Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ray Lyon on November 08, 2014, 08:50:00 PM
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Well all too soon it is behind us already. As anticipated, it was a lean year for the whitetails due to the hard winter Michigan's Upper Peninsula endured. According to our local Conservation Officer who stops out to see us every year, we have more deer in our area than most, so we are fortunate our areas herd fared better than most. That said, there were no deer hung on the pole this year. That doesn't mean it wasn't a successful week by any means. We had an incredible time, some close encounters and had some of the most incredible cooking at camp to date.
Let's start it off with the crew, sans Roger, who had to leave a day early for a business commitment
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB070071_zps60d47388.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB070071_zps60d47388.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Here's a few shots of our warm-range, including the treestand practice ladder, deer target set-up and Ron LaClair and Roger Norris showing off their form.
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060066_zps2f0b7d9b.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060066_zps2f0b7d9b.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060064_zps7c52a2c3.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060064_zps7c52a2c3.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB020007_zps4f8c7fd2.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB020007_zps4f8c7fd2.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB020006_zps48a3f8e6.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB020006_zps48a3f8e6.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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Fine bunch of guys right there.
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Nothing like sharing a great time at camp with friends and hunting buddies. Thanks for sharing.
Tony
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We had some snow in the middle of the week which was great for telling us where the deer were moving.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small72502482.JPG)
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nothing better than hunting camp...deer hanging or not your always sure to make memories of the outdoors with yours friends who share the same passions as you! thanks for sharing with us!
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Thanks for sharing your hunting camp with us,
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:archer:
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Great photos and I lok forward to the video.
This is my first winter of archery and I wonder how you guys keep your release hand warm enough to shoot.
Does Mr La Clair shoot with those wonderful looking gloves? I would be interested to know what the fur is.
Thanks
Alex
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Great pics. thanks for sharing with us.
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Ron and Tim Cosgrove (owner of Kustom King) having a little friendly competition
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014021_zps50aa11bb.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014021_zps50aa11bb.jpg.html)
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Tim loving his Asbell Quilt
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014002_zps7b9e1666.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014002_zps7b9e1666.jpg.html)
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This is Kevin Marshall. One of the finest men I have ever met. Kevin is that humble, capable guy who will do anything for you.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014006_zps8950501a.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014006_zps8950501a.jpg.html)
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This little spike gave me several opportunities...he was kinda dumb. I sure hope he makes it. I took this pic at about 15 yards, hunting off the ground, no camo.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014037_zpsa9c973e5.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014037_zpsa9c973e5.jpg.html)
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Ron isn't the only bear roaming Armstrong Creek...
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014024_zpsa15321a5.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014024_zpsa15321a5.jpg.html)
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I switched from Olive Drab to Timber Ghost for the snow...
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014060_zpsdca5cdc8.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014060_zpsdca5cdc8.jpg.html)
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Thanks for sharing your camp with all of us!
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The best camp chef in the Northwoods...he will make you fat :bigsmyl:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014015_zps90ab43ed.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014015_zps90ab43ed.jpg.html)
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Thanks for sharing :campfire:
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Great pics, thanks for sharing. I just reread your article in an older issue of TBM last night, good stuff.
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Thanks guys... I always enjoy the Shrew gang camp stories!
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Say yah to da U.P., eh?
homebru
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I do miss hunting that part of the U.P. Thanks for sharing and stirring up alot of good memories!
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awesome pics. keep em coming!
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Great pictures Roger thanks again!
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:thumbsup: Great camp you all have there!
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:campfire: :coffee:
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Looks like a grand time!!! Looking forward to more.
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I look forward to this thread every year. Keep the pictures coming.
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Dang. Looks sweet as always! Love those gloves Ron!
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Looks like some good times! Thanks for sharing.
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It's a pretty cozy place...
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014001_zpsdb58fb6e.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014001_zpsdb58fb6e.jpg.html)
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Me and the Old Timer
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014020_zpsdf481644.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014020_zpsdf481644.jpg.html)
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Ron's world famous squirrel....it was damn near gone before I remembered to take a picture..
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014038_zps941521b8.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014038_zps941521b8.jpg.html)
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Tim watching Ron put the finishing touch on a "LaClair Lacerator"
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014004_zpsbc5e1c74.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014004_zpsbc5e1c74.jpg.html)
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014010_zps882ad0f6.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014010_zps882ad0f6.jpg.html)
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I really enjoy hearing about your hunting camp and the great times you have. Very nice pictures! Keep 'em coming!
