Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Frenchymanny on February 08, 2011, 08:53:00 AM
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Two weeks ago or so, after talking to Bigjim, a weekend was planned!
It was delayed because of the snow, the drive to BigJim's place was under torrential rain, I saw how strong the man is, discovered that Honda makes submarine, shot an amazing 3D course, the bowyer certainly can shoot, hunted pigs, had the royal tour of the bow company shop, saw how the bows are made and enjoyed Southern hospitality at its best!
:campfire:
Took lots of pictures and plan to share them with you
I'll post the best pictures starting tonight
F-Manny
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Looking forward to it. Can' t wait til my number comes up for my thunderchild.
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Please tell us more.........
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Can't wait for the pics!
I want a TC so bad I can't stand it, but have to wait and see how the money holds out.
Been thinking long and hard on a new bow and finally settled on one of Big Jim's Thunderchilds.
I envy you for getting to see how they are made.
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Enquiring minds want to know more...
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I will let manny talk, but I will say that I ended up with web feet after the whole ordeal. Much fun was had.
Bigjim
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This will be good for sure!
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:campfire: :coffee: :archer2:
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He can shoot too? How many skills should one man have :confused:
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Originally posted by sorefingers:
He can shoot too? How many skills should one man have :confused:
Wait you will be surprised! :bigsmyl:
I can't do much right now (a man has to work sometimes) and will post tonight.
It started by a series of delayed flights because of a huge snow storm
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/b43951c4.jpg)
You see the beautiful 'Dacks on the way to New York, then connection flight
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Originally posted by SEMO_HUNTER:
I envy you for getting to see how they are made.
I know how lucky I am, but I promise I will share that experience with you
I took a lot of pics in the shop, just need to upload and resize.
What is amazing is the Southern hospitality :clapper: :clapper:
You are right, I was lucky!
Back to work now!
F-Manny
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This oughta be really good....can't wait for the pics.
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I hear ya on nat being able to wait.... I just put the final touches on the order for a new buffalo bow.....It really is a bad addiction...
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did you happen to see a bow with my name on it?
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I have one of Jims Buffalo's and last night I had a nock explode on release, the string sliced a fletch off like a knife, the arrow ended up going to the left and barely sticking in the wall. So at my draw it's 95# you could say it sounded like a gun went off. After inspection and 10 shots I was convienced that the bow survived. I truly felt sick thinking at first the bow blew or something. I was shooting wood arrows and had just put sone mull nocks on. Looked at some others and they to had a crack off they came for sure. Must say Jim you build one bomb proof bow. If it would have blown I would have to also put in an order. Luv my Buff :)
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This should be good. My other bows have been very lonely since the Buffalo showed up!
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Alright, let's do a tour of BigJim's shop:
Entering, the glue ups awaiting to be worked on:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00609.jpg)
Notice on top a bow that was sent for a handle duplication
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BigJim took a glue up and started working on her;
First the limbs are reduced close to final dimensions:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00611.jpg)
The machinery is top notch, but everything is shaped by hand
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This is starting out great!!
Keep it coming!!
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Of course all these steps are repeated numerous time, with constant checking, by eye and caliper
Here BigJim started to shape the handle
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00616.jpg)
You have to realize that I have a Buffalo 2 pieces on order for travel, so I was (and still am)pumped to have the privilege of seeing my bowyer working!
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That must have been an awesome trip! I'd love to see how a bow is built from start to finish!
Thanks for sharing!!
GLENN
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Glenn,
It was a trip to be remembered, wonderful memories I will treasure for a long time!
The handle took countless small actions, checking, caliper and so on
Slowly getting there
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00629.jpg)
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The sales pitch is highly engraved into the work.
Thanks for sharing.
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Originally posted by Friend:
The sales pitch is highly engraved into the work.
Thanks for sharing.
I have zero financial interest into BigJim's bows.
I paid full price like any other customer for my bows.
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come on man get to work. resize and post up haha.
must have been hard not to just grab a bow and start running like heck.
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Originally posted by sawtoothscream:
come on man get to work. resize and post up haha.
must have been hard not to just grab a bow and start running like heck.
Like posting a pic like that one?
Thanks for brightening my evening LOL
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00635.jpg)
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quote:
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Originally posted by Friend:
The sales pitch is highly engraved into the work.
Thanks for sharing.
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Sorry for leaving a comment that could be misinterpretted.
The purpose of the comment was only to have been an esteemed complement. Not seeing a line up of bows, but the artisan at work was the draw for me.
No additional advertising was warranted after being a part of this experience. After viewing this thread the words 'sales pitch' came up because it just re-enforced how badly I want one.
I am quite the Big Jim fan and have my own Dream TC on order.
