Trad Gang
Traditional Bowhunting/Archery Videos => Tarz Antics => Topic started by: Terry Green on January 05, 2009, 12:43:00 PM
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Well, another year has come and gone, and another successful hunt at Solana Ranch. 17 Trad Gangers migrated to the Loan Star state, and set a record for game taken at the ranch.
We made a pact, and got serious, and boy did we ever....and the guides were utterly impressed at our groups ability to take game with Traditional Equipment.
This pic is after the '3rd Quarter' with an afternoon and a morning left to hunt....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/Solana08group4.jpg)
CLICK HERE FOR LARGER PIC (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/Solana08group8.jpg)
Its a Triple Seven at this point, 7 bucks, 7 does, and 7 hogs....6 more critters were added to this impressive pile, 2 more bucks and 4 more does. I'll try and get a bigger pic of this you can link to in a bit.
Curt, Don, Skyler and I were with 'guide' David Shepard, and even he got in on the action by dragging out a vintage recurve and used a Trad Gang administration arrow....an arrow that Rob left last year, and a Zwickey head I gave him to go on it...you'll see the exit hole....what a mess.
Lots to catch up on.....but I'm sure you'll be hearing from the hunters soon as they make their way back home.
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Excellent!!!
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Sounds like an awesome hunt. Bet this fills up quick next year :biglaugh:
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Way to go!!!
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(http://i259.photobucket.com/albums/hh305/jeffburg/awesomesmiley.gif) guys
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I tell you i sure dont want to be back at work today. I had a blast down there. I pulled off a last hunt buck there and could not be happier. You are about to hear alot of stories I am sure of it.
Most of all I got to meet some great people and make some new friends. That was better than any animal I could have taken.
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Now that is impressive. Looking forward to the stories...
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Been waiting for this one!! Congrats fellas.
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I have but 1 Bazillion questions :pray:
Looks like a Job VERY WELL DONE (kids)
NOW.....HOW WAS THE EATIN ?????
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Fantastic!! :thumbsup:
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I'll have a better pic of that 1st one I posted....something got lost in translation to me as it's not very clear....I'll also have a LARGER version link you can click on to see it on an individual page so you can see more detail. There's a doe in between every buck, and two in between in the middle.
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Wow, that is phenominal! Really wish I could have made it down there...
Keep the info coming!
N
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"By that time I was gnawing bark off the tree like it was corn on the cob" - David Shepard.
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wow it looks like you guys cleaned up!!! :eek: :eek: :D im looking forward to this.
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Just replaced the original pic so its cleaner...and added a larger pic to the original post as well.
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Wow! What a trip! Was fantastic to see friends you don't see all to often, and actually meet friends I didn't know other than with this site or E-Mail. Anyway, once we were through with the "meet and greets" and got settled in a bunch of us went out and shot some arrows and checked gear to ready ourselves for the much awaited first hunt of the trip. I think I was ready by 12:00 and the trucks don't leave until 3:00! I haven't gotten to do any hunting this fall with our move this summer to Kentucky and getting settled into my new profession at a mixed animal practice here in northern Kentucky. So, chomping at the bit was an understatement!
Well, 2:30 rolled around and Peanut and David gave their obligatory/mandatory speach for the rules of engagement during the hunt and guide assignments. I was assigned to Robert with Thomas, David, and Randy (also with Fred when he arrived on Thurs as unfortunately he had a death in the family and had to delay his arrival). Hindsight being what it is he was an excellent choice in my book! All go, no show, and truely wants everyone to get on the critters and is genuinely mad at himself if it doesn't happen.
Well, we grabbed our gear and piled into his truck, and that first night we had a wind out of the north (rarity for these parts), but he was excited to see it and we headed to "His" pasture he has setup for the rare northern breeze. We pulled up to the first stand and dropped Randy off I believe. Robert let him know were to expect them to come from and why and off we went to the second stand. I got out on the second stand with the same instructions.
I climbed up into the stand and was getting everything ready as quiet and quick as I could before the truck got out of site. When I sat down there were three deer walking in from my left, a doe, and two fawns which one for sure was a button buck but I treat all of the deer that size as a button buck as it's $400 and your buck tag if you bring one in. Make sure does are does if you go down there, and the easiest way I know is to compare the size of one deer to another and the "big" ones without horns are for sure does. If one deer walks in without horns it is tough to make sure, I always wait for something to compare it to as to make sure.
Anyway, I'm quickly settled and poised for action. Looking at my setup, I'm well hidden in the tree the ladder stand is set in with plenty of branches out in front of me to hide most movement (which there is little of, except for the time you need to move) with exception of a nice shooting lane just to my left. Can't even see or shoot at the feeder at this particular stand. But, on his way out Robert had spread corn from his automatic feeder (that's attached to the front of his truck) right through my shooting lane. That was nice of him... ;)
Side note: as many of you know, these deer are JUMPY!!! I really don't know how to, or can't even begin to explain the degree of jumpy as you wouldn't believe me anyway... so, I'll just leave it at that. Standard point of concentration is bottom of the chest and they will drop into it when they jump, but even then that isn't enough sometimes as you will hear from some of my cohorts. ;)
As the evening moved along, those first three settled in and fed on the corn Robert had spread until the feeder went off. And they jumped out of there like they were shot. 10 minutes later a small 7 or 8 point walks in, a number of "does" walk in (most of which I can make out buttons on), one bigger doe that I feel confident is actually a doe, a fork horn, another 8 point, you get the idea... a bunch of deer are down there. Maybe upwards of 20 deer feeding at the feeder and on the corn Robert had spread.
From behind me I hear footfalls at a trot which slows to a walk direcly behind me and continues out into my view...
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Vance.....it was good, but they didn't have a Treager!!!
Now I gotta read Jeff's post above........
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Way to go guys! Great looking group and some good bucks to boot. Congrats.
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Sounds like a great time, way to go ya'll!
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...walks a nice 8 point quartering away. He is outside of his ears by about an inch and has 7" - 8" G2's and G3's that are about 1/2" shorter. Nicest deer I've seen while hunting last year and this year, so I slowly move into position to shoot him at less than 10 yards quartering away. I lean way forward in my stand while drawing my bow and the lower limb brushes the platform, not hit, brushes the stand and he jumps out towards the feeder... which of course I can't shoot at!
Luckily everyone settles down and begin to feed again. So I settle back down and wait with all of these deer feeding right under me. All the while there are more and more deer entering and leaving the area. This goes on for a quite a while and it is getting "dusky." That big 8 is still here and has worked his way back over to 10 - 12 yards right in my shooting lane.
He is now quartering away in the opposite direction as to when he came in and I lean over just a bit less than the last time while drawing, hit full draw and burn a hole in the bottom of his chest inline with the off leg...
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This is good jeff. I did not get to here the whole story down there. Keep it coming.
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Lam"O" should NEVER be allowed to hunt with ANYONE ever again :banghead: :banghead:
It just plain wears off on folks :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
LETS Hear IT..... (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/thfrogenthusiasm-1.gif)
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:bigsmyl:
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Boy, that is one "Motley Crue"...Sounds like a great hunt! I'm waiting for the "rest of the story"...
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I hate this stories almost as much as I love them, LOL. This is getting good.
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...he jumps/shifts in position and looks out past the feeder to my right and is now facing directly away from me. So I slowly let down and slowly peek over my right shoulder and I can see two deer walking from the far side of the feeder into the area. The closest deer is a buck and almost a carbon copy of this buck but he has a broken G2 on his right side. The broken buck has a very aggresive attitude, ears layed back, nose wrinkled up and gets to about 10 yards of the buck I was going to shoot a minute ago and charges at him and they both go tearing out of there.
Now, I'm very interested in the other deer that came into the area with the aggressive broken tined deer. I'm trying to look through the leaves and branches to get a look, but I'm seeing just pieces. It walks right up to the feeder and urinates on its tarsal glands and I get a glimpse of horns. Another buck, and with the way all the deer just "parted ways" for him I'm real interested in how big he is.
His left side is towards me and I get a brief look at his left antler, long main beam, decent G2, G3, and G4 most likely 10 point. I lock on, and given the chance I'm going to shoot this deer. He continues to walk in the direction of my shooting lane and everyone else just stays out of his way. Which for 8 or 10 of them put them less than 10 yards from my stand... He walks into my shooting lane broadside at 20 yards and this time I don't lean at all, just simply draw my already raised bow as smoothly and quietly as I can while concentrating at the base of his chest where his leg meets the body.
Now the next few seconds are a bit blurry, as I don't know if one of the deer under my stand saw me draw back or heard me but they all started trotting away from me back out into the opening avoiding him too. For which he stopped and looked at them. Now, I'm at full draw, the buck I want to shoot is standing still broadside at 20 yards and things are now, in my head, not at the "JUMPY" deer level anymore! Things are about to explode! So, I rationalize for a milisecond that he is going to drop even more and/or quicker when I let go of the string.
So, I pick a spot 4" lower than the base of his chest and release...
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:clapper:
Looks like one of Hogzilla's spawn in front of Curt! Wow!
Ray
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...Now everything just went into slow motion. The arrow leaves the bow with just flo yellow nock and feathers seen tracking to this spot under the deer. He drops... and drops... and drops... all the while this nock and feathers tracking is getting higher and higher on him. Finally the arrow strikes home, looks high to me but he tears out of there through the scrub brush instead of around it and I can see blood on the side I shot him on.
Now, do you remember the other 25 or 30 deer that are in the area? All heck broke loose! I bet it looked like a covey of quail from the field! Deer gettin with it in all directions! Shortly there after, maybe 15 seconds, all was quiet. Then I hear 3-4 thrashes just up the hill the way the buck had run. 10 or so seconds later the same thing. Then all was silent...
EXCEPT for my heart trying to thump out of my chest! I set the bow down on the seat next to me and took about 3 - 4 or 50 nice deep breaths and tried to calm myself down. I was like to fall out of the tree, but that always happens after the shot for me... I seem to keep my cool when I need to but fall to pieces after. If that ever quits happening I guess I'll take up golf! When I finally settled down I took stock of the area. Low and behold my arrow is sticking in the dirt and the regularly flo yellow end of my arrow has taken on more of a crimson color... ;)
Robert had told us if we shoot a buck we are done hunting and stay in the tree. I.E. don't make two blood trails that can confuse Taz (his blood trailing dog). So my bow never left the seat beside me until Robert showed up like a day and a half later! I guess in hindsight it was really like 30 minutes or so... I believe Randy... or maybe it was David... was in the truck already, and I gave a brief lowdown and we went and picked up the Thomas and David (or Randy). Then we went and got Taz.
When we got back to the stand, Robert took Taz out and put his bell on, walked him out on a short leash to the shot site and gave him a smell. When he unhooked him Taz took off directly in line with the way the buck left. We heard the bell go for a few seconds then no bell... Robert told us to stay there and he would sneek up and see what was up. Shortly there after we heard a HOOOWEE!!! (which we came to learn was a really good sound in the days to come! ;) ).
Sure enough the thrashing I'd heard was him up there, maybe 65 yards away. Ended up being a 10 point with a sticker just above the base of the right antler so an 11 point. Right side isn't as big as the left for whatever reason and has a broken G3, and the left has a broken brow tine. But, I couldn't be happier with him. Definately the medicine I needed from a long fall with no hunting at all!
I shot him with a Morrison Shawnee, 60# @ 29", with a 31" Gold Tip 55/75 with a Magnus 1 2-blade on the end, flo yellow 9" Onestringer wrap and 4-fletched with 4-4" RW sheilds at 90 degrees, and flo yellow nocks. Went in 3/4's the way up the left side of the chest just behind the heart and out about 1/2 way up the right side in the same line of the chest as it went in. Double lungs and most likely dorsal aorta as it runs through there too...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_03921.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/solana200031.jpg)
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Heck of a story, nice buck too!
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Great story Jeff and heck of a deer. I sure hope I can make this hunt next year.
Danny
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Its cold and wet here now quite different than last week. Just wanted to say congrats to all you guys. Yall did a great job and I really like the storys and photos so far. Guess everyone got home safe ADIOS OLE SHEP
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Jeff..congrats :thumbsup:
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Jeff great story, glad I was able to be a part of the hunt with you guys.....Missing Texas already!
this was the 1st deer I saw while filming for the gang.
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-12w.jpg)
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:thumbsup: Jeff!
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Wow Jeff! That was AWESOME!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats!!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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I am soooooo jealous, guess I'm gonna have to start savin' my pennies now. Great story, keep em' coming.
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Words cannot come close to describing it :campfire:
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nice read Jeff Beautiful deer
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:thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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Shep I tell you what it was worth the trip just to meet you, peanut, robert, gary, and john. I know that I will be saving pennies to make this hunt next year.
I am going to agree with curt and say that words cannot say how much fun I had.
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To give a little insight on the kind of hunt this was, I was there just to capture the hunt on film. I can say without question this was one of the best hunts I have been on and I didn't even bring a bow a long. The shear number of animals was unreal. I saw probably 20 or more deer a day and there were a couple of days that I saw close to 50 deer. I saw 26 deer one morning alone, 9 of which were racked bucks.
The food, well I'll let the gang tell you about that, let's just say my wife has put me on a strict diet for the next year. Yummy! (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-134w.jpg)
I can't wait to hear the stories that I missed. Give these guys a day or two to rest up and unwind as everyone was down right exhausted by the end of the hunt.
This quote from Don says it all.
"I'm so tired I think I'll wear my safety harness even if I hunt from the ground".... :archer:
Thanks to everyone on the hunt for letting me tag a long and be part of something I'll never forget.
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Don Wilson is that you in that picture?Looks like that BW I sent you still has the MOJO,hu. Ricky
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Jeff, Congrats...first night now what are you gonna do? Ahhh dumb question with all the deer and hogs there. Missed you guys...Doc
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Great job with the story telling Jeff. I felt myself creeping out to the edge of my computer chair as I hurried to get to the next post.
Great looking buck and sounds like you calculated the drop just about perfect.
Chris
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Great story Jeff. I would love to join a group of tradgangers next year to Solana. Thanks for sharing.
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Yeah Rob...that quote sent us all into laughter that last morning.....hope everyone can recall some of the many great quotes from this hunt...here's another one.....
"I got a young man that needs to kill a buck, and I'll hunt him any dang where I want" - David Shepard.
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here are a few pictures of me and my buck and my buddy David and his buck, we have been hunting together for over ten years and we take our best bucks so far within 10 minutes of each other. I was getting ready to draw on my buck when my phone vibrated with a text message from David letting me know he had just shot a good deer. My buck was really beat up with 4 broken tines. I almost passed him and did the nite before because I had seen so many better looking deer and missed two that were a good deal bigger, but I remember Guru saying, " I am not going to pass on and deer that I would be glad to have on the last day"
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/hogdancer/solana0132.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/hogdancer/solana0222.jpg)
And here is a picture of a couple of our guides demonstrating a little known cactus removal technique while Bob Morrison offers advise.
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/hogdancer/solana031.jpg)
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Amazing! Good going guys!
Congrats on the numerous successful harvests!
Ryan
:clapper:
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Here is a better picture of my buddy David and his buck
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/hogdancer/solana009-1.jpg)
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Hey Ricky, that is THE bow.....Getting rid of it the 1st time was really dumb BUT IT'S HERE TO STAY....Since it came home the week before Christmas it has claimed 2 hogs, a Buck and a Doe....It does it all by itself. Thought of you today when we passed the weigh station.........SOLANA, last year I decided to try to bring Skyler and we pulled it off. I'll let him tell everyone what kind of time he had, but everyone that was there already knows. I want to thank EVERYONE for treating him like an adult and genuinely caring how he did every day of the hunt....Skyler has got a lot of stories to tell and bloody arrows to show and he'll be here tomorrow night.....I'm loading PICS and have around 40 that I want to post.....He told his Mom that the best part of the hunt was hanging out and meeting everyone there..... Here's a pic too hold Yall over till Tommorrow............ (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3388.jpg)
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Now that's a fine mess of arrows. Give Skyler a pat on the back for me DW.
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Well I guess I will put a little story down about how things went for me there.
I arrived down there and Michael (sunny hill archer) was kind enough to fetch from the airport on tuesday. That night I got to meet Terry, Guru, Bob walker, Thomas(hogdancer), David Hill, Rob(videographer extraordinaire). We all went out to dinner and heard a lot of stories and a few tale tales i am sure lol.
