Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 03:10:52 PM
Folks, I am excited to share the wonderful blessing that culminated the eve of Iowa's 2018 First Shotgun Season. In other words, the Final Sunset of Iowa's 2018 Early Archery Season... :pray:
Last night's adventure has been written on my heart & mind forever. Thank you Lord for Blessing me and Thank you Ben for all the help/sacrifice/and friendship we share. November 30th, 2018 - A day to remember... :goldtooth: :notworthy:
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on December 01, 2018, 03:22:21 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 03:25:58 PM
My photographer has released a few pics, so I'll make something happen sooner than later. Though I know we all have different preferences for story protocol, I will do my best to make it worthy of your time and direct Praise to the only one worthy, my Lord and Creator. For without his Providence, I am nothing... To God be the Glory :pray: :notworthy: :clapper:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 03:35:46 PM
Post by: Crittergetter on December 01, 2018, 03:46:25 PM
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 01, 2018, 03:55:33 PM
Now about them pichers?
LOL
Post by: Altiman94 on December 01, 2018, 03:56:22 PM
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 01, 2018, 04:04:11 PM
Post by: Macatawa on December 01, 2018, 04:16:30 PM
Congrats, Kaz..
Now about them pichers?
LOL
X2... :wavey:
Post by: carbonflyr on December 01, 2018, 04:31:45 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 04:32:53 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 04:40:55 PM
(http://i.imgur.com/gDxWHJ6.jpg)
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 04:50:09 PM
I think this bike & cart are gonna be a wonderful addition to my arsenal... :clapper:
Post by: carbonflyr on December 01, 2018, 05:03:06 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 05:09:30 PM
I apologize in advance for the clarity, but I was a man on a mission and needed to use an old fashioned cart in a poison ivy infested thicket.... :dunno:
Entrance
(http://i.imgur.com/XHgnWkA.jpg?1)
Exit
(http://i.imgur.com/dH2erxp.jpg)
What a wonderful way to get the season started with my Black Widow KB 54", 53lb@28" Dream Bow :archer2:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 05:17:09 PM
I spent as much time as possible scouting and hanging stands on the new property AND the 25 Acre spot. Trail Cameras were in place and I was anxious to see what kind of activity was in store. I can tell you that we had a lot of does and a decent number of bucks. Definitely some that I would love to have, but no real jaw droppers.... I had already made up my mind that it was a Mature Iowa Whitetail Buck or Buck Tag Soup. I wanted to learn, and have more time in the woods seeing God's wonderful Creation... :notworthy:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 05:29:29 PM
I gave it my all, and I mixed things up playing the wind and most recent information. Despite feeling optimistic on every stand site and sit, too me the Iowa Rut was a little off. No build up, only an occasional chase, and for the most part young bucks. I was getting a little weary. I was passing lots of does and smaller bucks with probably the largest pass a couple of 2-1/2 year old 130" bucks. Great encounters no doubt, but where are the Mature Bucks?
Finally, in a weak moment on a slow evening sit I just had to loose the arrow on a great eating small doe at the 25 Acre spot. Praise God for a perfect shot, down in 40 yards. Thank you Lord :pray: What a great confidence refresher and a boost to the determination to hold out for a Mature Buck or nothing :thumbsup:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 05:39:33 PM
I had scouted some really nice sanctuary bedding areas in close proximity to Cedar Buck Haunts earlier in the year. My goal had initially been to leave them as sanctuaries, but I got to tell you they were calling my name as hour after hour, day after day I was only getting fringe movements...
Finally about a week ago, I decided an all day hang and hunt right smack in the middle of the sanctuary was necessary... I got in during the dark and hung my Lone Wolf Set. Wind was right, a cold North Wind... At first light, the first buck materialized and made a scrape at 22 yards. A beautiful 125-130" class buck unawares... He was likely a 2-1/2 year old deer and not what I was after this year. Then began the best sit of the year, several does, fawns and small bucks were milling around me for 30-45 minutes. This is what I'd been waiting for! ACTION!!! I stayed all day and saw several bucks, does, fawns etc.. I even saw two Mature Bucks seeking for does. Perfect :thumbsup: The day didn't end with a shot opportunity but it was uplifting for sure. I would be back if/when the wind was right :pray: :pray: :pray:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 05:45:26 PM
I tried to stay positive and focus on the many blessing already bestowed upon me throughout the season. (3) Wonderful Does in the freezer, great hunts, wonderful property to learn and enjoy. I also reminded myself that just because I work/hunt harder it's still not a guarantee. It is by God's Providence and sovereignty that all things ultimately come together.
