This was a special hunt for many reasons....which I will explain in detail....
I woke up Saturday not feeling great, but it was a good morning so I decided to go. Dad had to be at work kind of early, so I was on my own. I was going to hunt "The Skeeter Hole", a stand over a salt lick that I had never hunted before. We had gotten over 100 pictures here in about a week and we knew the deer were coming to it good. It was one of the coldest mornings we've had this year. I got in my stand a good 20 minutes before shooting light, so I got everything set up. At about 7:30, I looked over my left shoulder and saw a small doe walking on a trail about 30 yards away. Suddenly, I felt a pretty strong gust of wind....blowing right to the deer. She stopped, pawed the ground, then blew several times and ran off.
I honestly didn't have high hopes of seeing anything else after all that blowing, But about 20 minutes later, I heard something moving in front of me and then I saw them. There were 2 deer, a doe and a spike, walking right to my salt lick. They were coming right at me, so I knew I had better not move until they got there and relaxed. As soon as they got to the salt lick, both deer immediately put their heads in it. I eased up and got my bow off of my hanger. The spike wandered off and started feeding, but the doe was quartering away at 15 yards. I knew this was the best opportunity I would get, so I picked a spot, drew back to anchor, and released..........
Got to go to my Boy Scout meeting.....be back in a little while with LOTS of Pics
:campfire:
:campfire: :coffee:
Wondered where you have been. Figured school and girls had the best of ya.
I'll check back for the rest :thumbsup: :coffee:
Sky, you are learnin this from Charlie, aren't ya!!
:campfire:
Way to go! Look forward to pictures and more of the story. How I do miss Alabama during the fall!
Can't wait :campfire:
:campfire: I hope he hurries up, it's getting cold.
:campfire: Skyler :dunno:
:bigsmyl: :campfire:
:pray: :pray: :pray:
Good deal Skyler. Looking forward to some pics.RC
Where are you? It's a school night and you should not be out late! Looking foward to your story.
Benjy
For those of you that don't know the story of my Kwyk Styk...........
At the time of Chris' passing, we found out that Chris had a new Kwyk Styk ordered from Jack. While we were at Solana this year, Larry, Curt and Dad hatched a plan to let me take Chris's place in line for the new Bow. Larry called Jack from Solana and the plan was put in motion. I did not realize what was going on at first but when Curt let me Pheasant hunt with his Kwyk Styk, Cy, and then left it for me to shoot for a few months when they returned to New York, I started to suspect something was up. I had always been able to shoot Cy well and had my best day ever shooting and connecting with the Pheasants on the wing. I was also able to win the Twin Oaks Classic with Cy.
The Bow is wonderful....Jack built it with a "GURU" grip and the limb tips and Jacks "signature" Arrowhead are made from the Antlers of an 8 point buck that Chris took on Fort Benning.....I have a feeling that this Bow is gonna be in for a serious Ride. It's going to be Fun!
I want to thank Larry, Curt, Jack and Dad for making this happen.
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/CIMG3871.jpg)
So back to the story...
My arrow entered pretty far back..farther than I wanted. The first thing that entered my mind was "oh no...gut shot." The deer ran in a small loop and then it stopped and started walking very wobbly. It was about this time that I remembered that the deer was quartering away a good bit and I probably got the back of the lungs. She walked behind a tree about 30 yards in front of me and I heard the crash. I waited about 30 minutes before I climbed down...I don't think I could have gotten down any sooner because I was shaking so bad! :) I nocked another arrow and walked to where I last saw the deer... There she was laying up in a pile of logs! It was a great day, and very special to me. I was using my Chris Kwyk Styk, Easton Full Metal Jacket arrows with some Chris arrow wraps, and one of Chris's VPA 1 1/4" 3 bladed broadheads that were sharpened with a Jewel Stick that Chris gave me.
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/P1040712.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/P1040718.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/P1040720.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/P1040725.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/P1040721.jpg)
I know that I couldn't have done it without him.
MORE PICS SHORTLY
Congrats! You are truly one of the finest young Trad hunters around. Thanks for sharing!
WOW! How awesome is this?! Ultimate awesome!
Great shot on a very nice deer.
:thumbsup:
Great shooting and story weaving!
Congratulations and thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
Here are a few more..... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/CIMG4012.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/CIMG4011.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/CIMG4016.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2011/CIMG4024.jpg)
Great story !!! :thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Bill
Way to go Skyler. Impressive in many ways. :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Manitoba Stickflinger:
Congrats! You are truly one of the finest young Trad hunters around. Thanks for sharing!
X2 Congrats Joe
Awesome :notworthy:
Congratulations Skyler. Good shooting and a great story.
Nice job Skyler!
Hey Skyler! :wavey: Good stuff there! Chris would be proud! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations, Skyler! Nice story and excellent memory.
Congrats Skyler!
Benjy
I would like to add a little to this story that Skyler has told well.
A few of you knew that all this happened before I did.....let me explain.
Skyler turned 16 a few months ago and drives to and from school, to get groceries,ETC...
This morning was different. I could not go because of work so Sky asked could he go alone. This was a tough one for Tammy and I. Not because he didn't know what to do, he has grown up hunting, but because he was able to go alone. We knew he would be OK but my Son was growing up. He no longer depended on me for the hunt.
He promised he would call around 10 a.m. but a few minutes before 10 I looked up from my desk to see Skyler standing there with a huge smile on his face. He got up before dawn, was in his stand 20 minutes before daylight, made a good shot, trailed, dressed, loaded, checked out at our club and now stood before me......Some of you know of what I feel right now. Curt, Terry and I talked about this feeling when Sky killed his first Trad Deer.