The next morning it was time to head out hunting. We gathered our things from the hotel and headed for the Solana. When we got there I got to meet the rest of the gang. Everyone was getting ready flinging a few arrows and chomping at the bit to get out there.
After our hello briefing from peanut we where asigned to groups. I was set up with Jeff, Thomas, and David. Fred joined in the next day. We where set up with robert for a guide. I can honestly say that few people work as hard as the guides there to put you in the action and Robert was no exeption. He would take it quite personal if we had a bad sit.
We loaded up and headed out for our first hunt. I was the first to be put on stand and within just minutes after being droped of the action started. I saw lots of deer that night but the bigest buck would never come in and give me a shot. However right at dark I had a heard of pigs come rushing in. Pigs was why I cam here and I was not disapointed. I was amazed at how fast they came in and how loud they where. I had enough light and picked out a good one that was really close. Then sent my arrow straight through the chest of the oinker.
Shortly after Robert came to pic me up. He already had Jeff(who had a good buck down) and Thomas with him. I told Robert hit a hog and he promptly got ahold of peanut to bring his puppy out. I went with him and the others went to fetch Jeffs buck and Thomas' hogs.
Peanut came and got me and I told him the story and showed where the hog had gone. Hib quickley got on the trail and set to looking for my hog. We went a long way seeing good blood and no hog.
Hib seem to get a little messed up at one point and we thought that maybe I had not made the shot that I felt I had. Then just about that time we herd him start barking. Sure enough Hib found my hog.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/randy33.jpg)
Over the next few days I got the privledge of hunting with some of the greatest people there are. Made a few friends and saw a lot of game. Had the honor of being with David and Thomas when they recovered there bucks. It was awesome to see two good long time hunting buddies hit it big the same morning. I however could not get a good buck in range. Though I saw some absolute dandies there.
The last morning, last hunt robert said that he had a plan to get Fred and I on some bucks. Let me tell ya he had it right for me. Fred did not get in them though. I was the first to be dropped of on the coldest morning we had there. It was almost forty five mins till daylight so I got comfy put on my wool and waited kinda not so paitiently.
I could see deer in the moon light and hear them all around. as it got lighter and lighter there where more and more. At seven the feeder went off and I could see just enough in my binos to see that there where several good bucks there. I counted seven. None of them where really shooters though.
Then right in front of me was another one. He was by far bigger then the ones that where already there. I got set up and ready to take a shot as soon as he presented one. With that many deer around it was tough to move around much.
Then he finnally walked into the opening in front of me less than ten yards. I remembered all the stories about these deer being fast and had seen the evidence of it. I picked a spot nearly six inches below his chest, drew slowly, anchored and released. Instantly there was a mental panic( I just shot under a deer on purpose WHY?). Then I saw it all come together he droped fast and far my arrow hit perfect. I knew I had my FIRST whitetail buck with a bow.
Now I had to wait all morning to be picked up. We where given strict rules to not go wandering as many of the stands are not far apart. Robert came and picked me up first and we took a quick look for blood. There was alot of it. Robert said we would gather the rest of the team and pick up Taz(blood dog) and then find my buck. Now I had already been waiting all morning so I was a little pumped.
When we got back there Robert turned Taz out and he started tracking. The heavy wind that day made it tough work for him. We all followed right on the blood trail and start moving quickly. We kept going 50 60 70 100 yards and still blood with no deer. We droped over into a ceader break now out of the wind taz was hot again.
Then we heard the famous robert yell. We hurried down and there he was.Not huge but a good deer and I was happy. Most of all I was happy to be in good company when we found him.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/randy34.jpg)
I had a good time and met many good people. I thank everyone who is now a friend.
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Dave....that's a collection of arrows from some of the gang that we could round up at the time....
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Randy, great story!!! We didn't get time to hear it all Sunday...Skyler enjoyed hanging out with you....
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Randy...... :bigsmyl:
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Cool pic's Thomas! We hadn't seen the field pictures...Congratulations Again...
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Thomas and David...... :thumbsup:
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Sorry....working backwards....thanks for sharing Jeff as I too didn't get to hear it all in camp either. Nice to have you back again this year sir!
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top effort Randy!
looking forward to hearing Skylers stories sounds like you had a good one buddy!
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Looks like some great St Jude offerings to me. ;)
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Wow! Sounds like everyone had a great time.
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Congratulations to all on bagging the most elusive quarry of all---a good time. I'm happy to see that, even with such a bounty taken, you "smelled the roses".
I've been going out there for ten years or so and those folks at Solana are like my second family (even if David does deny it when I tell folks that) and I'm really proud of the job they do. John, Peanut, Robert, Jim, Gary and my other brother David really pride themselves on making sure their hunters have a good time, are well-fed and have plenty of shooting opportunities.
I usually stay at the guide shack (to spare my fellow hunters my loud snoring) and i can tell you they lose sleep when they feel they aren't "successful" enough.
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I got joel iooking for me a bow, yall know any thing about sarrels bow. These texans seem to like them and the man that makes em.
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Congratulations to all the guys who went to Solana this year. I'm glad all of you had a good time and made the trip a huge success in every way, especially the comradery among fellow TradGangers.
Allan
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Great to hear these stories each year. Must have been 'awesome'.
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Wow!!! Congrats to everyone who attended. Looks like you all had an awesome time. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :archer:
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Jeff and Randy, cool to get the whole story on your bucks...hadn't heard them before,congrats again to both of ya :thumbsup:
I'm wading thru over 220 pix and getting them ready to post. I'll try to go day by day.
Ol' Shep(David), What can I say...but what I told ya at camp..."You're the hardest guy to say goodbye to" . I mean it brother, you're just a pleasure to be around and hope someday to bring my boy to meet and spend a hunt with you. I'm getting "lumpy"(like Terry said to me)just typing this...Luv ya man!
I rode with and was guided by David(Ol'Shep) and was also with Terry, Don(DW) and Skyler Wilson. That's a truck full of the finest folks walking gods green earth. It just doesn't get any better! It's a real privilege to share the company of such fine people. And that's just who I actually hunted with! The camp was full of the same kind of guys. How's that for something to look forward to after hunting. Coming into camp and sharing stories with each other, and better yet, just spending time with each other.....boys and girls...IT JUST DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER!!!!!!!!!
some pix to start off with.....arriving at camp.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09001.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09002.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09004.jpg)
lots more to follow....
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WOW.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: and it sounds like the fun has just begun!!
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Great stories and pics! Glad to see evryone had a good time.
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Thomas and I have made a lot of memories together but killing two good bucks within ten minutes of each other is a memory I will reflect upon for many years to come.
Now, I must say, Jeff had more words in that post than I heard him say all weekend! And I hunted with him everyday and was there when we found his buck. While a man of few words, I'd hate to be down range when you start slinging arrows buddy. Jeff drilled everything he decided to shoot. Good hunting.
An interesting observation. I've hunted with groups of compound hunters a bit and I'll say that their wound ratios were higher and kill ratios less than what I saw with this group of hunters. Good job. That's not to bash compound hunters, just a good testimony to the effectiveness of traditional equipment!
Now, my buck is suffering from "ground swellage" and I think I need to go look at him again before he busts right out of that freezer!!!
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while everyone is waiting patiently here are some pics of the gang....
"Some Prickly Pear Practice"
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-1w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-5w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-6w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-10w.jpg)
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A few more of some of the gang as they get ready to head out into the Texas Bush....
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-43w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-115w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-112w.jpg)
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The first couple of days I sat a few stands by myself to capture mostly video, but I did manage to grab a few still pics with my camera.
some of the landscape around "Solana Ranch"
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-16w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-59w.jpg)
both of these bucks would have been shooters in my book. Guess in a manner of speaking they were, I just shot em with my camera instead of my bow. This time anyway.
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-15w.jpg)
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Man it looks like you guys had a hoot!!Quite an experience.Im looking forward to reading more.Waiting, not patiently but waiting!
Bill
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here's a couple of pics of "ole shep"... let me tell you he's a pretty good shot with that "Bear Bow" Not to mention a dang great guide...
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-46w.jpg)
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-114w.jpg)
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Joel, You and Matt were surely missed bud. Hopefully next time. Saw a pic of your hog from Dec...congrats!!
Rob, Great pix!
Dave, I don't blame ya...he's a good one!
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Don I was glad to finnally get to meet the young skyler. You have a fine man there. It was an honor to hunt with him. I hope that I get the oppertunity again.
I thought that was great that ole shep joined in the fun too. That old bear is a shoting machine even with that twisted limb lol.
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Why is it that every photo I see of "THE GURU" he's so un-kept and always in need of a HAIR CUT :clapper: :clapper:
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My first stand the afternoon we got there just happened to be a place I've thought about getting to hunt again since last year....It was almost a like David knew...but I hadn't said a word to him about that....it was just fate I guess.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09005.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09006.jpg)
I had already decided before I got there that I wouldn't pass up any buck on the first day, that I'd be glad to shoot on the last.
It didn't take long and I had several does/fawns and three nice bucks around me.All 8 points, two were what I figured 2 1/2 yr. olds, and the third looked a year older. I thought for a while and decided I'd try for him....
I took a perfect shot, I shot a great arrow, but he just didn't "follow the script" about dropping at the shot.....Let's leave it at that,I ended up very disappointed, nuff said.....
But when we went to pick up Terry, he had a great story to tell...which I'll let him tell when he's ready...I have some nice pix to add when he does......
When we got to camp, it was already buzzin'!! Game was falling already, this group was taking no prisoners, that's for sure!
Vance, Don't you know I have an image to uphold ;)
Every meal was fit for a king buddy, absolutely the finest camp food I've ever eaten!
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Looks like a Grand Time was had by all! :clapper:
Thanks for sharing the memories guys!
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this is awesome but yo know how it goes we need more!!!! looks like yall had a great time. :clapper: :clapper:
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Great stories and pictures.
paleFace, that is a great picture of "ole-shep" with the colored for foreground and black and white background. Very cool technique that I don't think I have seen before.
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I was one of the folks that got the oppertunity to fill in for some of the folks that dropped out.
I would like to thank Terry and Bob for putting this whole thing together.
I did not end up harvesting an animal but had a great time none the less.
I did have a good shot on a 8 point buck the first evening, I aimed low but he failed to duck into my arrow :( . 30 minutes later I shot at a Doe at 10 yards and did not aim low, she ducked my arrow. Go figure.
I was lucky enough to hunt with Bob Morrison, Tony Green, and Leroy. They were a lot of fun. Here are a few of the picts. I got.
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn301/CKRADA/Solana/100_0094.jpg)
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn301/CKRADA/Solana/100_0097.jpg)
(http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn301/CKRADA/Solana/100_0102.jpg)
It was a great time and although I did not get to visit with everyone there, the folks I did talk to made it a hunt to remember.
Chris
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The next morning found me in an 8ft. tri pod that I had hunted last year as well a good 45 minutes before shooting light(I was the first one dropped off). It was one of the stands that I had hogs come in on me in the dark. The other was the stand I hunted last night. When it happened last year,someone asked why I didn't turn my flashlight on and try to shoot one....Hmmm
This year I was ready with a little worked over head lamp that I could attach to my bow. I wasn't there for 15 minutes when I could hear hogs coming in....
I let them eat for as long as I dared waiting for it to get a little lighter so I could at least see them with bino's to figure out if they were in position to shoot before I tried the little light. When they were what I figured was close enough, I slowly turned on the light and lowered the little beam slowly. The biggest hog immediately started to move off, The two of them didn't pay any attention to it. I drew and shot....
The flash of the arrow thru the beam and the sound that came back to me, like I'd just shot a watermelon, gave me the impression that it was the infamous "a little back". There was a good 20 hogs there when I shot and it was chaos as they tore out of there.....
My nerves had settled by daylight, when my phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from skyler brought good news...but I'll let him fill you in on that ;)
This was the best buck I saw that morning and he was too far away to do anything with. I believe he needed another year anyway....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09009.jpg)
I waited till 9:00 and got down to check things out. Here's a pic of the stand....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09018.jpg)
and the spot where the hog was when I shot(next to the real short cedar)....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09008.jpg)
I quickly found sign that confirmed I hadn't dreamed it all up in the dark......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09019.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09020.jpg)
About ten yards from where I shot, lay my Wensel Woodsman tipped Vapor 3000...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09021.jpg)
A closer inspection, and sniff, confirmed what I thought.....we'd have to wait a while before looking.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09022.jpg)
It was time to take care of Skyler's business....
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that photo should have been taken in black and white, cause it reminds me of those golden years photos where there is just a pile of deer and other game. Wow, I think I may have to do this next year.
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Foxxntrout we can make that happen....
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-80bw.jpg)
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Hey guys. I've got several stories to tell but it's probably going to be an hour or so.......
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Curt great story, looking forward to hearing the rest. Now where is that young Skyler fella, he's holding things up. Disregard he beat me to the keys! we can't wait young man and just so you know it was a real pleasure to share camp with you and your dad.
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By the way...it's hard to tell but there are 7 does, 7 bucks, and 7 hogs in that pic.....and like someone said...that was just after the third quarter.....
...I'm on hold till we hear from Skyler and Terry ;)
Anyone still on cloud nine :campfire:
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aw come on Guru...the suspense is wearing me out! I should be working...but I keep checking this thread...At this rate, I'm never going to get any "Sitka" work done!
:)P
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Come on SKYLER! Not knowing how you did I didn't want to call you out before, but now that Curt is hinting good things...Give us the lowdown!
:banghead:
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Speedsters did someone say? Most of the time they run a script and some times they don't.
I also should have had at least two more does and a hog....but the ducking, or lack there of make for a hysterical day for me on the 2nd morn and 3rd evening.
I had a doe beeded in at the baseline of her body, and she never moved till I shaved off a little patch of white belly hair....she didn't run the script :scared:
But at least I made good on the best buck I saw the whole hunt. ;)
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see guys...I can't go anywhere till we hear a story from Terry and Skyler's tale....soooooo........ :goldtooth:
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I had a great time! Getting to meet and spend time with some great people made the whole trip worthwhile. The first afternoon hunt started out kinda slow for me, but after that it was wide open!!!! David, is one awesome guide and I really enjoyed every minute I spent with him. He let me out at a pop up blind under a big cedar tree. At about 3:45 looked up and saw a head coming up the hill. I was about to get ready to shoot when I look through my binoculars and what do I see...2 little spikes sticking out of his head. So much for that, I thought. He milled around for about an hour then he kinda just walked off.
That was it for me on that evening. When I got back to the house, I figured out that every one else has seen ten and twenty and thirty deer and I had seen one.
The next morning proved to be a LOT more eventful. David let me out at an eight foot tripod where they had been seeing several big bucks. It was about 30 minutes till daylight when I got their and probably 10 minutes after I was dropped off I could already hear deer eating under me. I went ahead and got ready because I just knew I would get a shot. It was just light enough for me to see the outline of the deer when I heard Running and crashing and.....grunting. Four hogs ran out of the bushes and ran off my deer. I couldn' see good enough to shoot yet but I knew it wouldn't be long so I went ahead and got shifted to make a shot. There was one BIG hog with them but I told myself I would take the first shot I got. After running around and eating for what seemed like forever, one walked into my shooting lane. I picked a spot, reached my anchor, held for a second and released. I watched my chartreuse(if thats how you spell it) feathers hit home right in the ribcage. He started squealing and ran off. I felt pretty confident in my shot so I just sat in my stand. The rest of the morning was pretty much filled with a whole herd of cows coming in to my feeder and eating of the tree I was in.
At 9:30 David, Dad, Curt, and Terry came to pick me up and asked me where it was standing. I showed them and we found quite a bit of blood. After 50 yards of a solid blood trail I looked up and there was my trophy. As you would expect, I was really happy. As it turned out I wasn't the only one to shoot one that morning.....more to come... :wavey: (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3222.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3328.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3331.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3273.jpg)
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:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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i think i'm getting carpal tunnel from hitting the refresh button so many times!!! AWESOME!!!
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Sky, Good on you! Oh how I wished I could be there again this year...Doc
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Yeah, Buddy! Way to go!
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Good job Skyler!!!!
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Skyler,
Well done!
