Author Topic: Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt.....Last Years(06) (Teaser)!!! (Read 70041 times)

woodchucker · « **Reply #780 on:** February 20, 2006, 04:58:00 PM »

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!

I was telling my forman at work today what a great time we all had at the Bunny Hunt!!!!!

I was trying to explain how we talk to each other almost daily on TradGang,But yet we hardly ever see each other in person. I tried to explain how even though we hardly see each other, that we know so very much about each other. I told him how we have shared our lives with each other over the years. Our experiances,both good and bad,how we have watched each others families grow,and how we have all shared the sorrow of the passing of loved ones (like Shawns Mom) as if they were our own. We all get together every year for "The Bunny Hunt",and we all look forward to January when Shawn starts the "official" Bunny Hunt thread. We all wait for the Bunny Hunt with the excitment of a child waiting for Christmas Morning!!!!! When the time has come,and the Bunny Hunt is here,we all gather together at Shawn's Dads to see our old friends and to meet new ones. It makes no differance if you are a past Bunny Hunter or a "First Timer" you feel right at home,because everyone knows your name. They may not have met you face to face,but they have read your posts and come to think of it,they really already know you. When the arrows have been shot,the Bunnys have been chased,and the hunt is over,there are no "good-byes" for we will "see you again" and "talk to you later" (probly later that night if your not to tired LOL) We will go home and pull out our thorns and nurse our scratches and start thinking about next year. It is a good thing,this "TradGang" and the Bunny Hunt brings us together. We truely are a "Family".

May The Great Spirit Guide Your Arrows

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #781 on:** February 20, 2006, 05:01:00 PM »

OK, now a story or two. We started the hunt right out the back door at my Dads. The first piece we pushed was small and 32 guys going thru it made it seem real small. Well we saw bunnies right off and Curt got a shot as well as 2 more shots were fired. We moved to the next piece, I requested Tom(Swampbuck)go with me to a real nasty bottom. Tom is cut from the same mold as me and I needed him and Sonny to get down and dirty. We had just started in to the nasties when I see a bunny. He took a few hops and stopped but with Tom moving and the other 6-7 guys that were pushing he moved again. I hollered for guys to stop and hold up. The second time I yelled the bunny stopped and sat up at about 8yds. I had the LDB and was sure I was about to make the firsat kill of the hunt. I released and the arrow somehow did not hit anything on the way to the bunny and I took hair off the nap of its neck. We all continued on, what happened next is one of the most memorable of the hunt for me. Tom and I came to some really nasty thick stuff and as usual Tom dove in head first, the next thing I see is Tom taking his LB and resting a tip on his index finger toss it about 15ft. in the air and 10-12yds. out of the pile. The bow came to rest perfectly flat on a briar patch, none the worse for the wear. We soon moved on and I looked over again to see Tom about to do the same Manuever when I yell throw it to me, again 10-12yds. and I will admit I made a nice grab!! We did put out several bunnies on that push and at laest 5 more shots fired. It was than unto the island of trees and a great pic. of 30 plus guys and "Our Lady" friend about to cross the airport runway, pic. is a page or two back. I will be back with more and I hope Curt and Aram post more pics.!! OOOOHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #782 on:** February 20, 2006, 05:03:00 PM »

Chuck my friend, OOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn

woodchucker · « **Reply #783 on:** February 20, 2006, 05:23:00 PM »

Thanks Shawn, Your truely "One Of A Kind" Brother

bamboo · « **Reply #784 on:** February 20, 2006, 05:49:00 PM »

First and foremost to shawn and all the Leonards thank you for hosting an outstanding event!! again my sincere thanks to the Leonards and all involved! So many stepped up to make the raffle a succsess[some not even in attendance!] what a great tribute to Joan Leonard and her memory -- thanks guys!! I was really looking forward to seeing the legendary LDB--maybe,even shoot a piece of history---then beyond all my expectations i got the chance to feel the Mojo first hand and take a cottontail with the Little Delta Bow---again all because of shawn and curt, and all the Trad Gangs generosity thanks guys ,gals, nolz-----and most of all the Leonards

Huntrdfk · « **Reply #785 on:** February 20, 2006, 06:07:00 PM »

Your right Chuck, no goodbyes here, just a bunch of "See you later"........and we will too.

I also want to give a public thanks to Jeremy for the stave that he brought for me, already laid out, so most of the tough work is done. Thanks Jeremy, I'll do my best to make a good shooter out of this one.

David

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #786 on:** February 20, 2006, 06:34:00 PM »

Bamboo(Mike) also won a bow donated by me for killing the first bunny of the hunt. It was a nice little recurve of unknown origins. I think a Browning but not sure. It was a sweet little shooter. It made it that much more special that it was won with the LDB. I also started another little tradition along the LDB lines. I donated a 1956 Kodiak Special to the raffle with the condition that the winner return next year with the bow and donate it back to the raffle or if they cannot make it send me the bow back and we will raffle it again. This year BJK was the winner along with 6 arrows that I made to match the bow. The arrows, the winner keeps, I am sure Brian will hunt a few times with it!! Brian do not forget, it needs a new string that is 1/2" longer. This year was very special as were the others but with Mom looking down at us..., Well you guys know what I mean!! OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn

Walkingstick · « **Reply #787 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:04:00 PM »

Shawn and Guys, another year I planned to come but knew, just knew something wasn't going to allow it to happen. Last year my wife's health was bad and this winter I have a dear Aunt that is probablly near life's end and not doing real well. I picked my son up from college and packed my gear that night. I was planning on leaving around 3:30 putting me there by 8:30. Got a call late Friday night from her son and figured I needed to put myself last again and family before me and go downstate for my possible last visit. Easy to go to a viewing but it is more important to see folks alive. I know too well of Shawn, his Mom and his dad's hospitality and this hunt could not be a memorial to a finer person. It tugs at my heart to see the fun that could be had but I know I did the right thing in my heart. Hello to Dad Shawn and I will try again next year God willing. I missed all the guys I have already met and I am always up to meeting many more. Great hunt you had. God bless you all....Mac~

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #788 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:11:00 PM »

Thanks Mac, we missed ya!!! Mac has the hiccups!!(LOL!) OOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH

Walkingstick · « **Reply #789 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:15:00 PM »

Don't know what happened Shawn, I deleted them all...Mac~

Linc · « **Reply #790 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:36:00 PM »

Another bunny hunt missed. :( I just can't seem to plan on anything.Something always seems to come up that ruins my plans.

