Trad Gang

Final decision has been made!

We will go with an AEP property in SE Ohio. This AEP area is south of I70 on SR 83.

Go to this site for the map. Look for Campground K off of SR83 & T13. It is surrounded by public hunting with no reservation required.

http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/recland/pdf/ReCLandMap.pdf

This means you will need to get your free permit to be legal.

To download the free permit go to this site & print it off.  Once you print it off and sign it you are good to go.  You do not have to send it in or anything along those lines;

http://www.aep.com/environmental/recreation/recland/requestpermit.htm


The hunt will be the weekend of the 9th - 11th of November. That gives you three weeks to get your permit.

I will take the 9th, or the 8th & 9th, of November off work to scout the area(from long distance) and stake claim to the camp grounds. If anyone would like to come early let me know and we can maybe do some early hunting and scouting.

Let me know if you are comiing, so I have an idea of haw many will be there.

The schedule is as follows;

Friday evening: Set up, camp fire, discuss plans for the following day and look at maps.

Saturday; pair up or go individually to the spot you want to hunt.

Sunday; 30 min AM service/breakfast, then set up some slow deer drives if we get enough people to do so.  This way everyone shoud get to see deer, if you didn't on Saturday.  You can also hunt solo on Sunday if you wish. I figure on 4 drives and hunting until 2-3 o'clock Sun afternoon. Everyone would be a poster twice and a pusher twice.

* Gear: you will neeed whatever you would normally take camping (tent, food etc.)


Let me know if I forgot anything, never set one of these up before.

-Charlie

I'm going to try and make it down. I will get there on Friday or possibly late Thursday night.

Tony,

I'll put you on the list.

-Charlie

I'll get arial photos as soon as i can find them  online.

-Charlie

Try this for an aerial photo. You will have to zoom in and follow Rt 83 south out of Cumberland to Township Rd 13. Where 13 and Township HWY 2 intersect is Campground K. You can use your mouse to zoom in and out.

I have fished there and it can get gnarley in places. They have killedd some very good bucks in that area. You should have a good time. I would consider coming myself, but I have too many places around here that will need my attention that weekend.

I hope this helps.

fishmerf


http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/map/interactive/USOH0235?from=36hour_map_large&zoom=8&interactiveMapLayer=radar

I'm Planing on coming down with a few of my club members. I'll know how many when it gets closer. we were planing on the trip down that weekend anyhow.
Mike  
:campfire:

Put me down! I'll also be bringing a friend

We gotcha all on the list. So far there are 8 or 9 guys coming.

-Charlie

I'll have to play it by ear myself. Lots of changes going on right now with my job and I'm not sure how it will end up. I'll have to see. But it does sound like alot of fun.

Hope we see ya' Jason!

-Charlie

how many hunters do you expect/ i would like to attend if it is not full.

i fish this area every spring for a tournament. it is a great place.

I'm planning on coming at some point Charlie. Just not sure when.

Derron,

Welcome!  I'm sure we have room at this point.  I would like to have about 12-14 guys show up.  With you included, my most recent count is 9 for sure and 3 or four maybe's.  We are right about where we want to be.

*Just bring your camping gear and some food to eat.  I may bring extra food, but I'll keep ya'all posted on that.  We'll have a good time for sure!

-Charlie

I think I posted this on the other thread but my son and I are 'strong maybes'.

Count us in for sure. Don Drumm and myself. We will be down Friday afternoon. Thanks for the invite.

Mark

We should have everyone bring any archery gear they don't want or wanna sell and have a mini swap meet.

Thanks Mark, We'll see you there!

-Charlie

Just want to reitterate, if anyone would like to come down Thursday feel free.  The offiial dates are the 9th-11th, but I will be there all day Thursday as well.

I'll put out something to indicate my camping area, just in case I am in the woods or out glassing when you get there.  

On Friday afternoon/evening , I'll be waiting on ya'all at the camp.   I probably will be out scouting/hunting Friday morning.

*Also, I think we have room for about two more guys.

P.S. Gingivitis, congrats on your recent deer!

If we drive in from Alabama on wed or thursday, there is no reason we could not hunt then is there?

SRTA,

I am planning on getting there Wed evening, but it will be too late to scout and set up as well. I get out of work around 4 and will be down there around 7-7:30pm.  I see no reason not to scout AND hunt some Thursday. I will be spending the next few weeks trying to familiarize myself with the area.  I may even try to get out there and look around sometime this week. Maybe post some pictures.  

The aerials can be found on  www.maps.live.com (http://www.maps.live.com)  

You just have to zoom in on Ohio and then the specific area.  After that switch the map over to hybrid so you can see the roads and the actual aerial overlayed. It is free.  I would, however, like to get topo's of the area.

-Charlie

T.J.

A mini swap ain't a bad idea, especially if you are trying to unload a Silver Fox!!

