It's that time of year again for another Bunny Romp. Once again I will open the Waterloo Gun Club for our meeting place, and keep the club house open thru out the day. Lunch will be potluck, bring a dish to pass. Last year I made up the Brats and will do it again this year.
The hunt will be on Jan 22nd, I will have the club house opened by 7:00 a.m. the coffe will be hot and rolls will be served.
Whip tells me that his property is lacking in Bunny's this year. There is alot of public land to chose from within a mile of the gun club. With no snow at this time, it is hard to do any scouting. But, the good news is snow is in the forcast. If anyone is interested in checking out the public land, let me know and we'll do some scouting. :archer2:
If anyone needs directions send me an email, PM, or give me a call.
I will be out of country this year. Gotta miss this one.
ChuckC
I've got it on my calander Paul! I. In NM right now but will be up for some scouting when i get back. We'll find something to chase!
I'll be there...gotta work later in the evening but will be there for most of the day!
Back up top for the night crew.
I'll forward the info to family! :thumbsup:
Looking forward to it.
Last year we had a schduling conflict with the Rib Mtn shoot. This year there is no conflict so I am thinking more people will be showing up.
I'll put it on my calander. A lot of trad guys around here I haven't met yet. Should be fun.
Paul I'll be showing up, can't wait to get together with everyone!
i would need about 3 pages of directions...love to get out that way some day.
hope you guys have fun , and you know forum rules state that you have to post pics...just to let ya know..
:thumbsup:
-hov
Good timing Paul. I have a shoot two weeks after that at Sherwood Forest in Sussex. Feb 5th. I hope to make it to the hunt. Hope everyone can make both.
I hope to make the Bunny Romp. Went two years ago and took lots of action shots (camera) for TradArchers' World magazine of the elusive sylvilagus floridans, arrow flinging bunny hunters and even a hero shot of Jerry Karbon showing off the lone rabbit fatality of the day. Lots of fun.
This year, I have a smaller camera and will be able to carry bow & arrows.
What kind of "broadheads" should I use?
Tom
Can't wait for coffee at 7. Paul if you need a scouting partner let me know.
Well, I am going to attempt to get there. It would be nice to meet some of the people who's post I often read.
Bob.
Tom, It'll be great to have you come on down,I know it's a drive for you, no need for broadheads some blunts will work just fine.
Bruce, give me a call and so we can set something up.
Bob, Hope you can make it, you won't regret it.
Any one else thinking about it?
I'll try to make it again this year, probably by myself this time.
I'm gonna try to make it. Should be fun and a learning experience.
Paul(BadgerArrow) and I did some rabbit recon today with better than expected results. The principle feature of the public lands around Waterloo is intersecting shallow rivers, the Maunesha and Crawfish, with several thousand acres of public hunting grounds. The previous two years we've hunted private but the public looks encouraging. The rivers have a good ice cover providing access to either side unless a major thaw occurs in the next couple weeks. After finding an initial location near the Waterloo Sportsmans Club we checked an access point a mile down river and met up with a deer hunter walking the ice back to his vehicle,(this was the last weekend of gun season in the CWD zone). After introducing ourselves we asked if he had encountered rabbit
sign he responded, "lots of it," directing us to a wooded island just up river. He said this was a spot not many people knew about and I suspect it's where he shot his 178 whitetail on opening weekend that he spoke about. His candor was surprising but he seemed to instantly connect with our upcoming traditional rabbit hunt. With this info we decided not to take the walk and headed back to the club that Paul's a member of to see how the shotgunners rabbit hunt event had gone that morning. There was a good 40 hunters at the clubhouse and 52 rabbits were taken. Sounds real good to me. Join us, a great clubhouse, food and friends and maybe a few "bits".
Smoke 1953,
Wow, I am getting excited to attend this event I went out today to try my hand at squirrels on our property. The cruncy ice and snow kept me from getting close enough for a shot, but the stump shooting was a blast.
I have two questions,
1) do guys use Flu-flu's or reg. arrows.
2) any chance I can get directions from Dodgeville taking 18/151 East bound?
Thanks,
Bob.
QuoteOriginally posted by smoke1953:
Can't wait for coffee at 7. Paul if you need a scouting partner let me know.
Depending on the day, I could be up for some scouting as well!
Damn......missed it! LOL! Thats good news though! Really looking forward to this hunt, its always a blast!
