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Topic Archives => Memorable Hunts => Topic started by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 09:59:00 PM

Title: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 09:59:00 PM: I've been trying REAL hard the past couple years to get a turkey with my stickbow. I've done pretty good with my shotgun, but never had the urge to bowhunt them until recently.

I always put in for Iowa turkeys. Typically those hunts are an excuse to go scout areas for deer. I've been telling my tales of despair to my friends and this year they decided to take pity on me...I had great hunting spots lined up for the next 4 days. "Uncle" Gene Wensel was to take me today, my buddy Gary Wissmeuller (Chimaster) was taking me to his best spot Saturday, Brian Wessel (TallTines) had a farm lined up for Sunday, and Mike Mealey (mlmealey) was my ace-in-the-hole for Monday. What great friends; all excellent woodsman that when I am in their company I do a whole lot of listening and learning...
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Shinken on April 17, 2009, 10:00:00 PM: Okay Steve O!

Bring it OOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!

:~)

Shoot straight, Shinken
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: oneshot-onekill on April 17, 2009, 10:01:00 PM: congrats steve....good people...might want to practice alittle..no pressure with those guys looking over your shoulder....good luck
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: joe skipp on April 17, 2009, 10:07:00 PM: Nice going Steve...hard to beat those large Snuffers on Turkeys. They really hit hard!

;) :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 10:13:00 PM: In my little quest, I've spent an awful lot of time in various ground blinds and have been thru a lot of bows looking for a good short one I could shoot out of the smallest (T2) Double Bull. I just got a Bob Lee Dark Archer a few weeks ago and have reaaly grown to like this little recurve.

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170026.jpg)
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Gene Wensel on April 17, 2009, 10:40:00 PM: Oh Steve,
Don't tell me you're one of those carrot dangling dudes that prolong stories to extend the suspense! Show 'em your butterball so guys can go to bed early. They have to get up early tomorrow to hit the woods. By the way, when I went in this afternoon, there was a whole herd of them standing right where I had that jake this morning. I had moved the blind!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 10:51:00 PM: I meet Gene this morning at our rendezvous point at 5:00. We drove out to his spot, he gives me directions where to go and we agree to meet back at the truck at 9:30. I got to my spot, set out the decoys, and waited for another beautiful day to start. Things started out well...gobbles to the right up the ridge and to the left down. Once everybody flew down, things started going south; none of the birds were in the field I was watching. So I made some calls every few minutes and eventually 2 toms and 4 hens ended up WAY out there. They didn't pay much attention to my pleading...but I kept it up.

THEN, off to the right, I catch some movement in my peripheral vision. It is a another tom coming in silently to check out the decoys. He eyes each hen and then comes up and intimidates my tom decoy. He is strutting, then dodging and jumping to break the intruder's stare. As he struts up again, I wait for him to turn so his tail blocks his eye and draw my bow. As he comes out of strut, I pull that last little bit more on the string and the arrow is away.

PERFECT!

He went a very wobbly 30 yards and tipped over :thumbsup:

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170028.jpg)
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Herdbull on April 17, 2009, 10:54:00 PM: Congratulations Steve! I’m so happy for you. Leave the shotgun at home and grab that sliver slinger. That Dark Archer is made for a cover blind. Nicely done! Mike
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: mparks on April 17, 2009, 10:54:00 PM: Looks like a perfect "Iowa heartshot". :)
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Nate Fikkert on April 17, 2009, 10:56:00 PM: Nicely done Steve!

Nathan
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 10:56:00 PM: Hang on...I am over visiting with Wessel breaking to him the bad news I'm all tagged out and he isn't saddled with me Sunday and he is making me watch all his videos of him hunting Africa, mountain lion, all his turkeys, ect...it is hard to type and still be polite :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: vermonster13 on April 17, 2009, 10:57:00 PM: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Over&Under on April 17, 2009, 11:05:00 PM: :thumbsup:

Way to go Steve!!! Glad you decided to take the plunge!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 11:06:00 PM: How about it gets light and what do I see sitting on the floor of the blind...

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170024.jpg)

That is the Chimaster there on the cover of the Compton magazine. I took that picture last year on our trip to Kansas. Gary got stuck at work and would not be out here till late tonight. I thought it was kind of cool that he was still able to share my hunt with me!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 11:21:00 PM: (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170038.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170036.jpg)

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/P4170044.jpg)

This a photo I am very happy to have. I'm pretty proud that Gene thought enough of me to share a hunt. I've got pictures like this with Gary and am looking forward to having them with Brian and Mike real soon. Thanks guys.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 17, 2009, 11:24:00 PM: Oh, he was 23 1/2 lbs, 10" beard, and 1" spurs.

