Post by: Terry Green on January 03, 2011, 07:33:00 AM
From first trad kills for some, first trad deer for some, the biggest buck I have personaly seen brought in at the ranch, two wild hog shootouts, and the obvious presents of Chris Surtees along with us in spirit.
Stay tuned.......this is gonna be a grand hunting thread. :campfire:
Post by: maineac on January 03, 2011, 07:49:00 AM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 03, 2011, 07:50:00 AM
Post by: rastaman on January 03, 2011, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: Tater 2 on January 03, 2011, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: Mudd on January 03, 2011, 08:32:00 AM
:archer:
Post by: robtattoo on January 03, 2011, 08:37:00 AM
Post by: macksdad on January 03, 2011, 08:41:00 AM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 03, 2011, 08:43:00 AM
Post by: oneshot-onekill on January 03, 2011, 08:52:00 AM
Post by: J-dog on January 03, 2011, 09:21:00 AM
Post by: COOCH on January 03, 2011, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: xtrema312 on January 03, 2011, 09:40:00 AM
Post by: J. Cook on January 03, 2011, 09:42:00 AM
Can't wait to see what comes out of this one!
Post by: FerretWYO on January 03, 2011, 09:58:00 AM
Post by: on January 03, 2011, 10:01:00 AM
See ya later,
Bisch
Post by: Night Wing on January 03, 2011, 10:09:00 AM
Post by: amar911 on January 03, 2011, 10:59:00 AM
Allan
Post by: Over&Under on January 03, 2011, 11:15:00 AM
Post by: Whip on January 03, 2011, 11:23:00 AM
Can't wait for all the details!
Post by: EL Mejor on January 03, 2011, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: Sharptop on January 03, 2011, 01:35:00 PM
Post by: GRINCH on January 03, 2011, 02:28:00 PM
Post by: Doug Campbell on January 03, 2011, 02:29:00 PM
Post by: Bill Turner on January 03, 2011, 04:47:00 PM
Post by: frassettor on January 03, 2011, 04:52:00 PM
Post by: Big Ed on January 03, 2011, 05:56:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on January 03, 2011, 06:06:00 PM
Post by: NoCams on January 03, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
Post by: Mac Hicks on January 03, 2011, 06:34:00 PM
Post by: buckeye_hunter on January 03, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 03, 2011, 06:50:00 PM
(http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w43/silvertip70/surteesknife.jpg)
That is all I can tell for now. :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Post by: Terry Green on January 03, 2011, 07:09:00 PM
Here's a few pics of the 1st day's activities before the afternoon hunt....
Larry Surtees....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firstdaye1.jpg)
Jack Guard.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firstdayd1.jpg)
Curt Cabrera.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firstdayb1.jpg)
Post by: SKYLER W on January 03, 2011, 07:38:00 PM
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/DSC_0977.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/DSC_0952.jpg)
Post by: Ben Maher on January 03, 2011, 07:40:00 PM
Post by: GRINCH on January 03, 2011, 07:42:00 PM
Post by: jcar315 on January 03, 2011, 07:42:00 PM
Post by: Tyler2045 on January 03, 2011, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 03, 2011, 07:52:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 03, 2011, 08:02:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 03, 2011, 08:03:00 PM
Post by: Ben Maher on January 03, 2011, 08:13:00 PM
Great stuff Curt ! Congrats Buddy !
Post by: J-dog on January 03, 2011, 08:25:00 PM
J
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 03, 2011, 08:35:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 03, 2011, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 03, 2011, 09:00:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 03, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
Made it home to my family safe and sound :)
It'll be a day or so before I can get some pix edited and uploaded.
So many stories to tell.
An amazing trip, that almost didn't happen for me....
Post by: Sean B on January 03, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: Yellow Dog on January 03, 2011, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on January 03, 2011, 09:41:00 PM
:jumper:
Post by: Gerardo on January 03, 2011, 10:08:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 03, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 03, 2011, 10:38:00 PM
Even though I was there and heard bits and pieces of a lot of these stories and involved in others one way or another, and I can't wait myself to hear what some of these guys have to post.
I was a victim of the Texas "Duck and Roll" twice over... I'll try to post some of my pics soon and go through my tragic tales also...
Post by: paleFace on January 03, 2011, 10:41:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 03, 2011, 10:46:00 PM
As it turns out the reports that he would not be making this hunt were incorrect. As the story unfolds you will see that he showed up in flying colors!
I will leave the major story telling to the experts and try to add with a few photos I have.
Sit back and enjoy the show, its a Blockbuster!
Post by: tradtusker on January 03, 2011, 11:50:00 PM
Post by: GRINCH on January 03, 2011, 11:52:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on January 04, 2011, 12:20:00 AM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 04, 2011, 01:05:00 AM
Post by: madness522 on January 04, 2011, 06:29:00 AM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 04, 2011, 08:05:00 AM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 04, 2011, 08:12:00 AM
Post by: Bowwild on January 04, 2011, 08:24:00 AM
That's how I spell Drum roll please.
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 08:47:00 AM
Folk were gone a week, and they need to get settled, caught up, and hug their family a bit....so please bear with us.
Post by: silvertip73 on January 04, 2011, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: stabow on January 04, 2011, 09:32:00 AM
Post by: Night Wing on January 04, 2011, 09:59:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by silvertip73:It's when you're admitted to a hospital. ;)
Patients? What is that!
"Patience" is when good things come to those who wait. :D
Post by: Dirtybird on January 04, 2011, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: Bill Turner on January 04, 2011, 11:54:00 AM
Post by: RUSTY1 on January 04, 2011, 11:56:00 AM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 04, 2011, 11:57:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:09:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:19:00 PM
Post by: Sharptop on January 04, 2011, 12:20:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 04, 2011, 12:24:00 PM
The first night I had an opportunity at a nice doe and aimed 3" under her only to end up hitting her high and back with no exit as she ducked and spun. I deceided not to push her that night and the next day we returned to look for her. I had seen her run about 60 yards before losing sight of her. We found just a few specks of blood and put Stubby on her trail. Less than 10 minutes later he had covered the remaining 70yds and there was a happy reunion.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/Waynelabauve/stubby.jpg)
Post by: gregg dudley on January 04, 2011, 12:26:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 04, 2011, 12:28:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:35:00 PM
This old gal came in the first night but I gave her a pass so I could just soak it all in.The first night on stand I saw more deer than I saw all season in NY.The next morning I was feeling comfortable and after waiting for what seemed like an hour she quartered away from me and I let a Silver Flame go.I aimed about 5 inches under her and still hit about 10 inches up from the brisket line.A broadside deer in Texas is no guarantee. At the shot she did a leap and a complete barrel roll with her belly facing to the sky.She ran a 100 yard loop and expired just out of sight in a small draw.
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:38:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 12:40:00 PM
Thanks.
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 12:46:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
.
Post by: Night Wing on January 04, 2011, 01:01:00 PM
Post by: Nakohe on January 04, 2011, 01:08:00 PM
Post by: stabow on January 04, 2011, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: FerretWYO on January 04, 2011, 03:32:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Izzy:Good old Taz. He found a deer for me once too. I hope he finds another one for me one day.
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN2055.jpg)This old boy Taz brought us to the end of her trail with nothing more than one drop of blood found.
Post by: rastaman on January 04, 2011, 03:45:00 PM
Post by: amar911 on January 04, 2011, 04:06:00 PM
Wayne -- You did well, buddy! Those deer are the most skittish and quickest moving I have ever seen. You definitely look like a Predator in that camo pattern.
Izzy -- Nice work for a Solana newcomer "Yankee". :D
Skyler -- Waiting to hear "the rest of the story" with those blood stained chartreuse feathers.
Carlton -- Those of us who have hunted Solana deer know what a challenge it is to hit a target that is not there anymore when the arrow arrives. I know from being with you that you are a good shot, but I'm glad you got some more experience on how to lead your shots on those wily animals. The third time will be a charm next year!
Sounds like everybody had a great time whether they got a deer/hog or not. We need some stories about camp life and the food too. I'm sure everyone had good fortune in those departments.
Allan
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 04, 2011, 05:04:00 PM
;) :D
Post by: robtattoo on January 04, 2011, 05:25:00 PM
Post by: champ38 on January 04, 2011, 05:59:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:18:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:20:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:25:00 PM
Post by: Big Ed on January 04, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:41:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on January 04, 2011, 06:42:00 PM
Izzy, congrats! Any hunt with you around is bound to be a good one.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:45:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:47:00 PM
Post by: Ray Hammond on January 04, 2011, 06:48:00 PM
Did you see any spotted mountain gorillas over there?
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:50:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:52:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 04, 2011, 06:53:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 06:56:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 04, 2011, 06:57:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Izzy:THAT is a cool picture.
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/IMAG0072-1.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 07:05:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: kwc on January 04, 2011, 07:12:00 PM
Post by: Wapiti Chaser on January 04, 2011, 07:19:00 PM
Post by: Bonebuster on January 04, 2011, 07:19:00 PM
I can tell by the picture you have alot going on in your mind. Trying to burn every detail into your memory so you don`t miss a thing! :thumbsup:
Post by: Rick Butler on January 04, 2011, 07:26:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 04, 2011, 07:28:00 PM
Post by: Over&Under on January 04, 2011, 07:29:00 PM
Post by: jcar315 on January 04, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
Post by: Duckbutt on January 04, 2011, 07:40:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 04, 2011, 07:52:00 PM
Like I said earlier, this trip that I had been looking forward to for months, almost didn't happen!
As you all know, the Sunday night/Monday before the Tuesday I was supposed to fly out on, we got hammered with snow here in the North east.
After I got things cleaned up around the house Monday morning, and went out to lunch with the kids, I checked my flight, and all was good.
A couple hrs later, I checked again and read in bold red letters...Cancelled!
OMG! The phone calls started, and hrs later, I still couldn't get a flight out of any airpost within 4-5 hrs drive. Nothing till Friday was what I was told.
I was devistated to say the least. I called Terry and Don Wilson who was already in TX, that it didn't look good.
Terry started making calls as well. But as of 10:00pm, I had about lost all hope and called Don and Terry back to tell them the news....
So I went to bed, but figured I'd try all day the next day if I had to to try to get there. I was up at 4:00am and got on the phone with AA to see if anything had changed. For thr first hal hr or so on the phone with a very helpfull lady, it still didn't look good.
But then she came up with a flight and asked if I could get to Philly(3.5 hrs. away). Heck yeah I can get there!
She found a flight leaving at 3:30pm. That gave me plenty of time to say my good byes when everyone woke up, get a shower, and hit the road.....
.....I landed in Killeen at 10:45pm the happiest guy in the world!!!
When Peanut drove me into camp the first out to greet me was my (not so) little buddy Skyler Wilson!
I was all smiles when I went thru the door and was greeted with smiling faces looking right back at me. I was soon shaking hands and huggin lod friends, and greeting some that were soon to become friends throughout the week.
I was one happy hunter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The next morning we woke up, had a great breakfast, bought my license....then headed back to camp to get our gear ready for our first hunt that afternoon....
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 07:55:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 07:57:00 PM
Congrats again Izzy!!!
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 08:00:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
This but was shot through the skull....note the almost exit point...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011skulla1.jpg)
Now note the healed up entry point above the rear tooth.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011skullb1.jpg)
Nice Buck as well.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011skullc1.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 08:04:00 PM
Post by: Big Ed on January 04, 2011, 08:08:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 08:09:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 04, 2011, 08:14:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 04, 2011, 08:16:00 PM
Terry putting a deadly edge on one of his Zwickey Delta 4 blades. That's a very special bow settin' on the bed next to him...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020737ncopynsolana.JPG)
R to L...David, Peanut, Terry, and Robert...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020738ncopynsolana.JPG)
That skull Terry just showed was pretty amazing! That buck lived long enough for that bone on the entrance side to completely heal over. Pretty cool proof of how tough these critters are...
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 04, 2011, 08:19:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 04, 2011, 08:24:00 PM
Before I knew it it, I was up in a familiar stand. Two years ago, last time was at Solana, the last morning of the hunt I'd shot a doe out of this stand. I'd also hunted it one other time before on that trip, and also once the year before. I'd always seen plenty of game from this stand, hogs and deer...I climbed up with very high hopes...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020741ncopynsolana.JPG)
I never get tired of the view from this stand...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020742ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 08:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:Yep......and both would have 'The Final Say' soon....and the bow would have it a second time, along with another Z 4 Blade two days later.
Terry putting a deadly edge on one of his Zwickey Delta 4 blades. That's a very special bow settin' on the bed next to him...
Post by: rastaman on January 04, 2011, 08:30:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 04, 2011, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: GRINCH on January 04, 2011, 08:35:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 04, 2011, 08:36:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dirtybird:It's awesome! More on the KUIU clothing later.....but as you'll see in some of the pix to follow, the camo pattern absolutely devistates the human outline!
Hey Curt hows that KUIU gear working out?
Post by: gregg dudley on January 04, 2011, 08:39:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 04, 2011, 08:44:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firstdayg1.jpg)
Guides John and Gary.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firstdayh1.jpg)
Post by: oneshot-onekill on January 04, 2011, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 04, 2011, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Ben Maher on January 04, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
Awesome stuff guys !
Post by: Froggy on January 04, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: IndianaBowman on January 04, 2011, 09:34:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 04, 2011, 09:51:00 PM
We got up the next morning to drive the remaining three and a half hours to the ranch. We arrived at around 11 o clock and got our stuff unpacked. So I went off to find David Shepperd (our guide/good friend/rabbit whisperer...more on that later). David said that I could go with him and Peanut to go put up some new tripods and set some "death traps". So we went and put up 2 tripods and saw several deer, one very wide 6 point, and 3 turkeys. When I got back to camp, more and more people started showing up, including Larry Surtees, who I was very glad to see. After everyone who was getting there that night arrived, we went and ate supper, then came back to camp and sharpened broadheads, told hunting stories, and anxiously waited for Curt to arrive. When I saw the headlights, I jumped up and ran outside! After all the hellos and some more hunting talk, we went to bed to get a good nights rest.
The next moring, everyone went into town to eat breakfast and buy hunting licences. The rest of the day while waiting for huntig time, Everyone got there bows out and did a little shooting. Dad decided he was going to climb up in a tripod to see if he could shoot out of it. He drew his new Black Widow bow that he had just traded for, andchored, released...POP!! Everyone looks up and half of dads bowstring is laying broken on the ground. . .He was lucky enough that Larry had an extra string that he could use. After more shooting, everyone Geared up to get ready for the first afternoon hunt and to listen to Terry's little "speech" :bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/P1020808.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC300376.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC300378.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC300381.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC300382.jpg)
Post by: Jack Guard on January 04, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
Prior to my arrival in the states and after several e-mails, i was to hunt in Chris's spot. Man talk about nervous. That all gave way to excitement and spastic planning. I had a plane ticket to arrange, license to buy, coordination with elkken on a ride to the ranch. Then had to apply some new arrow wraps and double dogs from onestringer (thanks Scott and Mindy), fletch arrows, sharpen broadheads, pratice shooting, begin packing. Oh, did i mention there was Christmas and two little boys that missed their father.
Caught the plane on the morning of the 28th. Bumped into Terry in Atlanta and meet up with Izzy, Terry, Staybow and Larry in the Austin Airport. Quick stop by Wallyworld to buy Izzys License and i am there.
We hung out around the ranch house and got to know everyone and shoot our bows. We had a great dinner at Johnny's Steaks and Bar Be-Que that evening.
Slept in and ate Brunch out in Solado the next afternoon.
By 3 the afternoon of the 29th we were in our first stands.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3097.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3099.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3100.jpg)
This was my first visitor of the trip.
I enjoyed watching him and 5 does and a young fork horn.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3104.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3113.jpg)
Post by: Jack Guard on January 04, 2011, 10:25:00 PM
Yep, that's me with the crazy beard.
And mostly, you all missed out. There were some first class, amazing folks on this trip.
Many of you know this already but i have now learned it first hand.
And guys...this is my new Trad Archery Hero.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3282.jpg)
Post by: on January 04, 2011, 11:09:00 PM
Bisch
Post by: BowHuntingFool on January 05, 2011, 12:24:00 AM
Post by: glenbo on January 05, 2011, 05:03:00 AM
Post by: Hopewell Tom on January 05, 2011, 06:22:00 AM
GREAT read, thanks for the effort.
Post by: Guru on January 05, 2011, 07:27:00 AM
I'd say you made the right decision not shooting that young ten pt. the first evening ;)
Skyler is my hero as well...I've hunted with Skyler a few times now, everytime he just impresses me more and more. At 15 yrs. old, he's the "real deal" and he "gets it".
Not to mention he's a flat out KILLER!
Post by: Keith Karr on January 05, 2011, 08:36:00 AM
Post by: bow loving man on January 05, 2011, 08:55:00 AM
Post by: dbishop on January 05, 2011, 09:02:00 AM
Terry posted a picture of the two guides Mike and Gary. Do any of you remember Gary's last name? Would it happen to be "Trapp"?
Take care
Dave
Post by: Terry Green on January 05, 2011, 09:19:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 05, 2011, 09:40:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by SKYLER W:
[QB]
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC300376.jpg)
Looks like I got caught shooting right handed! There was a couple real good reasons I had to try that bow...
Post by: J-dog on January 05, 2011, 09:53:00 AM
Curt, what kind of bow is that your shooting (right handed?)
Jason
Post by: paleFace on January 05, 2011, 09:54:00 AM
Post by: Whip on January 05, 2011, 10:01:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 05, 2011, 10:24:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Whip:You have no idea......YET!!!
It's plain to see there was something really special going on last week.
Post by: Arwin on January 05, 2011, 10:59:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 05, 2011, 11:01:00 AM
How about a few pix of the rugged beauty of the Solana ranch...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020827ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020828ncopynsolana.JPG)
Check this out...These prickly pears are no joke!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020830ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020831ncopynsolana.JPG)
These are worse than the big needles...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020833ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020835ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020842ncopynsolana.JPG)
Not sure what kind of rock this is, but it's all over the ranch..kinda look like skulls...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020840ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Arrowslinger on January 05, 2011, 11:05:00 AM
Post by: Huntschool on January 05, 2011, 11:20:00 AM
Post by: Mint on January 05, 2011, 11:41:00 AM
Post by: Huntschool on January 05, 2011, 11:43:00 AM
Great buck Izzy and cool stuff on all the pics and comments. Keep em comming
Post by: Terry Green on January 05, 2011, 11:44:00 AM
(http://tradgang.com/tg/copperhead/bhs.jpg)
Post by: leatherneck on January 05, 2011, 11:46:00 AM
Hey Sunny,you didn't cut yourself with that knife did ya?
Post by: Sharptop on January 05, 2011, 11:50:00 AM
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/019.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/017.jpg)
And a happy camper with his buck....
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/023-1.jpg)
Post by: IndianaBowman on January 05, 2011, 12:01:00 PM
Those are some nicely shaped heads you got there! I'd shave all my hair off too if I could look that good! :)
Post by: smoke1953 on January 05, 2011, 12:33:00 PM
Post by: stick_string on January 05, 2011, 12:50:00 PM
:knothead:
Post by: twitchstick on January 05, 2011, 01:51:00 PM
Post by: Sean B on January 05, 2011, 01:58:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 05, 2011, 02:39:00 PM
That Ten Pointer was mounted by Curt, and I received it a week before we left completing my 'Solana Bookend Tens'.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solanatentwins2.jpg)
Yep, this dandy buck came in, a straight up perfect 10 point, he was a beaut of a buck....He waded in amongst the 6 point that had ran it just after David left me, and the two doe and button head.
Came in like he owned the place from out front to my right...he hooked around and immediately began feeding straight to me....this was going to be too easy....
He fed himself right into range. All I was waiting for was him to turn...and a step closer he came, and another step, and another....
Then they all blew out of there as 2 big red boar hogs came piling in. Preparing for a shot on them, a 3rd piled in....almost. He got wind of something and backed out and began to grunt the others out of there as well.
All this took place in about 20 seconds....that would be the 1st and only shooter buck I'd have in range, and the last hogs I would see while on stand.
Although I didn't take anything single handed, I, along with a special bow I was hunting with, would have 'the final say' for a couple of wild hogs in a heated up close a very personal battle amongst our group. And this provided some of the most fun I've ever had at the ranch. It was really exiting, exhilarating, challenging, and suspenseful.....what a RUSH!!!
The 1st hog fight was worth the price of the hunt alone....and the second one was even wilder!!! I'm sure you will enjoy those stories as they come in.
Here's a few pics of my 1st stand.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firststanda1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011firststandb1.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 05, 2011, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: Fritz on January 05, 2011, 03:35:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 05, 2011, 04:56:00 PM
It was a good start though. And I was so glad to be hunting Solana again. I just knew better hunts were yet to come.
A great dinner back at camp was waiting for us.
I don't want to get ahead of the others in my group, so I'll hold up a bit and download some videos in preperation for the next mornings hunt....
Post by: Christopher M. Surtees on January 05, 2011, 05:16:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 05:21:00 PM
Skyler is working this afternoon and will be home soon. We'll get caught up with Curt in a couple of hours....All pics are up-loaded and ready
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on January 05, 2011, 05:45:00 PM
Post by: Mamba on January 05, 2011, 05:51:00 PM
Post by: Covey on January 05, 2011, 06:03:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 05, 2011, 06:26:00 PM
Post by: zipper bowss on January 05, 2011, 06:35:00 PM
Bill
Post by: Dirtybird on January 05, 2011, 06:38:00 PM
Keep the stories and pics rolling boys.
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 07:31:00 PM
One of the things, we all would change, if we could. But he was with us in so many ways. Most of us could just look around while in the stand and find something that once belonged to him.
This hunt was for our buddy. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC280309.jpg)
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:04:00 PM
Skyler has covered early events well so I'll start with Wednesday afternoon...We gathered together at the "the tables" all ready to go. I was shooting my Widow when my string broke...and this was just hours before we were headed to our evening stands. Talking about letting the wind out of the sails.
Larry Surtees came through with a new SBD String. We were ready for a lot of stretch but no problem...Skyler, Curt and I shot it a bunch and in a matter of an Hour, I was ready to go.
We headed out and I went to a familiar Tree that I had killed out of in the past. I was there just a short time when HE showed up. A big 19-20" buck and he was headed my way but he was slightly downwind and that was enough. It was slow until around 30 minutes before dark. I looked across the pasture and around 20 hogs were racing to me. I let them get settled for a few minutes (3 seconds) and picked out a huge spotted sow with a black spot just behind her shoulder. The shot was good to me and she ran off with the arrow buried nearly to the feathers..quartering away.
I felt good about it but hogs were running everywhere and I lost track of her. I was listening for anything and looked up to see a nice 8 point headed my way. It was getting dark quickly and he wasn't going to make it in time. When he got there it was just too dark for a shot. He was nice and I would have loved the opportunity.
