Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Terry Green on June 12, 2007, 03:10:00 PM
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Intoducing the St Judes Rover Gals for this year...Miss Hope and Faith Striker. Beauts aint they?
Once again, thanks to Rick Ellis of Stiker Bows for offering these bows for this years effort.
There are a few dates left available if you would like to hunt with one. Contact Joe 'JC' Coots.
60" - 52#@28 - Action Boo cores, Cocobolo Risers with Black Yew stipes, and Electric Zebra veneers.
These two lovely ladies will grace the St Judes Auction in June of 2008
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/hf3.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/hf6.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/hf7.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/hf4.JPG)
June:
4-17 - Hope - Terry Green
4-17 - Faith -
18-7/1 - Hope - JC (LaTuque Bear hunt with Tippit, Bob Walker, Tom Phillips, Knife River, and others)
18-7/1 - Faith - Tom Phillips
July:
2-15 - Hope - Bowhuntrksb32 & Tradgang at ATAR
2-15 - Faith -
16-29 - Hope - Raineman & Tradgang at Denton Hill
16-29 - Faith -
August:
7/30-19- Hope - Paleface & Tradgang in Africa
7/30-12 - Faith -
13-26 - Faith - Bow Spirit
20-31 - Hope - John/Alaska
Sept:
8/27-9 - Faith - Bob McMahan
3-16 - Hope - Iron Bull
10-23 - Faith - DW
17-30 - Hope - Kingwouldbe
24-10/7- Faith - THP
Oct:
1-14 - Hope - BigRonHuntalot
8-21 - Faith - Bucksnort101
15-28 - Hope - Nighthawk
22-11/4- Faith - Razorbak
Nov:
10/29-10-Hope - Bluegrassbowhunter
5-18 - Faith - Buks2hunt
12-25 - Hope - Peak98
19-12/1- Faith - [email protected]
Dec:
11/26-9- Hope - Little Feather
3-16 - Faith - Yleecoyote23
10-23 - Hope - Howard Sheridan
17-30 - Faith - Ed Frye
24-1/6 - Hope - Irish
Jan:
12/31-13-Faith - Stabow
7-20 - Hope - Jeremy
14-27 - Faith - Raineman
21-2/3 - Hope - Tique
Feb:
1/28-9 - Faith - MI_Bowhunter
4-10 - Hope -
11-24 - Hope and Faith - Memorial Joan Leonard Bunny Hunt
Mar:
2/25-9 - Hope - Maconducks
2/25-9 - Faith - Shawn Leonard/DW
10-23 - Hope - Robslifts
10-23 - Faith - DW
24-4/6 - Hope - Slasher
24-4/6 - Faith - Skyler
Apr:
7-20 - Hope - Brian from Tulsa
7-20 - Faith - NoCams
21-5/4 - Hope - Talondale
21-5/4 - Faith - Dorris
May:
5-18 - Hope - Vermonster
5-18 - Faith - Guru
19-Auction - Hope - KS Trapper
19-Auction - Faith - Jcsnapshot
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I think you meant Aug. 12-20, not Aug.30-12.
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Nope, that's 7/30-8/12 as the line just above it. I edited it for clarity.
I picked these up from Terry Saturday in preparation for the Quebec Quest bear hunt starting this Friday. Very well built, nice shooting bows. If you are looking for a 3pc takedeown longbow that ways just a hair more than your one piece, this is the ticket! Only wish the righty was a heavier draw weight...I don't have any arrows light enough spine to fly out of it.
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Both gals are soon to be on their way to a bear hunt...best of luck to them. :thumbsup:
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Rick is The Man! His bows are nice to look at, but the real beauty is how smooth they shoot.
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I talked to Rick this past weekend at Comptons. I thanked him for donating the bows and I shot one of his take downs like these. They are awesome bows and Rick is one hell of a guy.
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Ooh I thought they were going to be recurves this time. I like longbows!
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29 days till Hope takes a plane ride to Africa!!!
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Hope has blood on her! Lloyd Busch took a beautiful bear with her last week in Canada...check out the thread for details and pics to come.
Bow is on her way to Bowhuntrksb32...sorry for the delay.
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/PICT0195.jpg)
Lloyd Bush's bear..and first blood for Hope!
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Congrats Lloyd on a fine bear and the first to make meat with hope. :thumbsup:
Looking forward to shooting her.
Tracy
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
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Way to go Lloyd! :thumbsup:
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Good job Lloyd :thumbsup: :thumbsup: And a Great Bear it was too...fur had to be 6" long. The best coat of all the bears taken...Doc
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Way to go buddy! :thumbsup:
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Sorry to interupt. If you are interested in Miss Hope and are going to Denton Hill, please visit this thread:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=94;t=000479
Bye the way--Congrats on the first blood Lloyd.
My apologies mods if this is not appropriate decorum.
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looks like i missed out for this year---dang, didn't realize they were already getting spoken for that early
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Hey folks, I am keeping a pretty detailed journal of my time with Hope. Just thought I'd give you a little tidbit of it.
I must say, I have let you all down as of this evening. I spent most of the day shooting Hope today, to the amazement of myself and others, I just could not seem to miss.
That is until.......My elusive ground grizzly showed up while I was cooking on the grill. Long story short:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/misshog1.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/misshog2.jpg)
I have more days left. My apologies. I will do my best to redeem myself and restore your Faith/Hope in me.
In the meantime here are me, Droptine59, and a "new to trad" shooter with her:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/hopeme.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/hoperich.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/hopejoe.jpg)
More later.
Bye the way....Rick...You may want to send new shelf material to Paleface. It is pretty worn. (and you build one HECK of a bow!) I may get in line for one of these.
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Yeah. That is one sweet shootin bow. Flat cast, fast and feels good in the hand. Nice bow Rick.Great piece of Coco Bolo.
Raineman,..are you sure that ground grizzly was not a "Miller" apparition?
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Rick uses velcro, soft side or at least he used to on his rests. Very cheap, quiet and easy to replace if it needs it already . He makes a good bow. Top notch donating those rick!!
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Way to go! I'll meet you guys with Faith at Denton. She's gettin' a little lonely cause I'm right handed :banghead: Doc
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Thanks for all the kind words about Hope and Faith. I'm glad to hear you all are enjoying them. Thanks for letting me be a part of this great cause.
Congratulations Lloyd on your bear!
If you guys can bring the girls over to my booth at Denton Hill I will be glad to replace the rests.
Thanks again and see you all at Denton Hill.
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My son and I went to Denton, we met the other Trad Gang members at the shoot. My 11 year old son had an opportunity to shoot Hope, he made a nice hit with her on a javelin facing straight away, that made his weekend.
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Denton is always a great time! This year having Faith & Hope there plus the fact that the Trad Gang Saturday Shoot seems to grow each year was really neat.
One of the Best things about F&H was getting to know Gary @ Striker. It was almost like meeting a brother. He is so easy to talk with and so gracious & unassuming about his work. Anyone who hasn't shot these bows needs to give it a try.
Lloyd who took first blood @ bear camp with Hope has a new Striker coming! Thanks Gary :thumbsup: Doc
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I guess I didn't get much sleep from the trip home last night :confused:
Thanks RICK!!! Still like a brother :notworthy: :notworthy: Doc
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Jeff, You are 100% right about Rick and his son Dusty. As my Grandma used to say, "They are the bee's knees". Class acts for sure.
I know you are waiting for some text and pics from the Hill, catching up at work today, PM me your email and I'll send more tonight.
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I have to chime in on Rick being "just one of the guys". I met hime at ATAR for the first time and when I saw him at ETAR it was like we were old buddies. He invited me to come in, have a seat, handed me a Gatoraide, and we commenced to chattin. His son is just like him, well, maybe a little younger. :bigsmyl:
Hope was a pleasure to shoot too. Comfortable and hit where I looked!!
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Right on, hung with fellow trad gangers, Rick and son awesome folk. I wish i could go back in time and do it over again.
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I stopped by the booth several times to shoot "hope" she's quite the shooter for sure.Good thing I didn't bring any $$ LOL I think I may have been talked into one.
Very well done!! Thanks I'm lookin forward to shootin her again at the bunnyhunt
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Wow, what can I say about Hope. Denton Hill was AWESOME. Hope got to play with everyone. She spent some time with her sister, and I believe she had a major "hands on" experience.
