Trad Gang

Over the years, many of our members have seen pics of my home range, and of friends and me making use of it, or doing modifications to it. Many of those pics have featured, or included, images of my shooting tower. Particularly as summer and 3D shoots start tapering off, I do more and more shooting from that tower, in prep for deer hunting season.


                   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/OldTower01.jpg)

                   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/OldTower02.jpg)

Last year one member mentioned that my tower looked, "like an accident waiting to happen." I assured him it was a lot sturdier than it looked, with all posts seated in cement, a large percentage of salt treated lumber, the rest pallet hardwood, and a heavy mobile home type tie-down.

Well, about a month ago I found he was more correct than either of us probably realized. Either termites or some other wood destroying ants have taken up homes in much of the lumber, even some of the main beams. Goodbye old friend - I sure am going to miss that tower.

I can't afford new salt treated materials to build another one, even though friend Ruddy (broketooth) has offered to help me with the building, and I feel repair would be trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear, and still not be entirely safe. So, after much thought, I ordered an Ol'Man Ladder Stand, featuring the same comfortable net seat, my Ol' Man climber (another old friend of many years) uses. The co. I ordered it from will get their supply tomorrow (20th) and ship mine within 24 hours. I am excited and anxious to receive it.

Yesterday, I spent all afternoon prior to the above pics) using my climber stand, armed with my trusty limb saw, and tree pruner, to clear the two trees behind (to left in pics) and around the tower (which eventually will come down), and the main shooting lanes in preparation for the ladder stand arriving. All I should have left to do is perhaps move a couple targets around a little. The new stand is about 5 feet higher than the tower so I should be able to start practicing out of it (at least some) right away. I'll continue this pictorial as it progresses. Also, of course, the ladder stand can be used for what it was/is intended, if I happen to find a good/safe hunting spot to use it - LOL. (Still gonna miss that old tower - even if it probably will improve the "scenery" out the back door, and in future pics - LOL)

..............................

I just noticed pics/vids missing from this thread - I changed the name of an Album on Photo Bucket, and that's all it takes - I will try to get them all corrected tomorrow, 08/12.

DONE IT (whew!)

Sorry to hear about your tower Berney. I bet it feels like and old pair of jeans, you hate to get rid of them cause they fit just right but when the bum starts to hang out for all to see you just have to bite the bullet and toss them out. Sooner or later that ladder stand will start to feel like home.

I agree with you 100%, Rick. As soon as possible (and not quite so all fired hot) it will come down.

In the meantime - just in case:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/OldTower03.jpg)

".. and patches make the goodbye harder still."
Cat Stevens

Many years of safe hunting to you, my wonderful friend.
Killdeer   :campfire:

A well-placed quote, Killie, and bless your heart.

I called my supplier this evening to add an item to my order (I've misplaced the tree stand umbrella I've carried/used for years - can't find it anywhere & didn't want to go into the season without one). GUESS WHAT? They got their shipment of stands early, and mine was sent out yesterday - 2 days plus early. I still ordered my camo umbrella  but was very pleased to find out the stand can be expected, and put in place/use, earlier than expected.

I'll post pics of the "new" Shooting Range set-up as soon as I get it going.

bernie, if ya need help in the removal of your tower, give me a holler. ruddy

Thanks, Ruddy - I might just do that, it certainly would be easier with a helping hand, on some parts anyway.

Just when it was starting to look like part of the landscape . . .    :D

LOL - yep, come to think about it, I guess it does to us. It'll probably look weird out there when it's gone - for awhile at least.

My new ladder stand (pseudo tower) was delivered (late) this PM. I got it put together after supper but by then I was too hot to put it up. Tomorrow will do - LOL.

From yesterday evening:

Don't you just love it when goodies arrive - especially when they have to do with Trad archery, AND arrive earlier than expected ? YOWSA!

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS001.jpg)

Unpack and inventory (including a very good tree stand safety DVD, and a(nother) Full Body Saftey Harness):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS002.jpg)

Assemble top section of stand (note the comfy net seat - LOL):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS003.jpg)

Today, hopefully this AM, I will transfer the sections and parts to the chosen tree on my home range (much like I would if going to a pre-chosen hunting site) and do my best to erect/install the stand/tower.

(More pics then)

Layed out at base of tree and ready to errect. Oh, the two cement blocks, pegged in place, take the place of the two other people who are supposed to hold the base in place for you while you raise it. It worked quite well but I am not recommending it to others - LOL:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS004.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS005.jpg)

In place after errecting:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS006.jpg)

All that remains is going up the ladder and installing the two ratchet straps, one on the seating platform, and one on the standing platform. This is the time when it is really best to have someone else steady the ladder, and watch you, to make sure you don't lean back too far until you get them installed. Then it will be ready to take the place of my tower. I'll get my good wife and helpmate, Rose to do that for me when it cools down this evening.

Bernie, you be careful up there. I hate climbing ladder stands to do the straps. seems they always seem to drop a few inches as the weight settles them in. DB

I know what you mean, Don, and I agree. I do be extra careful though. This time it is back to the drawing board after most of a days work though. When I went to ascend the ladder it very quickly became apparent that I had picked too small of a tree, just to get the stand where I really wanted it. Had to pick a different tree, to the side of my shooting lane. Actually it will be better but required more work (trimming, etc.). Didn't want the day to be a waste so worked 'til close to dark and, other than clearing the rest of the limbs off range, (to right around first 3D deer), that I had to cut using my climber on the new tree, I am actually back to the stage of raising the stand again - LOL Apparently I just love making extra work for myself - I KNEW BETTER THAN THAT TOO SMALL TREE! LOL

Pic of new location taken just before sunset:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS007.jpg)

The saga continues tomorrow - got to be careful about the heat though. Working in small "lumps"     :D

This AM I cleared the limbs off the range and cut a few more branches and small saplings that were in the way. I still have a couple decent sized saplings that need to come down on the back lane of the range. Then I did the same as yesterday, only on the new tree of choice - LOL. I now have the stand erected, and ready for me to go up and hook the two top rachet straps up, this evening.

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS008.jpg)

I forgot to mention before that this type ladder stand uses what they call "criss-cross straps" to help hold the stand in to the tree when you climb up to do that part (that most of us hate). I had another brand that used them also once, and it did help. With this stand I went a step further and used a pair of long rachet straps for that purpose. They hook to the seating platform at the back, and drop down on either side of the tree when you raise the stand. Then you cross them behind the tree and tie them off to one of the lower rungs of the ladder. It works pretty good but I liked the rachet straps even better today - we'll see this evening - LOL.

Good luck and be careful. That is the part I dislike the most!!

I'm with you, Craig, thanks.

Throw a couple of straps on it on the way up.. half and 3/4 way up.

Makes sense and i'll keep it in mind but i must say it really feels very solid (I snuck an upward climb a few rungs, before quitting for lunch - LOL)

BTW, the Current tree of choice happens to be the one that I am in my climber in (last fall), in my avatar.

put your climber on the back side and go up in it to do the straps. DB

I had considered that, Don, but the brace and criss-cross straps would have to be left dis-connected until that was done, and I wanted to see if they'd work well. Might use the climber on the back in the future sometime though, it's a valid idea, for sure. As it was, I went up slick as a spider monkey, after supper and cool down. The top rachet straps went on easy as pie, so I went back down and took a "finished" pic - (the second tree, that looks to the right, is actually behind and left, as seen in next pics - LOL):

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS009.jpg)


Then I went back in to get my pruning saw to take out the two limbs above me that would be in the way when standing. Rose took a couple pics when I went back up:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS010.jpg)

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/LS010b.jpg)

Now it's in place and ready to go, so pictures now will be of shooting lanes (views) and actual shooting practice.

I love my Full Body Harness Vest but while it is so hot (for home practice) I think I will break out the new Full Body Harness (w/o vest) that came with the stand -    :D  Don't want to sweat the vest all up before Deer season - sure is "wet" out there these days    :p

I just caught this thread Bernie. Sorry about the tower.

You are an inspirtion with your tireless energy and the example you set for all other archers.

Looking forward to next spring's Dogwood stump shoot.

My wife left New Bern/Pollocksville yesterday. She was visiting family. I retire in less than three years. I think she's leaning towards an eastern relocation.

If that occurs you will certainly be a welcome addition in our local area, Bud, and thank you for the kind words.

Here is a quick pic from this slightly foggy AM, showing the placement of the new stand/tower, in relation to the old one - before that one comes down. To the right of the old tower in the pic but actually beyond it, and on the edge of the shooting lane, so I will be able to shoot both ways and to the front (in the grassy area).

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/V001.jpg)

Bernie, if your planning to leave the stand up as a permanent shooting tower, do me a favor. Add some galvanized chain to the seat and platform tie downs as a safety measure.
A friend used a ladder stand as a permanent tower and he ended up with a broken arm due to an untimely demise of the ratchet straps. As I'm sure you know our coastal salt weather can play havoc on practically any material.
Be Safe! And Enjoy.

Bernie- you seem to have gotten the imediate problem fixed so now you have a whole year to collect the materials for a tower rebuild. Draw up your plan, make your material list and start looking in the classifieds and craigslist and buy up what you need a little at a time and it shouldnt be to hard to get everything collected by next summer to rebuild the tower.......Much more fun and productive to be able to practice from a tower than treestand/harness.(easier on your buddys when they come over to shoot too!!!!)

I understand what you are saying, guys. I don't intend to leave it up permanent (I use the tower more during late summer and fall than any other time anyway). I will keep a close check on straps/rachets, etc., bb. I also agree about the ease, safety, and pleasent feeling of a wood tower over a stand and harness. I hadn't really thought about buying salt treated lumber along and along but it does make sense. That's how I "round up" the Dinosaurs for the young archers, and how we do our Christmas shopping, and collecting for St. Jude auction also so we are always at flea markets, yard sales, etc. I'll keep lumber in mind too, hh.

Thanks also to all for adding more good sense and advice to this thread. We all can use all of that we can get -    :thumbsup:

Yesterday I tried to get some pics of the views from the ladder stand. However, the heat 'n humidity was so bad that it fogged up my camera lens, and the pics weren't good. I still had a couple trees to get out of the way, and wanted to move a couple targets, so I decided to do those chores this AM

This afternoon I got on the stand, after allowing the camera to "warm up" and de-fog, and took pictures of the shooting lanes and new target placements.


To the left of the stand. You can see the backdrop made of rugs at the far end of the lane, & it also has a deer form drawn on it that can be used when shooting from the ground. The Groundhog (to the left) is now about 12 yds:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/V002.jpg)

To the front of the stand, just one target for now but an important one - LOL - also about 12 yds:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/V003.jpg)

And to the right of the stand. There is a Fox at about 11 or 12 yds - if you don't hit the tree first - LOL you also can see the old tower (for further location of things):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/V004.jpg)

I hope to get some shooting in this evening, after it cools down a little.

Looking good Bernie!

Thanks, Bud, gonna post some shooting pics from tonight ("maiden voyage", ya might say) as soon as I get them uploaded.

So - "Blackie", my Anneewakee Addiction Recurve, and I climbed up in the stand and prepared to take it (the stand and range) on it's "Maiden Voyage".

For the first shots from that stand, and at those target positions/distances, I was quite pleased, over all. I climbed down and took pics of the first five shots.

First shot - 12 yds Woodchuck - sore throat:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits001.jpg)

Second shot - bag Deer at about 15 yds:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits002.jpg)

Third Shot - round foam block w/deer sillouete about 19 - 21 yds:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits003.jpg)

Fourth Shot - 3D Deer 12 yds, front:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits004.jpg)

Fifth shot, Fox 12yds, right. This one the stand tree cramped my style a little (until I worked it out later) and I hit that durned tree I mentioned earlier. The poor arrow bounced back - and there it lay, flat on the ground, in abject shame - LOL:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits005.jpg)

(One More set to come)

Rose came out to take some pics of me shooting out of the stand - so I could see how uncomfortable I was under the new set-up - LOL. It wasn't really too bad but still have some bugs to work out (and I don't think it'll ever be as comfortable as the wood tower for practice). However, I think it would/will work well for a hunting stand. As you can see I only did standing shots tonight. It was getting on towards dark (had to enhance the photos) and will try some sitting shots also next time.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/MV002.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/MV003.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/MV004.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/MV005.jpg)

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/MV006.jpg)
Thanks for looking.

BTW - shown in use is the new full body safety harness that came with the stand. It has an intergrated (sewn in) SRS (Safety Recovery System). Which provides, right at your waist, a strap and buckle that you can use both for a climber's (lineman) strap when climbing/descending, and/or as a strap to get under your feet in case of a fall. That allows you to stand in the strap to keep blood from pooling during suspension, after a fall, and perhaps even an aid to step back up onto your stand from. A lot of strapping but kind of neat.

I don't want to bore anyone to distraction with pics of "hits" but do want to show that I made a few changes on the range yesterday, and that the second day of shooting, that same evening, I was more comfortable on the new stand.

In the morning I pulled a few targets and rebars and moved them around a little, as the first three pics will show. I moved the Full Strut Turkey to about 14-15 yds and turned him sideways, on the Left Side Range. Moved the Goose from the Right Side Range to the Front Range, and moved the Fox over (away from that dratted tree), on the Right Side Range.

That evening I climbed up and shot eleven arrows. Then I got down & took pics of each range, with the arrows still in the targets, then took close-ups of the individual targets that I had shot at. Not all shots/hits were exactly where I would prefer them to be but mostly the results were better than the night before.

Left Side Range:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhitsa.jpg)
Front Range:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhitsb.jpg)
Right Side Range:  

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhitsc.jpg)

Shot 1:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits001.jpg)

Shot 2:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits002.jpg)

Shot 3:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits003.jpg)

(One more set of pics/shots to come)

Shot 4:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits004.jpg)

Shot 5 was in, Shot 11 was high but I might have spined him):

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits005and011.jpg)

Shot 6:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits006.jpg)

Shot 7 (a sore throat for the Fox):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits007.jpg)

Shot 8 (a little low for the target shot but might nick the heart on a critter):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits008.jpg)

Shot 9 & 10 - getting a little tired now and while these shots aren't tight in the armpit, like we would want on a real pig, they aren't too bad for 3D tgt hits:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/2ndhits009and010.jpg)

Again, thanks for looking.

You can't beat practice from a real treestand.  Great job.

Love this thread Bernie. You have givin me some ideas when i retire and relocate to Arkansas next year. The wife and i picked up 15 acres with 4 of it pasture, a year around spring fed creek and 11 of it wooded hill side with 2 "hollers" (California boy trying to learn the lingo) on it.

All i can think about is what my range is going to look like and all the wife thinks about is what the house will look like and what shes going to grow in her garden. She says that she does not want to hunt the deer on it and i just smile and think wait untill they eat your gardens up then we will talk   :bigsmyl:

Thank you awbowman, and wtpops - also     :laughing:   (wtpops, I'm sure everything will fall in place when things are all in proper perspective -     ;)

Oh, and "hollers" is real gud places -    :D

Lot of folks would say that shot on the turkey is too far back. After hunting with Joebuck, I'd say it's a perfect shot. straight up the leg , middle of the body. good shooting my friend. If you are serious about rebuilding your tower at some point, let me know. DB

Hmmm, that's interesting facts there, Don. I was thinking, "further back than I wanted it," also - I guess mostly from looking for the wing joint for 3D hits. I know for kill shots in front it's close to the beard junction, and in back end it's "in the back end" - LOL but I hadn't really known that about the side - thanks for adding that info here.

I would love to build another tower one of these days, if "time" (and money) permits. Just because they are so much easier/handier getting up and down, and to shoot from, that it encourages one to use them more. If I had a couple of nice little "gulleys" to set the targets in, like at Sissipaha, it would be easy to slap up a tower, as it wouldn't have to be very big or high, huh? LOL Thanks for offering to help, my friend.

Today, there might just be another "big change to the range" - we'll see.

Go Bernie!!

Bernie, consider bending more in the waist for those downward shots. Most hits seem look to be high and i think this is the reason seeing the pics of you in the stand...

You may very well be right, tecum-tha. That is important and I pretty well had it nailed down at one time, from most stands, etc. I'll try to be more aware of it. However, this stand is higher than my tower was and a little smaller standing space, as yet, I am still not toooo overly comfortable in it, I must admit - LOL

This morning I hinted that there might be another big change to my home range. At about 8:30 or 9 AM, my friend Ruddy ("broketooth") descended on my old tower like a veritable one-man wrecking crew. So, for today (at least) he will be known as "Wrecking Ruddy".

"Let's start at the top, Bernie.":

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR001.jpg)

With the Guard rails gone, Ruddy attacks the top floor boards, (while I did minor little things and handed tools back and forth):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR002.jpg)

In no time at all, the pile of wood on the ground was getting bigger:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR003.jpg)

and the Tower was getting smaller:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR004.jpg)

With a lot of the anchillary parts demolished, Ruddy took after the super structure, with my trusty ax, while I kept tension on a rope dallied around a tree - to ensure the remainder of the old tower fell where we wanted it to. I got the honor of leaning back into the final little tug that brought my "old shooting friend" down, while Ruddy dropped the ax and took a quick picture of the final topple:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR005.jpg)

When the dust cleared, the tower had crashed to the ground and wrecked more damage on itself - no longer a danger to anyone:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR006.jpg)

By 11 AM Ruddy was on his way back home to a well-earned shower and rest. Thank you so much Ruddy, my friend . The task would have taken me days, or perhaps weeks. As it is i can clean up the "wreckage", at my leisure, as the weather permits - and the view out the back door looks better already:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR007.jpg)

What would we do without the help of our "Trad Friends"?

Well there old fellow it looks like you got things under control. I don't see the escalator to get you up and down.....oh ya now I see them, those appendages peering out of your pant leg's. Well they have done well for this many years I suppose they should do for a while longer  :biglaugh:   Take care and shoot good and be careful up there..............Chort

glad i could help bernie! i really think thatwhen i used it this past january, i remember telling you that it was in disrepair. im glad  miss rose doesnt have to worry about you bein up there anymore. anytime you need some help bernie, you give me a holler. rv

Bless your hearts, Chort and Ruddy.

Bernie I always knew you were a killer,great shooting I hope to aspire to your level someday.

I just wish I could get more consistent, Larry (though that has improved some too, since my last visit with batman, I think).

I went out last evening, and didn't feel much like shooting but did get the bottom half of the fallen superstructure broken down. Just the top half left to be more or less flat -    :jumper:

let me know if you need som help haulin that stuff off to the dump bernie,i will be glad to help.rv

Thanks, Ruddy, it'll be a little while (depending on the heat) before I have it ready to haul away.

just burn it, everything else down there is on fire. DB

You have a point there, Don, but they do kind of frown on burning chemically treated wood - LOL. It was a little cooler (less hot) this PM, and overcast, so I went at it again. I took the top half apart and cut the pieces into easier to handle lengths. I pretty much am down to only about 1/2 or an hour left. Dismantling that one set of steps, cutting those two tree trunks down, and moving the cement blocks to my main pile of them. Looking almost decent, for a pile of trash, huh?  ' Course I'm too tired to go out and shoot tonight, or maybe not - at least a few from the ground     :goldtooth:    

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR008.jpg)

Looks pretty awesome  :thumbsup:

Bernie,

Nobody seemed to have mentioned this and I don't now how I missed my favorite Garden Gnome's thread, but here comes:  Why not take some of that treated lumber and slip it under your ladder stand for a solid base?

We had some ladders up local here and when it got soft from rains, it would do some interesting gymnastics on us as one leg or t'other would sink a few inches and create some rides to rally Disney World!

I'd be better off using the cement blocks, if I needed that, Dave. The ants/termites invaded my tower and have set up living spaces inside the wood, thus the dis-mantling of it. I wouldn't dare trust any of the wood, plus I need to get it all off the property before using any new lumber (or burn it as Don suggested - shhhh).

I should have added - even if "they" didn't catch me, if I was so much as to light a match around here (even though we got a little rain Sunday night), Rose would beat me briskly about the head and shoulders. She is scared to death of fire danger.     :eek:

Ya ain't got much meat about yer head and shoulders so ya best just haul it off to the dump!

Or maybe donate it to one of them political "platforms" you don't care for much and see if the danged chew boys will devour it!  :jumper:

I hear ya - LOL. Well, it certainly wasn't cooler today, in fact it went the other way. I decided to get as close to finished as possible anyway, and did. Got it all apart, cut up, and the stumps down but it took me 2 hours instead of what I thought it would take. Any way all I have left to do now is get rid of the wood and move the blocks.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/WR009.jpg)

After a shower and supper, I felt so good about the progress made that I took "Brownie" out and did some (good) shooting, from the ground, with her tonight. Didn't really feel up to climbing - LOL.

Don't dawdle too long on the disposal lest them chew bugs be like the song of our youth bout' the ole "boll weevel" "looking for a home."

Be setting up housekeeping in your shop!   :scared:  

Git that mess GONE!

I heard that - "boll weevel" and all - LOL

I took a video of shooting from the new stand last evening but for some reason it won't upload to my computer software. Gonna try again, today if I get a chance.

Bernie
Great range I have to drive 20 minutes to a club to shoot something other than my 9 yard range in the basement!  And the club isnt as nice as your set up for foam critters.  Be safe.

Thank you, huntin_sparty. It does make a difference when you can step out and shoot any time you feel like it, and have some variety to it.

That video I took yesterday, finally did upload OK today (   :dunno:   ), so here it is (if it works). Be prepared though - I needed to talk a lot louder, so you may or may not be able get enough volume to hear my yakking. Also we forgot to zoom in   after  we put the camera in video mode - but it does show the height that way - LOL. Finally, I'm not trying to teach anybody anything - just taking pics of what I love to do, and learning more about videoing.

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3507.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3507.mp4)


I am going to make another, similar video, talking louder, and zoomed in some, and I'll post that later today or tomorrow perhaps, for comparing.

Oh, yeah, just click on the picture to be taken to the video (on photo bucket).

I know you're small-ish, Bernie, but dang ya look tiny way up there!  :)   :saywhat:    

A-yuh - in my eyes too, Dave. The next video I will zoom in (so I look bigger - LOL), talk louder, and wear my new safety harness - LOL. It sure isn't as comfortable as shooting from my old (roomy) tower but it is fun and I hope to become more comfortable in/on it, swiftly and deftly -    :archer:

besides my f.i.l.   rip. bernie is the toughest elderly man ive ever had the pleasure to meet. i know y'all have known bernie longer than i have . this man is tough.  ooo raaaaaah bernie. you keep at it we will hunt together again this year god wiling. rv

Certainly hope to, Ruddy, and thanks for the kind words.

Didn't get to do another video this evening but perhaps tomorrow.

Looking good Bernie  :thumbsup:  sure is a sharp looking rig your shooting too  :goldtooth:

Bernie

Your gonna get a nose bleed at that height. Looks good buddy!

LOL - thanks Lee and John. I did notice a little pinkness around my nostrils after coming down - LOL. "Blackie" loves it up there (and so does "Brownie", in spite of her extra 2 inches of length - LOL It may be her turn again for the next video.

Good Stuff Bern.....looks like you are reving up big time for this fall.    :campfire:

Thanks, Terry. Trying my best to keep my head (and body) "in the game" - LOL.

I have a new (better ) video experience to show you. Have to warn you that my shooting was off tonight though - LOL. However, part of it might be because I was tired from the day,s activities, and part might be because I had to set the camera up all the way my self, before climbing up, so I was rushing up a little. Probably concentrating more on the video, and less on my shooting. The video   is  louder, closer, and relatively smoother in general (I think - LOL). Also I edited it into three (uneven) clips. Getting Set (up the stand and ready, reletively short), Shooting (main, longest part), and Ending (getting down-closing off - shortest). Hope you enjoy them. One thing about it - no one can accuse me of only showing my good shots -      :o         ;)      .

As before, just click on the picture, for each video.

Getting Set:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3513a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3513a.mp4)

Shooting:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3513b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3513b.mp4)


Ending:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3513c.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3513c.mp4)

very cool sir, thanks for shareing and good shooting.

Thank you, Buckskin57. BTW, that's one of my Chihuahuas barking - not the bees, nor the target laughing at me -    :p

bernie, you are gettin pretty good at shooting videos. its alot of fun isnt it?id be willing to bet you will be shooting some vids of your hunts soon too. rv

Thanks, Ruddy - and I didn't even make a "batman Turkey hunt video quotation" bleeper yet, huh?       :laughing:

Decided to do some more target shifting yesterday and today and will be posting update pics/video within the day, or two. Man, like everywhere, it's so hot it sure slows down the progress!

What the H#####ll. A slur on batman? You know that I was not a marine or sailor. but I was a ranger/ paratrooper and we can cuss just as good as you jarheads. LOL. Good shooting my friend. DB

LOL - I know a good "cusser" when I hear one and just couldn't resist that crack, Don.

Today I pretty much finished my target shifting, and trimming another tree (to use my climber on) for practice. So this noon time I went back out and took both some stills, and a video, of the new range set up, just in case one or the other didn't work out. Turned out they both depict what I wanted to "show and tell" - so I'll subject those of you who look to both stills and video - LOL.

First the still photos of the range update.

Left of Ladder stand:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt001.jpg)

Front:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt002.jpg)

Added tree Stand (climber):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt003.jpg)

Right of Ladder Stand:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt004.jpg)

Now the video of the same semi-circle sweep, from the ladder stand, to further explain the target update, and the still photos:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3518.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3518.mp4)

(Click on that last picture to see the video.)

BTW - today when moving the big round, foam target I noticed that deer sillouete is kind of large in the body for most of the deer I get to see around here. With that in mind, I took some black spray paint and closed the background in some, to correct that. You will see that in any future pics and/or videos.

I did a video shooting out of my Climber last night, after our tiny bit of rain, but forgot I had done the ones above earlier, and didn't change the battery - DUH! Needless to say it died before I even got up the tree. I was just talking away up there - just like i knew what i was doing - LOL,LOL Well, it was a good "practice session" anyway. I'll try again today or tomorrow.

I kept having trouble getting a video from the climbing stand - first one thing and then another. This morning I got Rose to help (start the camera), AFTER I climbed up, and it worked out well. I split (edited) the video into two parts to keep the upload time down. The only thing we missed was zooming-in a little - just like the first one from the ladder stand - LOL. Rose seems to have a little trouble getting the zoom and the video function coordinated. However the camera was a little closer on this one so it isn't bad at all. in fact I'm not sure but what I like the looks better, than if it had been zoomed in. Hope you enjoy it. You will hear me mention that I plan to take some stills of the hits after I get down - and I did. I will post them in the next post, and you will get to see the target hits that I described (both good and bad - LOL) in the video.

First Part (a):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3523a.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3523a.mp4)

Second Part (b):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/th_100_3523b.jpg) (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/?action=view¤t=100_3523b.mp4)

(Still Pics in the following post.)

Target hits.

Racoon and Buck - back shots:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits006.jpg)

Round Foam Deer - good first and third shots together, second one was high, right (deer newly "slimmed down" by painting in background - LOL):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits007.jpg)

Turkey - two Bad shots (left, in fan and wing tips) one good'un (in body):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits008.jpg)

Fox - one miss to left of back, low, one good'un in side:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits009.jpg)

Pig - hit was even further back than I thought - gutted him pretty bad, especially at that angle - not my best/cleanest effort:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Hits010.jpg)

This is a shot of Blackie, my Anneewakee Addiction 54" Recurve, hanging on the climber stand with my quiver - it just looked like a good photo op to me, as I came back from taking the pics of the targets. I'm reasonably sure Blackie was thinking, "I'm a great shot, when that old fool does his part right, snicker, snicker."

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Climber001.jpg)

Thanks for looking, y'all.

I just noticed pic/vids missing from earlier in this thread - I changed the name of an Album on Photo Bucket and that's all it takes - I will try to get them all corrected tomorrow, 08/12.

Corrections/re-posting all done so thread is now complete again. Whew! That was confusing     :confused:       ;)

thanks for sharing your world and videos with me, always enjoy them!

Thank you, RedShaft, that means a lot to me. Today, I set a couple more targets out (that I use in the carport for winter practice), and moved the tables around a little to improve the looks of that area (though the pile of wood is still there). More pics later. Hope to shoot some this evening but it is pretty cloudy/dark already w/ just sprinkles so far. We'll see after supper.

Got too dark too quick this eve for anything further (darn it), have to see how it goes over the weekend & into Mon. They keep saying rain but we don't get much to speak of right here, so far.

These are pics of the new target/range updates completed yesterday.

Table area (that pile of old tower wood still hasn't left the area - LOL):

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt006.jpg)

Target area to left of Ladder Stand - painted targets, also painted & added another foam pig target:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt007-1.jpg)

Around the corner - repainted Foam deer:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt008-1.jpg)

Close-up of Large Foam deer:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt008b-1.jpg)

To the Front added small square foam tgt (an old-timer) with circles & touched up paint jobs:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt009-1.jpg)

To Right of Ladder Stand - added another bag target with deer body and repainted the two old ones, the fox, and the large foam deer sillouette in front of the pump house:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt010-1.jpg)

It's just a shame there isn't way more shooting going on here than there is. If you are ever in my area and would like to shoot with me on my "Home Range", I'm in the phone book (Dunn, Bernard S.). Don't hesitate to give me a call and come by - we'll shake a hand, and fling a few for sure. Probably take a few pics too - LOL

I see you got that ole wood pile with the gnarly chew boys in it... Is that a trail I see them making toward the house and garage/shop?

I sure hope not! Rose will have yer carcass!

Where ya get all them foam blocks for targets, Bernie!

I've done some heavey duty spraying in, on, and around that pile of wood, Dave to hopefully keep "things" under control until I get it gone (hopefully).  

Those big foam blocks are brought to the shoots (ATAR and Hickory) by a big guy and his sons, out of GA. The shoots are about the only place you can get them as the shipping would make them prohibitive for him to sell at a reasonable price like he does. As I recall each of mine cast only $40.00 They go like hot cakes and last like crazy. The smaller ones they sell for about $20.00 last i knew. You may recall I bought the Big Round one The first year at ATAR (remember Dave Bartholomu gave me a rachet strap he had with him, to secure it in my little Ranger pick-up for the trip back home? I think you helped me load it). I bought the newer one (that I cut in half and painted the two pigs on) about three years ago at ATAR. I think they only make it to the shoots in the Carolinas and GA. Gene Thorne would probably remember their name & info.

Bernie love your backyard range,If I ever have the opportunity to stop by I will,thanks for the pics.

REmember that well, now that you mention it.

I also remember toying with the idea, but with the cap on the F150, I couldn't get the block inside so passed.

I'd forgotten all that. What a hoot we had putting yours in the li'l truck--but it had no cap! We must've looked like two monkeys and a fooball!   :jumper:  

Alas, not much chance of hooking up on any of those, lest I end up living down that way when things re-direct in my world.

As Larry said, that is one incredible back-yard set up buddy.  

Have you considered one of those "life line" set ups for your ladder? The rope tied up top and anchored to the bottom w/ prusic hitch so youre tethered the entire time up, down and while securing your tether once up?  They really are pretty slick and give a body a lot of security during the climb and especially those moments when you're wrapping the strap/rope around the tree to hook to!

Stay safe, li'l Buddy!

Thanks, guys. I really should have a life-line on that tree with the ladder stand. Batman uses them on his loc-ons that have strap on ladder sections and they are neat because it's all close to the tree. Not sure how they hook up on a (stand-away) ladder stand though. Need to research it a little, though.

This evening it was a little cooler (high 80s, LOL) and we had dynomite rain last night (finally) so things really looked good out back. I hadn't done any work today so I went out to shoot before supper. Climbed up on the ladder stand and had a grand practice. couple of neighbors heard me shooting and came over - they were duly impressed with the arrows in the targets - LOL. They even handed some of my arrows back up to me so they could watch me "do it to it" - and i didn't even blow that - "Some Days Are Diamonds"    :archer:

Great Stuff Bernie !!!

Thank you, Harl. Hope you're doing well, my old Canadian Friend - a blessing to "hear" from you.

I can't stress enough (nor can anyone else) Tree Stand Safety. I found this really good (26min video) site by the TMA that should be reviewed annually.

  http://www.huntercourse.com/treestandsafety/  

However, I warn you that it does not include info on the installation and use of a life-line and Prusik knot, which I consider a huge safety aid. I am still looking for a site on that subject.

Be safe out there, and I promise to do my best to be safe here as well.

This looks to be a great, easy, and fast way to tie a Prusik Knot (on a life line or any other line/application). Your Prusik Knot rope should be a loop to start with.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KViVAGS9eDU&feature=related

Very nice set-up.  Good shooting

Thank you, maxwell.

Been doing some final "touch-ups", and alterations on the "Home Range" the last three days, and getting some decent (if lone) shooting in as well. Still want to shift my ladder stand (on the tree) just a tad - if I can figure how to make the dad-burned rachet straps loosen a little. More pics in a day or two, I hope. Going to the last Sissipahah shoot of the season (near Burlington, NC - yummy BBQd pig 'n all the fixin's) on Sat. - good Lord willing.

Here are the first of the pics of the final Touch ups (which may take a few more days to complete, even though most of it is done - LOL).

I finally got a neighbor's son-in-law to bring his trailer over and drop it so i could load up the old wood from the tower - which now waits for him to haul it away. You can see it behind the table area - you can also see Rose and I moved the old lawn swing inside the dog yard (we don't use it - perhaps they will -     :D   ) Also moved the clothes-lines over that way - I only use them for my hunting and camping gear):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches001.jpg)

And here is a closer look at the trailer after I loaded it, & cleaned up the area where the wood was - we're gettin' there!:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches002.jpg)

Nobody said maintaining a Home range was easy - but it is a part of the archery fun and games that we all love    ;)

And here it is - the old tower is fully gone, trailer and all:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches003.jpg)

A shot from the other side of the "wood pile" area now that it's gone, shows the repainted targets, and that I've raised the two bag target deer bodies (on the left) up to a more realistic height:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches004.jpg)

After I went with the trailer provider and dumped the wood, i came back and shifted the ladder stand as i said i wanted to do. Since shooting to the right was hindered by the tree, i figured I might as well face more left. This time I did use the climber to go up on the back of the tree to loosen and then re-tighten the rachet straps after shifting the stand. This shows the new position:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches005.jpg)

This shows the lane to the left that I will face more now and the repainted targets and backdrop, from the newly placed ladder stand:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches006.jpg)

Moving to the right here is the large foam target around the corner again, just for orientation :

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches007.jpg)

I decided since I had shifted the stand, I also needed to shift the targets that were formerly to the front, over closer to the large foam tgt. This will also put them (except the Goose) at a better angle from the Climber stand:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Finaltouches008.jpg)

Speaking of the climber stand I thought i would also take another pic of the lane to the far right (from up in the ladder stand) just to show what else I'll be shooting from the climber, and (as with all targets) from the ground, when i care to:

   (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches009.jpg)

After the hard, hot work I was for a shower and supper. After supper, even though I was dead tired, I wanted to try shooting from the newly positioned ladder stand. I only shot my 11 arrows (at the tgts to the left, and around the corner to the front) but it went real well (three were fives, though) and the fun sort of revived me - LOL

I think I've got the whole Home Range pretty well set again now. Thanks for looking and watching.

Oh, if anyone was concerned about my canoe on the left in that last picture, but wasn't comfortable with asking me how many holes I've put in it, I have a "Force Field" around it - (and I hope it keeps working)   :D

Nice job Bernie alot of work but it paid off,I wasn't worried about the canoe I know a dead eye like you wouldn't miss.  :biglaugh:

Oh, Thanks, and bless you, Larry, but though I make some really good shots, I've also racked up more "misses" than all of the "Young Ladies" registries  in the whole USA. However I have managed to spare my canoe over the years    :archer:

Very nice,I'm sure you will enjoy it for many years to come.Have a safe and enjoyable hunting season.
Leland

It looks like you're having fun!

I really am (especially now that all the hardest stuff is done - LOL)

This evening it was so nice out, I decided to go out and take some shots (and pics) from the climber stand position. Pics of the views/tgts:

To the front:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches010.jpg)

Around corner:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches011.jpg)

The areas where the tower was, and the ladder stand is now, across from the climber:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches013.jpg)

Targets to the left:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/FinalTouches012.jpg)

After I took those pics, I settled in to shoot - pics of the hits next.

Pics of the hits (and a miss) - taken right after I finished shooting - daylight dimming (hope you can see the feathers/arrows).

Good one on the deer , angling in from the rear of the rib cage towards the opposite shoulder - just about the same on the raccoon except entered a little further back - one on the big foam deer a little further forward and higher than i would prefer:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/ClimberHits001.jpg)

Fair shot on the full strut Turkey:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Climberhits002.jpg)

I lost my grip on the string and jerked the snot out of the first one on the fox and hit the ground well behind him, second shot was good - the shot on the first deer was fine-ice, on the second deer the first shot was back but in the liver (according to the markings) and the second was a double lunger:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/ClimberHits003.jpg)

Last two arrows were on the deer behind the pig - first one I just caught the edge of the body, high (might have got lucky and spined it but I didn't like it, did miss the tree though - LOL) - The second was pretty satisfying to me, and a good way to finish up (heart shot on a real critter, a little low on a 3D):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/ClimberHits004.jpg)

bernie
nice home range
looks like those addiction recurves are treating you well
those carolina whitetails look to be in trouble this year
ol lee hoots sure does build a fine bow

kevin

Ya got that right, Kevin.

All this work (fun) has paid off. Yesterday at Sissipahah I shot the best I've ever shot , I do believe - and what a blast. See pics and write up soon on the thread for Sissipahah under Trad Events.   :jumper:

Raynge looks to be in top shape. Good job. Great seeing you and Ruddy yesterday. Sorry it was only briefly. My first trip to an all trad shoot this year and seemed to see a multitude of old friends. Had to cut out earlier than usual to attend another function. Taylor had a blast as well. Had to put him in the car at gun point. He was asleep before burlington. Guess he takes after his uncle Will. LOL.  Hope the old Ford Edge didn't act up on the way home. Later DB

The Edge behaved all the way home, and out and about this AM, Don. Thanks for the comments, I'm pretty pleased with the range - find time to come down and shoot some time, I think you'd enjoy the variations. If Taylor takes after his Uncle Will, that won't be all so bad, even the sleeping - LOL

With Irene slated to come visit our local area on Saturday, one can't help but wonder - how is all my archery range work going to pan out. I've got out to shoot about three days since Saturday at the Sissipahah Shoot. Twice out of my stands, and off the ground all three times. Pretty good shooting too, if I do say so myself. May get out again this evening, before "she" gets too close. I put the climber stand in the carport, after shooting last night but will leave the ladder stand up, unless it looks imminent to hit us dead on. We usually don't leave (with all our dogs and cats), unless storms are really headed in close. Besides the one time we did head inland, that storm changed course and headed where we were heading to sit it out - go figure. Not advocating this for others. However our pets are like family and there are not enough shelters that you can bring them,comfortably, for all involved.

I did get out last evening for a dzn (replaced my two lost practice arrows - LOL) good hits, after a long day of "tieing things down".

Irene was headed right next to our area (Atlantic Beach) but the 5 AM prediction has moved the path a TAD further East (finally) and now landfall looks like Cape Lookout - 30 - 50 miles away. Irene is so wide it doesn't help much but every little bit helps. Our County is still under the gun. If that eastward trend continues, things could look better and better between now and noon Sat.

Buckle down Bernie and be careful! This old bitty is BIG and Mean! I'm sure you are prepared anyway but "Be Prepared".  Good luck, Chris

Thanks Chris. We've sat out a few here in this home, in the last 17 years, but this one is a big booger all right. We are hoping and praying for the best. A little "in case" work left to do today but did most of it yesterday.

Just before six AM Sat and so far so good.

Lots of wind and rain all night but as I look out in the dark still all I see is small branch tips and a few chunks of larger wood but nothing serious.

We are still about 3 hours from landfall of the Eye (probably at Cape Lookout or Hatteras) and experiencing the wall of the eye. Depending on where, gusts and sustained winds of about 70 mph

A couple of small tornados spun up but not close to us and very little serious sounding damage in the TV listening area reported so far.

One of our Local TV stations (12) is actually reporting (same thing we are seeing/hearing) over some National HD station, and you may be able to pick it up.

They expect, though there may still be damage here and there, that things from here on out will be getting less and less dangerous for the most part.

Love to all and thank you, Lord.

OH, and traditional archery is still my favorite pastime and from the dark porch my new range looks to be OK - LOL

Hang in there Bernie! Just thought about you while watching the news so I got on here to see if you had posted anything. Again Good Luck and keep us posted!

Bernie, I really like your range as I've been focusing on tree only practice for two weeks now. I told my son-in law a  ladder stand is the direction I should go and I like your new Ole man.I hope you are spared storm damage.Several times here on coastal Ms. deer woods are destroyed by fallen timber as it makes walking impossible.

Stay safe friend!!

Alot worse than most expected. I'm assuming Bernie has no power. 350,000 folks without power in eastern NC. I just got internet and satelite tv back up. It's been a long day. still no power and probably won'nt be up for a while. Tons of trees and lines down. I can only get a 1/2 mile from my house. big tree and lines blocking the road. I'll get on that in the am. Acorns are knee deep in the yard. I'm guessing the deer and bear will clean those up soon. Glad I haven't put up any stands yet. I did go out a few min ago and shot my bow in the shop with my hawg lite. We have no power and i got a gererator running the fridge and tv and such. Bernie, hope you are ok. DB

Glad to hear your OK Don. Looks like there is alot to be done down that way. I wish I could get down there and help out somehow. I guess your stand location has been chose, backyard over acorns! Hey let us know if you hear from Bernie. Be careful cleaning up with all the down trees and lines everywhere.

............................................
11 AM and still all is well in general. Also still a lot of wind and some rain, due to the size of Irene. We did have one large limb come down in our driveway (that will require cutting) but, other than that, it is just the litter of many, many limb tips and limb pieces. Though many (200,000) are without power, ours has stayed on all night. It has glitched on and off this AM a few times but never stayed off yet. We in this little area - once more - are truly blessed.
..................................................

Right after I sent out the above (in e-mails), posted it on FB, and came here to post it, my power went out - and stayed out, as Don said above. After that we had more damage than before and just got power back on at about 12:30 Sunday AM - LOL

We lost two huge Oak branches, a couple of tops out of Oaks (including the top s of the tree my Ladder stand is mounted in - stand appears to be OK), and one complete large Oak Down. Before it was all just "pick up" stuff, now some "lumberjacking" will be involved. However, NO real damage - so we are still very lucky AND still blessed. Also most of my close neighbors fared even better. Only one other big tree down and no harm.

Thanks for all the concern, blessings, and prayers, and I will have a few pics later.

Glad your ok Bernie,was worried for awhile,lets just hope everyone gets off so easily,take care brother.

Bless you, Larry, and I pray the same for those still in the path.

Good to hear from you Bernie, have you heard anything from Rudy? I wasn't quite sure how close he is to you?

Yes, Ruddy called during the day sat. and all was well except for picking up leaves and small branches. I do think the housing area he lives in (about 20 or so miles from me) had some flooding later but I don't believe it would reach his house.

I will need to start work soon on clean up, including cleaning my Home Range all over again - LOL. Better than many of the alternatives though, you know.

Here are some pics of our worst tree damage

First large branch to fall - on driveway:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/FellInDrivewayJustAfterVideos100_3591.jpg)

Second was the top out of my Ladder Stand tree:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LadderStandTreeTop.jpg)

Later I found a large tree crashed across our end of the lane to our next door neighbors house:

Trunk End:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LargeTreeDowninLane001.jpg)

Center:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LargeTreedowninLane002.jpg)

Top:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LargeTreeDowninLane003.jpg)

(Next post will be better pics of my Ladder Stand Tree)

A better (or worse) look at the Ladder Stand tree:

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LadderStand001.jpg)

A view of the top where the one branch was torn out and another broken over - it will fall later, I'm sure     :rolleyes:    :

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LadderStand002.jpg)

View from the other side (ladder is on the center tree):

 (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/LadderStand003.jpg)

As you can get a partial feel for in these pics, our little acre is heavily littered with Oak and other limb tips and pieces - much bending over is in store, as well as some serious cutting. More fun than a barrel full of monkeys. BUT WE ARE SAFE AND SOUND - thank you Lord.

Glad you are all okay Bernie....Looks like a mess now, but look at all the free firewood mother nature provided, with a little (acutally looks like a lot)of work. Again glad you are all safe and sound.

Glad you guys are ok up there  :)

Looks rough Bernie but I guess you can start Part 2 of the "Home Range prep and clean up". Don't know what help I can be this far west of you but hollar if you need something.

Thanks for the kind thoughts and offers, guys, they are truly appreciated.

Good to read your PM's that things were well and better'n expected!

While a PnA$$, this is just "work". No big heartache involved or insurance claims.

Praises for sure!!!

Thanks, Doc, glad you fared well up there too. It was a buster for a lot of folks, especially for only a Cat One storm, all up the coast. We went to the store this afternoon, and saw so many trees down in strange places. There is never any rhyme or reason to which ones crash and which ones stand. At least not to us mortals.

We were wondering about you this morning Bernie. Glad you are safe.

Bud

Break out the gloves and the chain saw and go to work wish I could be there to help.

LOL - got the gloves ready, Larry but my chain saw won't start this year - even though I spent over a half dzn carbon arrows on repairs for it last year. Guess it's time for a new one. I'd rather buy arrows though    :D   . I think one of my non-resident neighbors (who had little or no damage) is bringing a couple down this AM though. He's a workaholic too. We ARE blessed with good friends and neighbors.

Thanks for the concern, all.

This AM, my non-resident next door neighbor, Wes Vanhoy, and I will tackle some of the larger pieces of cleanup in my yard. (Like the one in front of my Ladder Stand -     :D    ) We'll use his chain saws that he so thoughtfully brought down, even though he knew (through our earlier PhonCon, & e-mails) that he would not need them on his place. Ya gotta love folks like the Vanhoys.

Neighbor, Wes, and I attacked those limbs/trees that required chain saw work early this AM and with his blessed help, we made sort order of that work. We also cleaned up most of the debris that work produced:

Wes attacking the culprit tree top from my Ladder Stand tree:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/CleanUp003.jpg)

That area Looking pretty close to clean again now:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/CleanUp004.jpg)

We stacked up the Oak pieces for my other next door neighbor, for Bar-B-Qing pigs - LOL:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/0313/CleanUp005.jpg)

Wes and I also took care of the rest of the chain saw work, and now all that is left is picking up work, which Rose and I can do as we feel like it - or not - LOL The Home Range is now usable again - Yippee! Thank you, Wes, my friend.

Bernie I want to be like you when I retire. That should get a pig stared.

Oh and glad to see you didn't get blown away in the winds.

Bless your heart, Kelly. Again thanks for your service and you stay safe over there, my friend.

Glad to see that your range is back in working order. It would have broken my heart to put in all that work, and then have a storm come in and mess it up like that. Just goes to show ya...
Don't mess with Bernie!
(or his foam critters!)

Happy shooting, you li'l ol' buzzsaw you!
Killdeer   :clapper:

Bless you, my dear friend, Killie. What more can good friends do for us than to always make us feel worthwhile - as you do.

Well, they can wander around the yard with a sharp chainsaw...    :biglaugh:  

Killdeer

You stay safe in that stand Bernie. You are older than most of the trees you associate with  :bigsmyl:  

Chort

LOL - I hear you two old friends - always handy with a good "quip"     :biglaugh:

I think my stomache is beginning to settle down a little (from all the bending, down and up, down and up) so hopefully it is time to get back to "practice" now. Maybe this evening.

Only got about two more bouts of clean up left and the cooler weather is holding. Thank God for leaf blowers. I was able to get out and fling some arras a while last evening, late. Sure felt good (though I didn't have the energy to climb - LOL)- went well too so that perked me up.    :archer:

:campfire:

Thanks, Terry.

Well, by attacking it both in the AM and then again in the mid-afternoon, Rose and i finished our clean up from Irene today. However this evening I finished late and was too tired to shoot. Everything looks pretty good again (especially my range) and I will feel free to shoot again anytime I want - if Katia will just turn out to sea and stay that course.     :rolleyes:

A Quiet Morning, the day after Clean-up - and the Home Range is looking good again:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/AfterIreneCleanup001.jpg)

If you looked real close you might have seen our volunteer guard cat, "Red", watching over the range for me - or try this cropped version - LOL:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/AfterIreneCleanup002.jpg)

Cool stuff, Bernie.

Just goes to show that good people begat good things from other good people...

To quote our own Dear Killy, can I type "begat" here on gang?"   :goldtooth:  

Place looks spiffy.  

I pity our local folks (and those anywhere w/ damage) with trees on their houses, crashed through roofs and unable to do anything "until the insurance company comes to inspect" and then those insur moguls say, "Oh, we're too busy w/ all the claims, so you have to wait".

Now it's raining here! All that extra damage on so many homes/properties because pictures taken won't suffice. Seems odd in today's high-tech world to not have alternatives besides "on spot" visit by over-worked adjusters and further damage done in the wait. Breaks my heart.

Sorry, Bernie...I'm getting off my soap box now!

So happy that you're work is done and you can now relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

I understand, Dave, and thanks for the kind words.

We both played it lazy all day today but this evening I not only felt up to shooting but climbing also. So I climbed up on my ladder stand and shot about 12 critters (foam ones that is):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/905001B.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/905002.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/905003.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/905004.jpg)

I might get back in shape yet - LOL

Looks like the range is not the ONLY thing "back in form"

You made some good shots there, ole Garden Gnome!  :)  :)

Been wetters'n a duck's butt all weekend here..

Wow!

Nice shootin' Bernie!!

Bernie your living the good life,great range and good shooting.Larry

:thumbsup:

Thank you, Doc and Bud - it made me feel pretty good.

Also thanks to Larry and ti-guy - y'all were posting while I was, I guess.    :D

Bernie one of the members in Guilford Bowhunters has a device that attaches to the stand and clamps the tree when you push it to the tree. You can climb up and it will hold until you strap it in then you can take it off. PM me if you want his phone #. LCH

Seems I've seen something, somewhere about something like that, Lee but can't recall for sure. Is this a device he built, bought, or what?

Looking Good Ber....

Thank you, Slasher

any skeeters showing up on your range yet. seem to be plentiful at mine.

LOL  - yeah, Don, there's a "few" since Irene wet things down some. So far they aren't real terrible though. I do honestly still think that my getting on the Vitamin B1 (250mg) pill once a day, about 3 years back now, does help me some though.

10/4 on the B1. I need to get back on that. I haven't even hung the 1st stand. my woods are in shambles. Been soo busy cleaning up after the storm. Not alot of damage at my place except for my range. Farm is another story, not to mention the 32 rental units. It may be late oct before i even get a chance to think about climbing a tree.  Not that i'm chompping at the bit with this heat and bugs. I'd be willing to bet though, that when I do get in the mood, I'll probably get to see a deer or two. DB

I usually can stand the heat (though it is some rougher this year and seems to affect my stomache more - nausea), and my Thermacell will take care of the bugs. Seeing the deer may be another problem altogether if it follows the past years trends - LOL. I'll be out there trying, whenever I can though - waiting for my "tags" (Game harvest "Report Card", as they call them now) and law regs digest to come in the mail, even as we speak. I figured about your farm clean-up, and Ruddy told me your homestead fared pretty well, didn't think about the rental places though - whew!
Take care of yourself while your at it, buddy.

Our bow season starts here this Sat. (09/10) Sure hope my "tags" get here today or tomorrow - just in case I need one, ya know -      :D     I do have my copy of my e-mailed Application (from a week ago) though, at least. I was thinking that they (NC) sent them to us "ol' folks" automatically - that's what I get for thinking. Makes sense that they wouldn't (in case we'd croaked since last year) when you stop to think about it     :archer:

As I said above, Our Bow Deer season opens Sat. (09/10) and it's been a long, dry spell for me (though NOT as long as I'd been thinking/saying) - ONLY since late 2006 (4 seasons, moving into the 5th) - lots of "Track Soup" (no Deer). I've been hunting only trad gear for six seasons now, and all of this to "jazz" myself up for the seventh (and a more productive one , I hope)- LOL It's all OK though, as I have had the best times of my hunting life in those six seasons.

Ah-ha, my NC State Big Game Report Card ("Tags") came in the mail today just like clockwork. All is well in my world -     :goldtooth:  (Next year, I'll remember to request them earlier!)

I went out last night and shot a dzn out of my climber - I HAD THE WORST  eve of shooting i've had since mid-summer - and maybe since I switched to all trad. Ya'think maybe I got pre-season jitters - LOL? Anyway, during those 12 I had three PERFECT shots, and knew they were/would be, so whatever it was, I knew without a doubt that it was just me. What a time for it to happen though. When I climbed down to get my arrows, I decided to shoot some off the ground (to salve my wounded ego, and confidence). I wasn't on top of my game but at least did enough better to ward off the jitters - LOL. I think I just attempted to climb/shoot too soon after gorging myself on Pizza - but what a shocker, two days before season opener. If I feel good about it tonight, I'll try it again - to get myself squared away again - I hope     :D   If not, I'll just stop thinking about it     ;)    .

Well, believe it or not, I did get a deer this morning - even though it was white, and had been shot a few times:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt011.jpg)

So far it's the only one I've seen since the season started here - LOL

I got it at a second hand store we go to on a regular basis, for $10.00 It's called a Monster Tough Bag and is painted similar (deer body W/vitals) to my smaller bag targets. I placed it on my range, in front of the old, dry foam tgt w/ the two round spots (that I don't like to shoot at very often anyway), which helps to support it. At least for now. Not that I really needed another target but, like I said before, the variety is great. Besides it is in good shape and was too good a deal to pass up.    :D

This afternoon I got a bright idea, and took a pair of old, too short, camo, Carbon arrows that I've had around for years, installed small, sharp, 85 gr field tips on them. Then I put them down trough the grommets in the top, corners of the "new" bag tgt. and shoved them about 4 inches down into the top of the old foam target to help hold the bag in place. Seems to work pretty good.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt012.jpg)

I got up in the climber this evening and shot at the new bag and the big round foam target with the deer painted on. Six shots at each - missed the kill zone once on both/each. Made me feel pretty good overall (after the other evening's "poorest of all summer" performance).

Well, I have something else to show you - but first I want to add this picture of the new (large) bag target, taken from the perspective of the shooter, on the ladder stand:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt012b.jpg)

(Back in a minute)

Would you believe - today I got my second "Deer" of the season (seems I'm stuck in a rut - a pretty good rut though because at least I'm having fun).

This deer my wife got me for my birthday. I know, she got 1/2 of my ladder stand for my birthday but I didn't know she had the deer back when I started redoing my range. neither of us knew at that time that the tower was going to have to come down then. Yesterday she surprised me with this little feller (still early for my Birthday in Oct., but that's the way she is can't stand to keep someone's gift until it's time - LOL - besides she figured she'd better give it to me before i ran out of space). He must be the runt of the litter but has a huge rack - LOL. I put him back behind the "Doe" on the first part of the range:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt013.jpg)

Oh-oh! When I got up on the ladder stand to take a pic of this update, it became obvious the Runt's big rack was blocking any shot (from there) at the pig beyond him:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt014.jpg)

Soooo - I moved the big rack to the "former" doe and gave her/him a sex change     ;)     . Then I took some old broken 3D "antlers" and made a fork horn out of the "newbie" little guy:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt015.jpg)

He didn';t seem to mind because he had a big protector in his "bachelor buck group" now - LOL.

Now this is how that part of the range looks from the shooter's perspective on the ladder stand. The fork horns do still block the pigs head but I don't want to hit there anyway. I may move the newbie backwards a couple or so inches though - just to protect his new antlers - LOL:

  (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Tgtupdt016.jpg)

I did some shooting from the ground this evening and all 12 shots were great, except one, and it could have worked out OK. Didn't shoot at the newbie yet, as I didn't want to shake his new headgear loose - LOL

("Cold front" coming in tonight but it was still above 90 today. One of these fine days I'm gonna get out and get a real, live deer to report though - I hope, I hope, Ihope, ihope, ihope .....................)

Good luck Bernie.

Thanks, Larry, looks like cooler but perhaps lot of showers during the coming days - we'll see - LOL

feels good out there this am Bernie. Hey I just noticed Lee Hinton's post on here about the rig that holds the ladder stand to the tree. I remember exactly where you saw one. It was at the guilford bowhunters club house. the shoot that you and I went to a few summers back. Had to run out of a thunderstorm and hangout in the club house for a while. That's where we saw that rig and alot of nice whitetail mounts as well. Good luck on your hunting. DB

Yep, Don, and I got to thinking about that too, and wondering if that wasn't it, because Lee was there too and I believe he took me back into the clubhouse and introduced me to the guy that had/made it. Thanks for verifying my fuzzy memory - LOL

Thanks for the good wishes, buddy. This evening should be a good time to go out for sure. I was just out putting a little more glue (5 min epoxy) around The little fork horn's antlers, and I could swear my old, scarred thumb started getting cold - would you believe it?   (It reacts badly to "cold" weather)    :rolleyes:

Finally got out hunting last evening (cold front) but all I saw was one little Vole messing around in the forest floor litter, right beside my chair - but he didn't stay around me very long. Cute little feller.

I was pretty busy yesterday and today but this evening I just had to get out and shoot a little. Since the new little Fork horn is my first ever NEW 3D target, I decided I should record the first shot on him, while I was at it.

From 14-15 yards:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Newbie1stshot.jpg)

Then I decided to go on and record the first group (not so good as a consistent group but good hits anyway - and the newbie is now christened as a bona fide member of the range - holes and all):

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Newbie1stGroup.jpg)

tear it up bernie

LOL - keeps me from thinking so much about wishing I had a good, close place to hunt, Ruddy. I'm probably safer at home anyway - and I certainly get to shoot more arrows    :archer:

BTW, it turns out that the Pugnacious little buck with the big rack is a new McKenzie target, called "Lil Mack", instead of all the names that I've called him here - FYI - and I think my wife (and one of my cats) have fallen in love with him    ;)

Another change to the Home Range. In order to have my climbing stand free for hunting (if I need/want it), today I hung my loc-on (and strap on ladders) to the Sweet Gum tree that I had the climber on. Here's a couple pics taken from two sides of it. It is a little higher than I used the climber, so I had to cut a couple more branches from the Swee'gum.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Locon001.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v689/ber643/TradArcheryPractice2011Home%20Range/Locon002.jpg)