I just got back from our little horse farm in Aiken, SC. This was a week dreams where
made of for me. My wife is there for the winter and my daughter is down for 6 weeks with her two children....grandson Eli (2 1/2) & granddaughter Tori (6 months). I try to get down once every 6 weeks. This past week was special in that my sons would be joining in too. Zach (32) single and a ski patroller from Crested Butte, CO. Matt (38 is my son-in-law) firefighter/paramedic from our home town of Carlisle, MA. It's not often Molly & I can get everyone together for a few days so we cherish those moments.
I got there a couple days early to pick up a 4 wheeler and do a little forging before all heck broke lose.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2695.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2674.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2727.jpg)
Both Zach & Matt had expressed an interest in doing a day of hog hunting even though neither has ever hunted...let alone shot a longbow except in our back yard just to appease me. On Saturday Benjy came down from Columbia to meet my family, share a few refreshments, and shoot some bows with the boys. I outfitted each son with a longbow, arm guard, and tab. Zach tried 3 fingers under like I shoot but Matt couldn't get the hang of it. So I cut a split finger tab for him. We started out by rotating/picking a target on the road around the paddocks...pine cone, clump of grass, even a horse apple! At first they were right/left and short/long but as we neared the end both boys were nailing pine cones at 15 yards. Zach is a skier, rock climber (search & rescue on Mt McKinley during the spring climbing season) and extreme kayaker. Matt was in training for the Olympics as a X-Country skier/bi-athelete and later a professional bicycle racer in US & Europe...now working father. So both have been very athletic with good hand/eye coordination.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2696.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2705.jpg)
On Sunday Zach & I drove down to the lease to put some corn out with the hopes of luring some pigs in on Monday afternoon only to find that we just missed seeing Terry who had been hunting over the weekend. There was corn at the feeders and on the road so we just added a little to the stands I was going to put the boys in the next day. When we got back to the farm, both boys decided to wear out my pig target while I grilled up dinner for the family. Monday finally arrived as I rounded up three sets of camo and gear. But an early started was not to be with grand kids needing attention.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2724.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_0616.jpg)
:campfire: Sounds like the start of a good story!
Sounds like a wonderful family time! :archer2: :archer2:
:campfire:
I'm happy for you... but green with envy!
:thumbsup:
Love me some tippit stories! And I see that blade in waiting!!
:campfire: Hunting, Family
This is going to be good. :campfire:
:campfire:
Looks like a good time so far brother!!!!!!!! :archer2:
The beginnings of a great post Jeff just gotta point out that there is an awful lot of rust on that anvil face. ;)
:campfire:
:campfire: :archer: :archer2:
WOW you had a blast with such a reunion with your boys. :thumbsup: great plase to be.
Good stuff!! :thumbsup:
I was just down in Aiken for the state Catholic BB tournament!! Great looking place you have!! We should hook up sometime you have an extended stay there!
Doug,
This is Forgin' Southern style...outside :) Let me give you a tour of my new forge...also known as Black Bear Forge. It is built on the same style as Molly's six stall horse barn so it could be converted back to a two stall horse barn when my forging days head to the rockin' chair out front.
My anvil & post vise live on oak stumps under the shed roof but my Little Johnny forge stays inside until it's time to work. Besides my blades are finished out with all my rough forging marks so a little rust & pitting just add character. They never get the luxury to be as pretty as my master's work! Did you notice your old grinder has a prominent place.
This is probably going to take awhile with all these side tracks...like that Black Bear mount. It isn't the largest black bear I've ever shot although he did win the the pot at bear camp that year. Did you notice I didn't say Bear Quest as this bear was shot with the Little Delta Bow. That was when the idea of Bear Quest was born...very special! tippit
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2669.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2676.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2678.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2679.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2681.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2510.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Aiken%20Barns/IMG_2685.jpg)
Great thread, waiting for the rest of the story.........!....... :coffee:
Doc, Thanks. Great pics and story. Glad you had a great time with the family.
Can't wait for the rest of the story. Nothing like family!
:campfire:
:campfire: :coffee: :coffee:
Awesome place buddy!
Very Nice!
:campfire:
Thanks for sharing this story.
Looks like a little slice of heaven. Awesome place Doc.
What a great looking place to spend time with your family, it doesn't get any better, can't wait for the rest!
David
Great story Jeff, that shop is way to clean, maybe I should come back there and help you mess it up for a bit?