Rick and Dusty Ellis, Builders of Hope and Faith:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/striker1.jpg)
Me and Droptine59 "hammin' it up" before everyone signed the shirt:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/striker5.jpg)
Me and Scott "Southpaw Shooter" taking Hope and Faith on the Trad Gang shoot:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/hopefaith1.jpg)
I had a great time, and am grateful to everyone who signed the shirt. Rick and Dusty Ellis had the honor of signing the shirt first, and then (in no particular order) the signatures were as follows: Droptine59, Drewsbow, StoneKnife and son Joe, Yellowbow, Bushwacker, Tom Phillips "the Bearman", Flightmedic, Matthew Nall, Sensai, WapitiChaser, Raineman, BBassi, Widow53, BJK, Non-typical, Platt 14, Southpaw Shooter, Nanook and Moe, 4runr, Huntit, justabitoutside, tippit (thanks for everything BTW), Jimneye, Swampbuck, Peckerwood, Bill M, Yellarknome, JL, Wingnut, Lee Viv, Tiode, Paul (from Sweden), Rob from Trad Tech, (and Paleface made it up saturday but missed me, so he gets to sign it tommorrow).
I have kept a VERY detailed journal for Hope. Just to give you all a taste, here is Saturdays':
"Hope spent the morning in the Striker booth after I warmed her up. Rick and Dusty seem to be very grateful for their part in her adventure. I picked up Hope and we went on the "Trad Gang" shoot. Man was that fun! Got everyone to sign the shirt and almost every Trad Ganger shot Hope or Faith. The great part was that Hope was joined by her sister faith. Scott "Southpaw shooter" took Faith, and we shot the round (most of it) together. We were "pimping" them to everyone we could.
A lot of foam fell victim to Hope and Faith today. StoneKnife's (Jim) boy Joe shot Hope and really liked her (and never missed!). I hope he tells stories about her one day.
Pictures were taken and hands were shaken and I did my final pimping to Nanook and his better half Moe. He shot Hope at the last target (the moving one while it was still) and we talked Moe in to shooting it. Her second arrow hit the metal bracket just above the target and absolutely "grenaded" her arrow. In Hope's case you will find the remnants of that arrow which represents the "Trad Gang" shoot at ETAR-Denton Hill.
Hope spent the rest of the day getting a heck of a workout at the Striker booth."
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Guys....I'm sorry to bring this to you....but my aol crashed this afternoon on my home computer and I don't have any of the address info or saved emails. Apparently some of the emails I sent from home regarding hope and faith have not made it to the recipiants also. Sorry guys....not sure what happened but my whole filing cabinet is completely gone both sent and received....5 years worth of emails just disappeared.
I desperately need anyone on the list to contact me immediately via email with the following:
Subject: Hope or Faith
Tradgang Member name
Shipping address
I will do everything I can to get this resolved quickly.
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Well, my time with Hope has come to an end. I took her on her last groundhog chase and shot my final arrows with her, and packed her away to move on to new adventures. Sorry folks, no blood drawn. It sure was not for lack of trying. She did however dessimate massive amounts of foam.
My family and I took half the day off and met Rob (Paleface) and two of his sons in Fredericksburg for a late lunch at Allmans BBQ, where I "passed the torch". It was awesome to meet yet another friend. (We scooted over to Carl's Ice Cream since we were in town) Hope will be on her way to Africa Thursday, and I will let Rob take over the story from here.
I will say this. It is amazing how emotionally attached you can become to something in such a short period of time. I'll miss Hope. She has become a part of me that I will never forget. Thanks to Trad Gang for allowing me to be a part of something so significant and important to future archery history. I was honored.
Me & Hope after my last groundhog hunt with her:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/lasthope1.jpg)
My last "group" with Hope:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/lasthope2.jpg)
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/lasthope3.jpg)
The "passing of the torch" from me to Rob (Paleface) for a new adventure:
(http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w320/Raineman71/thehandoff.jpg)
Good luck everyone. I'll be thinkin' of ya' while you make history.
(Sorry about the picture quality folks, I can't figure it out)
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Jim my sons and I really enjoyed the Q and fellowship this afternoon. of course the ice cream was a nice touch to finish a yummy meal. great meeting you, your wife and son, looking forward getting together with you again some day.
Hope & I didn't make it home in time to fling few shafts this evening, but first thing in the morning we have a date. come Thursday she will be on her way to the Dark Continent with 3 fellow Trad Gangers.
stay tuned for the story and many photos and maybe even some video footage.
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Joe......is there not a list in the case of each bow with the addresses of who they go to next?
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Terry i have "Hope" with me now and there is not a list in the case. i just contacted the person (John/Alaska) and made the arrangements to get the bow to him when we get back from Africa.
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UPDATE!!! I picked up Hope yesterday from Raineman and I leave in the morning for Namibia Africa. soooo Hope and I won't have a lot of time to get to know each other prior to the hunt. now i'm not one to pick up a bow today and hunt with it tomorrow. the last bow i bought i shot for almost 4 months before i hunted with it. not that i need that much time to learn how to shoot a specific bow, i just like to feel 100% confident with it before attempting to kill something. danged old ethics thing i reckon.
any way due to the nature of this short lived love affair with Hope i won't have the luxury of getting to know her inside and out. so we just had to jump right into our relationship without going through the courting stage. hey at least it's not just a one night stand :scared: !
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well she still hasn't given me the thumbs up or down, i think she is waiting to see if she makes it to Africa. so when we arrive tomorrow i will take a knee and offer my hand.
Miss Hope will be back home here in the U.S. on the 20th and i will be posting the next chapter of her Adventures. till then hold down the fort, i gotta catch a plane. :coffee: :coffee: :coffee:
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Good luck with her Rob. Those arrows look sweet. You and my buddy Ed need to bring her and a ton of pics home safe, along with yourselves of course!! See you in a couple weeks!!
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good to see HOPE is still doing good on her voyage. im the bear guy with the first blood. she is a good one!!!
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best of luck with your trip Rob, ill be waiting out for the stories when you return!
Andy
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6 more days! I have a goooood feeling. I miss her a lot Rob. Make sure you give us at least a teaser when you and her get back.
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Best of Luck Rob... :bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
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Ah, the power of Hope & Faith...
Just "inducted" a new member to the ranks of us bowhunters, with a little help from Miss Faith. More to come...
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well gang Hope is back home in the good old US of A and she has some new blood on her. i've been on a plane since Friday morning so i will need to keep you guys in suspense for a while longer while my body figures out what it's doing. the flight is a killer but well worth it..... :archer:
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John, Hope is on her way to you. i sent a PM with the details. man you must be in the middle of no where.
well hope was in the blind with me on Tuesday as i was filming fellow Trad Ganger Jon Simoneau. around 4pm he had a nice warthog come in and he decided to take him. while giving the hog some time to die a group of Kudu decided to visit. our PH Piet said that he would like for us to help with herd management and he gave me the nod to shoot one of the Kudu.
as the Kudu approached our hide i slowly removed one of the footed shafts that i had made special for Africa from the stalkeer quiver. i nocked the shaft to Hope's taught string. her sleek wooden handle felt like an old friend eventhough we had only had the opportunity to shoot a few times prior.
as the Kudu closed the distance i knew the shot was inevitable so i ask God for the arrow to fly try. the Kudu lowered it's head to drank and in one fluid motion i raised Hope. her limbs flexed with ease as the string and arrow were draw back to my cheek. my eyes were burning a hole through a piece of hair i had selected as my aiming point. as i reached my anchor the arrow was on it's way. time stood still as at the tell tail sound of steel hitting flesh and then the Kudu was gone in a cloud of dust.
my body trembling, i lowered Hope with a huge smile on my face. she had drawn blood in Africa. the trackers would make short work of the trail and a fine animal was down. it's meat would be used to feed many and the hide would be donated to the 2008 St. Jude's Auction thanks to Afrika Jag Safaris.
my time with Hope was short lived, but she has given me a life long memory of a place far away but close to my heart. it was a marriage like no other. we will be linked by blood from now on. i hope to some day get the chance to hunt with her again. maybe even return to Africa. But if not our short time together will hold a special place me and my life as a bowhunter.
to Rick, thanks for a super bow. to my fellow Trad Gangers thanks for the opportunity to be a part of something much bigger than any one of us. i would love to have access to both Hope's and Faith's diary including the pictures in form of a book.
i included the arrow that Hope & I used to kill the Kudu. it's signed for what that's worth. i trust that the collection of articles that each of us adds as we spend our time with these two wonderful bows gets passed on. the bow box is getting rather full and it may be necessary to have a keeper of these treasures until the auction. just a thought!