When the rest of the crew came to pick me up, I GOT DOWN EXPECTING TO SEE A MASSIVE BLOOD TRAIL that wasn't there. We looked for a while and decided to come back in the morning. We've shot enough hogs to know that they don't always bleed good. I knew where I hit her and it was good. But there should have been blood. At daylight Sunnyhill was hunting there and saw my fletching sticking out of a "dead as a hammer" hog from the treestand. I don't know how we missed walking over her the night before. The "dead as a hammer" quote is from Terry.....Bigger than I thought and very happy.... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC310406.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC310407.jpg)
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:11:00 PM
Post by: FerretWYO on January 05, 2011, 08:17:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 05, 2011, 08:22:00 PM
Its weird how fast the time went.
There is definitely some MOJO in those gloves.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3268.jpg)
Izzy and Robert
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3269.jpg)
Izzy's Buck
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3200.jpg)
Post by: rastaman on January 05, 2011, 08:24:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:26:00 PM
Post by: EL Mejor on January 05, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
THE ENERGY OFF THIS THREAD IS CRAZY. EVERY TIME I LOG OFF I PICK UP MY BOW,AND JUST HAVE TO LET SOME FLY TOWARDS MY GLENDALE,JUST CANT HELP MY SELF..... :archer2: WAY TO GO CUZ NICE 8... P. R. O.STYLE
:archer2:
Post by: oneshot-onekill on January 05, 2011, 08:46:00 PM
Post by: EL Mejor on January 05, 2011, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:50:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:54:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 08:59:00 PM
This is the Chief, David Shepard, with a baby cottontail that he caught and released alive one night while we were blood trailing. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/PC290329.jpg)
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 05, 2011, 09:04:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 05, 2011, 09:10:00 PM
Here is a photo of Stabow, his hog, and Rigger the faithful tracking dog. He's a Texas Blue Lacey
Post by: elkken on January 05, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
My first nights hunt resulted in this hog ...
I saw ten or so deer and then in came about 15 hogs and this guy was the lucky winner.
Post by: EL Mejor on January 05, 2011, 09:18:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 05, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
He takes his demeanor from his father who is also a very humble and friendly man.
Don was one of the first to come up to me and ease my stress on arrival.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3289.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3273.jpg)
Post by: Jack Guard on January 05, 2011, 09:54:00 PM
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3103.jpg)
Later that afternoon found us all hanging around the pavilion, talking and shooting. I hand many conversations and during one of them Mr Surtees offered to let me hunt with Chris's Hi-Breed, takedown long bow.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3170.jpg)
Funny how fate has a way of stepping in. My first few arrows with this bow were dead on.
Later that evening, i sat, quietly in a stand, well away from anyone, thinking. It was a beautiful evening and around 5:30 pm a group of deer feed there way under my stand. Honestly i was looking for a nice buck so i stayed cool and calm. While watching the deer i couldn't help but draw Chris's bow on a few of them. It was my way of keeping calm and practicing my movement.
But on one occasion, as i drew on the big fat doe in the group, I hit anchor, and a little voice took over. (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3132.jpg)
I apologize for the picture but as the situation unfolded i was a bit shocked and didn't really take the time to set it up properly.
Chris was definitely there with me.
Post by: RC on January 05, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
Congrats to all you fellers on the hunt....for the Kills and Making Friends you won`t forget.Time well spent,RC.
Post by: Izzy on January 05, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 05, 2011, 10:08:00 PM
The next morning I hunted out of a ladder stand that I hunted two years ago, where I almost killed a MONSTER 8 point and Dad missed a good buck. For some reason, I had a really good feeling about that morning. I was the first one to get dropped off, so I had well over an hour before daylight. At about fifteen minutes until good shooting light, I heard something at the feeder. I looked through my binoculars to see a HUGE boar hog. I went ahead and stood up and got ready. I passed up a good broadside shot to wait a few more minutes so I could see him a little better. Five minutes later, he was almost in the same spot again, when he looked up and suddenly ran off. I wasn't quite sure what had happened. I knew he hadn't seen me....my thought was interrupted when I good sized doe walked into my shooting hole...then another..then another..then...well you get the point. . There were about 8 does in front of me. Then I saw something else...ANTLERS!!! I looked through my Zeiss binos. He was a nice sized 8 point, not as big as Izzy's buck, but plenty big enough for me After a few minutes of feeding he was 18 yards, broad sided, front leg forward..perfect. I picked a spot about level with his knee. I was at half draw and....he takes off after one of the does. I watched him chase her over the hill and out of sight. Darn! But there were still several does at the feeder. I decided that I would shoot the next good sized doe that gave me a shot. Sure enough, a few minutes later, a doe was in the same spot the 8 point was only moments before. I picked my spot, level with her knee, reached anchor, and released....
I saw my charteuse feathers dissapear right in the pocket. My arrow zipped through her like it was nothing. She turned and ran, but I knew she wasn't going far.
Then the shaking started.... My first deer with a bow!! I sent Dad and Curt a text message telling them the story. They were almost as excited as I was.. Almost. I waited about two more hours (It felt like five) for everyone to get there. we walked to the feeder and looked at my arrow...Lung blood. It took us a minute to find the blood, but when we did the blood trail was short and sweet..Hard to beat We found her under a patch of briars that she had dove under. There were hugs and handshakes and high fives and of course..pictures.
That morning made the whole trip worth it :bigsmyl
--------------------
TGMM Family of the Bow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post by: Izzy on January 05, 2011, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 05, 2011, 10:13:00 PM
Post by: on January 05, 2011, 10:13:00 PM
Bisch
Post by: SKYLER W on January 05, 2011, 10:17:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 05, 2011, 10:24:00 PM
Post by: Ben Maher on January 05, 2011, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: NoCams on January 05, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
Looking forward to the rest of this thread !
Post by: Horner on January 05, 2011, 10:43:00 PM
Also, congrats on the great animals harvested. :clapper:
Post by: DW on January 05, 2011, 10:55:00 PM
Check out the Cap. It belonged to Chris and was a gift from Larry.
Skyler is not done on this trip yet.....lot more to come.
Post by: oneshot-onekill on January 05, 2011, 11:01:00 PM
Post by: Rick Butler on January 05, 2011, 11:03:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on January 05, 2011, 11:19:00 PM
Post by: FerretWYO on January 05, 2011, 11:39:00 PM
Post by: smoke1953 on January 05, 2011, 11:43:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on January 05, 2011, 11:46:00 PM
Great shot on your first deer. Most guys don't hit em that well even after they've shot a few! Looks like that broadhead did its job and more! That looks like a VPA???
Keep it coming guys.
P.S. Who's camera was volunteered for the inside the body cavity shot? Gotta wipe it off a little after that one. Nice photo!
Post by: elkken on January 05, 2011, 11:51:00 PM
There was a Glenn Dell buck target set up outside to get you back in the groove after a long journey to Texas. This group would make you proud to shoot traditional bows, they could shoot.
While the hunting was indeed good, meeting all these folks was the best. Every corner of the US was covered except the Southwest, and Danny traveled all the way from Guam.
The outpouring of compassion and love to Larry Surtees was overwhelming. Never have I seen a better example of brotherhood than with this group of Traditional Bowhunters. I am so glad I had the opportunity to be there. Even in this time of sadness there was much joy and friendship.
Post by: Bel007 on January 06, 2011, 12:02:00 AM
Post by: ole shep on January 06, 2011, 12:03:00 AM
"Some of my wounds suffered on the wild ride, in pursuit of five TRADGANGERS, 1 Blue Lacy, and 1 Wild Hog."
Post by: DesertDude on January 06, 2011, 12:12:00 AM
Post by: rastaman on January 06, 2011, 06:25:00 AM
Post by: Yellow Dog on January 06, 2011, 06:36:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 06:42:00 AM
Enjoy the recovery videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0KasoWns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiZ2l8QnIhc
There was not a more deserving hunter of this experience than my not-so-little buddy Skylar Wilson!
Congrats again buddy, it couldn't have been done any better!
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 06:54:00 AM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020744ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020745ncopynsolana.JPG)
But my morning was made with the news from Sky! Don later told me Sky was so "tore up" that he couldn't understand him when he called after the shot. He told him to hang up and send a text because he couldn't understand a word he was sayin'! Good stuff!!!
My pix of a very special morning for all of us...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020746ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020749ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020753ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020757ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020759ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020762ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: lpcjon2 on January 06, 2011, 07:10:00 AM
Post by: Bonebuster on January 06, 2011, 07:13:00 AM
Congrats and a lifetime of happy returns for you!
I think it was page 3, with all the arrows, when I saw SEVERAL of the same design, I just KNEW they were yours. :thumbsup:
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on January 06, 2011, 07:15:00 AM
Post by: Froggy on January 06, 2011, 07:23:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 07:25:00 AM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020772ncopynsolana.JPG)
First deer!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020774ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 07:29:00 AM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020801ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020803ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020804ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020806ncopynsolana.JPG)
One happy group of hunters right there, but more importantly, lifelong friends!
This was already one amazing trip, but little did we all know what was still to come!
Post by: tradtusker on January 06, 2011, 07:34:00 AM
Skyler Congrats on the Deer! nice work.
how do you like those Broadheads? nice hey!
looking forward to the rest
Post by: Jack Guard on January 06, 2011, 08:01:00 AM
Wish i had been on that recovery.
He is one fantastic hunter.
Post by: leatherneck on January 06, 2011, 08:05:00 AM
Great looking hog Don.
Post by: hunt it on January 06, 2011, 08:12:00 AM
Post by: pitbull on January 06, 2011, 08:14:00 AM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 06, 2011, 08:21:00 AM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 06, 2011, 08:33:00 AM
Post by: BDann on January 06, 2011, 08:35:00 AM
Post by: marshall brown on January 06, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 06, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 06, 2011, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: Pierre Lucas on January 06, 2011, 09:09:00 AM
Congratulations to everyone. Especially Skyler.
God Bless, Pierre and Jean-Pierre
Post by: Mudd on January 06, 2011, 09:33:00 AM
I loved the videos of the recovery of Skylers' doe.
It made me think that for future hunts down there you could bring along a tool that would aid in recovery.
I believe a snare pole could have made dragging his dead deer out of that brier patch/thicket easier and a lot less painful...lol
Congratulations to you all!
God bless,Mudd
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 09:34:00 AM
Skyler had really grown since the last Solana Hunt he was on two years ago....grown in more ways than just size.
He's got it together, and at 15 years old, he was NOT a boy among men in this camp. He heard me telling of a story about a friend of mine. I was telling my friend that he should have gotten another arrow into an certain animal that he definitely could have.......and Skyler took note and applied that not long after this doe recovery.
Congrats again Skyler.....that was a GREAT shot you made....and one I've come to expect from you.
Post by: GRINCH on January 06, 2011, 09:37:00 AM
Post by: Whip on January 06, 2011, 09:46:00 AM
Can't wait for more!
Post by: Carbonkiller on January 06, 2011, 10:00:00 AM
btw- skyler, you didn't bring the dorado to texas? :)
Post by: Fritz on January 06, 2011, 10:01:00 AM
Post by: J-dog on January 06, 2011, 10:05:00 AM
Post by: S.C. Hunter on January 06, 2011, 10:13:00 AM
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on January 06, 2011, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: dbishop on January 06, 2011, 10:38:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ole shep:Hey Shep! Looks like you need to invest in some chaps!! Good seeing you last Friday, it had been a while.
[/IMG][/URL][/IMG] (http:// [IMG] [url=http://images.imagelinky.com/1294290124.jpg] [img]http://images.imagelinky.com/1294290124.jpg)[/url] [/IMG] (http://images.imagelinky.com/1294289788.jpg) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1294289788.jpg) [/IMG]
"Some of my wounds suffered on the wild ride, in pursuit of five TRADGANGERS, 1 Blue Lacy, and 1 Wild Hog."
Take care
Dave
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 06, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
Congrats on your first deer Skyler.
Don thats a great hog and congrats to Curt on a beautiful buck.
Keep it coming guy's. These stories are great.
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 10:51:00 AM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 06, 2011, 11:22:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by leatherneck:Naw Rizzy.... I didn't get cut. Something did.... but not me.. :bigsmyl:
Hey Sunny,you didn't cut yourself with that knife did ya?
Post by: leatherneck on January 06, 2011, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: kibok&ko on January 06, 2011, 11:51:00 AM
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 06, 2011, 12:25:00 PM
David
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 01:18:00 PM
Congrats to Elkken....got his second hog with me in camp both times...gotta love it!
Contrats to Wayne....my second hunt with him also!
Post by: Kenneth on January 06, 2011, 01:40:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on January 06, 2011, 02:04:00 PM
Post by: highpoint forge on January 06, 2011, 02:31:00 PM
Post by: Bill Turner on January 06, 2011, 02:52:00 PM
As for DW, that's a big old sow. Hope you had plenty of help loading that momma.
Post by: Kyle Lancaster on January 06, 2011, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: stick_string on January 06, 2011, 03:36:00 PM
Ben :archer2:
Post by: Sean B on January 06, 2011, 03:54:00 PM
Post by: bill langer on January 06, 2011, 03:57:00 PM
CONGRATS to all!
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 06, 2011, 04:34:00 PM
Post by: Leland on January 06, 2011, 04:41:00 PM
Leland
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 05:04:00 PM
Here's a few pics of the notorious 'Killin Tree'. You have to earn your strips to hunt this very special tree....Curt got his this trip....and Skyler no doubt earned his. Next year Skyler....you're up!!!
This is one of my most favorite pics I've ever taken at the ranch from a stand....So many past memories....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree1.jpg)
And here's on with Chris' bow hanging in the Killin Tree....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree2.JPG)
And a few more views.....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree3.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree4.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree5.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree6.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree7.JPG)
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 06, 2011, 05:09:00 PM
Thanks for the photo's
Post by: Dirtybird on January 06, 2011, 05:09:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 06, 2011, 05:19:00 PM
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 06, 2011, 05:21:00 PM
Thanks for the photo's
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 05:50:00 PM
So after a very special morning that included Sky's first bowkilled deer. We prepared for the afternoon hunt...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020776ncopynsolana.JPG)
My KUIU camo airin' out...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020777ncopynsolana.JPG)
This would be one very, very memorable hunt for me shared with some great friends. Like I said we prepared for the afternoon, but this one would be about more than I/we could handle!
I was places in a tripod I'd hunted in the past. Last time I was in this tripod I'd killed a hog before first light with the first shot I'd ever taken with my homemade hog light.
The view of the feeder and some critters that are very common to this stand...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020778ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020779ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020785ncopynsolana.JPG)
When David dropped me off, he'd said that the hogs had pretty much taken over this spot. So I was ready for them as the sun was getting low.
Until about 4:15 all was pretty quiet. I was just sitting there relaxing, but ready for what I had a feeling would start happening soon.
There is always song birds around the stands messin around in the leaves, but all of a sudden I became aware of a different sound. Not much different, but enough to make me look down behind me...
There, not 10 ft away was a big blackish/red hog!
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 06, 2011, 06:18:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:AMEN Brother!!!!!
This would be one very, very memorable hunt for me shared with some great friends. Like I said we prepared for the afternoon, but this one would be about more than I/we could handle!
Post by: cacciatore on January 06, 2011, 06:25:00 PM
Post by: pdk25 on January 06, 2011, 06:41:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 07:09:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by sunny hill archer:I'll SECOND!!!
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:AMEN Brother!!!!! [/b]
This would be one very, very memorable hunt for me shared with some great friends. Like I said we prepared for the afternoon, but this one would be about more than I/we could handle!
Post by: crosseye on January 06, 2011, 07:17:00 PM
stan
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
I just froze as they both walked a couple very cautious steps. They knew something was amiss, and just stood for a solid 2-3 minutes tring to figure it out.
My heart was about to pump thru my chest as the tension built!
But the wind would be the deciding factor in this encounter. The whole time they were there it seemed to be just missing them. But.....a slight direction change had then back peddling a couple steps then turning and walking slowly back the way they came....I exhaled! WOW!!!
But the sun was dipping lower and lower and about a half hour later I heard sticks cracking and leaves crunching again. But this time about 20yds. away and from the sound, I could tell they were coming in!
I reached for my bow, switched arrows so I had a VPA on the important end, and they appeared about 40yds. away, and closing.
As soon as I saw them, I could tell it was the same 2 hogs I'd had right under me earlier. One jet black, and one reddish-black. Both good size hogs, both boars!
It was just a few minutes and the reddish one, the cool lookin' one that I really wanted was feeding broadside, about 20yds away.
I picked my spot as I drew the string to anchor and let it rip!
Now for those that don't know, these Solana hogs are wired, just like the deer. This hog was no doubt reacting to the sound of my shot, and I also might have been a little high with my shot...my arrow looked to miss him as he rolled away from the sound!
I saw it pin-balling off the rocks and stop short against a rock not far away...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020788ncopynsolana.JPG)
Dang it! I hate when I miss!!! I should have known better...we'd all taked earlier about the need to aim low on the hogs as well as the deer!
They both ran off about 40yds away and stopped. I nocked another arrow, and hoped they would come back!
The black one that I didn't shoot at, wasn't gonna have any part of it...but...the reddish one that I'd shot at must have been really hungry, he started right back in...
I watched him for a while as he feed around. I wanted him to get as close as possible again. As I waited, I kept reminding myself to "aim low".
Minuted ticked by and soon he was feeding right in the same spot where I'd shot at him not five minutes earlier....
Post by: Terry Green on January 06, 2011, 07:45:00 PM
This was Friday afternoon, and my whole day was a wash. We had a major wind change 30 minutes after daylight instead of around lunch time, and you will see why my afternoon was a hoot.
The this tree is at least 25 feet up, with a lot of steep shooting angles. With the deer reacting the way they do, you have to aim at the seam of the lower body and the ground below....and they duck right into the shot....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree10.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree8.JPG)
Glad I wasn't hungry yet....or had an extra $1500 to spend......before it was over, I had 9 eating off of my tree while the deer stood dismayed about 60 yards away pacing around not knowing what to do....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011killintree9.JPG)
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 07:56:00 PM
... The arrow hit him perfectly, low and tight to the front leg as he ducked and rolled away!
At impact the arrow knocked him down as it buried in his opposite shoulder and I could see blood gushing in a second!
He regained his feet, and charged off as an impressive amount of blood spewed out of the entrance hole!
He started to faulter withing 15yds, and flipped "end over end" at about 20yds....he laid dead less than 40yds. from me!
Redemption...I missed him once, but not the second time!
As I sat there shaking, I still couldn't believe he'd come right back in after the first arrow!
One out of two...and I was far from done...
Post by: Bonebuster on January 06, 2011, 08:05:00 PM
Terry, I bet you were at least "picking a spot"
on them BIG brown critters that were otherwise off limits. :D
Great pics everyone.
Post by: Wannabe1 on January 06, 2011, 08:06:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on January 06, 2011, 08:27:00 PM
Post by: swp on January 06, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 08:32:00 PM
More hogs were coming in!!
This time a sounder of about 15 hogs came in as the light faded. Nothing real big, but I'm not one to be picky when it comes to hogs.
But there was one that caught my eye. Even though there was about every size and color, an "oreo" hog is the one I picked to try for.
It was black the front third, white the middle third, and black the back third...ya know...like an oreo cookie ;)
They all herked and jerked around as they fed,twisted and turned, jockying around just like hogs always do. Seemingly never standing still at any time more than a split second.
But try as I may, I just couldn't get that oreo hog to come close enough, and clear enough for a shot....and light was fading fast now...
I had my hog light on my bow, but these hogs were a bit far to feel comfortable shooting with the aid of the tiny light.
So I picked a closer hog, a brownish/red looking bugger. As he claered with no hogs right behind, and in front of him....I drew my last VPA tipped, Vapor shaft to anchor, looked low........and shot low! It looked like I'd shot right under him tight to the front leg....Dang it!
One for three...geez!
It was almost dark now, for whatever reason, I nocked another arrow. This time a big Snuffer160.
I figured by the time I got picked up, more hogs could show up. If they were close, I'd try my hog light.
I quietly packed up some gear in preparation of being picked up soon.
Then I heard walking , but this time off to my right and close!
I looked out and could see the outline of a hog not 6-7yds away, right in front of me!
This was getting crazy now!
As quickly and quietly as I could, I grabbed my bow, turned on my light, and started to draw.
But in the dark and my haste, I'd forgot about my arrow holder and my "a little too loose nocks", I pulled the arrow right off the string without dislodging it out of the kwik-loc arrow holder! The hog just stood still....
I fumbled around, got the nock seated back on the string, but as the light hit it and I started to draw, it started to move off.
I mouth grunted, and it stopped quartering away, only ten yards away. In the red light I saw my arrow come out of the bow, and it looked to take the hog a bit back, but quartering away!
At impact, it squealed and exploded back out the way it had come in. Squealing with every step as the darkness and the cedars swallowed it up...
I'd had about all I could take and just collapsed back into the seat to await my pick-up!!
Post by: Horner on January 06, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
Great story telling!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: NoCams on January 06, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 06, 2011, 08:44:00 PM
I was fortunate enough to connect, but know others who are much better shots than me walk away from encounters empty handed and shaking their heads.
If you didn't catch it in his post, Skyler said I shot for her KNEE, not her ELBOW. As Terry would say "You may have to give up the body," and shoot off of the deer. For those who have never done such a thing (that'd be me till this weekend) its difficult to force yourself to shoot off target.
OK, Now that would be difficult enough, but thats only half the story,as some of the deer and hogs would not duck at all. I know of several encounters where shooting beneath game left the hunters with only a dirty dulled arrow.
Excuses for misses at Solana are unnecessary for those who have hunted it. The game there already come with excuses attached reguardless of the archers skill.
Post by: Jack Guard on January 06, 2011, 08:47:00 PM
Post by: EL Mejor on January 06, 2011, 08:48:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 06, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
As the others were getting into hogs in the AM i had 4 does and a buck in my stand. I was sitting in the top of an old oak tree. It was chilly and a bit windy. That old tree was swaying and cracking a bit. Kinda had me worried.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3158-1.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3187.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3184.jpg)
Eventually the wind changed direction and the does ran off to leave a monster buck in my sites.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3145.jpg)
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3137.jpg)
Maybe he was smaller than i thought. This little guy stayed for about an hour.
Post by: gregg dudley on January 06, 2011, 09:03:00 PM
Post by: Wiley Coyote on January 06, 2011, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
When I got down I told everyone that was there what had just gone down. I went over to where most of the shooting had happened and immediately found my first arrow that I'd missed with. Then a massive bloodtrail from the second try on the first hog.
I knew he was laying only 20yds away so I looked for the arrow I'd shot low with. But when I found it, I could see that I hadn't missed like I thought.
There was some blood on my arrow, and some on the ground in the direction it had gone....hmmmm.
We followed it a ways,maybe about 100yds, and it just sort of faded away, kinda like a muscle hit. Only thing I could figure was that I'd either cut it's front leg, or the very bottom of the brisket.
Either way we figured we'd give it some time and come back later with Shep's dog, "Cowboy".
So we went back to the stand to look for the last hog I'd shot at close to the stand.Someone found blood out ahead as I looked by the spot of the hit. Then, I think it was Terry that found part of my arrow, then Michael found my Snuffer!
