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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Hawken1911 on September 18, 2011, 04:08:00 PM

Title: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hawken1911 on September 18, 2011, 04:08:00 PM
After 15 years of trying, I finally took a deer with a longbow.  It was my third night of hunting during the early antlerless deer season here in Michigan, and I didn't even make it out to my blind until the last hour of daylight.   Close to the end of legal hunting time this lone doe wandered by and gave me a broadside, 9 yard shot.  I hit her through the top of the lungs with my homemade, medieval-style arrow.

I waited around 45 minutes before I started to look for her and it was pitch black by then.  I wasn't concerned because my German Shepherd is 'usually' an amazing tracker, but despite several attempts she couldn't find my deer.  I then started the tedious process of following the blood trail from the spot where I shot her, but I lost the trail after a mere 20 yards or so.  Despite the late hour, my amazing wife offered to come help.  She was able to pick up the trail where I left off and find my deer, which had only gone around 40 yards.

I used a 50#, Osage orange, English longbow made by fellow Trad-Ganger, Shaun Webb.

I'm very thankful for all the tips I've picked up over the years here on Tradgang.  I have no doubt this site contributed to my long awaited success.

  (http://www.sthubertsrangers.org/IMG_3925.JPG)
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: mwosborn on September 18, 2011, 04:11:00 PM
Congrats - Way to go!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: huntnmuleys on September 18, 2011, 04:16:00 PM
hey hey, thats awesome!!!  sounds like a perfect shot!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: straitera on September 18, 2011, 04:21:00 PM
Good one Paul. Congratulations.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on September 18, 2011, 04:22:00 PM
:clapper:  

awesome
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: 3Feathers on September 18, 2011, 04:24:00 PM
Great double good for you.I know how you feel.........
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: bayhunter on September 18, 2011, 04:30:00 PM
congrats!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: dirtguy on September 18, 2011, 04:31:00 PM
Nice!

  :notworthy:    :notworthy:    :notworthy:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: bentpole on September 18, 2011, 04:32:00 PM
Good for You!   :thumbsup:   I hope it's the first of many!   :archer:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: GREATBROWNKNOCKEMDOWN on September 18, 2011, 04:33:00 PM
Awesome brother, congrats!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: steadman on September 18, 2011, 04:39:00 PM
Congrats!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: jamesh76 on September 18, 2011, 04:42:00 PM
Job well done. Congrats!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: DannyBows on September 18, 2011, 04:54:00 PM
Well Done!    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: adkmountainken on September 18, 2011, 04:54:00 PM
AWESOME job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Coonbait on September 18, 2011, 04:59:00 PM
NICE!!
Glenn
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Bob B. on September 18, 2011, 05:14:00 PM
Good on ya and nice pic too!!

 :archer:

Bob
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on September 18, 2011, 05:15:00 PM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Scott Beitzel on September 18, 2011, 05:25:00 PM
way to go  makes a fella feel good dosen't it

Scott
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Ben Maher on September 18, 2011, 05:34:00 PM
Happy for you brother ! Great shooting, good eating and what a cool bow !
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: hnt2mch on September 18, 2011, 05:58:00 PM
:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: drewsbow on September 18, 2011, 05:59:00 PM
great job , congrats   :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Ybuck on September 18, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
My hat is off to you sir.
Congratulations!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Anointed Archer on September 18, 2011, 06:12:00 PM
Way to go Paul!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: leatherneck on September 18, 2011, 06:14:00 PM
Congrats!!!!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Mike Vines on September 18, 2011, 06:31:00 PM
Awesome Paul.  I look forward to hearing about it at our meeting next weekend.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: david janssen on September 18, 2011, 06:57:00 PM
Congrats on a great deer.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Gator1 on September 18, 2011, 07:07:00 PM
That is fantastic, way to persevere..... What a Trophy ..  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Izzy on September 18, 2011, 07:18:00 PM
Your wife found it??? Now thats too cool. Congrats.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: ber643 on September 18, 2011, 07:21:00 PM
Outstanding!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: LoneWolf73 on September 18, 2011, 07:28:00 PM
Well done!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hawken1911 on September 18, 2011, 08:07:00 PM
Thanks guys  :)  

Yes, my wife, Sandi, found her.  I was very disappointed that after a certain point I just couldn't find any more blood.  I was heart-sick that I might never find her, or that I might find her the next morning with the meat spolied and/or ravaged by coyotes.  So needless to say, I was thrilled when Sandi found blood and picked up the trail.  It actually makes the memory of my first traditional deer kill that much better because we shared the experience together.

