Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Ted Fry on November 08, 2006, 06:32:00 PM
-
As promised I wanted to post this now that its all figured out .
Weitas Creek outfitters as well as Raptor Archery ( me) are teaming up to do a Bear hunting and bowbuilding workshop for 8 days this next spring.
The Dates are May 27th - June 3rd . The place , beautiful unit 10 in the Bitterroot mountains of Idaho. The plan is to build bows in the morning , have lunch , then head out to hunt.
This will be over bait from ground blinds mostly, some tree sitting.
The cost is $3000.00 and that includes everything , liscence , two tags , meals , fully guided as well as bow class and materials.
We are going to do this for only 4 people so needless to say if you are interested you need to step up. You can see the Outfitters web site at www.idahooutfitter.com (http://www.idahooutfitter.com) and you can contact me at [email protected] . Cant wait till spring.
-
Ted,
That sounds like a heck of a deal! Up here it would cost Much more than that for an outfitted hunt alone for Blackies. 4 guys are in for a treat.
-
The area hunted takes 25+ miles to get into via snow machine , once in the valley we hunt we get to stay in a Forest Service fire station, big main log cabin made in 1928 and three smaller cabins with get this , propane on demand hot water showers .
No one gets into this valley till the snow clears off the second to third week of June.
As I stated in the first post this is also a two bear unit. You will have more fun in one week that anyone should, just getting to the base camp is an adventure.
-
Man that sounds awesome. :notworthy:
If I had the $$ and could get the time off I'd be beatin your door down man.
Whoever the lucky four are I hope they do a hunt along or at least lots of pics.
-
Come on lottery, pick my numbers!
Someone is going to get a great deal.
-
Ted,
Probably out of my range right now but just curious. For something like this do you need to pay up front or put a deposit down? If so how much?
Thanks
-
Mike , it is normall for most outfitters to accept a 50% deposit with the rest due before the hunt starts. Sorry its out of your range , my goal was to make this affordable. Maybe you could ask Santa.
-
I'm with Vermonster, waiting for the lottery. :D
-
If David wins the lottery, he is paying my way too. WAHOO!!! I can't wait!
-
Man!!!!!!!
Although it out of my price range,at this time,and at my buisiest time of year,that sounds like the ULTIMATE vacation to me.Maybe someday.
-
Better keep this one one the front page awhile.
I just might win the lottery or sumthin. What a place to hold this, I love the Bitteroots :thumbsup:
-
If you check the outfitter web sight, you will see that the cost without tags, bow building and some other incedentals is $2500, so this is a bargain!
Old Jack Bennie joke - Mugger to Jack, "Your money or your life!"
long pause
Mugger, "Well?"
Jack, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking,"
-
Good Old Jack Bennie, Ya Gotta Love It!! :goldtooth:
-
Originally posted by Shaun:
Old Jack Bennie joke - Mugger to Jack, "Your money or your life!"
long pause
Mugger, "Well?"
Jack, "I'm thinking, I'm thinking,"
I thought the answer to this was "you'll have to take my life...I'm saving my money for my old age" :biglaugh:
-
Getting back on track with a little teaser.Here is a small part of the valley we will hunt.
(http://www.raptorarchery.com/images/weitas.jpg)
-
Holy Guacamole,
Look at all that green!
-
My point with the JB joke was that its only money. I'm thinking, I'm thinking - myself about this one. Nice time of year, beautiful part of the country, bow building and bear hunting... Hmmmmm
-
A little more, (http://www.raptorarchery.com/trophy/robertson_2004_th.jpg)
-
Come on guys , I cant tell you what a great trip oportunity this is, Spring time in unit 10 is fabulous . The spring just starting to happen , mushroom hunting every day ( coral & Morells). Building bows in an old cabin far from syphilitation ( spelled correct). And hunting bears.
I have till the end of January to fill the 4 slots , if I cant do it we will turn it over to booking hunters as the rest of the spring season is booked solid. This is a dream of mine as well as Gary Haight of Weitas creek outfitters ( traditional shooter as well). I am trying to book this through Trad Gang first as I would love to see this group out there. Great chance for someone to do a day to day story as well.
-
Ted,
What are the odds that a guy with a fair amout of mechanical aptitude, but not an artistic bone in his body could build a working bow by week's end? And are you going to have extra wood in case there are "mistakes"? I've heard there are no black flies/mosquitoes up in the Idaho Mountains in the spring--any truth to that?
-
SteveO , There is very little Mosquito issues in the spring of the high mountains, not often that it is hot and dry , never were any black flies so if you come please leave those at home . No need to introduce a non native species.
I once taught a class of 6 women and two men from Japan ( no english). They all built bows with no trouble , no prior woodworking skill either. Your chances as you put it are very good but more important is that you will walk away with the knowledge to build more.
We will have lots of wood for you to play with and not worry about mistakes.
One of the reasons we are only doing 4 people is that those 4 will get a total immersion class into the world of wood bow building. The bear hunting is just to relax between bows.
-
Nathan , give me a call back , you didnt leave a clear message ( phone number) so I cant return your call.