I'm telling you, a guy could not possibly ask for better guys to track a wounded critter with. I mean everyone in our party was phenomenal!
We followed here and there, and after maybe 75yds, SKyler found what he said looked as though the hog had laid down there.
Seconds later Michael, in a very serious stern voice says he had the hog, but he was still alive!
I was about 10yds off the his right when I heard his words. I looked over as I nocked an arrow. Just in time to see the hog stand up with Michaels light on him.
For several tense seconds I tried to figure out a way to get an arrow in the hog. There was no way, we were in a jungle!
But then he started to move off and was heading for a small opening about 15yds. in front of me.
Michael tracked him with his light...I drew and was about to release as he hit the opening and the light went off!
I almost released blind, knowing the hog was there, even though I couldn't see him....but I didn't.
Michael had no idea I was about to shoot, and had shut his light off as not to help spook the hog any further away.
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!! Crazy!!
It was easy to see that the hog wasn't doing well, and was in no hurry to get out of there.
We figured he wouldn't go far. So Michael and Shep took a GPS reading on the spot and we decided it would be best to come back after dinner with some canine help. It was time to "Cowboy up"!
Before we left though, we went over to recover the first hog...
Like I said, the blood was pouring out as he ran. This was easily the best hog blood trail I have ever personally been on. Blood was immediate...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog1.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog2.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog3.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog4.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/firsthog5.jpg)
I wish we'd have taken more time with the photo's!
He was a nice boar. Later on I would check him out and see that my arrow had taken him right in the "pocket" on the near side and had gone forward and up, burying into his opposite shoulder blade!
He was layed right over when the arrow struck...trying to do the "matrix move". I was shooting out of a 8-10ft tripod and the arrrow, had it come out the other side would have exited about 6" higher on the off side!
Again...Crazy!!
Post by: NC BowBender on January 06, 2011, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: bigugly1 on January 06, 2011, 09:37:00 PM
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 06, 2011, 09:38:00 PM
I really meant to congradulate Izzy then and you now for some fine shootin on several hogs.
I'm lovin this stuff, keep it coming
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 09:51:00 PM
Larry Surtees and Jeff B. had asked if they could join us. You bet!
Nobody really knew what we had ahead of us...we knew the one hog wouldn't be too far away, and we figured by now it would be dead...but ya just never know.
Shep put his tracking collar on Cowboy and let him go. David would be my "light man" if the need arose.
He also said that if Cowboy found the hog alive, he'd surely bark like he's done in the past. If he was dead, he'd just kinda hang out and eat on him a bit till we got there.
As we got right to about where the GPS was telling us we'd left off and backed out...
David noticed on his monitor, that Cowboy was not far ahead circling something, but he wasn't barking...
Even though we figured it was dead, since he wasn't barking, I followed David anyway, just in case I needed to shoot again.
As we got closer, we could hear a lot of commotion under the cedars and in the briars...and it wasn't all from Cowboy!
Not only did we hear Cowboy growling, but we could also hear grunting...the hog was still very much alive!
Post by: Duckbutt on January 06, 2011, 09:55:00 PM
Congrats on your first Mr. Skyler!
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 09:56:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 06, 2011, 09:57:00 PM
Post by: rastaman on January 06, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 06, 2011, 10:28:00 PM
I didn't know this at the time, but Don had been clickin' away with his camera as this adventure was coming to a climax...
David and I went around the far side of Cowboy and the hog to try to get a shot. I turned on my little red bow light, and waded in looking for an opening. Then heard David say..."I'm not sure you're going to be able to shoot in there", and from the other side of the thicket, only ten yards away I heard..."back up, back up... he's gonna shoot!"
Remember now, we are in an ungodly thicket, and it's pitch black except for the flashlights!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog.jpg)
Within seconds, after David said that, and I'd gotten closer yet to the hog, maybe five yards away and I saw a small hole.
It wasn't the best shot, back by the flank, but it would be angling forward. With any wounded animal, you take whatever follow-up shot you can get...and this was getting real "hairy"!
With David's light shining on his side, I drew a big Snuffer and drove it to the fletch angling forward!
This really ticked off the hog and kicked things into overdrive! Crazy!!!
It tried to go out the other side. but this is what was waiting for him as all hell broke loose over there, just ten yards away, but I couldn't see any of it!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog1.jpg)
That wasn't a staged photo, Don captured the moment...
I'll let the guys that were over there on that side of the thicket take over from here, then I'll post some more pictures...
Post by: SKYLER W on January 06, 2011, 10:28:00 PM
Post by: Mudd on January 06, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
I mean having to maneuver around in that stuff, in the dark, trying to avoid being hit with those cutters is going to created some blood letting...on critters other than the hog...lol
Thanks for the pictures and story.
Good job!!
God bless,Mudd
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 06, 2011, 10:51:00 PM
I really meant to congradulate Izzy then and you now for some fine shootin on several hogs.
I'm lovin this stuff, keep it coming
Post by: americanhunter7 on January 06, 2011, 10:56:00 PM
Post by: on January 06, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
Congrats on the hogs, Curt,
Bisch
Post by: Gary Sorensen on January 06, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
Post by: glenbo on January 07, 2011, 05:14:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 07:55:00 AM
I will also say...we were not alone...
Then I'll post what I have for pix and what I have from Don...
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 08:19:00 AM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 07, 2011, 08:30:00 AM
Post by: pdk25 on January 07, 2011, 08:36:00 AM
Curt, that sounds better than a cardiac stress test.
This story is awesome. Great hog so far. Crap, I've got to go to work.
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 08:44:00 AM
Well,....I asked Michael if he would be my 'light man', and he replied...'Well hell yes'!!!.
Curt was on the hog not long after we got back to the last place we'd seen it....and I flanked him making a semicircle around to his left. Then the ruckus began....
I heard Curt's shot and a grunt and heavy footsteps coming from the right, along with a visual of a briared jungle curtain dominoing its way toward me and fast. Micheal picked up the hog with his Main Beam as he was behind me and over my right shoulder, and the hog kept coming and took a turn directly toward us.
After the bluff charge ceased, the hog made a rearward step and its rear end went slightly back to the right, but its head was still facing straight at me and still having a 'chat' with us.....
It just happened, all I had was a small opening in the TX ebony jungle - at a Midnight colored hog - at dang near midnight, and a narrow target for a vital hit. The only shot I had was to barely slip one by his left cheek just to get in front of the shoulder......
But I had the advantage,....I had Chris Surtees' Kwyk Styk. :readit:
Post by: Froggy on January 07, 2011, 09:01:00 AM
Post by: GRINCH on January 07, 2011, 09:06:00 AM
Post by: Mudd on January 07, 2011, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 07, 2011, 09:08:00 AM
Got in Tuesday and was great to see a lot of folks I haven't seen since the last time they were on this hunt. Also was glad to meet quite a few folks I haven't met other than on this site. Danny Rowan was a big one for me. Danny and I have known each other for almost 10 years, had many dealings with each other, but finally got to shake hands face to face. Also got to give my hug to Larry, and I'm not sure who needed it more, him or me. Still can't believe Chris was not there with us, but before it was all over I know for a fact he was there with us. Most everyone there had something of Chris'. I'd bought a Badlands pack from him that will carry my gear for years to come. It is a bit faded and worn, but works perfectly for what I need. Anyway...
Wednesday rolled around, everyone shooting and getting ready for the first hunt. After our mandatory talk on the rules of engagement for the ranch by Terry, Peanut, and Dave we were off. I'd gotten in with my guide Robert and I was the third person dropped off. I was in buck country, and I knew it.
This hunt started out slowly, no sightings, after an hour on stand the feeder went off and still no sightings. I remained vigilant knowing at any minute my moment of truth could be upon me. About 1/2 hour after the feeder had went off I look to my left (almost behind me as the stand sits), and a little 5 point walks into view. He started feeding on the corn that Robert had put out from the truck feeder. As I'm watching him, out of the scrub walks a large set of antlers... When I say large, I mean large! Very tall, 10" - 11" G2's and 9" - 10" G3's, with long main beams and mass throughout... He was a 9 point but a no doubt shooter. He fed on the corn Robert had spread, and finally worked into the feeder spray. I positioned myself for the shot.
With the calm demeanor of the deer, and light hunting pressure through the fall I was struggling with where I should be looking at the time of my inevitable shot opportunity. Well, as I was struggling he walked right into my shooting lane broadside at 18 yards... With his head facing away from me. I came to full draw, zeroed my concentration at the base of his chest right behind the front leg. At the release I knew that I'd made the perfect shot, but he dropped right out of it and the arrow went right over his back and stuck into the dirt where I was concentrating miliseconds before. My heart sunk...
Of course they were gone... reluctantly I grabbed another arrow and continued to hunt. I had 7 does, fawns, and button bucks show up right before dark but chose not to shoot. Figured I'd done enough teaching for one day without trailing a doe in the darkness.
This was my sad tale of the first nights hunt, inspecting the arrow confirmed what my eye had seen earlier... clean as it was when I shot it other than dirt on the broadhead... The Texas "Duck and Roll" is still in full effect, so there will be no struggling with point of aim on future hunts... And little did I know I'd have another moment of truth the very next morning...
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 07, 2011, 09:19:00 AM
I was on last blood in Curt's hog tracking adventure, when I heard David say there he is, Cowboy had bayed him up, shortly after Curt shot... And as Terry so daftly put it the hog started "chatting" with us, and shortly after that Terry put another into him... After I'd caught up to the action, I was on one knee just to the right of Michael (Terry's light man) and as I came to full draw and picking a spot, the hog fell over...
Michael, you're up...
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 07, 2011, 09:19:00 AM
After I found the hog still alive I thought we were going to wait until the morning to find it... Little did I know. I had walked out the door to go to Davids truck and I turned around and picked up that knife and put it on my belt. I thought... hell it's big enough to be a pig sticker.
After we found the hog again I realized Terry and I were almost directly across from David and Curt so I was trying to get him to come back around to the side some. That is my arm in Curt's pic.
So I'm hollering at Terry to back up he's hollerin for the light and the hog is looking right at us. And she ain't happy. Terry's shot put her down but far from out.
Cowboy is all over her. I see arrows sticking out and realize he's going to get hurt. So I took out the knife walked up to the hog and buried it to the hilt right in the soft spot. One more squeal and it was over.
I start pulling arrows out of the hog and handing them to Skyler. Them we all just sat there shaking from the adrenaline.
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 09:28:00 AM
Michael's arm, and Terry about to shoot...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog1.jpg)
Just after the hog finally fell over, and Cowboy givin' it to her(Terry's arrow, and if you look close,the Snuffer from my arrow sticking out the shoulder)...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog2.jpg)
Right after Michael let her have it...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog3.jpg)
It was finally over...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog4.jpg)
Post by: GRINCH on January 07, 2011, 09:31:00 AM
Post by: J. Cook on January 07, 2011, 09:32:00 AM
This is great!!!!! :bigsmyl:
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 09:38:00 AM
What a memorable adventure it was for all of us involved, and, in more ways than one.
I was really tickled that Michael got in on it with that very special knife. That really was something for Chris' bow and that knife to be included like that.....this was only the beginning though. Chris had more planned ....that hog fight was just a warm up!!!
There would be more action with his bows, yes, bows, not just the one I was toting.
Stay tuned.......
Post by: Danny Rowan on January 07, 2011, 10:23:00 AM
I hunted Solana last year during the rut and it was awesome and I knew it would be the same on this hunt, even though the rut was mostly over.
I arrived Tuesday night and when everyone that was gonna make it in that day arrived we all went out to dinner and had some fine eats and great conversation getting to know people we had known over the internet for years and finally I was meeting them in person. That dinner was worth the price of admission.
Wednesday came and after oreintation we were assigned our guides and hunting partners, I drew Robert whom I had hunted with the year before and my hunting partners were Jeff Berberick, Jack Guard, and Izzy. I was thrilled as Jeff and I had known each other for many years from the net and Jack and I had also known each other for a while from TG. All three are fine hunters and archers and I totally enjoyed their company as I enjoyed the company of all the fine people on this hunt.
My first night was filled with sighting but nothing presented it self for a shot, I think I saw a total of 10 or 12 deer, a mix of small bucks and does. Unfortuneatly the feeder never went off and nothing came in.
The next morning I drew a ladder stand I had hunted the year before where I had an encounter with a flock of tom turkeys, those things are quick. I also had an encounter with a very nice buck but a sounder of hogs ran him off before I could get a shot. This year I saw zip.
That evening I was in a tripod that had never been hunted and had plenty of action, I could see deer all over in front of me but the only thing close enough to shoot at first was a button buck and then a very heavy 6 point came in and fed until dark but only offered head on or tail on shots and I will not shoot at either of those angles.
Friday morning I was in a nice ladder set up but only sited two nice bucks about 70 yards out crossing the pasture, they never looked in my direction.
That evening I was in a nice ground blind but again nothing came to play.
Saturday morning I was in a nice ladder stand way down in the back of the same pasture I hunted the first evening. Had a spike and a three point come in a feed twice, then a nice doe with a button buck and yearling doe came in and stayed a long time, now Robert had told me not to shoot a doe unless it was nearing 09:00 as there was a nice buck that he had seen on numerous occasions heading to my stand. At 08:50 I decided to take the doe. She was quartering away with her head down and both the other deer were finaly facing away, I drew my Quest to anchor, aimed low and when it felt right I released, my arrow appeared to hit right where I wanted it too, and she was gone. I then heard her crash and was sure I had a dead deer.
I waited for robert to come get me and when I heard the truck, I got down. I looked around the point of impact and was shocked to not find any blood, I just knew the 300 extreme hit where I wanted it too. We turned Roberts dog Taz out and all of my hunting partners helped me look. Nothing, The cedar thickets had swallowed here and there was no sign and we never found my arrow, I was heartbroken, believe it or not after over 40 years of hunting with longbows and recurves this was my first time of not recovering an animal. It really devistated me.
However Izzy had a very nice 8 point on the back of the truck.
That evening I was in a box blind and really liked the set up. Had 4 does come in and start feeding and then a very nice 10 point with chocolate horns came in. I waited until he was comfortable, head down and quarting away at 20 yards. I drew the quest and aimed low and at the release the arrow hit the clod of dirt I was aiming at but the deer was gone, he did the matrix juke. I made up my mind right then to never shoot at a quarting away animal again at Solana, even thouth I love that shot, at this ranch the animal will not be there 99.9% of the time after you release, and my Quest is quiet as a mouse and fast.
That ended my adventure as the next morning I was running a fever and not well at all so I stayed in camp.
All in all I had a fantastic time and got to meet and share camp with the finest people I know and call friends.
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 07, 2011, 10:23:00 AM
I was dropped off in a different stand maybe 400 or 500 yards from where I was the night before. Still in buck country and hopefully I hadn't blown everything out of the area after last nights experience. This is a lot older stand and the deer know where it is even though it is hidden well... even before the sun had come up there were deer in the area. They came from behind me to the left and right under the stand and out to the feed.
This is a picture of literally the only shot you have in this stand. (obviously taken later in the AM).
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/Solana20102011003-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v493/Bowhunter4life/Solana20102011004-1.jpg)
Well, the sun started coming up, and the feeder went off... which flushed them all out of there. Shortly after they all milled back into the feed. I really have no idea how many there were in there, but 10 plus easily. After about 10 minutes of them feeding I caught a glimps of antler... a lot of antler. He was not the same deer from the night before, but a no doubt shooter again. He was wider, but not as tall, and even heavier than the previous, and another 9 pointer.
He finally worked into position and was slightly quartering away facing to the left at 22 yards. Knowing the Texas "Duck and Roll" was still in effect I concentrated under his chest by about 5" drew and shot. Another pure arrow tracking right to where I was looking. He dropped right into it. The arrow struck with a loud crack and when he stood up the arrow was angling down at a 45 degree angle with what looked like 8" of penetration.
What my eye told me was the arrow struck right at the heart, and when he stood up to run the arrow was actually angling down. I figured it had hit the off side shoulder after passing through the heart. Now that little opening did not give me much to go on, but that is what I was able to see. It looked really good to me at that time. And now the wait for Robert to pick me up started. I had several other deer work their way in, including several younger bucks. I never even nocked another arrow, I was thinking I had a blood trail to preserve for Taz...
Robert finally showed up, and we picked everyone else up and went back to put Taz on the track. Shortly after Robert introduced Taz to the area he let out of there on the trail. I thought this will be a nice short trail right to him. But, looking at the GPS with Robert he just kept going and going. So, off we went... 200 yards... 300 yards... 400... We came to a creek and found 5 or 6 decent sized drops of blood and Taz was searching hard to find where he had went. Finally got accross the river and off he went again... 500 yards, 600... and he lost the track... Even when Taz had gone all the way to the creek I knew he was not hit where my eye had told me I did... Again, another heart breaker...
Only thing I can think of is with the slight quartering away he ducked right into the shot but the roll put it either in front of the heart into the off leg, or possibly into the near side leg. Robert deemed him to still be walking, well Taz did... So, as Wayne so eloquently put it, you can do everything right and still not get them on the ground. I shot two pure arrows right where I wanted, and after these two hunts am 0 for 2...
I was pretty low at this point, but tried to keep my spirits up. Which is pretty easy to do with the caliber of folks in camp to help ease your pain. Thank you everyone for being... well who you are.
Post by: leatherneck on January 07, 2011, 10:29:00 AM
Now that was pretty awesome guys.
Curt, congrats on some fine hog killing. I'm right with you on missing those critters as Michael can attest.
Lets hear some more.
Post by: Izzy on January 07, 2011, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 10:36:00 AM
"Wow......did I just see what all I thought I saw and nobody is bleeding" ????
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011curtshooters1.JPG)
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 07, 2011, 10:37:00 AM
He did wait a couple of days before doing so though, gotta give him credit for holding off that long...
Post by: rastaman on January 07, 2011, 10:41:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 10:42:00 AM
When he asked Michael...."Is that the knife I think it is?"....and Michael answered that it was...it hit Larry very hard....and the rest of us as well...it's a good thing you can't see tears in pictures....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog8.jpg)
What an experience!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog6.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog7.jpg)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog5.jpg)
Draggin' the tough-as-nails sow back to the truck...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/secondhog9.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 07, 2011, 10:46:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on January 07, 2011, 10:48:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
Post by: on January 07, 2011, 10:59:00 AM
Now I'm in the "waiting for the rest" mode again.
Keep it coming,
Bisch
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 07, 2011, 11:03:00 AM
David
Post by: Jack Guard on January 07, 2011, 11:15:00 AM
Post by: IndianaBowman on January 07, 2011, 11:23:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 11:28:00 AM
I still wonder what made Larry ask to come that night, but I think I know...
Powerful stuff that night fellas! Truly an unforgetable experience!
Although I hate that that hog had to go thru all it did before it died...It's hard to think of it happening any other way...
By the time we made it back to camp it was very late, or maybe early depending on how you think about it. But sleep was the last thing on our minds! Adrenaline has a way of doing that to hunters in a situation like this.
After re-living our experience many times while laying in bed...eventually we all drifted off....
Post by: E.AllenIII on January 07, 2011, 11:37:00 AM
Post by: leatherneck on January 07, 2011, 11:43:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 11:45:00 AM
Don Wilson showing his very solid shooting form(check out the arrow in paradox). Not hard to see where Slyler gets his champion shooting style from. Not bad for a "gap shooter" :goldtooth:
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020808ncopynsolana.JPG)
Terry, Cooch, Chop,Elkken, Stabow, and Danny Rowan...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020810ncopynsolana.JPG)
Jack Guard shooting Chris' Randy Morin Hi-Breed longbow. He'd already killed a doe with this bow. Little did he know how these practice shots would later come into play...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020812ncopynsolana.JPG)
Tg'er David Bishop stopped by camp with his dad to meet our motley crew...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020813ncopynsolana.JPG)
Gettin' geared up for the afternoon hunt...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020814ncopynsolana.JPG)
Peanut and Guide Robert...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020815ncopynsolana.JPG)
This night would become another very memorable hunt for all of us...
Post by: on January 07, 2011, 11:50:00 AM
Bisch
Post by: bendbig on January 07, 2011, 11:56:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 11:58:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:AMEN!!!
My whole trip was made that night...I had Chris' headlight on my head, Terry was shooting Chris' Kwyk Styk, and Michael used a very special knife...Larry was there to share it all...
Post by: wapiti792 on January 07, 2011, 12:02:00 PM
What a great hunt!!!
Post by: Doug Campbell on January 07, 2011, 12:29:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 07, 2011, 01:21:00 PM
Post by: KentuckyTJ on January 07, 2011, 01:48:00 PM
Post by: Over&Under on January 07, 2011, 01:55:00 PM
:clapper:
Post by: dposalski on January 07, 2011, 04:00:00 PM
Post by: Bill Turner on January 07, 2011, 04:34:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 04:39:00 PM
I'd like him as back up in a cedar break daylight or dark. :saywhat:
Post by: tippit on January 07, 2011, 04:55:00 PM
Michael,
Seeing the way you wheel a knife...I might have to switch sides if there is another cookie/cake war again this years :scared: Doc
Post by: GrayRhino on January 07, 2011, 05:22:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 07, 2011, 05:23:00 PM
Friday afternoon would belong to Skyler in our group. So I'll wait for him to come on and explain a bit....
Another member of the hunt had something happen that was pretty cool as well...in a BIG way!
A lot more to come fellas!! A LOT!!
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 07, 2011, 05:26:00 PM
Me and Biggie and Jeff do just fine. Thank You though.
You do need to holler when you get down here. We need to go hog hunting!!!!!! :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Post by: dragon rider on January 07, 2011, 05:45:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:Now there's a statement that's guaranteed to make anyone who ever served at Fort Hood question your sanity.
.....I landed in Killeen at 10:45pm the happiest guy in the world!!!
Post by: leatherneck on January 07, 2011, 05:50:00 PM
Thats for another day. Alright Sky,I have a cold one in hand and I'm waiting on some more stories.
Post by: Sean B on January 07, 2011, 05:52:00 PM
Post by: Bonebuster on January 07, 2011, 06:24:00 PM
A great ride for sure! :bigsmyl:
Post by: Killdeer on January 07, 2011, 07:53:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/secondhog1.jpg)
Killdeer :clapper:
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 07:59:00 PM
Post by: HARL on January 07, 2011, 08:06:00 PM
Post by: RUSTY1 on January 07, 2011, 08:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:That's good to hear Curt! I'm looking forward to it coming this spring! Really want to check it out! Maybe you could do another thread just on your thoughts on how it performed.
QuoteOriginally posted by Dirtybird:It's awesome! More on the KUIU clothing later.....but as you'll see in some of the pix to follow, the camo pattern absolutely devistates the human outline! [/b]
Hey Curt hows that KUIU gear working out?
By the way guys, this thread is pretty awesome too!!!
