Doesn't take this man long! If you remember I gave away a hunt to the person that posted number 300 on a thread and Randy won. We got to camp today- I put him in a stand at 4 and he just texted and said he's got one down and he saw it fall! He's a natural born killer that boy! Here we go again- you'll havta wait- we're here til Sunday! Ha!
:thumbsup: :campfire: Looking forward to the story and more pics of that beautiful place!! Congrats Randy!!
He is a killer. Don't even let him POINT that Pronghorn in your direction. Congrats Randy!
Instead of the Pronghorn I hope he just bloodied his new bow built by Marty's brother, Pensatucky Pete. Check out the Marty 300 Bow Build on the Bowyer's Forum to see an incredible bow brought to life in front of your very eyes.
Waiting for PICTURES!!
Congrats Randy!!!
Cyber High Five Randy! Congrats! Can't wait to hear the story! :thumbsup:
Man That didn't take very long...CONGRATS randy!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thats great! Marty is one heck of a guy to chat with. That property must be a real paradise. Congrats Randy. :thumbsup:
Way to go Randy! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Killin machine....can't wait to hear the stories and see the pic's.... :campfire:
I'm telling you... that Marty McMahon is a heck of a guide. Street talk is he took Biggie Hoffman out and even got him a hog one time. BW
Way to go Randy ... Marty is the man, or is that McMahon. He knows how to put you on the hogs. Enjoy the hunt, its an awsome place and I look forward to the story...
I hear that's an urban legend, Barry
Yipper - I stopped to see him in Cheyenne on the way down and he is a very focussed young fella.
he has nerves of steel I think from all the competitive shooting (guns bows - you name it)...I think the animals better just head for the hills if they have 'em if he shows up.
Jer
Congrats Randy.Enjoy tour week.
Good, good.
:clapper: Ya baby! Gonna need some pics!
congrats Randy. To bring everyone up to date 4 hogs were put on the pole last night . Randy and Company brought in hogs weighing from 20lb to over 200. They were skinning and cleaning till 1am.
Penntuk Pete is not Martys brother he Is mine to set the record.
I will say this Marty is great and this place is amazing. Gotta get back to hunting.
Randy you see Anything yet? It's all quiet on my stand. Wonder how the others are doing? Great morning for a hunt.
Way to go Randy! Mountians or swamps - don't much matter. You just stack em up!
And good on you Marty. You sure put hin on em!
:coffee: :goldtooth:
OK, he's not your brother, sorry about that, but he makes a pretty bow. So, are you gents using the Marty 300 bow in this hunt?
Marty...I started a thread the same time you did....didn't know you were posting from camp....COOL...so I closed out my thread.
Congrats Randy.....and I wont be spoiling anything....hammer down on em!!!
Can't wait to read another Okeechobee hunt story. :campfire:
:thumbsup: Can't wait to "hear" some stories and see some pictures! Way to go Randy and company!
Booyah!!!!!!!
:archer2: Congrats
If this lack of story thing is a new technique to get to 300, I don't think it's right. Even Charlie gives us a little of the story...
:-)
Give em time...hard to tell a story texting on a stupid cell phone. :D
:campfire: :campfire:
QuoteOriginally posted by Terry Green:
Give em time...hard to tell a story texting on a stupid cell phone. :D
Lets just say we had to remove ice from freezer to make room for all the new pork addition.
Ok ok got a minute. Like I said before this place is awesome. I got here Wednesday night and Marty was kind enough to pick me up at the airport. Like I said before Marty is great. I met martys master mule deer guide Aram and his friend Darren who I would get to share camp with this weekend. We got to the lease yesterday afternoon and shot a few arrows. I also got to meet Les and Pete. All I can think is how great this weekend will be with a camp full of great people. Four came around and Marty took myself, Aram and Darrin to stands.
To tie you over I have got one boar. I have some cool experiences and seen animals I did not expect in south Florida.
Cool! You still didn't say if you bloodied the new bow or not!
I have not got the new bow out yet. Had a little string issue today. Hope to get it out tomorrow. I will say Pete did an awesome job. It is beautiful a truly talented man. My thanks to both Pete and his brother Les.
:thumbsup: :campfire:
6:13. Just had a "patches" sow come in. Stayed out of range on far side of feeder. I'm sitting in a ground blind and when the wind blows sting hog scent is very strong. Brother Pete reports he shot high giving his hog a bitnof ye old razor burn. Have not heard from any one else. Sure to be a report later.