Larry
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AS you can imagine, this was THE best hunt I've ever been on. I got to share it with my son, who is my best friend. Curt....what can I say but that you are an awesome role model to Skyler. He has a lot of respect for you. Terry, Thanks for everything buddy, including keeping this Place running. Without Trad Gang we would never have meet any of the great Guys that we shared camp with.....I wish we could've spent more time with everyone......Ole' Shep, David Shepard took Sky under his wing and really did everything in his Power to show him a good hunt. As this story continues to un-fold, you'll see how much they both put into it.....Here's a few pics before some more stories and Bloody Arrows......... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3307.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3306.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3304.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3355.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3315.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3339.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3316.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3411.jpg)
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My 1st evening was quiet eventful....one I wont ever forget....
I was the 1st one out as David let me out at "The Killin Tree"...one I was very familiar with as I took my birthday buck there a couple of years ago. The stand is 25 foot up in a live oak with a couple of tricky big limbs that can get in the way if you aren't real careful as I learned the last time I was in the tree. The deer meander down this side road within 15 yards of the stand making for a steep shot angle, but the way these TX deer duck and lay over it compensates for the angle quiet a bit.
Anyway, I got up in the stand and went through my bow clearance checks and draws to re-familiarize myself with the two real shooting lanes available, then I leaned back and just started enjoying the view and reliving the hunt 2 years ago.
Now this stand has an octagon base and a little polyurethane swivel seat like found on one of those little pond bass boats with a shortish pole connecting it to the base and is quiet comfortable.
About 30 minutes later I hear galloping, and along comes a doe followed by a 2 and a half year old ten pointer. He was beautiful, absolutely beautiful, and I really enjoyed watching him give the little doe fits. He wasn't what I was after, and could only think about maybe being lucky enough to see him again from this tree in a couple more years, so I just enjoyed the show till I got this little itch in my throat. I'd had a little dry hacking cough for a few days, and I did bring along some cough drops and started digging one out of my front pocket.
I got the cough drop out of the package and somehow managed to unwrap it while it was still in my pocket and as I eased it out it slipped from my grasp and slid spinning down into the bottom of the seat. The 1st act was OVER!!!....away they went....
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The 2nd pic of Charlie and Skyler is some of the first shots out of a super nice SunBear double shelf long bow....very Cool Bow......
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So yeah, there ya have it, we were fired up with Skyler's success! It was a definite highlight for me following that blood trail with Sky, Don, Terry and David. All hunters of the highest degree!
Sky made a great shot from a tripod I would become familiar with in the days to come. For everyone that thinks he's a great kid here on TG, he's even more impressive in person, every day proved that to us.....Congrats again little buddy :notworthy: :clapper:
wud b style.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09029.jpg)
So that concluded the morning hunt.....
We went in to have a big brunch....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09032.jpg)
Then it was off to Terry's unfinished business and mine as well......
Your turn boss......
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Some more....... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3395.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3392.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3393.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3431.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3445.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3430.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3444.jpg)
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Chris Surtees' "CUTTER" got in on the Action...... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3211.jpg)
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Thanx Don...you know the feeling's mutual my friend :notworthy:
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Curt putting his Deadly Edge on a big 'ol Snuffer (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3414.jpg)
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It didn't take long and here comes another deer, and another, and another. Soon there were does and small bucks roaming by and around my tree, including yet another 10 pointer. I gave him a look, and decided to take him even though his tines weren't real tall, as he made up for it in width and his main beam had some mass and was flat on the inside making his head gear unique.
As soon as he was done sniffing a doe, he showed promise of making his way into one of my shooting lanes, and I readied for the shot. I took careful note of my lower limb and the base of my stand and made sure I was good to go. He stepped in and I hit full draw.....
We'll, he must have took a half step or something as my lower limb just barely ticked the tree limb on my left sending my arrow straight to the ground 2 feet in front of my mark....act 2 was now over. I figured that was it for me that evening, and was at least glad it happened on the 1st stand of the hunt. I was sure I'd be given another chance as we were only just beginning....and that chance would come much sooner than I ever expected......
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See this Big Buck in this pic....He got a special name....'FREAK NASTY'.....You'll see a lot more of him later...but I'm getting ahead of the story.... :bigsmyl: (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3318.jpg)
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Pretty cool when something on Trad Gang makes me smile or chuckle while I'm reading along. Looking at those pictures of Skyler made me do both. As a father of a two young boys I can only image how proud your Dad is of you.
Great looking pictures, great hog, and great story telling. I'm loving this thread. It's a typical cold midwestern winter day here in Missouri but everytime I get on this thread I can feel that south Texas warmth.
Thanks for taking us along.
Chris
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Hey Chris, we heard good things about you and your brother from Charlie....He thinks a lot of you.....Don
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Maybe 30 minutes went by and it was about an hour before dark now, and a few more deer came from the same direction as the others migrating their way along the road. Some didn't know what to think of that bright yellow wrap and fletching lying in the road. It was comical to say the least watching the reaction of some of those deer. One little buck kept rearing up his head like a mad horse, and some of the others looked around and at each other as whether or not to approach it and just walked around in circles trying it figure out whether to move on down the road any closer to it or not, and some just walked around it all the while eyeballing it.
I looked back and could not believe what I saw, yet another ten pointer and bigger than the last. Now, I wasn't even going to let what happened before happened again so I planned my shot which was going to be somewhat unorthodox.
This buck wasn't having any trouble making his way down the road and was under the last limb of the shooting lane with his head stuck out looking dead at my arrow in the road and he didn't like it. He turned and circled back about ten yards and started his way back slowly till he got to the same exact spot with only his head stuck out. This routine was repeated four more times and was driving me crazy. All the while there were more deer walking by him and side stepping the arrow.
Eventually after seeing all those others go before him he finally got the courage to proceed and I was in position. I had already checked the seat before hand, and knew I could get away with a lot of leaning without the stand popping, now all I had to do when he took those two extra steps was to make the shot I'd practiced many times.
To make the shot this time guaranteeing me all the limb clearance I needed for this lane, or the 2nd one if need be, required that I lean my body forward in this seat as far as I could without fear of falling out. My bow was held totally horizontal and basically even with the base of the stand. I looked at the baseline of him just behind the heart and don't even remember drawing the bow but did witness the arrow on its way, and the buck running the script......
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Some random pix.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09006.jpg)
Off limits!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09059.jpg)
Natures lighted nock......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09062.jpg)
Red birds......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09065.jpg)
Charlie's doe....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09071.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09073.jpg)
A familiar fence to Terry and Sky.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09082.jpg)
Little fella....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09076.jpg)
Re-living all this is almost more than I can stand....what a hunt! So much more to tell.....
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I am reading this as fast as you guys post. Amazing in so many ways. Congrats again to everyone.
Really looks like a great place with a bunch of great people. The hunting doesnt look bad either... :thumbsup:
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What I 'though' I surely saw was the buck doing his thing...ducking, leaning away, and laying over with the arrow entering a bit back yet heading forward toward the vitals. This is the reaction I've seen time and time again here in TX, and the one I had planned on seeing again this time. The fletching disappeared, and there was a loud ping and a snap with a flying object that I felt was the front part of my arrow ricocheting off at an angle. The buck was standing on a rock slab in the road, and I thought the sounds I heard were the Zwickey Delta 4 blade hitting the rock and the buck snapping the shaft as he was laying over fast.
Anyway, he made his get away fast for the 1st 60 yards straight away from me by bounding over 3 different prickly pear cactus clumps, and dashing through the open grassy areas in between. Then his dash was over and he started walking slowly as he turned slightly to his right after about 40 yards, it looked as though his back was arched a bit and that was a good sign for sure. He then turned back straight away from me for a few more yards and then turned left paralleling two tall cedars where I lost sight of him as the terrain lead him down hill.
I had a good feeling about the shot as it played out just like I thought it would....now I'd just had to wait till morning as I didn't want to push him if all didn't go as seemed. No, I didn't want to wait, but new I had to. I've been down that road before.....
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When Terry described what he thought he saw as he shot and afterward...I knew we'd be looking for his deer not far from where he last saw it. No doubt in my mind that deer was dead!
So with the next mornings hunt over..Sky killing his hog, me putting an arrow through one, and an awesome brunch...it time to go find a couple critters....
Terry?????
Then I'll get to my hog......
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Morning comes and I'm back on stand for hogs and does only, and even though there's game abound I can't wait till this morning hunt is over as I'm itching to go find my buck.
Soon as the morning hunt was over, our gang of David, Curt, Don and Skyler headed in to wolf down a big brunch and get back out to track not only my buck, but a couple more animals as well.
As we pulled up to 'the killing tree' I was hoping for the best. As some were following the blood slowly, normal in this grassy terrain, I steered clear to the right of the path I'd seen him take making my way to the twin cedars where I'd seen him last. John Shepard, David's brother, was following his little Jack Russel and he was even with me but he was on the blood trail to my left. As I approached the spot where I'd seen him last, John had strolled up on a little knoll and I heard him say in his soft voice "right there his is". I took some mighty quick steps ahead and sure enough if I'd see him travel only 30 more yards I'd have seen him go down.
Skyler Wilson has a tag line on his text message "Don't stop believing".....so here's something to remember to back it up.....
If you miss a Ten Pointer, don't give up, there may be a bigger one on the way......
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solanabuc091.jpg)
(http://tradgang.com/tg/images/tx2009tgpagebuck.jpg)
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Well alright Terry!
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:clapper: :clapper: Looks like a great time!!
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Yeah buddy!!! What a great buck!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09034.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09043.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09048.jpg)
...so now it was time to go look for my hog. We started out slow letting David get the dogs going. At first it didn't look like the dogs were on to anything. So we all started looking for blood ,and it was almost non-existent. I was really concentrating on trying to find something to give us a line to go on. I'd lost track of the dog and David. Apparently they were on to something because after being there about 15 minutes I heard some yelling...they'd found my hog!! What a relief :pray:
But the buzzards had found it before us and had there way with his eye and the other end to...but it wasn't bad at all...kinda nasty lookin' though.....if you look close...you can see the bloody socket......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09051.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09057.jpg)
A nice young boar hit exactly as I thought....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09055.jpg)
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Nice job Curt!
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For everyone that thinks he's a great kid here on TG, he's even more impressive in person, every day proved that to us
Guru you said it right. Skyler is a true enough great hunter and good man. It was great to meet you and your Dad. Hunting with him you are making memories that will forever hold on. Also the other people that you are getting the chance to hunt with. One can learn a whole lot from the likes of Terry Guru Charlie and all the others that where there. I know that I learned something from everyone.
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Thanx guys....I'm out...more tomorrow....believe it or not it gets better :scared: :jumper:
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:thumbsup: :campfire:
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OK Guys, 1st evening I saw 7 or 8 small bucks and Does....About 30 minutes before dark, I HAD A mature doe pose for me quartering away slightly.....and I had already forgotten Terry's advice and last years miss, about aiming low...well maybe I'd get another chance....The next morning, I hunted "The CrossRoads"...The Deer started showing up before daylight and continued until I climbed down. I could see 10 bucks of various sizes at 1 time and saw some where around 30-35 deer this morning. Probably had at least 20 of those deer in range at various times of the Morning, but the first Deer of the Morning was the "Freaky Buck". He stayed with me for over an hour at less than 25 yards but I just never took the shot. It was never quite right and I didn't want to screw this opportunity up. More on 'FREAKY' later...I passed up several shots at nice bucks, 1 of which would go for a ride in the truck later on.....Sky had made a good shot on a hog, as had Curt, and we had bucks to look for.... IT Was an Awesome Morning. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3312.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3322.jpg)
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More in the Morning from me and Skyler will be back tomorrow night.....and Yes, It does get a lot better........Don (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana09117.jpg)
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Whew! That took a while to digest. I think I've got things straight! Did Shaun's little dog get any tracking in?
Looks like a hoot. You guys bring the food or was that included...that might be worth the trip in itself.
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Another of Terry's Buck..... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3348.jpg)
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Oh...the bow in the pic is not the bow I used to shoot the buck with, but the one I took for the recovery. Someone emailed me about the bow I used, so that prompted this post as to any confusion. I took a lighter version of the same bow just in case I needed to make a quick shot on the recovery.
I used a 60 inch 70# Thunderstick MOAB to take this buck.
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Isn't the Solana a high fence operation?
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No. They have a high fenced area with a few exotics in it, but the ranch is 10,000 acres. Their deer hunting is not in the high fenced area.
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Oh got it...I was looking on their site for hunt info as it looks like you guys had a great time and the information was sketchy at best...thanks for the help Terry.
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WOW! What a fine hunt and gang. Just got home a bit ago so need some rest and then coffee before serious posting but wanted to check in.
Fine stories so far guys.
SteveO - that is our guide John's little terrier in the group photo, I'm just holding him cause I like him.
There is only one high fence area of 340 acres on the ranch and no one hunted in that pasture. These hogs and Hill Country deer are free ranging and plenty jumpy. Even though they came to feeders and sometimes offered brief shot opportunities, there we no easy chances.
Great hunt, fine food, best kind of friends new and old.
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How does one sign up for this hunt or is that not an option?
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I'll post a thread a little later once I get the dates, and we'll see where it goes....it will be available 1st to those that have gone before...and if there are any spots left, we'll post again to get them filled. Hopefully it will be an all TradGanger hunt again.
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Keep me posted...I would be interested in a vacancy if they arise...roughly how much does it cost overall for the trip (lodging, airfare, the hunt itself etc?)
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Well, I'm not gonna start spinning my yarn until some others get theirs going... first liar doesn't stand a chance, you know!
:D
Shaun deposited me safely at home yesterday around noon and after a bowl of Billie's finest chili he got on the road.
We had a few weather concerns and almost bought the farm somewhere near Ft. Worth but otherwise the ride home was fine.
Much to do today, with trips to the meat store, taxidermist and getting pics downloaded and ready for the Gang.
Until then, I'm just chillin.
Talk to you all later. :campfire:
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:coffee: :coffee:
Mornin' Charlie :goldtooth: Looking forwards to the rest of the stories!
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ICA, These deer are as tough to kill as any I've ever hunted.....that's no lie! And I've been fortunate enough to hunt some amazing places :thumbsup:
These guys might be more visible than deer in other parts of the country, but that sure doesn't mean they're any easier to kill. They are weary to the highest degree!
Like Ol' Shep(David) said, "you kill an old nanny around here, and you can kill a deer anywhere"...absolutely true!!!!
Steve O, Food was all included, and it is incredible!!
Terry, I'm sure it'll be "an all TG hunt again"...no doubt!
You've done a great thing getting this Trad Gang hunt started at Solana buddy. It's a very, very special place my friend. The staff is amazing, the food is amazing, and the company is a step above that! I'm sure all the others, like me, feel forever in your debt for all you've enriched our lives with.
If Terry does have any spots open when it's all said and done...anyone that loves a top notch adventure would be a fool not to jump in on this hunt. It just doesn't get any better folks!!!!
"Cy", my Killer Kempf Kwyk Styk....can you figure out what Cy is short for?????
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09064.jpg)
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Shaun & Charlie, glad ya'll made it home safe and sound.....now tell us a hunting tale......
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Cyanide ;)
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School is delayed a couple of hours this morning because of flooding so here goes......The next evening proved to be even MORE eventful. David and I discussed it and we decided that I was going to buck hunt for a day or two. He took me to the "Blue Chair Trap"( a trap is an area without a feeder) where he had been seeing some really nice bucks. He told me not to shoot does or some pretty 2 1/2 year old bucks that would probably show up. We were after the big boys. So David lets me out at "Blue Chair" and I got situated. The stand is a wooden platform about 12ft off the ground with a blue swivel lunchroom chair in it. I wasn't there for 15 minutes when I head somthing to my right. I looked over and there stood a doe and two yearlings. I watched them for an hour or so when deer just started appearing everywhere! At one time I had 9 or 10 does posing for me at 15 yards and closer. So tempting! But I knew that David told me not to shoot does for a reason. At around 5:45 a look to my left and see a REALLY nice 8 pointer walking out of the trees. I slowly stood up to get ready for a shot. I just knew he was gonna give me a shot.....but it wasn't meant to be. The only time he ever came into range for me, he was quartering to me. He finally just grazed off at dark. But that wasn't the last I'd see of him............
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TEXT Message Quote from Sky....."I almost had him Dad. Really Tall 8 pt less than 20 yds but just would not turn he never gave me a shot Don't Stop Believin'"
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If any spots open up for next year it won't be mine or Davids !
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Congrats Skyler nice howg!