Agree with everybody else Jeff, great shop, looks like all the essentials. Can't wait to get down for a visit some day. Oh and I thought you forged outside in MA already... ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ted Fry:
Great story Jeff, that shop is way to clean, maybe I should come back there and help you mess it up for a bit?
I agree that place it too clean! Crank up that forge a little more. :bigsmyl:
QuoteOriginally posted by awbowman:
QuoteOriginally posted by Ted Fry:
Great story Jeff, that shop is way to clean, maybe I should come back there and help you mess it up for a bit?
I agree Ted, the 4-wheeler is way too clean also. :bigsmyl: [/b]
Looking good Doc!
:coffee:
This is only the begining! I'm not saying anything...yet :bigsmyl:
Benjy
Very nice place! My parents live in Aiken also.
Come on Benjy, if Jeff won't fill in the details I guess you'll have to jump in.
I've heard the story already, but still waiting on more with pictures! :readit: It's one heck of a hunting tale!
:coffee: Patiently waiting. :D
Bill
Off to a great start now finish this tale. :pray: TD.
Great pad Jeff! Good looking boys as well.
Now, let's hear about some pig killing!
Doug,
I do forge out side in MA but my anvil stays inside. Just trying to get more immersed in my new found Southern Living...during the winter of course. Not quite brave enough to withstand the heat of the summer yet.
As to clean shop & 4 wheeler, I set up my shop on my first first trip down in January and just bought my first 4 wheeler ever last week. Benjy has been my Southern teacher. I didn't think I'd ever need a 4 wheeler until Benjy & I went hog hunting in January. These pictures prove how wrong I was. We had this guy plus Benjy & I and all are hunting stuff on Benjy's 250 Bayou. Well over 700# :scared:
I seem to keep getting side tracked :confused:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2525.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/DSC06593.jpg)
Nice place Doc!!
Good to see you and your boys together!
Bill
:campfire:
Can't wait to get home myself! Even though I am going to my 1/2 acre and Aiken summers are hot as you know what..still miss it. Looks like a great time! Hope to look you up one I get back from deployment!
Another side track before resuming my story. My friendship with Benjy over these past two years has really helped me appreciate the Aiken area. From fishing to hog hunting to enjoying the brotherhood of the bow. Molly has been coming to Aiken during the winter months for seven years with her horses. I like horses but I hadn't pictured myself living on a horse farm until now.
When Benjy came down to meet Zach & Matt, he also want to show me his new quiver design. It's a side quiver with the top slotted thus allowing the arrows to slide in vs poking up through the top opening. I was very impressed with his leather work. I'd seen the ones he made for Bill & Tracy. After fondling it, I placed it back in his truck.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2650.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2651.jpg)
Then Benjy asked me if I'd seen the top leather carving. Taking it out again, I was speechless.
Thanks so much Benjy, your work is simply beautiful :notworthy:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2653.jpg)
:notworthy: :clapper:
Sweet quiver. Is it time for the story yet?
WOW, as much as I want the story, I must admit, I'm loving the side tracks Tippit.
That quiver is just plain beautiful.
Side tracking just a bit also, my first bike was a Bayou 250 exactly like that one. It's really remarkable what those things can do if they don't get "high centered". Very fond memories of that bike.
Let's get to some pig hunting. :pray: :pray:
Sweet hog Jeff!!!!
Did you wrestle it to the ground and stab it with one of your knives? Maybe you took a spear and jumped out of a tree and killed it. Or maybe you need to just tell us the story!hahahahah
:campfire:
Wow. Benjy must be a Clemson fan.
Bring it Doc!!
:thumbsup:
Nice work shop and nice quiver as well!
AWESOME quiver!
:campfire: :coffee:
:thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :campfire:
Nice looking spread Jeff! Nice FLAT land! I bought a cabin in the panhandle of WV last year. Needless to say, I bought a Kodiak 4x4 to go with it....
On with the story! You developing a southern accent yet? Yea boy!
Where is the rest of the story???????? :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
:campfire: :coffee:
hope that's not the end! haha
Thanks for sharing
Epic!! Thank You for sharing!! I was checking out the Fine Shop Photos, and I do believe without much Adaptation I could make a Home in that Fine Structure!! :thumbsup: Very Nice Territory you have there!! :archer:
Boy, I dig the man cave!!!! really cool....mark God Bless !!! :)
Alright, come on now Jeff. Even Lamb has a time limit....
:D
Veryu nice story and big boar.
Love it Jeff.
Love the property and the shop.
Congrats !!
Awesome Hawg also.