My bad from Peres photo of blood I think shot was much better then he thought. Might be time to bring peanut the wonder dog in
Pete has been sucessful. We have full hog recovery. Congrats penntucky pete
Congrats Randy! Pics please.
:thumbsup:
:campfire:
Randy, Great job!Keep em dropping. Ben
Good on you randy....keep us posted bud
jer bear
Here is a pic of the first Marty showed us when we got here.
Here is a link guys I will post more pics after the hunting.
Now bear with me. Photobucket is a little rough on the blackberry. I will do what I can though.
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMDgtMjAxMDA0MTUtMTQxM.jpg
:campfire: this is good :jumper: :jumper:
I'll post those ones you sent me last night...
Aaaahhh the capabilities of an Iphone...
(http://inlinethumb13.webshots.com/45580/2690574220085968352S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2690574220085968352YOhEhN)
(http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/45894/2794013600085968352S500x500Q85.jpg) (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2794013600085968352oxcqqN)
Nice! way to go Bud :thumbsup:
Congrats Randy!
Congrats to Marty as well for "puttin' ya on 'um", you're one heck of a host buddy :notworthy:
Thanks matty there are a lot more pics and some better ones of the pig and more hunting to do.
Thanks Curt and you are right,
Curt man you are right Marty is as good a host as one could ask for.
A good pig, Randy! Well-done!
Congrats Randy,nice pig by the way.
Nice hog Randy,wonder if anyone has ever backed a bow with a gator hide.
Well done :thumbsup:
Congrats to all!!!
Can't wait to hear and see pics of the rest of the story when you get back.
Looks great Randy, we're going to have to go shoot at lunch and let me see, aka shoot, that new bow when ya get back.
Dan
BBQ at your place when you get home Randy? I'll bring the drinks. :)
Good job!
I'd get a nose bleed being that far off the ground. :biglaugh:
How's the skeeters? :scared: :eek:
Way to go Randy!
Looks like you will have some PORK sausage for elk camp this year!
Shoot straight, Shinken
Curt my friend if the skeeters get any worse I will need to add a quart :)
Hang in there bud :(
THERMACELL!!!!!!
We are plus one. More to come.
WAY COOL Randy!
Bring it ON!
Shoot straight, Shinken
Well Today is the sad part of any hunting trip. We packed up camp and we are hanging out at martys house till its time to head to the airport. Got some cool pictures I hope and had a great night last night. I will start stories and pictures tomorrow.
Great Randy,we wait for the pics;have a safe trip home.
:campfire:
Looking forward to it....safe travels Randy :campfire:
Congratulations from Skyler and I Randy!
Yup, have a safe trip home Randy, looking forward to the full story when you get back....
Congrats to you and to Marty for putting it together!!!
I know he made it to Atlanta...he text me from the airport....look forward to more today.
:campfire: :coffee:
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
Ok ok got a minute. Like I said before this place is awesome. I got here Wednesday night and Marty was kind enough to pick me up at the airport. Like I said before Marty is great. I met martys master mule deer guide Aram and his friend Darren who I would get to share camp with this weekend. We got to the lease yesterday afternoon and shot a few arrows. I also got to meet Les and Pete. All I can think is how great this weekend will be with a camp full of great people. Four came around and Marty took myself, Aram and Darrin to stands.
To tie you over I have got one boar. I have some cool experiences and seen animals I did not expect in south Florida.
Ok I have a little time and will try to get this going. Lets back up just a little first. On the way into camp we seen this big boy right by the road.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMDgtMjAxMDA0MTUtMTQxM.jpg)
Now I have never been to florida and have never seen an aligator before. This made my trip before the hunting ever started.
As we traveled from martys house to camp he offered great advice on shot placement and hunting hogs. I tried to absorb all that I could remember.
So as I said we were all taken to stands the first night and action started quick. I seen all kinds of animals while on stand. From the most beautiful birds to squirells and the famed turkey.
Give me a few while I get some pics uploaded and resized.
So here wee go. Many of you have seen this before but this thing is awesome.
