Colorado Traditional Archers Society Annual Pheasant Hunt

[jebeckjr]

That looks like you all had a great time!  Beautiful dog, also!  I'm astonished that in Colorado you guys have great weather and cover, and in Philadelphia there' are 10 foot mound of snows in my street!

[sheephunter]

We continued south along the creek, finding a couple more pheasants but nothing more than a few floating feathers to show for our effort. A draw ran along the ridge behind where we parked the trucks and Les (our guide) said we should give it a shot. Unfortunately, Yeager (a pointer, pronounced like the booze) was too enthusiastic and got too far ahead of us and flushed a covey of about a dozen pheasants up outside of bow range. We all tried some long shots,and while fun,was made in vain. Our group made a swing around the hillside and worked back up to the trucks. The guide said we had a few more minutes before lunch and I asked if I could make one more short sweep up the trees with Yeager. The guide gave me the thumbs up and I was joined by bullcalf and another member. Turned out to be a good decision.

[sheephunter]

jebeckjr, we lucked out this year with the weather. The last two years we have been snowed out. The sunshine, dry weather and winds usually make short work of snow on the plains. Go a couple hours west of where we were hunting and you will find enough snow to match yours!

[sheephunter]

We began our sweep up the trees, Yeager was quick to go on point. We were able to spot two chuckars out in front of him. My first shot was high and the bird flushed, only going a short ways to the north. My second shot at the second bird was also high missing its mark (notice a pattern?). bull calf was on and brought the bird to bear. Yeager began working north and we followed suit. Bull calf headed back to the truck and me and the other gentleman moved towards Yeager. Again, we spotted two more chuckars. I had the angle and my first arrow met it's mark and rolled up the first bird. I offered my angle for the other hunter to take a shot at the second bird but he stated for me to go ahead and take the shot. My next shot, again, was high. My second shot found it's mark and my third chuckar of the day was in the bag! Yeagar had headed back to the truck and we followed, ready for for supper (lunch).
  We took a few photos to remember the day. We bested the old hunt record of five birds by two birds in only a half day hunt, quite the accomplishment and end to a great hunt.
 

[sheephunter]

After another awesome meal of smoked beef brisket, pheasant salad, and other goodies, we said our goodbyes and were on our way. We then picked up some supplies on the way home to prepare for our upcoming hog hunt.....

If anyone who reads this ever gets a chance to participate in a hunt like this,I would greatly encourage you to go. These are pure fun, low stress hunt and a great way to spend the day. I hope I did a good job explaining my side of the hunt and have entertained you with our story. Good luck to all and God Bless!

[sheephunter]

Like the way I was always able to cover up my TG gear in all the photos?! Sometimes, I impress even myself with my brilliance and attention to detail.

[BigTimber]

Thanks for the pictures and the story Sheephunter.

BigTimber

[Wapiti Chaser]

GHreat story and pics. I envy you with no snow we haven't seen the ground in months.

[Bowitis]

Charlie, you have some skills at story telling, I was there and I still enjoyed going along for the ride.   Thanks!

[sheephunter]

Thanks guys, happy to share! Heading off for a pig hunt at the end of the week and I have Hope with me, this could be great! Hope to share another great story.

[sheephunter]

Kevin,
It was your hunt too and you should tell your side as well. Come on!

[Guru]

Great stuff Charlie!   What a thrill it must be to hunt with Marv    

Pretty country to hunt, and hardly any snow.....I'm envious..

[sheephunter]

Thanks Curt, glad you liked it . The hunt is always a blast. It is definitely cool to hunt with one of the legendary peers that you admire so much, but Marv is very nice and down to earth and easy to get along with. Just a good ol CO country boy.

We do get our nice days with the weather but the snow and wind can raise heck. The wind knocked my camper over so it can be worse than the snow!

[bullcalf]

There's no question it was a great day.  I've been involved in a number of "shoots" through the years and never have enjoyed one more than the CTAS annual pheasant hunt.  Marv Clyncke, my friend and mentor since I was a kid, is always the perfect host and genuinely relishes the opportunity to engineer another Trad get together.  My partner, Sheephunter, and I are prepping for our Texas pig roundup later this week.  Marv had Duke and I've got Charley.  It's great to have a hunting partner who enjoys God's creations regardless of how much blood is spilt.  Just taking my bow for a walk with a good friend does more to relieve stress than most anything I know.  That and a good horse between my knees.

God bless, all.  Let's have a great turnout next year and be sure to let Marv know how much we appreciate all he's done to facilitate this gathering every year.