Bernie
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Cool thread!
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What I miss the most...hunting with a group of friends. I now hunt mostly by myself. I'm ok with that, but will never forget the days our group was together. Enjoyed every minute. Great thread.
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:campfire:
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A wolf track. The area is chock full of wolves, coyotes, and bears.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014012_zpsa72a5820.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014012_zpsa72a5820.jpg.html)
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Roger mentioned our retired chef Greg Nicolaou and his talents. We'll, the 'Greek' is a fabulous chef, trained at the Culinary Institute of America and recently retired. However, everyone pitched in on the food this year. Roger made a great smoked beef brisket, Kevin cooked his lip smakin' delicious ribs, Eric Bell cooked elk ribs and tender young venison hams, and I put together a corned beef boiled dinner(we like to get a break from the meat and potato's to fend off scurvy ;) ). As Roger mentioned, Ron made the most incredible bacon grease browned, slow oven roasted squirrels you've ever tasted. Not only that, Ron's a breakfast cook extraordinaire. Here he is whipping up a late morning breakfast while I finish off the butter crust for the apple pie:
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060056_zps2b16f6b4.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060056_zps2b16f6b4.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
I didn't get a picture of the breakfast, but it was hand cut at camp, thick sliced bacon, eggs and Ron's special doctored up, left over mashed potato cakes. Oh, and this is what camp apple pie looks like after it's cooled a little out of the oven:
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060062_zpsea540cb8.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060062_zpsea540cb8.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
Hmmm, 2 pies, 8 men, that's 1/4 pie per man. Yup, they licked the plates clean too.
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We have our local UP residents who watch over the cabin visit us. This is the scene from our visit with them, but it's pretty typical of the nightly routine. Lot's of conversation about hunting, bows, deer population, wolves and just general life.
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Nothing like the soft glow of gas lights.
We had a special visitor from way up north this year. Steve Turay of Northern Mist Longbows stopped down to camp for the afternoon and dinner one evening. In addition to a talented bowyer, Steve's just a genuine nice guy. It's been about 12 years since he's ventured down to camp and we always enjoy his company. Here's myself, Steve (cowboy hat), Greg and Roger posing for a picture after an afternoon shooting session.
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB050044_zpsc1ec5954.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB050044_zpsc1ec5954.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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Of course, the U.P. can be hard on vehicles. Two trucks ended up with slow leaks, including my truck, which it was easier to just take the tire off and drop off at the shop rather than deal with the spare. You can see how muddy the road in and out can get with sloppy weather like we had:
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060067_zpsbc6f1166.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060067_zpsbc6f1166.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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Love this thread! Thanks for sharing all the stories and pics!
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And finally, even though there were no deer hanging this year, this fine gobbler graced one of our hanging hooks for a few days. There were a lot of turkeys in the area and this one made the mistake of coming too close to my Hidden Hunter blind that I had overlooking a food plot by my beloved tressle stand tree. For several years I watched birds working over that food plot in the fall from my treestand. I decided it was time to put the ambush on them.
(http:// [url=http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB070079_zps9b06e9e8.jpg.html] [img]http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB070079_zps9b06e9e8.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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Man, What great comments and stories. Quite a mystical place, I am sure. Thanks for sharing.
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Doesn't get any better than that guys ... thanks for sharing This is what fall is all about and yes it goes by way too fast. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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This is a great thread, always made WAAAAAYYYYY better with great photos.
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I look forward to this thread every year!!!!!
When I picture hunting camp in my mind, this is what I see :saywhat:
:campfire: :archer: :coffee:
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Walk softly, carry a long stick and a BIG knife :archer:
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small31721697.JPG)
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What a great place this Shrew Haven. Will it go on after the regulars pass? Who will take over? I don't see any youngsters in the pics...
If I was a rich man, I'd purchase that place at any price!
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What a great place this Shrew Haven. Will it go on after the regulars pass?
I'll still be there, me and "The Ghost of Arm Strong Creek"..... :bigsmyl:
(http://khongthe.com/wallpapers/nature/ghost-wolves-108594.jpg)
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Originally posted by foxbo:
What a great place this Shrew Haven. Will it go on after the regulars pass? Who will take over? I don't see any youngsters in the pics...
If I was a rich man, I'd purchase that place at any price!