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Curt: is "Cy" short for "Cyborg" as she is a clone of "Timex"? ;)
Terry: I just want to reiterate what Curt and many others have said when I say Thank You for sharing this place with us and making this hunt what it is! You are the man, and your excitement and passion in everything you do is infectious. So a sincere and heartfelt thank you to you again!
My most memorable of this trip was one where I didn't even draw my bow. I was dropped off first and saw a lot of deer. Not sure how many but 35 - 40 would be a good guess including a nice 8 point that hung around within 20 yards of me for a bit over an hour. Here are a couple of pics of him...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04151.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04181.jpg)
Long about 9:00 they all slowly walked out of site in front of me into the Texas scrub. I didn't draw my bow for a couple of reasons. One, I wanted someone to shoot that buck! ;) And two, I was already tagged out on deer and was hog hunting... those stories later... Also about one half hour after all the deer had worked out of site I had a big bobcat trot across the road in front or me at about 125 yards and headed right into the scrub where all the deer had entered. No camera ready, and of course no shot opportunity...
Nice hunt none the less, but the most memorable part of my hunt will be in my next post...
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Curt, that bow almost looks like a one-eyed monster! Hint, hint.
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On to the most memorable part of that hunt...
Robert came and picked me up, and I let him know what I had seen and we were off to pick up the other hunters in my party. Fred had seen a few does and a coyote with no shot opportunities. David was next, and let us know that he had shot a big 8 point and felt confident about the shot. Yeah! Then we picked up Thomas who said he'd either made the best shot of his life or the worst... ??? His big buck had done the Solana boogy when the arrow was released but was hit at a steep quartering away angle towards the off shoulder... would just depend on how high it went through everything... Yeah?!?! Then we went and picked up Randy who had seen a dandy buck and some does but no shot opportunity. Off we went to get Taz...
We got to David's stand and a short blood trailing by Taz and his buck was found.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04211.jpg)
Yes! Great to see! And we were off to Thomas's stand. Taz worked a bit, but a short while later the buck was found!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04281.jpg)
Yes! This is good stuff!
Thomas and David have been friends for a long time and have hunted together for 10 years, but with the area they hunt just don't have access to this caliber of deer. It was so nice to see them both tag out on mature whitetail bucks 10 minutes appart from each other. Short trails from great shots, excellent hunting from both of you! I was humbled just to be able to share a little part of that moment with the both of you! Congrats again!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04331.jpg)
Oh, and for those of you that were not there... David is/was severely allergic to something in the Texas scrub and this is what we had to work around to get good pictures of his buck... Sorry David... ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04231.jpg)
And thank you David for your compliment on my luck on this hunt, as you know there has to be a little luck when dropping the string on these high strung critters!
Great hunt, with great folks, all brought together by the "cyber campfire" that is the Trad Gang. Words don't/can't really describe...
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I was thinking the same thing as bigriver. cy=cyclops
Thanks for sharing this hunt fellas. Definitely something to keep in mind for the future. Looks like you all had a blast...Mike
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Last Tuesday I traveled to Chez Lamb for a fine steak dinner and start of a week of driving and hunting with Charlie. We drove diagonally across MO as the old story teller gave me a running history of his bow hunting and game warden days in the Ozarks. I may have added a tale or two myself before we made it to Waco, TX to lay up for Wednesday night.
Thursday we wandered into the Solana ranch headquarters to find a bunch of the T Gang unloading and claiming bunks. It is a real treat to meet the folks who we share this site with and one of my new favorites is a whipper snapper that ain't even a teen yet - Skyler
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08005.jpg)
It hardly seems fair that a kid would have shooting form like this. He does not even have to release the arrow, you can tell he's right on. Where does he learn this stuff?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08007.jpg)
No wonder. Dad's form is spot on too.
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Yeah Shaun, but they're both "backwards"... ;)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/Solana080051.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/Solana080071.jpg)
Aw, that's better... ;)
Loved sharing camp with you again Don, and was great to meet you finally Skyler!
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Originally posted by Shaun:
Where does he learn this stuff?
I have a good idea Shaun..... :D
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Here's a few more of my buck.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2009buck2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2009buck3.jpg)
Here's Curt giving me capping instructions on just how to cape out a deer as to have plenty for a mount.
'
'
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2009buck4.jpg)
All Done.....
.
.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2009buck5.jpg)
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Here in this thread is why Trad Gang is unequaled. Every person there was genuinely excited or disappointed not only for themselves but for each other as well.
Here are a few quick pictures.
Davids Elusive smile!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solanahill.jpg)
Randys hog:
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/randy35.jpg)
Another one of David and Thomas
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/hillthomas.jpg)
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"I don't know about all that picking a spot stuff....all I know is she stepped out and then left out....with that administration arrow stickin out" - David Shepard
David...ya better git to telling it....or someone else will....... :readit:
We'd rather have you tell it....in your own special 'style'. :goldtooth:
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wow!!! way cool terry congrats
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Good "eye" bigriver :thumbsup: ...when Jack sent the bow and I unpacked it.The first thing that struck me besides it's beauty, was the eye looking at me. Hence the name "Cy", short for Cyclopes.....
Michael, Never did get to say goodbye bud.....just as last year,it was a pleasure hunting, talking, and spending time with you :notworthy:
..That evening I hunted the tri pod Sky shot his hog out of,as David had a trap he's been waiting to spring, We all hoped Skyler would get his buck!
This was actually also the spot Terry had shot his "haunting" buck out of last year.
It's a great spot, and almost immediately I heard hogs,but they never came in. Best buck of the evening was a nice 8pt with a broken off g-2. Nice, but he needed another year before I'd have shot him. Several does and fawns also made the sit interesting...good stuff!!
Next morning found me in another great spot that offered up several shots at does and young bucks. I was still hesitant to shoot a doe, fearing I'd spook an un seen shooter buck. But I'da shot a hog had they showed up.......Another great sit!!
I sat the same stand in the afternoon and was barely settled in when my phone vibrated again, it was Sky telling of Dads success!!! Don will tell that story though.....
Again several does and a couple small bucks where it. These were the calmest does I'd seen in two years of hunting Solana. Big does too, but once again, I passed fearing that I'd spook an un seen shooter buck. We headed for Don......
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Holy cow guys! You all really cleaned up over there! Looks like an absolute blast! Rob, your ability to take a great photo never ceases to amaze me. Great stuff.
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Did you guys do all that in only 4 days?
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Yep...and like stated earlier...there's 2 more bucks and 4 more does that came in after that original group pic.
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Wow. Sounds like some pretty awesome hunting. Looks like a hell of a good time.
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Curt, I really enjoyed every minute of it. Next year I will get a later flight.
OK I'll try this again.
Now Thats A Hog!!!!!!!!
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w43/silvertip70/IMG_0942-1.jpg)
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On a side note....what I did see ricocheting off was the front part of my arrow as we found the fletching end still in the buck sheared off at the exit hole.
On the last morning heading into camp for the last time we had to pass right by the killing tree, and I asked David if we could stop and look for the other half of my arrow. We all got out and looked, but found nothing.....reason being it was lying on my bed when we got back. Micheal Sunny Hill hunted the killing tree that morning, and I figured he or his guide found it....anyone know who found it?
Who ever it was, THANKS, that was just too cool!!! :D
Here's another pic showing some of the beautiful TX scenery I had from my stand....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2009buck6.jpg)
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I found it Terry. It was laying between the hole on the left and the tree. As soon as it got light I saw it.
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Here is another pic of Jeffs buck.
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w43/silvertip70/IMG_0981-1.jpg)
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Thanks Michael......It looked like it flew on the other side of the road....never even looked on the stand side.
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Like other's have said before, it aint at all just about the animals....its the folks that run this hunt, the property, and the food that make this place so special, and when you got a full boat of Trad Hunters its even better.
And Yes....having Skyler in camp made it even more special. Don is raising a fine young man for sure.
I certainly enjoyed meeting and visiting with everyone, but no, we didn't all get enough time to visit enough. Seems like we were alway hunting, eating, sleeping, tracking, and picture taking....and not much of that was sleeping, bout 4 and a half hours a night 5 and a half if you were lucky.
It's really cool reading about these hunts by guys that weren't in your truck, as we got to see the animals and hear bits and pieces, but the written stories here with the details are just great and nice to relive the hunt with them.
Thanks for all the comments from those that went, and those that are reading. I hope to put this together again next year for sure, and it wont come soon enough if I do.
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Sure hope there are some open spots. This is one I would like to get in on.
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Now to back up a bit to Thursday's AM hunt...
When I got dropped off we actually ran a deer out of the area, which only ran a few feet into the scrub. More corn was strategically placed by Robert on the way out and I'd scurried up the to the tree stand and got settled. Literally before the truck was out of site there was a deer back in feeding on the new corn layed down.
That deer continued to feed until it was light enough for me to see that it was a buck, a very respectable 8 pointer. As the sun came up and it was light enough to see well quite a few more deer had entered the area. Maybe upwards of 20 different deer were now in feeding. Low and behold the feeder finally goes off and WHOOSH!!! Not a deer to be seen!
Less than 10 minutes later they all started coming back into the site with the same big 8 leading the way... now, more deer upon more deer are heading into the area, probably 30 or so total. From behind me I hear several turkey yelps, and what sounds like a small army making its way over the hill. It gets louder and louder as they approach, and they all gang rush the feeder. Of course this scares all the deer out of there.
Now there are 50+ turkeys in and around the feeder working hard on the corn. Not a beard among them! Just last night Terry, Curt, and I had discussed the turkeys and if we needed to have a tom or not... Never did get a definitive answer on that one, would have been nice given my scenario...
Not knowing if I can shoot any of these I decide to wait on a tom or nothing to be on the safe side. Then out of the corner of my eye I see three of the does working/fighting their way back into the area to claim some more feed. One of which gets pushed back to right out in front of my stand at 10 - 12 yards right in my shooting lane.
I slowly raised my bow and drew down on her concentrating on the bottom of her chest right behind her front leg as she stood broadside with her head down facing to my right. And the next thing I know she is laying on the ground with what looks like WWIII going on around this feeder with turkeys getting with it and taking flight to get the heck out of Dodge!
I grab another arrow and draw down on my spine shot doe who has made her way to 15 yards now quartering away to my left and put one through her lungs. She expires right there in the middle of the feeder opening. Now I know I'm supposed to stay in my stand, but I'm pretty sure nothing else will be coming into feed with a dead deer laying right there. So, I did the unthinkable and got down, gathered my arrows and drug her back under the tree I was in and got back into my stand.
Then it dawned on me that the first shot was a spine shot pass through. I've never had that happen before, and with a Magnus 1 2-blade which has a pretty wide cutting diameter of 1 1/2". Bob makes a heck of a bow. ;)
Less than 15 minutes later a small group of bucks make an appearance, three 8 points, a forkhorn, and a spike. They feed contently until a 900 lb Angus walks through and scares them off...
The morning passes along and Peanut shows up with Robert and a load of my fellow hunters. I get everything situated and am listening to them as they get out and assess the situation. "There's blood right here" and "It must have happened right here" and It looks like a spine shot with a follow up" were heard as I decended the stand. I just turned around and said, "Well, sounds like you all already know the story" ;)
We loaded her up and headed back to camp for breakfast.
Two hunts, and two deer down with three complete pass throughs. Also got confirmation from Peanut that toms are the only turkeys we can legally shoot. WHEW!!! I know there are several of those hens that almost bit the dust! ;)
Another great hunt, with the Solana/Texas deer boogy thwarted... barely... ;)
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Looks great guys. Sorry I couldn't make it this year. I thought last year was good, but this year seems even better. Hope to join you next year. Congrats to all.
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Good to hear your stories Jeff...but I believe there's one more that involves some shootin' ;)
Bill, Thought we'd see ya while we were there...maybe next year bud...
Michael, Terry thought that was the coolest thing ever when he found that broken arrow on his bed...you should have seen him smile :goldtooth:
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Here is a little action from the video camera....
Bucks Sparring (http://www.aperture4.com/galleries/d/1947-1/SolanaRanch18.mov)
Nice Buck (http://www.aperture4.com/galleries/d/1951-1/SRBuck1.mov)
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Jeff I sure am enjoying reading your stories. I am going to agree with thomas and say I dont think my spot will be open if I can avoid it.
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Sorry posted under Dad's log in
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The next morning, David sent me back to "Blue Chair". I could just barely make out the shapes of several deer out in front of me. I looked to my right and what do I see? A familiar looking, tall 8-pointer. I stood up to get ready to make a shot if one presents itself. He was about 40 yards out in the field, but he was slowly making his way in closer to me. At this point there are deer everywhere. About ten does, 3 or 4 spikes, a 4-point, and another 8-point, this one about two and a half years old, and about 14 or 15 inches wide, a very nice buck but nothing like the big 8.... I could tell the deer were alot more skittish than the last evening. Any time I just barely moved the deer would spook and run about 40 yards and come back. The big 8 never would get closer than 25 yards. The buck kinda just grazed away after a while. David had told me that I could shoot a doe after 8:30. The last deer left at 8:15. Close again. But I guess the big 8 just wasn't the deer I was supposed to kill............
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Thank You all for the kind things said about Sky......Ya'll know how to make a Father proud....He really enjoyed meeting every one of you.....Don
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Friday morning started early for me. Got in the huge live Oak early and could hear deer under me after about 15 minutes but it was still a good 20 minutes till shooting light. All of a sudden I heard them running. Under me and to the right I saw something huge moving and thought "cow" but through the binocs I saw it was a big hog. Still not enough light to shoot but he stayed in my shooting lane at 12-15 yds until it was just light enough. I slowly started to draw but about half-way to anchor he spooked....Dang...Saw around 10 more deer and then 2 big bucks show up 1 of them a huge 8 point and the other a big 7... They got within 30 yards but just wouldn't come on in....I had several shots at does but wasn't about to shot with the 2 bucks hanging around......A great morning and here is a bad pic of the 7 pt...I knew I would like to hunt here the afternoon if David agreed..... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3415.jpg)
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After getting Don and his doe(he'd made a great shot)....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09067.jpg)
...we went in for another spectacular dinner....
The next morning would be one I'll never forget for as long as I live. Without a doubt one of the most memorable hunts I've ever been involved in. A magnificent animal, my hunting partners that I shared it with, and how it all came together was almost more than one man could ask for......
Terry was dropped off first...we wished him luck. Then Don would be next,he would go back to the stand he hunted the first morning. The one he saw a ton of deer out of,including a few good bucks. As he was getting out of the truck, he said something like, "if that weird buck shows up again, I'm gonna kill him"....we wished him luck!
David would get me to the tri-pod that Skyler had shot his hog out of the first morning, and the one I'd hunted that afternoon....Also just happened to be the stand Terry shot his haunting buck out of last year....they wished me luck....
Sky and David drove into the darkness......
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Looks like I jumped the gun...sorry bud :(
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We got sorted into teams of four with a guide per group and Charlie Lamb, Micheal (sunny hill archer), Bob Walker and myself were attached to John's crew. Like all the guides, he was full of knowledge about the ranch and hunting. He took a personal interest in seeing that everyone had a good hunt. John has an eleven month old 3/4 Jack 1/4 Fox Terrier for blood tracking - Stubby.
John in the white tee shirt and Stubby
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08004.jpg)
Michael at the practice range, another classic form shooter. I could see the bar was going to be high for this hunt.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08009.jpg)
Speaking of high, John pulled up to the first stand that first night and said, "Anyone not afraid of heights?"
It was the tallest ladder stand I have ever seen with several sections added to place the seat at around 30 feet! Even if I was not chicken, the shot angle to my 15 yard effective range would have been too steep. No volunteers.
Next stop was a much more reasonable height overlooking a small clearing with a feeder. I was called to cover this spot and settled in for my first taste of Texas hill country hunting.
As the noise of the truck faded, I could hear hogs in the brush not far off. Sounded like they had been waiting there and the growls and grunts sounded like an old sow warning off the young anxious to feed piglets. Sure enough, a few minutes later there was an exodus and I caught a glimpse of hogs moving away.
Oh well, still early and I settled in to wait for the magic hour before dark.
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The wind was good for the afternoon to hunt the same stand. The crew dropped me off early and David took Sky to a treestand that Terry had seen a huge buck out of a few years earlier.....Truck had just gotten out of sight and in walked a button buck and 2 does. It was 3.5 hrs. till dark and I decided if I got a good shot at one of the does, I would take it....She did and I did....20 yds. and picked out a rock 6in. below her chest...... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3361.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3357.jpg)
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ENTRANCE...... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3366.jpg)
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EXIT..... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3358.jpg)
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(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3362.jpg)
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Another Video snip-it!
anyone guess who this arrow belongs to?