This brings us to yesterday November 30th, 2018 -A Day to Remember...................... :goldtooth:
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 01, 2018, 05:54:35 PM
:laughing:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:00:40 PM
This really is my best shot...
Work was pretty demanding and new tasks just kept getting added. Finally I look at the clock and it's 1:30pm :saywhat:
If I leave now, and travel the 1:15 minutes to my hunting area I'll likely be left with a 2 Hour hunt maximum.... That is not like me at all!!!
I contemplate for another minute. I ultimately decide that I'd regret not going far more than going for a short hunt that is not ideal... :pray:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:07:30 PM
Quite a bit of snow down there and a soupy mess on the roads... Temps are pleasant ~34 Degrees, light NE Wind...
Last Hoorah!!! That means the Sanctuary Stand :saywhat: :help: :pray:
I finally get settled in the stand around 3:30pm, which actually only leaves me around 1-1/2 hours to hunt... It's not 15 minutes and I see some antlerless deer on the hillside about 150 from me... I'm questioning if I bumped them coming in and they're gonna feed a cruise out of my life. After letting things naturally play out for about 45 Minutes, I decide I have to do something.... Tic Toc The season is fading....
I pull out the Can Call and the Grunt Call and I start subtle to gain their attention or bring in a slow lingering buck.... No Dice.... I don't think they can hear me.
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:09:57 PM
I lay out a pretty aggressive scenario with can calling, buck roaring / buck popping / buck chasing music!!!
While I'm focused on the hillside, I catch movement to my right at 25 yards :scared: :o :scared: :o
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:15:07 PM
It's like he's coming to a decoy and ready to smash it... :dunno: There's no decoy!!!
He's closing fast and I've got both hands occupied with calls and he's 270Degrees behind me on my right, and my bow is hanging 270Degrees to my left.... Not ideal....
I decide I need to get my bow. My left hand pockets the can call, and I reach blindly for my bow with my arm blocked by the tree. I'm watching the buck to the right, and I successfully feel the bow handle and lift... There's friction on the limb tip and it kind of springs loose. Instantly he picks up the movement and it breaks the trance :help: :help: :help: :pray: :pray: :pray:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:23:19 PM
2-3 Minutes pass and he decides he's had enough and starts to turn to leave. I immediately hit him with a Snort Wheeze to remind him why he came :deadhorse:
Much to my amazement, it works. He give me that look that says come on down here and fight me like a man..... No chance :scared:
He then circles behind me to better get the wind on the scenario which takes him to my left side. I'm able to rotate to align with my bow and play peekaboo cautiously. He reaches a point about 25 yards away, 270 Degrees behind me and totally stops to look my way. We're at a stalemate....
I can't help but think this eventually will explode in sadness, but I keep it together.... :pray:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:28:17 PM
I really think this is over... There's one opening at 22 yards that's a sniper's shot but the angle will be quartering too. No matter how bad I want him, I decide I will not risk that shot. I will wait for something better or nothing...
Finally, he seems to start sweeping his glare in a 30 Degree Cone out in front of him, instead of me...
I look ahead and notice there's about a 16"Tree Trunk that might work as a draw block, and an opening just passed it at around 18-19 yards, I'd guess.... That is where I'm committed...
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:33:55 PM
Then, it all goes in slow motion just as God had ordained long before this day....
He reaches the draw tree, and I pull back to full draw and focus everything I've got about 2 Ft in front of the draw tree. I pick him up in my peripheral as he comes out from the tree and into the opening. My mind, focus, and eyesight merge with the slow moving pocket and the arrow is on it's way...