Rusty
Post by: SKYLER W on January 07, 2011, 08:30:00 PM
But that evening, everyone would be in completely new spots because of the change of wind direction. I would be hunting out of a tripod set up on a "DeathTrap" that had never been hunted before. I climbed up in the tripod and got settled in. It was a beautiful evening to be hunting. I sat for a while taking in my surroundings. After a little while, I heard what sounded like something walking behind me. I looked over my left shoulder to see three good sized hogs walking through the woods...straight for the trap. I eased up my bow up and positioned myself for a shot. The first hog walked out of the woods. It was a big, beautiful silver and grey hog that I would have loved to have shot, But she kept her distance at around 30 yards. But the second, a good sized black and brown hog, was about 18 yards, broad sided....
Post by: BDann on January 07, 2011, 08:36:00 PM
Post by: Ric O'Shay on January 07, 2011, 08:37:00 PM
Post by: BDann on January 07, 2011, 08:38:00 PM
Post by: Sharptop on January 07, 2011, 08:39:00 PM
Or, how I missed two hogs and a strange doe shot with chances at big bucks:
Thought I’d fit my experiences in before they get to the good stuff.
My second year at Solana and just about my 2nd year anniversary of traditional bowhunting. Drove strait through from Canton, GA to Solana Tuesday and got there about 10 P.M. to find the fellows primed and ready to go. Everyone is fast friends at Solana. It seems that the folks drawn to this mode of hunting all relate. We stayed up too late and I had to take a nap the next afternoon before the hunt as I needed every day. I couldn’t keep up and needed my sleep.
I will bypass the less eventful days except to say that what happens often there is that you have numerous opportunities to shoot does who are in easy range but there is usually a nice buck on the other side of the feeder that you are waiting on and about the time he is headed your way they all spook at a cow or a hog coming in. But the anticipation is always present. It keeps you primed.
My excitement came in a popup blind that our guide John put me in and I had a group of 4 bucks come in, a couple of nice ones. I was going to shoot any nice mature buck or mature doe if the timing was right. As they milled around I became more and more excited and had to remember to calm myself. One thing that is nice about ground blinds is that you can move around a bit and glass, if you have the lanes and I was able to see the bucks milling around about 75-100 yards out eyeballing the feeder from different angles. They did this for a few minutes and then circled around from 10 o’clock to 1 o’clock and walked in a strait line directly to the feeder.
The feeder was about 25 yards and I was only going to shoot at 15-18 max. As the bigger bucks moved around my way they jumped up looking to my right and hauled butt. A few seconds later a group of about 20 hogs came tearing in to the feeder gleefully excited about the upcoming feast. About 8 big ones and one huge tan and spotted brown sow and a bunch of football sized little ones. As a couple of 80-100 pounders came into my 14 yard feeding lane I drew back my Shrew felt it good and loosed....
And the arrow fell sadly short. The hogs scampered back about 30 yards, reconsidered their options and excitedly marched back to resume the feast.
The same hog I had shot at was back in 30 seconds and the huge sow moved up into the feeding lane. “Well, I thought, I’m not going to miss this one low”. So I rared back and let it loose and the arrow flew over the sow’s back as impotent as a twig. I can’t tell you how down I felt at this second miss.
A few hunts later we went back to the same spot in the afternoon. Had a nice doe at 4:15 and a small 8 pt. and had a good shot on the doe, Loosed and saw the lighted nock bury right in her heart. As she ran off I saw nearly 90% of the arrow sticking out of her and could not understand why. I then heard a load clack, clack as the ran by a tree hitting the arrow. Later I had a huge 8 pt and buck friends come in. After a long wait he was moving to my lane....
About that time a pack of coyotes started group howling pretty close. Got closer and closer. As the real big 8 pt. scooted broadside into my shooting lane at 16 yards I drew back real slow and as I was about to anchor the pack let loose a bloodcurdling note that caused my buck to jerk around headfirst to the sound and I never had a good look at him again.
But right as it got dark I saw some brown forms coming in. Got my glasses on and watched that huge 8 pt. gleefully dine right at the feeder without a worry in the world. He actually had a smile on his face through the binocs as he gobbled up the rest of the corn. When the guys got there we went to look for my heart shot deer. John found the arrow sticking in the ground about 50 yards from where I had shot. A greasy white substance and some pink cartilage about 4 inches up the shaft looking stuff on the arrow. I suspect it hit her through the skin below the briskett and somehow lodged there without doing much damage. At least I hope so.
That was Saturday afternoon and I had dreams of that huge 8. I was hunting with Larry Surtees and our Cajun brothers. I talked them and our guide John into going back to the same spot because I had Primal Dreams, sorry Wensels, of that buck and they were kind enough to allow me this chance. At first light I saw brown shadows moving in and then a huge brown shadow chasing off the smaller shadows. As the large brown shadow came into focus on my binocs I saw it was the same huge 8 pt. but as the light came up my deer and the others abruptly turned and ran and a huge black boar came charging in. I had a 25 yard broadside at him but thought he would filter around eating all the corn as they are want to do but he just worked the feeder and the opposite semicircle from me and then bid me adieu! Last animal seen.
Well, second year in a row with no animals taken. But it was one of the best hunting experiences of my life. I would heartily suggest to you to get together with your traditional hunting guys and try and make this kind of hunt happen. As I think you can see from the threads it is a heck of a lot of fun! Thank you TradGang and thank you guys who were on the hunts this year and last for opening my eyes as to what this is all about. But, I will not miss next year!
Post by: on January 07, 2011, 08:54:00 PM
Bisch
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BDann:Ah....being 15....school and home work get in the way!!! :archer:
I think he's been taking posting lessons from Lamb.
Post by: BDann on January 07, 2011, 09:14:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 07, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 07, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
The hog was in the perfect position for a shot. I picked a spot, drew back, and released...
My arrow hit toward the back of the ribcage and it looked to me like it was a gut shot. I got another arrow out of my quiver. The hog made a big loop and was headed back towards me. I suddenly remembered the story Terry had told me about putting another arrow in a hog if you could. The hog was going to run about three yards from my tripod if it stayed on the trail it was on. I drew my bow, and as soon as the hog ran into my shooting hole, I picked a spot(I think) and released..
To my complete dissmay, my arrow hit the hog right in the soft spot behind the front shoulder. I watched it run about twenty yards in the woods, then she fell over and that was the end of that. I couldn't believe the shot I had just made! I still have no idea how I did it, and probably couldn't do it again. At dark I climbed down to go look at my hog. Apparently when I shot the first time, the hog turned a little and my arrow went right up into the sweet stuff, so the second shot was completely unnecessary :knothead: But I thought it was still cool! :D
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/P1020816.jpg)
Post by: jcar315 on January 07, 2011, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: Rick Butler on January 07, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: Traddict on January 07, 2011, 09:38:00 PM
Post by: on January 07, 2011, 09:39:00 PM
Congrats,
Bisch
Post by: Izzy on January 07, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 07, 2011, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 07, 2011, 09:50:00 PM
That totaly instinctive 2nd shot is a sho-nuff confidencd builder. :readit:
Post by: Ben Maher on January 07, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: shortstroke 91 on January 07, 2011, 10:07:00 PM
What kind of set ups are you guys using, sounds like a camp full of killing machines?
Post by: Bonebuster on January 07, 2011, 10:14:00 PM
God Bless Texas!
Post by: leatherneck on January 07, 2011, 10:18:00 PM
Post by: chuckbow on January 07, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 07, 2011, 11:20:00 PM
Way to go Skyler !!!
Post by: JEFF B on January 07, 2011, 11:36:00 PM
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 07, 2011, 11:44:00 PM
Fantastic follow up shot.
Whats next? :campfire:
I'm waiting.............
Outstanding stories by everyone. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Post by: Jack Guard on January 08, 2011, 12:21:00 AM
After our lunch break, around 2:30 ish, Jeff, Izzy, Danny and I headed out with our guide Robert. As we were approaching our hunting areas Robert asked us if we were all here to hunt bucks. I totally knew what he was getting at. He said, If we wanted to hunt bucks he would put us in particular stands. If we wanted to just shoot a doe or a hog, he would adjust our placement accordingly. He didn't want to blow a good buck hunting area if we were going to shoot a doe or hog.
We all basically said we were buck hunting. Cept Izzy. Izzy honestly answered that he was happy no matter what and was having a great time. ( On a side note, Izzy hadn't shot his buck as of this time in my story).
I was up first. When we arrived at the stand, it was a couple of large old oaks sitting on the edge of a field. Robert told me Jeff had killed a nice buck out of this tree a couple of years ago. Robert gave me the low down on where the deer come from and dropped me at the tree. Robert was kind enough to feed a little corn closer to the stand also.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3196.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3195.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3194.jpg)
The weather was decent. I was wearing a long sleeve capaline top, t-shirt, my Sitka kelvin vest and a long sleeve shirt over top. I didn't think i was going to really need my Wooltimate jacket but just in case I draped it over my legs. Kinda like a lap blanket. This gives my legs extra warmth and allows me to move my feet more freely. One thing I have learned is that I should get everything on I need before getting settled into the stand. By the time you sit for awhile and its gets chilly, you may have deer under you. Its to late to add layers then. As you have heard, these deer are wound tight.
Getting settled into the stand also meant getting my gear into a place that would not cause problems, I hung my Arrowmaster quiver to my right and my day pack was placed on the stand platform to my left. I also drew my bow a couple of times to stretch the muscles and figure out a shooting position. Good thing I did. I was shooting a longbow and the bottom limb was bumping into a few little tree limbs to my lower left. A quick prune job and I was set.
I settled in around 3 ish and waited for the feeder to go off at 4 pm. As you can see from the pics, the view is fairly obscured. I sat quietly, patiently, and most importantly motionless for the next hour. I day dreamed of big bucks, shooting straight and my family. When the feeder went off I was deep in thought and about jumped off the stand. After my heart slowed down I intensified my concentration. Anticipating the deer to arrive. The feeders act like dinner bells in some locations and I was expecting lots of guests.
Post by: Guru on January 08, 2011, 07:40:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Jack Guard:A lot of Solana knowledge in this part of Jack's post :thumbsup:
One thing I have learned is that I should get everything on I need before getting settled into the stand. By the time you sit for awhile and its gets chilly, you may have deer under you. Its to late to add layers then. As you have heard, these deer are wound tight.
Getting settled into the stand also meant getting my gear into a place that would not cause problems, I hung my Arrowmaster quiver to my right and my day pack was placed on the stand platform to my left. I also drew my bow a couple of times to stretch the muscles and figure out a shooting position. Good thing I did. I was shooting a longbow and the bottom limb was bumping into a few little tree limbs to my lower left. A quick prune job and I was set.
As far as Skyler, he's something else isn't he :notworthy:
When I got his text..."I;m officially one step closer to my Solana slam!"....
A big smile creased my face, my not-so-little buddy had done it again. I can only imagine how proud Don is of him!
He's hunting-wise far beyond his years, fits right in with everyone regardless of age, is truly a phenominal archer(the boy can flat shoot), takes ribbing from all of us too well....and thru all of this, is still a very respectful 15yr. old boy.
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020818ncopynsolana.JPG)
We loaded Sky's hog up and headed to camp for another wonderful meal.
As always when everyone gets together for dinner, we all ask how each other had done.
One hunter was particularly nervous about what had gone down that afternoon, and what might be out there waiting for him.
Soon you'll read a wonderful story of how some things are just "meant to be"...
Post by: ishoot4thrills on January 08, 2011, 08:07:00 AM
Post by: ti-guy on January 08, 2011, 08:32:00 AM
Post by: rastaman on January 08, 2011, 08:51:00 AM
Post by: Big Ed on January 08, 2011, 08:57:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 08, 2011, 08:59:00 AM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 08, 2011, 09:03:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Terry Green:
Stay tuned folks...we are aint even half way there....there will be over 50 pages by the time we are through. :readit: :thumbsup:
Post by: GRINCH on January 08, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
Post by: Pierre Lucas on January 08, 2011, 10:09:00 AM
God Bless, Pierre and Jean-Pierre
Post by: Izzy on January 08, 2011, 10:17:00 AM
Post by: Tater on January 08, 2011, 10:38:00 AM
Congrats to eveyone, sounds like tons of fun and memories that will last a lifetime.
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on January 08, 2011, 10:38:00 AM
Post by: Kenneth on January 08, 2011, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: Huntschool on January 08, 2011, 12:42:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 01:06:00 PM
I have to agree with Curt I was one happy camper when my feet were firmly planted in TX.
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 01:29:00 PM
For those of you that have never met Larry let me just state for the record that a kinder more humble man I have never met.My life is richer for the experience.Thanks again Larry :notworthy:
The ride to camp was full of serious talk and idol chit chat.But there was for sure an energy in that truck that was hard to explain.The next few days it would affect everyone.
Post by: bill langer on January 08, 2011, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: pdk25 on January 08, 2011, 02:52:00 PM
Post by: dposalski on January 08, 2011, 03:04:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 03:22:00 PM
Upon meeting everyone my initial apprehension was immediatly stayed.One quickly realized that this was quite a collection off high caliber people.If Ya'll ever have a chance to do this hunt DO NOT HESITATE you won't be sorry.
After a great steak dinner at Johnny's the hunt really seamed to jump into high gear.
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 04:23:00 PM
There are some very good shots in this group and I was a little nervous stepping up to the line.Having not shot in a few weeks because of an insane work schedule will do that.After a few shots all was well.
Post by: stick_string on January 08, 2011, 05:43:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 08, 2011, 05:54:00 PM
Then our group will get on with another hunt that went from rock bottom, to high intensity in seconds :scared: :archer2:
Post by: magnus on January 08, 2011, 06:00:00 PM
Keeping the Faith!
Magnus
:coffee:
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 08, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
Post by: Big Ed on January 08, 2011, 06:44:00 PM
Post by: Sharptop on January 08, 2011, 07:16:00 PM
When you wake up with knowledge that a cold front is coming in to Salado, TX and Solana Ranch and you wake up and its a balmy 49 degrees according to Terry's Smart Phone and sort of verified by 45 on the TV back at the office/bunkhouse don't expect your Sitka Gear 90% stuff with capilene long johns, a fleece shirt with a Sitka Kelvin Vest and good 1,000 gram Boggs boots and two good fleece hats and some gloves to in any way prepare you to not freeze your butt off.
I have never been colder in my life than when I was shaking so hard that my arrow head, rested on my Shrew was shaking a good 4-6 inches back and forth as I was trying to hold onto my gear. I don't know how much the temp. dropped or how hard the wind was blowing but it was a fast and fierce drop and it caught me with my pants down, so to speak.
Somehow I remained on the stand and was coherent enough to climb down when John pulled up. The warm stuff does you no good back at camp or at home. Hopefully I will learn this lesson for about the 11 hundredth time.
Post by: Izzy on January 08, 2011, 07:18:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 08, 2011, 07:52:00 PM
Sorry Carlton, could'nt help myself you kinda set yourself up for that one and lobbed it over the plate.
Post by: Guru on January 08, 2011, 07:57:00 PM
Post by: Huntschool on January 08, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
I am down in that country several time a year with my students (from up there around Salona to down south of San Antonio) and every time I have found some good stuff. Its just laying there on top of the ground.
There are some great flint (chert) nodes to be picked up also...
Neat find man.
Post by: Terry Green on January 08, 2011, 08:07:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sharptop:Yeah...and I remember Carlton's comment just before stating it was 'balmy'.....he said to me...."You gonna wear wool this morning"????
While you are waiting on the hunting stories let me offer a tad bit of advice....
When you wake up with knowledge that a cold front is coming in to Salado, TX and Solana Ranch and you wake up and its a balmy 49 degrees according to Terry's Smart Phone
freeze your butt off.
He didn't take my subtle advice when I replied "Yep, this aint my 1st TX rodeo".
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Post by: leatherneck on January 08, 2011, 08:13:00 PM
Post by: Sharptop on January 08, 2011, 08:13:00 PM
and Terry, I am buying some merino long johns.
Post by: COOCH on January 08, 2011, 08:19:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 08, 2011, 08:37:00 PM
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 08, 2011, 08:37:00 PM
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 08, 2011, 08:38:00 PM
Post by: Yellow Dog on January 08, 2011, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: rice on January 08, 2011, 08:48:00 PM
Chris
Post by: on January 08, 2011, 09:13:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sharptop:That is some funny stuff right there!
Wayne, I would have put my hands in Richard Simmons pockets that morning I was so cold.
and Terry, I am buying some merino long johns.
Bisch
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 08, 2011, 09:15:00 PM
Having known Sky since he was a young fella I'm not a bit surprised.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Skyandme.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/SkynVanceandme.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 08, 2011, 09:27:00 PM
Post by: kennyb on January 08, 2011, 09:35:00 PM
Kenny :clapper:
Post by: DW on January 08, 2011, 09:59:00 PM
Post by: SKYLER W on January 08, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
Charlie, That's been a while back, hasn't it? :archer:
It's great to hear all of these stories that we didn't hear while we were out there. It's kinda hard to keep up with everyone :)
Post by: elkken on January 08, 2011, 11:36:00 PM
How about those Seahawks :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
But I suppose if it's not the SEC it's not really football :dunno:
There was alot more fun than just the hunting going on at Solana ... it was great to have folks from all over the USA there. Boyd aka Stabow was a non stop story teller and never was without a smile on his face.
Post by: Larry Surtees on January 09, 2011, 12:36:00 AM
It was great to put faces to the names of the folks I hadn't met before and to shake hands and hug those that I had met in the past. Everyone was great, the food was fabulous, Solana was as beautiful if not more than I had left it a year ago, and the action never stopped.
My trip started out with a 9 hour drive from Pensacola to Austin -- starting out at 6:00 p.m. on Monday and getting into Austin about 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday. I had several hours to kill before Jeff Couture (COOCH) arrived at the airport in Austin. So I caught a few Z's and then met a very interesting gentleman from a nearby small town around the Austin area. He shared some terrific tales with me. I was so wound up that sleep was not at the top of my list.
Once Cooch landed, we became acquainted immediately and headed on to the ranch. As soon as we arrived, I met with Peanut (the foreman at the ranch) and Jim (the cook), and then settled into a room in the upper end of the ranch. Danny Rowan was the 2nd TGer that I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time. Then Don and Skyler came up from the lower bunkhouse. We shared hugs and got caught up on some of things that had transpired since we last saw each other 2 weeks earlier -- thanks to both of them for their outstanding support. Don asked if I wanted to take a ride with him back to Austin to pick up Terry. We met Terry and several other TGers at the airport -- thanks Terry for everything. The rest of the folks showed up over the next several hours except for Curt (Guru) and Chopx2 (Tony). As folks said we went to dinner in town Tuesday eve and did a lot of catching up.
The next day we learned who are guides were going to be. I had asked for John again because he had done such a good job for me last year. I was with a great group that consisted of Wayne LaBauve, Tommy Bell, and Carlton Carter. I'm carrying it with me T-Bell -- thank you -- and I haven't indulged in the hot sauce yet, but I will.
Now it was time for our first hunt. I hunted a stand that I had been in last year. I was hoping to see the beautiful 9 pointer from the year before that didn't offer me a shot opportunity. He had the most beautiful set of antlers I'd ever seen -- a deep chocolate colored set. I had several does come into feed that evening, but I held off shooting hoping for the buck. No such luck.
Before I shut down for the night, I'd like to thank all the TGers for the thoughts, prayers and generous offerings. I wasn't going to go on this hunt, but after some coaxing from fellow TGers and my wife, I decided to go and offered this hunt up to my son. I am so glad I did go because I'll never forget this great bunch of guys who I was able to share good times and some sad times with.
ALSO I'D LIKE TO EXTEND AN INVITE TO ALL TGers TO A MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR MY SON. THE ARMY RANGERS ARE CONDUCTING THIS MEMORIAL CEREMONY WITH FULL MILITARY HONORS FOR CHRIS ON WEDNESDAY, THE 12TH OF JANUARY, AT 2:00 P.M., FORT BENNING, GEORGIA, IN THE INFANTRY CHAPEL. SEATING WILL BE WITH MY FAMILY SINCE YOU ARE FAMILY!
Thank you!
Post by: stabow on January 09, 2011, 07:24:00 AM
Post by: Mudd on January 09, 2011, 08:44:00 AM
I wish I could make the trip to be at the service for Chris but it can not be.
I will however put the time down on my calendar and remember to stop whatever I'm doing to join with you and the rest, in spirit and my prayers.
I prayerfully ask that we all do likewise.
I have asked God to hold you and all who loved Chris, to wrap His loving arms around you, filling you with His assurance, His love, joy, and above all His peace.
With the love of Christ Jesus
God bless you my friend.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Roy L "Mudd" Williams
PS: Please forgive the diversion!
Post by: maineac on January 09, 2011, 08:56:00 AM
Carlton I remember a similar windy cold front last year that just about blew my shivering carcass out of the tree I was perched in.
Great stories, waiting for the big one.
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 09, 2011, 09:15:00 AM
Post by: COOCH on January 09, 2011, 10:12:00 AM
Ken You right it's not football if it's not the SEC.Whatcha think Seahawks & Patriots :dunno:
Post by: COOCH on January 09, 2011, 10:20:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 09, 2011, 10:34:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by COOCH:Glad we got that cleared up..... :biglaugh:
Ken You right it's not football if it's not the SEC.
Post by: redfish on January 09, 2011, 10:51:00 AM
If you drive that road from Salado towards Florence, just after you get inside the Williamson County line there is a house on the west side of the road where the archeological workers stay when they are working the site.
In the 50's, my grandfather and I used to find stone tools and arrowheads all over just west of Florence (I was born a few miles west of the ranch and just found out about the dig last year).
It is truly a unique area.
Post by: COOCH on January 09, 2011, 10:58:00 AM
Post by: Froggy on January 09, 2011, 11:36:00 AM
:laughing: :D :laughing: ,
Froggy
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 09, 2011, 11:53:00 AM
Post by: dposalski on January 09, 2011, 12:08:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Terry Green:Two words....GO DUCKS!!!
QuoteOriginally posted by COOCH:Glad we got that cleared up..... :biglaugh: [/b]
Ken You right it's not football if it's not the SEC.
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 12:30:00 PM
OK, enough about football :clapper:
Post by: knife river on January 09, 2011, 01:37:00 PM
Izzy, with the incredible number of sites and artifacts in that area, I'm surprised you didn't find enough bifaces to fill a 5 gallon bucket! It's a lot like what Charlie Lamb says about talking pictures: you can take photos or you can hunt, but you can't do both at the same time. I've found the same to be true about looking for artifacts. Turns out I'm often more interested in the artifacts. :)
Glad you guys had a great time. Skyler, I'm proud of you!
Post by: Izzy on January 09, 2011, 01:50:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 09, 2011, 02:58:00 PM
:knothead:
Post by: COOCH on January 09, 2011, 03:09:00 PM
I guess thats were the colorful discriptions about there arrow dodging abilities came about.
Lets see you got the "DUCK & ROLL" "DUCK & SCOOT" THE LAZY J" and the mother of all moves "THE MATRIX"
So there I sat observing and trying to take it all in and pondering my decision at the moment of truth.Shoot like normal or do like Skyler did and aim for the knees.
