Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Chad Orde on March 16, 2017, 08:56:00 AM
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Killing vs .........
So i was pondering today why sometimes when I kill / harvest an animal their is such a big difference in the way I feel. For example there are times my main goal is to just fill the freezer and other times I am looking for a spiritual experience with nature and the way I choose to take the animal.
I know allot of it all has to do with where my heart is at, at the time. I also struggle with the method even though I know there is no wrong way as long is its not wrong to you. (legal methods of course)
Example 1. I shot a doe and a 5 or 6 year old 10 point in Iowa this year within 30 min of each other. Was it great? YES! I did it with a long time bowhunting friend I have not seen in 8 years. But it wasn't the same as a solo hunt doing everything your way. The visit was greatly needed and we laughed are butts off in the stand numerous times over the trip! I wouldn't change it for anything we had a blast with each other.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/7ABB10B9-282F-4465-AABE-7F65FB42DBA2_zpsbltahp8n.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/7ABB10B9-282F-4465-AABE-7F65FB42DBA2_zpsbltahp8n.jpg.html)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/5B8D5B80-6E2B-4842-856C-6F189A8E991C_zpsm8bsknxd.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/5B8D5B80-6E2B-4842-856C-6F189A8E991C_zpsm8bsknxd.jpg.html)
Example 2. Jan 1 last day of deer season in MI right on dark and I wanted one more deer for the freezer. I had a good sized doe walking down the trail and made a loop around me I shot her and she went 40 yards and piled up. Meet in the freezer YEP but not much of a feeling of satisfaction. Maybe it being almost dark made it allot less intimate, I have noticed that in the past. I now leave stands early (usually LOL) just for that reason. Its great to see that monster buck in the waining minute of legal shooting light but if you shoot I feel like you rob yourself of the allot of the moment. It not wrong but not the same in full daylight when you can see every detail and take in every second with clarity.
Example 3. Three years ago I trained hard all year got my set up down perfect and was shooting great. It was the rut in Northern Michigan and I had a few days of bowhunting set aside. It was Pre-rut and had a great evening hunt seeing lots of chasing. The next morning I shot a doe she went down in sight with a short 20 yard chip shot.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/7AEC66C3-BB21-40BB-887A-D412A379164A_zpsxebdvsxb.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/7AEC66C3-BB21-40BB-887A-D412A379164A_zpsxebdvsxb.jpg.html)
The next morning I see deer but no shooters and nothing with in shooting range anyway. I dropped my tab out of the tree and couldn't find it when I got down. Oh well I have like 5 more in the truck helps to make my own.
Walking back to the barn wind in my face its just whipping I see antler tines just above the raspberry bushes about 30 yards in the woods! Its a good buck P&Y all day but NO possible shot what so ever, thick as thick. I remembered passing a deer trail coming out of the raspberry 15 or so yards back so I unsnap my pack and leave it on the ground that I am already practically laying on. I crawl back to the trail and think if he comes this way I will get a shot. If I can pick a hole.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/unnamed_zpsfspo3ceg.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/unnamed_zpsfspo3ceg.jpg.html) (http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/unnamed-1_zpsnhd0deeb.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/unnamed-1_zpsnhd0deeb.jpg.html)
About 5 minutes later here he comes headed my way. I’m frozen not moving a muscle already at full draw when he hits my shooting hole. Of course a mature deer any where but in Michigan to boot have a sixth sense and I just don't look right sitting on the ground to him. Half a step more I might have a better / bigger hole to shoot through but he isn't moving. I had a 67# limbs on my recurve at the time shooting 750 grains of bone crushing mass. Ive now been at full draw for over a minute with bare fingers. Finally I settle in on my little hole and let loose!! The buck crashes through the brush and woods GRUNTING / GROWLING LOUD over and over again like he is enraged with anger he has been out smarted. I am shaking real bad now this is the biggest buck I have ever seen in Michigan in person while hunting and I just pulled a hat trick on him on the ground!
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/68967BCD-28C7-4381-B607-116F8F87D5FC_zpszviycuhe.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/68967BCD-28C7-4381-B607-116F8F87D5FC_zpszviycuhe.jpg.html)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/B2324F91-A7FF-4869-A27D-870F86E552E8_zpsewjfagyv.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/B2324F91-A7FF-4869-A27D-870F86E552E8_zpsewjfagyv.jpg.html)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/89DC1C78-4379-4C36-86BB-3C96CF297D00_zpskfbbnkvp.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/89DC1C78-4379-4C36-86BB-3C96CF297D00_zpskfbbnkvp.jpg.html)
I wait the 3 hours before I go inspect the the shot location but was sure I heard him go down. With the loud wind there was no way to know for sure. He broke my arrow off past the footing about 10" total and I had good blood. I tracked him with good blood to a bed about 100 yards away and then NOTHING! I was broken what could have happened? I backed out again and waited for my pops to show up and we looked till dark and then again in the morning until the rain started pouring down. I told the neighbors about it and 2 weeks later Andy from across the street shot it during gun season on the run chasing a doe. I had shot him through the shoulder and it was already scabbed over! Still don't know how I didn't kill him with the blood and penetration I had. Amazing animals they are tougher then I will ever know or could be. Honestly one of the best hunts of my life.