Aram and Darren getting things ready to go.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0089.jpg)
This was my favorite thing about the Buggy aside from it keeping me from swimming with the gators.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0160.jpg)
This would be the little guy that gave us some trouble and set Marty to walking one afternoon. Pete got it fixed up though. Notice the new bolts. Not to mention Marty is a very talented driver on vehichle with no breaks.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0163.jpg)
Ok here we are hunting. My ol trusty sitting ready.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0091.jpg)
The first night brought all kinds of fun. The best was around 6:00. A good boar came in and I prepared for the shot. He slowly checked out the area carefully as he approached. I recalled what Marty had said about shot placement as he presented a broadside oppertunity. I drew to anchor talking myself through the shot. My eyes settled steady on the spot I had chossen(tight to shoulder and slightly lower than midway). A good release and my arrow flu true to is mark. The Boar spun and quickly broke the arrow off.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0093.jpg)
I watched as he tried to run away. The blood running out. In thirty yards he crashed. I had my first okeechobee hog.
It is a little tough to see. But right through the tree center of the picture is the hog and how far he made it.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0095.jpg)
I sent Marty a text letting him know that I had connected and he said he would come in a little early for some daylight pictures. I kept on hunting. Look at what came in next.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0096.jpg)
These were in the forty to sixty pound area and I had a great time watching them and learning how the hogs interact with eachother. I chose to pass on taking one though.
Marty came in on the buggy to help with pictures and pick me up about seven thirty. Here is piggy number one. Not a huge one but I was very excited and happy.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0103.jpg)
After we got him loaded up Marty took me up to another feeder for a stalk and what I saw was certinly a highlight of the trip for me.
:campfire: good stuff .... ready for more :jumper:
Ok I gotta go get some pictures printed before work I will add more soon.
Good Stuff!!
Nice to see the Ferret / Ferret Combo drawing blood
:thumbsup:
You have some great pictures going on there Randy. I'm enjoying the story.
Good job, Randy!
Keep the photos coming.
Kirk
Congrats!! Great pics. Thank You. :clapper: :clapper:
Nice pics,mine are always at dark because our boars move just before darkness.
Well Marty said there was good stalk on a feeder we were close to. So I jumped off and walking lightly I made my way in close to see if there was any hogs to be found there. What I found was by no means a hog. As I stalked closer when i caught a glimps of a black figure moving in front of me. My first thought was that is a huge hog. As I crawled around a palmento head I saw something awesome. I backed out quickly and ran back to the buggy and traded my bow in for my cammera and snapped these shots.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0105.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0106.jpg)
The pics are a little blurry but I never thought or expected that I would see a black bear in florida. This sow actully had a cub with her but I was not able to get any pictures of the cub. This was a true highlight for me. I feel a little bad because when I ran back to get my cammera I told Marty there was a bear there and I was so excited that took off running back to take pictures and never asked or waited for him to come along and see her too. Sorry about that buddy.
:thumbsup:
This is shaping up nicely!!!!
Great first hog Randy, and that bear is realy some nice icing!!!
Well after taking a few pictures of the bear we picked up Aram who had two hogs. Of of which he took with a self bow that he made and self arrows with stone points knapped my him. These were all firsts for Aram. It was awesome to the witness excitment in his eyes as told to stories of his first evening hunting in Florida. Then we heard from Darren he had got a pig as well. So we went to get him and help find his hog.
We went 4 for 3 the first night.
Good hunters there.
Ok I have to go earn a paycheck. Check back though there is more story to tell. With more pictures as well.
Sounds like a great hunt. Congrats. I was wondering about Aram. He said he was going and built a selfbow and the arrows. I have no doubt he was excited. I hope some pics of him show up. Great thread. Keep it up.
This is great Randy!! Congrats!!
Sounds like/looks like you had a great time.... :thumbsup: :archer2:
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
Check back though there is more story to tell. With more pictures as well.
Oh, I'm checking Randy :readit:
Great stories and pics! Keep em comin'! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by FerretWYO:
I have not got the new bow out yet. Had a little string issue today. Hope to get it out tomorrow. I will say Pete did an awesome job. It is beautiful a truly talented man. My thanks to both Pete and his brother Les.
Let's talk about the bow again. I did not hunt with the new sweetwater bow but trust me when I say the bow is magnificent. Pete did a great job on it and Les purchased all the materials. I wish I could have shot enough to get comfortable with it but the serving slipped and time was short. It will see some woods time though. Les and Pete gave me a hard time about how much it weighs because of the ebony and Pete says to put on a diet when they ship it back.