Critter down (http://www.aperture4.com/galleries/d/1954-1/Solana+2-Clip007.mov)
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.... A button buck was the first to show...he walked right to the feeder. But a couple does were very weary and I'd catch glimpses of them as they started to come in, then leave. It was still very low light and I heard another deer come thru/over(couldn't see exactly how they crossed) the barbed wire fence on my left. It was a young 8 pt and he had a doe behind him. As they fed in front and off the left, I caught something moving to my right. At first I couldn't tell what it was because of the tree branches. I mean, I knew it was a deer, but that's it. When it hit the first opening, I was ready with my Leicas. As soon as I saw him, I knew what I was looking at...it was "Don's weird buck", his pix didn't do him justice. This buck was a stud!!!!
Soon he was front of me feeding, but he wouldn't really come as close as I would of liked, and he just wouldn't offer either of his sides to me. He'd played this game before........
He fed around,over and over he'd make a loop out behind the feeder. As he moved around I studied everything about him. I used the time to settle down too. His headgear was in fact "kinda freaky". Heavy bases, with good mass, and all busted up on his "normal side". The other side looked to be just a beam and a real long brow tine. But my binos revealed another sticker off the brow.Although certainly different, he also had real good width.
He was also the most handsome buck I'd seen on the ranch in two years of hunting. He had beautiful markings...a dark blackish stripe down his muzzle and gorgeous coloration on his forehead. No doubt he was also the most mature deer I'd seen so far too...sagging belly, loose skin, very muscular....yeah, I really wanted this deer......
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Bring back any memories???
Dinner Bell (http://www.aperture4.com/galleries/d/1957-1/Solana+2+-+Clip011.mov)
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..This went on for a good 20 minutes. I was fairly calm, and enjoying every second of the privilege I was given to watch such a fine animal....he started to wander off.....
My first reaction was to reach for a call, who was I kidding, but then I realized he was heading in Don's direction...I could still see him thru the branches about 50 yds away when the unexpected happened.....the feeder went off again!! I'd forgotten David told me it was set to go off twice....
Every other deer scattered, then slowly started back in.....just as thought he'd gone off, I see him coming back in.....
By this time I knew his routine of staying behind the feeder, so I knew my shot was going to be a little longer then I'd have liked, but certainly very makeable for me....he just needed to give me a shot. Something he hadn't done yet.....
As he started to turn, I thought it may be happening...I'd already determined that if I did shoot I'd have to shoot with my bow straight up and down. Not my "normal shot", but again, one I knew I could do, I practice to be very versatile in my shooting. I'd also have to "scooch down" in my seat as far as possible to even sneak an arrow out to where he was. This stand was better suited for a righty. But again, the shot was makeable....
He continued to turn, and as he did, he took a couple steps forward and was now broadside for the first time...here we go......
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Hearts pumping good by now Curt! :thumbsup:
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Com on !!! Finish it Curt. I hate commercial breaks!!!!!
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I looked under his chest, drew, and shot quicker that I can describe it.....It's the strangest thing to shoot to miss a deer. It's an instant "mental panic", I mean your mind has seen this shot at this distance thousands of times, and it knows where the arrow should be, but still half way there you're missin'....
...and that's how it was till the arrow was almost to him...then he started to drop, turn away and lay over......
....and I watched my Snuffer tipped Vapor 3000 disappear low in the "pocket"....it was a perfectly shot arrow...and he'd followed the script......
...He was instantly running low and hard and was out of site in seconds...To say I was fired up doesn't even come close to how I felt.....
I hung my bow up and settled my nerves for a few minutes. Then I grabbed my phone to send a message to Don...."I just drilled your freaky buck"......
A minute later his response was a pic message...he'd already shot a 7 pt.!!!! Yeah baby!!
I got down to check my arrow......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09086.jpg)
A closer look revealed bubbly blood and saturated feathers!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09087.jpg)
I got back in the seat.....then decided to stay a while to let the other deer that had come back after the shot wander off, and give my buck time.
When I couldn't take it anymore I asked Don to walk over and spook them. I didn't want to give the stand away. He was excited to help me find him.....
After a quick story on his buck, we started tracking......
For some reason(that I think I can explain later) the blood was a little light......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09088.jpg)
Then things started to pick up.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09089.jpg)
We'd gone maybe 100yds and were about to a bunch of cedar trees when we could tell the blood was showing signs of an animal about to go down......I looked left and this is what I saw....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09090.jpg)
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at first light I had what I thought was a good 8 pt. at about 12 yds. under the live oak limbs. I would shoot him if I got the chance. He headed for my lane and was about to enter it. I started my draw and .....an un seen doe about blew me out of the tree! Deer were running every where and I lost track of the buck...I looked down at some movement and it was a nice wide racked buck at 15 looking around trying to find me....Kill mode took over and the arrow was on it's way........
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To have shared all this made it ever more special. We grabbed him and drug him out to get a better look.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09091.jpg)
He was truly a very handsome deer....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09093.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09094.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09097.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09101.jpg)
After a couple quick pix we were off to get some pix of Don's buck. His batteries had died on his camera. We'd be back to take a ton of pix of each buck and them together....what a morning this had turned into......
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Cool rack on him.
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What is this????? I probebly have big runs in all 6 risers I just sprayed, because of you guys.Rushing to see whats next and BAM another half story!!This just isent right.Its almost as bad as waiting on a big buck to turn broadside.
Bill
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OK the rest of the story.I must have been hunting letters on this keyboard while the rest of the story came up.Please forgive my impatience.
Bill
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My arrow disappeared into his chest and he went down and then was on his feet again. He only went about 30 yds.....Then the shaking began........ (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana09117.jpg)
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awesome buck guru!! that pic has just about got me convinced to use 160 snuffers next season!!
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He was a good buck and I was very happy with him. I said a thank you prayer and just set and looked at him for a good 30 minutes.....wondering how Sky, Curt and Terry were making out with the morning hunt when I got a text message from Curt.......... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana09121.jpg)
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Here's some pix of Don's buck.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09108.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09124.jpg)
He'd made another good shot!!!
Just as we were finishing up the pix of Don's buck, the rest of the gang showed up to share and add to our experience......I swear, it just doesn't get any better than this......
Sorry if I post a a lot of pix, but this means an awful lot to me....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091272.jpg)
This one is with David, a guy that I've only spent 8 days with over a two year period, but have come to luv like a brother...It's hard to leave the ranch when you have to say goodbye to him......Thank you so much David!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091352.jpg)
more pix tomorrow......still got some catching up to do.....
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I can't descibe the emotions that I felt when I read the text messege....."I just drilled the freaky buck"....A huge smile just came over my face.....sitting here looking at my buck and less than 150 yds. away, Curt was having the time of his life.......I couldn't wait to go help and congratulate him....Live pic of "Curt's Buck"...... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3318.jpg)
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Afew pics of the stand, etc... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana09103.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana09119.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3323.jpg)
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The stand was comfortable but unique...a ladder stand that started about 10 feet off the ground.....I love it.....Skyler has a few more tales involving BIG Bucks and there's still more tales to be told by the other guy's including Mr. Lamb........Don
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With my Tradgang admint.arrow between two fingers a qiver of misfits and a vintage bear bow in same hand. I stare up at the new step scewed in to replace the one that pulled out last year leaving a 257# bow hunter hanging upside down blood rushing to head. Scent lock coveralls,wrangler blue jeans and top of snake boot hung securley on next step down. A quick look down confirms my fears.If I do come free Ill go head first into three or four long rebars I had drilled holes and drove into the mighty liveoak not to mention the honey comb lime stone at ground zero. unable to right my self other options came to mind. How am I going guys,slow enough??
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Good to see you again David We're ready for the story, sure to be a good one......I've got to leave it with ya'll for a few days....headed to Indy for a Trade Show. I'm sure Sky will take up where he left off......More Pics....... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3412.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3410.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3409.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3386.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3369.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3420.jpg)
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Here's one of the best pics of the trip......OLE Shep and Sky....... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3446.jpg)
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Man Skyler is shooting up there. Every new pic he's an inch taller.
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OH YEA!!!!! :notworthy: :notworthy:
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nice going guys.
Interesting that you'r aiming Low on all the deer they must be pretty Jumpy, do they get shot at a lot?
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I dont know how much they get shot at but as Michael said there are not many good things that can happen to a deer at a feeder. lol. I can tell that they are fast as lighting.
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:thumbsup:
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Great stories! may I vote for this to be added to memorable Hunts!
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Continuing on with Thursday brought a mid-day tracking adventure that found Curt's hog and Terry's buck. Weather is hot, and the wind continues out of the south... We got back just in time to head back out to the field.
I found my crew, grabbed my gear and we piled into the truck. Before we got out of the main driveway Robert was on the phone with David "Ole Shep" finalizing stand locations for everyone. We got into the main gate and another quick call was made as we pulled off the side of the road and Ole Shep's truck pulled around us. After a few minute conversation Robert looked to me and said "This is you," and gave me directions to the stand.
The stand site was easy enough to find, also found a tripod stand on the downwind side with a postage stamp for a platform. Interesting getting in and getting out of this stand! Very comfortable to sit in though, very well hidden within the tree it is set up in with a nice shooting lane to the feeder which is about 25 yards away.
A few minutes after getting into the stand I see a the back half of a deer about 125 yards away that slips out of site into the scrub. In the next hour and a half I can literally hear the dogs barking at the main camp. Then the feeder goes off and still nothing else seen...
About 20 minutes after the feeder went off I see a deer in the same place I saw the back end of a deer earlier. At this distance it looks like a doe, and I just so happen to still have a doe tag to spare. ;) So I ready for a shot as I'm only catching bits and pieces of this deer heading to the feeder...
Finally this deer steps into my shooting lane and low and behold it is a small 3 point buck... and off limits for me. So, I just watch him feed for about 10 - 15 minutes and he moves on. A few minutes after that I have a yearling walk right in under the feeder out of the scrub, looks like a doe but is small and possibly a button buck. Shortly after a larger deer with no horns limps in... she has had an injury to her back left leg at some point and was not using it at all. She feeds for quite a while and won't come any closer than the other side of the feeder.
On a side note: I truthfully don't think this stand gets used very often as the deer seemed to be almost normal. They were not nervous or jumpy like every other deer I've seen on this property. Refreshing...
I continued to watch these two deer for another 30 minutes or so and confirmed that she was not going to come any closer than she was... although she was standing completely broadside, very calm, head down feeding on corn.
Sorry, another side note: the doe I shot last year was very similar to this one, long ways off (32 yards) very calm and feeding and didn't jump at all at the shot, but rather just lifted her head at the shot and took the arrow right where I was looking.
So, I slowly move into position and draw concentrating directly on her heart. Not the base of the chest, normal shot for me directly at the heart. Next thing I see is my nock and feathers tracking to her direcly where I was looking, and like clockwork she simply lifts her head and the arrow strikes about 2" above where I was looking. Off she goes directly away from me with my arrow in her up to the wrap. She hits the scrub and disappears then all fell silent again.
I feel very good about the shot, and at 27 yards everything needed to be perfect for me to drop the string. The arrow actually had to go between the legs of the feeder to get to where she was standing, but with the small spot I had picked out they were not even in my thought process.
I sit back and relax for about 10 minutes just reliving the shot and what transpired after. Then another deer steps into my shooting lane and snaps me back into reality. I take a quick glimpse around through the branches and leaves that have me so well hidden and realize there are five deer within 30 yards of me. Three more does, a button buck, and another very respectable 8 point buck. They are also very calm, and just work their way in and feed.
They stay there until dark and slowly move off into the scrub. Well I wait for Robert to show up, but now it is well after dark. Do you remember the stand being interesting to get into and out of? Try it in the dark! I finally got out of the stand, thankfully without the help of mother earths gravity, and slowly work my way back out to the main road.
Another 15 or 20 minutes pass and Dave "Ole Shep" pulls in and picks me up with an empty truck. He lets me know that Robert has in fact had two flat tires and is in kindof a bind, and drives me back to the main camp. When we get there I pile out and start setting my gear down and Ole Shep grabs his dog "Cisco" and heads out to track an animal shot by his group.
Peanut happens to be working at the grill cooking some sausages and asks how my hunt went. I told him about the shot and that she ran off with the arrow in her. Now pardon my French, but he lets out in his Texas accent, "That B!+(# ran off with your arrow!?" "Well lets go see if we can get it back from her!"
So we grabbed his dog "Hib," piled into his truck and off we went. We arrived there shortly and I walked over to check for blood which there was plenty and he got Hib ready. Hib got the scent and worked his way directly down the trail where she had gone. Less than a minute later Hib's bell stopped ringing. We caught up to him and at end of the flashlight beam I saw Hib "marking" my doe. I worked my way into the thicket and praised Hib for a job well done and grabbed my doe.
Got her loaded up and headed back to camp for another spectacular meal. Three hunts, four shots taken, three complete pass throughs and one pass through with the arrow still in the animal. Total recovery distance of all animals taken 105 yards. It doesn't get much better.
What I learned on this hunt is you need to read the animal, get a sense of how keyed up they are and pick your spot accordingly. They are jittery at a standstill 99% of the time, but from time to time you can find the "normal" deer even in these highly pressured circumstances. Distance of the shot seems to play a big role too, the further they are away from the shot the less they seem to react. Just little things I've observed and take it for what you will if you ever find yourself on this hunt or one like it... Oh, also, I haven't taken a single shot at a game animal while standing on this ranch. I just never felt I would be able to stand up without not having anything to shoot at when I did get to the standing position. Learn to shoot while sitting, it will greatly increase your chances of a successful shot while here.
Great hunt, great folks, memories that will last a lifetime. I'm also with Thomas, David, and Randy... My slot will not be one of the "open" slots to get filled in the years to come!
Friday morning on I'm hunting hogs and turkeys as I'm tagged out on deer...
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What can I say about Solana that hasn't already been said. What a great time, great place and the best huntin partners a guy could imagine.
Shaun and I arrived in Shaun's usual way. He didn't know for sure where the ranch was, but it didn't stop him from keeping the truck moving. Zen navigation is a wonderful thing and I think Shaun is a master of it.
While we weren't the first ones there like we thought we might be, we certainly weren't the last.
Guys were showing up every minute for a while.
It could be hard to get past the parking area... (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanagroup1.jpg)
Bob Morrison seemed extra tickled to be there. Of course he seems that way anywhere you run into him.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09SolanaBobMorrison.jpg)
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Imagine walking into a camp where you know everyone already. That was Solana.
Hell, I hadn't ever personally met most of the guys there, but it made no difference. We were friends from before the introductions and only got to be better ones as the week went by.
Of course you know my buddy Curt "Guru" Cabrera was there and I really had been looking forward to seeing him again.
It had been years.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09SolanaCurtpack.jpg)
Terry Green would share the same bunk house. He appears confused as to what piece of equiptment he'll unpack next in this photo.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanaterrrymovesin.jpg)
Rob (Paleface) was busy unpacking as well and at this stage of the hunt I was still into name memorization.
Since remembering names is a personal problem for me, I spent the first three days refering to him as "camera dude".
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09SolanaRobmovesin.jpg)
Very nice guy in a group of really nice guys.
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With a few hours ahead of us before we'd head for the stands we busied ourselves doing the things that bowhunters do before a hunt.
Arrows were readied and edges checked for razor sharpness one more time. Decisions about proper clothing and the weather forecast were made.
New guys (me) tried to milk all the information they could from veterans of the ranch.
Of course in the end all the stuff had been prepped at home and there was little that just had to be done. Matter of fact, I don't remember anyone saying they'd forgotten some major item.
These guys knew what they were doing.
I snapped this picture of Tom hitting the practice butts that first day. It was a routine we'd all follow over the course of the hunt.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09SolanaTomshoot.jpg)
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So many animals taken..so many stories. Good stuff :thumbsup:
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As the witching hour of 3 P.M. drew closer the gang quietly (right) gathered under the pavillion behind the office.
We'd meet our guides for the first time there and it would be the staging area for the entire hunt period.
Like soldiers loading up for battle we boarded our troop carriers. Raucus chatter faded in hushed anticipation as each guide rallied his men.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanareadytroops.jpg)
Ultimately they'd be seen loaded in and on the trucks heading out the driveway to there respective fates. Unlike going into battle each man wore a smile that couldn't have been wiped off with a farrier's rasp.