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/A42AAFF7-6A01-4931-8614-9F1942FC80ED_zpshx9tezy8.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/A42AAFF7-6A01-4931-8614-9F1942FC80ED_zpshx9tezy8.jpg.html)
(http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/o762/chadorde/unnamed-2_zpswdo8qjjy.jpg) (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/chadorde/media/unnamed-2_zpswdo8qjjy.jpg.html)
So what is my goal memories, meat? Depends on the day? I guess I am still trying to figure it all out. Allot has to do with where my heart is, and my stress level is at with work and family. It also plays a huge role if I am alone or with a hunting buddy. There is no easy answer no easy way to figure it out unless you reflect and I guess that is what I am doing here.
I know this I love hunting, my family, friends and God. I think when the magic wears thin we are just walking down the wrong path in life. Do what makes you happy and do it for yourself! Use guide lines and reflect on what brought you the most JOY. More than likely it will again if we repeat the methods and are doing it with the right state of mind and heart.
May you all find peace and fulfillment in the woods this year that can only be found with a relationship with God and a heart in the right place. Don't ever let yourself be put down by the method you choose to hunt. There are always easier ways but the end of the hunt is always better when you choose to do it your way!
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Great post. Thanks for sharing.
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Very nice , thanks for sharing .
You are right , there are different hunts and the biggest buck that I ever got was not as fulfilling as the first button buck that I got when I was a kid .
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Great post!!! Could'nt agree more. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Great post!
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Great post, pictures and stories, Chad. Thanks for sharing with us. I feel much the same as you on these things, and have enjoyed my passion,as you do, for over 45 years. I've told my son since his youth, "be your own man and do your own thing" and he and my grandsons are well on their way in that regard. One proud Grandpa.
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:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
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Yes. You get it.
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Great post...I enjoyed that! :thumbsup:
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Good post ....thanks for sharing the stories.
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GREAT post and pics, THANKS for sharing!!
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:thumbsup:
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Excellent post Chad
Thank you
Lex
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Fantastic read chad really enjoyed it!!
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Well put. The buck I got this year felt different than any I have had before. It was exciting and I'm thankful for the meat and opportunity. It just wasn't a deep emotional experience like it has been times before and that's okay. Thanks for posting this.
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That right there is the reason I like this site so much. Thanks for sharing.
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Great post Chad. Thanks for sharing. Jim
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Originally posted by Gordon Jabben:
That right there is the reason I like this site so much. Thanks for sharing.
Last night I was sitting by the wood stove thinking about past seasons and I just had to write out my thoughts. I knew with this crew I would be understood. Plus there is nothing like putting yourself out there for criticism or insight from others to break down personal barriers.
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Great post Chad, thanks for sharing it.
Steve Jr
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Excellent job of putting those random thoughts and feelings we all experience into words, Chad.
Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
As already mentioned, this is the difference between this site and others ( and this traditional path we choose vs others).
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Chad,
i've noticed a lot of the same. One thing i've learned about myself is that I love the journey. Almost more than harvesting an animal. My favorite hunts are hunting with a good friend who hunts with a compound. The reason it's so good is we have right at an hour walk in and out and we just get a lot of time to just shoot the bull.
Walking in a mile by myself is completely different. I have more enjoyment hunting with my buddy and not killing something than I do hunting solo and killing something, but that is just me. I can't wait for the day when I can share my hunts with my son, Beau. He is 2 now, but is already itching to go with me!
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Originally posted by DanielB89:
Chad,
i've noticed a lot of the same. One thing i've learned about myself is that I love the journey. Almost more than harvesting an animal. My favorite hunts are hunting with a good friend who hunts with a compound. The reason it's so good is we have right at an hour walk in and out and we just get a lot of time to just shoot the bull.
Walking in a mile by myself is completely different. I have more enjoyment hunting with my buddy and not killing something than I do hunting solo and killing something, but that is just me. I can't wait for the day when I can share my hunts with my son, Beau. He is 2 now, but is already itching to go with me!
Daniel,
I get that completely I got 3 little munchkins that always want too tag along. I love the camaraderie of a hunting buddy. Nothing like laughing, and getting that valuable unwind time together. With my buddy Almir that I had not seen in 8 years we even cried after I shot my buck this year when we where giving thanks to the Lord for such a great gift of friendship. Not to mention the climax of emotions when the hunt is over.
When I hunt solo I think my mind slows down more and it is a more spiritual hunt. I take more in and its more personal.
God Bless you and your family Daniel, AMEN.
Chad
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Chad, great read and pics! This is why I returned to traditional archery last year. Just seemed like something was missing and as soon as put a trad bow back in my hand it all came back. By the way I received a string tracker from you a few weeks ago and it's awesome and hope to put it to good use in a few weeks! Thanks
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You hit on something, about evening hunting that I had never thought of. While I do most of my hunting in the evenings because of work, and Ireally like hunting evenings. I like it getting dark and the walk out in the dark. And I always knew that shooting a deer in the evening can be a pain, from trailing it to feeling rushed to get it out. But there is something missing, thinking it has a lot to do with the rushed feeling to find the animal and get it out, no time to relax and appreciate the moment.
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Great read Chad! I hunt most the time by my self. Really like hunting with a buddy, but not necessary. I have my most productive hunts in the mornings but, evening hunts are relaxing. I always walk in, in the mornings and out in the evenings with out a light unless it is pitch black out. It really lets you hear a lot of sounds you might over look otherwise. Doing the whole job yourself lets you know you don't have to have another to depend on. A real feeling of independence clear thru the butchering and processing, the way others hundreds of years ago did for sustenance.
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Good stuff.......