I thank you both once again for your generosity.
Pete like I said you better have singed it. You worked way to hard on it not to.
My pictures of it from camp did not turn out but I am sure the black hole will make more appearances on tradgang. :clapper:
Ok need to do some work ha ha
Great pic's and story....ready for more!
Very cool Randy!
Randy the "blackhole" is all packed up and will get shipped back to Pete in the next day or so.
Congrats again....and that was cool seeing that bear no doubt...and I'm glad you got pics of her!!!
Day two brought just as much fun even though I seen no hogs. Wait we did see a hog that morning in the dark so I cant say that. Friday Morning I sat a different feeder in a beautiful setting. This is the veiw from the stand. It is an amazing place.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMTQtMjAxMDA0MTYtMDcyM.jpg)
I had never been to Florida before this adventure and I did not know what to expect. I asked a lot of questions to some that had been to gain some advice. What I did know about florida was that they had wildlife that did not roam where I live. One critter that I had really hoped to see was a gator. Well Marty took care of that first thing. The other was the famed Osceola turkey. Friday morning brought just that. This group of long beards wondered in. They are a beautiful bird. Very bronze in color.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMjAtMjAxMDA0MTYtMDgwO.jpg)
Shortly after Marty showed in the Buggy with Aram and we went to pick up Darren he had a hog and Peanut worked her magic right to him.
On our return Marty whipped up some food and we shot a few arrows. Having been up late the night before cleaning hogs some found a comfy couch and caught a few winks.
Friday evening was a slow night for all of us exept Pete and Les. You can read there story on the 2bows 2bros 2hogs thread. When I say slow that does not mean that is was not fun though. There is always something happening, squirells and birds playing all over.
We returned to camp that night to some great deerr burger and home fries. Then a good nights rest. Tomorrow will bring more fun, more game, more bonding of new friends, and more enjoyment.
:clapper:
Saturday morning came with the crisp and humid Florida air though much warmer than the morning before. Now the day before we had gone out and checked a bunch of feeders added corn and looked for sign. One of the feeders that we went to Marty took me to the next morning. He had also given us directions on some roads to walk so later in the morning with hopes of a stalk opperrtunity. I was in a tall ladder stand on a Palm tree. Within just a few minutes the critters started appearing. First critter to show up was a dark almost black raccoon. Then four more showed up. Next a couple of young bucks wandered in.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0134.jpg)Sorry for the blurry pics I had a little trouble with them for some reason.
I had a great time watching the coons fight and the deer look at them like what is wrong with you little angry critters and the calmly got there breakfast.
Around eight the deer mozied on. I decided to try my luck on a Raccoon.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0138.jpg)
After recovering my new trophy I went on to the area that Marty thought we may be able to stalk a few pigs. Aram was also in that same area. Hopefully we could make a little ambush. There was sign everywhere but we were just a little bit late the piggys were already in hiding. A great morning hunt though of that there was no doubt.
Saturday night took me to the same stand I had sat on tursday night. If you remember I had passed up a few pigs there that night after I got the first boar.
It was not long and I could see the pigs coming through the trees. As they approached I got ready for a shot in case there was a hog in the group that I wanted to take. As they came in it was the same five that were there thursday but the had a larger boar with them now. I decided I would try for him. As they fought and pushed eachother around I waited for a clean shot. Finally he came close and gave me the broad side view. I drew slowly and one of them caught me moving and the jumped. Fortunatly they did not leave. Again I waited for that broadside picture. This time I made it to anchor. I released and my arrow was loose. I saw it hit to the right of were I wanted it. To far back I told myself. Give it time. I let Marty know that I had hit one and where and he noted that a little time would be good and that him and peanut would come and help in the tracking. A few more came in while I waited. One a pregnant Sow. You could tell she was ready to drop babies any day. When Marty got there I explained how it all played out and that I had seen the boar stop under a tree just forty yards away. I wish that I would have taken pictures of Peanut working because she knew what she was doing that was for sure. She picked up the trail right away and went right to where I had seen him stop. In just another 30 yards she found him laying dead. The shot had done its job though I perfer not to repeat it.