It looks good, but a fuzz low to my liking... The animal turns a 180 at impact and barrels back the way he came. It's a mad determined dash that looks a fuzz like plowing..... :help: :dunno: :pray:
He's breaking sticks and crashing through the thicket. About 50 yards out I lose sight and there's silence... :pray:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:41:49 PM
What a season to ultimately come down to the last 20 minutes of legal shooting light...
When, the deer wheeled at impact I actually saw the arrow kick back a little, and I questioned penetration as there was 1/2 of a 29" arrow seemingly visible. I could see the arrow stay in during the run....
As I decided to quietly pack up, I spun around and there in front of me was a 2-1/2 year old 10 point that was now standing very near where I hit the deer. I am quite convinced that my buck was alertly aware of that buck coming in and that ultimately made the whole scenario REAL..... Not something I did, but something God blessed me with to restore what I messed up with originally alerting the deer. Thank you Lord for that divine intervention!!! :notworthy:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:46:05 PM
I advance quietly to the impact sight, and there's some serious dirt thrown up where he 180'd.... And in the first step there's a 3 Ft wide Spray of Life Giving Crimson on a blanket of pure white snow..... My gaze advances along the trail and this spray continues as far as I can see. I snap a few photos to share for a confidence building consult...
I'm encouraged and know that something like that only happens with a pump behind it!!!!! :saywhat: :goldtooth:
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:52:16 PM
Ben is super excited, knowing the effort that has gone into this season and he is happy for me. That goes for several others including Josh "Altiman94"... Thank you both!
Ben's at work, and even had to work this morning but he stills says "I'm in!" Let's do this together...
I drive back home for a different set of clothes, a different truck, settle down, and grab Ben....
I will delay no longer, as Ben has already stated in the Teaser / Starting the Fire. Hours before the Shotgun Opener, we walked a Pre-Ordained path of Crimson that brought Ben & I together on a trail we dream about....
Thank you Ben for everything, we did it together and it was good..... Praise God for our friendship and for this Wonderful Blessing on November 30th, 2018 - A Day to Remember...
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:56:19 PM
Thank you Lord :pray: :clapper: :notworthy:
(http://i.imgur.com/9IM3ybw.jpg)
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:57:41 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 06:59:50 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 07:00:46 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 07:01:40 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 07:02:43 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 07:03:32 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 01, 2018, 07:07:30 PM
54"Black Widow KB - 53lb @28"Draw (Drawn to 27-5/8" or so)
Easton Axis FMJ 400, 28.75"Long, Aluminum Footings, VPA 250Grain 1-1/4"Cutting Diameter 3-Blade Heads
Total Arrow weight 615 Grains...
Top of Heart and Lungs, down in 60. Praise God for it all.... :notworthy:
Post by: Bvas on December 01, 2018, 07:07:45 PM
And a great buck!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
You’ve had a season most of us dream about. Congrats :thumbsup:
Post by: Altiman94 on December 01, 2018, 07:23:19 PM
Post by: KSdan on December 01, 2018, 07:31:49 PM
Dan in KS
Post by: BrushWolf on December 01, 2018, 07:33:19 PM
Post by: Kopper1013 on December 01, 2018, 08:09:33 PM
Post by: Zwickey-Fever on December 01, 2018, 08:11:39 PM
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on December 01, 2018, 08:28:40 PM
Post by: ron w on December 01, 2018, 08:37:17 PM
Post by: MIBIGHNTR on December 01, 2018, 09:49:13 PM
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 01, 2018, 09:51:05 PM
I don’t know the number of deer we’ve helped each other with but it’s a Bunch and Lord willing there will be many more
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: kennym on December 01, 2018, 09:58:31 PM
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 01, 2018, 09:59:50 PM
Here are a few pics to help tell the story.
The sanctuary, it looked like hogs had been in there
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/577c1f517b3b2d14cca8f3ddb8101ec7.jpg)
This was at the shot....
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/463e44d5c32b1cffb20f0da174a6d633.jpg)
And it just got better with every step!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/27299f2defc796f44a5fb548df87c01f.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/e7562044a06d7c5978f89c357daeaaab.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/d661dc76980e0f462db9eaa354500c19.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 01, 2018, 10:17:33 PM
I just love capturing the moments so special to us as bowhunters....