Hope & I with our trophy Kudu...
(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/hopekudu.jpg)
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SWEET, Congrats :thumbsup: :notworthy:
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Awesome Rob. Reading that, I felt like I was there. Congrats! and way to go.
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Paleface - Got your pm. Yep I am in the middle of close to nowhere.
Nice hunt that you had. Hope that a moose or caribou cooperates when I take Hope out once she arrives.
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just let me know when she arrives. you should fare well with Hope, she has a mighty strong spirit attached to her. powerful mojo for sure.
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Hope has scratched out a black bear and a kudu! Nice.
Faith needs to tighten' up!
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Hope was sent out from me to Ironbull at the end of last week. Hopefully it arrives timely so it can help "corner" those antelope he and Charlie are chasing! It was enjoyable reading the diary of Hope's experiences to date.
I didn't get the chance to really hunt with her as I had planned as the bow got hung up in our local mail system which is a regular occurance here. Because of that it missed early moose & bou but that is the way things happen here. I did shoot her a bit and enjoyed the brief time spent with her. But as I was going up to my hunting camp last friday I decided it best to get her on her way though I was strongly tempted to take her grousing on my way up. But my level head prevailed and I sent her off early just to be sure she kept on schedule. I hoping that Ironbull could maybe add a speed goat to her history. The monday holiday forced that decision.
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Opps! Double clicking!!
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Abel, I'm gonna try to add some mojo to Faith (although I'm sure she'll have plenty by the time she gets to me).
I started shooting lefty due to some elbow problems and I now have the pleasure of getting Faith for the last two weeks of Maryland deer season.
I consider myself one lucky dude. I got to spend time with Hope, and now I can get to court her twin as well.
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Hope has arrived here in WY. Charlie and I spent this morning getting acquainted with her. Straws were drawn, lookin like I have the honors to start with her.
Shooting Heritage 400 or AD Trad Heavies runnin at about 650 grns. Braced at 7-1/4. We ended up re-fletching a couple arras.
So it seems that it now will be up to us to do something. Very nice lookin lady and very cooperative in the hand. Let's get er DONE.
Thanks John.....Lets get her back to you soon.
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Glad Hope arrived okay and that Charlie is there to also keep her company! You guys will enjoy her. Have fun....
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_HOPESNOWSHOE_e.JPG)
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/07_WY_VanceHopeBunny_e.JPG)
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Hassenpfeffer... LOL Congrats Vance.
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You guys look like you are having the time of your lives. Congratulations keep up the good work.
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Yeah Charlie!! :clapper:
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Vance,
You wearing those sneakers to run the rabbits down when you miss? :thumbsup:
Walt Francis
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Walt...With Broke Bones in the Hind Foot, :help: :biglaugh:
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Vance, I know the feeling. In 1990 I shattered my heel on Labor Day when some scaffolding collapsed at work, spent the rest of the season hunting on crutches. However, I got lucky and was able to get a 5X6 bull elk, a mile behind the closed gate (It didn’t feel like I had gone that far when still stalking and calling). Want to talk about fun, try carrying an eighty pound pack of meat while hobbling along on crutches. Luckily, my youngest brother and some guys from my construction crew helped me get it out.
Walt
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looks like Miss Hope has drawn more blood. what a sweet shooting gal she is....
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Nice shooting Vance! Was that rabbit a tune-up for antelope?
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Our week with Miss Faith was short but busy. She is one fine shooting bow. Here is some pics. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0937.jpg)
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Miss Faith went stump shooting, Squirrel hunting, Deer scouting, Deer hunting, hog hunting, and Goose stalking. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0936.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0938.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0969.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0971.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0951.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0955.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0958.jpg)
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(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0959.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0960.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0966.jpg)
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I know this isn't the prettiest hog in the woods. Most of the ones we see and every once in a while, Take, are all black with a little white spot or spots. We've got pics of a few all white, gray, and combo's......We even had a little catch and release today. (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0962.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG0949.jpg) We really enjoyed this week with Miss Faith and all Trad Ganger's should try to reserve a little time with them next year....Don and Skyler
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She's racking up a pretty good success rate so far.
Nice job guys.
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bout time lefty girl got in on some action. i was beginning to think we might need to get them two gals back together for some mojo building. great job with Faith! :clapper:
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Don,
Got to tell me when you are going to take a pic for posting on the net..... I will suck my gut in a little more and try to look more like a underwear model, hahah !!!
I got to shoot Miss Faith a few times, she sure is sweet. Totally dead in the hand and man do I like them Hush Puppies ! May have to get some of them thar things ???
If Don and Sky keep putting the smack down on them hogs we ain't never gonna run out of BBQ !
nocams
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i was wondrin when you would post these on here.man that thing sure can do the job.
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Way to go you two....Time with them Bows just goes by WAY to fast :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy:
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:thumbsup:
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Congrats Don, Way to Go.!
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Funny thing about luck....the harder you work, the luckier you get. Great work Don and Skyler! Looks like some more hams for that super secret family recipe rub, mmmmmmmmmmm! I can still taste that ham ya'll brought.
Jimmy, everyone would have to close there eyes for you to look like an underwear model :biglaugh:
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Gee, Don it seems like one of you guys is always shooting something. I need to get out more. Nice hog.
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:jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
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JC,
An ole wise man told me...... " Luck is where preparation meets opportunity ! "
Don is always telling Skyler and Mason to hurry up and shoot when we are at 3D shoots, he asks them all the time, " What are you doing, posing like an underwear model or something ? " We get some good laughs out of it anyway, haha ?
Cheapshot, you got that right, Don and Skyler can make lots of things dead pretty much any day of the week. I hope some of that mojo rubs off on me and Mason ! We are just glad they let us hang out with them and call us friends..... :biglaugh:
nocams
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don,you're one,hog killin machine!faith looks like a real shooter.
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Congrats Don & Skyler :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Nocam,with friends like that you'll never go hungry!
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Don, received Faith today. Thanks!
All I can about this bow is wow! and wow! What a beauty. I have a dilemma. Do I take to the treestand Monday morning my brand new Striker Stinger which has not made first blood or Faith Striker? Since I only have Faith for a short time, it's going to be Faith. But my bow is going to be jealous!
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Good deal Tim, she is a shooter. Good luck Monday and keep us up dated. Don
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Well after an evening at the bales I can report that Faith is terrible, awful, my old ben pearson superjet shoots faster and looks better so all of you lefties just forget about bidding on this bow for the St. Judes auction...
now that I've lied to you all here... I've got to figure out another lie to tell my wife as to why exactly I need another beautiful Striker.... :archer:
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Hope arrived the evening of the 19Th after I came home from a 3d shoot at our local range.
Wow she's perty, I strung her up right away, smooth, vary smooth, could not run an arrow through her until the next day and it only took a few adjustments { 7inch fist mill and 4/8 nock point above level } and she was grouping out to 35 yards nice and tight, I thought that's enough to get the job done.
I had to get her set up to do some serious hunting, so I put a bow quiver on her, I like to shoot with a clicker so I put one on her, now she looked ready to GET R DONE.
Hope go's hunting for a buck and none show, I have a doe tag and I would be willing to use it, just to use hope to do it, but not even a doe showed.
I take her out in the rain and it pours on use and again nothing shows.
Now to the good stuff, I saw a nice buck in this area so I thought I would take hope out for a hunt, to make a vary long day short, I get busted by a 3x3 and after he blows out I get busted by a doe.
Now, I have only killed 4 bucks out of a tree stand, but I know I have to get off the ground, I start looking for a good tree that has a good branch I can stand on, out west we don't do that much tree-standing, I like to spot and stock, but as Clint Eastwood said A mans got to do, what a mans got to do! So up I go.
