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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: SGourley on February 16, 2011, 01:25:00 AM

Title: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SGourley on February 16, 2011, 01:25:00 AM
First off not many members on Tradgang know me because I have stayed relatively quiet. My name is Steve and I am a commercial fisherman on the central coast of California and I want start by thanking everyone on this site for their input and helping me acheive goals faster than I could have by myself. A couple weeks ago i flew to the Big Island of Hawaii with my brother to visit my mom and brought my longbow in hopes of hunting goats. I could go on forever with this story but ill spare you all and get to the point. The first day was a scouting mission (which means I didnt get close enough    :biglaugh:   ) and learned that we had our hands full with the terrain. You can forget about being sneaky on lava rock... besides not having much cover, it is louder than dry autumn leaves.
  (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/gourley22/DSCN0199.jpg)
     We hiked south along the coastline about a mile reaching a small hill that would potentially  be a great spot to sit and glass the area. Eager to get up and see the area, I climbed the hill too fast. My heart sank as I watched a big herd of goats spring from there beds and tear off over a field of lava, up a mountainside and disappear. There beds were on the ocean side of what almost looked like a big crater in the hill. A truly amazing sight. (sorry no action shots this time, all were shot after the fact for the story)
 (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/gourley22/DSCN0206.jpg)
We left for the morning and returned in the afternoon hoping to catch them before bedding down for the night. Halfway there my brother and I glassed over the hill only to find the goats were already there... and laying down on our side giving us no chance to stalk without being seen. We sat there for the rest of the evening watching humpback whales breaching not 200-300 yards off the beach and soaking in the sunset. A Beautiful day I was thankful to share with a brother.
 (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/gourley22/DSCN0197.jpg)
   We got up early the next morning and hiked to the bedding ground before daylight. I circled wide to the other side of the hill and got into position behind some lava rock and waited for my brother to spook the goats over to me. As daylight came I waited anxiously for the goats. Minutes later I heard what sounded like thunder rolling my way. The Goats were coming! Trying to calm my nerves I got into shooting position. Goats started rolling over the hill at 15-20 paces. Picking a spot on the first goat that paused I let and arrow fly... and missed!!! My shot was low and sparks bursted from the rock as my arrow skipped away.
 (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/gourley22/DSCN0207.jpg)
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SGourley on February 16, 2011, 01:26:00 AM
The herd took off accross the field of lava but I was too determined to go home empty handed. I ran after the goats as fast as I could as they headed for the steep mountainside over a quarter mile away. They reached the hillside and began a slow ascent towards the top giving me enough time to catch up. Out of breath and steam I climbed (on hands and knees at some points) toward the herd.
  (http://i1132.photobucket.com/albums/m580/gourley22/180399_196912377000848_100000462621211_758182_7648344_n.jpg)
   I finally leveled off with the herd (uphill shots clearly weren't working for me). Pausing to catch my breath I quickly picked out a nanny quartering hard right (I'm a meat hunter, trophy's aren't where my hearts at    :goldtooth:    , and especially my brother for helping me achieve this goal. Poor guy went through A LOT knowing his rifle was just sitting in the car...
Tomahawk woodland hunter bow 50lbs@28" (my pull is 31.5" so roughly 60lbs) Woodsman 3 blade on carbon express shafts. Thanks for reading. -Steven Gourley
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Margly on February 16, 2011, 01:32:00 AM
Congratulations!
Nice story and pics, thanks for sharing  :)

Margly
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Wannabe1 on February 16, 2011, 01:42:00 AM
:thumbsup:     :clapper:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: OkKeith on February 16, 2011, 01:44:00 AM
Sounds like a great hunt! A well earned trophy by any definition.

OkKeith
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Steve H. on February 16, 2011, 01:50:00 AM
This doesn't help my Hawaii withdrawals, uggghhhhh.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: CavScoutArcher on February 16, 2011, 01:54:00 AM
Pretty landscape. Good hunting tale. Looks like it was a blast!  Good Job!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Steelhead on February 16, 2011, 03:27:00 AM
Aloha Steven

That goat sure has a beautiful coat.Very rich looking.Sounds like a great hunt.A very exciting and invigorating pursuit to close the deal for sure.

Most importantly you had fun with your brother and enjoyed a unique and and interesting envirement.

I hope mom was glad to see ya and you her!

Congrats on closing the deal on your 1st big game animal.You did it in style on the Island.

Goats head soup anyone?
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on February 16, 2011, 05:54:00 AM
Well-done!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: YORNOC on February 16, 2011, 05:57:00 AM
Great pictures, job very well done     :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: gregg dudley on February 16, 2011, 05:58:00 AM
Congratulations Steven!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: rastaman on February 16, 2011, 06:00:00 AM
Way to go sir!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Apex Predator on February 16, 2011, 06:20:00 AM
Nice!  Sounds like a great hunt.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Izzy on February 16, 2011, 06:23:00 AM
Awesome pal!!! Way to get it done.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Bonebuster on February 16, 2011, 06:53:00 AM
AWESOME story!

A job well done.

Thnaks for taking the time to share your pictures...many happy returns!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: slivrslingr on February 16, 2011, 07:07:00 AM
Good on ya!  Congrats!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Bud B. on February 16, 2011, 07:08:00 AM
My sister used to live there but I never got to visit. You are fortunate to have a family member there. Very good reason to pack the LB on each visit. Nice story and photos.

Bud
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: mmisciag on February 16, 2011, 07:44:00 AM
WOW, what a great story. I'm glad that is turned out so well for you.

Martin
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Dave Thaxton on February 16, 2011, 08:14:00 AM
Great story and pics. Congrats.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Pandaros on February 16, 2011, 08:25:00 AM
Congratulations!  Great pictures and story.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: GRINCH on February 16, 2011, 09:09:00 AM
well done
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: JamesJamison on February 16, 2011, 09:17:00 AM
Sounds like a fun hunt.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: illwhttail on February 16, 2011, 09:29:00 AM
Determination pays off in the end.
good job congrats.

Scott.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: FerretWYO on February 16, 2011, 10:16:00 AM
Congrats on your accomplishment that is awesome.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: fireman_3311 on February 16, 2011, 10:53:00 AM
Nice work!!  You'll never forget that one!!!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Mick on February 16, 2011, 11:19:00 AM
Fantastic!
Thanks for taking us along.    :)
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Littlejake on February 16, 2011, 12:08:00 PM
Neat story and pictures always wanted to shoot a goat. But not to many wild ones here in Pa.
Good Job!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: elknutz on February 16, 2011, 12:11:00 PM
Very nice, Well done!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: East Coast archer on February 16, 2011, 12:17:00 PM
Congratulations and Good for you.  Ryan (S2) is one of the many special people on this site that are alawys willing to lend a hand and help a brother out. Enjoy the barbecue.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: kibok&ko on February 16, 2011, 12:25:00 PM
thanks for sharing , i was running with you ! (but me i probably have fall down  hurting myself)

Nice story and very nice pics of an incredible and exotic place , trad bowhunting is a magic thing

Congratulations
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: on February 16, 2011, 12:39:00 PM
Good job Steven....I hear ya on the meat thing.
Thanks for taking us on your hunt.  Good read.

  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Terry Green on February 16, 2011, 02:37:00 PM
:bigsmyl:     :thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SGourley on February 16, 2011, 02:46:00 PM
Thank you all for the compliments. It was a great experience and the meat was superb! I've been really patient trying to make a good appearance to the tradgang family and im glad you all enjoyed my hunt
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: RM81 on February 16, 2011, 02:48:00 PM
Congrats!!   :clapper:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: tarponnut on February 16, 2011, 02:49:00 PM
That's great. Awesome story and pics!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: bloodyarrow on February 16, 2011, 02:51:00 PM
:bigsmyl:    :thumbsup:    :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: cacciatore on February 16, 2011, 02:57:00 PM
Wel, done,nice pics.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: joe ashton on February 16, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
very nice... thanks for sharing
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: trick00 on February 16, 2011, 03:28:00 PM
Great story and pics, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: GO Rogers on February 16, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
Wow, u da man......♠
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: ti-guy on February 16, 2011, 05:07:00 PM
Congrat
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: maineac on February 16, 2011, 05:47:00 PM
Great!  Glad you had the opportunity to enjoy the company of your bro and hunt in paradise.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on February 16, 2011, 05:53:00 PM
:clapper:  Very cool Congrats!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: TDHunter on February 16, 2011, 06:29:00 PM
Well done, what area were you in??
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: 1oldbowguy on February 16, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
:thumbsup:  Well done, way to go.  Pictures are very cool.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: neargeezer on February 16, 2011, 06:38:00 PM
Good story with great pictures, thanks for taking the time to share it.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: gobblegrunter on February 16, 2011, 06:59:00 PM
Nice! Congrats! Did your brother end up gettin anything?
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: 30pointbuck on February 16, 2011, 07:25:00 PM
Way to my friend, awesome great shooting.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SOS on February 16, 2011, 07:36:00 PM
Aloha.....Baby!  Well done...thanks for the photos!~
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Ben Maher on February 16, 2011, 07:46:00 PM
Looks like a beautiful place to hunt .
Well done and good eating ! Thanks for sharing .
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SGourley on February 16, 2011, 09:06:00 PM
QuoteOriginally posted by gobblegrunter:
Nice! Congrats! Did your brother end up gettin anything?
No he never had an opportunity after that. Ill make it up by helping him get onto some hogs here in california this spring hopefully.
Thanks again for all the replys.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Ryan Sanpei on February 16, 2011, 11:54:00 PM
Awesome Steven!
That's a trophy in my book!  It's tough to stalk animals on that a'a (rough, jagged, noisey type of lava). Plus those goats in Kona are smart and you did it DIY! Those are some sweet pics too! Good going!    

:clapper:  

Aloha!
Ryan
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Thumper Dunker on February 17, 2011, 01:12:00 AM
Way to go. cool pictures.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: toppredator on February 17, 2011, 09:22:00 AM
Great story and pics.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Bernie B. on February 17, 2011, 10:21:00 AM
Wow!  Congratulations on a great hunt and for sharing your pictures and story with us!  That looks like incredible country.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

48# Spirit longbow
45# Martin Hunter recurve
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: Jake Allen on February 17, 2011, 10:44:00 AM
Awesome man, congratulations!

Great story and pictures, I enjoyed, and thank
you for both.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: SGourley on February 18, 2011, 02:45:00 PM
Thank you all again for the compliments
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: KentuckyTJ on February 18, 2011, 04:34:00 PM
Very cool adventure, thanks for taking time to take us along.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: JoeM on February 18, 2011, 06:46:00 PM
Nice nanny goat Congrats!!!  Love the pics.  Joe
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: flungonin on February 22, 2011, 10:30:00 PM
Awesome post on your hunt. Thats not a very big target to begin with and you got it after running and on uneven terrain. Congrates,
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: bowslinger on February 23, 2011, 12:10:00 AM
Great job Steven!  Thanks for sharing!  Being a geologist, I really enjoyed the pictures.  Who knew lava could be so much fun?
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: tradshooter on February 23, 2011, 12:51:00 AM
Steve, Way to go and congratulations on a great hunt. Your story and pictures were awesome. Your love for your Brother and Mother is heartwarming and your ethics in hunting are commendable. You earned that goat my friend and it is a great trophy. I wish you the best in your future hunts and make sure that you share them with us.
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: whitetail_downer100 on February 23, 2011, 12:57:00 AM
Congrats Steve I am sure that this will be the first of many more to come.  Excellent trophy... everything with a stickbow is!
Title: Re: First Traditional Big Game Animal
Post by: far rider on February 23, 2011, 01:23:00 AM
Great job indeed.