Hope Big Jim didn't misenterpret my previous post or he may never fulfill my order.
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frenchymanny IF you’re talking about the fox royal crown on the top that bow is mine Jim took it home with him when I ordered my two bows from him at comptoms this past summer. That would be great if the bow he was working on in your pics was mine.
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Thanks for the pictures. I'm anxious to get an order in to Big Jim soon. Good luck to ya.
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Friend, thank you for clarifying!
I had the most amazing experience last weekend, and I wanted to share with all my fellow Tganger who are like me waiting for a bow.
Hope we'll share a shoot or a camp one day Scott
This said, before continuing, one of the numerous highlights for me was that I was able to chose the piece of cocobolo from which the veneers will be produced.
Another point that requires a lot of work is the tip shaping:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00625-1.jpg)
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(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00653.jpg)
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(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00655.jpg)
As you can see a lot of work is done free handed, checked with calipers and micrometers at every steps
I was so impressed to see the level of precision that can be reached by hand and eye only
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frenchymanny Thanks for taking the time to share this with use
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Here I am, handling the bow, with a nock shaped (not sanded and polished)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00671-1.jpg)
I have a lot more to share,but need to rest!
F-Manny
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Stay tuned for more!
Before logging off, here is a picture that shows how much care is put in the shaping of the nocks:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00667-1.jpg)
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Great stuff Manny!!! Can't wait to read more and see more pics! I've been thinking of heading down to see the big guy myself sometime and check out that magical stash of wood he keeps in stock, it sure would make it easier to choose a wood combo. Well maybe ;)
I knew he did it all by hand but didn't truly understand it until I saw the pics. I wish I had just a fraction of the talent and skill he does.
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The Doctor will see you now for your prostate exam :scared: :scared:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00671-1.jpg)
:laughing: :laughing: Sorry couldn't resist with the white coat.
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:scared:
I'd love to make a visit to Jim's house of magic myself someday. Thanks F-Manny for recording your trip for us.
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very cool pics i like big jims shop. it looks very spacious and warm, compared to my small garage. glad you had a great time too. ruddy
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very very cool ! thank you
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Your right broketooth, spacious and warm. About 98 deg and 100% humidity about 10 months of the year. I have been lucky to aquire a heatpump to cool it down. Will have to put in a few extra hours to pay for it but it will be worth it.
There will be no prostate exams in my shop or any where near me! I don't follow the same rules as the Navy!
The best of this story is yet to come, at least for me. Manny had a long and tireing few days. Travel can wear on a guy.
BigJim
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Manny: Thanks for the Pics. Looking forward to ordering a Thunderchild for myself ( Soon ). It's great to see how a master works in his element. Would love to meet Big Jim, someday. Enjoy your visit and post more Pics.
God Bless Don
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Manny,
You didn't happen to see some ironwood laying around waiting to be turned into a Thunderchild, did you? :pray:
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Great thread! :thumbsup:
Just got my self on the list for a Thunderchild the other day, so very interesting to see the man at work!
Only about seven long months to wait now....
thanks for sharing!
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Love it, that would be a great trip. Thanks for the pictures.
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Friends I will ask for your patience, I have to do a lot of catch up at work!
Here is the game plan:
I will finish the bowbuilding part tonight, and will jump into the pig hunting Southern style. I promise one thing: It will be worth it! :)
F-Manny
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REST !Manny you,ve got all the time in the world to rest when they bury you !LOL You're holding up one of the greatest mysterys known to modern man.I have anticipated this thread for so long as have many others.In all honesty we truly appreciate what your doing .One of the, if not the greatest bowyers and people of our times.Everyday I admire my TC and three piece Buffalo and I'm still amazed at their workmanship.People if you have the remotest inclination,and you should, get on Jims list ASAP.The line aint gettin' shorter.
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:bigsmyl:
Steve I'm not resting, I'm working ( and keeping an eye on TG lol)
Alright I'll use my lunch break to post more pictures!
F-Manny
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Great thread, glad I'm on Jim's list for a BB!
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F-manny I just want to know how many wonka bars you ate before you got the golden ticket. For the Big Jims factory tour. Think I might have to call of work today and see how this unfolds. Next thing I know someone on hear will discover a live unicorn.
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LOL ! Manny your right as we get older the fine line between work and play fades.Thanks again my friend for doing all this for us.
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Sorry Jim, knowing how big you are that was the scariest and funniest thing I could think of. If you'd been holding a saw I could have said something about brain surgery. ;) I think I should have kept my mouth shut cause I'm about to order another Buff. :knothead:
Looking forward to the rest of the story!
