Post by: Ray Lyon on October 29, 2023, 08:05:58 PM
This was now the second Shrewhaven Hunt without founder Ron LaClair. Ron was a staunch supporter of Tradgang and one of the leaders in the resurgence of traditional archery in the 1980’s. Perhaps someone with a little more Tradgang wizardry could add a link to some of the older Shrewhaven threads so newer readers could get a flavor for Ron and this oasis that is now in its 32nd year!!!
First, and foremost, a big shoutout and thank you to Bill LaClair. Bill is Ron’s son and he has continued to allow us to hunt through the club partnership after Ron’s death. Bill spent a week on the property with camp members and learned a great deal about his father’s time in camp. He’s vowed to be in camp next year and will hopefully be carrying one of his dad’s bows.
As far as this years camp, members present included Greg Nicolaou, Tim Cosgrove, Kevin Marshall, Roger Norris, myself and Henry Bodnik. Tim Cosgrove and Henry Bodnik now produce and sell the Shrew bow line.
The camp is located in Michigan’s upper peninsula which is steeped in hunting tradition. In Fred Bear’s early years of bow hunting whitetail deer he traveled to the upper peninsula to hunt. Ron’s desire was to recreate a camp with its own traditions. He succeeded beyond his wildest dreams and we’re blessed to be able to continue them.
A few things worked against our hunting this year. A large corn field just off the property was still standing. The weather was the wettest I can remember in 32 years of camp. In spite of that we managed to hang a few deer and more importantly shared camp with a fantastic group of traditional archers. Roger Norris will be along shortly with some of his thoughts and pictures but I’ll start with this one which is our toast to Ron and those of us who are here to carrying on the tradition.
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Post by: Ray Lyon on October 29, 2023, 08:42:31 PM
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Some photos of the cabin
Post by: Ray Lyon on October 29, 2023, 08:48:51 PM
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Some photos from camps when Ron was still with us.
Post by: Ray Lyon on October 30, 2023, 07:07:35 AM
52” Classic Hunter II ‘Heritage Edition’ makes meat. Classic green glass limbs were one of Ron’s favorites. I took this deer from a stand of young aspen (lone pine tree). I gave up on this funnel last year because I saw as many wolves as deer there. No wolves were seen or heard this year.
Post by: Ray Lyon on October 30, 2023, 08:41:45 AM
our gang including Bill LaClair on far left. Like Ron, Bill is a lefty, so he'll have plenty of his dad's bows to select from for the hunt next year.
Post by: Ray Lyon on October 30, 2023, 08:58:42 AM
Roger and I with our deer.
Post by: Ray Lyon on October 30, 2023, 09:04:23 AM
Henry Bodnik is a busy man traveling in Europe to deal with his instructional classes on instinctive shooting, Bodnik bows and of course Shrew bows. He was excited to put together this sort of arrows for the hunt. The look on his face when he unpacked and realized he left the arrows behind in Germany-priceless. Fortunately there were enough arrows in camp to keep him in the woods. 👍👍
Post by: Terry Green on October 30, 2023, 09:44:19 AM
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=180186.msg3016583#msg3016583
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=166659.0
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=180081.0
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=177271.msg2979789#msg2979789
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=64159.0
https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=10741.0
Post by: rastaman on October 30, 2023, 10:45:18 AM
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 11:09:12 AM
I really enjoyed this year at ShrewHaven....the only thing missing was Ron. I was fortunate enough to kill a nice doe on my first sit, so I had a full week to relax and enjoy a few different stand spots. This pic is a ground blind I tucked into with my infamous Krylon Shrew ;0)
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 11:13:20 AM
She only went 30 yards....
Post by: Skates 2 on October 30, 2023, 01:00:26 PM
I is sad that Ron in no longer with us, and very hollow that Shrew Bows is no longer a sponsor as Ron was the 1st sponsor of Tradgang nearly 20 years ago. Thanks for still sharing in Ron's honor guys. :campfire:
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 01:38:41 PM
Nice Roger.
I is sad that Ron in no longer with us, and very hollow that Shrew Bows is no longer a sponsor as Ron was the 1st sponsor of Tradgang nearly 20 years ago. Thanks for still sharing in Ron's honor guys. :campfire:
Hey Skates - I sure wish Ron was around also. And yessir, he was a LOYAL TradGang member......but it is important to note that this annual thread is now a tribute to our lost friend Lobo, as well as a tribute to a great, traditional bowhunting camp. It is not meant to be a Shrew Bows infomercial or anything other than the reporting of great friends in a great camp.