Jeff, you are blessed for sure :thumbsup:
What an incredible place and story. I am looking forward to the main tale of the hunt with your boys, but I have enjoyed all the sidetracks. After all the best journeys and adventures have some wandering to them.
This is good! keep it up :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
Alright, come on now Jeff. Even Lamb has a time limit....
:D
Now you've gone and cursed us! We will never get the Paul Harvey on this! :laughing:
Great Stuff !!! :clapper:
Bill
Long day at the clinic plus taking my entire staff out to dinner tonight. Now where was I...oh yea hog hunting :)
OK, Zach & I went to the lease on Sunday to throw out some corn but two things happened that would change our plans.
1) Terry had been hunting that weekend and there was plenty of corn on the ground, so we thought...1st mistake.
2) More importantly it had rained steadily all Saturday & night. The pot holes in the road were all over flowing with water. Since the lease is on the Savannah River, it doesn't take much for the swamps to seep in.
Monday broke with a bright blue sky. I scrambled to get camo, packs, cooler, 4 wheeler, etc ready for Three Amigos. The grand kids & Mommy needed some Daddy time, so we didn't leave the farm until 2pm with an hour drive to hog hunting. I had planed on setting the boys up in the best stands with the right wind. With three of us and one 4 wheeler, I took Matt in first and one 50# bag of corn. As we drove in there wasn't a speck of corn on the road or the stands. That one bag was all I'd brought...2nd mistake I thought. Neither Matt or Zack had ever been in a tree stand before but Zach was the one who set up my Gri Gri self belaying safety harness. Matt was a little unsure how to use it so it took a little while to get him set up. I dumped a 1/2 bag of corn around his stand then went back to get Zach.
Zach does high mountain rescue for a living so he took to the stand like a bird. I put the other 1/2 bag of corn on his stand minus two handfuls for me.
Benjy had gotten me into using lighted knocks at dusk to be able to see which way a hit pig ran plus hopefully seeing where the arrow might be broken off. If you can get that much information on the initial hit usually the blood trail will really open up when the arrow comes out. I had three lighted knock arrows so we each got one to use at low light. We all had a total of three arrows...3rd mistake!
After getting them set up I proceeded further into the swamp, but my stand but had wind going from me to the feeder and it hadn't been hit over night...no matter as this was a hunt for my sons. I didn't get into the stand until 4pm much latter than I had wanted but I was very content and excited knowing my sons were hunting with the old man. I saw nothing until around 5:30 when 6-10 turkey buzzards started circling over head. Had they pick up something? I knew Terry's group had been hunting previously maybe they found an arrowed pig. As I watch more buzzards appeared. Then they circled lower & lower. I had no idea what was happening until the first B52 set it's wing for a landing in the biggest tree a mear 100 yard from me! Then over the next 45 minutes at least 50 more buzzards came into roost for the night. Now turkey buzzards are very gracefully soaring over head...but not so when coming into roost. They land like a brick sometimes braking branches or even falling to a branch below. It was very comical & entertaining to say the least.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2639.jpg)
About dark, I heard branches breaking. Finally the pigs were coming to Daddy until the wind changed back to blowing toward the feeder...snort/wheeeze of some deer. I knew my hunt was over. The moon was almost full & bright so I stayed another 1/2 hour before getting down and walking a 1/4 mile to my 4 wheeler. Now to find out what Matt & Zach might have seen on the very First Hunt! The thought gave me goose bumps.
:laughing: Jeff, You are "The Man" when it comes to story telling! I'm Lovin' it!!!!
Benjy
Now we're gettin somewhere!
Jeff,
Can't wait to get all of the details.
Thanks,
Larry
Hey, I know that spot! ;)
Can't wait for the rest Doc :campfire:
:campfire: :coffee:
I really injoyed this Jeff I always wondered what your farm looked like. Everything looks great! Glad to see your haveing fun with the family. I have not forgot you and your sheaths. I have my right arm in a sling so it will be a bit.
Scott
Beautiful Farm Jeff! Great story telling as usual and can't wait for you to check on the Boys....Hurry up!! :)
:campfire: :archer2:
:campfire: :coffee:
After getting down from my stand. I packed my gear in my fanny pack and got my head lamp on. With the near full moon I didn't need to turn on my light. Walking the trail back to the 4 wheeler was surreal. The Oaks & Cyprus trees with the Spanish moss hanging down were like shimmering silver in the moon light.
