Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: RGK on January 28, 2007, 12:13:00 AM

Title: New member from SE WI
Post by: RGK on January 28, 2007, 12:13:00 AM

Hello all. I am new to this forum but not new to bow hunting. I am getting back into traditional archery after 31 years of using a compound. I made my own Long bow back in 1988 and hunted with it for one season but was unsuccessful. I had been hunting with modern equip at that time and shelved the long bow until the end of last years bow season. I decided to  get back into trad gear again. I like to make everything I hunt with from the bow to the arrows to the broadheads, leather items, tree stands, camo etc. I enjoy being self sufficient. I am a novice with trad gear and have never harvested a deer with it but have harvested 35 deer and a few bear with modern equipment. I am married with two teenage sons who also hunt. I also do a lot of venison processing and sausage making for local folks. Here are some pics  of my gear.

"The Kelly" is a 68" long bow I made with the help of my wife. It is laminated maple/glass with a walnut handle. It is tillered to 45# at 28 inches and has a Flemish string. I just recently added the leather grip.
   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/leathergrip92.jpg)
   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/leathergrip93.jpg)

I have alway made my own arrows in either wood, alum. and or carbon. I also make some more primitive type arrows for display.
   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/finished.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/primitiveheads.jpg)

I make broadheads from saw blades (or stone)and use the turkey feathers from the birds we harvest or full length uncut feathers and a feather burner.
   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/knapp.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/TIPI_GEAR2small.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/broadheads91.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/newcedars9998.jpg)

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: RGK on January 28, 2007, 12:15:00 AM

I see there is a limit to the size of a post here so I will continue here.

I made a Tipi with the help of my wife and sons, We cut and peeled the 24 foot poles and I sewed 33 yards of canvas to make the 14 foot wide Lodge.

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/tipi2.jpg)

I make moccasins and baskets and drums and tools for the Tipi.

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/tipi.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/arrows/primitivegear.jpg)

I take the Tipi to local schools and talk about Native cultures.

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/tipi_cushing_06.jpg)

I tan hides and use them for projects.

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/hide5.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/hidesmall1.jpg)

I make camo for hunting.

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/camo_981.jpg)

   (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/GHILLIE1.jpg)

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: RGK on January 28, 2007, 12:16:00 AM

I make my own portable tree stands and ladder stands.

    (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/climber99.jpg)

    (http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/212007154/jakeladder3.jpg)

I am first and foremost a meat hunter but a few large racks have crossed my path. I care little for antlers and enjoy the experience and the process of getting a shot opportunity on any game that I am fortunate to see. I am also a member of the WI bowhunters Assoc. Our family is  a Boy Scout family. I was a Scoutmaster for a few years and my oldest is an Eagle scout and his younger brother will be one very soon. If you have not guessed it by now. I am a picture taker. You now know a little about me. I hope to get to know you  in time. I don't know how often I can get to this forum but I hope to learn a lot from all of you.  Right now, my biggest issue is learning how to shoot instinctively again.

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Hot Hap on January 28, 2007, 02:04:00 AM

Hi there-welcome-Looks like you`re one busy man, with a lot of good looking projects. Hap

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: ChuckC on January 28, 2007, 02:12:00 AM

Ron....welcome.  I guess I know who I will be asking questions, about some of your crafts.
This is a good group, enjoy !
ChuckC

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: The Whittler on January 28, 2007, 10:04:00 AM

Welcome to the gang. Alan

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: bowdude on January 28, 2007, 07:19:00 PM

Welcome - nice teepee

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: RGK on January 28, 2007, 10:05:00 PM

Thanks for the welcome.

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: T-Mac on January 28, 2007, 10:14:00 PM

welcome you've come to the right place. Your work looks good. Arrows and teepee very neat.

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Whip on January 28, 2007, 10:37:00 PM

Welcome to the Gang Ron.   :wavey:   Lots of great folks here and you'll fit right in with all the interests you have.  
You should also check out Wisconsin Traditional Archers.  Our annual convention and banquet are coming up next month in WI Dells.  Love to have you join us, and you'll meet lots of people from our area.   :campfire:   Website address is below.

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Shell on January 29, 2007, 07:45:00 AM

Welcome Ron,  

   You will enjoy this site! Nice to have a trad neighbor so close...we're in Milwaukee.  :wavey:

Great interests too!!  :)

Shell

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: fxe on January 29, 2007, 07:58:00 AM

Welcome to the gang.I come here to remind myself why I got no talent.It is because others got so much.Great looking work !!!

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Shakes.602 on January 29, 2007, 08:00:00 AM

WELCOME  to the  TradGang Family RGK!!!  :wavey:    With  ALL  of Those Fine "Goodies" You are Right at Home Here!!  :campfire:    :archer:

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: UK Bowman on January 29, 2007, 08:14:00 AM

Nice Gear!!   :notworthy:

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: SteveMcD on January 29, 2007, 09:12:00 AM

Welcome!   :wavey:    :campfire:    :archer:

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Little Tree on January 29, 2007, 12:06:00 PM

Hey Ron, I am from the kickapoo river valley, Viroqua. I make Self-Bows and do a bit of knapping, we have a Self-Bow making jamboree at my place in May, you are welcome to come and let us see all your  goodies! Bring the family too. Let me know if your interested in a weekend of shooting, camping, bow-making and comraderie, and I will send you a flier. Take Care
Brad(LittleTree)Merkel

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: RGK on January 30, 2007, 10:03:00 PM

Thanks again guys.

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: Yellow Owl on January 30, 2007, 10:08:00 PM

Ron,

Those are great pictures. Thanks for posting. welcome!!!

Title: Re: New member from SE WI
Post by: macbow on January 30, 2007, 10:15:00 PM

Ron, Great resume, lots of talent. Welcome to the Gang.
Ron