Next we went to pick up Darren. He was having a little trouble with his Thermacell and was nearly out of blood. :biglaugh: I know that I would not be laughing had that happened to me though. After that we went to pick up Aram. Aram Said that he had got a good boar with a silver face and tail. (blue hog we were told they are called). Once again we got Peanut out and let her do her thing. Peanut like several times before found Arams hog in a short time with not one drop of blood the ground.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0141.jpg)
Look at that bow he is holding that thing is a beauty. I was lucky enough to shoot a few arrows through it.
There is still a little bit more to come.
How did I miss this picture. This was my boar from thursday night once we got back to camp. I have learned in my hunting experiance that we very seldom do anything without help , influance and encouragement from others. Thanks Marty.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0120.jpg)
Awesome dude...
Great story, thanks for sharing. Looks like Marty gets a big at a boy and kudos to Aram for connecting with the home made gear.
Well Sunday morning brought a sad time. For now woudl be the final day. No one sat on stand that morning we did get to go for a ride on the buggy and make a few stalks on feeders. I found this little guy in the dark.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/utf-8BSU1HMDAwMjItMjAxMDA0MTctMDUyO.jpg)
The whole time that I was there I was in awe of the lanscape. It is so different from what I knew and where I live. This was one thing I saw that was awesome.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0126.jpg)
Here is Peanut. She has such a sweet personality and is very good at what she does.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0168.jpg)
Then came time for packing. For reasons most all of us understand it is somber part of the trip and with the people on this trip it was even harder to know that soon we would all be parting ways. Even Peanut knew the fun was winding down and looked a little sad.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0177.jpg)
To sum up this trip in words cannot be done. The memories, the feelings and friendships made were to special to put in words. Marty is a very special person. It is very evident that his heart and soul go into what he does. His passion for hunting and traditional archery is evident and his knowledge and willingness to share taught me more than he may ever know. Aram and Darren were great people who are dedicated and into the spirit of the hunt it was an honor to share a camp with them. Aram was also a wealth of knowledge with much to teach. I much enjoyed learning from his stories and experience. Pete and Les are great. It was awesome to be there when they got their hogs the same night and for Les it was his first with a Trad Bow.
The Okeechobee swamps are a special and mystic place were wildlife of all types roam the woods and the spanish moss shrouds the swamp with mystery. I saw hogs, bears, gators, osceola, possom, whitetail, buzzards, blue jays, cardinals, woodpeckers, squirells, raccons, herrens, tracks of panther(I would call it a mountian lion but they said that was not right ha ha) and bobcat, and countless other wildlife. Each one made every step something new and something exciting.
Getting on that plane to fly away from the great experience I had just had was hard. What I carried with me was friendships made and memories of an adventure that without the giving nature of a few and one in particular I would have never had the chance to experience.
wow, looks like an awesome trip randy!!!! that bear would have surprised the heck out of me!
Very cool story Randy. Thanks for taking us along.
Jack
:thumbsup:
Ferret wrote..
QuoteMarty is a very special person. It is very evident that his heart and soul go into what he does. His passion for hunting and traditional archery is evident and his knowledge and willingness to share taught me more than he may ever know.
I second that. Marty has opened his home and camp countless hours and days to the Traditional Bowhunting community. I have been very fortunate to be on the receiving end of that hospitality many times. He is definitely one guy i can say makes this passion of bowhunting we have funnier. I talk to him daily and have never had a conservation in which he didn't make me laugh. if you surround yourself with friends that make you laugh? it's kind of hard to have a bad day!!!
I'll 3rd Randys post and 2nd joebucks. :campfire:
Make it 4th, I luv that McMahon fella :campfire:
Just like Chapter VII in my new book, "Marty McMahon... Legend or Loser?" The answer is leaning towards "Legend". We love you Martha! xoxo Uncle Barry
" Blush"
Its all true Marty.
Great post! Thanks!!
Great story and pictures! :thumbsup:
:clapper:
WOW! What a tread. Great pics and story Randy. Congrats to all that were there. Sounds like an adventure of a lifetime thanks to Marty. Way to go! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
What a terrific trip! :D I am still trying to ID that frog. Wish I could see its toes.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Great report! Great pictures!
killdeer, I believe tht frog is a Cuban tree frog.
never hunted with Marty, but I did stay at a holiday express with him once. LOL. naw just ate some breakfast ( that biggie bought). As clint eastwood said, "I got no complaints". Great story Randy. DB
QuoteOriginally posted by batman:
naw just ate some breakfast ( that biggie bought). DB
Y'all got Biggie to spring for breakfast??????? I want to hear THAT story!!!!!!!!!!