I glass this buck coming my way after 6 does come by and hang out then leave, he's definitely a shooter, as he feeds my way picking up acorns along the way He comes through a window @ around 25yds.
I think he will give me a better shot so I pass on the shot, then he takes 2 more steps and beds up on the other side of this bush for over an hour, every time I move a mussel to try and get comfortable or to get ready for the shot, I have to do it, in super slow motion.
He Finlay gets up just before dark, around 6:18 he gives me a 14 yard shot with the sweetest long bow I've shot in some time, as I slowly come to full draw I tell my self : self, pick a spot tight and low be hind his right front leg and self did just that.
As I felt the little bump that tells me, I'm at full draw, the arrow was on it's way, now every thing turns to super slow motion, it seems like the arrow took forever to streak across those 14yds my mind was taking it all in micro millisecond by micro millisecond.
The arrow looked like it was going right where I meant for it to go, as it disappeared low and tight he exploded and did a 60 yard death run, I could see him the whole time.
He was pouring massive amounts of that vary precious life fluid as he ran, he stop-ed to look back and the first to give was his front end, then his back end gave way, he was down.
I took a pic of where he was standing and a self portrait smoking a BIG FAT CIGAR, then the battery's went dead, no pics with the little camera that came with hope, but I got a few with my camera.
Hope, you are something special and Mr.Ellis you did a fine job, Thank you so vary much.
Now, Hope go on get! you are a two timer, but I love you and will Miss the time we shared, it was special to me and I know you felt the same way, so if your going to leave just go now before it's to late and I never let you go.
Thanks for the memories Hope I will never for get you.
David DeVille
Kingwouldbe
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2805-1-1.jpg)
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Miss Hope On our first date
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/IMAG0010.jpg)
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I think we make a good couple (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/IMAG0014.jpg)
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This is where the Buck was standing and the direction he ran.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2799-1.jpg)
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Congrats on one fine buck. These bows are racking up an impressive record this year!
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Dave!!!!!!!!! well done Dude...... Hope lifes been well to you.
Mark
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I know all of the experts tell us to keep your scent down, will I had been smoking this cigar for about an hour + and he came right on in, even bed-ed 25 yards away.
When he did come in, I put the cigar in a little fork so I could shoot him and it did go out.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2797-1.jpg)
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Mark, Well, what can I say, Miss Hope, Big California Black tails, a Fine Cigar and all day in the Mountains.
I do think I'm Blessed.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w27/kingwouldbe/DSCN2806-1-1.jpg)
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awesome! :thumbsup: :D :thumbsup:
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Congratulations on a fine deer and a great story.
Dan
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Whew...........Been waitin on this story since she left ME. Hope is definitely hard to let go of. Ya start ta get a wee bit POSSIVE.
Job well done Good and Faithful Servant. To cool Dave :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Dang son, that's a big 'un! I hereby take back half of the bad things I've said bout California :D
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Way to go Dave thats a nice buck, next time we meet I'll share a bottle of Makers Mark with you. :thumbsup:
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CONGRATS David, that's a beautiful buck and a pretty good shot also :clapper: Don and Skyler
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Dave, what a great story. I felt like I was there.....well.....having spent time with her..and the way you wrote it.......we all were.
Thanks for sharing and adding to her mystique.
That is a HOG! I am extremely jealous.
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nice buck,congrats
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ALL HUNTERS ON THE LIST>>>>PLEASE READ!!!
Guys, as part of the criteria to be eligible for these bows, the agreement was 2nd day shipping insured for $1000 and that you would ship no later than the Monday of the next recipients start date. Please make sure that happens!
Thanks
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Hope Strikes Again...
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0706.jpg)
Just need to have a deer in range now. :readit: ;)
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GREAT JOB Ron!!!!!!! :clapper: Don and Skyler
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HAY I recognize that FIGURE :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Good on ya Ron
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Big Ron, She hits where your looking don't she :clapper: .
Good job on adding another kill to her list of success.
That bows going to be worth a boat load of money by the time she gets to auction.
She is truly a vary special bow
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Well, my time with Faith ended this evening without making any lethal shots. She had plenty of opportunities to enjoy a beautiful Iowa October. :knothead: Tomorrow morning she will be shipped off to Razorback. Wish you well with her. She's a beauty. Big thanks to Tradgang and Rick Ellis for the opportunity to shoot Faith for a couple of weeks. It is a spectacular bow! :clapper:
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Iron Bull......YOUR GIRL??
Thems fightin' words there! :saywhat:
Way to go BigRon.
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I got to shoot Miss Hope yesterday!!! Thanks Ron (et al!)!!!
She drew so sweet and steady, pointed where my thoughts went and sent the 2016s to the mark with authority. Said not a thing about it, either, did her job quietly and without so much as a shrug.
Wow. What a bow!
Killdeer
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Ron,
I can't believe you had her in camp and I didn't get to see or shoot her. I'll have to wait for April now.
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Sorry Chuck, I thought everyone had seen her. She is one SWEET bow. I have been hunting with her since I got her. Havent even taken another bow in the woods. :readit: :wavey:
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Faith
arrived this afternoon and man I must say this one beautiful bow and a sweet shooter to boot...thank you again to Terry and Tradgang for doing this...the bow will be tuned tommorow and will be ready when I go on my NY hunting trip next week..hopefully I will be successful in my quest for the elusive whitetail
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For once it's nice to be a lefty. I put my name in the hat with JC for Faith in April. Sure hope I get it? It'll give me alot of Faith this Spring Turkey Season...
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nice pigs skyler
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I got to shoot Hope at the Southern Indiana Hunt. All I can say is ditto to Killdeer's comments.
'cept that we shot GT 35-55s full length,100 gr brass inserts and rubber bludgeons.
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JC sent you a PM......stabow
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WOW,
Got home from work and there was a letter from Mr. Postman. That's right come and get her.Brought her home and boy does she shoot where you look, oh did I mention that her name is FAITH. Don't know what else to say about her, we've only known each other for an hour.
Bill
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Miss Hope and I will be leaving in the morning for a extended hunt in Mississippi, the evening hunts should be very good the next two days so I "hope" to get to properly welcome her to our lease. I can honestly say that I've never been what I consider a good shot with any longbow....except Miss Hope, she's a tack driver, I shoot her as good if not better than my recurve, and after shooting her the past three days I can say that I'm confident out to 25 yards. Hopefully I can properly introduce her to a Mississippi whitetail over then next couple days. I've been trying to talk her into relocating here permanently but she insists on doing some more traveling before settling down, I introduced her to a friend of mine "Bayoulongbowman" yesterday and he took her for a spin, I felt obliged to introduce Ms. Hope to Mark as he's a super nice guy, and he's the reason our local pro-shop is expanding their trad equipment supplies. I'll be at the camp for a few days with this pretty lady but rest assured, she's in good hands, and hopefully when she arrives at "littlefeather's", she'll have another story or two to tell. Here are two pics of Miss Hope and the "bayoulongbowman", Mark Chambers. (http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t311/peak98/MarkMissHope002.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t311/peak98/MarkMissHope003.jpg)
Mark shoots lefty by the way.... but he sure shot Miss Hope well from the "right" side, lol.
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What a nice gestrue from my archer pal Peak98...you wont find a better bud to spin the yarn on bow hunting than Darrell, :) :) ...that was a smooth shooter , for sure and shot right where I wanted my arrow to go! Hope those arrows are working out for ya too...thanks...marco#78
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Glad to hear y'all are extending some of your southern hospitality to the lady, Miss Hope.
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Does anyone know how to get ahold of [email protected] he is next for Faith and I've been trying for a week to get ahold of him.
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Hope arrived today. I took her for a quick stump shoot and was dead on. I predict a pig is gonna fall. She's a good shooter! CK
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I took Hope out for her first official hunt last night. She had a great hunt as I video'd two nice bucks but no shooters. I had both pass within bow range but I had to let them walk. I did have a really nice sow show up with some piglets no more than 4-5 days old. I video'd her and the little ones but couldn't bring myself to drop the string.
I went back out this morning and braved the rain, wind, and 38 degree temps. It's just plain ol' nasty out there today. No luck on the morning torture routine. Maybe we'll get a break in the weather and I'll do well this evening. I'm hunting an outstanding piece of property with a healthy population of game. I feel good about the days ahead. CK
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good luck bud!!