I am proud of my son and Thanks for the Kind remarks
You and Tammy "done good" as we say in south Georgia, Don!
You have every right to be proud! :)
Good job Skyler and dad!!!
Cheers
:thumbsup:
Congrats Skyler :thumbsup:
You have raised a fine young man.
Congrats Skyler on a nice hunt and a well told accounting of it,and Don you should be proud. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Thats just too cool. Good job.
Very special hunt and memory right there! Congrats! :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Way to go Skyler!!!
Congrats to you both....Father and Son!!! Awesome acomplishment for you Sky!!!
You're a lucky man Don!
Great story Skyler. Congrats on the fine looking doe.
Man what a cool bow Skyler, congrats brother.
(http://i53.tinypic.com/317i2k2.jpg)
Congrats..Good stuff right there.!!
Congratulations Skyler.
Good job Don.
Skyler many congrats. A well told story, a well executed shot, and a friend along in spirit and memory. Thank you for the story.
Wonderful!Congrats for the deer and the memories you carry with you.
I love that lefty Kwyk Styk! :clapper:
Skyler,
That is a cool deal there. A lot of mojo..
Great hunting and congrats. :thumbsup:
God Bless, Pierre
Been about to bust cause we got the preview, but were sworn to secrecy till Sky could post and tell it firsthand. Congrats to all, Sky, DW, Larry. Save me some tenderloins Sky ! :archer2:
Good deal Skyler.RC
Awesome !
Don't recall exactly when I first met Skyler, but been waiting since then to say this...
I knew him when he was just a kid.
Congrats Skyler.........
awesome skyler! Chris would be proud buddy
Congrats! Great story and hunt! :clapper:
Way to go Skyler :thumbsup:
Congratulations Skyler!
Fine storytelling from start to finish. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures as well.
Having shared camp with Skyler I can say without a doubt he is a fine young man and kudos to Mom and Dad!!
Skyler, you impress me and make me more and more jealous with each passing year... :D
Well done Sir!
Way to go Skyler. I'd say you are a chip off the old block. Your mom and dad have done good by you. "Keep'Um Sharp".
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Very nice job. I can only hope that my kids grow up with the respect for people and the outdoors like Skylar.
Never expect to meet most of the folks here, but I will admit, though not so manly of me, reading DW's comments, I felt the eyes sting a bit.
Not having kids, I can only imagine how that feeling of pride must be, but I've mentored a few and watched them move on independently, and that is one mixed bag of emotions, but it's all good!
Sklyer, just remember your roots and you will do very well in this life!
Congratulations, young man!
Thanks everyone for the kind words
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing, I could only imagine the emotions that go into these hunts. Congrats!
Great job Bro!! :notworthy:
Good job skyler. It looks like the young archers are cleaning house.
Way to go Skyler!!!
Congrats,
Bisch
Awesome Skyler! Great job!
Thanks for sharing Sky......what a great memory.
Yeah Don...I know the feelings you get...my oldest is going to the state championship for Drama in a couple of weeks.
Oh....and Sky....make sure you add a link to this thread on the 'Eternal Campfire' thread for Chris.
wow, that is awesome! one helluva story, and great pics too. great stuff.
awesome job! doesnt get any better! i hope my 2 boys keep an interest in trad. archery like you have sky!
DW, I don't know you or your son, but I would sure like to. Congratulations to both of you. 16 is when you start to have problems, I know I did. I don't see this as an issue for you. The deer is just a bonus. I'm sure you know what I mean.
Way to go Skyler!!! :clapper: :clapper:
Way to go Skyler, thanks for the story, I am sure Chris is grinning!
Story's like this are good for the soul. Thanks for sharing!
Jason
Cool! Great story Skyler, thanks for sharing.
Craig
Congrats Skyler! :clapper: Nice doe, great story and hope to meet you soon.
Thanks everyone for the nice comments. It was a great morning.
Great Job Skyler! As a father, nothing makes you prouder than when your child shows great maturity and respect. I can imagine your father's pride.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: congrats Skyler ... great story
I am here sitting with the wonderful Wilson family. You don't come across a crew like this very often. Skyler brought me the arrow he used to kill the doe so I could hold it this morning.
Today would have marked my son's 41st birthday, so posting this today has a special meaning.
Thank you Skyler Wilson for this wonderful tribute to my son.
Thanks Skyler.
Larry, you are in my thoughts and prayers tonite my friend. Always good seeing you.
Way to go Skylar! Wonderful tribute to Chris.
Very well done. I shot my first archery deer at 16 on my own, newly released from my uncle's watch.... Thanks for the story,tribute, and walk down memory lane.
Jeff
Way to go Skyler...a truely great story.
I read the part your dad added about you just turning 16 and going out alone for the first time. I have a 16 yr old son who got his license last week but is unable to hunt alone because the law in Michigan says anyone under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. He is NOT happy.
So enjoy your freedom and continue to do your dad and everyone else proud. Great job! :campfire:
Congrats Skyler! I wish we could have met the week I was down in Florida and spent some time with Larry. You must be one fine young man from what I could tell by the way Larry spoke of you. Congrats once again and hope you get many kills with the bow.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing the story with the Gang!
Great pics and story Skyler. What an awesome bow and awesome friends and family you have.
CONGRATS SKY ! Way to go ! :notworthy:
I can totally understand your feelings Don. You and Tammy have done a fantastic job of raising Sky.