-Charlie

Thanks Buckeye - I'm ready for another.  :-D

LOL no I think I wanna keep that one. Abe from Cari-bow said it should be done by the end of the month so hopefully I'll have it to bring down. It would be cool to do a big review on it with everyone at camp shooting it and contributing there thoughts.

Dang it all - I just realized that I'm on call the weekend of this hunt.  :-(   Looks like my son and I won't be able to make this one after all.

Hope you guys have a great time out there and snuff many grizzled old bucks with racks the size of German automobiles.

My son and I will probably try to sneak out early Saturday morning to a place pretty close to where I live and *hope* no one buzzes me.

I will talk with a couple of my buddies and try to make it down. AEP is only 30min.s from my house, so Hopefully I can get away.

Sounds good Mr. Mcgee...We'll be seein' ya'.

Kahn,
Seriously?  Can you make a trade for weekends? Maybe we could do a second one in January for all those that can't get to this one.

-Charlie

Let me see what I can do.  One week I probably can trade for is the week starting the 26th which is gun season here anyway.  Part of me wants to dig in deep and let the gun guys push 'em past me but the other part of me *really* wants to avoid collecting any slug holes.

I'll check and let ya know.

T.J.

If you are anything like me, you are going to love your Silver Fox. I have 2 of em and cant imagine parting with either one. Of course, if the owner of the company I work for doesnt get his head out of you know where, I might be forced into getting rid of one (but never both!)

What woods did you get in your Silver Fox?

BP

SRTA,

A little change in my arrival time.  I will get there early Thursday morning.  Have to work late Wed. night.

-Charlie

Brian,

I got mine in birdseye maple and pau ferro as the accent. It is a premium riser and has birdseye maple veneer's. It will also have a deer wood burning into the upper veneer, antler tips, and a beaver tail wrap and rest.

Are you coming to the camp? If so make sure you bring em  ;)  What woods are yours? Have any pics?

I wont be at the camp, as far as I know.

Mine are made of Goncalo Alves and Pau Ferro, and the other is Bocote and Pau Ferro. Both are bamboo cored limbs with quilted maple veneers. The first is 56# @ 28 and the second is 58# @ 28.

Here they are (if I dont screw this up)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/kodiak1028/Bow%20Pics/P6140002.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/kodiak1028/Bow%20Pics/P9050042.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/kodiak1028/Bow%20Pics/P9050057.jpg)


Make sure to post pics when you get yours.

Brian

Man those are beautiful! The Bocote one isn't the one Abe had for sale on the inventory page last month was it? Nice lookin bows Brian!

No. That one had bocote veneers and was 53#. I shot that bow at Compton this year and it was sweet. If I didnt have 2 already, I would have thought real hard about buying it.
I had Abe build my bocote riser bow about a year ago. The wood has really darkened on it since I got it.
Abe dont know how to build an ugly bow. LOL

BP

Guys,

I got both the AEP maps and some aerials put together today. I can't post them, but I will have them at camp.  So far I have found what looks like plenty of spots for solo hunting and for some drives.  I think we are in good shape.  We will be seein ya'all soon!

-Charlie

Charlie,
I'm interested in this as well. If my work schedule falls right, I'd like to come.

Charlie, You are putting a lot of work into this. I cant wait to thank you in person. Mark C. and I should be down just be fore dark on friday. This will be my first trad deer camp.  :thumbsup:

Hopefully I'll be able to get there around 6pm on friday. Can't wait!

Charlie, Is that us next to the lake. Thats the only spot that looks like camping?

Drummer,
I believe our camp is on the same road as the lake, but just a couple hundred yards to the east. Fishmerf could say better than me.  I am headed down this weekend to check it all out scout/hunt.  I just can't make it during the week right now, too busy

This will be my first traditional deer camp as well.  I hope it all goes as planned, but we will have fun regardless. I know there will be other hunters (not from our group)in the woods, but you really can't get away from that in Ohio.  

I'm looking forward to hunting and talking with other fellas with the same interests. Even with guys who hunt, they often do not understand people who hunt traditional.  Who knows, we might even fit in some fishing over at one of the lakes?

-Charlie

For everyone who is not sure if they can make it to camp.  Let me know either way as soon as you can.  

We have 10 guys coming for sure and another 5-6 that are maybe's.  For the deer drives on Sunday, I hope we have about 15 to participate.  From what I can tell, we should definitely be able to move some deer from nasty areas that they otherwise wouldn't leave.  

-Charlie

The only thing that will stop me would be rain. I will be there either early Friday morning or late Thursday night.

hello, my buddy plan on showing up if he doesn't have to work but he not sure until that week. been reading alot af your posts would like to meet some of you. hope to see you down there.

I'm still waiting to find out if my pager week trade offer is going to be accepted.  Heh - my coworkers also have plans but I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

Tony,
I can understand, but I'll be there rain or shine!  I'm just too excited and it can't rain the whole weekend, well....I guess it is Ohio.  LOL.  

Kahn,
Keep working on it.  

