Author Topic: Quality Time..... Never Imagined This!!! (Read 1248 times)

Kc kreger · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2013, 09:18:00 AM »

Great story. Congratulations!

Froggy · « **Reply #21 on:** February 21, 2013, 09:28:00 AM »

I am sure liking this....gives me hope with my wife !!! Thanks for sharing.

Lanier

Big Lefty · « **Reply #22 on:** February 21, 2013, 11:25:00 AM »

Great post!

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #23 on:** February 21, 2013, 11:45:00 AM »

Okay, now for the story....

When I first started bowhunting, I spent much time in a place the locals refer to as Makua. It's a public land hunting area that's open to bowhunting six months out of the year. In my opinion, Makua is not an easy hunt. Steep cliffs, hot weather and long hikes are to be expected.

For myself, I have a deep connection with this valley. It was where I learned to bowhunt. Hours were spent there, hiking, stalking and glassing. But due to the nature of the hunt, Staci and I had never hunted the place together. But for some reason last summer, Staci and I began talking about other areas to hunt. (At that point, we had been hunting together for about four years and she was able to keep up on every hunt.) We discussed the idea of hunting Makua. She sounded intrigued about the place, especially because I always talked about it.

At that time, we had one week before the season closed, so we decided to take a trip on the last open weekend. I told Staci that we would take it easy and stay on the low side. It was the end of the season, so just seeing anything on public land in the "low areas" would be a treat.

On the day of the maiden voyage, we took it slow and steady. Things were going well and we actually climbed higher than expected.

Check in Station

The Start of the Hunt

One of the Steeper Cliffs

Another View of the Valley

eflanders · « **Reply #24 on:** February 21, 2013, 11:47:00 AM »

You are a very lucky man!

2treks · « **Reply #25 on:** February 21, 2013, 12:06:00 PM »

Great story Ryan.
Lets hear some more please.

Butts2 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 21, 2013, 02:34:00 PM »

X2 ^^^

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #27 on:** February 21, 2013, 04:47:00 PM »

Upon climbing the first ridge, we startled a few bedded hogs which took off running past us. Although we spooked them, it was a good feeling to know that there were still animals in my old stomping ground. After climbing another 100 yards, we heard some rustling of leaves. At first, I had thought that it was the Francolins rummaging around. Because we couldn't identify the noise, we took our time. As the noise began to get louder, I knew that it couldn't have been birds. Just as I thought that, we heard a goat cry. Excited as heck, I turned to Staci and motioned the direction of the herd. We continued to stalk ever so slowly until we were able to peek over the ridge. Below us were a herd of goats feeding like crazy! I motioned to Staci to set up above me while I kept tabs on the goats below. She moved into position and was ready. Unfortunately one goat headed directly to me. Not wanting to shoot, he kept feeding until he was too close for comfort. He snorted, ran and took the rest of the herd with him. I was a little disappointed and thrilled at the same time. I didn't expect for us to see anything that day!

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #28 on:** February 21, 2013, 04:55:00 PM »

We regrouped and continued to head up the ridge. Unbelievably, we spotted a few more goats on the next ridge. We crept into shooting position and were less than 10 yards above them at one point. Because of the shooting angle, Staci waited to get a clear shot but the winds were on the goats side that day. A quick swirl sent the goats in the opposite direction.

Staci making the final approach...

2treks · « **Reply #29 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:03:00 PM »

Come on now,,,

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #30 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:06:00 PM »

At that point, we thought our hunt was over. We could care less though. The action that we already experienced was priceless for a heavily hunted piece of public land.

I asked her how she was doing and she said that she was totally fine. So I decided to take her deeper into the valley to check a few more ridges.

Staci was a goat magnet that day! Less than an hour later we spotted a nanny heading up. We tried our best to scramble and set up in the direction that she was headed for. We got there in the nick of time, the goat was feeding right to Staci. Staci waited for her shot. As the goat walked behind the tree trunk, she readied her bow and as soon as the goats vitals were exposed, she took the shot. Crack! Her arrow had hit the very edge of the tree bark. I mean one measly inch to the right and it would've been a home run! Although a little discouraged, she was having a blast.

Scrambling to intercept the nanny

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #31 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:21:00 PM »

Well, it was time for a lunch break. Between the two of us, we couldn't stop talking about all the action! Once we refueled, we headed back for the hills.

A view from our lunch break.

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #32 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:30:00 PM »

I couldn't believe it but we had two more close encounters that day and although she didn't harvest anything, I couldn't have asked for a better hunt.

We packed up and headed home, replaying the days events over and over again. First of all, I couldn't believe we made it that far, secondly, I've never had that many close encounters with goats and lastly, I was able to share quality time with my wife in one of my favorite hunting spots.

That was the end of our day, but not the end of this story...

Heading Home

Staci using the limb tip to show where we just came from.

RC · « **Reply #33 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:42:00 PM »

Outstanding Brother. Congrats to you and your wife for an outstanding day afield. RC

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #34 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:48:00 PM »

Thank you RC!

So that was the recap of the hunt from the last weekend of the season in 2012.

Makua opened up in February of this year. I assumed that the trip for us was going to be a one time experience, but I was fooled. Staci wanted to return and this time, she wanted to climb to the top of the ridge!!!

The Ascent...

I'll share the rest of the story as a photo essay

Cyclic-Rivers · « **Reply #35 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:51:00 PM »

Ryan, This is Good.

Congrats to you and Staci, Beautiful country!

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #36 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:54:00 PM »

Just to be on the safe side, I climbed up first to check for any obstacles.

Staci waiting below for the "all clear"

But wouldn't you know, just as we were about to reach the top, we spotted goats below us. Keep climbing to the top or stalk the goats??? Staci decided that she wanted to stalk the goats.

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #37 on:** February 21, 2013, 05:56:00 PM »

Mahalo Charlie!!!

Sam McMichael · « **Reply #38 on:** February 21, 2013, 06:08:00 PM »

What a lady you have! I sure wish my wife had taken interest in any aspect of archery, but she is a committed mall shopper. Continued good luck on your hunting adventures.

Ryan Sanpei · « **Reply #39 on:** February 21, 2013, 06:08:00 PM »

Thank you Sam and yes, I know, I'm very fortunate.

The decent towards the goats...

We stalked up to the feeding goats. At 20 yards, we dropped our packs and crawled in further. The goat was feeding below Staci but once again we were foiled by the swirling wind in the valley. The goats slowly trotted off not liking what they smelled.

Staci with the goat 10 yards in front of her. Can't see the goat in the thick brush. I didn't want to lift the camera any higher.


LEFT HAND BOWS CLASSIFIEDS	TRAD GANG CLASSIFIEDS ACCESS	RIGHT HAND BOWS CLASSIFIEDS

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Author Topic: Quality Time..... Never Imagined This!!! (Read 1248 times)

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