Post by: knife river on January 09, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 04:38:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020876ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020877ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020878ncopynsolana.JPG)
Ol' Shep just'a gettin' it!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020884ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Dirtybird on January 09, 2011, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 04:50:00 PM
Everyone gets together and we not only get to eat some fabulous food, but we get to share each others company and hear everyone's hunting stories.
As good as the hunting is, I always look forward to pick-up time because it means we get to eat, and we get to see what was brought into camp and what needs trackin'...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020892ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020893ncopynsolana.JPG)
Without a doubt one of the finest gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of sharing a camp with...Mr. Larry Surtees. I sure wish I lived closer to Larry, because I'd spend an awful lot of time with him. Just like when I met Chris earlier this year, he left a lasting impression on me...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020894ncopynsolana.JPG)
Enjoying the peach cobbler...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020895ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020896ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: BDann on January 09, 2011, 04:53:00 PM
MMMMMMMMMM!
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 04:55:00 PM
Still plenty to share :campfire:
Post by: J-dog on January 09, 2011, 05:07:00 PM
Post by: stick-um on January 09, 2011, 05:08:00 PM
Post by: dposalski on January 09, 2011, 05:11:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Guru:
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020910ncopynsolana.JPG)
Still plenty to share :knothead:
Post by: Jason R. Wesbrock on January 09, 2011, 06:16:00 PM
Post by: BDann on January 09, 2011, 06:34:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 09, 2011, 06:42:00 PM
Right.....just to recap. 31 Dec. I settled into my stand around 3 ish and waited for the feeder to go off at 4 pm. As you can see from the pics, the view is fairly obscured. I sat quietly, patiently, and most importantly motionless for the next hour. I daydreamed of big bucks, shooting straight and my family. When the feeder went off I was deep in thought and about jumped off the stand. After my heart slowed down I intensified my concentration. Anticipating the deer to arrive. The feeders act like dinner bells in some locations and I was expecting lots of guests.
Well, the dinner guests were late. I sat for about 30 more minutes and there was nothing. Then suddenly I saw movement in the trees to my right where I could see some of the open field. It was two does coming into the feeder. They feed for a couple of minutes and I kept noticing them looking over their shoulder. It ended up being a little fork horn that hung back from the feeder until he felt comfortable. Shortly after the fork horn arrived three more does came in.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3195-1.jpg)
I sat and watch those guys eat for about 30 minutes and a little devil appeared on my shoulder. Like I mentioned in the last post, we all agreed, in the truck before Robert dropped us off, that we were hunting bucks. But for some reason I kept wanting to shoot another doe. I thought " we are allowed two does on this license, I should just shoot another and get it off my mind. What’s the harm in that, right? Why not, I am here to have fun. But wait.... I said I was after a good buck. If I shoot a doe, I might ruin my chances at a buck".
Man, this little battle started in my mind. For 10 minutes I fought with myself. Shoot the doe! Don't shoot the Doe! Back and forth. While all of this was going on the temperature started dropping and I was getting chilly. Ok, down right cold. I knew I should have put on my jacket. Now I am covered up with eyes. There was one doe that was probably 12 or 13 yards at all times.
So, I am shivering and having a mental battle with myself when I see some movement near the feeder. It is annotated by the green dot.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3196-2.jpg)
It’s a buck. I see antlers. At first the antlers look kind of big, sorta long. But the branches of the old oak tree are deceiving my depth perception.
Then the buck steps totally out from behind the tree. He looks distorted, his rack is towering above his body! His body looks so little! It’s like someone strapped a caribou rack on his head. Yeah yeah, I know. I am loosing it. He feeds closer to the right side of the feeder. I look away, first into the trees to see if there is anything else hiding. Then at the does that are in the area. I move my eyes back to the buck. Yep, he's still there and he still looks big. My heart starts thumping more now. I have had a minute to allow my rational judgment to take over and he still looks big. I try to make sense of how big he is. I start doing math. So, a mature whitetails ears are approx 6 inches in length. Right....OK, and the spread from ear tip to ear tip of a buck, when alert, is 14 to 15 inches. Check !
Good Lord, I am shivering and I think I am going to have a heart attack. My heart is really pumping. Heck, I even feel for my cell phone to see if I can get to it if I have a problem.
The buck feeds in a zigzag pattern in front of the feeder. Yep, in front of the feeder, on my side. I never have this kinda luck. Back and forth. First to my left, he is constantly broadside headed left, then back to the right. Broadside. He is probably 18 or 19 yards. My heart is out of control. So I try to do some logical thinking. Don't look at his rack, pick a spot on the ground that you will be comfortable with. A spot that will be the one that’s says shoot. While doing all of that I decide to make a practice draw on him. Oh yeah, I know what your thinking. The last time I practice drew on that doe I shot her. But not this time. He is a little bit too far. I am not comfortable.
He is feeding back towards my right, I wait till his head is down and slightly turned away and I draw. Slow and easy I have worked my bow into position. When I get to full draw, 54 pounds at 26 inches, something causes all of the deer to alert. All of their heads snap up and he just happens to be looking in my direction. I even feel like he is looking directly at me.
@#$%& %$&#@ !!!! Yep, you heard me !
I am holding full draw and I am shivering. I seem to have plenty of strength but the shivering is giving me a fit.
The buck, after what seems to have been an eternity, resumes eating. I let down the bow and come to rest it on my lap. "Goodness, I almost blew it!".
Most of the other deer have feed out of the way. They are out about equal with the feeder on both sides.
The buck has been feeding to the right and when he turns to feed back to the left, he takes a few steps closer to my stand. I can’t believe my luck. He is now going to feed right into the spot I have decided I am comfortable with. My concentration is on his front left leg now. He is broadside and I am waiting for him to take a step forward with that left front leg. He turns slightly quartering away. All the while I have brought my bow into a shooting position and have a little tension on the string. I find a little calm in my concentration and my heart has settled down a bit.
And it happens!
He takes that last step forward !
Post by: kennyb on January 09, 2011, 06:59:00 PM
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 09, 2011, 07:00:00 PM
David
Post by: Dirtybird on January 09, 2011, 07:06:00 PM
Post by: Big Ed on January 09, 2011, 07:08:00 PM
Post by: shortstroke 91 on January 09, 2011, 07:24:00 PM
COME ON.....
Post by: DW on January 09, 2011, 07:30:00 PM
Heard this story first hand from Jack but this is good!
Just wait till you hear the end....it's worth the wait...
Post by: E.AllenIII on January 09, 2011, 07:33:00 PM
This appears to have been a phenomenial hunt.
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 09, 2011, 07:36:00 PM
Post by: Larry Surtees on January 09, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 09, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
Everyone should try to do a group hunt, of some kind, with fellow Trad Gang members.
AND there's several more tales yet to be told on this hunt.
Post by: Killdeer on January 09, 2011, 07:38:00 PM
Killdeer :readit:
Post by: Jack Denbow on January 09, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
Jack
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 07:56:00 PM
This is so cool "hearing" this again :campfire:
Post by: GRINCH on January 09, 2011, 07:58:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 09, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
Jack and I spent the last day after the hunt together in Austin along with Izzy, Terry, and Stabow. We had the latest flights out so we passed some of the time visiting Cabelas in Buda TX. Jack takes Cabelas shopping to a whole new level, it was like watching my wife at the half yearly sale at Nordstrom. He left no stone unturned.
The wait will be worth it .... I'm sure :jumper: :jumper:
Post by: dragon rider on January 09, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 09, 2011, 08:36:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by elkken:Wow, that's cold Ken :dunno:
Jack and I spent the last day after the hunt together in Austin along with Izzy, Terry, and Stabow.
Post by: COOCH on January 09, 2011, 09:19:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 09, 2011, 09:44:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 09, 2011, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 09, 2011, 09:49:00 PM
Larry is absolutely right. Going on this trip was one of the most nerve-racking experiences I have ever had. Yet the most fulfilling.
Meeting Mr. Surtees was my main point of stress and everyone, including Larry, made me feel right at home. I can honestly say I have made some life long friends on this trip.
You guys are cracking me up. With your comments. Ken is not lying about my shopping prowess.
Ken and I had a great dinner the last night with Izzy, Stabow, Terry and Guru. Was nice to sit with some of the guys that I didn't get to spend as much time with. Something to note about these trips. Take more pictures and spend more time with everyone. I can be a quiet guy, sometimes a loner of sorts. I wish I had spent more time with these guys.
Larry was right on the ball about the Hi-Breed. I brought my favorite bow with me for this trip. It’s a three-piece takedown Cheyenne. This is my absolute favorite bow ever. But for some reason, on this hunt, I couldn't shoot it worth a darn. It’s still my favorite bow. But when I started shooting the H-Breed, Chris's bow, I was shooting much better. As a side note. I have been away from home for half of the year and haven't shot my bow much. So it was worrying me that I would not respect the animals I was hunting. I had put quite a restriction on my shooting distances.
Back to the stand.....that buck took one last step, he was feeding, quartering away, when his left front leg stepped forward. I thought, "This is it!"
To give you guys an idea of timing. At this point, I had been watching this buck for 20 or 30 minutes.
Racing through my mind was quite a lot of thoughts. I have been living outside of the US for almost 5 years. I have hunted very little with my bow. What I have hunted with my bow has all been due to TradGang and its members. The places I have been, TradGang related, the bow I was shooting...TradGang related, heck even the outerwear I had on, was because of a thread I read in TradGang. Lots of things were related to the site.
Fortunately I was not really nervous or worried at this point. Just watching re-runs of my hunting and how it all relates.
With all those thoughts going through my head you would think I couldn't really concentrate on the task at hand but it was foremost in my mind. I was thinking, quartering away, left leg forward and shoot low. You have read the stories by now. Some guys have even shot as low as the deer’s knee to make a center lung shot on these Texas hi tension spring loaded duck and rolling deer.
Here is the same picture you all have seen over and over. The bummer is that I only have three pictures of that stand. At least I took some, I keep telling myself. But this time I have hired an expert forensics artist to draw where the deer entered the scene (RED dot) and where he was standing at the shot.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3196-1.jpg)
I came to full draw and concentrated on a spot just below the brisket. The arrow was off and everything went into slow motion. It seems to enter the buck low. The buck lunged forward and I saw the arrow going into him, low, in the brisket, the leg looked involved, but I could not tell where. I heard a loud pop and saw the back end of my arrow flip up into the air. The buck ran straight away across a small field and into some big woods. His body language was such that he looked hit, ran with a purpose, but not strong, his tail was down. He didn't kick or have a hunched back.
I managed to tie my bow and quiver onto the safety rope and lower it to the ground. I unbuckled my safety harness and climbed down. When I got to the bottom I could barely walk to the shot location. My knees were quivering and my hands were shaking and all I could hear was my heartbeat in my ears.
I found the back half of the arrow. Snapped perfectly in two. It was a terminator arrow I bought with the intentions of making into a stumpin arrow. I had read a thread by Guru, and it caused me to go to Wally World and I happened into a sale. I bought 6 Carbon Express Terminators 4560's. Then after a thread on footing carbons I found the video by friends call me pac. I footed these shafts by following his direction.
After finding the back half of the arrow I took about 5 more steps in the direction of the bucks retreat and I found the front portion. It had blood on it for about 6 or 8 inches. Well, at least that's what I saw at that time. I took a few more steps but found no blood. After a few seconds of thought I reluctantly made my way back to the stand and climbed back in to my perch. Heck I even knocked an arrow and thought, " What the heck, I could try for a doe or a pig if one came in. I still have 30 or 45 minutes of light left".
What the heck was I thinking? Am I stupid or something? All I need to do is shoot a doe or a hog and have another blood track on the ground to throw off the dog. Heck, that is Texas Whitetail Bow hunting 101. I didn't want to mess up this tracking job at all.
So, I put my arrow back into my quiver and sat. For what was quite possible the longest evening of my life.
After the sun was totally behind the trees and there was no more light I packed up and climbed down out of the stand. When Robert arrived I stayed fairly calm and replayed the nights events to Robert. We both knew what we had to do. We moved on to pick up the rest of the hunters, Izzy, Jeff and Danny and made our way back to the ranch house for dinner.
It made for a very long couple of hours. The short ride back to the house and all during dinner I couldn't help but worry. The shot just seemed low. But there was good blood on the arrow. I retold the story lots of times at dinner and had a lot or reassuring comments by the gang. But you guys know how it goes. You still have a funny feeling in your stomach. Although, I have to admit. I still chowed down on Jim's awesome tacos.
Post by: gregg dudley on January 09, 2011, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 09, 2011, 10:03:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 09, 2011, 10:16:00 PM
Post by: on January 09, 2011, 10:21:00 PM
Bisch
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 09, 2011, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 09, 2011, 10:35:00 PM
Check out these pics. Izzy is one fine shooting Longbowman. And deadly too !
What a pleasure to be around.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3129-1.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3203.jpg)
Robert and Jeff take photos. Making Izzy work for it.
Izzy, Robert and Tazz, the amazing blood tracking dog.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3201.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3200.jpg)
Post by: elkken on January 09, 2011, 10:38:00 PM
:o
Post by: leatherneck on January 09, 2011, 10:40:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on January 09, 2011, 10:45:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on January 09, 2011, 11:50:00 PM
Now, after this bit of background, enough break! GIVE!
Killdeer :coffee:
Post by: Doug Campbell on January 10, 2011, 12:10:00 AM
Thanks ;)
Post by: COOCH on January 10, 2011, 07:48:00 AM
As the light was slowly fading the sounder was getting closer so I readied my hog arrow just in time to see the sounder break out off the cedars 50 yds behind me.I knew it be a fast shot before they got to the corn due to the wind.Well the leader was coming directly toward the bas off my tree and turned to circle the corn at 10ish yds.About that time the wind faltered and they exploded out of there faster than I can type this. :banghead: :banghead:
Post by: Dirtybird on January 10, 2011, 08:21:00 AM
Post by: on January 10, 2011, 09:11:00 AM
Bisch
Post by: Izzy on January 10, 2011, 09:28:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 10, 2011, 09:43:00 AM
When I asked how he'd done he nervously told me how everything unfolded, and about his impression of the shot.
He was confident, but as anyone who's "been there", there's always some doubt until you have your hands on what you shoot.
After Jack finishes, I'll add a couple more thoughts from that night...
Hang on tight...
Post by: paleFace on January 10, 2011, 10:10:00 AM
Post by: coaster500 on January 10, 2011, 10:54:00 AM
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Post by: Kenneth on January 10, 2011, 02:17:00 PM
Post by: Jack Denbow on January 10, 2011, 02:36:00 PM
Jack
Post by: Randy Morin on January 10, 2011, 03:02:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 05:20:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on January 10, 2011, 06:16:00 PM
Post by: Whip on January 10, 2011, 06:17:00 PM
Hello??
Don't forget you fellas have some stories to finish!!!
What happened, ya'll go back to Texas????
Post by: Covey on January 10, 2011, 06:22:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 10, 2011, 06:40:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 10, 2011, 06:44:00 PM
I sat in a ground blind where David had been "feeding the road" I had seen lots of deer there the evening before and especially wanted a crack at an old doe with a big brisket. I mean it hung down like the dewlap on an old gobbler.
Well as soon as David left I heard crunching to my left. As the dark slowly faded away I see this big black shape at the far end of the little opening in the Cedar. Soon after I hear crunching to my right!!!!!
Next thing I know the black shape is barreling past me and all I see is white tails leaving the scene. The black shape turns out to be a hog. And he is not in a sharing mood. As soon as he runs off the deer he turns and hauls it straight back to the far end.
Well I'm sitting here thinking"That ain't cool"
So.... The next time he turns broadside I am going to try it. Well I let it fly and it hits perfect on the horizontal and about 3 inches back from where I wanted.
Then I waited for the deer to start coming back.....
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 10, 2011, 06:57:00 PM
It was a shot I had practiced for in preparation for my Big Horn hunt this past November. Not one I ever planned to take. I found one tiny speck of blood on some moss and I went back to the blind. So everybody showed up and we went looking for him.
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 06:59:00 PM
Post by: kennym on January 10, 2011, 07:00:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on January 10, 2011, 07:05:00 PM
Killdeer :saywhat:
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 10, 2011, 07:06:00 PM
We look and look and look. No luck. Terry finally asks David to turn Cowboy out. We look some more with David and Don going out away from us to the right.
All of a sudden I hear Don say that they have blood!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about snatching victory from the jaws of defeat!!!!!!!!!! Well I go runnning over to them and they are standing above a ravine and Cowboy is down in the bottom... running in circles!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Don Batten on January 10, 2011, 07:06:00 PM
Michael, I'm heading down this weekend, why don't you come by for dinner one night and tell me about it by the fire. DB
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 07:18:00 PM
We both slowed down as we neared, and I stopped to get a better bearing and didn't see Curt slip into the cedars. So, I got in there last and was a bit confused as David kept cheering his dog on and just looking back at me....not saying a word about the hog.
Soon I passed David and saw Curt and Michael ahead of me. Michael was standing still, and Curt was flanking left.....
I still was confused cause I still didn't see a hog....just two guys looking at a blowdown it looked like.
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 10, 2011, 07:40:00 PM
Out of no where Curt is standing next to me and we are trying to figure out where in the hell the Hog is. I'm peering ahead and this ear comes into focus then the head and then the back...
I start moving to the right looking for an opening. Curt is going to the left. After searching for an open shot the only window is straight at his head. Since he is wounded already and this is my only shot.. I take it.
The sound was like a loud crack. I mean take a hickory limb to a telephone pole. I hit the pig in the head above the eyes but below the ears!!!!!!!!!
He did not blink. He did not shake his head. He did not utter a sound!! He just stood there looking at me like I was the last ear of corn in the bin!!!!!
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 10, 2011, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
Post by: Jack Denbow on January 10, 2011, 07:44:00 PM
Jack
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 10, 2011, 07:53:00 PM
Post by: Kenneth on January 10, 2011, 08:01:00 PM
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 10, 2011, 08:17:00 PM
David
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 10, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 10, 2011, 08:28:00 PM
Meanwhile....those hogs are tearing up the rest of the gang.
Post by: Kenneth on January 10, 2011, 08:29:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 10, 2011, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 10, 2011, 08:41:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 10, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
I barely put my plate away and was finishing up my glass of sweet tea when Robert said " You Ready". It was all I could do not to shout "Hell Yeah !" But i just nodded my head yes.
Skyler came along with us and another hunter. OK, so i have to admit. I cant remember who else was there. Thats bad but i think my mind was somewhere else.
We piled into the truck and made our way to the stand site. Upon arrival I asked Robert if he wanted me to show him where and how it all went down. We walked to the spot the deer was standing and then i walked him over to show him the two half's of the arrow that i left in place.
We talked a little and then he went and took Taz out of the dog box. Robert has a GPS dog tracking collar with a hand held receiver. He synchronizes the collar to the hand receiver and puts the collar on Taz. He then keeps Taz on a lead and walks him to the area where i shot the buck and then over to the two pieces of arrow on the ground.
He is talking to Taz, i seem to remember his words as "DEAD" ...."DEAD"....... and lets him off the lead. Now Taz comes by his name honestly. He takes off running. Interestingly he runs directly in the path I described the buck taking.
Simultaneously Roberts second dog, still in the dog box on the truck, is howling and carrying on. Robert is watching the receiver and is talking out loud. " Oh i like to see that !" he says. Taz runs a straight line and then a little jog to the left and a straight line again. He says, " its just like you described!"
Back to Roberts second dog.....she is howling up a storm. We are about 80 yards from her and she doesn't like to be alone. Robert asks Skyler to go back and stand with the truck to quiet the other dog. Man, i am feeling bad for Skyler, its like he has been left out. After about 30 seconds more, Robert says he is going to go follow up Taz on his own, alone. What da ??? Without me....you mean i have to stay back too. Maaaaaann !!! I am kicking the ground like a scolded kid.
Well, by now i understand Robert and his dog a lot more. The idea is to not pressure Taz. Just Robert following Taz is much less pressure on Taz. I walk back to the truck following Skyler and wait.
And Wait.... and wait... wait a little longer. Really its only been 3 or 4 minutes. But they were long minutes. I hear Robert give a Cowboy style holler. I can tell by the tone its a good thing. Its positive. My face flushes and my heart starts thumping again. I say to Skyler "thats it, he has found the deer " and under my breath i whisper "i hope".
We both take off at a fast walk and along the walk Robert shouts out again. following his voice we go through some big woods and then veer left into so thick cedars, then into an open area with lots of prickly pear cactus. Thats where we meet up with Robert. He is reciting over and over..."Now i haven't touched your deer...he's right up this way...don't touch Taz, i will pull him off and you can go to him". I am not saying much... that I can remember. i have to low crawl through some more tangled cedars and then my light comes upon Taz and my deer. I cant really make out much at the time. Robert is pulling Taz off of the deer and still saying..." Now i haven't touched your deer !"
There is a lot of rational behind one of Roberts comments. We see eye to eye on this topic. He says..."that deer has spent its entire life never being touched by man...i feel as though the first person to touch him should be the man who has taken his life !"
This a statement that will stay strong in my memory !
When my light finally illuminates the Buck he is exactly as I remembered.
A flood of emotions are about to erupt. I am speechless. Many will not believe that. Those that know I like to talk.
I was given this hunt...by a very generous man, to take Chris Surtees's spot. I have killed a doe and a buck with Chris's Randy Morin Hi-Breed. I have meet, bonded and made friends with new TradGang members. Members who have shared memories of Chris.
Thank goodness Skyler remembered to bring his camera on the recovery........ Thanks Sky....you da man !
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/PC310434.jpg)
Post by: DW on January 10, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 10, 2011, 08:47:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 10, 2011, 08:49:00 PM
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/PC310437.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/PC310430.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/PC310429.jpg)
Post by: DW on January 10, 2011, 08:49:00 PM
I believe you had a friend along on that hunt....
Post by: Guru on January 10, 2011, 08:50:00 PM
Now I'm watching the hog the whole time, he's right next to me, and when he shoots I hear this sound of a baseball bat hitting a telephone pole!
Out of the periferal, see Michaels arrow.... from what I can tell because of the thickness of the cedars....sticking out of a cedar tree...I thought, "dang it he missed!" (or so I thought)
I mean he never blinked.flinched, nothing!! Nothing to lead me to think that Michael's arrow had connected...
So now I just take what opening I had and zipped a big Snuffer 160 thru his mid section at about 7yds...
Then it happened! Something I wasn't even thinking about when I waded into the Terry dubbed, "hog Fight".......
Post by: Izzy on January 10, 2011, 08:52:00 PM
Post by: Green on January 10, 2011, 08:54:00 PM
Great hunt and great thread y'all.....moves slower than peanut butter flowin' up a wall....but great thread & stories nonetheless.
Post by: J. Cook on January 10, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 10, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
Post by: Kenneth on January 10, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Let's hear more about that unicorn hog!
Post by: limbolt on January 10, 2011, 08:57:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 10, 2011, 09:02:00 PM
This is the only pic I have of Jack's buck...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020820ncopynsolana.JPG)
You can also see a where the hit was and when Jack describes what the arrow did, it will be easier to understand.