Drummer,
I PM'ed Fishmerf and he said the camp is on the lake.  I'm going out Saturday, so I'll keep you guys posted.  I'll do some glassing and hunting Saturday and maybe Sunday too. I'll try to take some pictures to post.

I hear that is some rugged land which is good news to me.  Hard work usually = less people.

So much to do, so little time....

-Charlie

BGhunter and JDinPA,

Let me know when you can.

Thanks,
Charlie

Charlie,
I'll let you know as soon as I can, but I'm not going to know until the weekend before.
I'm hopeful...
Thanks,
JD

I was checking the area on MSoft Virtual earth (3d satellite thingy) and it does looks pretty hilly, and watery.   The place looks pretty neat.

Charlie,

 If it's raining I might come down for the day. My canvas tent is a bear to dry this time of year.

I would iimagine.  Dryng out tents is always a pain, much less a heavy material like that.

I am going to do my best to be there, I'll no for sure in a few days. I look forward to meeting all of you. God Bless

There is allot of real estate down there plenty of room for all of us, can't wait to meet you all!!
M I K E

Rain dont scare me. I did a 45 day field problem at Fort Hood one year and it rained for 45 staight days. Least thats the way I remember it.  :biglaugh:  
This trip is starting to keep me up at night. I find myself laying there thinking about it before the alarm goes off.

I got reminded by my wife last night that we are having a dinner for my mother that Saturday night. She will be 60. So I don't know when I'll be down.

I'm right there with ya' Drummer.  I've had a lot of trouble sleeping since we started putting this camp together.  My wife just wants it to be over so I'll stop talking about it.  Never been to a deer camp, so I am excited. I'M hunting/scouting that area this weekend.  I plan on getting some pics up on Sunday night or Monday.

-Charlie

Appreciate the heads up McGee.  Remember we could us quite a few people Sunday if you want to come down.  

-Charlie

This will be my first deer camp to. Can't wait!

Just got a PM and was informed the campground is plenty big enough for about 15 guys.

I also called AEP & ODNR and found out the area we will be in is several thousand acres.  I think we might, just a slight possibility, be able to find a few spots to hunt.

I also received a heads up on a few spots out there that some other trad gang members have hunted with good results.

-Charie

I put up a post here pertaining to the hunt but as per site rules, the pics were censored. That made the entire post about worthless so I removed it.

Anyone interested in more info about AEP, hopefully can pm me.   :)

Charlie,

I can't make it the weekend of the 11/9/07, I have to work  :(

ncboman, pm sent

So what ya see? I hunted here at home. Saw a doe and a small buck, no shots. I have to pick out a good spot for a good friend to make meat that weekend. I hope I can make it happen for him. He's dieing to make something bleed.   :thumbsup:

Hey Drummer,

I'm having a heck of a time finding any rubs. I've covered close to 15 miles in trumbull county in the last week and only seen 2. Are there some in your area?

i am a definate go for the 10-11 at aep. i will try to get down there on friday morning.

thanks, see you all soon

TJ not much. Scapes and rubs are way down were I hunt. The only thing I can figure is the weather. Heck fall didnt realy get here untill two days ago. They should turn on fast now.

Thanks

My co-worker came through and took my pager week so my son and I are now off the fence and in the hunt (assuming you still have room for us).

I have that Friday off, so we plan to drive over there in the morning and set up, do some scouting, and so on.

Here's a 3d(ish) shot of the area from MSoft Virtual Earth.

(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff187/GingivitisKahn/aep_land_by_campground_k.jpg)

Beautiful shot! The campground I think is in the bottom left corner by that lake

I hunted one of my spots tonight,lots of fresh  scrapes and rubs, I seen some last week but not as many as today. as to the shot of the campground  the woods to the south hold more promise, pan down some to see what I mean    :readit:   Mike

Can you give some specific driving directions to the camp. Thanks
John

Yep - that's correct, T.J.

Here are directions from Columbus (so says MS Virtual Earth)

Trip: 89.5 mi, 1 hr 21 min
1 Depart US-40 / W Broad St 0.1 mi
2 Turn right onto S High St 0.4 mi
Turn is potentially restricted3 Turn left onto US-62 North / E Main St 0.1 mi
4 Turn right onto US-23 East / US-33 South / S 3rd St 0.2 mi
5 Take ramp left for I-70 East / I-71 North toward Wheeling 69.4 mi
6 At exit 169, take ramp right for Oh-83 toward New Concord / Cumberland 0.3 mi
7 Turn right onto SR-83 4.8 mi
8 Keep right to stay on SR-83 / Spencer Rd 12.8 mi
9 Turn left onto Township Rd 13 1.3 mi
Unpaved Road10 Arrive at Destination on the left The last intersection is Township Hwy 2