Travis was overcome with gratitude when we walked up to him....
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/1dafa2e830c81246485943b440222f9e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/52332e5dd16e2c32d75f209ba2833867.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/14bf98e785bb146acee27de735cb5182.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/bc45ea57c6ffca3b2f0a73a588a3dbb7.jpg)
This is the culprit for the magnificent blood trail!
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/fc7e363b5639ff810a3b7ae532eaff8c.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: bear mike on December 01, 2018, 10:22:01 PM
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 01, 2018, 10:24:27 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181202/5224aab133083cb730418a21a56df5c9.jpg)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Soonerlongbow on December 02, 2018, 05:52:23 AM
Post by: Roy from Pa on December 02, 2018, 06:07:20 AM
Post by: JakeD on December 02, 2018, 06:42:23 AM
Fantastic hunt and great story. Heck of a nice deer. Congratulations!
Post by: KAZ on December 02, 2018, 06:56:20 AM
Post by: mec lineman on December 02, 2018, 07:55:47 AM
Post by: GCook on December 02, 2018, 08:33:12 AM
Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk
Post by: vintage-bears on December 02, 2018, 08:51:22 AM
Congratulations on an awesome buck and staying focused.
Bravo!!!
Post by: Bisch on December 02, 2018, 08:55:47 AM
Congrats!
Bisch
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Post by: Tom on December 02, 2018, 09:06:04 AM
Post by: drewsbow on December 02, 2018, 09:44:47 AM
Post by: jsweka on December 02, 2018, 09:48:39 AM
Wow! Congratulations Kaz!!!
Post by: Trenton G. on December 02, 2018, 09:51:44 AM
Post by: Jayrod on December 02, 2018, 02:55:23 PM
Post by: Friend on December 02, 2018, 04:36:46 PM
CONGRATS!
Post by: carbonflyr on December 02, 2018, 06:15:30 PM
Post by: yelper on December 02, 2018, 06:30:44 PM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on December 02, 2018, 07:29:25 PM
Post by: tradkeeper777 on December 02, 2018, 07:59:29 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 02, 2018, 08:15:33 PM
Thank you to my friend & photographer Ben for documenting the entire adventure even when I didn’t know he was doing it. He is gifted and makes it look effortless. The photos along with sharing in a thread with Brothers of the Bow enriches the memories & experience... Thank you
Tradkeeper - Welcome to the :campfire: :archer:
Post by: wapiti792 on December 02, 2018, 08:22:49 PM
Post by: SAM E. STEPHENS on December 02, 2018, 08:43:36 PM
,,,Sam,,,,
Post by: PICKNGRIN on December 03, 2018, 06:17:00 AM
Post by: Iowabowhunter on December 03, 2018, 07:39:59 AM
Post by: TexasTrad on December 03, 2018, 11:00:49 PM
Post by: Sawpilot 75 on December 04, 2018, 10:33:05 AM
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Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on December 04, 2018, 08:04:37 PM
BTW , who took your pictures did a hell of a great job. photo's in the dark are ever so hard to do well! those pictures a re GREAT!
Post by: KAZ on December 04, 2018, 08:44:57 PM
Congratulations on a beautiful Iowa Brute!
BTW , who took your pictures did a hell of a great job. photo's in the dark are ever so hard to do well! those pictures a re GREAT!
LITTLEBIGMAN, Ben “23FeetupandHappy” took the pictures and indeed is gifted and does a wonderful job! Thank you :thumbsup:
Post by: Homey88 on December 04, 2018, 10:50:01 PM
Post by: Jbseitz on December 05, 2018, 09:34:06 PM
Post by: KAZ on December 18, 2018, 08:24:47 PM
I’ve got some fun pics to add...
Post by: 23feetupandhappy on December 18, 2018, 08:40:47 PM
Post by: rraming on December 18, 2018, 09:05:01 PM
Post by: Hud on January 14, 2019, 12:53:35 AM