Trad Gang

Several months ago TradGang held a fund raising auction to benefit the family of Chris Surtees.  I was lucky enough to win the bid on a Black Creek Bow donated by Jim Gainey.  I had Jim build a 58" Banshee one-piece longbow with cocobolo veneers and cocobolo and bubinga riser and accents.  It is 52#@28.   It is one dandy little bow.

I bid on this bow because I had the pleasure of meeting Chris one brief weekend at Ray Hammond's Hog Heaven.  It was a one fun hunt for sure.  I got to know Chris a little bit that weekend, as well as one could in a short time frame, a couple meals, a few rides adding corn to the ditches along the property, and a few laughs around the camp fire.  I could tell Chris was the kind of guy anyone would consider himself lucky to call "friend".  I could also tell he loved TradGang and his brotherhood of bow hunters who gather here.

In that spirit, I would like to offer up the bow Jim built  "IN HONOR OF CHRIS SURTEES" for a traveling bow for TradGang members.  

                (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/Banshee/IMG_0855.jpg)

                (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/Banshee/IMG_0856.jpg)

                (http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii47/bel007/archery/Banshee/IMG_0858.jpg)

If you would like to carry this little Banshee off into the field chasing wild quarry or just busting stumps in the back yard, it is yours.  I will include a journal with the bow.  I think it would be great if you would take one page of that journal to outline your experience with the bow for others to read.  Heck, include a picture if you would like.

I am pretty sure one bow from that auction is already traveling among us.  Hopefully having another bow to pass along will help keep Chris' memory alive here on this forum.

Based on the draw length  recommendations from Jim, I would ask no one with a draw length longer than 29 inches use the bow.  Honor system here, but this 58" bow is best suited for 29" or less.

Send me a request for the month you would like the bow.  When you are assigned a month, please send me your complete name, address and a phone number.

Ship the bow to the next TG member on or before the 28th day of the month you have the bow.  Ship via USPS Priority, signature confirmation, insured for $500.  

Here is the list so far:

Nov 2011:  *** SEE LATER POSTS FOR UPDATED LIST ***

:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Good on you Brian! I look forward to pics and stories.

Very nice gesture Bell,this is a great way to remember Chris.I am a lefty and live outside the Country but you have my simpaty for this.

:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Would love to myself except I have a few of my own bows to christen this year but a great gesture nonetheless, thanks !!

:clapper:    Way to go.  Thats way cool what your doing.  

Wish i was going to be around this hunting season.  

Maybe next year.

Nice move Brian  :thumbsup:

:thumbsup:

Outstanding.

That's awesome bud!  Makes me wish I was right handed.....

Man, that's good stuff right there Brian...I'd consider it an honor to carry that bow in the woods. I'll PM you bud...

Frank, Ryan... you have PMs

Super excited about the opportunity! Thanks Brian for the great gesture. I feel some Chris mojo coming to IL  :)

:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Any takers for some spring turkey?  Great blind bow.

I sent you a PM!

L.R.

Brian, you have a PM from one county west of you.

You Sir are one Heck of a Fella.  :clapper:

PMs returned

Oct 2011 opened up...

TTT

I've got a Lone Wolf stand I traded from Chris... Might be neat to use it and hunt with the bow, if you have an open slot between Sept and Dec.

Thanks

Brian,
I've got an October mule deer tag.  Lemme know.
homebru

Could I get it for Feb. 2012, gonna do a little bunny hunt and would love to pass it amoung the guys!! Shawn

Hey guys, I love to see the enthusiasm to get this bow out there and enjoy it.  That is exactly what I was hoping for.    :)      :thumbsup:      :)

brian, just wondering how many you have signed up for the passaround?

                                jim

Hey Jim !!

We have 7 signed up.  I have an updated list on the first post.

PM sent regarding Aug 2012. My user name doesn't reflect being a contributor but I just sent the payment via paypal!

All yours Wade.    :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Bel007:
All yours Wade.     :thumbsup:  

Awesome! Just PM'd you my address and phone number.

Really looking forward to trying out this bow. Chris and I were both Rangers in the Army and we spoke a little bit about it on tradgang through PM's. So getting to use this bow really means a lot to me. Thanks for doing this.

A hand clap and a salute to you Brian. I can think of no better way to honor a friend's memory!

What a special salute and commendation from the breath and brotherhood of the Trad Gang family.

Brian "Big Sexy" Lance is pure class...and this is a small example of who is really is. I'm proud to call Brian a friend and am lucky enough to get to hunt with him annually.