Paul
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Doc Nock on September 18, 2011, 08:17:00 PM
That is a cool conclusion! Way to go, Sandi!

That pooch better be good to the new blood trailer in the family!  :)

I'm happy for you, Paul! That is a great beginning. It just gets better from here!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: jsweka on September 18, 2011, 08:39:00 PM
Congratulations!!!  :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Kapellmeister on September 18, 2011, 08:44:00 PM
Bravo, Paul!   :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: longbow fanatic 1 on September 18, 2011, 08:53:00 PM
Congrats!!! Well done!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: NJSwampstalker on September 18, 2011, 09:01:00 PM
Congrats!!!Tell Sandi that she has a fan club now...  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hooper on September 18, 2011, 09:17:00 PM
Nice shooting! Congrats on your first!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: gregg dudley on September 18, 2011, 09:18:00 PM
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Son of Texas on September 18, 2011, 09:21:00 PM
Congratulations!    :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: JamesKerr on September 18, 2011, 09:22:00 PM
Nice!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: BaldingEagle on September 18, 2011, 09:47:00 PM
congratulations!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Bud B. on September 18, 2011, 09:52:00 PM
Excellent!!

  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: tracker1 on September 18, 2011, 10:19:00 PM
Great job, I had to show my wife this post because I call her my Indian tracker she loves tracking deer with me.  No luck for me during this early doe season still great to be out in the woods.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: ti-guy on September 18, 2011, 10:20:00 PM
:thumbsup:   :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Zradix on September 18, 2011, 10:21:00 PM
Really Awesome Man!
Congrats!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hot Hap on September 18, 2011, 10:38:00 PM
Congradulations!

Hap
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: lilbobby on September 18, 2011, 10:48:00 PM
Way to go, great story!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Bowhunter4life on September 18, 2011, 10:50:00 PM
:thumbsup:  Congrats!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: rastaman on September 18, 2011, 11:12:00 PM
Way to go sir!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: jonsimoneau on September 18, 2011, 11:14:00 PM
Way to go!  By the way, I love that picture!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Copper1 on September 18, 2011, 11:24:00 PM
Congrats, great accomplishment!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Killdeer on September 18, 2011, 11:32:00 PM
Congrats!
Whole lot more meat on her than there was on those mice a few years back!

Killdeer   :goldtooth:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Pepper on September 18, 2011, 11:50:00 PM
Congratulations to you on your success with a real long bow.
Quite the accomplishment.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Passage on September 18, 2011, 11:51:00 PM
Paul, congratulations on your successful hunt.  Great to see you took the doe with the medieval equipment you enjoy to use.  

                        Jim Clark
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: T Folts on September 19, 2011, 06:37:00 AM
Congrats Paul, nice Deer.
Terry
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: LV2HUNT on September 19, 2011, 07:12:00 AM
Congrats on the nice doe and especially for doing it the hard way! The greater the challenge the greater the reward.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Chisler on September 19, 2011, 07:27:00 AM
Way to go Paul -  Congratulations!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: LONGSTYKES on September 19, 2011, 08:22:00 AM
Paul, Good job. Congrats
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: KentuckyTJ on September 19, 2011, 08:30:00 AM
Good stuff congrats.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: GreyGoose on September 19, 2011, 08:30:00 AM
I'm still working on my firstlongbow deer - thanks for the inspiration (I have to show your picture to my daughter; she'll definitely groove on your gear).
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Rob DiStefano on September 19, 2011, 08:38:00 AM
most excellent, paul!  congrats!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Randy Morin on September 19, 2011, 08:55:00 AM
Way to go.  Thats awesome right there.  Congratulations on your well deserved success.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: klight on September 19, 2011, 08:56:00 AM
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Big Ed on September 19, 2011, 10:15:00 AM
Way to go !!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hooked on September 19, 2011, 10:22:00 AM
Congrats!  Ya never forget the first!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Bernie B. on September 19, 2011, 04:12:00 PM
Great trophy!  You owe your wife a night on the town!  You'll always remember that first deer, and if you have another tag, good luck chasing a buck.

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Hawken1911 on September 19, 2011, 05:13:00 PM
I have two more tags which are good for a doe or buck during the regular archery and/or firearm deer seasons.