Glad you got to go Randy. It is indeed a wonderful place.
Yea, I heard that Biggie actually - intentionally - slipped out of his Snuggie long enough to dig out his wallet and cover the tab, BUT when it came to leave a tip for the waitress the zipper on his Snuggie had gotten wedged and locked up....
;~)
(Couldn't resist the opportunity...)
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Shoot straight, Shinken
Did'nt mean to turn this into a Biggie bashin. I got nothin bad to say about the man. the first time I met him, he bought me breakfast. Thanks Biggie. I mean it. Don
Thanks for the correction Don! You're definitely correct in your assessment.
While I have yet to meet Biggie, I have heard through various channels that the man goes the extra mile - way beyond generous!
He is an example for us all and for traditional archery!
Shoot straight, David Camp
I am a little behind everyone in posting as I just got home from FL. and now have access to a puter. So please bear with me as I tell a little bit of my experiences at the Marty 300.
Just how special is a hunt in the palmetto swamps west of Lake Okeechobee that is hosted by Marty? Let me tell you a little bit about the camp that a lot of you may not know. One of the finest descriptions about hunting in that area can be found in a little known treatise about bow hunting called "The Witchery of Archery" that was written by the Maurice Thompson and dedicated to his brother Will. I cannot say that they were on this exact piece of property but they do mention Fisheateng Creek which is only a few miles away and the descriptions of the land match the camp to a T. As for the volume and quality of the game we can let the story that you have been reading on this post answer that question.
Another thing that makes a hunt at this camp so special is the members of the camp. They truly do take care of the little things that make a hunt special. What am I talking about? First there is the food. I have been to the camp as a guest a few times and never have I had a meal that only classified as good, they are great! This hunt featured the culinary skills of Les and Marty. I know of no better team, unless you wanted to throw Don in to the mix too. On a Second note are the buggies. When do you get to ride atop a modified Pickup frame sporting 40 inch tires and a platform that puts the hunter's feet 5' 11" off the ground. Talk about a view. Even in the heat when the buggy is moving dodging the Spanish moss and Scrub Oak braches the ride is comfortable. Even fast enough to stay ahead of the Mosquitoes. About the Stands, each stand is carefully thought out for shooting lanes and wind direction. Even a bug machine to keep the mosquitoes at bay is made available. Each stand has the necessary haul rope permanently attached to the stand, there are multiple bow and equipment hooks well placed in every tree. And then there are the names of the stands, names like, "Gator Hole" , "Poachers", "Dippin Vat", "Hog Trap" , "New Piece", "Tree House", "Culvert South" and many others. It all begins to bring about an understanding of just how special this place can be.
I am one of the "lucky ones" in that I have gotten to visit this hunter's paradise a number of times as a guest because Les is my brother. I build him bows and maintain his swamp buggy, (along with Marty's as the need arises) Les in turn lets me come to Florida for a visit every so often to this paradise west of Lake Okeechobee. This trip was a little different in that I was going to be there while Marty was hosting the Marty 300 trip. I guess Les invited me down since I had built a bow for Randy the winner of the Marty 300. I arrived a few days early and got a jump on the hunting so please bear with me as I get caught up on my part of the story.
I got to camp with Les Sunday afternoon and as is usually the case we had some quick maintenance to take care of and then it was off to one of my favorite places, Gator Hole or Garrett's Lair as Les and I call it in honor of a special friend. That night found me sitting in the road stand about 12 yards from the perimeter of the feed zone. Here is the view from the road stand.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1071.jpg)
All was quiet and a raccoon showed up. What better to test my shooting skills on. Well I gave him quiet the headache and at the same time made a very big mistake. Not wanting to disturb the area by getting out of my stand I left the bloody arrow lay very near the hot zone. About 30 minutes later I learned the severity of my mistake. 3 hogs came in and just as the big one was getting close for a perfect shot he decided to trot a few yards to a better place. Right where my bloody arrow lay. one sniff and GONE AUGHHH so much for porker tonight!
