by: IB on September 05, 2007, 09:56:00 PM
We decided to get out and punch some holes in the 3D. I've been feelin pretty well with the way my "MANTIS" has been handling the Trad Heavies. I was first up, as I made Full Draw touched Anchor the shaft was gone, the little red/yellow blur found it mark. What came after that was astonishing. Charlie was Speechless other than "DAM". I was very happy with the RESULTS. Won't be no Trackin fer this PILGRIM :goldtooth:
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/MantisShot_07_e.jpg)
Post by: vermonster13 on September 05, 2007, 09:58:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on September 05, 2007, 10:31:00 PM
throughly enjoying sharing the hunt with you guys, keep'er coming. love the pics :thumbsup:
Post by: Guru on September 05, 2007, 10:33:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 05, 2007, 11:23:00 PM
That skinny lady has not sung yet, and it ain't over til its over. And it ain't over.
Brent
Post by: JC on September 06, 2007, 08:49:00 AM
Great pics guys, thanks for taking me back two weeks to that little piece of heaven. Maybe next year I will be able to time it better. After reading these tales this morning, I don't feel quite so bad as I did when I left in one regard though...I don't feel too bad I couldn't kill one in 3 1/2 days of off and on hunting if Charlie hasn't in a week. Man, those critters can sure see can't they Charlie?
Won't mess up ya'll's story with my paltry tale, needless to say, I learned a lot on my trip. 1) The ghillie suit is the real deal...gonna work hard at getting mine "shot in" so I can use it more, especially next year in WY :readit: 2)don't put an empty plastic waterbottle in your cargo pocket before a stalk :banghead:
Missin you Vance, give Miss Sandy a big hug for me. Your gracious hospitality could not be matched by the finest hotels in the world. Besides, none of them have your view or blue ribbon water a few steps from the front door. :campfire: Oh yeah, and the food was GREAT! I still have day dreams about those big sausage patties cooked on the grill...best sausage I ever had. Then there was the elk, the monster burgers, th hole-in-the wall mexican food...scuse me, got to go get some breakfast...
Post by: IB on September 06, 2007, 10:07:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 06, 2007, 02:07:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by JC:What are you talking about buddy? :confused: You ain't gettin' off that easy! You think you have to kill something to have a story to tell? Let's hear it now - we've been waiting on you long enough :readit:
.....Won't mess up ya'll's story with my paltry tale, ....
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 03:28:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_BTArrow_e.JPG)
Post by: robtattoo on September 07, 2007, 03:33:00 PM
Someone's dropped a.....what is that?.....an arrow? Well, whatever it is somebody ought to pick it up! Honestly, the littering goingon nowadays! :rolleyes:
:D :D :D :D
TELL MORE!!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 04:17:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 07, 2007, 05:27:00 PM
Danny
Post by: Irish on September 07, 2007, 06:11:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 08:26:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_GutPile_e.JPG)
Post by: IB on September 07, 2007, 08:31:00 PM
:bigsmyl: :goldtooth: :jumper:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 08:38:00 PM
Terry's time with us was great. We shared some super country and deer hunted pretty hard.... OK, Terry hunted hard and I poked and dinked. What more is there?
For whatever reason (moon phase/temps) the deer just weren't cooperating with us. All the old deer haunts, where I would expect to see deer, seemed vacant, even devoid of deer.
We'd hunted high and low, literally.
Vance and I had gotten Terry to the airport with seconds to spare and with hasty goodbyes we'd pointed the pickup back toward our mountains.
I think both of us were thinking about resting for a day or so.
A storm front had moved in on the last evening of Terry's hunt and forced an early end to his season here.
Water is important out here and the country around Vance's place has been pretty arid for a while now.
Vance and I were looking the storm clouds over closely. He said he figured it would freeze overnight and from the chill in the wind I knew he was right.
The rain came before dark. Screaming out of the west on a bone chilling gale. All through the night the rain came...hard and steady.
It let up some the following day. Angry gray clouds scudded across the low mesas, borne on a hypothermic wind.
We stayed close to the house.
Post by: robtattoo on September 07, 2007, 08:39:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 07, 2007, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 08:48:00 PM
From the house it's probably not more than half and hour or forty five minutes to one area Vance and I both love to hunt for deer.
We headed up that way with a couple of hours of good daylight left.
The trip up there was pretty uneventful except for seeing 5 moose down in the willows along the creek and good numbers of antelope back down in the flats.
Things were certainly looking up when we finally saw our first buck deer in several days of hunting. A little guy, we opted to pass him.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 09:02:00 PM
Rounding a hair pin turn, I glanced off into the roadside brush only to spot a snowshoe rabbit hopping into the low growth pines and huckleberry.
I'd been wanting a snowshoe hare to fix for supper. It's been a long time since I've had them and they are a treat on the plate, browned and slow fried.
At a wide spot in the road somewhat past where the rabbits were we assembled our gear and prepared to assault the nearby timber for more of the meaty little cusses.
Vance spotted a rabbit as we came around a huge lodgepole pine. It sat upright (checking us out) nearly 20 yards away.
The arrow in my hand slid silently across the bow and seated firmly on the string. In an instant I'd slipped my fingers around arrow and string and made ready to shoot.
Though these actions take a lot less time to happen than to tell, the bunny hopped into cover before I got to half draw.
Vance eased into the timber to the right as I padded along on the damp, ever so quiet pine needle carpet beneath my boots.
Post by: Guru on September 07, 2007, 09:31:00 PM
Congrats to somebody!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 07, 2007, 10:11:00 PM
The rabbits turned out to be too much for us. Still in their dark gray summer coats, they blended into the dark shadows cast by a sinking sun.
I don't remember exactly what got my attention first. Maybe it was the movement of a light gray body through the trees or maybe just a mere ear flicker.
It didn't matter which. I suddenly focused on no less than 5 deer milling around in front of me.
Their attention seemed to be focused in Vance's direction. I knew they could break and run at any moment. It was then that I saw the buck.
It didn't take long to decide that I'd shoot this deer if given the chance. I sidled around a huge lodgepole pine which broke up my silouette.
Now the deer were focused to the max and getting rigid in their posture. this was about to blow up in my face.
Taking full advantage of their distraction I eased from behind the last cover in good range of the buck who was now standing broadside to me, staring at Vance.
I easilly slid the 65# recurve to full draw and anchored. Unaware of me I took advantage to take an extra second to settle on the buck.
(cont.)
Post by: Killdeer on September 07, 2007, 10:25:00 PM
Killdeer
Post by: Terry Green on September 07, 2007, 11:15:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:TOO FUNNY DUDE!!!!!!!!
More "sign".
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_GutPile_e.JPG)
Post by: Toecutter on September 07, 2007, 11:28:00 PM
You sure know how to tell a great story Charlie, thanks (I think). Hope to get the rest real soon.
You all know what I'll be dreaming of tonight.
Sleep easy.
Post by: zilla on September 07, 2007, 11:31:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 07, 2007, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 08, 2007, 12:21:00 AM
Post by: Guru on September 08, 2007, 05:41:00 AM
That's a big ol' gut pile.....
Post by: AZStickman on September 08, 2007, 07:49:00 AM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 08, 2007, 09:36:00 AM
Vance, you have no idea how much I enjoyed the visit & pics last night. Thanks bud
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 09:52:00 AM
Post by: Pinecone on September 08, 2007, 10:15:00 AM
Claudia
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 10:18:00 AM
:goldtooth:
Post by: hormoan on September 08, 2007, 10:21:00 AM
One question, was there backstraps and eggs for breakfast?
Brent
Post by: IB on September 08, 2007, 10:28:00 AM
First JC lays some awesome Chow Chow and Dry Javie sausage on the alter. Which by the way promptly was consumed in true Sweat Fashion washed away with Tecate.
Lam"o" shows up packin 341# of the BEST Fudge ever created, 63 & 1/2 loves of Natures best Banana Nut Bread ever ta cross the lips of Mankind along with countless pans of Bread Puddin.
Mr. Green, not to be out one sends us a COOLER full of BUFF. Flat Iron Steaks, burgers, and Sausage. Now these ALL gave my new Wood Pellet BBQ a great work out.
Add to this, the CARE PACKAGES that have found their way to our camp. The FRESH SMOKED Salmon that Hermoan sent to someone else, and was re-routed through or camp, Absolutely OUTSTANDING Brent....THANKS.
Then Whip sent Norb a package of Cheeses and Venison Sausage. Sorry Norb :readit: Yep we got that also, PLEASE try that one again Whip.
As you can see even though I have been BATCHIN fer a few weeks, we have been looked after and are doing our part to stave off starvation.
However we are roundin the corner into the final week and we have NOTHING LEFT. What will we ever do :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: "Two Ole Fat Boys Eatin Leftovers"
:banghead: :banghead: :banghead: PHOTOBUCKET
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 10:41:00 AM
Then on the back of his hand are tattooed the phrase "righty tighty, lefty loosey". Further up the arm he's got various curse words inked just for quick reference if he gets flustered.
I want to thank everyone who sent goodies this year. Yum!!
Post by: hormoan on September 08, 2007, 10:56:00 AM
I no I no I was'nt suppose to :D
He is just irrestiable!
Brent
Fresh meat!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 10:59:00 AM
While, like most people, I'd really like to tag this old boy, I really wanted to fill a tag (and my freezer with prime mule deer steaks).
The decision was made to take the gift of any legal buck that presented himself.
The buck in front of me certainly wasn't "BIG" in the antler department, but he was in front of me...the arrow slipped away on it's mission.
I don't know if any of you have ever experienced it (I suspect if you've been hunting with the bow long enough you have), but I know I have.
There are times when the arrow flies like a neon lazer, almost leaving a visible trail as it flies to the target animal like it has eyes.
Then there are those times when you don't see it at all.
My shot on the buck was a combination of the two.
I was aware of the arrow as it first left the bow, but almost at the same instant my senses were hammered by a whirling mass of legs and gray bodies flying in every direction.
There was the distinct feeling that the whole herd was moving before my arrow found it's mark in the buck and that he was part of that equation.
It was if my arrow had disappeared into this vortex of hide and hair as if transported into a different dimension.
I was moving in slow motion while the world around me flashed by at hyper speed.
I was aware of the sound of broadhead meeting heavy bone (unmistakable once you've heard it a few times) and of the buck disappearing into the forest.
After that I was totally confused. There were deer running everywhere back in there and a couple of confused individuals that came back out in the open to figure out what the problem was with the rest of the crowd.
Try as I might from my entranced position I couldn't make out the deer I'd shot from any of the rest... then there was silence and the woods were empty except for Vance who made his way quietly to me.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 11:11:00 AM
That didn't help my spirits any. I still didn't know what kind of hit I had and the gathering gloom was really starting to close in on us as we talked.
Since we both had a good line on where the buck had entered the trees, we headed there first. If we could find first blood at least we could attempt to a guess on the hit.
We wandered around for quite a while looking for blood, hair or perhaps the arrow to no avail, until finally as the last light faded off into night I found 4 drops of blood on the broad leaves of an elk thistle.
While encouraging, the blood didn't tell me as much as I wanted to know. It was bright red, no bubbles (damn) and basically what any muscle wound would offer up.
A quick pow wow and we decided that the deer was best left alone until morning.
We'd had temperatures in the 30's for the last two nights and it was looking like we'd be getting that again so spoilage wasn't even on our minds.
The question that nagged at both of us was of the four legged variety. Would the buck, if mortally wounded make it through the night with all his parts and pieces.
Coyotes are a universal problem with downed game and it's a problem most all of us face... danged things are everywhere.
Up here there is another dimension to consider. Bears!!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 11:29:00 AM
Both Vance and I have been mountain hunters since our youth and we pretty well understood what the mountain could throw at the unexpecting and unprepared hunter.
An unanticipate storm could drop temperatures 30 degrees in a matter of minutes, bring with it rain (the worst) or snow and the possibility of hypothermia.
We might even run into a black bear. Almost cute and cuddly we courted opportunities to meet these cousins of Yogi with bow in hand. It had seldom happened in our lifetimes.
But there is a new element in these mountains. Grizzly bears!! Bald faced, aggressive, Wyoming grizzlies.
Since their reintroduction they've had no hunting pressure and do as they please.
If a coyote, black or grizzly found the deer it would be reduced to part and pieces in short order.
Were we to find the deer there could certainly be a surprise at the end of the blood trail. Coming up on a black bear feeding on venison could make for another adventure in bowhunting.
Coming up on a grizzly guarding the deer could be an adventure of a much higher order... I suppose it would be a neater way to go than being run over in traffic on the way to work!
So we went home to refresh and refuel for what would be an early start in the morning.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 11:59:00 AM
No rain over night and a heavy dew promised to keep the blood trail fresh. Not long after first light.
At this point let me explain what "first light" means where we are hunting.
There are the towering Wind River Range of the Rocky Mountains miles to the east of "our" mountains. I mean they are big... as most mountains are.
When the sun first peeks over the eastern horizon it must rise above the peeks before direct light hits the mountains to the west.
It makes for long lingering mornings, in sage or damp cold stalks through heavy timber without sunbeam or shadow.
Any moisture in the air lingers until the bright sunlight comes, and then is sucked away from the earth in short order.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 08, 2007, 12:33:00 PM
The blood I was seeing could have been arterial. It was bright red enough, but I'd seen muscle hits in the past that looked little different.
We were having little trouble finding the blood spoor, which was encouraging, but again, I'd seen muscle hit blood trails that were the same.
When after 50 yards I suspected the worst. I'd probably only gotten a muscle hit and we'd most likely not find the deer.
We tracked on.
Where the shot had been taken and the hit made was pretty open timber. Lots of low growth and scrub pine, but little down timber and more open, grassy, meadow like, areas.
The buck had immediately headed for heavy timber and jumbled blowdown. It's something I would have expected him to do and is natural for most any animal.
The blood was becoming increasingly more difficult to find and we lost the way several times in the first one hundred yards.
The buck had followed trails through the cover all the way. When we lost the blood sign at the convergence of three different travel areas we stopped to pow wow.
As we discussed the situation in low tones, a Gray Jay (or camp robber as it is commonly called)flew calling to a nearby pine.
I looked around for others and saw none, but I thought it odd that the bird, which can be associated with ofal in the high mountains, should be right here, right now.
Circling the area slowly, it was Vance who picked up blood again and we slowly made our way to a huge old forest monarch which might have fallen when Vance and I were just boys.
I hoped/suspected that the buck had gone to lay up under the limbs of the dead giant, but he was not to be found.
The trail led us in a circle here and back into the bottom of a little draw. Then we lost it.
It took more scrutiny to find two separate blood spots, one after the other, pointing the way down an indistinct trail.
Vance had circled ahead looking for more sign when I heard him call out in a low voice, "there's a deer over here."
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_BuckDown_e.JPG)
The words came like a fist in the chest. I wasn't expecting that. I made my way over to my friend and my mule deer buck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_FirstLook_e.JPG)
Post by: vermonster13 on September 08, 2007, 12:39:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 08, 2007, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 08, 2007, 12:41:00 PM
Brent
Post by: Pinecone on September 08, 2007, 01:57:00 PM
Claudia
Post by: Gary Kellar on September 08, 2007, 02:52:00 PM
Looks like some mighty fine steaks.
Post by: Roughcountry on September 08, 2007, 03:12:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 08, 2007, 03:33:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on September 08, 2007, 04:59:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 08, 2007, 06:03:00 PM
Great job Vance and Lamb,
Chris
Post by: Huntrdfk on September 08, 2007, 06:15:00 PM
Guess you won't be eat'n leftovers anymore, huh?
David
Post by: CheapShot on September 08, 2007, 08:14:00 PM
Post by: the Ferret on September 08, 2007, 08:17:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 08, 2007, 08:20:00 PM
Post by: tippit on September 08, 2007, 08:36:00 PM
Post by: Guru on September 08, 2007, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: knife river on September 08, 2007, 10:47:00 PM
Post by: BlkDog on September 08, 2007, 11:40:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 09, 2007, 01:33:00 AM
Post by: 4runr on September 09, 2007, 06:35:00 AM
Post by: kojac on September 09, 2007, 09:24:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on September 09, 2007, 09:33:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 10, 2007, 08:03:00 AM
Why is it I feel I'm not getting "the rest of the story"?
I really want to know who carried the deer out since me and Roughcountry were absent from this hunt. I wish I'd been there to carry him. Congrats again! CK
Post by: Arrowslinger on September 10, 2007, 09:05:00 AM
:thumbsup:
Post by: JC on September 10, 2007, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2007, 01:00:00 PM
Thanks for the support and well wishes as always. Knowing you all are out there tunin in makes it all the more fun. :notworthy:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2007, 01:08:00 PM
I'm trying to get better at it and actually dragged this deer 30 yards or so. I was laying on the ground gasping for breath when Vance stepped up and ran off with my deer.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_VanceDrag_e.JPG)
To add insult to injury, he beat me to the truck!!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_VanceTrucknBuck_e.JPG)
Post by: hormoan on September 10, 2007, 01:11:00 PM
Brent
Post by: robtattoo on September 10, 2007, 01:22:00 PM
LOL! He does too, doesn't he!
Great read so far Charlie, keep it going.....
Post by: bayoulongbowman on September 10, 2007, 01:33:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 10, 2007, 01:50:00 PM
Livin at that elevation does have it's advantages.
Post by: hormoan on September 10, 2007, 02:02:00 PM
Brent
Come on Vance, lets see some of that pearly investment :goldtooth:
Post by: vermonster13 on September 10, 2007, 02:19:00 PM
Post by: TexMex on September 10, 2007, 02:30:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 10, 2007, 06:25:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/wytrio.jpg)
The Wind River range trying to hold back the dawn....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/dawn.jpg)
Once again,......I was being 'lured' to climb higher....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/clouds.jpg)
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 10, 2007, 07:13:00 PM
So how did the arrow enter, exit, etc?
N
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2007, 11:54:00 PM
How much of the hit was the fault of the archer and how much the animal moving at the moment of the shot will always be unclear to me.
All I know is that the arrow entered the hip. The big Magnus I w/bleeder penetrated pretty heavy bone and came out the off side with about 4 inches of shaft showing.
The massive wound channel severed the tops of both femoral arteries.
I was pleased to find that the edge on the broadhead was in perfect shape and the bleeder hadn't been bent or knocked loose. It was still sharp enough to hunt as well.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 10, 2007, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 11, 2007, 12:07:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 11, 2007, 12:16:00 AM
This trip is winding down and I'm not looking forward to it.
The firearms antelope season opened today and we're expecting an influx of goats from all over the sage country. I'm planning an early entry of the Double Bull in the morning.
Vance has got work to tend to in the morning, but should be able to join me for the afternoon hunt.
We ran up country this evening with the intent of shooting some snowshoe rabbits to satisfy a crave I've been having.
There's a good spot for snowshoes up near where I shot the buck, so we had the added incentive of Vance getting a crack at a deer.
And we couldn 't get there without driving through great antelope country.... and other stuff.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_VanceMoose_e.JPG)
I spotteed a snowshoe as soon as we parked the truck but never did locate him again. It looked like it was going to be good.
Vance and I split up as soon as we entered the timber. We'd see each other now and again through the jackpines and lodgepoles.
Shadows deepened quickly and the sun dunked behind the mountain. The time was just right for the little hares.... deer too!
The forest floor was dry, crackly, crunchy, pine needles and limbs and I telegraphed every step.
But it was all good. The pines were heavy with scent that reminded me a little of turpentine.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 11, 2007, 12:24:00 AM
You'll find them high in the pines cutting cones and letting them drop ... to the effect of making a lot of racket.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_Pine_SQ._e.JPG)
You'll also find them running around on the ground stashing great hordes of the little brown cones.
I'd had one squirrel approach the back of a big lodgepole in front of me and peek through a tangle of limbs at my camoflage form.
I'm not sure how the arrow centered that opening so perfectly and didn't hit the squirrel.
It didn't take long after that one left in great haste that I spotted another squirrell 20 yards away storing cones.
I was able to close the distance by half and made the shot with little trouble.
I hunted for a little while more and ran into Vance. We set up the camera for a photo of the squirrel.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_PINESQUIRREL_.JPG)
Mean while
Post by: BamBooBender on September 11, 2007, 12:40:00 AM
Congratulations on the buck.
Post by: Terry Green on September 11, 2007, 06:35:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/mt2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/mt3.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/mt4.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/mt5.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/mt6.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on September 11, 2007, 07:36:00 AM
Dang, someone hit a squirrel???? I'm really unhappy I'm still in Texas after knowing that! :knothead:
Of course all those feelings changed as I scrolled down and saw Vance wearing a jacket. That means I'd still be wrapped up in my mummy, 30% below sleeping bag and my six layers of clothes..... Yall keep after em'! I think I'll keep chasing these pigs in the warm climate. Good stuff guys, Enjoyed the trip. Go get Vance a deer! CK
Post by: JC on September 11, 2007, 08:42:00 AM
Great pics Terry.
Thanks for the continued stories Charlie...sure miss ya'll.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 11, 2007, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on September 11, 2007, 09:44:00 AM
Post by: IB on September 11, 2007, 10:03:00 AM
Leaving me behind, at least for the better part of the morning. This time for me is a genteel bit of time to reflect on this wounder filled fall. At times so feverishly fast and full of the moment, that there is no real time to reflect on what has been happening around you.
As I surfed through the Threads this mornin reminding Charlie of misplaced items and helping remind him not to forget this or that, I ran across (adkmountainken's) post. There's MANY truths in that post that spoke DIRECTLY to my sole.
This fall has been all about the "GREAT" folks that have blessed me. Either by following these antics here, or by being here and sharing my part of the world with me.
"i look forward to hunting with new faces and making new memories."
"i would much rather see a youth or a good friend make meat rather then myself."
Thanks Ken.....
That is precisely what this fall is for me. I will never relinquish the QUEST but will forever savor the MOMENTS
Post by: hormoan on September 11, 2007, 10:16:00 AM
Brent
Post by: Terry Green on September 11, 2007, 10:24:00 AM
Here's the 'Spaghetti Junction' I found when Vance and I split up at the 'Sea of Fallen Aspens'. The area behind that group of small trees in the middle of the pic is null and void of anything solid....all sticks, leaves, pine cones, and debris is all crunched up ....nothing but dirt. This place needs to have a tree stand. There is also a trail just above this junction on the left that could also be covered and well in range if one picked the right tree.
This little run is a funnel between two very large groves of recently fallen aspens. Wish I'd had a few more days, as I did find a relatively easy way into this area.
Vance, this area is just inside the timber where we split up at that little switch back....and deserves an afternoon for sure. Man, looking at these pics is killing me!!!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/spagettijunction2.JPG)
Post by: Terry Green on September 11, 2007, 11:07:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/seadoe.jpg)
Lets have a closer look.......
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/seadoe2.jpg)
Hide and seek.........
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/seadoe3.jpg)
Post by: Terry Green on September 11, 2007, 11:11:00 AM
I could have arrowed an antelope buck, an antelope doe, mule dear doe, and a moose.....but only had a tag for a mulie buck.
I only saw one, but he was a hammer, and many thanks to Vance for letting me slip into his turf....who knows what would have happened if I hadn't got cheated out of that last hour and 15 minutes by that broadside electrical storm.......it sure was a rush slipping inside his turf.
:campfire:
Post by: hormoan on September 11, 2007, 07:56:00 PM
Brent
Post by: Terry Green on September 12, 2007, 08:59:00 AM
Post by: Guru on September 12, 2007, 07:48:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2007, 10:00:00 AM
Let me start with day before yesterday.
I was up early and headed for the Double Bull which is down the creek a few miles sitting harmlessly next to a waterhole that I wrote about last year.
It should be a great place to watch for antelope, but so far it hadn't produced a single sighting, let alone antelope drinking from it's cool depths.
The morning temps here in the valley have been hovering around 20 degrees first thing in the morning and I went prepared...thermos of coffee and my down sleeping bag would add to the pleasure of the morning, keeping chill blanes away.
What a pleasant morning. Not a thing showed except the usual bird show, which included a golden eagle, a marsh hawk, and assorted dicky birds that I don't recognize.
When the sun was high and I had exchanged the down bag for a short sleeve shirt, I finally plodded slowly up the road to where I had my truck hidden.
A lone buck antelope fed quietly not fifty yards from the truck. He refused to budge until I'd gotten within 50 yards and then trotted slowly off into the sage.
What a time it's been. Every other antelope that I'd seen that was in a position to stalk, bolted as soon the truck came over the hill.
Wild to say the least.
And I'm talking scarce as well. Where there would normally be antelope in nearly every pasture on this ranch, there are now few and those that are here hold to the centers of the meadows, never approaching the willow cover close enough to effectively stalk them.
It may be that I've bitten off more than I can chew this year... but it's like that most years for me.
I'm sure there are better places to hunt with higher success rates and all that. But I continue to hunt my old haunts, most often stalking failure and watching success flee over the hill.
I like it that way and wouldn't change a thing.
Post by: steadman on September 13, 2007, 10:21:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2007, 10:37:00 AM
As I pulled my armguard from it's place on my bowquiver, I instantly realized my Big Shot glove was not there with it. Odd!
Thinking back I couldn't remember even putting it on in the blind. This would not do!
I checked the truck to see where I might have dropped it, to no avail. I was starting to obsess over that glove even though I had two spares in my arrow box.
Well, before long Vance and I were loaded in the truck and headed down to Brodie draw to press the search even farther.
We checked the area where I'd parked, checked the road down toward the blind, spread out and searched the low sage where I'd cut down hill to the blind and lastly, a thorough search of the blind.... nothing!
This lost glove thing began to eat me up. I never lose my glove. I always put it right back on the bowquiver when not in use.... well, apparently not always as of today.
We reasoned that since I couldn't remember having the glove in the blind that morning that it was possible that I'd dropped it the night before while we were loading up from our rabbit hunt.
Nothing to do now but head up the mountain.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2007, 10:50:00 AM
Soon we were headed up the road watching for antelope in stalkable places until we reached the timber where we switched focus to deer and a chance for Vance to swing into action.
We saw little in the way of antelope and no deer greeted our slow progress up the mountain.
Neither did we find the shooting glove where we thought it might be laying where we'd cleaned the snowshoe the night before.
I finally gave up hope of finding the glove (I fully expect it to turn up in some of my gear somewhere.) and we retraced our trip down toward lower ground.
There was one place that I wanted to check for antelope before we got home. Those of you who followed along on last years trip may recognize this place as the cabin where Terry Green shot his antelope buck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/TG_Cabin_e.JPG)
There were a few antelope in the area, and I may just have to sit there a while and see what comes by.
The rest of the evening went by uneventfully as the warmth of day relinquished it's hold on the land and gave way to the cold of night.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2007, 10:59:00 AM
Vance had called a buck antelope a "buse-kee". I'd chuckled when he said it and remembered how long ago we'd adopted that "corruption" of the word buck.
Remembered how, leaving early one morning for the hunt ages ago, we'd heard a newby radio guy giving the stock report for the day, "lambs and "eewees" are bringing x dollars.....! Had he really said "eewee" and not ewe?
From that day forward any female of a species or it's offspring would be referred to by that name. It trips as naturally off my tongue as any other word I know.
Late in the afternoon, Vance announced that today would be the day we made a move on the "willow buck".
Post by: JC on September 13, 2007, 11:26:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:I'm not so sure about that Charlie...I have a good friend who helped me realize a few years ago that the best place to hunt was in the company of brothers; success rates were best measured in fond memories, smiles and laughter; the hope, anticipation and excitement of a stalk makes it worth doing for it's own sake, no matter the outcome....and many times, being there is good enough. ;)
I'm sure there are better places to hunt with higher success rates and all that. But I continue to hunt my old haunts, most often stalking failure and watching success flee over the hill.
Thanks for sharing the adventures, sure makes a feller want to take off the entire month of Sept next year...
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 13, 2007, 02:02:00 PM
My memory may be getting bad, but aren't you supposed to take the month of September and spend it in the mountains. That's why God made September! :D
Post by: knife river on September 13, 2007, 04:29:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:Charlie, an old buddy of mine pronounces it "an TELL oh pee." When talking about a herd of them, they are "AN tuh low pers." Any situation that starts turning bad is "ball-bearic." When it gets "truly ball-bearic", the transmission is blown and you're 30 miles outside Ekalaka, MT in a ground blizzard at 2 a.m. :) :knothead: :help:
Vance had called a buck antelope a "buse-kee". I'd chuckled when he said it and remembered how long ago we'd adopted that "corruption" of the word buck.
Post by: knife river on September 13, 2007, 04:35:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 13, 2007, 06:12:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2007, 09:43:00 AM
With a buck of this size, you only get one chance and so far he hasn't even known we were hunting him. I guess that's a good thing, but it sure doesn't make me feel like we're all that deadly.
It would have been 3 hours before last light as Vance and I donned our ghillies and pushed forward into the willows that line the creek. (if you live here it's pronounced "crik")
Before long a doe and her offspring passed us coming from where we'd been and going to who knows where... we thought we knew "where" but couldn't keep up with her.
At least we got a small confidence boost as regards the ghillies.
Stitching in and out of the willows, Vance and I were sometimes 50 yards apart and then again often within feet of each other as the maze of close growing bushes demanded.
At one point I'd eased over to Vance. He'd beckoned me with a finger motion. With a whispered word he pointed off into the willows between our position and the "crik".
A dark form could be seen back in the greenery, indistinct, but clearly something there. A quick look with my glasses confirmed the whispered answer.... Mooose!
If there is a danger to this willow game it is the moose that love the dense cover and tender leaves.
Vance and I both have our "crap your pants" moose encounters to remember, so we're pretty careful when in their habitat.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2007, 10:12:00 AM
I waited in the open until well past dark and feeling that my partner would be making his way to the truck by a different route, moved on.
Not sure where who zigged and who zagged, Vance had moved to the eastern edge of the willows and in the fading light of another day came upon the buck we were looking for.
He was much too far to make a move on at that late time of day, so being ever so prudent Vance watched as the monarch and his entourage fed out of sight.
We met at the truck at almost the exact same time.
I've always been a little surprised by that phenomenon which has old hunting buddies showing up in the same place at the same time without previous planning.
It's happened so many times now with Vance that I just expect him to show up and I'm sure he's the same.
Little is said, yet the plan comes together.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2007, 10:27:00 AM
A new day dawned snappy cold and clear. The thermometer on the back porch read 21 degrees before the sun topped the hills to the east.
It was a good morning to sit and drink coffee and make a couple entries on TradGang.
Aware of the running out of time and the two antelope permits in my pocket I determined to spend my remaining days on foot stalking and scheming on the local goats.
At last the rut seemed to be kicking in and the long absent antelope are starting to drift back onto the ranch in numbers that should have been there all along.
By mid morning Vance and I were behind the spotting scope planning the demise of several groups of speedsters in the valley below.
The closest group looked like a slam dunk stalk...note my frequent use of the term "slam dunk" and how often it turns into a double dribble. ;)
Without fanfare I finally slipped off down the hill on my mission. It would be hours before my return.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2007, 11:03:00 AM
Gotta go. Sure could sure use some TradGang vibes to make this happen.
See ya later. :wavey: :archer:
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 14, 2007, 12:31:00 PM
Tracy
Post by: Irish on September 14, 2007, 12:39:00 PM
Post by: AZStickman on September 14, 2007, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 14, 2007, 02:42:00 PM
Happy to be sending a little extra however . Go get em Bud!
Post by: Terry Green on September 14, 2007, 02:55:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:That sure gave me some 'vibes'....enough to send some back your way let me tell ya. Stay after em boys!
There was one place that I wanted to check for antelope before we got home. Those of you who followed along on last years trip may recognize this place as the cabin where Terry Green shot his antelope buck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/TG_Cabin_e.JPG)
Post by: vermonster13 on September 14, 2007, 02:57:00 PM
Post by: Roughcountry on September 14, 2007, 03:40:00 PM
So I'll just say, I'm following along wishing you two the best :thumbsup:
Unless you need snow :D
Post by: bohuntr on September 14, 2007, 04:49:00 PM
Post by: Barney on September 14, 2007, 07:04:00 PM
Toss some back if you get a chance, leaving for a few days of chasing deer and elk in the morning. :archer:
Post by: IB on September 14, 2007, 07:06:00 PM
Most of all just have FUN
Post by: Barney on September 14, 2007, 07:38:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 14, 2007, 11:09:00 PM
I've closed to within 50 yards of antelope on 6 different stalks so far.
I'm not getting busted, just running out of cover before I can turn the trick.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_GoatSnak_e.JPG)
This morning I had two young bucks come up behind me as I made a sneak on three does. They passed within 20 yards without even a side glance in my direction.
Since the rut is winding up around here, there is a lot of herding of does by bucks and territoriality going on.
Anything can happen, with bachelor bucks the most likely to show up unexpectedly.
I'm going to try the Double Bull again tomorrow. There's a small meadow on the hill above the rock pile I originally had the blind in.
The antelope seem to favor that meadow, so I'm going for broke with the blind.
I'll put it right in the middle of a pinch point in the meadow and see what shakes out. It may keep them away, or they may accept it.
I'm thinking a confidence decoy in the form of one of the silouettes Vance and I built last year.
It's going to be a long day in the blind tomorrow. Thanks for the vibes everyone!
:wavey:
Post by: JEFF B on September 14, 2007, 11:14:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 15, 2007, 12:19:00 AM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 15, 2007, 01:25:00 AM
Post by: Guru on September 15, 2007, 05:10:00 AM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 15, 2007, 05:42:00 AM
Keep at em, somethings got to give,LOL. Good luck, you are my hero.
Danny
Post by: Littlefeather on September 15, 2007, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: Nate Fikkert on September 15, 2007, 12:52:00 PM
How did I miss this whole thing. I guess I was trying to "hunt" in Utah. Terry seeing those pictures make me wish I was there. From the looks of them, I think I have been in some of those exact places. Vance and Charlie thanks for sharing and taking me back to Wyoming for the fall. Maybe I'll try to go back next year.
Nathan, formerly from Wyoming, now "living" in Utah.
Post by: swp on September 15, 2007, 05:49:00 PM
Good Luck Charlie!
Post by: Shaun on September 15, 2007, 07:10:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 16, 2007, 12:47:00 AM
Post by: robtattoo on September 16, 2007, 06:31:00 AM
Didja get one? Didja, didja? :D :D
Post by: Littlefeather on September 16, 2007, 08:20:00 AM
Quote
I think they killed something cause i called after dark and didn't get an awnser.Boy are you way off Chad. They are old guys! They go to sleep as soon as darkness even threatens to fall. :goldtooth:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2007, 08:24:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2007, 08:37:00 AM
Vance and I stayed up way late last night after our busy day and finally as darkness was threatening to fall we wandered off to our rooms.
Actually Vance has been very busy doing what he does for a living. Ten owners and guests arrived Friday and they are a bit demanding of his time... like many, they like his company.
I've been on my own and trying not to let any grass grow under my feet.
I went down the crik early yesterday to see what was happening. What I might find could make a difference in the days plans.
Easing down the draw toward the old corrals, I surprised a large group of antelope which had been feeding below my range of vision.
They weren't wildly uncooperative...I don't think they ever reached 60 mph. It was obvious that they weren't petting zoo candidates.
Down across the bridge I went and out into the flats to see what I could see and found nothing.
Nada, zip, zero!!
A lone jackrabbit hopped and skipped his way across the short grass meadows out there where I couldn't hope to get an arrow in him.... and that was it.
I headed back up the draw to my Double Bull and decided it would be good to move it to the new location and hunt that place until the cows came home.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
I looked real hard one more time for my missing shooting glove to no avail. When the ground where the blind had sat was as clean as a whistle I cast around one last time... nothing.
Then a passing thought banged off the side of my head... they don't often make it in.
I'd taken a walk down to the waterhole and over the pond bank looking for sign the day I lost my glove.
Turning on my heel I slowly made my way over the same path I'd taken that day.
It looked out of place even at a distance. Something laying by the waters edge that just didn't seem to belong. I continued to move slowly, seaching the ground around me so that nothing was missed, but time and again my eyes were drawn back to that out of place something.
Finally I recognized the deer hoof pattern on the back of the glove and a little thrill ran through me.
I picked it up and felt the soft leather for a moment, turning it over to see if some wayward rodent had done it harm.
It was in one, unharmed piece. A little damp, but in fine shape.
I immediately put it on.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2007, 09:11:00 AM
The meadow above the rock pile was empty when I'd left, but on my return there were several antelope scattered across it's grassy surface.
It looked like I'd missed my timing and I silently cursed several of my favorites as I pondered the situation.
At last I came up with a plan. I didn't know if it was a good one, but it was a plan.
Vance would drive me to the base of the hill where the meadow sits and drop me there.
I'd then set up the blind and with all my gear in hand or on my back I'd raise the blind up with one hand and walk slowly up the hill.
It had all sounded pretty hair brained in the beginning, but as the blind moved into sight of the antelope I got only brief, curious, side glances from the closest animals.
I stopped along the edge of the meadow thinking that was as far as I should push my luck, but wasn't happy there.
Slowly and with a smirk on my face I inched forward out into the meadow.
Post by: robtattoo on September 16, 2007, 09:14:00 AM
Gotta love the aticipation!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 16, 2007, 09:25:00 AM
There were two incidents that I'll relate quickly... I have to get back out there this morning.
Six animals grazed slowly toward the blind an hour into my vigil.
They'd closed to within 25 yards and were relaxed. It was perfect.
The a puff of wind hit the blind. Just a freak thing that came out of nowhere. It had been very still when this gust hit the blind and rocked it up and back one time.
That's all it took! The animals went on red alert but held their ground.
I'd been waiting for the closer shot, but now was the time, I was sure.
The closest antelope was a youngster, butterball fat and prime for an arrow.
I eased the bow to full draw, held for a second and released.
The entire group of antelope exploded before my very eyes and the well shot arrow passed harmlessly over the back of the animal I'd shot at.
They were all safely out of range before the arrow skidded to a stop in the short grass.
You think whitetails can jump the string? Antelope are experts at it!!
There was one more "almost". A doe and two yearlings grazed to me just an hour after my last frustrating attempt.
They came at an angle that I hadn't prepared for so I had to make a few window adjustments to prepare for them.
The Double Bull is great in that respect and I pulled off the adjustments without a hitch.
Once again the antelope fed within range and once again I waited for the close shot. At 20 yards they were close enough, but at a bad angle... quartering on.
I waited patiently.
Suddenly antelope heads jerked upright and looked back over their asses. Out of nowhere a young buck sprinted up to the girls and drove them right away from me. It was over that fast.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
I did see a badger cruising around the meadow at last light, but he never approached the blind.
As it got too dark to see, the last remaining antelope filed to a scoot under the fence and left the meadow.
I need to get back out there before they come back this morning. :wavey:
Post by: cjones on September 16, 2007, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 17, 2007, 07:52:00 AM
Quote
How do you describe 8 hours in a pop up blind with little happening?ZZZzzzzzzzz! ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz! :saywhat: CK
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 08:38:00 AM
Curtis... I thought about napping a little, but just too many antelope around to make that a smart thing to do.... had my sleeping bag in the blind and everything.