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 10, 2011, 09:06:00 PM
Take care of your brethren, capture their memories for one day they may be gracious and do the same for you.
Post by: SKYLER W on January 10, 2011, 09:20:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 10, 2011, 09:20:00 PM
I got a good laugh out of Roberts comment and bent down to take it all in.
Wayne....you are absolutely right. Skyler saved the experience for us all. Take lots of pictures guys. When you think you have enough, take twice as many more.
After pictures and lots of talking we drug the deer to a near by grass road and Robert meet us there with the truck.
All along Skyler had been texting his dad. Telling him, it "didnt look good"
When we arrived in camp. lots, if not most of the gang were hanging around outside of the main cook house. As we pulled into the driveway.. i could see their faces as they were gaining focus on the back of the truck and the deer. It was like all of a sudden, they saw it at once and a loud cheer went out.
Its all kinda blurry after we arrived. Lots of hand shakes and hugs. Posing for pictures and back slapping.
On a side note: If you are interested in numbers...the staff of the ranch measured him and they say he was 135 1/2 inches.
This is one of my favorite pictures of the night.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/PC310438.jpg)
It was new years eve. That was one heck of a way to end a year. I stayed up much of the night, talking and reliving the experience. Also spent a lot of time with Larry that night. Heck, for the first time in months I even had a beer to celebrate the occasion.
Post by: swp on January 10, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: Fritz on January 10, 2011, 09:31:00 PM
Post by: J-dog on January 10, 2011, 09:36:00 PM
Jason
Post by: Rick Butler on January 10, 2011, 09:37:00 PM
Post by: dragon rider on January 10, 2011, 09:42:00 PM
That's great. What a beautiful buck. Where did your arrow go? Looks like it might have gone off his leg into his chest, but it's kind of hard to tell from that one picture.
Post by: LoweBow on January 10, 2011, 09:46:00 PM
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 10, 2011, 09:55:00 PM
David
Post by: paleFace on January 10, 2011, 10:01:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 10, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: Whip on January 10, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: erierik on January 10, 2011, 10:13:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 10, 2011, 10:14:00 PM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 10, 2011, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 10:27:00 PM
Don went by me 1st, then I felt the breeze Curt created as he went by as I finished nocking my Zwikey. I looked up to see the boar coming toward me, and I bowed up at him as I squared for a shot.
He veered and gave me the reverse position I had a couple of nights before....just needed to sneak this one by the left cheek.....which is exactly what I did.....again, with Chris' bow.
As the arrow struck the boar looked as though it had been electrocuted and he went into a convulsion and fell over dead....'dead as a hammer'.
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 10, 2011, 10:28:00 PM
Post by: Horner on January 10, 2011, 10:30:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 10, 2011, 10:33:00 PM
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: Terry Green on January 10, 2011, 10:33:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011jackbucktruck1.jpg)
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 10, 2011, 10:34:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 10, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
Post by: leatherneck on January 10, 2011, 10:36:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 10, 2011, 10:37:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 10, 2011, 10:40:00 PM
Post by: Kenneth on January 10, 2011, 10:48:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by DW:Okay so I'm not crazy! I kept looking trying to figure it out.
If you look close at the pic of hog with 3 arrows, you can see the broken off arrow in forehead,,,
That is an incredible hog story!! Good shootin' Terry! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: Larry Surtees on January 10, 2011, 10:54:00 PM
My story is like the others. I saw a lot of deer, and had a close encounter with a group of turkeys. Most of my deer sightings were does and smaller bucks. I did see 3 real nice 8 pointers or better that just didn't give me a shot opportunity. After my third hunt, I decided that the next doe I had in my shooting range, I'd let an arrow go. It was Friday morning, and I'd just been let off at my stand when I hear crunching going on to my left and right. It is too dark to make out anything. Then I hear crunching right under me. I waited patiently for enough light to try and make out what is all around me. Finally, I can make out that there are at least 6 deer within shooting range. I just couldn't make out any horns. As the minutes ticked away, I can see a very nice buck moving forward in front of me at about 16 yards or so. At last enough light to actually make out a nice 7 point. He was just too far out for me, but then he started moving toward me. At about 18 yards he finally gives me a quartering away shot. He didn't duck the arrow, but he did roll left. I knew I had hit him, but it was lower than I wanted. When John arrived, he had Wayne, Tommy, and Carlton with him. I showed them where he had exited, and about 40 yards later, we found blood. We tracked the blood for another 40 or so yards and no more blood. We went back to camp and after breakfast Robert put Taz on the blood, but he didn't come up with anything. Carlton mentioned the next day that he had seen a 7 point that had blood on the back side of his shoulder and another patch of blood on his front side. It must have been my deer. I felt good that he appeared to be okay and was walking without a limp. The arrow must have just went under the skin and exited -- hoping he will live to be a finer buck next season.
The same evening, John asked if I wanted to try and Tripod stand. I was up for anything. As the truck drove off, I made my way up to the seat with no problem. I'm glad no one was around to witness a fat, old man trying to work his body into that seat. Lucky, I was the first to be dropped off because it probably took me longer to get into position than the last guy dropped off. I was no sooner settled when 4 does came in. I waited until I had a good broadside shot on the 2nd largest old girl. My arrow hit a little high as she ducked a bit. But as she hauled out of there, I could only see my fletchings sticking out. My next problem was trying to get out of the seat and turned around. But after a few twists and turns, I got the old body down. We found good blood right at the impact point, and Stubby tracked her down with no problem. In my haste to pack, I left my camera behind -- no pics.
My last morning hunt had does and small bucks in and out all morning. I knew that my hunt would be ending within the next 30 or so minutes, and I had a doe about 20 yards quartering away. I let an arrow go, and it flew perfectly, but she ducked and rolled. I couldn't believe that with the blood trail that we found, it ended with no sign of the deer.
It was my pleasure to be with some of the finest TGers around on this trip. But my most memorable moments were early Saturday afternoon. I'll let some of the others comment as the entire group had a hand in this. Thank you guys!
Post by: longbowben on January 10, 2011, 11:05:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on January 10, 2011, 11:27:00 PM
Tell me there's more still.... please.
Post by: stik&string on January 11, 2011, 12:04:00 AM
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on January 11, 2011, 12:04:00 AM
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 11, 2011, 12:17:00 AM
Just Awesome.........The whole hunt. Meeting Larry, hunting with Chris's bow and having Chris right there with you. Two Beautiful deer and the greatest group of friends.
Jack, you are a blessed man........As are the men who got to hunt with you.
Thank you all for sharing :campfire:
Post by: Xavier on January 11, 2011, 02:52:00 AM
Post by: rastaman on January 11, 2011, 05:47:00 AM
Thanks for taking us along with you guys with the stories and pictures!
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 06:24:00 AM
....Well, what I saw waiting for us in that thicket wasn't no 90# hog!
Either I'm way off on what I thought a hog that size looks like, or he just looked a lot bigger being so close to him on the ground...but this hog looked WAY BIGGER!
....The Snuffer disappeared thru his size, and he instantly turned toward me and here he come!!!
Now remember, Michael had just tried to pole axe him by burying a broadhead in his skull and he didn't twitch,I mean he didn't even blink! But at this point I still thought Michael had missed(I should have known better!)I guess my arrow was just enough to tick him off after Michael's shot.
So here I am, after just shooting this hog only 6-7 yds. away and now he's coming at me with bad intentions!
I knew I didn't have time to knock another arrow. In a split second decision, I knew my only option was retreat!
Thank goodness I had found this little ally way when I went in. Because had I not had it, we'd have been fightin'!
I turned and took off looking back and watching to see where he was...
Cowboy came right out after him and with his harassment, got him to stop his charge after he got into the opening!
Without realizing it, because I was looking both forward and back at the hog as I retreated, I'd run right past Don as he was snapping pictures, and Terry had showed up.
When the hog stopped I did too and quickly nocked another arrow and was drawing to shoot again when I saw the chartruse streak of Terry's arrow and the big boar dropped like a stone!
I was already at full draw so I just let it go anyway even though it was unneccessary.
Ya wanna talk about adrenaline!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 06:36:00 AM
I guess I was the only one that didn't know his shot had connected, and he had completely buried a VPA into the skull of that ticked off boar hog!
It still blows me away, the sound of that arrow striking was incredible! I'd have sworn he hit that cedar!
It would have been over with Michael's shot had his arrow struck just a couple inches lower. But he'd hit him at the very top of his skull, the thickest part, and at an angle that it never touched the brain.
Like I said my arrow had zipped thru his mid-section as this was the only shot I had and we needed to get another arrow into him.
Terry's finisher, after the boar stopped his charge, had slid right past his cheek, thru the lower part of his ear and buried into his spine behind his skull....KO'd!!!
My last arrow had found the spine as well.
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 07:12:00 AM
Poor Skyler missed it all!
He was the last to be picked up that morning...when we got to Michael, we were only gonna look for a few minutes then go get Sky and come back.
Well we ended up looking for a little longer and when we were about to quit, Cowboy struck gold and bailed over the edge of that cedar break....you know the rest....
Sky did get a much needed nap though :biglaugh:
Post by: LoweBow on January 11, 2011, 08:12:00 AM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 11, 2011, 08:15:00 AM
Post by: dbishop on January 11, 2011, 08:22:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by LoweBow:That would be a "pig" cushion! Great job guys and great story.
That hog looks like a pin cushion! :biglaugh: :archer2:
Dave
Post by: stick_string on January 11, 2011, 08:23:00 AM
Great job Jack...nice BUCK!!
Great HOG!! :deadhorse:
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 11, 2011, 08:36:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:Please post them Curt. I am dying to see them. I don't have many at all.
I have a bunch of great pix, but don't want to post them till I get the OK....
Poor Skyler missed it all!
He was the last to be picked up that morning...when we got to Michael, we were only gonna look for a few minutes then go get Sky and come back.
Well we ended up looking for a little longer and when we were about to quit, Cowboy struck gold and bailed over the edge of that cedar break....you know the rest....
Sky did get a much needed nap though :biglaugh:
Post by: DesertDude on January 11, 2011, 08:45:00 AM
Post by: hunt it on January 11, 2011, 08:46:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on January 11, 2011, 08:54:00 AM
What a buck Jack!! Man I am so happy for you and this whole hunt and everyone involved. I cant imagine how special this all was for you guys.
Somebody pretty special was watchin over you fellas on this trip. Juat amazing all the way around.
I love those pics Jack! Really came out very nice.
Randy.
Post by: chuckbow on January 11, 2011, 10:23:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 10:31:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2001mikeboar1.jpg)
The Shooters......
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2001mikeboar2.jpg)
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 10:39:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2001mikeboar3.jpg)
Burried VPA Terminator..... NOTE: You are looking at the bottom of the arrow's insert, you could not see or feel the blades at all.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2001mikeboar4.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2001mikeboar5.jpg)
Post by: Pierre Lucas on January 11, 2011, 10:42:00 AM
Jack, great buck.
Some real mojo happening here.
God Bless, Pierre
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 11, 2011, 10:43:00 AM
Post by: GRINCH on January 11, 2011, 10:47:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
I really enjoyed that recovery. What an adventure once again. The 1st hog fight made my trip, and this 2nd one was just too much. I had shot two arrows from Chris' bow, and both had gone exactly where I'd wanted. After this hog fight I began to refer to Chris' bow as 'The Final Say'.
What memories among great friends to hold onto for ever.
These Solana hunts are really special.
Post by: leatherneck on January 11, 2011, 10:49:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 11:00:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Terry Green:Amen brother!
T
What memories among great friends to hold onto for ever.
These Solana hunts are really special.
As far as Michael's hog....let's not forget Michael made one heck of a shot to start with...I mean it was at least 35yds! He was only off by a matter of inches from it ending in less than 100yds.!
But like my experience earlier, I'd bet Michael wouldn't have wanted it any other way...Chris had one again been there with us....
One happy hunter...from rock bottom, to the top of the world!! Congrats again buddy!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020848ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020850ncopynsolana.JPG)
What a thrill!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020856ncopynsolana.JPG)
Our whole group...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020863ncopynsolana.JPG)
Self explanatory!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020865ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020867ncopynsolana.JPG)
"The ultimate hunting vehichle"...and Ol' Shep, not a better guy to share time with!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020871ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020874ncopynsolana.JPG)
Another memory to last a lifetime!
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 11:03:00 AM
Post by: lpcjon2 on January 11, 2011, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on January 11, 2011, 12:39:00 PM
In looking at the "pin cushion" pork picture I see one thing. All the arrows positions in the animal indicate that the men who shot those arrows know how to shoot an animal to kill it. Each from a different angle and each placed just right for the shot presented.
The story tells me that the final "firefight" happened in a short space of time, which means all the participants were operating on adrenaline and instinct. The purest, most deadly type of instinctive shooting.
There are many lessoned to be learned here.
Congratulations on a hunt and story well played.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: smoke1953 on January 11, 2011, 12:52:00 PM
Post by: chopx2 on January 11, 2011, 01:45:00 PM
Took my first Trad Deer at Solana on 12/30 the morning of my first hunt. Didn't have my camera with me and lost my cell so no pics
I hope the story works for you.
I had to work on 12/28 so I had a late afternoon flight out of Baltimore. I was grateful the snow had spared us in MD for the most part and I would get out on time. Well I forgot about the weather gods in TX because no sooner do I arrive in Atlanta and get to the gate for my connecting flight than it gets cancelled due to thunderstorm activity. After waiting in line I finally get a flight out the next afternoon. I was a bit bummed since I would miss the first hunt on the 29th, but seeing as this was my first real vacation in 5 years I was in pretty good spirits anyway.
I arrived in camp before the hunters got in and busied myself getting my gear together for the next morning. Meeting everyone was great and I was feeling so excited I barely got 2 hours of sleep! 4am couldn't come soon enough.
By 6:15am I was nestled in my treestand which was a ladder stand with a tripod swivel seat adapted to it. The stand placement was perfect. I was buried about 15 feet up a live Oak with 12-18 foot cedars in front of me providing impenetrable cover from anything below me. There was just enough space to comfortably shoot my new 59# @ 29" Toelke 62" t/d Whip longbow.
There was quite a bit of wind which in the end turned out to be my salvation and possibly my bane. About 6:40am a descent size doe with her two yearlings silently eased into the feeder area cautiously hugging the cedars around my stand and down wind. They had no idea I was there nor did I know they were there until they appeared. I have to believe the wind was blowing my scent right over the top of them and prevented me from hearing them come in. It was too dark still to make out much so I just sat there waiting for enough light to shoot.
Not long after the feeder went off at 6:55am another doe and her two yearlings arrived on the scene from up wind. They came on pretty quick, but the first doe never comepletely relaxed. By now it was just light enough to shoot. The first doe was about 10-12 yds in front of me working from left to right at the bottom of my shooting lane. Just a few more steps and she'd be almost perfectly broadside in the opening. The next 5 minutes seemed to take an hour as I slowly scanned from deer to deer trying to pick a moment when all were head down eating or facing away so I could ease my bow into position inch by inch.
I sized up the situation and found my opportunity to draw back ever so slowly. Once I reached my anchor I tried to pick a spot under her sternum a few inches back remembering all the advice from the night before on how they drop. I released the arrow and heard a crack. Damn I missed and hit a rock I thought.
The doe turned to her left and made a tight arch from my left to right running past the feeder 20 yards in front of me. In the spilt second I could see her clearly as she passed the feeder my mind registered the image. As I sat back and dissected that image I began to slowly piece together the shot. Here is what my brain registered...the arrow was sticking out the far side and angling back looking like a pass through with the fletching out front. Her far leg was dragging and she wasn't bearing any weight on it...man can they run fast on 3 legs. Then the next instant the arrow disappeared and her running seemed to improve.
As I tried to think what internal damage there had been I immediately thought, looks like maybe back of liver and definitely guts. Probably hit the off hind leg and the crack which I thought was rock must have been hip or leg bone. The improved running was definitely beuase the arrow snapped and was no longer interfereing with her leg. Should be a leathal hit, but gonna have to give her time, maybe into the next morning. I sure hope the coyotes don't get her.
I had at least an hour and a half to wait for pick up. As I calmed down, I began to dissect what went wrong with the shot to hit her so far back. Did the wind kick up at the moment of release? Did I lift my head? I certainly couldn't blame it on her dropping. I kept replaying the shot and then it occured to me, "how could my fletching be sticking out the far side?" That's impossible. Did I see what I thought I saw?, Clearly not. If the fletching was on the far side, could she have done a complete 180 at 10-12 yards on an arrow going 160fps? I don't think any deer is that fast. No matter what I did I couldn't reconcile the shot. I now realized I actually had no idea what I had hit. Man! my confidence was shaken. I was feeling down, but decided after an hour to get down and see what I could find arrow or blood wise.
I fould the broken back part of the arrow laying under the feeder. There was blood on the first 2-3 inches with a few drops farther up the shaft. I pulled out a good arrow and determined there was 11 inches of arrow and broadhead missing. That means I got 13-14"of penetration, I thought. I looked around and there seemed to be no blood. I crouched down and saw a little bit right by the feeder and then a couple more drops in the next 10 yds and then nothing leding up to the cedar thicket where I lost sight of her...DANG!!!! Now I was a wreck I was kicking myself in every way possible.
When Gary, the guide, picked me up he kept asking me where I hit her. I tried to explain, but couldn't. Finally I just said, what my brain registered is not physically possible, so in truth I have no idea. We decided to give her a few hours and come back before the afternoon hunt and after lunch.
Two of the other guys had arrowed a doe and hog respectively and since the blood trails on those were light we had a busy afternoon of tracking ahead of us. So back to the ranch house and lunch. We tracked the hog first and after finally listening to the guide's dog we found the hog still alive, but hurting bad. So far so good. The other doe we had a light, but steady blood trail. We tracked her for a good while and came to the conclusion that she wasn't hit bad. A fact later borne out as another hunter saw her the next evening with her wounds well on their way to mending. They are tough critters.
By this time it was after 1pm and getting close to when we'd need to head out for the evening hunt. I was quietly trying to keep from freaking out since I had been tracking for almost 2 hours and had yet to even start on the scant trail my doe left! My spirits were down and I was feeling pretty horrible the more I thought about it. I suggested that the guide could take the other guys to their stands and I would wait for him to return and we'd look for her rather than me go on the afternoon hunt. My fellow tradgangers told me not to worry and we would all look together.
We returned to the stand and after making a general eyeball extension of the few drops and my last visual we fanned out to enter the thicket with hope that someone would find a drop of blood. There was an open break in the thicket and it seemed the most likely spot the deer would have entered so the guide, Gary, went in with me a few steps behind. Another in our party swung wide to the outside of the thicket. He stepped on a twig catching Gary's attention. Gary looked up and was about to tell him that the deer hadn't gone that wide when he looked down and there she was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She was stone cold and stiff and less than 50yds from where she was shot! She collapsed onto her belly and was laying there with her rear legs under her. She hadn't even rolled over on to her side. We dragged her into the open and it was as if the weight of the world was lifted off my back. I now was able to solve the shot mystery.
The arrowed had actually hit the near hip bone putting a hole through it large enoungh to fit my index finger through it. This took out the femoral artery. Based on where she was standing the arrow should have crossed her perpendicular or very slightly angling back. What it did was angle forward and stopped in front of the off side rear leg. She had onviously dropped and started to turn away from the arrow changing her aspect to slightly quartering away. As she ran, she ran under the feeder catching the expposed arrow on the feeder leg snapping it off at the skin. The arrow shaft remaining in the entry wound, plus the downward and forward angle caused all the blood to remain inside. The broadhead stopped just under the skin on the far side. What I thought was the arrow fletching sticking out the far side was actually the fletching sticking up over her back. My mind interpreted the image almost exactly backward of what happend. Amazing what we see and don't see in a split second.
She was dead in a matter of seconds. In fact we were standing less than 20 feet from her when we decided to leave her and come back!
I was exstatic. I was fist pumping in ecitement the whole way back. My first trad deer. I couldn't be happier. I had missed 5 different times earlier in the season. In each of those cases there was a deflection or the arrow was too low or too high. Now my elevation was right, but my windage needed some work.
I took a couple pics with my blackberry, but lost my phone so I hope someone caught a photo and can send it to me.
I can't wait for my next chance!
Post by: DW on January 11, 2011, 02:16:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 11, 2011, 02:26:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Mike Gerardi:Already on the way. :bigsmyl:
That would be a bad euro mount!!
Post by: Izzy on January 11, 2011, 02:27:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 02:54:00 PM
Center Piece of Ceremony - Both of Chris' bows that were used during the hunt, and a picture of Chris.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonya.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyw.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyb.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyv.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyd.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonye.JPG)
I am holding one arrow of many. Each arrow was made from Chris' 'supply'....shafts, nocks, feathers etc. Don and Skyler made an arrow for every hunter there and they were all inscribed 'In Memory of Chris Surtees'.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonynp.JPG)
There were 3 arrows presented to Larry. One was from Jack Guard who had a special Chris Surtees arrow wrap design, which he showed earlier in a pic, and every hunter there had signed it. The second arrow was one from Curt Cabrera from the deer he killed in Honor of Chris. And the 3rd was the 1st arrow I shot out of Chris' Kwik Styk into the hog in the first fire fight.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyf.JPG)
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 02:54:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyg.JPG)
TGMM members pitched in to purchase the Shrew offered by Ron LaClair and Gregg Coffee on the auction for Chris to give to Larry. It also was inscribed 'In Memory of Chris Surtees'.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonynr.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyi.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyj.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyns.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyk.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyl.JPG)
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 02:54:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonynt.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonym.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyno.JPG)
Chris,
Thanks for joining us all on this hunt, in more ways than one.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/solana2011ceremonyu.JPG)
Post by: Huntrdfk on January 11, 2011, 02:58:00 PM
Post by: LoweBow on January 11, 2011, 03:03:00 PM
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 11, 2011, 03:05:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 11, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
Post by: chopx2 on January 11, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
I told some non-hunting friends about the auctions, all the kills and adventures his bows went on and the Buck that Jack, his stand-in took, and they were visibly choked up.
I had the honor of spending the next 4 days with Larry on another hunt. I used Chris's bow on that hunt and while I never had a shot opportunity Larry and I did some stump shooting and I have never shot so well as I did with his Hi-Breed even though it was the heaviest bow I had ever shot and was using arrows tuned to another bow.
Thanks Chris for a great hunt!
Post by: Mudd on January 11, 2011, 03:11:00 PM
My tears help wash away the pain, the shared love helps the healing.
God in His timing will handle the rest.
I love you guys and thank God for you!
With the love of Christ
A servant I pray, Mudd
Post by: S. Brant Osborn on January 11, 2011, 03:24:00 PM
Post by: stick_string on January 11, 2011, 03:51:00 PM
Post by: Dirtybird on January 11, 2011, 03:55:00 PM
Post by: Doc Nock on January 11, 2011, 04:00:00 PM
All that adrenaline with each story and recovery, and then, such a different "high" in remembering Chris and seeing the depth of emotion by other wise macho guys who go toe to hog snout& cutters with knives and bows. :pray:
Seeing the emotion well up on Larry's face got me. I lost it right here at work.