I'm glad to hear everyone had a good time and there were plenty of bunnies seen. Congrats to those that got bunnies.

joe skipp · « **Reply #791 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:46:00 PM »

LDB in my hands...after two tortureous drives through the briars I was handed the LDB. Wow...all I could think about was the territory and game this baby had seen and taken.
I was positioned in a small funnel just inside the wood line and out of that vicious wind. The drivers were about halfway through and the cries of "Rabbit out front!" echoed. Then "Another to the right!". Peering through the underbrush I caught movement heading my way. Here he comes, full bore, stretched out to the max. He was only ten yds away when I hit anchor, lead him and let the cedar fly. A clean miss, slightly low. As the critter sped on his way you could hear other arrows banging off limbs. When the drive was over, I handed the LDB to Mike Robin(Bamboo), took his longbow and was part of the next drive. We booted out 3 rabbits on that drive, 2 were taken and Bamboo scored with the LDB. I tell ya, all the briars, cuts, bruises you get on a drive is all worth it when you see a couple guys holding up the bunnies. I had my chance with the LDB...maybe next year..I won't be able to post any pics yet, my usb cable sh$$$ the bed!

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #792 on:** February 20, 2006, 07:59:00 PM »

I have to agree with Joe, the cuts and scratches are all worth it. Isn't it wild when ya here the guys shooting. I know on the drive we got the first two bunnies on there were at least 20 shots taken and arrows bouncing off trees. I was on one push and was closing in on Joe Skipp and Ru when out goes a bunnie, Jerry Young took the first poke and than he ran right at me, I could not shoot as he was in line with Jerry and Southpaw(?), but he kept coming, at about 15ft. I started dancing and missed him at all of about 3 ft. He sidestepped me and than came clear and Joe just missed him by inches. Man it was exciting!! OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn

Doug Campbell · « **Reply #793 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:05:00 PM »

Sounds like you guys had just a little fun

Congrats on a great hunt and the raffle results are awesome!!

Shawn Leonard · « **Reply #794 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:24:00 PM »

Doug, I will be sending you a M.O. order from the raffle so you can forward it to the St. Judes Children. $1100 was raised this year!! OOOOOHHHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn

Aram · « **Reply #795 on:** February 20, 2006, 09:43:00 PM »

Hi guys, Ru here. Thanks so much for all the gifts!
Sonny and me! we couldn’t get enough. I saw more rabbits in those two days then I see in a year. On the way home I was planning every briar patch and hedgerow in town. Too bad the season is almost over.
I loved the beautiful chase that was laid out in front of me by Sonny on the second day. Sonny went barking through the patch near the green houses when “Swampbuck” spotted and pointed to me a rabbit fifty yards ahead of Sunny. I stayed posted there and after Sonny went by the rabbit doubled back and stopped twenty yards in front of me. I had the LDB and sent an arrow that dropped at fifteen yards in the brush. (I shouldn’t have used a judo, I guess.) That was actually the second shot I took at that same bunny that day. Boy was it fun!!! I hope to be back next year.

Many thanks to Shawn for organizing and watching over all this!
Thank you Cindy for all your hard work to make this a smooth event!
Thank you Mr. Leonard for your humor and warm hospitality!

nanook712 · « **Reply #796 on:** February 20, 2006, 10:32:00 PM »

Another great time! Thanks Shawn & Family. I know "C" did a ton of work while we were off fooling around so give her a big hug form all of us.

LAR43 · « **Reply #797 on:** February 20, 2006, 10:57:00 PM »

Shawn,
Like I said, it was from my heart & through my hands, but it all came from your Mom.
Thanks isn't even remotely adequate to describe what we all feel for you & your lovely family. Without all your efforts, we may have met each other at shoots & shows, but we would have never have the closeness we all feel for each other.
I'm proud to know everyone, & call you all friends.

Larry

joe skipp · « **Reply #798 on:** February 20, 2006, 11:10:00 PM »

Hey Larry...wouldn't be the same without you there...like Linc and Walkingstick. You fellas bring true meaning to the words friends. Meet you guys once and we always look forward to seeing you guys every year. Besides....I enjoy watching Greg COMFORTABLY pull back and shoot a 83# bow shot after shot after shot.....

Huntrdfk · « **Reply #799 on:** February 20, 2006, 11:17:00 PM »

Ditto Larry, and kudos to you too. As I sit and read these posts I've reflected back on conversations I have had with friends and relatives, trying to explain why I go to NY in the dead of winter to hunt rabbits with bows and arrows, with "total strangers". Except for my brother, who gets it, I've taken to telling them you have to go and experience it to understand. As Larry said, because of Shawn and his family, we have all forged friendships that we never ever would have realized. I am blessed to be part of such a fine group of people.

David

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Author Topic: Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt.....Last Years(06) (Teaser)!!! (Read 70041 times)

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