Wow, 22 years ago I ventured to Shrewhaven for the first time before it even took on the name and before we moved/remodeled the current cabin seen here in this thread in 2000. I was 30 years old then and still wet behind the ears. Now I've just learned I'm no longer a youngster :eek:
Well, I guess I've aged with some great memories and the Lord willing, many more to come. I first met Greg thirty five years ago and Ron about 25 years ago. Sometimes I only see some of these guys once a year, but they're more like brothers than hunting buddies.
Our local camp watchdog just sent us a winter storm warning posting for the area including the camp with up to a foot of snow expected. Sounds like winter might be a week or two early up there this year. While not ideal, we really hope that the spring doesn't drag on as that's what creates the most stress on the deer herd. The local CO told us out of over 50 fawns from the 2013 spring birthing that were collared, not one survived to this year. That's pretty tough odds. However, we'll be back again next year. It's the HUNT and fellowship that draws us back each year.
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Possibility of 2' predicted :scared: :eek:
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So far we have only seen about four inches of the white stuff Ron but more is on the way. I see in your photos that Randy the wolf man made it out to see you guys. Maybe this next fall the Ford river boys will come over to visit with you guys and shot a few sticks.
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Tim, not very thrilled to crawl out of a warm bunk to hit the woods....Teresa Asbells quilt makes it hard to get out in the cold :thumbsup:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014013_zps534aac4a.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014013_zps534aac4a.jpg.html)
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Tim has the Cadillac's of bunks in camp. Custom shelving, hooks and a curtain to keep out some of the heat from the woodstove at night if Roger stokes it a little too much. Unfortunately, it doesn't keep the sound of his snoring in..... :readit: :help:
You can see the vertical pine board paneling that was used in the construction of the cabin back in the mid thirties by the C.C.C. program. When we moved and remodeled the cabin, a construction contractor brother in law of mine came up an helped remodel the cabin. We took down a three quarter wall and closet at one end of the cabin to make room for the kitchen and of course being a high end home contractor, this guy not only built a bunk framework that will hold an elephant, he trimmed out the two by fours with some of the pine paneling that we carefully took apart from the wall removed. If you look closely at the top of the vertical beam under Tim's mattress, you can see where he even beveled the top of the board so there would be no splinters or sharp edges when swinging your legs out in the morning. :thumbsup:
And of course Tim's pinup girl poster just above his chest on the wall is his wife Gobby who's back in Indiana holding down the Kustom King fort while he's 'field testing' gear. ;)
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I love to follow along, you fellows can be very proud of the great tradition you've created.
I live approx 300 miles SW in central Mn. Areas around here received a foot and a half of snow with strong winds. Nasty storm
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We had a guy from Texas come into our Northern Wisconsin camp one year and he like to died from the cold that he wasnt used to. He did keep us entertained however. He snuck a gallon jug tea pot into the bathroom and slowly poured it into the toilet from holding it way high (which took like 5 minutes) all the while ooohhing and ahhhing like he was relieving himself. I liked to passed out from laughing. He left the next morning for home and never did come back for Deer camp again. It was -11 with a 20mph wind on the opener and that was his first sit in the North.
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Great posts and photos from all and a nice reminder that being a bowhunter only occasionally involves hero pics and deer hanging from the pole.
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Im glad ya all plan on hunting again. That fawn survival rate is hard to grasp though. I'd still be going to N.Wisc save it costs me an out of state tag and a weeks vacation while seeing very few or even no deer in that whole week.
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You guys are lucky to share a camp with a bowhunting legend!
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Originally posted by cacciatore:
You guys are lucky to share a camp with a bowhunting legend!
I'd say there are also several "minor" legends included in that bunch Cacciatore. :thumbsup:
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Yes! All good ones.
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Originally posted by awbowman:
Originally posted by cacciatore:
You guys are lucky to share a camp with a bowhunting legend!
I'd say there are also several "minor" legends included in that bunch Cacciatore. :thumbsup: [/b]
Ron is certainly one of the modern 'who's who' in bowhunting. I think Ron would be the first to tell you he's not a Legend. Ron is certainly someone we listen to when it comes to bowhunting and life, because he's been there and done that (probably more than once and he's forgotten :campfire:
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I miss going to the camp I belong to in the Adirondacks' of northern New York. I still belong but age, health and personalities some times make thing hard. I'm the only bowhunter and it's tough to get guys to go where there are not many deer. There is nothing like camp life.....camp food and a nice fire in the stove. I hope to see this post every year........ :thumbsup: :notworthy:
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Sure wish I had a bowhunting camp such as this. My family used to be pretty serious about rifle deer camp, but sadly, even that is all but gone. Most of us all still hunt and get together, but the camp life just isn't what it was in years past. I'll have to see if I can't resurrect the tradition.