The ride to Zach's stand was a short one. As I approached everything was black except for the red glow on the end of an arrow shaft stuck in the ground about 15 yards out. Now I was pumped as Zach climbed down. When did it happen, what did you see...I know I was as excited as Zach. He proceeded to tell me that a group of 10 pigs came in early around 5pm. He hurriedly took a shot and missed going over the back...with his non-lighted arrow. Then he climbed down to recover it. Another mistake on my part not to completely prep the boys on pigs coming & going and just be patient. That mistake would rear it's head again.
Then with a Big Smile he said aonther group of pigs came in around dark. The red lighted knock arrow struck a pig. I'm having a hard time calming myself down...where did he run off??? As I looked down at my feet to see this...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2644.jpg)
Another Big Smile from Zach as he point his light 10 yards to the left of the red glowing arrow. There was his pig. His first bow kill on the first day hunting in his life with the 2nd shot Plus dropping it in sight. He said the arrow was a pass through. The pig ran 10 yards and fell over. He got to see the entire drama unfold right in front of him.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2647.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2648.jpg)
As I took some pictures and watched my son gather up the 60-70# pig, I couldn't help reflecting back 33 years ago to another young man (33 yr) on his first bow hunt with his Dad (66 yr). That story didn't end with a kill...quite the opposite as the young man couldn't even pull his bow back with three deer walking under his stand for fear of being seen or maybe just Buck Fever. I looked up and smiled to my favorite bowhunting partner. I knew he was watching and enjoyed the circle coming full again.
TOO COOL!!!!!
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
That's awesome Doc....congrats all around :clapper:
An ending well worth the wait!!
Congratulations!!!
Thanks...but we're not through yet! I still have to pick up my son-in-law ;)
A special memory, with a perfect ending, congrats to both of you! :thumbsup:
Just tuned in, on the road (NC) and intermittent puter access. Keep it comin Doc. Don't wait for me, I'll catch up next time the internet is up.
Jeff, This is just awesome!!! Very cool!
Benjy
:clapper:
Unreal! Congrats!
Great story and extra special to be able experience with your family. That boy's gonna be a killa now sho nuff!
Can't wait for the rest!!
Awesome Jeff :thumbsup:
That's good stuff right there Jeff. Can't wait to see your face when you tell the story in person in a few weeks.
Bring on Matt's tale!
I agree thats good stuff. And it gets better?
:thumbsup:
GREAT story Jeff!! You'll have to tell it again over a campfire in May. Maybe with a jar of a certain un-named libation!!
Ethan
A good story just got better
That's cool Doc!!
:thumbsup: :campfire: :coffee:
That full circle was evident in that Zach shot his pig out of the same stand that I got my 200#+ boar in January. He also used my same bow.
Zach & I got his pig on the 4 wheeler. Then used the empty corn bag to cover it so he could sit on the pig for the ride to Matt. When we approached Matt's stand my head lights picked up an arrow lying on the trail. He was still in his stand waiting for us. After congratulating Zach, he had quite a story of his own!
Pigs started coming out early and in numbers. The fist flight had about 25-30 pigs of all sizes...piglets to big boars. He didn't think he could move and took a shot to quickly. They scattered and he's not sure if it was the same group that came in from another direction or a different group cause there were definitely some different pigs...spotted, reds, and blacks. This time he waited and hit a bigger pig than Zach's. He thought it was a little back but he could see the lighted knock going straight away into the bedroom area. Now the second guessing started even though this was only his second shot ever with a bow too!
As it started getting a little darker more pigs came in from behind him. Now he didn't know if he was allowed to shoot another pig as he had one more arrow in his quiver. My mistake in not thoroughly explaining that he could shoot as many as he wanted :knothead: So he decided Not to shoot but had fun seeing how much movement he could get away with in the stand. When it got dark he even shined his high power white light on them. They barely scattered but came right back under his tree. He said he saw at least 75 pigs...granted some were probably the same ones but their were 4 flights of pigs to come into the stand.
Matt & Zach started looking for blood as I waited on the trail. They picked up blood about 25 yards into the slash cut along with the fetching end of the arrow. The lighted knock had turned off when it broke off and the white feathers were dark red. At that point I took a compass bearing of the trail, a roll of TP, and joined them. Benjy had showed me a neat trick to mark your trail. Just put one square of TP down as you walked in and at all blood. Coming out with flash lights is like following the dotted white line of the highway in a car. I'd always use bright tape on tree limbs but he TP is much quicker and biodegradable. In another 25 yards we found the rest of the arrow shaft covered in blood. We had a good trail for another 50-75 yards but it was spotting less. Then it happened...we hit the water from the heavy rain. The depth was now increasing to the point that we were in a 2-4 inch lake and getting deeper as we proceeded. We searched for another 1/2 hour to no avail and called it quits. Matt was noticeable dejected but I told how proud and happy I was for both of my new hunting partners. That was part of hunting. There were a few "if it hadn't been" but Mother Nature wouldn't allow the hog go to waste. I knew my Buzzards would find him.