Bringing it to Canada Brian?

I don't know if the dates above are open, but if there is a opening for sept,oct or nov, I will take one during any of those months for a hunt here in montana

All you folks have my deepest thanks for doing this and honoring Chris this way.  You don't know what this means to me!  Thanks to all of you, and I can't wait to read the stories that will transpire from this pass along!

I went bowfishing tonight, and on my way I stopped by his memorial site and told him that Trad Gang has kept his memory alive and well!

Up

You can put me on the list if there is any room. I would be honored to show that bow around South texas.

Bisch

QuoteOriginally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
I'm proud to call Brian a friend and am lucky enough to get to hunt with him annually.

Right back at ya Ryan    ;)  

Kojac - How about Sept 2012?  Next fall.

Bisch - Take a look at the first post - we have lots of blank months we could send the bow down to TX.  Let me know if any of them strike you as being handy.

Guy/Gals

December has opened up.  If anyone would like the bow next, drop me a note.

TTT this is just awesome. Thanks Brian for doing this...  :campfire:

absolutly incredible. chris was a great man!

If october 2012 is available I'll take it,thanks Larry

Very cool!

That's neat!  I'd like to use it with some of the Elite's I got off Chris, but I have over a 29" draw.  Pretty bow!

QuoteOriginally posted by Bel007:
Guy/Gals

December has opened up.  If anyone would like the bow next, drop me a note.

I will take Dec if you don't have any pms for it.
K

Katie

You got 'er.  December 2011 to Katie.

I got the "message" Brian. Thanks!  I'll tell ya what, that little bow is a real shooter! I'm hoping to introduce it to a whitetail friend of mine...

I can take january if no one else has it.

Caleb

Caleb

Would be happy to send her your way when she is next open.

Here is the list so far:

Nov 2011:  ** SEE LATER POSTS FOR UPDATED LIST **

Thanks Much for the chance, Brian.   :notworthy:

Can not wait for Dec. Late split opens up mid way through the month. That will give me 19 days to get to know her. Then on the 20th we can hit the woods. I will have a Iowa buck tag in my pocket.

Some good medicine for you there, Katie!

Fletcher  10/12.  Done.

I could take april. thats my birthday month anyway. I can taker her out after some eastern turkeys.

I'd like to ask for November of 2012 if available.

.

I would very much like to take her out in May for Javalina/Hog.

This post kind of slowed down for a little while. Glad to see the list getting filled up!

The bow has passed through several hands so far.  To my knowledge it has not drawn blood yet.  Katie, we're counting on ya.


Here is the updated list:

Dec 2011: Katie Gilbert - Katie

2012:  ** SEE LATER POST FOR UPDATED LIST **

Brian I would like Dec. if possible.I spent time with Larry at the Bear Quest Hunt.Great guy as I am sure Chris was also.Thanks Kip

If Dec. not possible I could still make a hot summer hunt for hogs here in Louisiana in June or July.Kip

New updated list - Dec 2012 to Kip

Here is the updated list:

Dec 2011: Katie Gilbert - Katie
Jan 2012: Rob Mathews - Lone Ranger
Feb 2012: Shawn Leonard
Mar 2012: Scott Hagler - glass76
Apr 2012: Caleb Cornwell - caleb7mm
May 2012: Steve Dicketts - flungonin
Jun 2012
Jul 2012
Aug 2012: Wade Byrd - wbyrd
Oct 2012: Rick Stillman - Fletcher
Nov 2012: John Reichenbacker - americanhunter7
Dec 2012: Kip Manuel - Kip
Jan 2013: Ryan Adkins - CoachA

Glad to see this thread up again and the little Banshee still making her rounds! I hope everybody has as much fun with her as I did in Sept.

Bisch

FYI the anniversary of Chis' passing is approaching. I pray those using the bow can harvest any and all game that comes into view.

What a neat gesture. What a great place Trad Gang is.

Looking forward to seeing her at the mailbox!  My bow season starts back up on the 19th and I will be out with her as much as I can.

Got her in the mail today.  Plan to head out now and dial her in.  Our gun season takes a break today for 2 days.  Hope to get out after some small game with this bow.  Then on the 19th she will be after some whitetail!
Thanks for the opportunity!

What an amaizing thing to do for a fellow Tradganger. Being fairly new to the site I cannot say I knew Chris but can tell from posts that he was an amaizing person. Brian is also an amaizing person for doing this. This is why I stay on this site for hours a day, great people doing things and helping total strangers that many others would not even consider doing for someone they know. My hat is off to all involved with this!!!

Awesome gesture!!!  :clapper:    :clapper:

:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Took her out tonight. Was looking for a coon but had a shot at a bobcat. He came in running at 10 yards right at dark.  Took the shot and thought I got him. Went out into the field with the light and found only tracks, no blood. Wish I had pulled it off. But man was that cool. First time I have had a shot at a cat. Man they move quick!
Nice bow. She grouped great for me right from the start. Had I not had her I would not of been in the field tonight to see the cat. So a big thanks to Bell007!

Awesome, hope that is a sign of things to come. And the rascals are fast, dodged my rental car at 75 in Colorado last year.

Sweet !!   :thumbsup:  

Go get 'em Katie.  Looking forward to reading more adventures.

Hey do you think we can have the folks that get this bow post up what they're using for arrows? That way the next person on the list will have a good idea of where to start.

Great idea Wade.

I was flinging 2018s w 160gr points and she liked them fine.  Also used AD Hammer Heads Lites w 175gr points.

Katie, what you launching?

1716 with 200 grain Woodsman up front!  Now I have one stuck 20' up a hickory:)  Shoots great!

Its commin around to January and i am looking forward to it! I have a half dozen woodies I am workin on currently!

cant wait!


L.R.

L.R.

Better get those woodies flyin quick. Katie has your mailbox in her sights.

Brian

Yep. One last hunt tonight and she is off in the morning.  Have had a blast with her.  Will not forget her for sure.  Why?  The tip went through my eyelid last night.  Was helping the hubby drag a buck and he was holding the bow in his hand.  I have now learned never to walk behind a man with a bow in the woods;)  Could not hunt this morning cause the eye was swelled shut.  Probably should not even admit to this story:)  The poor guy is devistated.  On the plus side I had fifty deer pass just out of range last night.  Took a small buck with my trad rifle due to him having been shot in both front legs.  Very sad!

WOW- excited I am!


Brian who gets it after me, and where is it going?

L.R.

Not to bump this thread again, but Katie I sent you a PM about shipping the bow- my wife and I are headed to Ga tomorrow for 4 days. I dont want it to be laying up at my gate for that long! I think* if you send it late tomorrow with all the holiday stuff going on I wont see it till Tuesday which would be perfect!

L.R.

Fantastic gesture! Just confirms what i already knew, that Trad folk are truly the best!!!


JP

p.s. Happy New year to ALL!!!

Gonna bring this up to the top since it's getting close to season....Updates from anyone? Who has has the Banshee, and any woodie shooters with this bow yet? If so what did you use? Kills with pics??? Just wondering it's been a while since I've seen a post.

TTT

Awesome! I have 30" draw, could even go 31" so Im out but much respect!

I'm scheduled to have the Banshee later this month thru October.  I'll be feeding it Doug Fir or Sitka Spruce with heavy heads, whatever works out to shoot the best.  Our deer season opens October 1 and I won't be passing on many shots.  I'll be carrying my camera and may try to get some video, too.

John, I just saw where I will be sending this bow to you.  I should have some good arrows figured out for it.  Rick

I just saw your post Rick...You'll have to let me know what it likes so I can get those 250's on some Doug. Fir and do the same!

I can't wait to hear some stories and see some pics too! I haven't heard anything in a while.

:thumbsup:

Thought I'd post a couple pics of the Banshee's morning last Friday.  No deer came in but we saw some action last Sunday morning, just no shot opportunity.  Ground blind, Morgan Co., Illinois.  

It is a real honor to carry this bow in the woods.  We've been out a few times and are looking forward to more.  We went out for a sit this evening, but were rained out shortly after getting set up.  We're not done yet!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/PA120521.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v450/Fletcher610/PA120522.jpg)

Rick,

Thanks for the update!  :thumbsup:

Ok so I feel like I need to give an update on my experience thus far with this bow.

Let me start by first thanking Brian for putting this "In Honor of Chris" bow out for TG members to hunt with and experience. I also want to thank Rick Stillman for sending it a little earlier than expected.

I got the bow from Rick on Saturday, October 27th. I had just came in from a morning hunt and actually met the post lady at my basement door. She pulled a long box and another small package from the postal Jeep and asked me to sign for the long box. I knew right away what was in the long box. I was like a kid at Christmas and nearly tripped up the stairs trying to get upsstairs and unwrap the box to reveal the beauty that was the Black Creek Bows "Banshee". I think my wife must've thought I was crazy because I had a knife in one hand and was stripping out of hunting clothes with the other all while trying to open the box and explain to her that I HADN'T bought another bow, and this was a pass around "In Honor of" bow.