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I'm very proud to have been able to add to the Mojo of this bow. I've hunted hard for several days in harsh weather. Today I got a break and made good on it. Thanks for the opportunity to use Miss Hope. Taken with a 160 Snuffer.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/HopeHog.JPG)
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Congrats Curtis !!! Miss Hope sure is a sweet shooter.
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:bigsmyl: :thumbsup: Kinda expected to see a pic soon. LOL Way to go CK.
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congrats curtis!!!! :thumbsup: hows pop?
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My congratulations to you Curtis and all the other tradgangers on all the success you've been having with the Striker TD, Hope and Faith. It seems you are all having a lot of fun with the bows.
Thanks for all the kind words and donating your time and efforts for the kids. It is a great cause and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
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Thanks to you Rick! You make a fine product that everyone should give a try. Mater of fact, we should do another Bowyers hunt and invite the gang to come and meet you and shoot your fine custom bows! :thumbsup:
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Sounds good Curtis. We will have to get together on that soon.
Thanks!
Rick Ellis
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To say that I am disappointed that I did not receive Faith is an under-statement.
Its so easy to find a persons contact information in Trad Gangs directory.
Bob
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Bob,
Before you start getting upset about things maybe you should scroll to the top of the page and read the post that I put up on the 20th of November. Also contact info only works if the person responds to e-mails that are sent requesting the address. Not trying to sound hateful but don't point fingers if you haven't done your part.
Bill
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buks2hunt...
What email address did you use?
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Bob, I am scheduled to have Faith the last two weeks of January. You are more than welcome to her if you wish. I jumped on the schedule just to fill her time up, as nobody was jumping on it. I have had the pleasure of spending time with Hope, so you could say "I've had my fun".......so as stated, if you want her in my place, you are welcome to it.
Get everything squared up with JC, and just let me know.
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Raineman,
THANKS so much for your generous offer.
Our late season Blacktail hunt here in Oregon is just about as much fun as a guy could have and I wanted to pass on that "karma" to the bow. Blacktails are very difficult to take when all six legs are on the ground. Would have been pretty neat to pass that on...but, alas no deer taken!
Nothing going on here late January and I will try again next year if we still have the progam in place.
Thanks again for your kind offer.
Bob
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Bob,
I used [email protected]
Sorry about the whole deal but I sent e-mails out on the 16th and 17th and asked on here the 20th if anyone new how else to get ahold of you.
Bill
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HOOO BABY! Hope was waiting for me on the front porch when I got home on Friday. :bigsmyl: The dogs had to wait an hour for their dinner 'cause I just had to take her out and shoot a few arrows.
Between family Christmas parties and taking the granddaughter out to cut down a Christmas tree it took me all weekend to get her dialed in. I was able to find some 5/16 diameter POCs I had in the arrow bucket that she likes braced at 7 3/8".
I'll be taking her to my trad league tonight to let several other Trad Gangers have an opportunity to shoot her. I have a 4-day weekend planned to try some late season whitetail action in the heart of Michigan's 'Thumb'. The local bunnies and squirrels must know she's arround becasue they were all out of site this past weekend.
Hopefully there'll be a hero picture and more stories to follow.
This is one sweet shooting bow!
Howard
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Glad it got there safe and sound Howard. Best wishes on your upcoming hunts. She's been good to numerous hunters. Hopefully you too will share some MOJO. CK
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Great hog Curtis!! BTW your segment on the DVD with frogs has prompted me to write our DNR and add bows to the list of ways to take them. Right now you can only use spears or a fishing pole. I love frog legs!!!
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Good to hear Arwin! It would be a great honor to see that happen! Good luck! If it doesn't happen you can always come down here and we'll brave the alligators to shoot a few frogs. CK
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Well, my time to hunt with Hope has come to an end. I spent this last weekend plus 2 days in an attempt to add to her mojo. I was able to count coup on a small doe on Friday morning. Unfortunately the winds turned ahead of the winter storm and my options became quite limited. Sunday was spent watching football and horizontal snow all day. Monday morning I had another chance and blew it. Hope did her part by drawing smoothly as always but I 'plucked and peeked' and watched my arrow fly harmlessly over the doe's back. She exited Stage Right. As I looked up after nocking a second arrow the doe was standing there looking at me. Busted! :banghead: Off she went and so ended my hunt with Hope. Late season can be tough with the weather. This weekend's blizzard verified that again. But this time of year it's always: 'wool and fleece, don't the house without them'.
I truely enjoyed my time with this wonderful bow and it has been a priviledge to participate in this effort. Hope will be hitting the road again on Wednesday.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
Howard
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Miss Hope is now in Kansas City. I have one doe tag left she needs to help me fill. I hope she gets a chance tomorrow afternoon.
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Go get her Mel!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/riley1/hope003.jpg)
IMG]
Took Hope out for a little walk last night, not much moving, saw 2 does, no shots
Same stand as above, different direction. I shot an 8 pointer from here in November
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v439/riley1/hope005.jpg)
Yes, it was cold
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Ed Fyre
Wanted to check to see if Faith is on the way. Hope she didn't get lost in the holiday rush.
Hope everyone has a happy new year, shoot straight..........stabow
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Faith is 4 days late, did they lose my address?..........stabow
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stabow, it's my fault....I went out of town last Friday and had made arrangements for it to be shipped....
Got home Monday and it was still here, you should have it tomorrow or Saturday....
I am very sorry. I hope I haven't ruined a hunt for you.
Danny
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stabow, sent you a PM.
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Danny. no problem was just worried that it got lost in the mail. Leaving on a hunt next Tuesday, so it should be hear in plenty of time.
Raineman, got your PM, Will take you up on your offer if your sure you don't mind.........stabow
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You will like shooting the bow!! I didn't get to hunt with it but did get to shoot it a bit and am very impressed with it for sure!!
Please let me know when it arrives.
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stabow--I don't mind at all.
Okay folks, here is the deal. Since I have had the pleasure of spending time with Faith's sister Hope, I figured "why be a hog". Since stabow's time was delayed a bit, I thought it only fair to let him have "my time". I have PM'd all involved and wish everyone the best. Enjoy, and good luck. :campfire:
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Just got back from the post office, Faith is now in the house. She really fells good in the hand and points well, with the few arrows that I shoot tonight, first impression is impressive Look forward to hunting with her........stabow.
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Hope was waiting for me when I got home tonight. I only had a chance to shoot a few arrows, but she sure does fire 'em!
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Okay you two, its been almost 10 days since we have heard from either of the twins. C'mon now.....what are they up to? I'm gettin' itchy here. Have they been abducted? Should we send out search parties or get a posse to hunt you two down?
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Had Faith out on a rabbit hunt jump a few bunnies but didn't get any shoots off. The weather hear has been crappy , snowing , raining, cold and windy. But I still enjoyed my time with Faith. I don't have any more hunts set up so I'm going to ship her onto MI_bowhunter today or tomorrow. After the auction is over someone will be a happy camper thats fore sure, Faith is one sweet shooting bow......stabow
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Just looking for an update on the girls! I am due up in mid Feb. and was wondering where they are now. Shawn
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Shawn, PM me your address and I'll put Hope in the mail Monday. She can't wait to get into the bunny patch; they are pretty scarce around here this year. Dave
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Shawn, Faith is with me.
I just sent you a PM. PM me your address and I'll get her on her way.
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I just got Hope today. Very nice bow, I bought her up to a shoot tonight. It was a techno hunt, my first ever arrows from her were all perfect 3 double lungs in a row. Gonna hunt her tomorrow, so I will let ya know! Shawn
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And what were the results of the hunt you went on last week Shawn?
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I had the pleasure of meeting Hope and Faith today. Awesome bows! I went to help Shawn set up for the hunt this weekend, and there they were. I took a few pics, figured I would post em here for all to see. Im sure Shawn will be along Sunday or Monday to report on the hunt.