Post by: Skates 2 on October 30, 2023, 02:05:17 PM
I was in no way insinuating this was ever an infomercial. It was just my tribute post to say that It saddens me that Ron and his bow company are both void of Tradgang.
However, it is wonderful to see you guys carrying on the tradition and I looked forward to reading.
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 02:10:11 PM
Post by: Terry Green on October 30, 2023, 03:04:09 PM
Carry on guys and thanks!
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 03:38:51 PM
Post by: BUCKY on October 30, 2023, 03:50:39 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on October 30, 2023, 04:17:58 PM
Nice Doe Roger. Also love the paint job. Yes i paint my bows too.
Bowyers either hate me or laugh....I always say "build it out of whatever you want, I'm spraying it with Krylon anyway".... :biglaugh:
Post by: Pine on October 30, 2023, 06:10:29 PM
All my hunting partners are gone.
So make more memories. :archer:
Post by: GCook on October 31, 2023, 11:31:11 AM
Post by: supernaut on October 31, 2023, 11:36:55 AM
:campfire:
Post by: awry on October 31, 2023, 01:04:39 PM
Purchased a Bodnik Hunter Classic II recently. Soon as Ortho clears me from shoulder surgery, will be flinging ‘em. Can’t wait!
Post by: elkken on October 31, 2023, 01:20:52 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on October 31, 2023, 04:48:39 PM
messing around in Kevin’s stand
Post by: BUCKY on October 31, 2023, 07:01:04 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on October 31, 2023, 08:46:40 PM
Great spot! How high is that stand?
Maybe 10 feet? Not real high
Post by: Wudstix on October 31, 2023, 09:13:00 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: Roger Norris on November 01, 2023, 08:59:07 AM
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Post by: Ray Lyon on November 01, 2023, 10:05:31 AM
Post by: GCook on November 01, 2023, 02:26:33 PM
Post by: Chad R on November 01, 2023, 03:33:55 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on November 01, 2023, 05:18:35 PM
Pine’s comment about his hunting buddies being gone and looking back through some of the old threads is certainly haunting and as we age brings that reality to the forefront. Thirty plus years of camp with the same core group. Ron is gone now. Greg and Tim are in their early 70’s, Kevin’s mid 60’s and Roger and I are early 60’s. Eric I/Eric II are the kids in their 40’s. Henry is the newcomer in camp and he’s starting to understand. Fortunately we still laugh about the same old stories mixed in with the bloopers from the current year. Much of the conversation with Ron’s son revolves around stories about his dad and what different things hanging in the cabin meant. To a casual observer it’s just ‘stuff’, but there’s always a story. We’re all thankful we’ve been able to share in those stories. We have a group text with the camp members that goes year round. We’re like brothers and are always checking in on each other and our families. At least one thing has been settled—I’m the greatest archery shot of the group. ;) :tongue:
Why do I sense another "Worlds Greatest Archer" event coming on.....
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 01, 2023, 06:39:52 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on November 01, 2023, 09:28:29 PM
My ShrewHaven doe all canned and ready for winter suppers😀
Post by: Wudstix on November 02, 2023, 10:31:04 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 03, 2023, 05:56:14 PM
That’s an easy answer:
1) Me
2) Myself
3) I
That represents the top three places. The rest are consolation prize winners 😆😆
Post by: Wudstix on November 03, 2023, 08:36:47 PM
:notworthy:
Post by: Roger Norris on November 04, 2023, 03:17:09 AM
You will notice in this picture that Ray's deer is substantially smaller. So yes, Ray is a great shot, and proves it every year by choosing tiny targets.
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 04, 2023, 03:33:09 AM
Don’t make me put you on pie probation. ;)
Post by: Roger Norris on November 04, 2023, 09:02:39 AM
Roger’s Always trying to cloud the issues with facts and smokescreens. :biglaugh:
Don’t make me put you on pie probation. ;)
I doubt anyone reading this has had your homemade cherry pie. If they have, they will understand my lack of cutting retort.
I literally woke up this morning thinking of that pie you made. The apple pies were awesome.....but that cherry was beyond awesome.