My best bird ever!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Kingwouldbe on April 17, 2009, 11:26:00 PM: Nice shot Steve O :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: talltines on April 17, 2009, 11:35:00 PM: Great job Steve.

By they way Gene, my wife is ticked that you won't let her come to the cookout tomorrow. Now I have to deal with it. Thanks.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Shinken on April 17, 2009, 11:38:00 PM: Great shot and nice recovery Steve O.!

Thank you for sharin' a great day afield!

Shoot straight, Shinken
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: jcar315 on April 17, 2009, 11:43:00 PM: Nice bird. Nice pics. Nice story. Congrats!!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Ryan Sanpei on April 18, 2009, 12:33:00 AM: Awesome Steve!

:clapper:

Ryan
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: bowhunterfrompast on April 18, 2009, 12:46:00 AM: Congrats :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: steadman on April 18, 2009, 01:30:00 AM: Atta boy Steve!! Congrats on a fine bird! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Chris Surtees on April 18, 2009, 01:58:00 AM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: doug77 on April 18, 2009, 04:10:00 AM: NICE
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Gene Wensel on April 18, 2009, 05:41:00 AM: Aren't you going to tell them the part about me having to be your "designated hitter"?
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: swp on April 18, 2009, 07:30:00 AM: Congrats Steve!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: 4runr on April 18, 2009, 07:39:00 AM: Outstanding!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Tim on April 18, 2009, 07:43:00 AM: Great job Steve! Nice photos....
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Guru on April 18, 2009, 07:45:00 AM: Way to go Steve...I knew you'd get one :thumbsup:

You couldn't have asked for a better guide either :notworthy:

Bet that pic means the world to ya...congrats bro :pray:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: John Havard on April 18, 2009, 07:56:00 AM: Well done Steve! Nice bird, although that's a pretty rough crowd you're hanging with. Watch your back and your wallet!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Whip on April 18, 2009, 08:05:00 AM: Way to go Steve! It had to happen sooner or later - I figured this would be the year for you!

Now, what' all this stuff about a designated hitter?
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: PICKNGRIN on April 18, 2009, 08:14:00 AM: Congrats!! I am still trying to put one of these evil birds down!!!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Firstarrow on April 18, 2009, 08:20:00 AM: Congrats!!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Shaun on April 18, 2009, 08:41:00 AM: Sweet! Nice shooting Steve.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: maineac on April 18, 2009, 08:55:00 AM: Very nice. Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Ybuck on April 18, 2009, 08:59:00 AM: Great job Steve! :archer:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: drewsbow on April 18, 2009, 09:41:00 AM: Very nice Steve , congrats :0) :clapper: :clapper:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: 2-BIG on April 18, 2009, 10:16:00 AM: Way to go Steve! :D
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on April 18, 2009, 10:18:00 AM: Congrats Steve :thumbsup: Nice bird and good shooting.

Tracy
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Ron LaClair on April 18, 2009, 10:21:00 AM: Congratulations Steve... :readit:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Tim Fishell on April 18, 2009, 10:48:00 AM: Great bird Steve!! Congrats!!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: swampbuck on April 18, 2009, 10:49:00 AM: congrads! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 18, 2009, 11:57:00 AM: Thanks everyone.

Ron--As always, we will be putting our best foot forward at the chili contest...I was just looking at some pictures the other day. My son was 5 years old when we started entering the contest as a team. Each year I let him do more and more of the prep work. He is 10 now and it is HIS chili. All I do is provide the meat ;) . Looks like that will be changing real soon too...his first hunt will be next month for turkeys up around Cadillac. Here is a pic from a few years ago. Daniel is on the left, man they grow up so quick!

(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/442e46ba.jpg)

Just a little turkey update...3am arrival for Gary took the wind out of his sails, so he will start this afternoon :saywhat:

I'm especially happy I got a bird because we are having a little cookout over here this afternoon for some of my Iowa friends and I won't have to rush around to have things ready. How about some Bacon Wrapped Cougar Kabobs, Antelope Loins, and Terriaki Venison Steak on the grill, with a batch of Hot Pepper Cheezy Potatoes in the Dutch Oven :campfire:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Fritz on April 18, 2009, 12:38:00 PM: Congrats. on the bird and fellowship. I'm still after those elusive toms myself. Hoping to get lucky.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Gene Wensel on April 18, 2009, 01:13:00 PM: Steve, you simply can't go through life using designated hitters to kill stuff for you to make yourself look competent. At least Gary, Brian and Mike are off the hook now. For the time being anyways What really blows me away is the fact you have now stooped low enough to pay a ten year old kid to be your designated hitter in the chili contest! You can do things and maybe even close deals on your own someday. I gotta go do some push ups. I'm going to be the designated hitter for a porn star next week.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: birddogdoc on April 18, 2009, 02:57:00 PM: Nice Job Steve! Can you give a few more details on your "Dark Archer" Bob Lee bow? Would you recommend it to other wanta be turkey hunters?