Faith
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/ishiwannabe/100_1028.jpg)
Mirror Image
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/ishiwannabe/100_1037.jpg)
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I've got a story and pix about me and Miss Faith this sunday at JLMBH!!!! Will post ASAP
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Hope and Faith were hunted at the Joan Leonard Memeorial Bunny Hunt this weekend. I know Hope hit one bunnie and she was shot many more times. each bow was handled by 50-60 people this weekend. Faith made a bit of history in more ways than one and Curt will be along with the story. In all we killed 17 bunnies and well over 200 shots were taken, Faith was responsible for one of those!! Shawn
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Very cool story to come I was blessed to be witness and thats one of those that'll be etched in my minds eye forever....
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You guys sure know how to bait a hook.
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I'm nibblin!!!!! I have a Stiker on order and love to check in on this thread and see what people think. Thanks for the stories Joe
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Curt will be along shortly, as Tom said it will be remembered forever. I honestly feel it will rank at or very near the top of Curts list. Incredible mojo right there and Curt had to take a leap of "FAITH" for it to happen! Shawn
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:knothead:
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Come on its past my bedtime!! ;)
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"Curt had to take a leap of "FAITH" for it to happen!"
LOL you can say that again
As for the bows they at least "hope" shot quite well for me nice to look at pleasent to shoot
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CURT?? Shawn
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The term "cruel and unusual punishment" is coming into play. This just ain't fair.
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Sorry guys, between work, kids,and now I'm sick as a dog....I'll try tonight :(
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The guys who have them next, please send me your addies!! Shawn
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Shawn, are the addresses not in the case? There is supose to be a list in there. Its likely that they will not check in here before its too late.
If there's no list, you need to call JC tonight and get the addresses.
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Terry, did not see one but will look. Bows do not need to go until sat. I believe. Shawn
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Terry no list and both guys who sent me Hope and Faith had to get the address from me, they e-mailed and PM'ed me for my addy. I will get a hold of JC, Faith does not need to be to anyone for a month or better and Hope by the 25th. niether will be a problem. Shawn
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OK.....there was suppose to be a list in the case...not sure what happened.
I forwarded your email to JC....he's in charge of the schedule this year.
Thanks for the heads up!
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I've left him a pm and email....I'll be in contact Shawn.
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I cant wait to hear the story Curt, I was fortunate enough to be one of the drivers on that one. It was certainly a well deserved moment for Curt.
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Just received Hope in the mail today! I havent even opened the case yet. My wife scheduled a ski trip to this wed-monday so it will be tues. before I get after some hogs. I'll be shooting her this pm.
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Well, I strung her up and grabbed a few arra's that I shoot out of my kimsha t/d longbow of about the same specs. Its about a 15yrd shot from my deck elevated 14' to my block. Couldnt put my fingers on my glove, so I improvised and put on a work glove. Three shots/ two in the black and one 4" left and high. I think me and hope are gonna get along just fine.
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nice :thumbsup:
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What page of the bunny hunt does Curt's story start on? I don't want to spoil it by not reading it from the start.
Never mind. I put my ADHD aside, and am on page 81, and lovin' every minute of it. Just had to rest my eyes before I get to it.
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Calendar has been updated with some changes:
Shawn is going to send the Faith to Don and Skyler Wilson who will try to kill a hog, then to Jimmy "NoCams" for further stretchin on turkeys and ?
Budog56 cannot make his turn with Hope so...we have an opening for 3/10-23.
If no one offers to take Hope for Budog56's slot by 3/7, it will be split with Maconducks and Slasher.
Hurry to get your chance!
Russ, if no one takes her, you'll have her till 3/14, then send it on to Slasher. If you can't use the extra week, let me know and I'll see if he wants the extra time. Either way, I'll let you know what's happening.
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Rob "robslifts" Jones was first to respond...he gets hope for the 3/10-23 slot.
Russ, pm sent with Rob's mailing info.
Thanks all for participating!
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:banghead:
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JC, see if Don got the bow, I never heard from him but my e-mail is giving me fits. Curt has the diary and I need addy again or send to curt so he can get it to him!!
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Got it. I'll call him today and let you know.
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Shawn & JC,
Yep, Don got her..... I had the privledge of shooting her Sunday at the Olde Fartes shoot in Crossville, TN right after the TTAS banquet. Cannot think of a more fitting day than Sunday to shoot Miss Faith ! She sure is smooth on the draw, no handshock, and she makes no noise with Terry's hush puppies installed. I shot four 12's on the course of 20 targets, never shot that many 12's and still lose to Mason and Skyler too ! Dem boys sure can shoot !
DW,.... can you post a few pics off your camera for us ? Be sure and post the one of Miss Faith with Alex's boy beside the bear target. :notworthy:
nocams
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Miss Faith got some action at the TTAS BANQUET and the Olde Fartes shoot this week-end....Jimmy Shelton (nocams) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1290.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1281.jpg)
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Cody Weaver of Champions Choice Bowstrings (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1292.jpg)
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Bob Brundage, Sec/treasurer of TTAS....He liked her a lot! (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1293.jpg)
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Blake Roche', son of Alex Roche', (BEAR).....I think he's a little shy around girls :) But he sure can fly on his Tri-cycle.... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/CIMG1295.jpg)
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Thanks Sky for posting them pics for me !
nocams :thumbsup:
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been gone for a few days but just returned to find Miss Hope waiting for me! I strung her up and flung several arrows looking for the right match. Can't wait to hit the turkey woods this weekend. Thanks to everyone for the chance to be a part of this.
Brian
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How did the turkey hunt go? I get to have her just before the auction for the end of turkey season here in May.
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I have proven, without a doubt, that turkeys are smarter than me. I've always known it but I now have the courage to publicly admit it.
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Just cleared the post office, Miss Hope is on her way to Virginia. TalonDale, I hope you have better luck than I did or at least better weather. I enjoyed my time with this bow and again, I appriciate the opportunity.
Brian
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Brian,
Just got her in this morning. Haven't opened her up yet but the box looks in good condition. If this rain clears out today I'll run a couple of arrows through her this evening and see what works. Friday is my birthday and I've taken Friday and Saturday to chase some birds.
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Weather is beautiful here today, I hope you got her out for a spin. I'm sure that she's happy to be in Virginia again. I got to shoot her at Rough Mountain last fall, and I am betting that the spring air will have her perky and in a good mood this week.
Killdeer :)
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Getting my gear together tonight. I'll be leaving a bit early from work tomorrow. I'll have my laptop and an aircard so I can post up if I have any success.
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Hapy Birthday Talondale!! Good luck chasing the birds with a special bow. I'm anxiously awaiting a report of your fun.....
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I'll start my report of Miss Hope's adventures now and finish it tomorrow after the AM hunt.
I received the case Monday 4/21 from Brian "From Tulsa". Unfortunately a work emergency had me working late and I wasn't able to open her or shoot. It was Wednesday before I could get a chance to shoot and see what worked. My full length Gamegetter II 500 were hitting the riser so I had to use some shorter shafts I had from the year before. They seemed to fly well and a 7 1/2" brace seemed to work nicely. This is my first real go with a longbow but it didn't seem like I'd have too much trouble. I determined to keep it close, 15 yards or less.
Friday was my birthday so I had scheduled to take it off from work and hunt Friday and Saturday with my Dad on a family farm in the middle of the state. The weather was perfect with a warming trend coming in. Mornings would be around 60 and the highs in the day were 81. We arrived at our cabin to find that the neighboring property had been logged. Not something that would impact our hunting but it did expose our cabin to the road and we'd rather it was hidden. We went and looked at where I was going to be hunting but I had driven my car to save on gas and some of the dirt road was wet from earlier rains so I couldn't go too far in. I usually park and walk anyway so as not to tear up the road. It looked good for the morning. We went back to the cabin and did some cleanup chores; mowing, chainsawing fallen trees, etc. Had dinner and turned in early for the night.
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Morning broke clear and the stars were bright. My father was going to hunt on his property on the north of 58 and I was going to cross south and hunt on my great-aunt's property. The odds were against me. I'm not a great turkey hunter but I've had some success. I've stalked and killed turkey with a bow (compound) and blackpowder, and called in several others. My calling skills are limited with just a few standard call routines I use over and over. I was using a bow and didn't have a blind. What I did have was a ghillie suit, an intimate knowledge of the area, and the closest thing to exclusive rights to 1,200 acres one could hope for. The birds are low pressured here and plentiful.