If you reach Township Hwy 3, you've gone too far

1 Depart US-40 / W Broad St 0.1 mi
2 Turn right onto S High St 0.4 mi
Turn is potentially restricted3 Turn left onto US-62 North / E Main St 0.1 mi
4 Turn right onto US-23 East / US-33 South / S 3rd St 0.2 mi
5 Take ramp left for I-70 East / I-71 North toward Wheeling 6 Take I-70 East / I-71 North to Destination 88.5 mi
7 Arrive at Destination on the left The last intersection is Township Hwy 2

If you reach Township Hwy 3, you've gone too far

1 From Columbus, Ohio, United States, take I-70 East / I-71 North 70.3 mi
2 At exit 169, take ramp right for Oh-83 toward New Concord / Cumberland 0.3 mi
3 Turn right onto SR-83 4.8 mi
4 Keep right to stay on SR-83 / Spencer Rd 12.8 mi
5 Turn left onto Township Rd 13 1.3 mi
Unpaved Road6 Arrive at Destination on the left The last intersection is Township Hwy 2

If you reach Township Hwy 3, you've gone too far

End:

End:
Destination

Save this location


Edit

Does everyone have a place to sleep, I can get a pop up camper if necessary, but I won't be there until Friday night. If I don't have to bring it I won't but I can get one, Let me know ya'll.

It looks like we will be sharing the woods with these guys:

The Sixth annual AEP Ohio Wheelin' Sportsmen Ultimate Team-Up special deer hunt will be conducted November 9-10 with the event activities at the Clarence E. Miller Armory while the participants will be hunting on land known as the AEP ReCreation Land near McConnelsville.

The "Ultimate Team-Up" is a program developed by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). Participants do not have to be confined to wheelchairs and the event is open to applicants with any type of physically challenging disability. An experienced guide will offer whatever assistance may be needed in the field. Sponsored by American Electric Power, NWTF Wheelin' Sportsmen, NWTF Wolf Creek Chapter, and the Division of Wildlife, this award-winning event will host approximately 35 to 40 hunters with special disabilities.

To be considered for participation in the event, interested hunters must submit their names and subsequent information no later than September 8. For registration information, contact Dave Dingey at (740) 962-1205 or Brian Cox at (740) 962-1215.

Hunters in both events must meet necessary Ohio licensing requirements, but do not need to be experienced in deer hunting. Each hunter will be partnered with an experienced and capable hunting guide, which will make their hunting trip memorable, educational, and, hopefully, successful.

Both of these special hunting events are designed to promote education, good health, character, sportsmanship, recreation, self-esteem, and disability awareness. Those interested in becoming a sponsor for these events can contact Dave Dingey at (740) 962-1205.

For Further Information Contact

WOW. How close will these folks be to the area we are hunting? Are they gun hunting?

I'm not sure but it does sound like they will be gun hunting.

I tried to find out more info on this. It sounds like they'll be gun hunting and it'll be the same land but the good news is it looks like they'll be south of us in the morgan county part of the land. So hopefully it won't interfere with our hunt.

T.J.

Good news, I would hate to be ducking bullets the whole weekend.

Looks like that hunt is taking place on a totally different piece of AEP property west of McConnellsville.  Nothing to worry about.

That's not far from my property in Lore City, Guernsey County. Hmm, might have to try and make this one...

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)

Brian,

  Come on over, it sounds like we will have good time.

Brian,

Come on over we'd love to have you.

What does everyone think about the idea of doing a mini swap meet with all our old archery gear?

I may bring a few things.

has anyone thought about doing some turkey hunting down there as well? i am bringing calls. could be a chance.  iknow there are alot of them down there.

see you all friday morning.

bacher

Fellas,

I already called AEP and ODNR.  The disabled sportsman hunt is nowhere near us. That is why I did not mention it.  The area they are hunting is totally closed to other huners.  We will be fine.  

I also heard some turkeys just over the hill from me when I was scouting out there last week, but did not get to see them.  Plenty of deer and turkey sign.


Getting to the area was no real problem either.  From I70 just take SR83 south to township road 13.

We will be seein' ya'll in a week.

-Charlie

Kahn,

Glad you can make it!  

-Charlie

Can't wait!

When you scouted the place, what was your impression of that area up north and east of the camping area?   Is that hardwood there or scrub or what?  The satellite shows what looks to be quite a few trails - does that jibe with what you saw?   What about all  that water there - are those creeks dry or deep and raging (tough to tell from the sky)?  I'm trying to figure if those creeks are passable w/ rubber boots or not.

Thanks for setting this up and for taking the time to have a look.

Kahn,
The area to the NE is where I shot that doe.  I also saw two bucks over there. It is a good mix of trees and brush.  We are going to have to spread out a good bit.  There was just too much land to cover in a day.  The best and most obvious way to hunt this property (being new to the area), is to look for shallow water crossings and saddles.  They have quite a few high walls, and ponds/creeks which makes travel difficult for people and deer.  I know they will be using these funnels heavily by next week. To the south there is a good bit of marsh area, but huntable if you get on the ridges and high ground.