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Im realy enjoying this.
Bill
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Ahhhh....the master has begun :notworthy:
Nobody tells it like Mr. Lamb....
I'll be back....
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Man, that looks like an awesome hunt. Congratulations guys.
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As you can see in this pic taken by Don two days before I killed him....he was a stud! Look at his body, and short wide head.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/CIMG3318.jpg)
So cool to have that pic of him alive!
By looking at the pix you can see how busted up he was. Most every buck seen and killed was busted up to some degree. I don't know how many bucks I saw with half racks......Some more pix of my "Freak Nasty"......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09136.jpg)
The guy who makes this all happen......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091402.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091442.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091532.jpg)
In these you can really get an idea of how wide he is.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091452.jpg)
Look at the base of his right antler,who knows what busted off of there, would love to have seen it......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09155.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091632.jpg)
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Originally posted by Guru:
Ahhhh....the master has begun :notworthy:
Nobody tells it like Mr. Lamb....
Guru as good as all the story have been so far I was thinking exactly what you said. Nobody spins it like Mr. Lamb.
Congrats on a great trip guys and thanks for taking us along
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He was a true old warrior...every point on him was broken to some degree or completely gone, except that big brow tine on his right side. Nobody was real sure how old he was, but we figured at least 5 1/2. I'm also convinced that there wasn't a better looking deer walking the ranch(I don't mean bigger),look at the face, head markings. I've been very fortunate to kill bigger deer, but never one with so much character, and I'm pretty sure he's the oldest buck I've ever killed.....Like I said before, "I wouldn't be any happier if he was a 150incher".....I'm still on cloud nine!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091532.jpg)
My favorite pic.....our whole "posse" together with two great bucks....it just doesn't get any better!!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091522.jpg)
After another great brunch...it was time for the group pic...and like was mentioned earlier, this was only after the third quarter...we still had and evening and morning to go.....
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As the witching hour approached, I started to hear the tentative footfalls of deer nearby. A fork horn came down the road and then bounded back the way he'd arrived. Soon a fine looking 8 walked nearly under my tree and into the clearing.
Several factors combined to keep my osage selfbow hanging on the hook. The first was that I have had a much better than average deer season at home and my freezer is full. Second was that this is a totally different type of deer for me and I wanted to observe. Third was he really looked like a 2 1/2 year old and I have spent years trying to discipline myself to pass on younger bucks.
For comparison, here is a picture taken this week of an Iowa deer. Totally different body and horn structure. These hill country deer are one of the 21 or so subspecies of white tails and I really wanted to look and learn.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/18600018.jpg)
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A few minutes later a 6 followed into the clearing and sure enough he was much larger in body and mass than the first 8. I could hear the sounder of hogs returning with much grunting and squealing but they remained out of sight in the brush. After several minutes watching the deer feed, the hogs could not stand it any more and just as dusk crept in the hogs made a rush for the feeder.
Hogs are above deer in the food pecking order and the bucks gave way to the noisy pig charge. I had really wanted to add some feral hog to my larder and the bow came to hand. I resisted the temptation to fling an arrow into the mass of hogs under the feeder. It was a perfect flock shot, but I waited. Eventually they spread out and I picked a fine 90 pounder as it came broadside. As my arrow sailed just over the back of my chosen target, Lady Luck stepped in and put a tasty 40 pound hog's 12 ring in the line. He did a cartwheel as the sounder raced away without him.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Shaun-1.jpg)
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By the end of the hunt I had seen enough of these local deer to begin to sort out mature from young and quality racks from still improving. These deer have small bodies and fine bones. A large rack is 100-120 inch range. They are the quickest deer I have ever seen. At 25 yards they will sometimes not react to the shot, but under that range and they will drop and roll a foot or more. I never had a close shot but if one had presented I was prepared to aim 6" below the belly line. Several of the guides said, "You can't shoot under these deer."
With the pressure off after the first evening, I was able to fully enjoy rekindling old friendships and making new ones. I had very much been looking forward to sharing a hunt with Curt (Guru) and he is one true gentlemen of our sport. Thanks to the TG site and all who attended this hunt, it was one for the memory banks.
Our guide John told me that the previous archery group had consisted of 22 wheelie shooters. He said our group took much more game with a much lower wounding rate. I was pleased to be a part of this hunt and humbled by the shooting and hunting skills of the assembled gang. Already thinking about next year...
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Congrats again buddy!! It was cool hearing that story when you told it that night at dinner.....
The cooler after the group photo.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09167.jpg)
One more of that super cool right side.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09164.jpg)
So far, so good...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09160-1.jpg)
But I wasn't done yet....there was still does and hogs to get after.......
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Thank you for the kind words Shaun....the feelings mutual my friend :notworthy:
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Sunny hill archer (Michael) in a tree
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08024.jpg)
A little closer
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08026.jpg)
Stubby at work with Charlie's doe. This is one high quality blood tracking dog. He stays cool and calm on track and even us geezers could keep up. When the bell stopped it was time to haul deer.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08037.jpg)
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Originally posted by tradtusker:
nice going guys.
Interesting that you'r aiming Low on all the deer they must be pretty Jumpy, do they get shot at a lot?
Don't know if this got answered yet or not, but....no, they don't nessesarily get shot at a lot....this ranch only has one hunt a month. One in Oct, Nov, Dec, and Jan. I think its just the nature of the feeders and the TX deer.
OK...gotta get back a couple of pages.....
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Some bow builder from Ohio. He was responsible for many the bows on the hunt. Most of his bows seemed to include the accuracy package option.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08048.jpg)
Tony with his Morrison bow. "Next time there is a small hog and a big hog, I'm shootin' the small one."
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08056.jpg)
Guru style
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08054.jpg)
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They're after me lucky charms! :goldtooth:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Shaun-1.jpg) [/QB][/QUOTE]
Man, I'm bummed I couldn't be there. Shaun you've had quite a season! Congrats to all!
N
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Thank you to all involved with the hunt for your pics and stories. This is a great thread.
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"Alright Skyler, you can shoot all the does you want this evening out of this stand.....AFTER 6:15" - David Shepard
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Looks like a great trip guys , love the stories and the smiles.
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Curt,
During the post mortem did you find any indication of injury that may have attributed to the unique right antler?
Congrats to all the successful hunters. Those texas deer look delicate and graceful. Their sleek lines remind me of gazelles.
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Originally posted by Terry Green:
"Alright Skyler, you can shoot all the does you want this evening out of this stand.....AFTER 6:15" - David Shepard
Terry that statement was a riot! Shep you are one funny guide! Sky kudos to you for being able to hold off all week waiting for a nice buck. Your time is def coming.
Awesome thread gents, can't wait to read what's still to come... :coffee: Yes Mr. Lamb I am NOT waiting patiently and I know the story, at least some if it.
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Wow!!! Got to be the best thread for hunt ever, just looked from start to finish , lol with my mouth open!!!!thanks so much for sharing , God bless all of you. Marco#78
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I didn't Jesse, but I didn't skin the whole deer. I caped him out and donated all my meat to a needy family that David Knew...I was happy to do so.....
But there was nothing in the front end that indicated any kind of injury. But I'd bet there was something there...somewhere....
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Com'on Sky...you have some catchin' up to do buddy...Then we can talk about your last evening hunt :thumbsup:
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Great hunt fellas.Nothing like Good friends and stickbows with critters thrown in.Its a blessing from God to be able to have one let alone all three.RC
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Well said RC :clapper:
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Thanks for sharing gents. Impressive at every post!
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Posted under Dad again. :knothead: :knothead:
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Sorry guys. Back to my story. The next evening I hunted in a strong built ladder stand. I had one doe come in at about 5:00 but she just never wold come on my side of the feeder. About 5 minutes until it's to dark to shoot, I look to my right and, low-and-behold, There stands another deer It was really big bodied and dark, so I look through my binoculars and I see That it is a buck and it's about 18 inches wide. You can imagine that that got my heart to thumping. But by this time it IS to dark to dark to shoot. DARN IT! Oh well, there will be more chances.
The next morning, It was back to "Blue Chair". David told me to take no prisoners this time, so it's doe killin time. I had deer in front of me at daylight, so I'm already in kill mode. I had a nice sized doe 15 yards, broad sided. I slowly drew my bow, reached anchor, picked out a rock a few inches under the hairline, and released. The arrow looked perfect going through the air....then ...CLANG!!!! I hadn't seen how far these deer duck, and NOW I know. The arrow went right over the top of her back and even hit the rock that I was shooting at. :knothead: Well dadgummit. I was sitting there feeling a little frustrated, but all that changed when I got a text message from Curt..."Just drilled that funky buck!" Congratulations once more Curt!!! I sent Dad a text message, telling him about Curt and that I had missed a doe, and in reply, he sent me a picture of a dead 7 point he killed. GOOD JOB DAD!!! I didn't see any more deer but seeing Curt and Dad with their bucks made it worth it. But little did I know that the fun was only just beginning for me when it comes to BIG BUCKS.............. :thumbsup:
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There's just something extra special about the first hunt of a new adventure. Of course I'd heard tales of the spooky nature of the little Hill Country deer and I wondered how I'd deal with that.
After looking over a few of the tree stands I was relieved when John pulled up to an old red barn. So this was going to be my first stand.
I settled in as the dust cleared from John's departing pickup truck.
A low loft with an open window served as shooting blind in the barn. A ratty piece of camo material hung beside the window, and a plastic, long legged directors chair sat in front of it.
I rigged up the camo net as best I could.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanabarn1.jpg)
It became apparent I'd have to do a little work if I was going to get a shot on a Hill Country hyper deer.
Leaves covered the floor making it impossible to move without clattering noise. I found an old blanket in the corner and used it to sweep away the leaves and dust.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanabarn3.jpg)
Having accomplished that task I carefully spread out the blanket in front of the window and pulled my chair onto it.
After that I removed my shoes. The floor of the old barn creaked when I moved but the shoeless rountine helped.
I got as comfortable as I could and waited patiently for the evening to pass.
All in all the weather was perfect. Not too warm but just cool enough that a jacket and long underwear felt pretty comfy in the inactivity of a stand.
A few deer showed up late but wouldn't commit to come close to my hideout. I guess they had other plans.
Night time came to Texas and I felt God's peace in me with the gathering of the evening color and it's passing into darkness as the sun went to rest beyond the distant hills.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanabarn2.jpg)
This was going to be a cool hunt. No two ways about it.
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..Thanx Sky :notworthy:
......so now that I had my buck. It was time to really have some fun trying to kill a doe. Not as easy as some might think!
We dropped Skyler off and as we were driving away, David asked, "how's yur high angle shot?"...Just fine, "well good,I have just the spot for ya"...
I got up into an extremely high ladder stand with a birds eye view of everything around me.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09168.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09169.jpg)
I was just sitting back,relaxing, just taking it all in,feelin' good about how things had gone this morning...when I look to my left and see this......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091712.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091722.jpg)
The biggest,cleanest 8pt I'd seen the whole trip, and he was headed right for Sky!!!!!
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In the cool of the evening we all crammed our tired bodies into the truck as it picked up each of us in turn.
The ride to the camp was long,rough and slow. I guess it was longer and slower because I was one big rumbling belly ache and I knew supper would be waiting.
Seems like all of the trucks returned pretty close to the same time. We were all soon busy wrapping ourselves around some fine vittles.
Stories were told around the table and recovery plans were made for animals that had been shot but not found immediately.
The guides showed their wisdom and never crowded an animal. They were always given plenty of time before the tracking began.
In a couple instances it was decided to leave the deer all night and track in the morning.... with positive results I might add.
I'd been listening closely to the stories as they unfolded trying to garner some hint of a clue as to how to approach killing these deer.
A couple of things ran common in the stories.
1. These animals move at the shot with dependable regularity, dropping near a body width.
2. They all seemed to travel a very long distance before giving up the ghost.
3. Blood trails could be scarce to non existent.
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David dropped me off at a ladderstand up on a hill where I could see a long way in every direction. It was a stand where Dad had hunted a few days earlier and missed a nice 8-point. So I was sitting there feeling pretty confident when Curt, who was only a few hundred yards from me, sends me a text message "Get ready. 8-point coming your way." I picked up my bow and turned in the direction that he would probably be coming. About 15 minutes later, I see movement. Here comes a doe. She would walk about 20 yards from the feeder, behind limbs where I couldn't shoot, stop, turn and loop around in a big circle. After doing this about 3 or 4 times, she seemed content. She started for the feeder. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw more movement. Here comes two more does and whats following them? A BIG 8-point is coming through the trees on the clump I am sitting in. He came 20 yards but, of coarse, he was behind some limbs. He got right next to the opening and stopped. It was about 15 minutes until dark. He lingered behind he thick stuff for a few minutes, then he walked out in the opening. He never would get on my side of the feeder, and stayed at about 30 yards. He stayed there until it got to dark to shoot. I guess he walked off after dark, because nothing ran when David pulled up to get me. I didn't get a shot but that made the trip worthwhile. I have never been that close to a living big buck in my life. That would have looked nice laying on the hitch-hauler riding back to camp............. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/Solana091712.jpg)
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David That picture of you sneazing back on like page 11 is clasic.
"I'm so tired I think I'll wear my safety harness even if I hunt from the ground"....
This is an awesome quote. Don I know how you felt though man.
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Great stories fella's! Really enjoying this one :thumbsup:
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Great Job guys you really done us proud.. :archer:
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Never did hear back from Sky while I was in my stand,so I figured something good must have been happening :clapper:
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Guy's this is an awesome hunt, thanks for taking us with you.
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Com'on Shep...time for you to finish your story my friend......nobody can tell it like you :biglaugh:
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Hopefully Shep will get in here and tell his story.....cause we got some pics to post!
And....there's still a few more tales to be told...and waiting on another 'installment' by Charlie.
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A dilla can tote a snuffer like no big game animal alive. No dat. I've proven it many times over. :readit:
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I would like to express my deepest gratitude for being able to hunt with you Trad-gangers last week . Due to family matters I got into camp a day or so late and after saying hello to everyone I changed my clothes and headed right out to a stand . Even though I hunted hard I didn't get the chance I was looking for . It's all part of growing up . I've been fortuate to have taken a lot of animals over the years but some of my best hunts have been with Trad-gang . just being in such good company is worth the price of admission . The guys I bunked with , Thomas , Dave , and Randy along with Jeff who was part of our group are the finest , I feel bad I didn't get enough time to spend with the other "Legends " (and soon to be legend Skylar )so I will have to make it a point to go next year . Can't wait , Fred
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Just been sittin back enjoyin the stories. Looks like I need to catch up.
Always lots of honey do's that have stacked up while I was away. Meat processed and trophys preserved. Projects in the shop that just needed to be tended to.
The second morning was way over the top. I'd been placed at a pop up blind that was tucked neatly into a bunch of cedars at the base of some big oaks.
The pop up had been there a while and the deer were use to it... or what passes for getting use to with these deer.
I'd gotten dropped off early so that the other guys could be placed at their stands before first light. There would be a good 45 minutes before it would be light enough to see anything.
I buttoned the blind down tight and proceeded to arrange my space so that I could operate with the least movement and in complete silence.
The camo net which had been hanging loose from the shooting window was put in place and stretched taut.
Once I settled in it was a matter of staring into the dark interior of the blind waiting fro the dark exterior to get light enough to see.
Finally a faint glow started coming over the clearing. The edges of my shooting window came into focus and out in the gray dawn stood a shape. Indistinct gray against a gray background.
My anticipation had been running high, so I guess it's possible I could have been imagining the shape, but time would show that I was not.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanapopupscreen1.jpg)
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The deer emerged slowly from the haze of morning into a distinct shape and being. One deer finally morphed into three... all young bucks.
I'd see a dozen more like them as the morning progressed.
At one point a wide racked eight point cruised around in front of me and though his rack was quite a bit wider than his ears, the eight tines weren't more than a few inchs long at best. I watched until he fed away.
I had a doe tag, but the only two does I would see that day would stay well away from the bachelor spikes on the other side of the clearing.
I tried to will the young bucks away, but didn't have much luck in that department.
I was sitting there lamenting not having a shot at the girls when a movement on my left front got my attention.
A high and heavy racked eight point stood eyeing the deer in front of me. I took my bow into my hand.