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Arrow shelf shaping:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00652-1.jpg)
All by hand, again constantly checked with the caliper
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Here it's really looking like a bow :)
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00650-1.jpg)
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There are a lot of skills and hard work put in a bow my friends
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00646-1.jpg)
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Now just realize that I was at the BigJim Manor just for two full days if you don't count the travel time, so it was 2 really full days.
In the time left, we shot a tough but highly enjoyable 40 targets 3D course, and we hunted hard for 2 days.
The hunting tale will be worth it!
F-Manny
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Before we go play outside, let us have some eye candy LOL
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00610.jpg)
This is a redwood burl veneer under 'Buffalo hide' finish
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Nice post. And that is one hugh edge sander. I have talked to Jim and his wife at the big shoots. Real nice down home folks.
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Great Post. Iam waiting for Big Jims call telling me my bow is ready to ship. Talked to him a few days ago and was advised it was in the final stages of completion. :D
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Originally posted by Frenchymanny:
There are a lot of skills and hard work put in a bow my friends
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00646-1.jpg)
Does anyone know what wood those limbs are?
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David, I honestly don't remember, better ask BigJim.
Don't hesitate, the man is a pleasure to talk to.
Now, the hunt!
Remember my flight was delayed one day because of a huge snow storm. That snow became rain in Georgia.
I did the 3hrs drive in 5hrs because of torrential rain on Friday, as a matter of fact I could not even read the signs! Luckily I had a cell phone and Central Command put me in the right direction. I arrived, Barbara had some wonderful venison sausage and cheese, we had a few beers and then the rest I needed badly.
That was royal treatment!
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great post thanks for posting Thanks Shane
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Giddy up TTT... need pics and stories :readit:
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OK OK :bigsmyl:
A couple of days before my trip I received a ton of pics like this one:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/mannyspig155.jpg)
Can you say pumped?
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I left huge amount of snow and bitter cold temperatures to arrive there:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/f6411680.jpg)
All was washed by Friday's rain, but was looking good to me!
The creeks were already starting to get higher and higher... That's were it started to be good :biglaugh:
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Here is a typical view of the woods in Georgia in February;
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/9c17d904.jpg)
What a beautiful sight for us from the North East!
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This is so good.... :coffee:
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Niiiice,more pics?
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Great thread! Thanks very much for the time spent in preparing it for us!
:clapper:
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:campfire: Great stuff!
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Back up! Things are shaping up nicely!
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Its is nice to see some greenery. Nice pics by the way.
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Great stuff Manny!!
I'm curious to find out more about your story my friend :archer:
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So the first day we went hunting on BigJim's hunting ground:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/40515fa1.jpg)
After about 20mi, we parked, got set up and hit the woods
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We had to cross 2 creeks and used an ATV to carry the corn for the hogs
Remember: I drove 5 hours under torrential rain to reach the birth place of my bow the day before...
The creeks were getting high...I crossed them by foot and BigJim used all riding tricks to cross... Twice I was sure we'd have to wait for the dry season to extract the ATV from the swamp... :knothead:
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Looks like a blast, I talked to JIm a few times, seems real laid back and genuine.
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Genuine is the word!
Here is the Thunder child and Buff manor:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00606.jpg)
What a breath of fresh air for us Northerner!
"La douceur de vivre" :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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But back to the hunt:
The first day,we had a little bit of rain, and the ground was saturated with water
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/3e5764a4.jpg)
We did try to find hogs to stalk most of the day, to no avail
I enjoyed to see green again, and the mild temperatures.....
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well Brother looks like yall been a busy little Bever way cool Bro. :readit:
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opps double post :o
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Big Jim Manor is the image of peace! Cool pics.
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Got here late but great stuff Manny!! Glad I didn't miss out :)
Keep it coming :)
:coffee:
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Back up for the rest of the story.
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WOW...could that be what awaits people when they say light at the end of the tunnel...And then all those pretty bows to play with for eternity....lol
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WOW...could that be what awaits people when they say light at the end of the tunnel...And then all those pretty bows to play with for eternity....lol ....Big jims manor..thunder childs lair,....
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So here we are on the Saturday, we search by foot during the day for pigs to stalk on, taking the wind into account, swirly light winds, but no luck there...The cams had pigs every day on both stands, but one of the stands was now under water because of the torrential rain from Friday...
Take notice that the Honda ATV barely made it across the second creek we had to go through to reach the hunting ground and the stand
Now my stand is the highest stand I ever hunter :scared: , like higher than that! the view was amazing, but scary too! I forgot the security vest (I know, that's bad!)so I had to be extremely careful. Felt like an hawk up there, but I HAD to :nono: be extremely careful
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Originally posted by JEFF B:
well Brother looks like yall been a busy little Bever way cool Bro. :readit:
Brother Jeff, sooooo true! :) You can't resist to a pig hunting opportunity!