Bob, from Dodgeville take 18 around Mad town on the beltline continuing east out of Madison on 18 to the Deerfield turnoff(Hwy 73) head north on 73 through Deerfield and on to Marshall, turn east on Hwy 19, which is the main drag through Marshall, to Waterloo. In downtown Waterloo turn north on Hwy 89 for about 2 miles, at that point 89 takes a sharp 90 degree turn to the west however continue north instead on Hwy T for about a mile and I believe there is a sign for the Waterloo Sportsmans Club, take a left on Witt Ln. which deadends at the club. Hope to see ya there.
Thanks Smoke.
Bob.
Hey Bob....please bring that Whip of yours....sure would like to shoot a few arrows thru her if you don't mind brother! I've never shot one, heard great things about em!
Bob do you really want to give your bow to a BowHuntingFool?
No worries, I was planning on huntng with my Hawk and bringing the Whip. Pete McMiller wanted to see it as well. I was kinda hoping to maybe see differnet bows and shoot a few myself. If I can talk my buddy into comming he will bring his Dwyer Endeavor. That is a fun little bow with some good quicks.
Anyhow, Smoke I reckon there is not a bigger bow hunting fool than me, so I will let anyone use the bow that wants to. :archer:
Looking forward to meeting some of you tradgangers in person.
Bob
I just want to shoot one, heard great things! I'll have a couple Big Rivers and a Newwood Longbow for you to check out!
Joe, It would be cool to shoot a big river bow. I ahve heard guys talk abotu them but I have never seen one. I am looking forward to meeting you.
Bob.
You'll love the Big River..... I sold my Mohawk when I got my first Big River, and I LOVED that Mohawk! :goldtooth:
This hunt is a good time, looking forward to it big time!
Bruce,
Thanks for posting the directions. If you are up to it and the weather permits we can go and explore the island next Monday.
I might be up for a little recon on Monday if you go.
I'm up for that. It's a pretty unique area and with the intersecting rivers being shallow and slow moving they are well frozen allowing there use as highways to sites that you couldn't get to before. Hopefully this link works but the wooded island north of the 90 deg turn on the road supposedly has a good population of bits.
http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=43.22366,-88.943424&spn=0.017418,0.027723&z=15
Joe,
Is a Big River a D shaped bow?
Bob.
Bob,
John has made a D bow as well as the R/D. I have one of each and will bring both. His D bow that I have looks just like a HH Big Five while his R/D looks just like a Century 21.
Pete
Thanks Pete, is John still making bows?
Bob.
Yes, Bob, John is still making bows.
Paul, Is there any way to set up a couple of outside targets that could be used for trying each others bows outside the clubhouse?
They have the outside archery shooting area with a couple of elevated platforms but not sure if targets are there. I could bring a couple of targets along if needed. Let me know Paul.
I gotta tell ya, I was nervous about attending an event I have never been to before. After all the postings on this thread and the pms sent, I am getting excited to shoot different bows and meet folks who I only have known through reading their posts. I think it will be a blast. I hope to meet a lot of trad gangers there.
I will bring my Mowhawk 66 inch-54 pounds at 30 and my 64 inch whip 48 @ 30 bows with arrows for anyone who may want to shoot them.
Bob.
I can set up some bag targets, we have 3 elevated platforms to shoot from or you can shoot from ground level. This will give you a feel for the bow, shooting from both.
There are a couple of inches of beautiful snow on the ground now, and the 10 day forecast doesn't call for anything above freezing, so it should be sticking around.
Conditions are looking to be perfect!
I might have to attend this bunny hunt. It sounds like a great time.
I'm getting excited for this one! Can't wait , it's going to be a great time! I'll be bringing a Big River Flat bow that i purchased here on trad gang, 60 in 63lbs at 28. Along with one of John's R/D bows for any shorter draw guys that would like to shoot one. LOL.
Good luck fellas. I wish i was there to join in the festivities.
I am picking up another of John's bows. I am sending money tomorrow. It is a new used long(68") Big River R/D. His bows are meant for my style.
Charlie, where did you find this Big River you speak of, what are the specs and wood combos? I picked up one of his flat bows here in the classifieds for 150.00, thing is mint!! lil on the heavy side but it's a shooter, but aren't all of Johns bows. went to see him last week with Brain Halstad that goes by Big River here on the gang, he loves the company and seems pretty darn cheerful for an old timer. lol we were talkin a lil about a 2pcs takedown, after this i'll be looking for used Big Rivers and start collecting some.
Raphael, Pm'd you.
Charlie tell your pops about this hunt! Its a good time!
I have Joe and am encouraging him to go.
I have e-mailed him this link so I hope you guys can entice him to drive down.
You know how things get when the chore list gets long hopefully you can talk him into getting away from the honey do's for a day.
I wish I was there with you guys.