Once the buck moved into the zone where I'd have to take the shot or pass it, he never stopped walking. If I'd have tried the television bleat noise that the guys use to stop the deer it would have left me sitting alone in the Texas countryside.
He was at the limit of my effective range and especially when I'm shooting through mesh screen... It seems to mess with my depth perception.
I let him walk.
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Most of the morning passed with the same core group of young bucks hanging around. It was not only entertaining to watch all those deer, it was also very educational.
I studied the vocalizations I heard for inflection and situation. Body language in deer is always capivating and there was a whole lot of that as many deer interacted in this feeding area.
When John showed up to get me the sun was high and the day was warming considerably. I had to look at my watch in surprise. Time had flown away while I sat there enjoying the show.
Back to camp for a great breakfast, a few bull sessions and a session at the practice butts. It all went by quickly and we were soon loading packs and bow for the trip out to our stands.
I was once again placed in a pop up blind but in a different location than the morning.
I'd have a good hour wait until anything showed this day and as I recall I had about a half dozen young bucks in front of me for most of the evening.
I was getting eager to shoot something and was really hoping a doe would get close enough. That just never seemed to be the case.
I had figured that I'd rather shoot my first shot at these deer at a doe to see what all the string jumping fuss was about.
I made it until the third day and finally had a nice fat doe and yearling feeding on my side of the clearing. I was hunting the first pop up blind I'd been in.
This time the young bucks were on the other side of the clearing and the does were on mine. I studied the largest doe for quite some time and actually had her at 12 yards broadside, but I ws fighting off the temptation to shoot and scare all the other deer... in case there was a big one near by.
Finally when the doe had fed out to almost 20 yards I decided that I wanted to shoot her. What the heck! I reasoned that I had two days left to find a buck.
I prepared for the shot.
I had a nasty sharp Magnus I w/bleeder on the end of my arrow and 625 grains of carbon arrow pushing it. It's a reliable combination that's worked well for me for years.
There is a great freedom of movement in a pop up blind. I took full advantage of that fact and stretched into a relaxed full draw.
I took a little longer at anchor than I might otherwise and concentrated low at the very bottom of the chest. I'd been practicing that shot and had it down pretty good.
The arrow slipped away at the perfect instant a lazer straight flash of white fletching against tan hair... and then she started her boogy.
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:thumbsup: to all.
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What a great read, I love threads like this! Congrats to everyone involved!
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanapopupscreen2.jpg)
In that instant when the arrow should have hit right behind her shoulder the doe went into hyperspace.
For a moment the earth stood still and I watched in slow motion as she dropped a full body depth. The arrow spun harmlessly over her shoulders.
But in that moment of movement, a head and neck appeared behind the doe. I'd thought that all was clear behind my target but obviously I was wrong.
With deer literally going in every direction the intended doe's partner flashed out of the melee', her right front leg hanging useless... and setting new land speed records on three legs I might add.
I sat alone in my blind, amazed at what had just happened.
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That was about it for the evening. I figured it would be. I assembled my gear in the blind and waited for the troops to arrive.
When they did I pointed to where I'd last seen the doe and Michael was on the blood trail almost instantly.
John turned out "Stubby", his little Jack Russel mix pup. Without a sound except the tinkling of the bell on his collar, Stubby caught up to and passed Michael on the blood trail.
Soon we spotted the reflective Trad Gang wrap on my arrow. Somehow it had pulled out of the wound. Evidence suggested that this wouldn't be a long tracking job.
With little fanfare,but a lot of praise the little dog soon was standing on my prize. We'd have found her by blood alone, but this had been good practice for the dog and speeded things up for us considerably.
We took her photo and headed for camp.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanadoe1.jpg)
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Post Mortem of the doe showed that Big Magnus I w/bleeder had passed through the meaty part of the shoulder, busted a couple of ribs and trashed the lungs.
An interesting phenominon that I've noticed many times before is that an animal that whirls at the shot like these deer (apparently what I thought was a stationary deer was in motion when the arrow hit.) is that penetration can be impeded. When you think about it, it makes sense.
The momentum of the arrow is overcome by the momentum of the heavier deer and it changes direction suddenly, sapping a lot of energy from the arrow.
What also impressed me was that this animal was hit solidly in both lungs, yet was able to run for at least a hundred yards if not a little more. Incredible will to live.
Along with that will was almost surreal lack of blood on the ground from what was a very good hit. It was as if the animal constricted all of it's muscles to prevent losing any blood.
Sign on the ground was minimal through out the length of the trail.
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09071.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09073.jpg)
It was so cool having one of bowhuntings true living legends in camp with us. Now I'm sure Charlie will deny that, but for those of us that know his backround, and know him personally, and have had the pleasure of sharing a camp with him, will all agree it's 100% true(no matter what he thinks ;^)! And let me tell ya, if you think reading one of Charlie's stories is good, "being there" when he speaks of a hunt, the detail and the twinkle in his eye is touching and something you'll never forget.....luv ya big brother :notworthy:
I hope we can do it again soon......
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Thanks for starting my weekend coffee off right Charlie.... :coffee:
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Looks like a great time had by all :thumbsup:
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Here is one with a smile
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08042.jpg)
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:clapper:
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Great stories everyone keep them coming :thumbsup:
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:notworthy:
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What a great thread guy's this is what its all about...bd
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Were all the tracking dog Jack Russels?
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no in fack stubby was the only jack they had. They also had four blue lacey. Though two of them just pups. Ole shep has a catahula he uses.
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The blue lacey dogs are a medium sized hound specifically bred for blood trailing (they can be other colors and one of the adult dogs was yellow). Here is Stubby with the two blue pups
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/Solana08011.jpg)
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The previously mentioned "Stubby"
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_0378.jpg)
Here is Robert's dog "Taz"
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_0437.jpg)
Peanut's dog "Hib" (Not sure on the spelling, but that is what it sounds like...)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_0376.jpg)
I didn't get a picture of David's dog "Cisco" but I've been on a number of trackings with him, and he is amazing! Hopefully someone got a picture of him too...
As you all know if you've read my posts, "Taz" is another amazing dog with no fear. He flat out gets after a wounded hog and will go till the end if Robert lets him...
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The last evening David and I were the last ones out and I was in the blue chair. Not long after David left I had a deer come within bow pokin distance of my short tree stand, but it was a button buck. The deer finaly made their way to me, but it was just too dark to make out what was what.
Now David had his little recurve, and the Trad Gang Administration arrow. See, Rob DiStefano had left an arrow in camp last year but the Wensel Woodsman had a bent blade and Curt had a time getting it confidently sharp, so I added a Zwickey 4 blade Eskimo to make the arrow battle ready.
When we all got back in the truck, Skyler asked how his dad did, then how Curt did, and then how I did.....and David said "How come ya didn't aske me how I did".....David had drilled a doe with his traditional combo and he felt like it was down for sure. We all urged David to look for it before we went in for supper, and he was all for it........
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Sweet guys, I enjoyed that a lot. Looks like a great time!!
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David told the tale and said he was amazed that he had no recolection of what happened between starting his draw and the arrow appearing in the deer. Welcome to traditional Dave
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Good job guys!
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^^^
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My computer has been down for a few days, just got it going this morning. What a great thread to catch up on. Most of us won't be able to go on hunts like this for various reasons. Many thanks to Terry and all of you for sharing your pics and stories with us.
Looking forward to hearing about this hunt from Don and Skyler first hand at one of our shoots this year.
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ttt For Terry!!!
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OK....here's the results.... Don and Skyler have the 'other pics' of the graphic nature....
Congrats again David....and thanks for all you do and the style you do it in!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/davidsolanadoe2.jpg)
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Sweet!!! :campfire:
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This is what a Zwickey that barely makes it out the off side did as she ran off about 100+yds.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09176.jpg)
WICKED!!!!
Here's another of David with the grin we all luv.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09182.jpg)
We (Terry, myself, Don ,and Skyler)were all very proud of him and grateful to be a part of "his hunt, "Congrats again buddy :notworthy: :clapper:
.....On the arrow, it was a "total TG admin arrow"....after David test shot it, I told him I wanted to sharpen it for him, so I could be "part" of the journey. But after we discovered a badly bent blade and I just couldn't get it like I wanted, "good enough" just wasn't...so Terry had just the ticket with the Eskimo 4bl/steel adapter....so it became a "total TG admin arrow".......Then David made it famous :clapper:
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I couldn't be there in the flesh, but I'm real glad that my arra was part of the action - and that David got her good 'n' blooded! Way to go David!
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I hope someone left him another arrow.It looks like he sure made the best of that one.
Bill
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David's Bloodtrail PICS...... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3405.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3399.jpg)
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After finding David's deer(his dog did great), and quick picture session, it was back to camp.
When we got there, we heard some more great news from another crew. "Someone" ;) had killed the best buck of his life!! Awesome story too!! But you'll have to wait for him on that....
Then it was time for our last dinner at Solana...steak night!!!!
No doubt as good a steak as one could ever eat!!!
Rob's pic from earlier....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/solana-134w.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09185.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09184.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09186.jpg)
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Beast thread of 2009? Anybody?
:clapper:
been a GREAT read so far fellers, keep it coming!
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I've have received a couple of e-mails asking if this is a High Fence operation.....NO........Shaun and Terry both addressed this earlier and explained it well..Less than 400 Acres are fenced, out of 10,000 acres...No one on this hunt, was inside the high fence....This is just an AWESOME Place to hunt.....Don
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This is a great thread, keep the stories coming!!!!! :campfire:
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What a trip of a lifetime. Congrats to all.
Guru..I like your new avatar, I'd be proud of that buck.
David..your smile says it all, any animal taken with a bow and arrow is an accomplishment, congrats!
bhfp
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Wow! I sure am glad I opened this thread! What a great hunt! Way to go guys!
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Mr. Laaaaammmmbb........ :campfire:
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Ok, where was I?
:D
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I'm really not sure where the time went. All that I know is there were a thousand conversations with good friends and my hunting time was filled with so many deer that they almost all run together.
With a doe in the cooler, I felt a little more relaxed. I'd really wanted a doe for the freezer. This ended up being a lean year for me in Missouri and the little lady was making it known that she wanted more venison in the freezer.
The doe encounter was good in that I had learned something important from the experience... hold real good and low even if it does go against every instinct in your body.
The last evening hunt came around and I was back in the pop up blind from the first morning. I liked this spot. It had shown me quite a few deer including a couple of pretty nice bucks.
It must have been popular with one or two other hunters before me if the looks of the screen was any indication.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanashootthrunet.jpg)
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I guess I'd been there for an hour with nothing but a couple of small deer that passed by a hundred yards out.
I'd opened a corner of one of the covered windows in the blind so I could peek out in a direction that the deer were fond of approaching.
I'd lean forward every now and then and strain my neck to my left. During one of these inspections I found a small fork horn buck standing just in sight beside a cedar. My view beyond him was obstructed by more cedar.
He stood like a perfect, sleek, gray, statue. I could see the big liquid brown eyes searching every detail of the scene. Taught muscles rippled under the slate hide. His big ears worked like little radar dishes searching for a hint of a sound.
Finally, happy that all was good, he walked tentatively forward into the clearing with me.
He was out of sight for just a few minutes as he walked toward my main shooting window.
I picked up my bow and leaned into the shooting position at the window. I didn't want this forky, but I figured he probably wasn't alone and I was going to be ready if a buck I did want showed up.
As I leaned to look out the main window, I could see two bucks coming head on to the clearing. I knew immediately that I'd shoot either.
The deer that reached the clearing second was the bigger of the two , but I didn't intend to get too picky at this point in the game.
I let the first buck come until he was just a little under fifteen yards from me. I'd watch and wait and see if the bigger buck would come... he'd hung up not far from where I'd first seen him.
He really seemed undecided as to what he wanted to do and I realized he could just as well turn away from my hide and walk off into the Texas brush as come one step closer.
I focused my attention on the "bird in the hand".
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanabuckthruscreen.jpg)
As the closest buck closed to a solid broadside 15 yards I put tension on the string. I'd been focusing all my concentration on the horizontal line of his chest and a spot no further back than the last rib.
The string of my 63# Sunbear, "Curly", came back smoothly and without effort. There would be no worry about the buck seeing me through the net. I knew he couldn't.
A solid anchor and boring a hole on the spot I wanted to hit I let the string slip as smooth as silk. The arrow rocketed through the screen and flashed as it came into bright sun out of the shadows.
The buck did his boogy thing and I watched my arrow sail beautifully, perfectly, over his back by an inch.
Almost instantly I was alone in the clearing. Little whisps of dust blowing low to the ground the only clue that there had been deer right there.
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lol!!! :biglaugh: ya had me sitting on the edge of my seat charlie right up until the last word.
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:coffee: :goldtooth:
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Ok Charlie, ya up yet???? I just know there is a buck at the end of this story.
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If you would have been a fly on the wall of that pop up blind, you'd have been in for quite a show.
I about broke my leg trying to kick myself in the butt. The walls of the blind offered no solace either. Being cloth they just wouldn't do, I wanted something to smack my head into. Wood would have been nice, brick would have been perfect.
:banghead:
Somehow I kept my composure enough to maintain noise disipline. I can assure you there was a blue streak of profanity pouring out of my ears as the new curse words filled my head and forced the old out.
I even managed to invent a couple of new words just because the old stand bys weren't doing the job.
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He's baa aack...... :campfire:
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It was late enough in the evening that I figured there would be little chance of any deer coming to the clearing.
The three bucks had scattered to the points of the compass and would surely communicate their fear to all they encountered.
Yep!! It was over.
I finally sat back in the shadows of the blind to reflect on the hunt and what had just happened.
The shot was executed as perfectly as I could have done it in any situation. My aim was true and on the mark.
These deer were just too fast.
It was in the middle of these ruminations that I leaned forward to peek out of the side window. It was more of a reflexive action than anything and I sure didn't expect to see anything out there.
There was the little forky standing exactly where I'd seen him the first time. No more, no less on edge than he had been.
Could it be??!!!!
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I seriously doubted that this forkey would even make it to the clearing let alone be followed by the other bigger bucks... but I was going to be ready regardless.
Once again I scooted forward in my chair and into alignment with the shooting window. As I settled into position and my vision focused out through the screen my breath came up short.
There standing just yards away was what must be the bigger of the two bucks from a few minutes ago.
There was no time to ponder the why's of such an event. I sat ready with bow in hand and the time was obviously NOW.
As soon as the bucks body aligned broadside to me I came to full draw. Once again I buried into my anchor point and once again I stared a hole on the spot I wanted to hit.
The kicker was that this time I held the arrow so that if the buck didn't move the arrow would pass harmlessly through air at the level of his knees.
I'd shot away my number one arrow (a four blade Magnus I) at the first deer. The next up in line was the same razorsharp Magnus I except it had no bleeder.
I usually do that... carry some with bleeders and some without.
It helps with crowding in the bowquiver I prefer, gives access to a deep penetrating two blade if I need it and I have no reservations about shooting that big old two blade at game.
Once again the razor sharp messenger was away like light, once again the shot was near perfect, once again the buck reacted to the shot... but this time things were different.
He was gone in an instant and as usual the screen of the blind had made it difficult for me to see the arrow after it exited the blind, but I had seen, if only for an instant, the arrow buried deep in the bucks chest.
I sat back in the chair and breathed again.
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Have you even noticed how time slows down after you've shot an animal? It was moving at a crawl right then!
I sat back once again to wait. I knew there would be no more deer this evening. It was just a matter of waiting for John and the guys to show up. I left a message on John's phone to let him know we'd be tracking.
It was a time for reflection and thanks. I prayed for a short blood trail and for the gift of sharing a great hunt with good friends.
Guys like me who were here for the comraderie and the love of the bow. What more could you ask for? With luck, tonight I would walk the walk of the successful hunter and talk the talk over and over to anyone who would listen... and there would be no shortage of the latter.
Dark had settled gently on the Texas Hill Country and cloaked the cedar and oak mott in inky blackness. Finally I could hear the rattling of the diesel engine as John's truck eased up the road toward me.
John hadn't opened my voice mail. Wouldn't have mattered if he had. He had the other boys on the truck and was just doing a normal pick up.
As he rounded the corner 50 yards from the blind his lights flashed back at him from the reflective wrap on my arrow. Everyone knew the deed was done before they pulled up to get me and had a better idea of where the buck went than I did.