One thing I realized I hadn't noticed in my survey the morning before was that they had an early greenup and the fields were over knee-deep. I felt this was too deep for the turkey to feel comfortable in so I adjusted my plans a little. I have a routine that I usually follow on this property. It's been successful many times so I tend to stick with it. As I said the birds are low pressured and tend to do the same thing year after year. I usually start out on a long narrow hay field we call "The Long Field", appropriately enough. It runs North-South with a dirt road on the east edge, and I usually set up near the south side. It is surrounded by pines.
I decided to put my decoys in the short grass on the edge of the dirt road. The turkeys often walk up and down the road and I thought the decoys would be more visible there.
First light would show me that they're still using the roads.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/tracks.jpg)
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I got set up inside the wood edge across a ditch. I had forgotten my stool at home and didn't have my torges seat either. So I sat on the bank with my feet in the ditch. First light came and I liked my setup.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/1stmorning.jpg)
I gave some soft yelps and waited. As the light got brighter I imitated a fly down and some more yelps. I heard a gobble to my left in the pines. I waited a while and did some more yelps. Nothing. I called off and on for the next 20 minutes with no results. I changed up my calls and my strikers until I got another gobble from directly out in front of me. The field has a slight rise and I can't see the other side but it sounded like he was in the pines across from me. I didn't see or hear anything else again so at 8 I decided to relocate. As I was walking down the road the opposite side of the field became visible. I noticed two things: a section of the field had been disced and plowed, and I saw two dark objects in the field - Turkeys! I ducked below the rise and backtracked to where I could stand up without exposing myself. I entered the woods to a depth I felt I could move undetected and worked my way back to where I could see the turkeys.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/tomorheninfield.jpg)
It was a hen and a tom. (that dark object on the field edge) I crawled to the edge of the woods and set up a decoy and cleared a shooting lane with my saw. Backing up into the woods I take a kneeling position and start calling. The hen and tom look my way but make no move. They keep feeding and looking but come no closer. The tom was sticking with the sure thing. His earlier gobble had probably been from that field inviting me to join them. The hen finally started feeding away and after some hesitation he followed. I thought I knew where they were going, a field on the other side of a beaver pond, so I made a wide arc to try and intercept them.
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When I got to the other field I saw it too was disced. I didn't see any turkey and so I got set up on a corner. I was on the shade side of a cedar.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/setup.jpg)
I did some calling and heard a jake gobble further west but nothing else. Later calls were answered by two swans flying overhead, heading to the beaver pond or one of the other ponds. After a while I figured I guessed wrong and decided to do some walking and calling. I covered a lot of ground, hardwoods, pines, old cutovers and fields. We even stopped and let Miss Hope try on a Lady's Slipper, but she decided she prefered brown and green to pink.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/MissHopeandLadySlipper.jpg)
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By this time it was getting late. At this point in the season you can only hunt until noon in VA so I went back to the first field and made a ground blind for the next morning. I figured the tom would be back and I'd be waiting there for him.
I went back to our cabin and met up with Dad. He had a hen come to his popup but hadn't heard a gobble. We went to get lunch and then came back to do more chores. We played a game of cards and turned in early for the night.
The next morning was still 60 degrees but the air was more damp and the sky cloudy. Thunderstorms were predicted for 2PM. I made it to my blind with time to spare. I had two decoys set up in front of me about 10 yards away; a feeding jake and a hen. I had my back to a pine and a small screen of saplings I had cut arranged in front of me. I checked to make sure I could draw unobstructed.
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Wonderful time of year to be out with a bow! Love the ladyslipper. You are a lucky guy to have habitat like that to hunt, and to know it as well as you do. Thanks for telling the story.
Remember the story? Get on with it! :thumbsup:
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Hope should be in Vermont either Monday or Tuesday. Chuck shipped her out yesterday but didn't finish the story for me either. :p
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Just received a package from VA.
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Gave Hope a makeover. The rug and strike plate were wore real bad so I replaced them and the string was still the original and some broken strands that made real nervous so I put her new string on her and will get out to shoot her later tonight.
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Originally posted by Killdeer:
Wonderful time of year to be out with a bow! Love the ladyslipper. You are a lucky guy to have habitat like that to hunt, and to know it as well as you do. Thanks for telling the story.
Remember the story? Get on with it! :thumbsup:
Sorry guys, the delay wasn't intentional. I was writing and realized it was 11:20PM and I wanted to get up early the next morning for my last hunt with Hope and after that I've been slammed. Been on the road for work and my new water heater broke Tuesday night, etc. Killdeer, I'm well aware of how blessed I am and am dreading the day my Great Aunt passes and the property will be divided. I just wish my kids could grow up hunting it like I did. Now where was I?
I'm in position and as it get's light I do a couple of soft yelps just to let him know I'm in the area. I get an answering gobble from the west - not where I'm expecting him to be. This gobbler sounds like he's on the creek that feeds the beaver pond. I can only hope he's an add on and not the gobbler I'm set up for. But all newcomers are welcome.
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At 6:07 AM I look across the plowed field and see my intended target in the edge of the grass. Using the wingbone call I forgot the day before I gave a yelp. He gobbled a response. I yelped back and he gobbled again. He went into strut. The problem is he's over 100 yards away. I tried to snap a picture and the flash goes off, not smart. I'm still not used to the camera they included with the bow but it's small size made it nice to carry. That's the tom directly above the jake decoy.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Turkey/Approachingtom.jpg)
He struts back and forth for a while and eventually starts heading my way, but not directly. He follows the edge of the field which takes him to my left. When he's about 65 yards away (about where the twig on the left edge of the picture bisects the grass edge) he starts to strut some more, trying to get the attention of my hen decoy.
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I do a little purring on my slate call to reassure him. He moves into about 35 yards and goes into full display mode. I can hear him spit but not drum (I'm sure he's doing it but I just can't pick out the sound from the background noise of the dawning woods). At this point I try one more picture with the flash turned off. Too low a light and its blurred. I put the camera away and concentrate on the task at hand. I watch him strutting back and forth and resist the urge to call anymore. He's hooked and I don't want to spook him. I'm hoping he thinks the hen won't leave the jake. At this point it would be over if I was shotgun hunting but he had a lot of yardage still to cover before I could take my shot. He finally starts to angle my way. Each time he would reach the top of a row he would go into strut and then come out of it as he walked down into the furrow. Inflate - Deflate - Inflate - Deflate. It's fun to watch and his head is pure white by now.
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He gets to the grass edge on the side of the field I'm on and he's about 20 feet to the left of my jake decoy. He goes into full strut and starts walking down the edge of the field. He looks like a walking McKenzie target and I'm picking a feather to shoot in case I get my chance. Still in full strut he walks just behind my jake. He gets to the row almost exactly center between my two decoys and straight in front of me. He turns his back to me and comes out of strut. I draw back Hope and pick a spot on his back. Sitting on the ground I have to cant the bow a little. I release....and feel a tug on my bow arm. I watch my arrow soar past the tom 3" to his right. He clucks and looks around. I slowly grab another arrow. He starts walking away slowly. By the time I have another arrow on string he's about 25 yards away and still moving. I resist the urge to launch another arrow at him. He's too alert and the distance too far. I call to him on my wingbone and he gobbles. I call again. He gobbles again. He goes into half strut but lets back down again. He's nervous. Something happened and he's not sure what. I call again and he gobbles again. He's still edging away. He get's about 40 yards away and starts pecking. I call again. He cuts off my call with a gobble. This continues for the next 15 minutes! I actually got a blister on my lips from all the calling I did and he always gobbled. I knew I had lost him but was just having fun. Eventually I got tired, and blistered, and stopped calling. I wondered if that other tom I had heard earlier was hearing all this and would come to investigate. He finally headed back into the grass where he came from and out of sight.
I usually shoot my bow perpendicular but having forgotten my stool and torges seat I was sitting on the ground. If I had risen to a kneeling position I could have shot like I normally do but I was trying to stay below my blind as much as possible. This forced me to cant my bow. I have practiced shooting with a cant but what I hadn't done was trim my ghillie suit to accomadate a canted shot. The strands on my bow arm that are normally out of the way came in contact with the bowstring and fouled my shot. To correct this I used my arm guard, in addition to the arm guard that came with Miss Hope, to wrap my upper arm and gather all strands on my suit. I thought I had considered everything, clearing brush and test drawing for clearance but had overlooked this one item. No fault of Miss Hope.