pete
Not to take away any of Marty's limelight but the fact we're joking about Biggie springing for a meal ticket (no pun intended)just shows what kind of friends I have. If you go onto the PBS forum you'll notice Biggie is a paid sponsor. He doesn't have a thing for sale like other sponsors, he just bought the open sponsorship in order to support the organization. Then, the fact he ran the bidding up and out the roof on a quiver the kids made during one of the youth hands-on classes that weekend, only to give it to Hogdancer's little angels Emily and Claire Burns (in trade for a hug) says something about the guy. That's why Biggie and Marty are two of my very best friends... I know I'm truly embarrassing them both but our sport thrives and prospers on guys like these. We're very lucky to have them. BW
QuoteOriginally posted by Barry Wensel:
Not to take away any of Marty's limelight but the fact we're joking about Biggie springing for a meal ticket (no pun intended)just shows what kind of friends I have. If you go onto the PBS forum you'll notice Biggie is a paid sponsor. He doesn't have a thing for sale like other sponsors, he just bought the open sponsorship in order to support the organization. Then, the fact he ran the bidding up and out the roof on a quiver the kids made during one of the youth hands-on classes that weekend, only to give it to Hogdancer's little angels Emily and Claire Burns (in trade for a hug) says something about the guy. That's why Biggie and Marty are two of my very best friends... I know I'm truly embarrassing them both but our sport thrives and prospers on guys like these. We're very lucky to have them. BW
Good Call Barry. I have not met Biggie in person though I heard more than enough good about him to confirm what you have said. it woudl have been cool if he was there this weekend sure would like to shake his hand. As far as Marty, a great friend you have in him as I have already made it clear that he is as good as they get.
QuoteOriginally posted by Killdeer:
What a terrific trip! :D I am still trying to ID that frog. Wish I could see its toes.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Killie if it helps he was only a little bit bigger than a quarter.
If it's a Cuban tree frog, you're supposed to snuff it. If it's a squirrel tree frog, it's native and you let it be, maybe send its kids to college. They are typically very small. Cuban tree frogs get huge, but they have to start somewhere...
Neat looking frog, whatever it is.
The more I hear about this bunch of hunters, the more proud I am to be in your pixellary company.
Killdeer :campfire:
Great story Pete. And Uncle Barry is right. That man Biggie bought my breakfast as well during the PBS. He then, along with Marty, gave me valuable info on hunting hogs. Can thank those to enough.
Thanks Marty and Biggie! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Randy, you must feel like a fish out of water in Fla after living in WY...PR
Pete and Randy the Marty 300 Blackhole has been insured and shipped back to PA.
Been well over a week since I have been able to get on and relax a little ith some traditional surfing. Sounds like a great trip thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the updat les.
It was different Paul I will say that a florida swamp is a bountiful and awesome place. Throw in like minded people that are amazing and you have a winner.
QuoteOriginally posted by Barry Wensel:
Just like Chapter VII in my new book, "Marty McMahon... Legend or Loser?" The answer is leaning towards "Legend". We love you Martha! xoxo Uncle Barry
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Saturday evening was spent at camp making dinner and cleaning and as always planning the next mornings hunt. Based on the predicted wind direction Les and I decided that we would hunt the "Pine Stand" and try to do a video. I would be on the "Platform" and Les would be in the "Pine" 5:00 am came around and then it was in to the truck to make our way to the stand. As we quietly approached we could hear the pigs rustleing and grunting in the nearby palmetto stands. We quickly got in to our stands and got everything ready. My new Purple Heart/Zebrawood Longbow was in my hand.
There is a bit of a story with this bow. I had been aiming for a 55# longbow for Chip of Wildfire Artistry. After the tillering was done the bow was pulling 70# at 28 inches. A wee bit heavy. So I set it aside with the plan of finishing the heavy bow in the future. Well I was building the shipping box to send the bows down to FL and realized I had room for one more. I knew that all I had to do was finish the nocks which had been glued on. 35 minutes later I had rough shaped the nocks and took the bow to the back yard. Ok, It shoots just like Les' longbow. I'll take it! In the box it went. Oh yea, I sprayed a quick coat of clear lacquer on it to protect it from the Florida elements.
