Shrewhaven 2022 our first year without Ron(article added pg2/video of 3)

[Ray Lyon]

Ron’s nickname was Lobo for a reason.  He loved wolves and some years at camp (we first heard wolves howling at a summer work bee in 2000 while remodeling the newly acquired Shrewhaven cabin) we would cut a track or get a glimpse of a wolf. I missed last year because of an untimely appendectomy and resulting complications, which was Ron’s last trip to Shrewhaven. Most of the gang had a feeling that was going to be’Lobo’s’ last year at camp and the premonition was correct.  My daughter had made me a Shutterfly picture album for Father’s Day a year ago and so I got the idea of taking some of my Shrewhaven camp pictures over the years and making a book for each of the gang.  Our camp mate and my best friend was traveling near Ron’s home last Christmas and he took our books to Ron to have him sign them.

I’m thankful I did.  The rest of the gang signed it at camp this year.

[Ray Lyon]

So back to this years camp. Lobo was definitely present!!!

I saw two different wolves in the 12 days I spent in camp and others heard them howling.  Our friend who’s the local retired conservation officer has 6 on camera at one time on the rye field food plot on camp property and camp mate Roger Norris found the remains of a 3 point buck wolf kill while scouting.  I love hunting Banana Ridge, the mile long oak ridge that runs through the property, but it turns out the wolves made it their primary hunting center.  Needless to say this makes for tough competition and conditions.  Management commentary aside, we made do from a hunting aspect and I know Ron would have loved to see a wolf.

[GCook]

The loss of a friend that close can sure make camp seem a different place. 

[Ray Lyon]

We welcomed Henry Bodnik back to camp from Germany after two years of COVID travel restrictions.  Tom Jenkins was the only member missing besides Ron. 

[Ray Lyon]

Henry and Tim Cosgrove are carrying on the Shrew bow tradition and I shot several new bows that Henry brought over for Tim to add to the stock bow inventory.  Henry’s bow makers are producing some of the finest Shrews I’ve shot.

[Ray Lyon]

One deer is missing from this photo, so we ended up with four does on the gambrels.  I made a Hail Mary play setting up a new stand just off the south side of the property on commercial forest land at a Y where two trails came together. My first sit there was the last night of camp and this happened

My Shrew Classic Hunter II Autumn Gold Shrewhaven member bow, Ace Express two blade and Shrew Mantis quiver that Ron had signed many years ago for my daughter.  Ron also loved the big Ace Super Express 200 grain heads.  I opted for some Ace Express 165 in his honor and it performed flawlessly on this doe breaking her shoulder and penetrating both sides.  80 yard piled up and it was all before dark so I beat the wolves to her. 😉

[Ray Lyon]

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Good stuff. I'll miss Ron's contributions, I'm sure he will forever be present in those who loved him.  Thanks Ray.

[BAK]

I'm sure Ron is still there in spirit.  I always wanted to meet him and never got the chance.  RIP 

[TIM B]

One of my favorite threads every year….thanks Ray
Tim B

[Bob D]

One of my favorite threads every year….thanks Ray
Tim B

Mine too. I’m glad Henry made it back also. ~Bob

[GCook]

Looks like a pretty successful camp.  Thanx for keeping it going.

[Pine]

I was just talking with my wife yesterday about this thread.
Thanks for sharing with us, I look forward to this every year. 

[1Arrow1Kill]

Thanks for the fine post and for keeping up the Shrewhaven tradition Ray.  Traditional Archery will hopefully continue to grow and outlive us all. 

[JR Chambers]

 Wry nice and congrats

[stagetek]

Very nice. Congrats on the venison !

[Ray Lyon]

Henry Bodnik practicing in camp

[Ray Lyon]

Tim Cosgrove shooting in camp

[Ray Lyon]

Roast bone in pork loin.  Fantastic

Chef Greg Nicolaou

Henry Bodnik heading out for the evening hunt

old railroad grade cutting through the camp property

Armstrong Creek never dissappoints.  Banana ridge is to the right of the creek in photo

better group photo

[Captain*Kirk]

Great photos, Ray! Shrewhaven has 'that look' of a very special place shared by a very special group of hunters and comrades. Thanks for continuing to share with us.