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So here I am in my tree stand
To give you an idea this is a pic taking on Sunday, which was a much sunnier (I was even bitten by a mosquito!!! :D )
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00678.jpg)
Sun got down and here they came... 11 small pigs, extremely wary, constantly moving around... I hoped for a good one to show...
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Great stuff Manny. I'm in for the long haul.
Thanks for sharing.
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Manny- Barbara says Hi and she likes the picture of me with my belly sticking out. Says you caught me off guard and I didn't have time to suck it in. I personnally don't believe it is my best side, but it does store most of my energy :) .
Nice story. Not even the first tall tale ....yet.
It was much fun, Bigjim
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come on manny on with the story and pics ya cant leave us hanging
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You gotta love mosquitos...in Feburary. Thanks for taking the time to share.
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Keep it comming Manny :)
Storing energy !! That's what that thing hangin over my belt is for?
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:readit: :campfire:
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Did he fall in quicksand or something !! :dunno:
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Spoke to Manny early this morning,he's down with a bad cold :rolleyes: .
Get better soon my friend :coffee:
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Friends I had a bout with some kind of flu and had to go to work today, so that's not fun times for sure!
I'll be back on this thread for sure but may be only tomorrow :(
F-Manny
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But before I go, thats stored energy:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00603.jpg)
84# at 30"!!!
Right now I'd need some!
F-Manny
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Hope you get to feeling better Manny! I battled the flu last week myself and it weren't no fun at all.
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yep, going through our house as well !!!!
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Manny- shouldn't be swine flu, cause we didn't actually come into contact with any :)
Get better quick.
BigJim and Barb
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Originally posted by Frenchymanny:
But before I go, thats stored energy:
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i144/frenchymanny/DSC00603.jpg)
84# at 30"!!!
Right now I'd need some!
F-Manny
Stored energy is an understatment! I would hate to be on the recieving end of that arrow!!! :scared:
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The most amazing part of that picture is that I have been holding that pose since Manny left. Can't seem to let down. :)
bigjim
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Originally posted by BigJim:
The most amazing part of that picture is that I have been holding that pose since Manny left. Can't seem to let down. :)
bigjim
Almost true!
You did hold that position long enough for me to take the picture, and that what an effort for you :scared:
The best story about BiGJim's stored power is yet to come!!!
Stay tuned and be patient!
Hate to be slowed down like that!
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Jacob my friend, you are so right!
When we retrieved the arrows from the foam, BigJim's arras were so much harder to extract than mine!
Granted I shoot a light 60#, but still :) :) :)
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So back to the essence of this story:
I am in the highest ever tree stand (usual for South Georgia I was told)and I enjoyed a mild, slightly overcast evening...
Right before dawn, there is this group of small pigs, 11 black and 2 brown, coming warily to the bait... Imagine I forgot my harness, so I am carefully sitting, pumped and looking for the big pigs...Will they come?
At the second passage of the small pigs, I decided to shoot one of the small brown, staying seated
I couldn't reach full draw sitting, so I counter canted (Do you see coming a great excuse for missing? LOL) and let fly the arrow, she disappeared in the dark and the brown pig separated from the group
That's it I thought, but not fully convinced
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Awesome! Good job with the pictures and the
story. I enjoyed both and thanks for posting.
Jim and Miss Barbara are good folks!
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Awesome
I really like the look of those bows
thanks for sharing your trip.
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Originally posted by tradtusker:
Awesome
I really like the look of those bows
thanks for sharing your trip.
Thank you Andy!
So it's time to wrap up this story, I know I was too slow!
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So, here I shot, not to sure of the results...Looking at the arra, no blood, no blood around,I just scared the hell out of this little pig!
We went back to the truck, and noticed that the creeks got bigger when we were on the tree stand...
But we were still able to get back to the truck.I was impressed by the abilities of the little Honda :) But wait,the best is to come!!! :bigsmyl:
All this happened in 2 days friends,
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Manny, Manny, Manny ... Can't hold my breath that long :)
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man he really know how to drag things out haha. sounds like alot of fun bro
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Love the back story & pictorial about Big Jim's bows! Have a Thunderchild on order myself and know it'll be well worth the wait.
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Bloody hell, Manny! You sure spin a yarn! Nice photos, too.
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Great thread manny, thanks for taking the time.
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Manny,thanks so much for sharing,pics and story.
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I need closure :p
You best finish up next week. ;) Then tell us shortly there after :readit:
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Yeah Manny lets here it.This has got me pumped for this February!
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Frenchmanny if you are around in February come to the rocks pond shoot in South Carolina. Bigfoot I mean big jim always sets up there .