I was worn out after a few hours of scouting and hiking.  I'm not in shape right now so take that for what it is worth.  

-Charlie

I think to make a more accurate "scouting report" I should fill in some blanks.

The aerials are correct.  Lots of trails throughout the entire area.  That means there are plenty of spots to hunt just off the road for those who like to get in and get set up quickly.

South of the campground;

Just acroos TR13, on the south side of that road is a low area.  Very marshy nasty stuff with a high ridge on the opposite side.   If you go down TR 2 you can get up on that ridge from the left side. Only the ambitious will get in the marshy area.  As a result I would assume there is more than one good buck holed up in there.  I think they will travel out of that bottom up onto the ridge.  You will  need a good N by NE wind for that ridge.

Just beyond that, but still on TR2 and also to  the east side is another low area/pond with a ridge above it. Lots of deer sign.  A funnel in this area should be excellent.

Northeast of the camp;

There are two fields with pines planted where TR13 & TR3 meet.  They are fence post sized and have been subject to some cutting lately. Lots of good cover for the deer, but no good tree stand sites.  You better bring a stool if you hunt near these fields.  

As you follow TR3 north there are a good number of hardwood ravines to the West(this is public hunting). On the right side there is some private property with grazing fields for cattle.  I saw the deer crossing out of the woods on the west over to the fields on the east side of the road.

If you follow TR13 East and before the junction with TR3;

On the North side of TR13; There are too many places to hunt to list in detail, but tha this the area where there is a shallow creek/pond crossing.

Hope this helps,
-Charlie

We are not so sure about coming up. How sure are you that we will be removed from the gun hunters?
What do you expect the status of the rut to be?

SRTA,

I am 100% sure we will not be near gun hunters.  I talked to people at AEP and ODNR.  They are hunting an entirely different piece of land than we will be on.  

This last week the smaller bucks have started to chase.  I assume by the 9th -11th we will be full on chasing rut. I have personally observed small bucks chasing this last week and that is why I assume the bigger ones will be getting in the game as well soon.  

Also, if you believe in hunting magazines, they have forcasted that time period (specifically the 9th)to be the best time to be in the woods.  Apparently, there will be no moon and they expect good deer movement.

All things being equal....It is a great distance to travel for a slight chance at a great buck. There are fantastic deer in this area, but the odds are always in their favor.  Especially the big ones! I would not want you to be dissappointed if you don't get a good one after driving all the way to Ohio.  

For me it is a couple hours drive, no big deal.  If I come out of the weekend with nothing more than good memories and new friends, I'm  happy.  If I were to bag a deer, any deer really, that is icing on the cake!

I completely understand why you are hesitant to come up.

Take care,
-Charlie

I've double checked also and am 100% sure we'll be well away from the gun hunters.  The rut should be in full swing also. I'm getting excited.

We have already been to the Wayne Ntl forest near Ironton, we were there the week the season opened. It was really hot and we were eaten alive by chiggers. I passed on a small buck and some does. We still have our unused tags. the distance is no problem, I just do not want to be near the bang bang guys. I guess there could be gun hunters in this area, it is opened to anyone, right? Gun and bow?

The area is very large.

Do not worry about the gun hunt. The gun hunt for the handicapped is miles away from camp K. You won't even be able to hear the gunfire.

Also NO ONE will be allowed in the area the handicapped hunt is on except those participating. They block the roads and security is tight there.

The handicap hunt is in the horse riding area on the extreme western part of AEP for those looking at maps.

Will the area we will be hunting be open to gun hunters, or is it bowhunt only?

SRTA, It's bowhunting only. The handicapped group gets special permission for there gun hunt. No one else will be allowed to hunt with guns. The turkey is bow only too.

Great news!

ok fellas,   :wavey:  

I'm packed, loaded, and ready to pull out.   :campfire:

I'll be there Thursday morning, see you then.

I should be there on Thursday also. I drive a dark green Tacoma pick up and will have a pyramid tent.

I'll be there thursday also  my buddy can't make it though hope to see you all there if i find my way

bghunter76,

Just go south on SR83 off of I70 to TR13.  Take a left onto TR13.  You can't miss the camping area it is on the left and marked K.  I drive a red 2 door Ford Ranger and will be there around 11am or so. I will try to post some sort of sign unless ncboman beats me to it.

-Charlie

Me and my buddy will be rolling in on friday night. Hopefully before dark.

Who is going to be there Thursday Morning. I can be there as early as need be.

I should be there before 9:00am, depending on how early of a start I get. You don'y need to be there unless you want to.

Panzer,
The way it is planned, we were all supposed to get there Friday night.  I decided to take some time off work and come early.  A few other people decided to get there early too.  I will be there sometime around 11-11:30am on Thursday.  Whoever gets there first needs to put up a sign of some sort, so we know where we are all camping. We can either camp at the main area or off on the side road to the right.  When you get there look both places.  There will be other people in the main camping area.