It could be -10 when we gather for coffee around 7am which would be similar to the first hunt held. Don't fret however, may reach single digits by 9am. Great clubhouse with fireplace will warm those bones. Even if some of you decide not to go out don't let it stop you from coming to talk trad, eat food, showoff and shoot your bows next to the clubhouse. Will be a great warm up(so to speak) for Packers-Bears the next day in the NFC Championship game. Oh, there is also a full bar. I'll leave it to Paul to say whether we can bring stuff to trade or sell.
Weather.com says 4 above for a low Friday night with Saturday temps heading up to a high of 20. A balmy forecast perfect for bunny chasin!! :bigsmyl:
Heck, that's practically sweatshirt weather for rabbit hunting.
Yep, weatherunderground put up a more positive forecast now too. Good deal!
Hopin' to make it again this year... If there are no bunnies maybe we can find a couple of raccoons. :)
Hope to be there!
Myself, Whip, and smoke1953 went out and did some more scouting. It was snowing pretty good, didn't get into much rabbit sign, but did find alot of tree rat sign. Whip had his camera, I am sure he will be by soon and post a couple of pictures.
If anyone has anything that they want to sell or trade bring it along.
Snowing?? Nah, just a few flurries :rolleyes:
Should be some fresh tracks by the weekend :pray:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt012.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt004.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt006.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt008.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt009.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Bunny%20Hunt%202011/BunnyHunt002.jpg)
This year my youngest will join me instead of the oldest.
I can bring a target. Anyone have a aireal target for flu flu arrows?
Will we need snowshoes this year. From the photos it looks like we should be fine without?
Looking forward to it! See you there!
BC
We didn't use snowshoes on our stroll yesterday. There were spots where they might have been handy, but I'm sure you can get by without them.
If isn't too late I think I would like to come? Would have to ask the wife but I think that it would be ok. I could drive up Sat morning.
QuoteOriginally posted by Bill Tell:
If isn't too late I think I would like to come? Would have to ask the wife but I think that it would be ok. I could drive up Sat morning.
I'm in. I will bring some BBQ beans for the brats to go with and am excited to meet everyone.
Looking forward to meeting a bunch of new friends. I'll bring an apple pie for dessert.
Apple pie?! Is that the eatin kind or the drinkin kind??
Either way, sign me up! :bigsmyl:
:thumbsup:
Uh oh! Brother-in-law's birthday get together on saturday... as much as I'd love to go, I'm not going to miss a family function, so looks like I may be out.
But there is still a chance, depending on time of said get-together... keep your fingers crossed! (or uncrossed, if you don't want me there!)
Hey Joe,
Will this do? This is one I made for archery league last winter. I'll do my best to duplicate it for Saturday.
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz313/Petemcm/009.jpg)
Dangnabit.....I'm gonna miss it this year. I made the first one and had a great time.
Have a good time everyone.
Here's the weather forcast:
SATURDAY:
Mostly cloudy and very cold with scattered flurries ending, then becoming partly sunny.
Low: -1; Wind Chills: -5 to -15
High: 10; Wind Chills: +5 to -5
I think the first year is was around -20. Dress warm and you'll have a great time. I'll have the coffee ready by 7.
Looks like I'll be able to attend! Antibiotics have cleared up my sinus infection and my knee feels pretty good.
See ya'll on Sat.
Think i'm gonna come just for that PIE!!!! looks so good.
I don't know Kevin but it sounds like you need the spot next to the fireplace.
Well boys, just got the word, I have to work on Saturday earlier than expected....sucks big time, I will not be able to make it! I bummed out! Have fun, good luck and take pics!
Bummer Joe, I was looking foreward to meeting you.
Bob.
Joe QUIT YOUR JOB!!!
on second though maybe you shouldnt. Too bad you cant make it.
Sorry to hear that Joe. We'll get good pic's.
Joe B, you live life on the edge, stop in for a cup of coffee for an hour or so before you head into work.
:coffee: It'll be ready at 7.
Bruce, that is not out of the question, I have to be to work at 11 for a 6pm game....I don't understand that one..... but I cant turn it down!
Have fun fellas......dress warm..........I'm really bumming about missing this!
Updates Fellas! Updates :readit:
Man I wish I was closer. I hope you all have a good time!
Hunt's over, I don't have any pic's someone will be along shortly to post a few.
The food was great, Pete's pie, you had to see it to believe it.
Thank you to everyone that was at the hunt today. The drive up from IL was well worth it. I could not have been made to feel more welcome or hosted more graciously. The group of gentlemen and the young man in attendance today are top notch. Bravo for such a great hunt. I surely will be back next year.
I can say I got to shoot the biggest rabbit I have ever come across in 40 plus years.
