Sorry for the long delay in finishing the update. Thursday night had us up late as most of the guys were looking for a deer Bruce hit and then I was up early to go back and help Bruce some more. Didn't leave the lodge until 2:30 and had a 10 hour drive home. Been working on another Outdoor Wish hunt that I've got to make happen FAST since I got back. So here's the rest and some more pics.
Thursday mid-day:
After the morning hunt we were interviewed by a U.P. newspaper and also Buck Laviegne (sp) from Discovery U.P. came by and did some filming for their TV show. We all made sure to mention the guys at Tradgang.com A BUNCH!!! After the interviews Buck went out to sit with Michael and film his evening hunt. As luck would have it that was the only hunt of the entire week that no deer were seen from Michael's blind. They did see some turkeys and heard what they thought were deer walk behind them but they had no sightings.
Bruce Gray and his Dad were a little late getting back and we were all hopefull that one of them had scored. When they return we found out Bruce had hit one but he felt the hit was a little high and forward. He had been unable to find any blood. After dinner most of the guys headed out with some lanterns and lights in the hopes of finding Bruce's deer. Michael and I stayed back at the lodge and talked hunting and relived much of the weekend. I think we both realized that Friday we would head for home and I'm not sure we were ready for the week to end.
The guys got back after a couple hours with no luck finding the deer or any blood. It was decided that in the morning Michael and his dad would go hunt Michael's blind and Dean would give his spot one last try. Although I had planned on leaving by 10am I told Bruce I would help he and his dad check one more time in hopes of finding his deer. By the time we all got to bed it was after 1:00am.
Friday AM:
This was it everyone's last chance to score on a U.P. whitetail. Michael, Scott, Dean and Nancy LaClair all headed out well before daylight in hopes of filling their tags. After a quick breakfast (of which I ate my usual small portion) we said good-bye to John Havard as he headed for home. if you ever get the chance to hunt with John do yourself a favor and go. He is not only very knowledgable about bows, arrows, whitetails, etc. he is also a great guy to talk to and just plain be around.
Bruce Gerry and I then headed out to hopefully find Bruce's deer. About 15 minutes after arriving where the guys stopped the night before I found a few small drops of blood and off we went. We tracked the deer about 70 yards to where she crossed a creek and picked up her track on the other side. About 20 yards later we found both parts of Bruce's arrow and it didn't look good. The arrow showed less penetration than Bruce had thought and it appeared to be a shoulder hit. We continued tracking for a short distance when the blood trail just flat ended. After looking for another hour or so Bruce made the decision to call off the track. I have no doubt that the deer will survive with nothing more than a sore shoulder for a few days.
When we arrived back at the lodge we found out that both Dean and Michael had shot opportuities but only educated the deer. 8-)
Soon it was time to pack the vehicles and get ready to head for home. It's always hard to say good-bye when you've had such a great time with everyone and this time was no different. When I left I had Michael, Scott and Dean follow me over to the place we took Michael's deer to be processed. Michael was surprised at how much meat he got off his deer and the cape went home with me. I have a friend who is a class A taxidermist who is going to mount the head for Michael. Not only will he be able to always remember his first deer but he'll also be reminded of the kindnest of the folks here at Tradgang for the wonderful gift they've given him. You all have truly given him and all of us there memories that will last a lifetime.
May all of your quivers be full and the winds in your face. God Bless.
Steve Pray
I just finished the update on Michael's hunt and thought I'd post this here also.
Here are some more pictures from Michael's hunt. I hope they help to bring to you a portion of the enjoyment you gave to all who attended Michael's hunt.
The Lodge
The Lodge #2
Michael Warming Up
Michael and Ron
Ron showing Michael how to sharpen broadheads. They were SCARY SHARP when Ron was done.
Michael heading out for his first hunt.
Michael in Predator Mode
She went thataway
Topic: !!!...Michael Frame's Trad Gang Wish Hunt...Live Update...!!! (Read 8275 times)