Damn you. :biglaugh:
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 04, 2023, 09:22:20 AM
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 04, 2023, 09:43:41 AM
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The top picture is my dad from probably the 1950’s spraying fruit trees. Our family farm was settled in 1881 and cherries were planted around 1920. My mom was a county fair champion pie baker and at 90 years young she is still making pies. So I learned from a champion. Making a pie in camp on the oilskin red/white checked oil cloth table is certainly more challenging than home, especially when I’m not sure if the propane oven temperature is completely accurate. However, the guys give me a wide berth at the table which serves as the catch all (knife/ broadhead sharpening, late breakfast, coffee drinking, etc.) when I’m making pies. The grilling picture is from the early camp years of me cooking bacon wrapped duck breasts on a table top propane grill by flashlight. This would have been in the mid nineties before the Shrewhaven cabin was purchased and moved to the property.
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on November 04, 2023, 06:11:54 PM
Jason
Post by: frassettor on November 05, 2023, 05:05:07 PM
Post by: Wudstix on November 05, 2023, 10:37:15 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 06, 2023, 08:38:45 AM
I'm curious where this "worlds greatest archer" is going, I'm pretty sure I can smell a competition in the wind. :laughing: Waiting for more. :coffee: :coffee: :campfire: :campfire:
Jason
Jason,
There actually was a match at Elm Hall a few years back. The second thread down on the list Terry Green includes some banter from years gone by with Ron, Roger and myself. I believe it ended with Ron beating Roger and Greg that year with an old bow he bought off the swap table earlier that day. Another match happened the year Roger, Ron and I did a get together and had a ‘shore’ lunch after round one of a match. Roger brought his cast iron skillet and some fantastic bluegill and walleye fillets, while I brought the coleslaw and cherry pie. Roger is a master of cleaning and preparing skillet fried fish. You will not have anything finer. Of course Ron (who was comprised by a recent foot procedure and walking boot, so no shooting) rode his litter scooter onto the scene just as the cooking was beginning. That man’s affection for fish and pie was legendary. I’d just assume mess with a mother grizzly and cubs on a fresh elk kill as get between Ron and a plate of fish or piece of pie.
Oh as for the shooting?? Well the first round pre lunch was a dogfight between Roger and myself. The proverbial neck and neck race. As we approached the last target station that was a 3 target set I proceeded to complement Roger on his shooting and might have mentioned something about his nocking point looked like it slipped out of position. Well poor Roger fell apart on those last three targets and I walked away the champion of the Shrew bow challenge. Well, full disclosure, we did go out for a post lunch grudge match. Roger took his trusty Black Widow recurve and I brought out my 64 inch one piece Blacktail recurve that I had just acquired used from the St. Jude’s auction. A couple of the shots on that second course were in tight quarters and I simply got outshot by Roger and his very familiar bow (and he might have sprinkled some sort of magic powder on my plate of fish numbing my cognitive range finding skills temporarily). Anyway, I’ve graciously let him have his one moment of glory in Shrewhaven grudge match lore.
Post by: Roger Norris on November 06, 2023, 03:27:46 PM
But we have no choice......what shoot shall we compete at this summer, and what is the bet?
I propose the loser donates $100 to St Judes.....deal?
Post by: Bigriver on November 06, 2023, 06:17:46 PM
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on November 06, 2023, 06:22:50 PM
Ray I remember the last Shrew Haven shoot off very well, as I won this skinner in the drawing on who would win. It has served me very well, having skinned several whitetail and a couple mule deer in Nebraska. Roger, if memory serves me, my bet was on you. Let the games begin!!!! :biglaugh:
Jason
Post by: Wudstix on November 06, 2023, 06:43:04 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: STICKBENDER98 on November 06, 2023, 07:08:10 PM
Jason
Post by: Wudstix on November 06, 2023, 10:04:38 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: Ray Lyon on November 06, 2023, 10:18:58 PM
Post by: Roger Norris on November 07, 2023, 06:07:13 AM
Roger has the best knife Ill say that :bigsmyl: Looks like everyone had a great time.
Brian......I absolutely LOVE the knife you made....it has been through a couple deer now, easy to sharpen, exactly the right size. Tim Cosgrove also was using one of you knives in camp. Thanks!!!
Post by: Bigriver on November 08, 2023, 07:55:48 AM
Post by: Roger Norris on November 08, 2023, 08:00:29 AM
Warms my heart to see guys like and use my knives. Thanks for the kind words, I know Ron possibly liked a good knife :goldtooth:
Post by: Wudstix on November 08, 2023, 04:09:11 PM
:campfire: :coffee: :archer2: :campfire:
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on November 09, 2023, 09:20:30 PM