I finally got out of hunting clothes and into the bow box. When I opened the box I noticed that there was a small brown leather journal which was with the bow. (I'll get back to the bow in a few). I pulled the journal out and grabbed a cup of coffee and began to read. I spent the next 25 minutes engulfed in the exploits and adventures thus far of this Beautiful and Haunting Lady by my fellow TradGanger's.......I must say that she's had some interesting and exciting experiences in her journey so far........TBC

I am getting it in December looking forward to it.Our rut starts in Late Dec. early Jan. at one area of the state should have some deer movement working up to it.Kip

Glad to see it is still traveling. I was thinking of that bow today while putting on my eye make-up around the scar it put in my eyelid  :)

Ok so I'll add a little more so this can stay at the top. I finished my coffee and reading the travel journal. Went into my room and grabbed a spare glove, stringer, and a few different arrows. I'll admit, I kinda cheated on the arrow thing as I had been in contact with Rick about wood arrows and finding a spine and BH combo that worked well out of her. I strung it up and took her out to the back yard for a little, "getting to know each other" shoot.

I gotta say this bow feels great in the hand and with the heavier arrows I shoot was as quiet as as a cold winter's morning after a snow. I was pretty pleased with my groups after only about half a dozen shots. Mind you my shot were only gonna be from about 15 yards and in. I decided to get a little brave and launch a few arrows with her from around 25 yards, kind of a just in case type thing, although most of the deer I've seen this year have all been measured in steps and not yards. So I walked back to the side of my house and let a few arrows fly. I was shooting at a 18-1 block target from around 25 yards and hit the target consistently every time. I even managed to stack a few of the arrows.

I decided that my hunting from here on out through the month of November would be with this bow....And ONLY THIS BOW! I feel the need to express how I feel about having this bow. I'm not gonna lie, I feel this bow truly has the spirit of Chris traveling along with it and I feel as though he's watching over my shoulder and helping me along in my journey.

I never had the priveledge to meet Chris, but I did have a few threads where we interacted. I HAVE however, met his Dad Larry and have to say I know Chris was a very blessed man to have a father as good as Larry. Larry is a SUPER stand up guy, and a man I'm proud to know and have been blessed enough to share a hunt with and hope to get another chance to hunt with him again very soon....

October 28th

This morning I decided it was time to take the bow out for a morning hunt. I got back behind my house early and set up an hour before first shooting light. I noticed right after legal shooting light that the high winds were gonna be a pain, but I was determined to stick it out until it became a safety issue, or until I killed a deer.....or something   :readit:   .....TBC

October 28th (continued)

So I'm sitting in an area along a fence line on a small saddle and in a location I can see a small pond, which the deer use pretty frequently. My phone begins to vibrate in my pocket and I slowly look down to see that it's my Mom so I answer it. I finish my brief conversation with my Mom (told her I was in the woods, and she knows what that means...LOL!) and as I am putting my phone away I turn back to my right and see a small four pointer about 35 yards looking my direction. I slowly get ready and he starts walking towards me with his head cocked sideways. This little guy gets within about 15 steps from me and is walking a path which I believe is going to go right through where I am standing. Then the winds pick up and swirl and he stops dead in his tracks and starts wind checking. He gives a soft grunt and stomps three times then turns broadside and begins to walk to my left.......

:campfire:

This deer continues to walk to my left and gets straight out in front of me and starts to angle away. As he turns he starts to get into some smaller saplings and thinner brush that I don't feel comfortable shooting through so I decide to just watch him walk away....Within about 10 minutes he has wandered in and around me and then disappears.

I continue to sit in the area for another 2 hours and don't see anything but a few squirrels. I finally decide squirrel dumplins sure sound good. I switch out arrows and put on a small game arrow. I have about three to four squirrels all within 15 yards and finally decide to shoot at one on the side of a small sassafrass tree. I loose an arrow and SMACK...shiska-squirrel. The Banshee's first victim since I've had her....A red squirrel about the size of a small house cat! I go and collect him....Sorry no pic   :banghead:  I think I got too excited and just forgot. I stand by on the ground and the Banshee and I endup with a total of three squirrels by the end of the morning hunt. Squirrel Dumplins for Dinner...WooHoo!

The evening hunt didn't happen as I had plans with the Mrs. I'm thinking this Banshee is gonna be a hard bow to let go when the time comes.....TBC