I quickly recounted the event even as Stubby was released on the trail, his little bell tinkling in the night and with nose to the ground trotting steadilly in the direction the buck had run.
We found the expired 8 point a hundred yards away in the middle of the food plot. Stubby was appeasing his blood lust on the dead beast as we approached. I had to savor the moment and just stood there looking until finally I reached down and claimed my prize.
The antler in my hand felt like success and I was at once thrilled and humbled. I breathed a word of thanks for the life of my buck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09SolanabuckRobpic.jpg)
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A-men brother :notworthy:
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Now, there's a smile!
I was riding on the high seat in the back of John's truck and enjoying the warmest evening of the hunt. When we stopped short of the blind, I wondered only for a moment what the delay was about. There in the circle of the headlights lay a bright reflection. It was a carbon arrow with reflecting wrap - and the fletching was stained red. All right!
What an honor to be present for that short tracking job and share the joy.
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:notworthy:
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Great story. Great thread. Keep it up gang. There has to be more. Skyler has blood on his mind and Guru wants to take a few more pictures. :thumbsup:
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Charlie being there when you recovered that buck was one of the highlights of my trip. The grin on your face in that photo just don't show how really excited you were about that buck!
our little bud "Stubby" HE!! on wheels...
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-118w.jpg)
Congrads from Michael aka "sunny hill archer"
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-120w.jpg)
Great friends sharing a very special moment
Charlie and Shaun
(http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-131w.jpg)
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OUTSTANDING!!! Way to go Charlie.This entire thread has been a blast to read and I congratulate you all.
Danny
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Glad I got to hear it in person.....AND here in print where there's a little more detail recalled.
Congrats again my friend!!! :clapper:
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Here is a few more of Charlie.....THE 1st is one of my favorite's from the trip........... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3413.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3408.jpg)
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Yeah Skyler....that should be a favorite pic little big man. :thumbsup:
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Job well done Mr. Lamb.
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Great pix guys, great pix!!!
That left one more morning....
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:thumbsup:
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Awesome pictures everyone!
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Another Great essay for the MASTER :notworthy: :notworthy:
Thanks bud for making me read about it :biglaugh:
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Wow, great story and buck Charlie, Congrats my friend, congrats! :clapper:
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......One more :scared: COLD :scared: morning............
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Sounds like a great hunt. Thanks for sharing.
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It gets cold in Tejas?? :D
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...well here it was the last morning, and of course I was the first one up again :scared: . But I always carry extra cloths in my pack.....
So on went my Sitka Celsius vest and hat...
Soon enough it was getting light and the first deer I see is......
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This kinda stuff is why I keep the remote control in my hands..
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Yes sir , this was one of the best threads...thanks so much for sharing!!!! :) well done Charlie! Marco
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That aint even right... :D
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Sorry guys, busy day in the shop.......
....in strolls a tank of a buck! Of course I'd now filled my buck tag as you've read. I was huntin' does and hogs. So, shootin' this beauty wasn't even a consideration. But I immediately thought of my little buddy Skyler, and how I wished he was in this tree right now instead of me. I just hoped he was having a good hunt and hoped he was staying warm!!
Within a minute a-Lot of deer started to show up. Including a few nice big does.....
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Curt that's a great shot of Sky! wish we had one of Don that last morning, when he said he was so tired he was gonna wear his safety belt even if he hunted on the ground. I feel asleep on the plane before it took off and didn't wake up till we hit the runway back in Virginia. I wasn't even hunting. Guess hunting with the camera can wear you out as well.
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Wow, This was some hunt!! Congratulations to all of ya. Looks like Charlie is passin' his story tellin' skills out to a whole new breed. All great reads. Thanks...Doc
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That is a great pic. lol
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It's not over yet.....at least one more tale left to be told......
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....sooooo where was I ;)
....it was easy to tell this fella had some age. Body wise he looked like the clone of mine.Very stout, sag in the belly, and dark in color. His antlers were wide and heavy, but he only had 7pts....I sneaked a couple peeks with my binos in the low light to try to tell whether he grew only one brow tine, or it was snapped(Important for the ranch managers and guides to know). But between my bow in one hand, adrenalin, and the wind, it was hard to keep steady enough to be positive. But I'm pretty sure he'd only grown 7 points....but he was no doubt a shooter, had the situation been different.
He offered shot after shot as I watched this one doe that had a habit of feeding closer than any of the other deer. But she was also the spookiest, most wary deer of the bunch...and wired to the max!! The wind had these deer on edge even more than usual.
I was actually tightening the string on two occasions, only to have to stop because she just wouldn't stand still long enough for me to shoot....and anyone that's seen me shoot knows that doesn't take very long!
Finally here she came again, closer than any of the other deer(about 19yds) and she turned broad side. I looked real low, about "knee" level(remembering what Charlie's had said the night before), figuring she'd drop quite a bit because she was so wired. I drew and released....
...As soon as I released I knew my "low" shot arrow, wasn't so low, she was instantly dropping out of sight! They came together with a loud "CRACK", and she dropped to the ground.....
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..."spine shot", I was quickly on my knees in an attempt to get as low as possible to get another arrow in her...she rolled and snapped my arrow off...on my knees and with my bow almost horizontal, I released the finisher...and within seconds she was still......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana091902.jpg)
She'd dropped at least over a foot! I was looking knee level and hit her in the spine...unbelievable!
I quickly got down and drug her away from my stand and hid her under nearby cedar, and got back up in the stand to see if anything else would come in....
The finisher, in through the top of the scapula...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09203.jpg)
thru the lungs,heart and out into the dirt.....Snuffer....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09204.jpg)
So I got up and sure enough, a little while later I saw this guy sneakin' by....he was actually the same buck I'd seen the first afternoon I hunted, the first and last buck I saw on the hunt.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09193.jpg)
I only stayed up in the stand for a little while....who was I kidding...I'd had an awesome hunt...it was time to get down, take some pix, and relax waiting to get picked up......
The stand.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09196.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana092132.jpg)
original shot.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09214.jpg)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana092122.jpg)
I sat down to relax, reflect, and enjoy the memories of an incredible hunt......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana092192.jpg)
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and anyone that's seen me shoot knows that doesn't take very long!
No doubt, I tried to get a nice shot of you at full draw but that fleeting instant is hard to catch!
This is cool, I didn't know you'd shot another one...
I spent the last morning close to 30 feet up a ladder stand freezing my toockus (sp?) off! It was cold, but I did have several cows to spend the morning with! ;)
This was also the morning that Randy shot his buck as relayed earlier in this post. Absolutely perfect shot, double lungs and top of the heart. Also easily the best blood trail we saw the whole trip, by far, but I believe it was also the longest for some unexplainable reason... Amazing will to live! Great shooting Randy!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/100_04391.jpg)
Included in the picture is our guide Robert and his blood dog "Taz."
Great times!
Congrats again to all, there wasn't near enough time to actually talk to everyone, but I truely hope to spend time in another camp with any and all of the folks who were there! Excellent hunting with excellent folks, very hard to beat!
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Well Said Jeff!!!!! We would love to go on any hunt with this exact same group....AS GOOD AS A HUNTING TRIP COULD EVER BE......A lifetime of memories....and much, much, more could be said......Don and Skyler
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Another pic from the last morning....Sky will finish up tonight.... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG3427.jpg).
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My favorite memories of this hunt...
Two longtime friends "making memories" with us along for the ride...
Side Note: if you read my story at the beginning of this hunt, I really think these are the two other bucks that star in the read. David's 8 is the one I spooked out and almost had a second chance on, and Thomas's buck was the one that came in with mine and ran David's out. We were hunting very close that first night to where they were actually taken.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/IMG_0975.jpg)
11th hour successful hunt...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/randy34.jpg)
...and what a group of folks brought together by the vision and generosity of our own Terry Green and everyone that makes this hunt so special. And another thanks to Bob Walker for all you do in making this hunt happen!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/Solana08group8.jpg)
...and Charlie, it was a pleasure to finally meet you, even though we didn't have much time to talk there are plenty of men I respect that obviously hold you in the highest esteem that I'm honored to have shared a camp with you! Let's do it again, soon!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/CIMG3392.jpg)
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Ah yes, the last morning... don't you just hate the sound of that?
Seems like a guy just gets warmed up and it's time to stop. With more time needed to make more stories and enough time gone by to not remember all the storie there are to recall.
I tried real hard to remember every detail, and every story,but I failed miserably (like I almost always do).
My "hide" for the last hunt was a fiberglass box blind. I have to tell you it was very comfortable in side, out of the wind and the cold.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanabox.jpg)
Pretty stealthy too, except for the fact that the most comfortable chair (there were two) was also the noisiest...every now and then when you'd shift your weight a little the chair let go with a resounding "POW" as something in the chair shifted.
I put up with that until the second time it happened before switching to the less comfortable but much more quiet chair.
I wasn't expecting much in the way of game, though I suspect that was more mental than actual.
The spot looked like it could be a winner for hogs as a small spring fed creek tumbled through the rocks nearby.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanaboxview2.jpg)
In the end I had one very nice buck come through the clearing and several does were seen at a distance. Still in hunt mode, I pondered that the buck and the does seemed to be headed for the same spot along the creek. I wondered what could be down there.
At this point in time it mattered not.
Soon the truck would arrive to take me back to camp and my least favorite part of any hunt... the good byes.
As in many past hunts I would be leaving with more friends than I came with... always a good thing.
I'd worry over who I had forgotten (or just overlooked) to say good bye to. It's the way I am.
Each and every man on that hunt had become a good friend and I sure as hell didn't want to offend anyone.
I'd end up worrying about that most of the way home.
Like I said earlier, I tried to remember every story and every detail, but in the end they would come to me one at a time and out of the clear blue when some sight or sound or smell triggered a memory.
What I took away with me was the memory of every smile in camp and I guess after all that is the good stuff.
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Here is a pic of Michael with his doe...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/09Solanamichael.jpg)
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Charlie... :notworthy:
Some random pix...one room of our camp house...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09188.jpg)
"The Man".....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09183.jpg)
Picture session with Terry.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana092242.jpg)
Some scenery....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09215.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09216.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09226.jpg)
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Nice pic.
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Interesting spot with a lot going on.....what do you see?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09199.jpg)
A rub.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09200.jpg)
A scrape....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09202.jpg)
and another kind'a "rub"(hogs).....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09201.jpg)
As you can see... a lot happens around these stands......
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Now I'm starting to get a hankering for some bar-b-que... Texas style!
Great hunt. :thumbsup:
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Outstanding thread guys. Thanks for taking us along on a great adventure.
Charlie, the first pic of your buck. I think it's very classy the way the buck was posed for the pic. Alot of pics in this thread are good, that has to be tops!
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Awesome hunt guys. Your stories tell it all. Looks like all of you had a memorable time. Great photos and some really nice lookin bucks.
Gary G
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Terry multi-tasking.... :goldtooth:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09227.jpg)
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Hey guys, time for the last morning. David dropped me off at a ladder stand where Jeff(Bowhunter4life) hunted and saw 5 or 6 good bucks. I was dropped off a good while before daylight so I strapped myself to the tree and started getting my stuff together. The temperature was dropping fast and no one had enough clothes on. Anyway, at about 7 just after the feeder went off, I hear something behind me. I turn, and I see about 20 hogs running to me. But that was short lived, as they were down wind and winded me. Later on, while I was trying desperatley to keep warm, Dad sent me a text telling me that 2 8s and a doe were coming to me. I saw one 8-point way out in front of me. He never came close. That was it for the day. Curt had a good morning(Congrats again!) I had a great time and really enjoyed meeting everyone and getting to spend (not enough) time with them. Congratulations to all and I really enjoyed it.
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Great shooting on that doe Guru. Well done everybody.
What a great thread.
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Job well done. Feel like I was there and that is a good thing. Congrats to all and thanks for sharing. :bigsmyl:
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Originally posted by Guru:
Interesting spot with a lot going on.....what do you see?
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09199.jpg)
A rub.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09200.jpg)
A scrape....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09202.jpg)
and another kind'a "rub"(hogs).....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09201.jpg)
As you can see... a lot happens around these stands......
There are flint nodules under the tree, too! :D
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Woody, the field where Charlie's buck landed was covered with nodules of some kind of flint/chert, bet you would have been pickin' up rocks all day.
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I thought the rocks looked..."placed". I didnt even notice they were flint!
And to think I could be in Texas soon...
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Those "rocks" are all over the place at Solana Woody....
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Still enjoying this thread guys....thanks for sharing.
Like my 8 year old daughter Sarah said just the other night. "Lets build a fire, roast some marsh mellows, and make some memories".....that we did indeed at Solana.
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Jamie... the rocks look placed because they were! If you study the pictures of the rocks you'll see some showing dirt on their top.
If they have been turned up right where they lay there would be a hole that them left behind.
Something that was pointed out to me that hadn't occurred to me at all was that when hogs use a feeder, the root around to get every last morsel of corn.
In doing that, they dislodge rocks and eventually those rocks get nudged away from the site of the feeder in a circle or semi circle.
That's what those rocks are and why they look out of place.
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Here are a few more pictures from this awesome hunt....
Bob Morrison with his nice buck. wonder if he used a Morrison :biglaugh:
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-53.jpg)
Mr. Tony Green and the doe he shot on the last morning of the hunt. This one is on video!
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/solana-139w.jpg)
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Thanks Charlie, I will be the first to admit I know nothing about hogs......yet.
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Guys, this has been a great thread. Many thanks to everyone for making the effort to share it with us. :thumbsup:
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Great thread guys and great stories, congrats to all!
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weres the video Tony!! :readit:
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This has been awesome. I was very privledged to go on this hunt. The more that I read here the more I apprieciate all that where there.
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Originally posted by paleFace:
Mr. Tony Green and the doe he shot on the last morning of the hunt. This one is on video!
Where is the video?
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Fantastic thread guys! Thanks for sharing! ;) :thumbsup:
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Wow I just noticed that it looked like a 1st grader wrote my story. I think i fixed some it lol.
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Hellow tradguys from sunny Solana Ranch, Man yall can spin some yarns I have been enjoying them almost as much as my NEW COSTOM Bob Sarrels bow. Im practicing my {Green} screen edicut and instinctive shooting, only 3 feathers in cap so far. Guru,Terry better set that bow by your back door. Practice 30yd or better , Skyler you and DW will still be in range. Been seeing some grandes comming out late in year as always. Got alot more to say but im better in person. So come on back hurry up, Im full of it. Information I mean. Truley enjoy all of the GANG cant wait till next year. OLE SHEP
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Ferret i feel like im in pre-K :wavey:
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:clapper: :clapper:
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....wait a second "only three feathers in the cap so far"....talk to me buddy....Hogs? Congrats either way :notworthy: :clapper:
Why don't you come to NY and hunt turkeys with me?????
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No guru hogs arnt fast enough, Been targeting the whitetail doe with long head its a blast. Im shure some hawgs will come soon as I am packing some Zewicky NO merceys. P.S. the longer I hunt the more excuses I come up with for not taking a shot. I want a 15yd broadside doesnt always happen. But sometimes it does, sweeeet!!!
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On the Turkey hunt,Thanks for the invite but after Illinios I promised myself to go only south and west for a while. Will figger out the pics and we will keep in touch adios GURU. Did I tell you my new bow almost shoots its self
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David. I'm huntin, send you pic when I get home.
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OK Terry Ill be in and out of woods will check on you time to time. GOOD LUCK aim small or look small or whatever you do.
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Keep in touch David .... the offer is always there..
BTW...Terry's having a blast!!!
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ttt
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Is it December yet?
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if only lol.
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It's coming faster than you think Jeff.
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It has to be Michael!
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With Randy up top, I got to thinking about this hunt thread. And after reading it all agin I thought I'd run it to the top for anyone that may have missed it......
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You are killing me Curt! I'm trying not to think about this hunt till it gets a bit closer!
Wish you were coming again this year, you will be missed...
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This will be my first year to go on this hunt. i look forward to meeting everyone.
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I think about this hunt every day. I am going to try to savor the FL and Ga seasons without wishing them away, but you can take the whole month of August off of the calendar and it would be ok with me.
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I've always said I was going to go twice in one year.....one day I will....even if its just to ride around with David fixin/checking/setting deer stands for a week.
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T, That would be a treat :notworthy:
Jeff, Thank bud, It's gonna be tough as it gets closer...
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There is a spot on next years hunt listed on the St Judes Auction.