***REMINDER TO EVERYONE****
Bring what you need.  Assume that no one else has brought enough.  That way there will be more than enough to go around. For all us first timers this should be a blast!

-Charlie

I will try and get a sign designed and get it set up.

I have some vacation to burn that's why I'm heading down on Thursday, plus it gives me some time to scope the area out.

My son and I should be rolling in early Friday - can't wait!

Charlie,

Thanks again for setting this up!! If others will be in the mail camping area and we can escape to a different section I vote to do that. But I'm sure you guys will pick a great spot. I look forward to meeting you guys on Friday.

Our plan right now is to arrive Wednesday evening. It appears we will have three (coming form Alabama).
Our plans depend on a couple of work schedules being changed so we are not 100% set yet.
Those coming:
John Sullins of Sipsey River Traditional Archery
Jim Gainey builder of the BlackCreek bows
Jeff Carter builder of the Southern Draw bows.

Tony and SRTA,
When you guys get there, look for some N Carolina plates.  ncbowman should be there first.


Is there a website for blackcreek bows??


-Charlie

Oh yeah, and a website for southern draw???

No web site for their bows, Sipsey River sells them along with several other brands.

Well unfortunately due to family and work. I cant get there untill friday afternoon.
Don Drumm maker of my own arrows and some home made gear. I will be draging with me Mark Clevidence maker of some of his own stuff too.

 :campfire:

Best of luck to all of you!

I'm heading out to my cabin and 90 acres for a few days, which is about 40 miles from tha AEP lands, after stopping by the voting booth this morning.

I may look you guys up on my way back through on Sunday since my route takes me within a few miles of where you'll be camping.

If the deer aren't moving, you can always go bunny busting. These AEP lands are my primary rabbit hunting area and are just loaded with rabbits. We hunt the open fields and wherever there is clumps of grass amongst the short trees. At first glance, it doesn't look like great bunny cover, but the fields are loaded.

Happy huntin!

My son and his girl friend started to make me some signs last night; they will look like arrows with the words "Trad Gang" on them. If he gets them done today  I will post a picture.

Thanks Tony, much appreciated.

One thought on deciding who hunts in what location.

I figure once we look at the maps we'll see where everyone wants to hunt.  If there are no discrepancies we can all just go where we want.  If we have to, we can draw straws to decide.  I figure that is the best way to keep it civilized! Unless you have been there, you can't really appreciate how much room there is to hunt.  We will run into some other bow hunters, but if we get out erly enough it won't be an issue.

-Charlie

gentlemen,

i will be arriving late on friday night due to a conference in cincinnati that i must attend friday. i will look for the signs in camground K.
just wanted to let you all know when i will be arriving. i look forward to meeting all of you.

thanks,

bacher

Here is what one of the signs look like. I'm not sure where I'm going to position them yet. The wording will be improved to make it more visible.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/tphillips1645/Sign.jpg)

There will be only two of us coming up from Alabama. We will be there Wednesday afternoon or evening. We plan on having a big buck in camp by late Thursday morning!
Any suggestions/ directions on hunting boundry for this location? We sure do not want to trespass.
If anyone needs to contact us, my cell is 205-388-0938. I will try to have in on all day Wednesday, and while in camp on Thursday.

If we are the first to arrive, what is your best guess as most central place to camp to be near the rest of the trad gang bunch? We will be in a white van.
Are there any deer processing places nearby?
How about any places to eat?
How far to nearest town?
Any truck stops nearby with a hot shower?

Wow, wish I had seen this earlier. I have until the 19th. off. I would of loved to have attended, to short of a notice now. Best of luck guys! Shawn

SRTA,

If you are there on Wed you will get there after ncbowman.  He obviously has N Carolina plates.  See if you can find his camping spot, if not, then I think setting up on the high part of camp to the right would be best.  Tony and his son are coming Thursday morning as am I.  

As far as the nearest town, that would be Cumberland which is about 7 miles north.  They have a deer check station there at Gracies Groceries.  Gracies is also a general store that we can buy necessities including firewood.  

Any deer that is shot Wed or Thurs should be fine for a day or two.  The weather will not be warming up until we hit 50-55 degrees on Saturday. I know a place over in Zanesville about 40 min away (Phillips Meats)that would handle the processing.  That is where I have taken my deer in the past.  I do not know of any place close to get a hot shower. Possibly up in New Concord which is bout 25-30 min away?

I will call Gracies tomorrow and check if there any deer processing places closer, but I don't personally know of any.

-Charlie

Also, I will bring my butchering kit (knives) in case you want to quarter your deer out and put the meat on ice.

Someone might want to bring gambrals to hoist deer on.

Phillips is on ridge rd in Zanesville, if you want to google it.

You can also get a hot meal at Gracies

I keep finding out more...they have internet access at Gracies too!

Fellas,
Sorry to have this so broken up, but I called Gracies after finding out they were still open.

Great News!!