I got my little space on the platform organized. Backpack hung, bug machine positioned, stool set properly, bow with arrow knocked in the holder ready to go. And then we waited. As the sun slowly made its way towards its appointment with sunrise, the sky in the east brightened. Ahhhh shooting light was present. Here is the scene that greeted my eyes as they adjusted to the new found light.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1027.jpg)
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1030.jpg)
We waited on a few more minutes and then Patches and another black sow meandered out from the palmettos and over to the feeder. I turned to Les looking for the high sign to shoot. "Go for it" was the gist of his reply. After a few minutes of munching corn and jostling for position the black sow was in perfect position for a shot. The sow was 15 yards out and just quartering away. I checked with Les again. "Shoot." I already had my bow in hand so I slowly drew back. As my index finger touched my anchor I hesitated just a moment to check my aim. All looked good so I let that arrow fly. And it went right to its mark. The last thing I remember seeing was the fletching burying in to the shoulder as the pig began reacting to the shot. I expected and explosion and a squeal but it didn't happen. Instead the pig acted more like a well hit white tail. The pig bolted and then just trotted away. At about 35 yards out I saw the sows legs go goofy at which point she turned in to the thicket where I lost sight of her. It then sounded like she took off for all she was worth running in to the next county. Les gave me a thumbs up on the shot and quickly took a compass bearing on the last sighting. We remained in our stands for the next two hours during which time I noticed my arrow laying on the ground, Ah good a pass through! If you look closely at the edge of the light grey sand you can see the arrow. It is below the logs that are in the sand.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1033.jpg)
At 8:30 we climbed out of the stands and took a look. The arrow was well coated with dried blood by this time. I went to where the pig had been standing and there was blood on the ground and we could see the evidence of bubbles.
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1036.jpg)
Les and I began following the trail easily leading us to where we last saw the pig. Of course we couldn't find any blood continuing on the trail ahead because the pig had made a sharp left. As we turned to look we didn't notice a large blotch of blood but instead a pig laying dead 6 feet in to the thicket. What I thought was the sound of running was obviously the pig thrashing. Success!
(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc105/longbowpete/marty%20300/DSCN1040.jpg)
And so ended my second hunt with my new longbow.
pete
Nice shootin' there and a fine lookin' bow.
Great shot pete.
We still hunting on this thread??????
Cool.... :campfire:
In an independent survey conducted at the recent PBS Gathering, 9 out of 10 people named Marty McMahon as "The Nicest Guy They've Ever Met."
Lie detector tests are pending.....
That is a great shot right there Pete, just where your supposed to shoot 'em! :thumbsup:
Pete those bows of yours are sure nice! Congrats on a fine pig and a great shot :thumbsup:
Gene, please take your meds!
Ya Randy when I was in Basic Training in the Air Force I put in for the NW as a duty assignment, Spent 3 1/2 yrs at Homestead Fla...PR
Marty, this is how I act when I eat too much red meat....
Gene let us know how those tests come out we don't want anybody getting the wrong idea if the survey data was bad. Though I don't care how the tests come out I will still know he is a nice guy. Heck he took a kid from Wyoming in for a few days and put him on some hogs.
He asked nothing in return for his kindness prove in fact that is true.
Bow update
4/24/2010 3:32:00 AM IN TRANSIT TO STROUDSBURG, PA US
4/24/2010 3:31:00 AM DEPARTURE SCAN HARRISBURG, PA US
4/23/2010 10:08:00 PM LOCATION SCAN HARRISBURG, PA US
4/23/2010 8:02:00 PM UNLOAD SCAN HARRISBURG, PA US
4/23/2010 5:17:00 PM ARRIVAL SCAN HARRISBURG, PA US
4/22/2010 8:06:00 AM DEPARTURE SCAN JACKSONVILLE, FL US
4/22/2010 7:20:00 AM LOCATION SCAN JACKSONVILLE, FL US
4/22/2010 6:24:00 AM UNLOAD SCAN JACKSONVILLE, FL US
4/22/2010 5:40:00 AM ARRIVAL SCAN JACKSONVILLE, FL US
4/21/2010 9:55:00 PM DEPARTURE SCAN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL US
4/21/2010 9:11:00 PM ORIGIN SCAN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL US
4/21/2010 6:30:00 PM PICKUP SCAN DEERFIELD BEACH, FL US
4/21/2010 6:28:00 PM BILLING INFORMATION RECEIVED US
Thataway to keep a dead thread up top!
:laughing: