Well as a lot of you know I decided last year to not hold the annual Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt for 2011 and 2012 due to how large it had become and how hard it was on my house and on my wife. Than came 2011 and Cindy and I felt we still had to do something for the kids of St. Judes. We decided to throw together a quick bunny hunt and raise money like always, just not on such a huge scale. First I want to apologise that I could not invite everyone but it was last minute and I invited people close by and who I could get in touch with quickly!! As always I was overwhelmed with the support!! We had 17 adult hunters and 6 kids. A greater group ya could not ask for!! We raised a total of $2800 dollars, yes $2800!! There should be some stories and yes we killed 3 bunnies with over 100 shots taken over the 2 day weekend!! I want to Thank each and everyone who came and tell you all that Cindy and I love all you guys!! I have a pretty serious health issue right now and this hunt with its comraderie is just the medicine I needed! Thanks again to everyone and lets see some pics and hear a story or two!! I know I have several!! Shawn
By the way don't forget 2013 and the Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt when everyone is invited!!!! Shawn
Shawn, you and Cindy rock!
I have been blessed to see how much work goes into putting on this hunt, and even with reduced numbers it is still quite a trick. Congrats on the success, and best of luck, and prayers for your recovery.
Killdeer :campfire:
Shawn and Cindy,
Thank you for having me. It was good medicine to get out on that windy day and see so many friends and acquaintances. I had the pleasure of seeing 2 of the 3 bunnies get shot. I had 6 close misses my self. ( I would have had more if I wasn't caught in pickers so often) And I saw Mikey roll one over by tripping it up on a full out run.
I personally kicked up over 11 rabbits for others and have the scars to prove it. Unfortunately 3 of them went the wrong way.
Curt has a tendency to make rabbits run straight at people as if they are going to leave you flat on your back and leave bunny prints across your face :readit: (sorry I didn't shoot at your leg bud, I think you wouldn't have cared for that too much. ;) ). Also, I dont know how you see rabbits through those brush piles like you did but that was pretty darn cool.
Hope there are some pics up soon... I was still smiling when I woke up on Sunday morning albeit my eyes burned and my body ached but it felt good. :bigsmyl: :archer:
I'm proud to have been just a (small) part of this hunt! So many times when sinking up to my eye balls in a snow drift I'd think, "What Am I Doing Here?"... Then someone would yell "Bunny!" and :archer2: like magic be on my feet again, ready for action. And there was plenty of that...
Thank you Shawn & Cindy for having me again. God Bless you both. The good you do for the St. Jude Kids is outstanding!
... mike ...
Thank you Shawn & Cindy..For getting all of us back together for the bunny huny and the kids..I had a great time like always. Lots of laughs and misses..Next time I'll try not to smell. The dogs didn't seem to like me. They did get over it though..I can look back on saturdays hunt and smile..Thats what it's all about..Thank you again..God Bless..It was really nice to see you get the hand drawn picture.That was cool..It couldn't have gone to a better person..Hats off to you and Cindy..Hope to see you soon..
Thanks Shawn and Cindy for having us up again.Your hospitality is overwhelming.Brian and I had a great time and managed to get 6 shots between the two of us.I got two shots off and missed both.Brian shot four times and ended up with a furry judo but no rabbit.It was very nice
to see everyone and enjoy a day in the field with like minded individuals.The weather started out great but ended up turning quite cold and windy.It was a pleasure to get warm and have some much needed food.We even won some awsome prizes.Me a nice basket quiver and Brian a weekend hunt in Westchester with Greg.Very generous!Good luck Shawn.I wish you well.
Glen
Thankyou, any stories would be great!! I saw 19 rabbits on Saturday alone and managed 8shots over the two days!! I got an assist with Damon that I will tell about later!! Shawn
OOOOOOOHHHHHHH YYYYYYYEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good times. My nephew is still talking about it! Thanks to everyone who helped him out this weekend.
Stories....where to begin? I will have to organize my thoughts.
Way to go guys!!!! :clapper:
Awesome Shawn, I have been wondering how your doing. Did you have your surgery? God Bless you.
It was an awesome weekend! Shawn and Cindy were great as always...two amazing people!
I have some pix and stories to share, but it won't be till later today...
Shawn and Cindy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking Cade and into your home again and treating us like part of the family.
Hey Jake, that Treadway worked again. ;)
Jamie, I dont think you can blame that shot on the bow :readit: I think your arrow was practically touching it when you were at full draw :laughing:
Anyone that doesnt know Jamie, this man is a hunter and survivor through and through.
He was able to pick out a rabbit after a group of hunters had already stomped passed it. I'll leave the rest for Jamie to tell.
Please get some stories going. I'm sorry to have missed the event. I was able to get up and say Hi on Friday evening, but had an all day Church training event on Sat.
Shawn you were looking pretty good my friend and Cindy is her beautiful self as always. But I have to say, I was most pleased to see our good friend BigEd! As many of you know BigEd had a horrible accident at work that nearly took his shooting fingers. I'm happy to say, he is a miracle in the making. While his fingers are still in need of some serious recovery, I would bet my last nickel that he'll be shooting again before the summer ends. Prayers work fellas!
Tyler wanted to come up very badly and even invited a good friend. His buddy is a beginning archer and he was afraid he'd make a fool of himself and you guys would make fun of him. We told that you guys would be the best teachers he could get and that you'd probably have fun WITH him. Couldn't convince him, so he and Tyler went out rabbit hunting locally.
Thanks again Shawn and Cindy for all you do!
Curt as expected the deer mount is a work of art!
That Jamie...always putting down his own shooting skills, but it's been some time since I can recall him not claiming a rabbit at one of these hunts. Seriously, that calm & cool shot on a bunny that plenty of people passed by was a sight to see...
where abouts in NY do you have this hunt?
The hunt is held 10 minutes south of Albany in the best rabbitat there is!! On the first push thru the Island of trees I was next to Charlie and in 30 yards he put out 3 bunnies, one almost runnin me over!! We got some shootin in there but nothin like the Rabbit Valley!! Damon(Nomad88) took six shots in a matter of 10 minutes and managed to hit one pretty good! The rabbit came back thru the pushers and was shot at a few times and went into a pile. After guys surrounded it and Chris(Bowspirit) gettin a shot and just missing, I snuck up on the pile and saw the bunny ready to burst out. I managed to get an arrow into him before he could break free again, nice double team on a big bunny!! Also on the old road push, I had a lil' more excitement and will tell ya about it in a lil' while!! OOOOHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! Shawn
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: very cool!
Man,what a good time!Saturday afternoon went by too fast.Shawn,I couldn't quite see you but heard your reaction when you got that bunny and all I could say at the time was OOOOHHHHHHHHH YEAHHHHHHHHHHHH !!!
As I was saying earlier I was on watch on the old road push. For guys who have never been on this hunt, it is an old field access road and has a long hedgerow down both sides, it is about 400 yards long in the portion we push. I was with Cade(Curts son) and Jamies nephew and Petes nephew. The wind was howling and windchills were around zero. I was in the wide open with Cade and I was impressed that he stood right with me and never complained of the cold biting wind!(I mean 35-40 mph sustained winds) I reached over and pulled his hoodie up over hishead and ears and we settled in. It was a long time but we hear the shouts of bunny and shortly out comes one motoring, as he passed a few guys on the hedgerow arrows started to fly, the two other boys let loose narrowly missing the speeding beast!! The rabbit turned in and went behind Cade and I and we could not quite shoot, but we learned that Brian Thomas had hit him and drew fur but no bunny. This turned out to be a great sight as I turned around and here are 3 kids all right around 10 years old sneakin down the old road lookin for sign of the hit bunny and trying to get a shot. It was priceless to watch the joy and sheer determination on their faces!! It made the hunt for me, that is what it is all about!!Thanks guys!! You can hunt with me anytime!! Shawn
Shawn Its things like this that get me through the winter.
all these new bow threads get real old real quick.
The best part of the hunt for me was when we were pushing the island of trees and we were able to chat every time we zagged or zigged.
Having Lucy work for me was a thrill. There was one pile I pushed a rabbit out of and Lucy still new at the game caught the scent and burried herself under the briers. I thought i would have to go in after her. She managed to push through and get on the rabbit trail.
Then there was the Spine or Gauntlet push (hill side along the road) . I think we pushed 6 or 8 rabbits off that one alone. For those of you that have not been here it is a long narrow hill side that we can surround with anxious archers. It doesn't look like much but for the little bit of cover, it always seems to have bunnies on it and everyone gets a crack at em.
I agree with Terry, It was great to see Big Ed and know his hand was/is recovering so well. I also agree he will be plucking yew in no time.
The highlight of the trip was when the Kids won or were given raffle prizes. It was awesome to see the excitement in their eyes. there were two prizes in particular that made 2 youngins days.
Shawn, I wish I saw the kids all hunting down that rabbit, that would have been by far my highlight as well. :campfire:
I figured you would have a hard time not doing the Bunny Hunt Shawn ;) Sounds like another great one even if there wasn't the huge crowd. I've seen first hand what goes into this, Shawn and Cindy are incredible folks for hosting such a great event! Thanks everybody involved.
:clapper: :clapper:
Cade gearin' up for Saturdays hunt...
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On that first push along the extremely windy hedgerow...
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Brian, and Glen in the brush...
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Makin' tracks...
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Cade and his biggest best friend, Big Ed! So nice to have him there after everything he's been thru with his hand. I have no doubt he'll be shooting somehow soon...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030340bh11.JPG)
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Big Ed breakin' trail for the three little guys...
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Shawn telling one his many tails...
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Gathing up after the last big shootout in the "Rabbit Valley"...
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The result of the shootout. Jeff Williams made a great shot with his Widow...
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Sunday mornings group...
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Cade enjoying a blow pop...
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One of TG's finest, "mcgroundstalker", Mike Ciccone...
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• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030357bh11.JPG)
Shawn's son-in-law, Damon, "nomad88"...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030358bh11.JPG)
Good job everyone, looks like a good time had by all. $2800.00 thats awesome. All this fun should help with the winter Blues. God Bless
Two hard huntin',fun-loving TG'ers, Pete "mamba"...
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And Matt, "homer"...
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Another of TG's NY good guys, "Larry"...
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Hydratin'...
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"mamba", "Larry", and "skipmaster"...
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Shawn tellin' another tale...
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My little man luvin' every minute it...
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"Homer"...
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Looks like a great time. :thumbsup:
To me it looks like the only way it could have been any better, is if I was there,lol!! $2800!!! WOW!! That is all I can say. We had a blast at the Michigan Bunny Stomp on the same saturday. You guys killed more rabbits than I seen the whole day. The only one that I seen was one that didn't make it across the road on our way home!!! I am pretty sure that the bunny stompers pushed that rabbit out into the road to get run over tho. So does that one count for us?? LOL. Congrats Shawn and hope you get better soon.
Great Photos Curt!
... mike ...
I believe we saw over 30 rabbits on Saturday and I know I saw 11 on Sunday and we only hunted about 3hrs on sunday. I know Curt should have a story or two, like the quivering arrow story! I also saw Mikey make a phenominal shot on a racing bunny and it managed to get away!! In 2013 for the 10th. anniversary of the Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt we would like to raise 10 thousand dollars for the kids of St. Judes, so everyone start planning for our raffle prizes and any bowyers out there that would donate a bow, let me know!! Really could use the support!! 28 hundred with only 17 adults blows my mind, great generousity from all who attended!! Shawn
Way to carry on the tradition Guy's!!
Great job to all involved!!
Shawn had called last minute to invite us but I had already planned a Fla. hog hunt and could not make it. Sorry that I missed out.
What a great group of folks!!
Awesome guys!! :bigsmyl:
Great picks Curt :thumbsup:
Tracy
hey, when did Mikey get so good lookin' and I get so ugly?? :scared:
Larry ..I totally missed you..Where you just there on sunday ? Mikey..I missed the striptess..Thats what happens when you go home early..Graet pix..
Suprised nobody mentioned the pool arrow yet...
:goldtooth: :jumper:
Was waiting for that too,Chris! :biglaugh:
OMG! That Was Funny! :laughing:
... mike ...
I'm really sorry I missed this guys! I was hoping to come up Saturday, but had some issues come up a few days before.
Though I gotta admit, I'm glad I missed Mikey's strip tease! I hope someone covered the kid's eyes! :eek: :biglaugh:
Ya think it's easy doin' a strip-tease without music?! ... :p ...
... mike ...
EXCELLENT!
Yeah the arrow in the pool..or was it..that was funny..the look on Shawns face was priceless..Someone must have a pix of that..
Almost forgot about the pool shot Chris.
Thanks for making me smile again today.
You are right TDog. That was Hilarious.
I know Jamie has the picture on his smart phone. I'm sure he'll be along with it...
Yeah,I guess I am the only one who did not think the pool shot was funny!! Lots of bunnies were seen, I just wish we could hit more!! Shawn
Lots of fun! Thank you very much to Shawn and Cindy! Hope to see you all soon, Big Ed
:notworthy: :notworthy:
QuoteOriginally posted by Shawn Leonard:
In 2013 for the 10th. anniversary of the Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt we would like to raise 10 thousand dollars for the kids of St. Judes, so everyone start planning for our raffle prizes and any bowyers out there that would donate a bow, let me know!! Really could use the support!! 28 hundred with only 17 adults blows my mind, great generousity from all who attended!! Shawn
2013 should give me some time to whip up something special.
Looks like a ball. Thanks for sharing the fun.
I have a few pics and stories. Work and a few other things have been keeping me rather busy. :saywhat: Im hoping to get them posted this weekend.
I know it was an amazing time with amazing friends.
I still have a few stories, heading to Boston tomorrow, but I am bringing my 'puter with me. Neuro-surgery on Tuesday the 1st. I will post some more stories over the next week, if I feel up to it!! Thanks guys!! Keith, wanted you there and lost track of ya with all thats going on!! Shawn
Best of luck with your surgery Shawn... Love Ya Buddy!
... mike ...
I have sat and watched this thread unfold and smiled each time a new post or picture came up.......$2800, what a tribute to Shawn, Cindy and to all involved!!!! I miss all of you and am sorry I missed this year......my parents 50th anniversary party was Saturday evening. I am excited to see Ed was able to make it, that is awesome.
Shawn, I will call you tomorrow or Sunday.
Great job to all!!!!!
David
Prayers go out for you Shawn..Just a short storie. Jeff and I where there at the far end of the first push. The kids where standing there.Lucy had her head buried in the snow under a bush.Just bawling.I said to Jeff if I didn't know any better that dogs on to a rabbit.We both just stood there and agreed.Yup must be.Just as we thought that. That bunny busted out and just about ran acrossed our feet.The guy next to us got a shot and so did the kids. Jeff and I just stood there with our (well we'll just call them bows in our hands) as that bunny passed by.We just look at each other. Go figure.That dog was right.I think the guy to our left was the one who drew that great picture that Shawn won. Someone should post a picture of that..One of a kind.That was the kick off for the 2011 J.L.M.B.H.Game on bunnies.
Thanks guys, that Lucy was awful good for only 8 months old. She will be around for a lot more of these hunts! Shawn
Nice job on the hunt and rasing funds for a great cause!
Hey Shawn, Thanks again for your generosity and hospitality you and Cindy are the best. You are a great role model. My Nephew Peter came home with a bunch of stories especially the one he "JUST" missed!
Jamie, so whats keeping you so busy??
Yeah, Jamie lets here a couple!! I am in Boston now and will post a couple stories! One where Meat managed to jump one big pile and put out at least 6 bunnies in a 10 minute span!! Shawn
Pete, I would tell ya but, well you know. :D
I brought my nephew this year. He is almost twelve, and this was his first real exposurer to hunting other than a few sits during gun season.
He has been shooting since August, and was excited to go. Pete did a tremendous amount with Mike and his nephew Peter. The kid would not stop talking on the way home.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/ishiwannabe/2011-02-19_14-22-48_674.jpg)
Along the first drive, the hedgerow, those of us on the push were alternating back and forth into the cover. The snow drifts made walking difficult at best.
The wind was whipping, and the drifts and thick cover were kicking out butts. On a much needed break, I saw a leafy dead oak branch. I thought there may be a bunny in there, and made my way over to it.
I have a habit of looking at stuff before I kick it, and wouldnt you know it I saw an eye blink. I drew, hit anchor, and the bunny didnt stand a chance. I believe this was my fifth bunny. Fourth head shot. :) of course at a range of two feet, it better be. Homer was kind enough to take this picture, after scolding me for not yelling "BUNNY" and kicking him out. LOL.
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w29/ishiwannabe/0219111231a.jpg)
And trust me, I was trying to smile, but the wind had my face thoroughly frozen. Best I could do. :rolleyes:
Upon reaching the end of the drive, my nephew was excitedly telling me how close he came to hitting a rabbit. The kid did well. He hung tough all day, didnt complain, and hunted hard. Couldnt ask for more for a first time, especially when I have seen grown men give up and go home on this same hunt almost every year.
I'll be praying for you Shawn.
Good Luck Shawn :thumbsup: :pray:
Jamie was not kidding about the wind. It was blowing so hard you could jump in the air and move 4 feet downwind. It was so bad MY FPS went from 200 down to 28. :biglaugh:
Seriously though I think if the small aircraft had not been tied down it would have been turned upside down.