The lady who answered the phone said there is a place right down the street from them, there in Cumberland, that processes deer.  You  just have to stop in at Gracies and they will steer you in the correct direction.

Internet, check station and processing all in the same town 7 miles from camp!!!

I'm a happy guy.

-Charlie

Great News.......now all we want to find is hot shower!

There is a place that processes deer called the "Buck Stop". It is located just outside New Concord off st rt 83 There are signs posted. It's about 1/2 hour from where you guys will be.

I live 1/3 mile away from there. He does good work and the price is fair. I'm not sure about his hours, but I do know that he is not open until 3:00 on Sunday.

I will not be able to make it down and I apologize. The rear wheel bearing went out on our car last night so I will be messing with it instead. Good luck and I wish I could be there.

hello guys

i plan on leaving the house around 5 or 6 guess that would put me down there around 9 or ten enough to get camp set and go out scouting see yous there

Alright boys!  Leaving in the morning.  I'll be there around 11:30 - 12:00!!!

I plan on setting up, then doing some late afternoon hunting.  Hope I have one to show when you roll in!!

Couldn't be more excited...See ya'all there!

-Charlie

See you guys tomorrow!

My son and I s/b there early afternoon or late morning tomorrow.  Will set up and do a bit of scout/hunting, etc.

Can't wait.  :-)

Thanks for putting that together, was fun  :) .
Hopefully we can do that again.

Well we're back, my gear is sorted out (tent drying in the basement) as am I.  That was a great time - thanks a ton for organizing this thing.  It would be great if we could get this going again next year.

The little brown mouse abides.

Thanks for showing up fellas.  I had a great time.  I'll be looking to set another one up next year.

Who knows, maybe we could come up with some private land between now and next year to accomodate about ten guys.

Maybe we should bring some....how should I say it.....unprocessed treats for the mice next time?

It was great meeting you guys.
-Charlie

Gentleman,

It was great to meet and hunt with all of you. I hope that this might become an annual event.

Don and Mark it was a pleasure to see you two again.

Hey guy made it home alright and got things cleaned up a bit.  It was nice meeting all of you. Plan on doing it again next year if you do it again.
tony thanks for the info on the tent.

Pics? Stories? Critters?

bghunter,

 No problem.

We made it back ok. It was great to meet all of you. I couldn't ask for a better bunch of guys to share a fire with. Tony, the dvd's are on the way. I will have pics and a story to follow.

Kenny,

There was a critter all right! Poor brown mouse probably didn't start out brown. We should have thrown him a cracker or something.

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10002.jpg)

Tradgang convoy!

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10003.jpg)

Our campground

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10010.jpg)

Frosty mornings

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10012.jpg)

Our camp site

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10013.jpg)

Small morning fire

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u132/fhorn23/2007_1111hntg10015.jpg)

Tony's really cool tent on the left and Don and mikes tent on the right. A couple more of the guys were set up behind both of them.

Is that a tee pee or a tent? Any deer down?
I'm really bummed I missed this one - darn work.

It is a pyramid tent and after seeing his up close I'll be ordering one this winter. None of us got any deer but we had some really close encounters and I think everyone saw deer. I'll post my story tomorrow. I'm to tired to think well enough to write it right now. Sorry you missed it to. It was a blast and we'll definatly be doing it again next year.

Sorry we got there and left before most showed up. We drove a long way from Alabama and wanted some isolated hunting along with meeting some of the trad gangers.  But the place was way too crowded with other hunters (rabbit etc, guns)for my taste. Sorry we missed you.

I was hoping to have more pressure since I was hunting a funnel I passes on two small bucks and mother and fawn saw some nice bucks just out of range the rutt should be in full swing this weekend for my return trip I found that most of the deer were in the acorns found on the top of the hills and bedding even higher.the leaf base was so crunchy it was rough to slip in on them until the sunday rain. it was nice seeing so many traditional bows! lets not wait till next year. MIKE   :campfire:

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/bowmofo/GCFair07033.jpg)

IMG]http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/bowmofo/GCFair07034.jpg[/IMG]

(http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r267/bowmofo/GCFair07034.jpg)

bomofo,

I can't wait to have a camp like that again.  Never went one day without very near shot opportunities.  Even wound up face to face with a big 8 pt.  He was 5-6 yards away and we were both on the ground.  With the cold morning his breath was nearly in my face!

-Charlie

Yep it was a great time. I saw Don and Mike take some pics. We need to get those up here.

Did you get any pics of group shots? Bowmofo, what's the story on that deer.

No, I even brought my tripod for a group shot but forgot about taking it.

VTer A group from our Archery club were staying at the next camp over from the gang.
The buck was shot with a Hi Tech contraption from the nosebleed section of a maple across the valley from the nearest road good thing we had a cart he put a nice shot on him only went 20 yrd's
The wind was unpredictable and the leaves were crunchy and loud made it hard to still hunt with any confidence wish I could have stayed longer things did Improve on sunday. Mike

Well it's Monday and back to work  :(   It was great to meet everyone and get a chance to put some new faces to the names. Here are a few pictures that came out.