Actually, two nights before I took my doe, I had a nice 8-point come by the same spot.  Even though he wasn't legal, I drew on him to see if he would catch me, but of course he didn't.  He looked like a 3D taget giving me a perfect broadside shot.  I had never had a buck within bow range, and he shows up when I can only take a doe  :banghead:  .  I'm hoping he's still around on October 1st.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Keefer on September 19, 2011, 05:33:00 PM
Paul,
 Congratulations and a nice deer at that...Good Job and you will always remember this one!  :thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: maineac on September 19, 2011, 05:51:00 PM
Congrats!!  I love the medieval camo.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: sou-pawbowhunter on September 19, 2011, 07:17:00 PM
Awesome trophy Paul.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Shinken on September 20, 2011, 12:50:00 AM
Good shootin' Paul!

Enjoy the feast!

Shoot straight, Shinken

  :archer2:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: huntsmanlance on September 20, 2011, 01:13:00 AM
Way to go my friend! I am very happy for you! And your lucky to have a wife like Sandi !!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Tajue17 on September 20, 2011, 06:42:00 AM
thats very cool,,, you need to have someone draw some kind of a period correct scrimshaw on birchbark or leather or a drawing on period correct paper of that picture and then frame it in a medievil style -- or you know what I mean.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: mountbkr on September 20, 2011, 10:02:00 AM
Well done, great job and kudos to you for persistance.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: FightingCelt on September 20, 2011, 01:34:00 PM
Excellant...Congrats!  That's where I wanna be...longbow!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: joe ashton on September 20, 2011, 02:57:00 PM
way to hang in there.....  the next will come much faster....I hope
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: highPlains on September 20, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
Nice job!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Over&Under on September 20, 2011, 03:30:00 PM
Way to stick with it, and a great accomplishment you have there with homemade equipment.  Good for you!!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Seeking Trad Deer on September 20, 2011, 04:23:00 PM
Awesome
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: NYStickhunter on September 20, 2011, 04:55:00 PM
Man, had to be exciting!  I love that bow.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: BRITTMAN on September 20, 2011, 05:51:00 PM
Great job ! I got a nice doe Sat. evening with my one day old firefly but dont have a way to post pics . I got to figure pics out someday   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Thumper Dunker on September 20, 2011, 05:59:00 PM
Thats great .Cool bow.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: on September 20, 2011, 07:23:00 PM
Congrats! The fisrt one is a really cool experience for sure.  :bigsmyl:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: TimDougan on September 20, 2011, 08:50:00 PM
CONGRATS!!   :bigsmyl:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Jim Brennen on September 20, 2011, 09:21:00 PM
congrats
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Caleb the bow breaker on September 22, 2011, 09:49:00 PM
awesome
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: twitchstick on September 22, 2011, 10:22:00 PM
:clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Osage61 on September 23, 2011, 05:08:00 AM
:thumbsup:    :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: camocowboy on September 23, 2011, 08:54:00 AM
I love it when a re-enactor is able to time travel and do it the old way! Paul why do you think Robin needed Marion? To help find his deer!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Gatekeeper on September 23, 2011, 09:13:00 AM
:clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Tom Leemans on September 23, 2011, 09:56:00 AM
Cool! I've seen one of Shaun's arc of a circle tillered osage bows and it was sweet!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Mike Most on September 23, 2011, 10:55:00 AM
Way to go bro......very cool...   :clapper:
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Jack Skinner on September 23, 2011, 11:17:00 AM
Way Cool.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Leland on September 23, 2011, 04:37:00 PM
Very nice.Congrats!
Leland
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: StickBowManMI on September 23, 2011, 05:34:00 PM
Congratulations Paul. Great shot you made!
Tom
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Bladepeek on June 05, 2013, 02:07:00 PM
Paul, nice shooting on that doe.

I'd love to try an ELB sometime. Maybe if you have some time this summer, I could travel over to South Lyons and take a look at yours?

I know self bows should probably not be shot by other than the owner, but how are they for hand shock? I'm shooting a couple of lightly r/d longbows - a Mohawk and a Border Griffon that string up as "D" bows with no problems. That's a long way from an ELB, I suspect.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: RecurveRookie on June 05, 2013, 09:59:00 PM
Wow!  That's great!  That's doing it the hard way.  Hats off to you.  Osage orange, really nice bow, too.
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: StickBowManMI on June 09, 2013, 08:35:00 PM
Congratulations Paul. Nice Doe.
Tom
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Zradix on June 10, 2013, 11:04:00 AM
SWEET!

And you did it with a real LooooOOOOOooong Bow.
lol

Way to go!
Title: Re: Finally! (My first deer with a longbow)
Post by: Steve Jr on June 10, 2013, 12:31:00 PM
Congratulations!!!
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