Last week I killed two birds with one stone.
First I went to Bob Wesley's in NC on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday for some lessons. I had a great time and a lot of fun with Bob. He straightened out the problems I was having getting my form back after a headon car accident I had. He has me shooting better than I ever shot. Plus we had a lot of fun looking at picture albums, Howard Hill and his equipment and hearing some of the stories of arhcery days gone by. I even used Howard Hill's actual hunting quiver during the classes.
Bob's picture should be next to the phrase in the dictionary of "A true Christian Southern Gentleman", because that is just what he is. It was an honor to be around him. I intend to try to visit him once a year. We had great fun. If anyone needs some help shooting or just wants to be around an interesting, decent, decent man that has a lot of archery history behind him, call Bob. I am sure he would love to see you. I stayed at Bob's home and he told me it was my home and he meant it. He was a great host.
Tuesday night I headed to South Carolina to go on a hunt at Ray Hammond's Hog Haven. I met Ray and and the guys I would be hunting with on Thursday. We had a blast. The other guys in camp were great to be around. Ray has a great piece of property (6,000 acres!). The cyprus swamps were dry and a gorgeous place to hunt, in addition to sections of hardwoods and piney woods.
Mike (squirel bait) was going to give me a personal lesson hog hunting on Sunday, but I had to leave early for work. He said something like even a blind hog can find an acorn now and then, but he thought I may need some special tutoring! He just knew I had to leave early and was afraid I would show him up if we went out together.
Too bad Ray can't cook (I gained 5 more pounds), can't sharpen broadheads (he sharpened mine and I almost had to get stitches since I cut my finger on mine after he sharpened them - now I remember why I keep them so dull!), can't build a decent camp fire (you will see what I mean if you get down there - he builds bon fires!) and is a terrible host (I am going back in October).
Other than that Ray is OK. Oh and he has no sense of humor either, except for the few jokes he kept us entertained with. One of the guys in camp got him back real good Saturday night, by putting a electronic hog call in the woods near camp. It was fun to watch what went on when that thing went off.
If you are looking for some good huntin fun check out Ray's. I hated to leave. Just don't let him sharpen your broadheads or when you get home your wife may scold you like mine did when I got home, "Didn't I warn you not to play with sharp objects!!!!". Nag nag nag. Ha, I am happy to see you too!
I recommend Bob Wesley and Ray's Hog Haven to every traditional archer out there. It was a great week!
Gil
Now that sounds like a Trad Archer's 'Dream Week'! I especially envy your time with Bob Wesley. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Productive week!
Sounds fun!
Glad you had fun !
Great story, and it sounds like something we would all enjoy, Gil. Oh, you heard a picture is
worth a thousand words, it's still true. ;) ;) :wavey:
Gil,
It was a blast finally meeting and having you in camp, friend! It's amazing how every time someone from TG comes to HH it seems like I already know them.
Sounds like Bob Wesley would be a great experience for anyone!
I am looking for my next 3 day weekend Ray, to set up coming back down. I talked to Bob Wesley today and I don't think I can wait for October!
I will check back with you soon to see if you have an opening on my next 3 day weekend.
Thanks for the great time. I can't wait to get back. Save another shoulder for me. That was great!!!
Gil
Gil glad to hear you had a great time. We'll have to talk soon.
Jesus I will shoot you a PM. I took my Harrison with me but didn't get it bloodied. I may head back down to Ray's Memorial Day weekend and again in October to try again.
Thanks for sharing sounds like a great time! :campfire:
Thanks for sharing Gil.
And for making the next two weeks till my hunt GO EVEN SLOWER!!!!!!!!!!!! :bigsmyl:
Sounds like a great time at both places. Thanks for sharing.