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100192.jpg)
Frost Sunday morning.

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100191.jpg)
Sunrise

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100200.jpg)
Camp

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100173.jpg)

Here are a few more.......

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB090169.jpg)

Don.................................

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100202.jpg)

Don............................

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100201.jpg)

TJ................................

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/PB100183.jpg)

" Be careful...I heard mice can jump at least this high!"  :eek:  

Long live Mighty Mouse!  :clapper:

Awesome pics Mark!!


" Be careful...I heard mice can jump at least this high!"  :eek:  

Wow, now I'm really glad I didn't go in there lol

Man, did I ever miss out. Too many commitments and life. Put me down for next year!

Here is a sound clip of the 2 stray beagles that howled all Saturday night. They are on the other ridge when I recorded this.

 (http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/th_PB100190.jpg) (http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/?action=view¤t=PB100190.flv)

I figured you would have been there Kenny...Sorry you missed it.

Those damn beagles woke me up at 4:30 one morning running deer.  It was good to hear them again though. Wish I was still there, I was last out of camp and hated to go.

Thanks Mark,

-Charlie

Mark, I had every intension of going on Friday after work. On Thursday I looked at the calander again and noticed my wife had to work, then my brother called with a furniture job that had to get done, and the weekend was history.

Kenny we talked about you a few times. Sorry you couldnt come. I didnt see the deer that other guys saw. About the time I figured it out it was time to go home. Had a good time, killed a few milk-jugs though. It was fun meeting every one. and to see old friends again. Thanks again for setting this up Charlie.

Yep thanks Charlie    :clapper:  

I was hopeing to meet you Kenny. You'll definatly have to come to the next one. Those beagles were answering the coyotes. The coyotes starting howling at about 10:00 sat night and Kevin and I stayed up till about midnight around the fire listing to them.  It was cool

Don,

You should make that first pic of you your avatar. That's a cool pic

Guys looks like you had a good time on the camping/hunting trip. Sorry I couldn't make it, but if you do it later this year or again next year I'll hopefully be able to make it.

Those freaking beagles were driving me nuts but I think I preferred the Saturday night howling to the Friday night jingling and sniffing right outside the tent.

Maybe T.J.'s muskrat dude will take them home.  :-)

LOL ya he can throw them into his wicker backpack he had. Plus there both out wondering the camp sites in the middle of the night

Kahn,

What was the name of the bow your boy was shooting?  Excellent little bow.

-Charlie

Also, how long is it? I believe tha is referred to as AMO?

I think it was a kodiak magnum and was #45

Here's a link to my story


http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=052535

Yeppers - it's a Bear Kodiak Magnum 45@28 (though he's overdrawing it a bit).   It's pretty short (but then, that's the deal w/ the K-Mag) - AMO 52".

It's nice, light and easy to maneuver in the bushes and he can obviously shoot the thing.

:-p

Cool story T.J.

GingivitisKahn,

I think shooting is an understatement. I think he missed that one shot on purpose so Kevin could leave for the weekend lol. He is an excellent shot    :clapper:

Thanks Kenny

Kahn,
Loved shooting his and TJ's bows.  Seriously considering switching to a recurve.

-Charlie

hey guys,

it was great to see you all for the first time. sorry that i did not stay.

the question was asked about private land,.  i may have a place in licking co. in january. i will a keep you all posted once i aproach the land owner.

p.s. i missed a doe on sunday and a nice buck on monday. no focus shot under both.

bacher

Don emailed me a few shots to post for him. Here goes.....

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/hawk015.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/hawk013.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/hawk004.jpg)

(http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n78/MarkClev/hawk012.jpg)

Mark

Nice pics guys.

Charlie

We got that bow for Dylan on a popular internet auction site (that for some reason shows up as a bunch of asterisks when I attempt to type it) for Christmas last year. I think I got a decent deal on it (but who ever thinks they didn't get a good deal - heh) but you can pick up some of the older Bears like that out there for not too many dollars.

They don't look as cool as the longbows, and I have a feeling they are a bit less forgiving (especially when you have orangutan arms like my son and I do), but there is something to say for the light weight and the small frame - especially in the thick stuff like we saw this past weekend.

I like my DH tons, but I'm constantly flirting w/ the idea of moving up to a longbow.

Those bows sure shot nicely, don't know if I would switch over.  I'm really looking at a Bob Lee takedown longbow.  All the benefits of a recurve handle with the stability of a longbow limb.  I'm just not sure if it will draw quite as smoothly as your recurves did.

Those small bows don't bother me, I only have a 271/2 to 28 in draw

-Charlie

Thanks for posting the pics Mark. No way I could figure out the photo bucket thing. One of the things I liked the most about the whole trip. NO CELL SERVICE!! It was so nice to just have it quiet.   :campfire:

Drummer I second that! It was nice not to have to worry about a phone ringing