Thanks for taking us along. Great pictures btw.
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Everything looks incredible, but a 1/4 of a pie each.
Pretty deluxe.
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Tom....you mean ONLY a 1/4 pie each. I tried to eat Rons while he was still sleeping, but the crew wouldn't let me. :bigsmyl:
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We ate every one of these squirrels...
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven20140052_zps10129448.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven20140052_zps10129448.jpg.html)
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Deer dragging legend Eric Bell. Strongest bull I know.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014038_zps90e361e2.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Shrewhaven2014038_zps90e361e2.jpg.html)
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This is Great. Thank you for sharing.
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Eight squirrels browned in the camps big 14" skillet, then put on the lid, add a little water and put in the over for 2 1/2hrs....finger lickin good... :p
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small55818081.JPG)
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We almost didn't get this picture before the squirrels were gone.
I peeled an 8# bag of russets, made squirrel gravy and a big pan of corn to top it all off. Oh ya, and pumkin pie for those that had room for it.. :)
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small22724081.JPG)
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Originally posted by stagetek:
What I miss the most...hunting with a group of friends. I now hunt mostly by myself. I'm ok with that, but will never forget the days our group was together. Enjoyed every minute. Great thread.
I know the feeling. Finding a "camp" of hunters to enjoy spending time with is nearly as difficult as finding land to hunt on.
homebru
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(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small38074325.JPG)
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Originally posted by Ron LaClair:
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small38074325.JPG)
Hmmm, is this now one of the 'small plate' fancy restaurants. It seems to me there were bigger portions taken up at camp. ;)
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It seems to me there were bigger portions taken up at camp.
Tim had three helpings... :scared:
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Where did the squirrels come from? Did you kill them at camp, or bring them from home?
I ask as the squirrel population here in eastern VA is down to hardly nothing. I have not heard a squirrel barking in the woods all season. I've seen a couple, but most seem to be young squirrels.
The woods just aren't the same without them.
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man that broadhead looks fantastic.
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Originally posted by foxbo:
Where did the squirrels come from? Did you kill them at camp, or bring them from home?
I ask as the squirrel population here in eastern VA is down to hardly nothing. I have not heard a squirrel barking in the woods all season. I've seen a couple, but most seem to be young squirrels.
The woods just aren't the same without them.
Ill ship you a few million of ours :knothead:
Those guys keep my head on a swivel most evenings :banghead: but it would be weird without them :archer:
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Ron, have you ever posted the recipe for your squirrel cooking?
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Thanks for sharing guys. I look foreward to this thread every year.
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Looks like a great time!!
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One of Ron's other passions is squirrel hunting with vintage .22 caliber rifles or small bore flintlock rifles. Head shots only to preserve the meat. There are seven pieces to Ron's squirrel. Four legs, the back and then he splits the rib cage. Also, he tries to save out the young ones for camp. There are not many Fox or Gray squirrels in our camp area so these all came from southern Michigan.
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Is that a Big Buck track in those potatoes?!
He's taunting you, guys...
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Originally posted by Hopewell Tom:
Is that a Big Buck track in those potatoes?!
He's taunting you, guys...
It's probably why Tim went back for thirds, he said something about dreaming that he was on the track of a big buck. :dunno: ;)
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Thanks for sharing all the pictures!
I imagine if your deer numbers were better than other areas, then the wolves will be there in greater numbers as well.
Friends with camps in other areas of the U.P. have told me they are seeing more wolf sign than deer. In the Rexton area, some friends were up for a week...three of four hunters never saw a deer, but they ALL saw at least one wolf from the stand.
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The Old Timer brought this awesome slab of bacon. We were excited to have it for the weeks breakfast...it lasted about 2 days.... :knothead:
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/20141102_081614_zpsraeosffp.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-11/20141102_081614_zpsraeosffp.jpg.html)
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The first two mornings I came back in extra late after making long sits patiently waiting for turkeys to work through the food plot the boys said 'wow, you missed a great breakfast from Ron with his fresh cut bacon'. :thumbsup:
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Great times. I hope the deer herd gets a break this winter, but the gathering and the camp are what you all really go for from what I can tell. I hope you can all enjoy many more years together.