I couldn't believe how tough the kids were. It was down right cold in this wind and every time Jamie would ask if the kids were cold they would say "no" and want to know where the next hunt was.
Hey Shawn stay positive, we'll be thinking about you. Hopefully Matt and I make it up to see you this week. We'll Give Cindy a call and get the details.
Shawn, my prayers are with you, bro. Here's to a quick recovery...
Jamie, I've been waiting to see that picture all along. Awesome bro!!!
Thanks guys, I have my girls here and will be fine!! Hope to see ya Pete and Matt!! Shawn
I did want to make mention of how well the kids did!! It was brutally windy and windchills werediwn near zero!! They all braved the cold and no one really complained except maybe an adult or two!! I would be proud to hunt with any of them anytime!! Shawn
Hoping all is well with your surgery Bro. Glad I got in a quick visit with you,Damon and Curt. The weather sure was fine down south but I was missing being with you guys.
Thanks Izzy, hunt was great and we did manage over 100 shots!! I myself saw 30+over the two days and got several shots. At one point we were lined up in a hedgerow and Cade, myself,jamie, Damon and Everette along with Swampbuck were at the end when a bunny broke from cover as it streaked past Eve and Damon they turned it with their shots and it came at me and Cade and Swampbuck we all managed a shot and Cade missed by a millimeter, he went in and found my arrow but could not find his own, but he turned and said the arrow did not matter the shot is what counted!! Priceless from my 10 year old buddy!! Shawn
OK..We where on one of the last pushes of the day..(sat) A little Island that holds some bunnies..So we lined up around it.I had Greg to my left along with Glen. The first bunny came in running by to my right. Let one fly and got some hair and it blew on by the other guys.The next bunny was coming and Greg let me know. I saw the bunny come got ready.It stopped about ten feet away. Shot right under it.It took off and Jeff Williams nailed it. ( Thats the bunny he is holding in the picture)I just dropped my bow and started to laugh..Looked over at Greg and threw up my hands..What are you gonna do..Had one more come by but no shot..I love that little Island..The cool thing about it is we are right by the road and the cars going by seeing a bunch of trad bow hunters..I'm sure there thinking look at those nuts..Yeah Baby...Where bunny nuts..Shawn I hope this put a smile on your face..Come on guys lets keep this going for Shawn..
The last day on the last push I was guarding a bunny escape route along a narrow logging road. Following Shawns advice I walked along with the group of "beaters" in sight. Saw what looked to me as a good bunny hide out in the deep snow and asked Homer to jump on it... "BAM!" A bunny jumped outa there like it was struck by lightning! Too many guys around for me to shoot right away but after a second the rabbit cleared any human obstruction (Reason we wear some orange) and I let one fly. "Bing, Boooing, Rattle Swooooch!" Means missed bunny and a lost arrow. :jumper:
... mike ...
Shawn,you'll remember this.On Sat. we were doing a push in a creekbottom with Pete,Curt and Shawn to my left.Shawn said "there has to be a bunny in this pile" and sure enough one came bustin' out at machII and managed to get out of there unscathed with just Pete getting a shot.
On the big Rabbit Valley Push I watched Greg,on my left,go running up the hill and saw he was chasing a bunny going across the hill above us to the left.I heard a couple arrows fly and heard Shawn say "I got him." THAT was cool! :thumbsup:
I'm sorry I missed this one!
Shawn you are in my prayers!
ttt...still enjoying the recaps and stories...
Me too!! I have had all my tests and surgery at 515 tomorrow!! Cindy will post the outcome ASAP!! Shawn
Shawn, Its like you planned the surgery to be one day after hunting season closed for the year.
Good luck tomorrow, not that you need luck, after all you said, I'm gonna win that drawing, and you did, I think there's magic involved.
You'll be fine Shawn and soon this will all be behind you.Stay strong and God Bless.
Thanks guys, I am on my way!! Wish me luck 4-7 hours of surgery and it will be over!! We all should be turkey huntin 2 months from today!! Cindy or I will post not long after I am out of ICU!! Shawn
I'm praying for you brother.
A prayer for you pal!
Shawn was being wheeeled in @ 7:30 :pray:
:pray:
... :pray: ...
:pray: !
:pray: ...
check out prayers/concerns please...
Cindy texted and said everything went very well. He's in recovery and the tumor came out in one piece with no complications. Prayers work fellas.