Thanks guys.
A great time. Super bunch of guy's. The apple pie and the mule deer chilli were unreal. It's 8pm, and I'm still not hungry !
:bigsmyl:
Paul, Just want to "thank you" for putting this on.
Bill Tell, nice meeting you nad the rest of the guys out today (I was the guy in the fox hat). My friend John and I had a great time. I really enjoyed getting to meet Pete and shooting his bow ... but I have never had a larger piece of pie in my life!! All the food was great, the visiting was great too.
What a great way to spend a Saturday!
Bob.
I should have put new batteries in my camera, these where the only pics on my camera......it was cold!
It was fun meeting some new trad brothers and renewing friendships with ones from previous hunts and shoots. Tom Colstad is not pictured .....he was the one behind the camera. And thanks Paul for putting this together again this year.
The food was awesome......like I needed any!
As your can see.....we killed what we think is a new world record rabbit! :eek:
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk140/oldtwohairs/IMG_6755.jpg)
(http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/kk140/oldtwohairs/IMG_6756.jpg)
Another fine event Paul! :readit: It was almost as big as Kevin's rabbit! :eek:
A huge thanks goes out the guide, Bruce(Smoke1953) :archer: who lead eveyone on the quest for a shot and the elusive WI Bunny. :clapper:
I almost forgot, thank's Pete; the left over pie will be a great half time snack.
Thanks Paul, Bruce and all the rest for a great time. Nice to put faces to names. All good food and I was able to come home with an empty pie plate (like I need a pie in the house). Bob, I liked your Whip - if/when I get another bow that is going to be at the front of the pack.
Rabbits didn't cooperate on this day they remained in there hole after a fresh snow that morning but what a beautiful morning for a walk along the Maunesha River with friends. Temps were around 10, no wind, sunny skies and after a 2 1/2 mi. walk in 10" of snow we were ready to eat. The best is always in the gathering of people with similar interests and though many of us had never met we shared a hunt, food, beer, talking trad and looking at and shooting each others stuff creating the bonds of friendship. Oh did I mention we had beer! Also a lot of Packer and Bear talk though we needed a few more Illinois friends for that discussion to reach its full potential. Looking forward to gather again.
This was a great time with great people, and yeah that Whip of yours Bob is really really nice!! and if anyone of you know who made those baked beans again and those meatballs I gotta get a recipe!! Please help!! I'm so bad with names the 1st time around, unless you were a hot chick!! LOL but there were no chicks at all. DANG!!
Rafael,
My friend John brought those meat balls, they were wild hog he shot with his bow just after christmas. I will try to get the recipie and send it to you.
I had a blast busting thickets with you. I really enjoyed meeting all the guys ... you are correct, the wheelie guys never do stuff like this!! Maybe see you at the Sherewood Forest Shoot on Feb. 5th.
Bob.
Thanks Bob, yeah send me that recipe if you can, Those were the bomb!! I will for sure be at Sherwood Forest shoot on the 5th will see you there.
i CAN'T BELIEVE I HAD TO MISS THIS THIS YEAR!!!!
Sounds like a blast, as I expected. Hope to see everyone next year!
Phew, the game is over and I can breathe again. I sure was looking forward this hunt and lunch with everybody and am dissapointed I had to miss it. I hope to see everyone at my shoot at Sherwood. Come early as Karen will have two pans of her awesome egg bake for breakfast. I started setup yesterday and have a some chalenging shots planned.
GO PACK
QuoteOriginally posted by Greg Szalewski:
Phew, the game is over and I can breathe again.
GO PACK
Breathe but not talk. I lost my voice. hopefully it will recover by the time the Superbowl comes around.
Sounded like a great time fellas.
OK, who brought the meat that was sliced up and tasted like corned beef? He said he was going post the recipe but likely forgot. If I remember it was wrapped in aluminum foil and steamed maybe? Maybe it's been posted and I didn't catch it.
Hey Pete,
Are you going to the sherwood shoot? I think I willo be there and may have my whip. I put that new string on it but never shot it much before the bunny hunt. Well, at my draw things are a bit touchy ... seems like the skinny string put me in another spine range. I have some heavier woodies and they seem to fly real well. I also have somne 400 spine carbons that look great comming out of her. If you are going I will be sure to bring it and you can check out the 3-d range if you want.
Bob.
Hi Bob,
Yes, I'm planning on shooting Sherwood. I remember I shot your Whip with a couple of my GT 5575's with 250 gr tips and it seemed to like the extra weight - flew well. I was surprised as it would seem that they would be way too stiff but it sure didn't look like it.
Looking forward to it.