Morning temps have been hitting the 20 degree mark, so the bag is for keeping warm until the sun warms up the blind.
Not much to report about yesterday. Had trouble with the wind in a couple of ways.
First off I had a good group of goats heading my way, but they got downwind of me and everything changed.
Antelope have super eyes, but they don't ignore their ears at all.
Later in the morning after having no less than five bucks pass by in range the wind came up very strong.
It was an unusual wind out of the south and when it gusted, that side of my blind would collapse.
I hadn't staked out the sides, which turns out to be a good idea in this country. With all the antelope around I wasn't able to get out of the blind and make the adjustment.
With the wind blowing the side of the blind, the antelope just stood off at a distance and watched it blow.
Finally got out of the blind and came to the house around 3 p.m.
Went into town around 8p.m. for supper. Mike, Jason and Rusty had stopped in Pinedale on their way to Idaho.
We ate Mexican, had a great visit (too short) and sent them on their merry way.... they were a little strung out from the road, but in fine spirits and eager for the hunt.
Heading back out this morning for one last try.
Going to pack up tonight and get on the road home in the morning.
Post by: JC on September 17, 2007, 09:11:00 AM
Post by: Shaun on September 17, 2007, 07:31:00 PM
Post by: Barney on September 17, 2007, 08:24:00 PM
Saw 1 moose, 1 fox and 1 griz. Two of which were too close for comfort. Luckily the bear had no interest in us.
Too hot I think. Hope you're having better luck on the other side.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 11:15:00 PM
I had a great day goat hunting...what's that old saying about a bad day of hunting and a good day at work?
The day started pretty early, with a Thermos of hot coffee in my pack and my sleeping bag waiting in the blind.
Running just a little later than I'd intended, some antelope were already in the field and saw my entrance to the blind.
I didn't like that much, but had to make do with what I had. I settled into the blind and arranged my gear while throwing the down bag around my shoulders.
The hot coffee was more than welcome in shaking off the chill and clearing the cob webs from a sleepy head.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 11:27:00 PM
I'd already spent days arranging to shoot from one side only to have the animals start for the other side. It was, to say the least, trying.
Although I had several situations that looked like they were going to work none quite did. It was always something.
Mostly it was froggy little bucks racing in to disturb the program only to get chased off by the herd buck... a really nice 14 incher.
Once again there was no shortage of shot opps on bucks had I had a tag for one.
The does, on the other hand, always seemed to give the blind a wide berth.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 11:38:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_MagPieFence_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_TurdBird_e.JPG)
A huge old raven lit not ten feet from the blind and I marveled at his size. They are one serious bird.
Finally I decided enough was enough and packed to leave.... and I almost got it done.
I just couldn't give it up.
I'd try a different tactic for the evening hunt using the blind as a distraction while I waited in the sage in my ghillie.
Later that day I returned to the meadow and eased into position. The antelope were waiting for me so with nothing to lose, I pushed the stalk.
A deep irrigation ditch bordered one side of the field and it was up this path that I approached the bedded antelope.
Footing was terrible, but I had a friendly sun at my back and the wind was just right.
I imagine most of you have seen a dry lake or pond bed that was cracked and dry with potato chip mud curls covering all. That's the way the ditch was.
I forged ahead painfully slowly.
Soon I had a look at the head and back of a bedded fawn not twenty yards ahead of me. I knew a doe would be very close by somewhere and slowed down even more.
Another soft step and I could see the end of her muzzle 15 yards away. I squared myself for the shot.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 11:44:00 PM
I was helpless! I'd not paid attention to get the hat on straight and what normally wouldn't have been an issue at all now had me half blinded.
The doe didn't miss this little movement and came to her feet. Just as the gust quit and the material fell away from my face, she bolted.
The whole dang herd took off for the other side of the meadow.
Oh the humiliation doesn't stop here.
A short hour later the antelope had spread over the field and a group of 8 filed right past my blind... maybe 10 yards for the closest one.
POOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The day ended with nothing to show for my efforts, but it had been fun. Oh yeah! Big fun!!
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 17, 2007, 11:47:00 PM
This will be my last entry before I hit the Missour state line.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 17, 2007, 11:51:00 PM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 17, 2007, 11:59:00 PM
Regardless of the outcome, thanks for taking us along on your hunt, it has been fun.
Walt Francis
Post by: cjones on September 18, 2007, 01:28:00 AM
Post by: BamBooBender on September 18, 2007, 01:34:00 AM
Best of luck on the 11th hour hunt.
Post by: Guru on September 18, 2007, 05:27:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 18, 2007, 06:22:00 AM
Post by: Talondale on September 18, 2007, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: Caddo on September 18, 2007, 09:45:00 AM
Thanks for allowing us the insight to a great hunt. Have a good trip home.
LD
Post by: IB on September 18, 2007, 11:12:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_RockPileBlind_e.JPG)
As I watch from the comfort of the Man Room, I can see several groups millin around in the meadow. All seem to be very cautious of the situation, then again these Goats this year seem to cautious of every blade of grass that moves survival I suppose.
One of my horses has taken up residence about 10 ft. from the blind absorbing the reflective warmth provide by the blind.
I guess only time will tell. He has VOWED to Pack up at 9:30 AM. Here we set 4th quarter with the 2 minute buzzer about to go off..........STAY TUNED GANG, I have Goats and the Blind in the same field of vision with the spottin Scope :scared:
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2007, 04:12:00 PM
Brent
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 18, 2007, 04:43:00 PM
There is a reason for it, too!!
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2007, 05:15:00 PM
Brent
Post by: knife river on September 18, 2007, 05:15:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 18, 2007, 06:02:00 PM
Gulping down a hot cup of Joe, I packed the travel Thermos away in my Bison Gear and headed for the blind before the new day was even a hint of light in the east.
It was brisk. Too brisk for the clothing I had on, but I knew that before long the day would warm and anyway I'd have the warmth of my down bag to stave off the chill.
I'd figured my mistake the day before was my undisciplined arrival at the blind after it was light enough to see. The antelope were waiting for me... I'd not let that happen again.
It was hard telling how long I'd have to wait before I could see anything in the meadow and I stayed wrapped in my bag until the first gray hint of light drew me out.
High clouds blocked the rising sun, promising a slow dawn and persisting cold. I scanned the meadow and surrounding hills with my binoculars... NOTHING.
I knew the goats would show up. They had too! Slowly the time ticked away...one minute, two minutes, an hour. It was obvious I was going to go without an antelope for the freezer this year.
Finally, an hour before I'd scheduled the end of the hunt, I spotted a flash of white on the distant hills. They were coming.