Thanks, Shawn
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 18, 2009, 03:50:00 PM: Uncle Gene, where would a guy be without friends?

:goldtooth:

You ever get too old and crusty to drag out those big bucks, I'd make the 10 hour drive to help you out...

The Double Bull guys did a pretty good job desinging that bow to work in ALL their blinds. My Dark Archer is 55# @ 28" and is 54" long. I draw 29 1/2" and that is about as far as I'd go with it. The botom of my ring finger on my draw hand is rubbing a little bit. I'm guessing a guy would be pinching with a 30" draw. I have some compound buddies out here that will attest it shoots pretty good. I gave them some judos and taught them the fine art of stump shooting...

To show you what a good guy Gene is, he took me out even after he knew I was using a big ol' Snuffer :D . I did promise to use my Wensel Woodsmen when I draw my Utah elk tag this year...
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Gary Logsdon on April 18, 2009, 04:31:00 PM: Nice going Steve and welcome to the League of Successful Turkey Thumpers. Keep poking and puttin-em down each season and you can work your way up through our ranks. I must admit we're getting a little anxious waiting for Gene's next qualifier:^) But, hey, it's a limited membership so a guy's got to produce or fold his blind. Hey, I saw Gene picking on you . . . nothing like a little counter punch, HA!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: steadman on April 18, 2009, 04:41:00 PM: Steve, you drew!!??
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Gene Wensel on April 18, 2009, 05:24:00 PM: The saddest part about the whole thing is that Steve makes it a habit to repeatedly call it a "Karch Woodsman" right in front of me!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Guru on April 18, 2009, 07:53:00 PM: :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: mlmealey on April 19, 2009, 08:20:00 PM: Hi Steve, great bird now your hooked for life got to love spring turkey hunting. i was in the blind in NE friday morning when i got your text, tons of birds pretty hened up

Talk to you soon,
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Lechwe on April 21, 2009, 12:09:00 PM: Awesome bird Steve.Looks like a great shot. How far was it? :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 21, 2009, 08:20:00 PM: I guess I left that out, didn't I.

11 feet.

I've killed every animal I've shot at under 12 feet...I'm trying to extend that range :D
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: BRONZ on April 21, 2009, 10:18:00 PM: Nice shoot'n!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: DELTA on April 21, 2009, 10:43:00 PM: Great job Steve o. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: It sounds like the Wensel brothers are fun to hunt with? :jumper: :jumper:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: smoke1953 on April 21, 2009, 11:27:00 PM: Congrats. Love the pics. Seems like your guide is developing a little lean to the right.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Ray Hammond on April 22, 2009, 07:23:00 AM: way to go, Steve! Nice bird.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Whip on April 22, 2009, 10:06:00 AM: Quote
Originally posted by smoke1953:
Seems like your guide is developing a little lean to the right.
:biglaugh:

I didn't even notice that Bruce! If Steve hadn't been standing there holding him up he would have tipped right over! :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: bohuntr on April 22, 2009, 01:17:00 PM: Congrats on a beautiful bird Steve!!!

Karch Woodsman ... kinda has a nice ring to it! :biglaugh:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Schultzy on April 22, 2009, 03:01:00 PM: Wow!!! Congratulation's Steve!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Morning Star on April 22, 2009, 03:13:00 PM: Nice job on the birdy! I've had an itch to try one of those 54" Dark Archers. They just seem like they'd be a great bow, not to mention out of tent blinds.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: birddogdoc on April 22, 2009, 06:04:00 PM: After reading Steve's post, I just bought one from Bob Lee...their customer service was incredible! I got it today after ordering on Monday! 54 AMO 54# @ 28...Ought to be a great shooter! Thanks for the info Steve!
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Bryan Burkhardt on April 22, 2009, 09:16:00 PM: Nice going Steve but watch the company you keep :)
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: Steve O on April 23, 2009, 07:25:00 AM: Shawn,

Boy o boy, I sure hope you like that Dark Archer. I set it up with a 7 1/2" brace height and put 1/2 of a hush puppy at the 1/4 points of the string and it is nice and quiet.
Title: Re: Dark Archer + BIG Snuffer=Nice Iowa Tom
Post by: birddogdoc on April 24, 2009, 12:37:00 PM: Steve...

Thanks for the info! I can't wait to try it in Kansas in a couple weeks! Tim Schoenborn is going to help me set up the brace height and nocking point this weekend. I've had this turkey/monkey on my back for 5 years...this is my year!