As Mudd said, may it be that the tears wash away some of the shared pain for the Surtees family and us... and the healing begin.
Post by: Randy Morin on January 11, 2011, 04:16:00 PM
In so many ways just an amazing "hunt" and much much more.
:notworthy:
Post by: Hopewell Tom on January 11, 2011, 04:33:00 PM
Post by: Froggy on January 11, 2011, 04:34:00 PM
Lanier
Post by: Ryan Sanpei on January 11, 2011, 04:36:00 PM
Post by: Kenneth on January 11, 2011, 04:57:00 PM
The last couple pages really choked me up. God Bless you all!
Post by: stringstretcher on January 11, 2011, 05:03:00 PM
Post by: Onions on January 11, 2011, 05:20:00 PM
It's crazy, b/c I have never met anyone who was on this hunt. Don't know if I ever will, however, there still is that bond! VERY COOL!
Also, great pix of the ceremony! Brought tears to my eyes.
Thanks for sharing the whole experience!
chris <><
Post by: maineac on January 11, 2011, 05:25:00 PM
Post by: sleepyhollow on January 11, 2011, 05:28:00 PM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 11, 2011, 05:42:00 PM
Post by: Traddict on January 11, 2011, 05:45:00 PM
Post by: Ben Maher on January 11, 2011, 06:04:00 PM
Post by: Green on January 11, 2011, 06:09:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on January 11, 2011, 06:11:00 PM
Thank you all.
God bless the Surtees family, and hold them in His loving hands.
Killdeer
Post by: kennyb on January 11, 2011, 06:11:00 PM
Kenny
Post by: Terry Green on January 11, 2011, 06:13:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Wile E. Coyote:Thanks for the reminder....Larry also rubbed some of Chris' ashes on the buck.
If you go back to page 38 and look at the photo with Jack and Larry with Jack's buck you will notice something in Larry's hand. That is the same bottle on page 42 with Larry saying a few words about Chris. Larry brought Chris's ashes out that night unbenownst to the rest of us so he could join in the celebration of the deer Jack had taken with Chris's Hi-Breed.
If any of the other Solana attendees have any more pics or comments about the Memorial Service please feel free to post.
Post by: DW on January 11, 2011, 06:29:00 PM
My family met Chris thru the St. Judes Auction around 3.5 Years ago. Skyler and a friend had built a knife for the Auction and Chris purchased it while on Active duty in Iraq.
When Chris returned he came to visit and His Family and ours have been close friends ever since. We went on out of state trips and Chris and Larry came up several times a year to bowfish with us. They stayed at our home and became an extended part of our Family. Chris was always sending Skyler something from overseas and Larry was always making Jewelry and Leather goods for us. My daughter, Chloe Beth, and My wife, Tammy, have quite a collection of Surtees Jewelry.
We'll never forget Chris or his Family. Larry has several trips planned with us this Spring......And Chris will be with us....
Post by: Rick Butler on January 11, 2011, 06:55:00 PM
Post by: Dustin Waters on January 11, 2011, 07:13:00 PM
Post by: tippit on January 11, 2011, 07:19:00 PM
Post by: limbow on January 11, 2011, 07:26:00 PM
Post by: peter c iacavazzi on January 11, 2011, 07:28:00 PM
Post by: Sean B on January 11, 2011, 07:29:00 PM
Post by: Owlgrowler on January 11, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
That is impressive. Larry Surtees is one tough man. My hat is off to all you guys. Thanks
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 11, 2011, 07:53:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 08:32:00 PM
I knew this memorial was coming...
To be honest I don't handle things like this very well, I knew I was going to be a mess....and I was.
Truly one of the most heart wrenching, yet heart warming experiences of my life...It was an honor to be there and share it with Larry and everyone else...
Times like this make me think about my family and friends, and how lucky I am to have them all.
Chris may be gone, be he will never be forgotten...rest in peace my brother...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1060400.JPG)
Post by: Arrowslinger on January 11, 2011, 08:38:00 PM
Post by: Izzy on January 11, 2011, 08:47:00 PM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on January 11, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
Tracy
Post by: DW on January 11, 2011, 08:56:00 PM
Post by: South MS Bowhunter on January 11, 2011, 08:58:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 11, 2011, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 11, 2011, 09:30:00 PM
Terry did an incredible job handling eveything and spoke very eloquently during the whole memorial.
I can't think of anyone who that could have handled the situation any better.
He's a natural born leader, and once you get to know him, it's easy to see how TG has become what it has become.
We are in good hand folks...
Terry, You know I'll always have your back, love ya brother...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020887ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Jim Jackson on January 11, 2011, 09:49:00 PM
Thanks so much for sharing this entire journey. To me there is no finer way to remember one you loved than what you have described here in these pages. Thanks for taking us along.
Post by: Missouri CK on January 11, 2011, 09:56:00 PM
For those of us here on Trad Gang who never knew Chris you guys have done a lot more than just tell another hunting tale.
When I heard about his death I really only recongnized Chris' name. So like many on this site I hated to hear the news about his passing but couldn't really identify who he was or what his life was really about. It's hard to "get it" when you don't know the person. Those images on the last several pages and the words Izzy and Curt said really made the story of this hunt, and the story of Chris' life come together for me.
For those of us who love this site and who have made friendships through it, Trad Gang has become our common bond. I'm proud of what you all have done to memorialize your friend. After reading all of this I can say that if my time on this earth was through, I hope my friends would get together and celebrate my life in a manner like you all have for Chris. That is about the best we can hope for. So I tip my hat to you all for your purpose, which is to share your friends life with those of us who didn't know him. Thanks!
Post by: Duckbutt on January 11, 2011, 10:08:00 PM
Godspeed Chris and may he bless and keep you, Larry.
Sincere thanks for what you guys did in TX and shared with us here.
Post by: gregg dudley on January 11, 2011, 11:19:00 PM
Post by: Larry Surtees on January 12, 2011, 12:11:00 AM
How does one put into words the kindness, prayers, thoughts and words that have been shown on this site? All I can say, which is not nearly enough, is "Thank You." There are so many of you that I need to thank personally, but this site does not have enough space for me to express my heartfelt thanks. Izzy, Chris Kinslow, DW, and Curt, your words in the posts above were right on the mark!
Terry, I can't say enough for what you have done over the past several weeks. Curt summed it up, he has your back my friend, but I'll be at your side whenever needed. I enjoyed the talk with your wife -- she is an inspirational person that has broadened my horizon. I can't help but think back on her words.
Today at 1400 hours (2:00 p.m.) Eastern Time seven soldiers will proceed with 3 volleys each with a 21 gun salute and then taps will be played. All will then be silent and the tribute will be over. But my son will live forever in my thoughts and prayers -- good thoughts for a great son, father, and most of all "friend and buddy".
Goodbye, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace Son!
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/GoodbyeChris.jpg)
Post by: House on January 12, 2011, 01:25:00 AM
Well done EVERYONE...well done.
Thank you all so much for allowing me to be a part of this, even if only in reading and following along (I have read every post over and again). You all represent what is truly good and right in this world that too often seems otherwise.
Again, my sincerest thanks.
Travis
Post by: elkken on January 12, 2011, 01:25:00 AM
Sincerely, Ken
Post by: rastaman on January 12, 2011, 06:13:00 AM
Post by: Bonebuster on January 12, 2011, 06:58:00 AM
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 12, 2011, 07:19:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Chris Kinslow:i couldn't say it better
Trad Gang Solana hunters,
For those of us here on Trad Gang who never knew Chris you guys have done a lot more than just tell another hunting tale.
When I heard about his death I really only recongnized Chris' name. So like many on this site I hated to hear the news about his passing but couldn't really identify who he was or what his life was really about. It's hard to "get it" when you don't know the person. Those images on the last several pages and the words Izzy and Curt said really made the story of this hunt, and the story of Chris' life come together for me.
For those of us who love this site and who have made friendships through it, Trad Gang has become our common bond. I'm proud of what you all have done to memorialize your friend. After reading all of this I can say that if my time on this earth was through, I hope my friends would get together and celebrate my life in a manner like you all have for Chris. That is about the best we can hope for. So I tip my hat to you all for your purpose, which is to share your friends life with those of us who didn't know him. Thanks!
Post by: Whip on January 12, 2011, 07:50:00 AM
Thank you so much to all of you that were lucky enough to be there in person. Your stories and the sharing of the memorial service for Chris truly makes me feel like I was standing right there with you. The tears on my face are just as real.
When we lose someone close it always helps to come together with our freinds and family to share in our grief, and this thread, along with the others at the time of Chris's passing, have allowed us to lean on each other, just as we would if we were standing together. This forum is an amazing place.
At 2 pm Eastern time today I will be standing outside in silence. Shoulder to shoulder with my brothers here. Thank you all.
Post by: Froggy on January 12, 2011, 08:18:00 AM
Lanier
Post by: tradtusker on January 12, 2011, 08:30:00 AM
Post by: stick_string on January 12, 2011, 08:43:00 AM
Terry, I did know him but what you guys have done is awesome. Speaks volumes, over what any words could put together. This place is more than a web site...its like home. Thanks for a great place to hang out.
:campfire:
Post by: dbishop on January 12, 2011, 08:51:00 AM
I didn't know Chris at all(or any other of the tradgangers til Friday the 31st),but to hear of all the people who's lives he touched he must have been a hell of a person. Larry, it was a pleasure to meet you. You and all the other tradgangers I met that Friday will always have a place at my campfire. Reading the previous posts made me feel like I was there for the ceremony. I wish I would have been there.
Great job guys.
Dave
Post by: magnus on January 12, 2011, 08:55:00 AM
Keeping the Faith!
Magnus
Post by: buckeye_hunter on January 12, 2011, 08:59:00 AM
Myself and my class of students will say the pledge at 2 in Chris's honor.
Thank you for allowing us to share in this hunt with you.
Post by: Bonebuster on January 12, 2011, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: COOCH on January 12, 2011, 10:29:00 AM
Having never met Chris before this hunt and ending it with him permanently leaving a mark on my sole speaks volumes of the man he was and the people he affected.This hunt has truely changed me.Thank you Larry for allowing use to be there for such a personal moment.There was no doubt that Chris's spirit was emparted to all of us present.
I think Curt and Izzy summed up and articulated how I feel better than I can with the written word.
At 1400 hours I too will be standing with my brothers.
Post by: FerretWYO on January 12, 2011, 11:18:00 AM
Post by: Bill Turner on January 12, 2011, 11:31:00 AM
Post by: huskyarcher on January 12, 2011, 12:11:00 PM
A true testiment to the character of TG members. You guys are awesome.
God bless you all,
Dalton
Post by: Greg Szalewski on January 12, 2011, 01:19:00 PM
Post by: hayslope on January 12, 2011, 02:30:00 PM
Most of all, I know Chris was smiling.
Just before 2:00, I walked outside to spend some silent time to honor Chris. It's still snowing a bit here, but, as I looked out over the Hudson River, 5 bald eagles were soaring over the water and the sun was peaking out from the storm clouds. It put my heart at ease, as I know that this gang of brothers and sisters will never let the memory fade.
God Speed Chris.
Post by: pseman on January 12, 2011, 02:50:00 PM
I am saddened at the great loss for Chris's family, but I am truly inspired by the actions of those involved with this hunt.
God bless you all.
Post by: varmint101 on January 12, 2011, 02:51:00 PM
Post by: Green on January 12, 2011, 03:25:00 PM
This for someone I never knew, but through association with the great membership of this site, and the fact that he was a soldier, felt in my heart it was my duty to honor his passing.
RIP Chris Surtee's and prayers and best wishes to your family.
Post by: Stumpkiller on January 12, 2011, 04:36:00 PM
Mr Guard,
The new eye looks great. Glad they had a new one in your color but too bad not your size. :biglaugh:
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3158-1.jpg)
Post by: Izzy on January 12, 2011, 05:13:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 12, 2011, 05:58:00 PM
Michael settling into a tri-pod "death trap"...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020888ncopynsolana.JPG)
I was set in a stand I'd hunted my first year at Solana('07). It's a great stand, but not for faint of heart at about 25', and you have to be pretty agile to get up in it. Getting down in the dark is even a bit trickier!
First visitor was a doe that skirted the set-up. The next was a nice young buck...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020889ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020890ncopynsolana.JPG)
He skirted the set-up as well. I'm almost positive it was the same buck both Skyler and I had seen a couple days earlier in different spots.
About 45 minutes before it would be too dark to shoot, I heard something approaching. I looked down and slightly to my left just as a nice mature doe was coming out of the thicket in front of me. Then I saw another doe behind her.
The lead doe cautiosly came right in and started to feed, the other wanted no part of the set-up, and moved off.
Now I had in front of me, only the second doe of the trip close enough to shoot. The first one got a free pass on the first morning. As cool as it would have been to "double" with Skyler, and he wanted me to shoot her(we were texting). It was going to be all about him that morning....so I passed.
But now it was the last evening hunt, we only had tomorrow morning and the hunt would be over.
So, I decided that I'd let this ol gal feed around for a while to see what else showed up. I really wanted a buck, so I didn't want to mess things up if something was close, and coming in...so I held off...
Time passed and it was getting darker by the minute. The wind had laid down and it was amazingly quiet. I held still and just watched this doe feed not 12 yds away, dead broadside.
But I still held off...hoping for a nice buck...and fully expecting hogs to show up as well.
But nothing else showed.
Just as I was thinking it was time to shoot this doe that had given me every opportunity to kill her and was about to stand up to shoot....she threw her head up and took off!
I had no idea why! But I was hoping that she heard or saw something that I couldn't that may have been coming in. But nothing...
It was now down to the last morning...
I posted these earlier, but these pix are from Saturday night...STEAK NIGHT!!!!!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020892ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020893ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020894ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020895ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020896ncopynsolana.JPG)
I had sat down next to Larry to eat and hear about his evening hunt. I found myself seeking out Larry a lot on this hunt, he's that kind of guy. The kind of fella that is just enjoyable to be around.
After dinner and peach cobbler dessert, he walked over to me with two old photo albums and asked if I'd like to see some pictures.
They were mostly old pictures of him and Chris hunting together, and some of Chris' military pix.
These pix sure made Larry smile a lot. That was great to see.
But some of them made him shake his head, it was also easy to tell that these were the one's that really hit home.
He was awful proud of all Chris had accomplished both hunting, and in the military.
Larry is a very special man...
Post by: RC on January 12, 2011, 06:17:00 PM
Post by: pdk25 on January 12, 2011, 06:21:00 PM
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on January 12, 2011, 07:05:00 PM
Sounds like Chris has touched many lives directly and indirectly! :campfire:
Post by: Ray_G on January 12, 2011, 11:00:00 PM
You guys have told us how those critters are wired tight but that little buck looks like someone has hooked him up to a 12 kilovolt line! :scared:
Man he is alert looking at that posture.
Ray
Post by: leatherneck on January 12, 2011, 11:19:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 12, 2011, 11:44:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 13, 2011, 06:42:00 AM
The ceremony at the ranch was very difficult for myself, and I can only imagine what Larry was going through. Thank you Terry for keeping yourself together and working through the ceremony as well as you did, I know it had to be difficult.
In some small way I hope we helped Larry with easing his pain, and working through the grieving process. Chris will never be forgotten, as he touched so many lives by just being himself. Safe travels my friend, and keep the wind in your face.
Larry, I sure hope you are dealing with everything as well as it looked like you were dealing with everything most of the time. I did catch glimpses of the pain several times while we talked and I just wish I could just snatch it away from you. And as I've told you before, if you need anything, please let me know.
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 07:08:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Terry Green:;)
As we speak.......success stories are still unfolding.....unbeknown to a certain hunter....
:campfire:
Post by: E.AllenIII on January 13, 2011, 10:41:00 AM
Post by: leatherneck on January 13, 2011, 04:48:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Guru:Hmmmmm? What do you guys have up your sleeve?
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:;) [/b]
As we speak.......success stories are still unfolding.....unbeknown to a certain hunter....
:campfire:
:dunno:
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 13, 2011, 06:02:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by leatherneck:Rizzy if I told what really happened in that stand 98% of y'all would call BS.
Alright Sunny,you have held out long enough. Lets hear about you and that tripod stand your in. I see those beedie eyes peeking over those conifers. Story telling time.
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 06:12:00 PM
I have a little story to tell of my hunt on the last morning...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020904ncopynsolana.JPG)
More later :jumper:
Post by: Froggy on January 13, 2011, 06:12:00 PM
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 13, 2011, 06:23:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 13, 2011, 06:36:00 PM
Actually I don't know why I was looking. I have learned long ago that I always hear them before I see them.
Well I heard them coming alright. It sounded like a herd was vacuuming up the corn!!!
The first doe stepped into my peripheral vision. I had decided that if given an opportunity early at a doe I would take it.
Before I tried to move I swallowed hard..... The crazy, psychotic, radar hearing biddies hauled @$#.
I was absolutely dumbfounded.
But it was early..........
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
Sunday morning is always a tuff one for me...I hate that it's the last hunt and I'll be saying goodbye to friends old and new...
But on the other hand I know in day or so, I'll be home with my family.
Terry wanted another try at the stand that he'd seen a real nice 10pt out of the first afternoon.
So it was dicided that I'd hunt " The Killing Tree"...a first for me...it's hallowed ground on the ranch...it's got that name for a reason. I know Terry has killed at least 2 bucks, a wide 8 and a beautiful big 10pt, out of it.
It's a place that they just corn the road, there is no feeder.
This last morning was the coldest of the trip, in the twenties I believe. But being from NY, and working outside, I was just fine with it.
I climbed up and settled in. terry had given me some tips about the stand, but since I'm left handed, i pretty much had to figure it out for myself when I got up there. It's a ritual I'm used to when hunting stands that I don't set myself.
In the dark, I determined I'd shoot standing up(I know Terry prefers to shoot sitting from this set-up). So I screwed in one of my little bow holders up high on a branch. I'd want my bow close when the deer showed. I also like to have it as close to shooting position as possible so I can keep my hands in my pocket as long as possible to keep them warm...
Post by: Terry Green on January 13, 2011, 08:07:00 PM
Post by: Tom Phillips on January 13, 2011, 08:09:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 08:17:00 PM
It was a beautiful morning. Just a slight breeze, and clear.
The first deer I saw was a doe cruising by about 100yds away...I stayed sitting...
Then a couple minutes later, and in the same opening the doe had appeared, a beautiful buck was cruising by at the same distance. He looked to have at least 4 long points on his left side, but his right side looked as though he'd broke off every point he had. Leaving just his main beam. He had no intention of coming my way, and quickly disappeared...I stayed sitting in the comfy swivel chair...
Soon off to my right, downhill, I saw a deer appear in the two track. This was another doe and it was easy to tell that she was coming up the two-track for a bite.
Then behind her was another doe, and then at least two more...now I stood up!
Since this was the last day, I had all intention of shooting the first doe that gave me an opportunity as long as a good buck wasn't around.
They were coming slow, but steady and were about 50yds away when the next deer showed up...and he changed my intentions!
As soon as I saw him, I knew he was a mature deer. A closer look thru my Leica's cemented my intial thoughts.
He had a big body, wide head, and heavy eyelids...he dwarfed the does that walked in front of him.
His antlers were of good width, good bases and heavy, long beams. As a matter of fact, it looked like they came very close to crossing in the front.
But here's the strange part...he was a six point! Through bino's I could see where it looked as though at one time, he had broken a seventh point off.
I knew he was without a doubt a mature buck, so weather he's a 12pt or a 6, he was what I was after...and the last morning is no time to be picky!
Now I prayed the breeze would hold, and he would follow the does that were now almost within range...
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020901ncopynsolana.JPG)
Fast forward 10minutes or so...."Cy" is now gripped firmly in my right hand...
A small spike showed up at the rear of the pack.
Now I had a doe right under me feeding, and the Big 6 was close enough to shoot. But, because of the way the branches grow on the huge oak tree, there are only small "holes" to shoot thru.
Every time this buck would get close to this one opening he would hang up...it was like he knew...
Time after time he fed up and around this shooting hole, but time after time he would skirt around it. One time he even stuck his head out in the clear and looked right up in the tree!
But my new KUIU camo passed the test, he didn't spook, but still would get his body in the small clearing!
A couple time he even acted as though he was going to run off, only to feed his way back right around this opening. I was loving every minute of it, but the situation was getting more tense by the second...I was afraid he would just leave for no reason...that's what these deer do!
So, now he was coming back in...and it looked as though he would skirt around the top side of the circular opening at about 15yds., and 20+ ft. below me.
I had a plan for this move though...as he came in I crouched to about a half squat and started to draw. At about half draw, and with him just about one step from getting shot, he hung up again!
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on January 13, 2011, 08:34:00 PM
Tracy
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 08:43:00 PM
I looked at his lower body line, right behind his front leg, and released...
Now sometimes, when in this situation, it seems as though thing are happening in slow motion...not so in Texas!
In a blurr of motion, I saw deer and arrow come together and heard a familiar "thud". The sound of a big 160 Snuffer slipping through ribs!
I was pretty sure that it looked like it hit him about perfect...but like I said, it was a blurr....
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 08:51:00 PM
After a couple seconds he started to faulter and took off again as his rear end was going.
He ran crashing though everything in his path sending prickly pear flying in every direction as he fled!
He fought till the end to stay up but eventually I lost sight of him as he crashed into a clump of thorny vines...then all was quiet...he was dead only 60yds from me!
Post by: Stumpkiller on January 13, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:02:00 PM
I was shaking so bad it took me a couple tries to get it right! I hit send and collapsed back into my chair!
After a few minutes to settle down I grabbed my camera...
A bloody Vapor 3000 tipped with a Snuffer 160...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020904ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020900ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020901ncopynsolana.JPG)
"Cy" and I had done it again...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020906ncopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: Ben Maher on January 13, 2011, 09:05:00 PM
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 13, 2011, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: dposalski on January 13, 2011, 09:08:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:09:00 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-xsMgOa6IA
Don, Sky, Michael, and Ol' Shep sent their congrats(Terry had forgotten his phone in camp).
I knew David had to get Michael early to catch his plane, so I asked if he'd come get me....I needed to get down! But I also needed my extra camera battery that was back in camp.
David dropped Michael off and when I saw him coming a while later I started to pack up my gear and by the time he drove up below me, I was on my way down...
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:19:00 PM
I didn't touch anything, just took some pix as we walked...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020907ncopynsolana.JPG)
This is why I shoot Snuffer 160's...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020908ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020909ncopynsolana.JPG)
Evidence of what I described earlier...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020910ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020911ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020912ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020913ncopynsolana.JPG)
I slowly walked up to him, touched him, gave thanks again, and backed out.
We headed for camp for my battery...
Back at camp Michael was busy packing. I wished him a safe journey home, and then it was back out. It was about time to start picking up the others.
Then we'd all go back and do it all over again. My only regret was that Michael wasn't there to share it all with...