I skinned and cleaned Zach's hog. Half way home to Aiken we stopped in Barnwell to ice down the meat. We got home @ midnight and Zach had to ketch a flight out in the morning. I butcher his hog the next day and we tried some on the grill and in the crock pot...Excellent as apposed to my 200# shoe leather/sausage boy. I also kept a bone to make him a knife from his first kill. Thanks for comin' along on my Finest Hour ever...tippit
Notice the arrow wound, it was the same on the other side slicing the heart on the way through.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2734.jpg)
Butterflied ham, inner loin, back strap and femur to send to Colorado.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2739.jpg)
Congratulations Jeff...I know you are proud of both of them and you should be of yourself. Great story telling and see you at Twin Oaks.
Awesome all the way around Jeff! Thanks for taking us along also!
That is a great story! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing :thumbsup:
Top shelf, Doc!!!
:thumbsup: :campfire:
Good stuff Doc!
That was a great shot that Zach put on that hog!
My friend Larry Surtees told me about the TP method of trailing.
Congrats again!
Benjy
The toilet paper marking has been around a long time...dad showed me that one back in the late '70's...good stuff!!
What a shot man!
Like my buddy always says when we take the kids;
"And they think we just hunting" .... there is no better feeling than hunting with your kids is there Tippit?? :clapper: :clapper:
Great story!
Good for you Doc! Best time spent in the woods right there!
That's awesome Jeff!! I can only imagine the grin you must still must still have...... :clapper: :clapper:
David
Thanks for sharing a really neat hunt.
Congrats on a great time with your family!!! and thank for the TP tip!
Awsome story ,Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
:bigsmyl: Great Stuff. Thanks for taking the time to tell us about it.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Keep coming back to this one....So cool Doc! :clapper:
Great stuff for sure.Looks like that Griffin has some serious pig mojo going on.
Go get you some more! 75 pigs in one night???? Sounds like you need HELP!! :archer2:
These stories are the best thing about Tradgang.I kinda tire of all the hi-tech talk.I can read stories like this all day.What a wonderful experience that was.Great pictures too.
Awesome story! :thumbsup:
Amazing story! Thanks for sharing Doc!
Doggone it Doc it just don't get no better than that! Please convey my congrats to Matt and Zach and thank you for sharing. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharring!
Thank you for sharing your special hunt with us.
God bless,Mudd
Thanks for sharing Jeff, Congrats to Zach and Matt. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing Doc and impressive on a level you've become known for.... Hope to catch up with you soon since you are a bona fide sandlapper now. :wavey:
Yeah Curt....I remember my dad pulling out a half roll of paper when I shot my 2nd deer, the 1st one dropped, and I had no idea why he was taking that roll out....I was about 10 I think....as you know, we used that trick bout 3 weeks ago together.
Again Doc....good stuff!!!
Doc,
It doesnt get much better than that. Congrats to Zach and Matt.
:notworthy: Good looking lease.
Awesome story for sure!
Congrats again to the whole crew. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome :thumbsup:
That's a fine couple days there Doc. Congrat's.
Great story! Thanks.
Great story and great memories. Congratulations!!! Thanks for sharing it with us.
What a great story and time well spent with family. Congrats to you sir.
Hey Doc, I think Benjy originally started carrying the tp because of all the bull he spreads. :clapper:
Bill
Bill,
I did notice when he helped me track my big boar, that the roll was considerally used up :eek:
Awesome Jeff! Sounds like you found yourself a nice honey hole with plenty of critters. Your starting your sons off on the right foot. Bet they are pumped to do it again! Congrats!
JL
What set of memories! Congrats all around!
I am a firm believer in carrying items that have a dual purpose. I do use more TP for its intended purpose than I use for tracking :bigsmyl:
I had to scan back through the pics again, this is a great story!
Bill the next time we go hunting and we're out in the woods, I hope you have to buy some of my TP! I can always use another bow! :laughing:
Benjy
Great read Jeff!!!! Congratulations !!!