It took a long time for the trio of antelope to reach the meadow and I soon saw that they were all young bucks and no game for me.
I sat back and only took occasional peeks to confirm the bucks presence. During one of my "peeks" I was surprised to see that there were now eight animals in the field.
Now that was a surprise! They were all down at the other end of the meadow grazing contentedly and that didn't do me much good, but I was happy just to have their company on this last day... even if they were way off.
Vance's horses had been the first thing visible in the meadow and now they'd come to investigate the blind.
They fed merrily between me and the goats. For a moment I thought about getting out and leading one of them toward the antelope.... "elk don't know how many legs a horse has, pilgrim."
Figuring that would turn into a rodeo for sure, I let the idea pass.
With my vision totally blocked by equine bodies, I fretted over the presence of the beasts. If I spooked them away it would raise suspicion with the goats. I dealt with the limited visibility.
When the closest horse had fed off to my side, I was shocked to see that the antelope were now mobile and heading my way.... fast.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_StackGoats_e.JPG)
With only moments to spare I repositioned my chair and opened the appropriate window.
The first doe in the bunch fed by just a little farther than I liked, but with more coming, I'd just wait it out.
I'm new to this Double Bull thing and I can tell you right now it takes a little brain conditioning to be completely comfortable shooting out of one.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 18, 2007, 06:15:00 PM
One doe split away from the rest and fed closer to my blind. In range now I waited for the angle to open up.
The doe was oblivious to my presence in the hide. I came to anchor and took my time with the shot.
In an instant the arrow had sliced through the screen and took the doe unawares at 15 yards.
She was hammered and scalded out of there like a cat with it's tail on fire.
Once again I was alone in the meadow. I waited a short time and before I could get out of the Bull, Vance contacted me by walkie talkie.
He'd just missed the action, but could see my doe from the house, through his spotting scope.
On a dead run she'd made it to the bottom field and ran headlong into the creek... where she died.
What more can I say. Last day, and almost last minute, with my oldest, bestest friend along to savor the victory.
It shoulda been a beer commercial!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_AntelopeDuo_e.JPG)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 18, 2007, 06:23:00 PM
Did Vance feed you while you were there? ;) Glad you connected and that ya'll had FUN. :thumbsup:
Post by: MW on September 18, 2007, 06:26:00 PM
Post by: Irish on September 18, 2007, 06:44:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on September 18, 2007, 07:01:00 PM
Post by: JEFF B on September 18, 2007, 07:24:00 PM
Post by: CheapShot on September 18, 2007, 08:14:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on September 18, 2007, 08:29:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:OK.....I got to hear......and I'll save the rest for my AM coffee tomorrow! Thanks Charlie.
OK!! Contrary to my earlier comment about my last post and getting on the highway... I'll be leaving tomorrow morning early.
There is a reason for it, too!!
Post by: Talondale on September 18, 2007, 08:54:00 PM
Post by: DW on September 18, 2007, 08:54:00 PM
Post by: Walt Francis on September 18, 2007, 08:59:00 PM
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Charlie,
I knew you would pull it off. Congratulations!
Vance,
You are one hell of a host!
Post by: swp on September 18, 2007, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 18, 2007, 09:20:00 PM
Brent
Post by: Guru on September 18, 2007, 09:36:00 PM
Great picture too!
Post by: Missouri CK on September 18, 2007, 11:00:00 PM
Great job.
Leave it to Lamb to take three weeks to tell a story and make us think it was over only to get one on the last day. I'd say he was sandbagging just to make us wait.
Wonderful work.
Chris
Post by: BamBooBender on September 18, 2007, 11:54:00 PM
Thanks for takin us along.
Post by: kojac on September 19, 2007, 12:33:00 AM
Post by: cjones on September 19, 2007, 12:56:00 AM
Post by: Danny Rowan on September 19, 2007, 07:17:00 AM
Danny
Post by: JC on September 19, 2007, 07:40:00 AM
And thank you brutha Vance, for sharing your slice of heaven with us. We are far richer men because of your friendship.
Post by: Littlefeather on September 19, 2007, 08:02:00 AM
You da man! CK
Post by: Shaun on September 19, 2007, 08:48:00 AM
Its so tough to let that marginal shot pass and wait for the 15 yard that might never come. Experience and faith shown there buddy.
Way to go Charlie and Vance! Could you give us a vicarious taste of antelope on the smoker grill before you leave WY?
Post by: Jim Jackson on September 19, 2007, 09:06:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 19, 2007, 09:29:00 AM
Now it's time to load the truck and get on down the road.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07-WY_Gate_e.JPG)
The hunt will continue at the other end of the hiway and there is so much to look forward to.
There'll be hunts around home with Butch. (the mouth that roared!)
Andrew (Stoney) and Chris are high on my list of favorite hunts and we'll be firming up those plans soon.
Late October will find Vance and I traveling to Georgia for the St.Jude's Paradise hunt and I really look forward to that one. Lots of TradGang buddies to hunt and share camp with... no trip south is complete without a visit with my buddy Joe Coots. (there'd better be some cookies handy.)
:D
It's hard to imagine that it will be March before I can hunt with Curtis again and I'll just have to see what I can do about changing that. Still have to get him up my way for some "northern" huntin.
For all the rest of you... one day before long we'll get to draw a bow together. I look forward to it.
Post by: Ted Fry on September 19, 2007, 12:45:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 19, 2007, 01:33:00 PM
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on September 19, 2007, 01:40:00 PM
Post by: Caddo on September 19, 2007, 04:09:00 PM
Have a safe trip!
Vance, you are the ultimate host! Good on Ya! :clapper:
As my Dad always said "Now there's a pair to draw to!" You guys ROCK!!!!!!
:biglaugh:
LD
Post by: IB on September 19, 2007, 04:24:00 PM
Really was lookin at "Walkin Eagles" Shrew :saywhat: Perhaps the timein is off a BIT :bigsmyl:
Post by: TXRED on September 19, 2007, 05:48:00 PM
What's that saying Vance...Ya pays your money,ya takes your chances!Good Luck with the Missus.
Post by: Terry Green on September 19, 2007, 07:50:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Charlie Lamb:Now where have I heard that before????? :D
What more can I say. Last day, and almost last minute, with my oldest, bestest friend along to savor the victory.
It shoulda been a beer commercial!
Those last minute showdowns are becoming the norm on the The Ryegrass. :bigsmyl: on my face boys.
Congrats fellas.....CONGRATS!
Post by: Roughcountry on September 20, 2007, 09:30:00 AM
Congrats Charlie :thumbsup:
Post by: Caddo on September 20, 2007, 10:48:00 AM
"What's that dear? Right away...sorry, gotta go"!
:pray:
LD