Post by: Rick Butler on January 13, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 13, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 13, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 13, 2011, 09:29:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 13, 2011, 09:32:00 PM
Yep....deer aren't hard to blow through with big chop heads......and they sure lay down a track to your prize. This is the best blood trail I've ever seen on TX terrain.
And you need to have a fast arrow to arrive before the animal is in the next county.
Great job of aiming baseline and letting the buck
'run the script' Curt.....its hard to do, but works many more times than not as you found out two years ago.
Keep it coming!!!!
Post by: Froggy on January 13, 2011, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: Mudd on January 13, 2011, 09:38:00 PM
God bless,Mudd
Post by: on January 13, 2011, 09:39:00 PM
Great buck Jack!
Still waiting to see a good pic of yours Curt but congrats to you also.
I'll be waiting anxiously for the rest of the stories.
Bisch
Post by: gregg dudley on January 13, 2011, 09:47:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:48:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020915ncopynsolana.JPG)
Don had hunted this stand earlier and was showing me where a nice 8pt had come in. But not "in" enough...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020916ncopynsolana.JPG)
Quite a team...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020919ncopynsolana.JPG)
Then we went to get Terry and fill him in on what had happened. Remember, he'd forgotten his phone...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020921ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020922ncopynsolana.JPG)
Then it was back to "The Killing Tree". Looking up...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020923ncopynsolana.JPG)
Close up of the stand...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020923nanothercopynsolana.JPG)
This arrow would have a new home soon...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020924ncopynsolana.JPG)
Video to follow...
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:51:00 PM
Michael, here's a chance for you to follow along with us. I know it's not the same as having you there with us...but...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeSmAeuWY_M
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 09:58:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020928ncopynsolana.JPG)
In...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020935ncopynsolana.JPG)
Not many points, but good width,mass and beam length...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020936ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020937ncopynsolana.JPG)
Out, blood wiped off from dragging...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020939ncopynsolana.JPG)
One happy KUIU clad hunter...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020944n4thcopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020952ncopynsolana.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020944nanothercopynsolana.JPG)
Post by: GRINCH on January 13, 2011, 09:59:00 PM
Post by: CDR on January 13, 2011, 10:02:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 10:04:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020953ncopynsolana.JPG)
And Terry...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020954ncopynsolana.JPG)
Don and Sky...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020955ncopynsolana.JPG)
The whole crew minus our bud Michael...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020958ncopynsolana.JPG)
The Killing Tree...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020959ncopynsolana.JPG)
I have a few more pix for tomorrow...
Post by: Gerardo on January 13, 2011, 10:05:00 PM
Congrats to all!!!!
Post by: Terry Green on January 13, 2011, 10:05:00 PM
And folks...its been CONFIRMED !
We have a recovery of an animal after days of investigation of accounts of said hunt!!!!
It's only fitting!!!! :readit:
Stay Tuned..............
Post by: maineac on January 13, 2011, 10:05:00 PM
Post by: zipper bowss on January 13, 2011, 10:06:00 PM
Bill
Post by: BDann on January 13, 2011, 10:09:00 PM
Congratulations!
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 10:10:00 PM
Thanks Bill, I think he's really cool too!
Terry, When I got that e mail, I refrained from getting too excited till we had a chance to investigate further...but now I couldn't be happier!!!!!!
Again, some things are just meant to be...
Post by: on January 13, 2011, 10:11:00 PM
Congrats on the nice buck!
Bisch
Post by: Jack Guard on January 13, 2011, 10:12:00 PM
Post by: DW on January 13, 2011, 10:24:00 PM
Post by: Mudd on January 13, 2011, 10:25:00 PM
Congratulations!!
God bless,Mudd
Post by: Guru on January 13, 2011, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: Ben Maher on January 13, 2011, 10:29:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 13, 2011, 10:32:00 PM
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 13, 2011, 10:34:00 PM
This is to cool! :clapper:
Post by: DW on January 13, 2011, 10:50:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 13, 2011, 10:57:00 PM
Post by: wapiti792 on January 13, 2011, 11:18:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 13, 2011, 11:18:00 PM
Excellent shooting !
Post by: Larry Surtees on January 13, 2011, 11:44:00 PM
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Terry Green:
As we speak.......success stories are still unfolding.....unbeknown to a certain hunter....
Originally posted by Terry Green:
and folks...its been CONFIRMED !
We have a recovery of an animal after days of investigation of accounts of said hunt!!!!
It's only fitting!!!!
Stay Tuned..............
Originally posted by Guru:
Terry, When I got that e mail, I refrained from getting too excited till we had a chance to investigate further...but now I couldn't be happier!!!!!!
Again, some things are just meant to be...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well I guess I've given it away YAAAAHHHOOOOO!
How true of the above posts. After some investigating, Terry called me this afternoon. When we hung up, I immediately rushed to my computer and turned it on to wait for the e-mail from Terry. The minutes turned into hours, but they were worth the wait. Terry told me that John had been up tracking a doe near to where I had shot at my buck. The ranch hadn't taken as many does this past season so they have permits to take more does out of season to bring the doe to buck ratio in line. Anyway just a short distance from where we had stopped tracking my buck, John stumbled upon a carcass. It was a 7 point and from all indications it had been there about 2 weeks.
I just knew that I had a good hit on that 7 point that morning. I have to say I was upset that our search for the deer ended up with no find that morning. The blood trail looked so promising, and as I rode back to the ranch, I felt another feeling of loss, this one was no where as great and one that I knew I'd relive a few times and then forget. One of the things that brought everyone out of the bunk houses was when the trucks started rolling in after the hunts. Everyone wanted to see if anything was being brought in. Although I didn't get to bring my deer back on the truck that morning and get pictures, I am so happy to know that my buck did fall to our arrow.
I need to say once again the time that I was able to spend with the Trad Gangers at this year's Solana New Year's hunt will forever be remembered. Thanks to all for being there with me and for me!
This is ours bud!
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/solana2011larrysbuck1a1.jpg)
(http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/gg20/lsurtees/solana2011larrysbuck2a1.jpg)
Post by: highpoint forge on January 13, 2011, 11:45:00 PM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 13, 2011, 11:53:00 PM
Post by: Mudd on January 13, 2011, 11:53:00 PM
God bless,Mudd
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 14, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
AWESOME!
Post by: chopx2 on January 14, 2011, 12:31:00 AM
Post by: americanhunter7 on January 14, 2011, 12:36:00 AM
John
Post by: meathead on January 14, 2011, 12:43:00 AM
Post by: Terry Green on January 14, 2011, 04:24:00 AM
It just tickled me pink to hear Curt tell me 'Yes' with that big smile on his face when I asked that last morning.....'Did ya get anything'.....his smile gave it away before his words.
Curt and I have now killed bucks out of two stands at Solana....stands with great names and history. "The Killin Tree"....and "The GrandStand"
Great job Curt....it's not easy shooting any deer out of that tree.....its a challenge in its self.
Way to go my friend!!!!!!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Post by: Ben Maher on January 14, 2011, 04:38:00 AM
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on January 14, 2011, 04:43:00 AM
Post by: glenbo on January 14, 2011, 05:21:00 AM
Post by: Whip on January 14, 2011, 06:03:00 AM
Congratulations to Larry & Curt, as well as each and every one of the rest of the crew. You are all blessed to have been a part of it and share a hunt with Chris at your side. And thanks for letting us tag along.
Post by: rastaman on January 14, 2011, 06:10:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on January 14, 2011, 06:21:00 AM
Curt, congrats on an old war horse and a veteran of several seasons.To see your buck close up was to see a deer of whose old age was clearly evident.
Post by: maineac on January 14, 2011, 07:12:00 AM
Post by: leatherneck on January 14, 2011, 07:13:00 AM
Larry, congrats to you on a nice buck as well.
This trip looks to be very successfull in so many ways beyond the harvests. Well done by all.
Post by: Froggy on January 14, 2011, 07:16:00 AM
Post by: Tony Sanders on January 14, 2011, 07:26:00 AM
Tony Sanders/aka"SNUFFER"
Post by: pitbull on January 14, 2011, 07:41:00 AM
Post by: Sharptop on January 14, 2011, 08:13:00 AM
Post by: Wile E. Coyote on January 14, 2011, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: tippit on January 14, 2011, 09:37:00 AM
Post by: on January 14, 2011, 09:50:00 AM
Congrats again,
Bisch
Post by: stick_string on January 14, 2011, 10:06:00 AM
You both did an awesome job!!
Ben
Post by: GRINCH on January 14, 2011, 11:07:00 AM
Post by: Ragin Bull on January 14, 2011, 11:49:00 AM
Thanks for taking us along :campfire:
Post by: Bill Turner on January 14, 2011, 12:47:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on January 14, 2011, 12:52:00 PM
Post by: Doc Nock on January 14, 2011, 01:43:00 PM
If I may be so bold: It is almost a micro-cosm of the whole hunt for you and in memory of Chris.
You left that buck's trail with saddness and regret for what was (or wasn't), but like the hunt was a celebration of Chris' life and love of life, in the end, there was a celebration that followed to offset the initial buck loss.
I have been so deeply moved throughout the reading and re-reading of these many tales. We all hunt often for the commaraderie as much as the thrill of the hunt. The bonding and tales of friendship shared from there, is so powerful.
I can't help but believe that your buck, Larry, is just a reflection of life where there are delayed gratification and joy found in different ways.
Prayers with you for continued joy and healing from your time spent with such good company.
Kudos!
Post by: Doc Nock on January 14, 2011, 01:44:00 PM
Quote
Kudos! [/qb]
Post by: bawana bowman on January 14, 2011, 01:57:00 PM
Was great to see some firsts along with some most unforgettable recoveries.
Really speaks tons for the Ranch staff that they were considerate enough to follow up with Larry's buck. They did not have to recover and prepare it for delivery to him. Nice to know there are folks out there that still have high enough moral character to recognize the meaning of this buck, not only to Larry but to all of us that recognize the special meaning and presence of this hunt.
Once again Congratulations to all that took part in this most memorable and special hunt. And thanks for bringing those of us along that were not able to be there in person.
It is the shared memories of events and friends like this that continue to demonstrate the Trad Community has a much stronger bond than just a stick and string.
:campfire:
Post by: Bonebuster on January 14, 2011, 04:55:00 PM
I know the feeling of greeting someone at a stand and telling them of my success, and I know the joy of finding out somebody else got it done.
Either way, it`s GREAT.
Thanks for taking the time to post your pictures and share the stories Curt. It`s almost like I was there! I can`t say thanks enough for that!!!
I have a question for Solona veterans. What makes the deer so jumpy? Are there cougars on the ranch? If it was hunting pressure, I would think the deer would be nocturnal.
I`m used to public land whitetails in Michigan, and they ARE jumpy, but the description of these hyper deer makes me think I have yet to see truely "jumpy" deer.
One thing for sure, being a bowhunter and knowing what a broadhead can do, that picture of Curts arrow sporting that huge Snuffer sure was impressive. I gotta learn how to get those three blades as sharp as I want them for hunting.
Congrats again guys...and many thanks for sharing all of your experiences. :campfire:
Post by: larry on January 14, 2011, 05:57:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on January 14, 2011, 06:48:00 PM
Yes, lots of hunting, but also emotion, friends old and new, comradeship, adventure, adrenalin, shoot outs, high speed, and slow crawls. And, the ever presents of Chris Surtees.
I think as the years go by, this event will mean more to us than we now know.
Post by: Bonebuster on January 14, 2011, 07:04:00 PM
Post by: MCNSC on January 14, 2011, 07:23:00 PM
Post by: elkken on January 14, 2011, 07:24:00 PM
This is most definately a hunt I'll remember for a lifetime ...
Post by: Guru on January 14, 2011, 09:31:00 PM
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020967ncopynsolana.JPG)
The whole crew minus Michael and Carlton, and one hog and one doe...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/mem-imgs/solana.jpg)
•
Post by: Izzy on January 14, 2011, 09:34:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 14, 2011, 09:42:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 14, 2011, 09:54:00 PM
Post by: JEFF B on January 14, 2011, 10:04:00 PM
Post by: Stumpkiller on January 14, 2011, 11:03:00 PM
The next best thing to being there.
(But being there would have been WAY better!)
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 10:14:00 AM
Larry I am so glad that your buck was found.Congradulations :thumbsup:
It does feel like a fitting end finding that buck later.Those that were there know that there was definatly a higher power hard at work.
I'll bet he was saving his best work until the end.
Post by: Rob DiStefano on January 15, 2011, 10:26:00 AM
Post by: Burnsie on January 15, 2011, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: Sharptop on January 15, 2011, 11:32:00 AM
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/016-1.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/024-1.jpg)
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/001-3.jpg)
Post by: Randy Morin on January 15, 2011, 11:54:00 AM
Wwow,Wow, Wow.
Congratulations Larry and Curt. Larry I'm tickled you had some closure on your Buck. Thats a relief I bet. He looks to be a heavy horned ol'boy. I bet he got the blood pumpin when he was under your stand.
Guru...what can I say. You are "da-man"!!
Thanks for all the great vid and pics. For some reason I found the "Heavy Eyelids" comment very funny. I had never heard that one before. Must be a taxidermist thing. Or maybe just a Leica Binocular thing. Thems some darn fine glass. :goldtooth:
"He didnt have a big rack but damn his eyelids were huge"!!!!
If you dont mind thats what I'll be saying from now on. :D ;)
Post by: Guru on January 15, 2011, 12:05:00 PM
From studying them, and learning from other that do as well. It's true for deer(and other critters I guess), they get heavier, and get that saggin' older look to them...
Kinda like me :thumbsup:
Post by: on January 15, 2011, 12:34:00 PM
Take it easy,
Bisch
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 12:50:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 12:57:00 PM
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/bighorncooch/TexasandWisconsos194.jpg)
The cattle are not as jumpy as the wildlife.
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 01:03:00 PM
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 01:09:00 PM
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/bighorncooch/TexasandWisconsos187-1.jpg)
And not to mention a pretty impressive colection of hardware!
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 01:18:00 PM
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/bighorncooch/TexasandWisconsos208.jpg)
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 01:24:00 PM
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/bighorncooch/TexasandWisconsos205.jpg)
(http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm219/bighorncooch/TexasandWisconsos210.jpg)
Post by: stabow on January 15, 2011, 02:40:00 PM
Thanks for posting pictures, can you believe I’m still waiting for my film to be develop from Wal-Mart LOL. I now have a digital camera for the next hunt......Stabow
Post by: COOCH on January 15, 2011, 02:47:00 PM
I'll let Boyd tell that joke it was a goodun.
Post by: elkken on January 15, 2011, 04:42:00 PM
I was in Cooch and Boyds hunting group along with Tony aka Chopx2 and Boyd kept us entertained with non stop stories.
Post by: PA stickbow boy on January 15, 2011, 05:14:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 15, 2011, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 16, 2011, 08:16:00 AM
That's the first thing that stuck with me about him...he always smiled and always seemed to be enjoying EVERYTHING! I like that!
Post by: Dirtybird on January 16, 2011, 09:17:00 AM
Post by: COOCH on January 16, 2011, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 17, 2011, 12:32:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 17, 2011, 12:36:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 17, 2011, 12:52:00 PM
Post by: varmint101 on January 17, 2011, 12:55:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 18, 2011, 12:03:00 AM
Post by: John Lipinski on January 18, 2011, 12:09:00 AM
Post by: Guru on January 18, 2011, 09:08:00 AM
He worked hard to get that Black Buck!
We all knew how much it meant to him to get it with a Stickbow...and a bow he'd only owned for a couple hours!
He'd just bought it from Carlton. Don and Sky set him up with some arrows that would work for him. He shot it some before the afternoon hunt...and went out and killed an extremely weary critter on his first shot at an animal with it!
Everyone in our group was thrilled for our buddy!
For those that don't know, David usually shoots a c-bow...but it matters not what he has in his hands. If he's hunting, he's going to figure out a way to kill something! He's a true, hardcore bowhunter!
Unfortunately this is the only pic I have of this great looking critter...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1020898ncopynsolana.JPG)
We were supposed to take more, but never did. But, I know some others were taken.
Post by: twitchstick on January 18, 2011, 09:19:00 AM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 18, 2011, 10:34:00 AM
Congrats again my friend.
Post by: Bowhunter4life on January 18, 2011, 10:50:00 AM
Congrats again buddy! :clapper:
Post by: FerretWYO on January 18, 2011, 10:53:00 AM
Post by: amar911 on January 18, 2011, 12:01:00 PM
Larry -- That is a wonderful outcome to your hunt. I am so thrilled to hear the "rest of the story". I agree with Doc Nock that the situation with your buck is almost a parable for what we can learn from Chris' death. Just because we do not see, hear, know or understand everything about what has happened does not alter what has taken place. When you and I talked, you told me that you had shot the deer but it was lost. Everyone thought and believed that your deer was gone and would not be recovered because no one could find it or figure out what had happened to it. Now you find that you had successfully harvested the deer and it was lying just beyond the point where people could know the real story. God does the same thing with our lives. He has a plan for each of us, and our lives all hold far more meaning than we will realize until later. What may seem to all of us now as a huge loss may be revealed later as a huge victory. That certainly happened with Jesus when his family and friends felt crushed by His death in his prime at only 33 years of age. Then they went to His tomb and found He had been victorious over death. His life and His death have changed the lives of others on both sides of the grave ever since He lived some 2000 years ago. Chris touched the lives of many of us during his life, and his death has also made a difference to so many of us. You, of course, have experienced those effects far more than just about anyone else. God worked through Chris in both life and what we call "death". I believe that Chris is very much alive today, and not just in our memories. I think God used your buck to show you (and the rest of us) that we do not understand His workings and His plan, but that our lack of understanding and knowledge does not change the reality of what He is doing. I don't mean to proselytize here; however, the story of your buck and the other stories you have told me of visions (dreams) you have experienced convince me that you have been given signs to allow you to know something more about the meaning of Chris' life and death. The impact that Chris had on all of us here does seem raise to more than a coincidence his name -- "Christ-opher". I think Chris came as close as most humans could to living up to his namesake. :pray:
Allan
Post by: Bear on January 18, 2011, 12:40:00 PM
On earth as it is in heaven...
Post by: stabow on January 18, 2011, 05:03:00 PM
(http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f60/stabow/IMG016.jpg)
Post by: Froggy on January 18, 2011, 05:28:00 PM
"Git R Done"
Post by: DW on January 18, 2011, 08:20:00 PM
David is a great woodsman, Bowhunter and the BEST Guide in Texas! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Post by: rastaman on January 18, 2011, 08:29:00 PM
Post by: GRINCH on January 18, 2011, 08:31:00 PM
Post by: maineac on January 18, 2011, 08:55:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 18, 2011, 11:45:00 PM
Post by: gregg dudley on January 19, 2011, 07:20:00 AM
Post by: COOCH on January 19, 2011, 07:26:00 AM
Post by: Sharptop on January 19, 2011, 08:34:00 AM
(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g279/A007_photos/026-1.jpg)
Post by: stick_string on January 19, 2011, 08:54:00 AM
Ben
Post by: on January 19, 2011, 10:43:00 AM
See ya later,
Bisch
Post by: leatherneck on January 19, 2011, 11:15:00 AM
Post by: amar911 on January 19, 2011, 02:53:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Sharptop:Carlton,
Shep, I preloaded a sure kill shot into the Kanati before I sold it to you. More are available for $99.95 each.
Depending on the guarantee, I would be willing to buy some of those to load into my bows. :saywhat:
Allan
Post by: Whip on January 19, 2011, 03:04:00 PM
On another subject, I think I've followed every post on this thread from the beginning, and unless I missed something I am really worried about one of your group. Would someone go check that tripod stand and see if Michael is still up there? I really want to know what happened that is so hard to believe! I'm thinking he still has a story to finish :readit:
Post by: metsastaja on January 19, 2011, 03:08:00 PM
Post by: sunny hill archer on January 19, 2011, 03:27:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by metsastaja:No. I'm not dreaming.... I have been hog hunting and getting ready for a return engagement. This time with my son. :bigsmyl:
I think Micheal is dreaming about another hunt.
Whip. There really isn't a whole lot else to tell. The cows came and paid me a visit and then those schizophrenic does who forgot their meds that day came back and heard me swallow again. If anything they left faster the second time
Post by: Yellow Dog on January 19, 2011, 07:13:00 PM
Post by: ole shep on January 19, 2011, 08:45:00 PM
Post by: Guru on January 20, 2011, 03:50:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by ole shep:Now that's funny right there :biglaugh:
But my advise is to retain a few.
:laughing:
Post by: Terry Green on January 20, 2011, 05:26:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: raghorns on January 20, 2011, 10:14:00 PM
Post by: adeeden on January 21, 2011, 12:07:00 AM
Post by: JimL on January 28, 2011, 09:04:00 AM
Post by: Sharptop on January 28, 2011, 09:11:00 AM
Post by: bayoulongbowman on January 28, 2011, 10:32:00 AM
Post by: Jack Guard on January 31, 2011, 06:21:00 PM
Izzy and Curt together on the last day.
Way cool !!!
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3288.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3284.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3286.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3285.jpg)
Post by: Jack Guard on January 31, 2011, 07:01:00 PM
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3228.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3226.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3223.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3224.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3225.jpg)
Post by: Jack Guard on January 31, 2011, 07:02:00 PM
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3237.jpg) (http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb308/GooseBreath/IMG_3236-1.jpg)
Post by: ole shep on February 01, 2011, 12:59:00 AM
Post by: Guru on February 01, 2011, 05:28:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by ole shep:I love it!!! :clapper:
You guys have ruined me. Its like team roping and going from horns to heels. New horse [Bow] New rope [arrows] rope bag [quiver]new partners [John came easy, Robert is fighting it hard] different pens[pasture] Out look on does and pigs changed alot. They went from trash fish to trophys. And camaras lord it takes a lot to get pics, Then you got to post them some how. It is getting more fun the better I get.At shooting not the pics. Meeting new trad guys. But it aint cheep. nor simple. There are books,Arrows,BHs,or something every day on my porch. And wool I have a fetish for buying wool.Strange
Nice pix Jack!
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on February 01, 2011, 05:39:00 AM
Post by: Izzy on February 01, 2011, 10:13:00 AM
Post by: ole shep on February 01, 2011, 12:55:00 PM
Post by: Kajun Archer on February 05, 2011, 04:23:00 PM
I am interested in possibly going next year. I live in Louisiana, so would be driving in. If you could PM me the price and details, I would appreciate it. My wife is giving me a hunt, since she and the girls are going to New York City this summer.
Thanks
Craig
Post by: Guru on February 05, 2011, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: Danny Rowan on February 05, 2011, 05:44:00 PM
It filled up while I was still on vacation and I did not even get the chance to say "I want to go",LOL. No problem though, I will just go on the first hunt in November, the rut will be on. The later Jan time would not have worked out for me anyway.
Danny
Post by: bill langer on February 05, 2011, 06:01:00 PM
Post by: Pandaros on February 05, 2011, 06:04:00 PM