I've been wanting to post this all season after looking at and reading all the photo's. After reading the "Why Trad?" thread I finally had to.
I think it's great that people post photos of their success no matter if it's a doe or small buck.
I think the responses are also great with the congratulations and encouragement.
On other sites people might be ridiculed or embarrassed to share their success with "only a doe" or a less than P&Y class buck.
It seems alot of times if you mention you got a doe the response is "oh". And if it's a buck the next question is "How big?". If it's not a wall hanger then it seems most aren't interested.
But on this site everyone sings praise and joins in the success. Way to go! :clapper:
Most people don't get does and small bucks mounted but if you want to check out how good the taxidermy is check out those mounts. I've seen alot of bad taxidermy on big bucks that goes unnoticed because everyone just looks at the antlers.
So to everyone...keep the photos and stories coming! We all enjoy them and it gives inspiration to all who may have had a great season but didn't bring home a deer or to those just starting out.
Now I gotta go feed my high horse.. ;)
Being able to say "I took him/her with a Longbow/Recurve" makes it worth it. That's what the folks at Trad Gang are all about.
pronghorn23: and more to the point, on how many other sites do you find people proudly posting harvest pics of cottontails or squirrels? While I enjoy seeing pics of P&Y bucks and bulls as much as anyone else, I also know that this traditional thing is about so much more than just horns and heads. So whether it's a royal bull elk or a small bunny, I always enjoy pics of a successful hunt with a simple stick and string.
That is exactly what brought me back to the stick and string. I missed those late season bunny hunts, we tried it with compounds and it just wasn't the same. I get just as excited about a great shot made on a rabbit or squirrel as I do a great shot on a deer or hog.
We as hunters have became so specialized that we sometimes forget game is game no matter it's size.
Great thread, great thoughts. I cant wait..for deer season to end so I can chase bunnies?! Something is wrong with me...
Rich (Rooselk)..great point..those are just as good.
Terrific post! :campfire:
LOL,, How many do you want?,,I'm a Traditional bowhunting deer hunter, my favorite saying is "I don't choose the deer, the deer choose me",,Doe, Fawn, Trophy buck,, I'm proud of every one,,Frank
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/4297432frank/Frankdeer2.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/4297432frank/frankdeer5.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v359/4297432frank/frankdeer6.jpg)
yup. To be honest though its just one of those trad things. If my experience with Does was shooting them with a scoped rifle off an ag field I might just shrug it off too.
It seems that some, or maybe even most, equate antler size to cunning or intelligence of some sort. There's nothing any smarter than an older doe that's reared kids. Just like with humans.
I love to see everyone's version of success, especially smaller bucks and does. Frankly, I get a little tired of the big buck photos and guys sitting behind them to make them look even bigger.
That's why this is my cyber home!
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p31/smallwood1972/o8nedoe1.jpg)
(http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p31/smallwood1972/08nedoe2.jpg)
nebraska '08 october whitetails -
55#@26" super shrew deluxe 2018's with woodsmans on the end. great/short blood trails.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y275/420W/IM000298.jpg)
I'm prouder of this deer than I am of my bigger bucks that I have shot with guns. I have killed a lot of deer over the years but my trad deer are the best even if they are the smallest.
Some of us are fortunate and just happen to live in areas where the habitat and laws provide opportunities at what many consider trophies.
I think most folks on here understand the reality of that and also the reality that becoming proficient with our chosen hunting equipement and hunting skill makes any kill something to be damn proud of.
I enjoy seeing them all, big and small. When taken by a single strung bow, I can appreciate the effort a man has given in many ways.
I've taken my share of older bucks, but I'll tell ya my most proud kill is an old doe I took in our late season. Wish I had a digital picture of her to share.
Not to sound cliche, but it is about the road!
Here's a couple of my does from this year. I busted my butt for these girls. One I killed on a canoe in hunt and the other as some here know ... gave me a long walk. ;)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e244/1-Morningstar/DSC00819-1.jpg)
(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e244/1-Morningstar/DSC00820-1.jpg)
(http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/quartermoonlongbows/IMG_0180.jpg)
This one chose me as well!!!! :D
Well since we're posting does here are a couple I got last year. Just fawns, but I didn't care!! Tasted gooooood!!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/varmint101/LongbowDoeKill1021070006.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/varmint101/LongbowDoeKill0003.jpg)
So very comforting to be with like minded folk. Yes, indeed.
Without a doubt, a happy hunter posing with a hard earned trophy is a photo I never tire of seeing.
The faces and names are different, but the JOY is the same regardless of antler size or lack of antlers alltogether.
Happy hunting everyone, and please continue to post your trophy shots. I truely enjoy each and every one. In fact, everyone in my house gathers around the screen to see the photo`s, each and every time. :thumbsup:
Great thread!
I am formost a meat hunter. That means I hunt deer for meat. If a nice rack is attached to my prefered version of walking "fast food", so be it. I'm afraid some look at hunting as a type of competition and in their eyes, if you ain't slaying big racks, well, you just ain't worthy.
Bet there is a bunch of other areas of their pre-judging little live's that are off kilter also.
Count me amoung your ranks! Here's one from a couple years back. I though he was a doe but didn't matter much either way. My family enjoyed what he gave to us;
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/Rugerfan/ResizeofIMG_0729.jpg)
JL