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After 30 minutes I call again on the wingbone trying to attract some other tom that had been interested by my earlier conversation with Tom#1, and from the general direction the first tom had gone I got a responding gobble. He was interested but he wasn't coming, she'd have to follow. Smart bird.
After awhile I moved on to an oak lot and once again had swans fly overhead. They must be migrating north as I doubt the ponds on the farm are big enough for them. I don't hear any more gobbles and after awhile I head to another field that toms often come to mid-morning to strut and dust. It's hot by now and although I see plenty of sign my calls get no response and nothing shows. My hunt is over for the weekend and I know it. I head back to the front of the property. My father will be back to pick me up in about an hour and I thought I'd try calling in an area I hadn't been in all week. After about 30 minutes I decide just to lie down in the shade and wait for my ride. It's a beautiful, almost summer-like day. A hammock would be perfect. But rain clouds are on the way.
We leave and hit some rain on the way west to our homes. Two days later a tornado touches down within 5 miles of our hunting lodge and snaps the treetops and takes the roof off of a nice man's house who has let us hunt turkeys on his farm a few years back. It's the only damage in the area. Suffolk, my old hometown, didn't fare as well, with a possible 10 tornadoes hitting the area more familiar with hurricanes than tornadoes.
I try to slip in a couple of pre-work hunts on Thursday and Friday. Thursday I go directly behind work wear I killed my shotgun tom. I see a couple of hens in the field in front of me and hear even more in the woods behind me. I also see a couple of deer kick each other. But no tom. Friday I went on to National Forest land to an area I've had close encounters with birds year after year but not this year.
My last morning I go up the mountain behind my house and try some calling. I had over slept a little (stayed up too late posting :) ) and was late getting out in the woods. I wanted to get to a saddle before light but it was well light before I got there. The ground is torn up from turkeys scratching for that last acorn. My property goes to just at the crest. I have permission to hunt the adjoining property to my right and it also follows the ridgeline. I go that way until I come to a fenceline. Calling to the bottom below I get a gobbling response. It sounds like its in the cowfield below, probably well over 100 yards away. I can't go to him so I call some more. He sounds farther this time. I set up my decoy and sit down in a good ambush site. I've got on two armguards and I'm kneeling this time. Another gobble comes from below, this time sounding closer. I answer. After a pause another gobble, again fainter. He's struting back and forth, sometimes facing me sometimes with his back to me. Each time he gobbles I answer. Other than that I'm quiet, except for an occasional cluck like a feeding hen. (I'm not sure if my calling strategy is the best and those with more knowledge feel free to point out what I do wrong) After awhile I know I need to leave if I'm going to get Miss Hope to the post office before it closes. I head towards home, occassionally yelping like a saddened hen who must reluctantly leave her tom. He doesn't follow.
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I enter my final journal entry and pack Miss Hope away. My son rides down to the post office with me and we send Miss Hope off to VT to continue the chase of birds.
I really appreciate the opportunity to share this fine bow with others and the meaning she has for St Judes, a charity that has a special place in our hearts having been recipents of their care; spending our last days with Jesse there.
Enjoy her and hunt well David.
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Anyone know what happened to the knife that was custom matched to Hope?...or the journal that was with Faith???
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didn't have a knife with Hope when I got her.
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Thanks for the stories Talondale. Well told and had me on the edge of my seat. Thank you.
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Originally posted by Terry Green:
Anyone know what happened to the knife that was custom matched to Hope?...or the journal that was with Faith???
Terry, I don't remember a knife when I got Hope, but heck, I cant remember what I had for breakfast this morning.
Maybe we should take a pic of every thing in the case when we receive it and one when we ship it out, that way, if something is missing we can look where it was last, just a thought.
There was not a list in the case to who I was to ship it to ether, I had to look on here and PM them to get there address.
This is such an awesome thing to have, would hate to see it go away.
Just my 2 cents
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Originally posted by Talondale:
I enter my final journal entry and pack Miss Hope away. My son rides down to the post office with me and we send Miss Hope off to VT to continue the chase of birds.
I really appreciate the opportunity to share this fine bow with others and the meaning she has for St Judes, a charity that has a special place in our hearts having been recipients of their care; spending our last days with Jesse there.
Wow Chuck, I'm trying not to cry as I read your post.
Man, what can I say, except maybe, God bless you and your family.
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Terry I sent out Faith to Guru and I dont recall seeing the knife in Faiths case along with the book missing .
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Terry, I can't remember a knife with Hope either. When it arrived to me it had the case, bow, sock, camera, camera tripod, journal, and two strings. Handed all I got to Paleface personally with the addition of the broken arrow from Denton Hill and a string keeper.
EDIT-Armguard was there, forgot to list it....Thanks Talondale
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There is no arrow in the Hope case.
Hope and I have been out after the turkeys the last two days. We've seen a bunch of deer, an owl and a young cow moose today but the birds aren't cooperating. Hopefully tomorrow.
I tried to take some pics today but stupidly didn't check the camera battery and it was dead. Fixed that today so will get some tomorrow.
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good luck bro :thumbsup:
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Terry, I'm sorry and a little ashamed to say that I have the log from miss faith. I wrote in it before hunting with it on sunday of the JLMBH. I shot a bunny with her that day! I was tired and needed to get home that evening. So I promised Shawn if he let me take it home with me I'd add pix and story to it and send it to the next guy on the list.....well I forgot all about it :knothead:
So please, if anyone that had the bow during the time between the bunny hunt in Feb. and now, please send me something(notes,pix) and I'll write it in for you and add the pix.
Terry there was a knife in Miss Faith's case at Shawn's.....
I have Miss Faith now and will work on getting her set up to hunt turks with next weekend.
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Sorry David, I thought I replaced those batteries. I think I put a spare set in the case. Yeah, there was no knife or any of the totems mentioned in the case when I got Hope. I thought perhaps it had gotten crowded in the case and the mojo items had been forwarded to the final address for keepsake until the auction. Only thing in there were the things Raineman mentioned minus the arrow but plus an armguard.
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Yes there is a string-keeper, armguard, camera, tripod, 2 strings and a log book in the case.
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Been shooting Miss Faith now for a couple days and I have her pretty well set up for this Sunday's hunt with her and Cade.
Shooting heavy 23/64th cedars that I won at the JLMBH raffle, and of course 160 Snuffers. Got my string tracker ready to go with an AMS adapter, added an Eagle's Flight quiver, and have her "blacked out" a bit for the blind....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/turkeyhunt5-11008.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/turkeyhunt5-11009.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/turkeyhunt5-11010.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/turkeys/turkeyhunt5-11012.jpg)
I've been keeping a close eye on my birds and so far it looks great to get a good set up that'll be easy for Cade to navigate in the dark and not have to walk too far either.......He's really looking forward to it!!
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Guru,
Congats on your turkey harvest, and good luck on your upcoming hunt with your son. I really enjoyed your post about your hunt. It gives confidence to beginners like myself. I've killed a many a gobblers with a shotgun in 19 years of hunting them, but next year, its the stick and string.
Dannon
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Dannon, Thanx bud....start getting ready now for next year....one of the most rewarding hunts you'll ever have!
Still seeing plenty birds...saw three longbeards,and one jake this morning before work.Sunday can't come quick enough!
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Good Luck Curt......Miss Faith is wearing a different dress than the last time I saw her....we're looking foward to hearing about Cade's hunt.....Don and Sky
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Good luck Sunday Curt. Looking forward to the final hunt with Faith before the Auction.
Did you get my email with address change?
Shoot straight>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Jim
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Some of the Vermont land Hope visited. She didn't have turkey Mojo for me but she was a deer and moose magnet.
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f311/vermonster13/Logbook006.jpg)
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f311/vermonster13/Logbook005.jpg)
(http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f311/vermonster13/Logbook004.jpg)
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Pretty country there vermonster. Looks like good turkey areas.
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My hunt with Miss Faith......
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=060413
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The Gals raised $1800 for the St Judes Kids...well done gang!!!!
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Well alright!!!!