-
I can vouch for the area that this will take place in as well as the abundance of game, it is one of the most beautiful areas I know of. The picture on my website is from this same area and I plan on being there this fall Elk hunting as well.
I will do my best at being there for this class/hunt... I'll add Ted's bowbuilding methods to some of the other classes I have taken in the past (Paul Brunner up at Lost Nation when Ray stilled owned it and Gene Wintere), I've learned different techniques and styles from each bowyer so far and it's proven to be very helpful in my bowmaking.
Just think of it, coming home with a new bow (that doesn't happen on other hunts!), pack full of mushrooms, and some bear meat to boot. Sounds like the making of a fine diner when I return.
PS I snore like a big ole griz...anyone wana share a cabin?
A
-
Angelo , we have a special place for you to sleep!
One of the nice things about this trip Angelo is we dont have to do the cooking , we pile the mushrooms on the counter and our fantastic cook (Pam), does the rest. Dont plan on loosing any weight out there.
-
Welcome aboard Steve. Steve Lundberg of Bozeman MT will be joining the crew in May . Three spots left.
-
Whip , tried to send you a PM on your questions but your mailbox is full . Best to call 541-386-4503 with questions as I am better at talking than typing.
Just to answer a few of the questions I have received .
We do cover lots of snow to get to the Weitas valley , however we will be below snow line once in the valley, we follow the snow line up the mountains as we hunt from May till mid June in this area.
I have worked as a guide for Weitas Creek so yes I do have lots of experience in this area. Lots of bears and some of the most beautiful country in the world . Best part is its our valley till the snow melts as no one else bothers coming in till mid June, kinda like our own country. Really feels strange after being in there for 6 weeks to come out and return to normal life , cars, people, phones.
The week we will be hunting May 27-June 3rd is one of my favorite weeks to be in the area.Gary Haight ( outfitter) is a traditional bow junkie.
Make sure you bring a few $1.00 bills as we narmaly are forced to defend our honor in a shooting contest out and about in the woods around the cabin , Gary is a great shot so dont let him fool you. Feel free to call the store for more questions , I love talking about the Weitas area. 541-386-4503 I am teaching a bow building class today at the store but would be happy to answer questions.
-
Thanks Ted - I have a problem remembering to clean out the mailbow occasionally. Sounds like an incredible trip!
-
I may be talking myself out of a spot BUT
IF you love beautiful country,
IF you want to hunt with a hard working outfitter that knows his bears,
IF you want your outfitter to know what a traditional bow hunter needs to be successful and is a traditional hunter (look out for Gary and his Pearson Hunter) himself,
IF you want a good chance at a color phase bear,
IF your idea of excitement is to be on the ground and 10 - 12 yards from a bear,
IF you want to eat well,
IF you want an excellent hands-on experience in learning to build quality self bows,
IF you want an enjoyable experience,
THEN
you really need to give this opportunity a serious thought.
Rick (I have hunted with Gary on two occasions and scheduling a third even as I write)
-
TTT - for Ted and Gary. If the picture shows up, this is my bear from two years ago. Rick webshots (http://sports.webshots.com/photo/1383429955046510574gBpDIh)
-
Nice Bear..... Ted, I wish I had the money.. Bows, Bear's and camp BS, what else could you ask for...and at a great price... Hopefully next year I can do it..
-
You are killing me Ted!!! I am going to talk with my wife in the morning when I get home from work. I am not sure we can afford this trip, but I would certainly love to go. This would qualify as a trip of a lifetime for me. I hope I can find a way to pay for this trip. Talk with you soon. Thanks for making this available to Trad Gang members first.
Shawn
-
Remember guys , only 1/2 due now , the rest in May. Thanks for the great endorsment Rick and Angelo . Rick , I remember that bear as well as all the others you had at that bait , that was bear nirvana. What a great spot .
-
Man Area 10, I have some great memories hunting elk and stalking bear there. It's is absolutely beautiful country.
Probably don't want to muddy my poor brain with another bow class but might want to come hunt bear sometime.
Mike
-
Sorry guys need to bring this up again . Wingnut , let me know when you are ready .
-
Ted,
Looks like Tom and I will be out there for the first hunt this year. Hopefully we will get into the really big guys coming out of their dens first.
Rick
-
Great Rick , look forward to hunting with you again , I have a spot in mind for you , big smart old bear that beat us last fall . We will give him a go early this year.
Tom is hunting lion with Gary right now , hope he gets one, he is due.
-
Flax for bow strings!!!! I remember what it was I forgot about the other night Ted. Sorry to hijack the thread. I'll call later.
Wingnut, I'll tell you all about how purty it is there after me and Charlie get back from hunting with Ted this Spring! :bigsmyl: CK
-
Curtis,
Remember the place I told you about where I called in 28 bulls in 8 days. Look around when you get there.
LOL
Mike
-
Mike , that was probably before the Wolf intro, still good elk hunting but not like that . Good way to get a wolf to come in is bugle , they come running. A buddy of mine bugled in three in one day this last fall .
Elk are kinda figuring all that out , lets see , bugle and wolves show up , guess I wont do that.
We are just changing our tactics with good results.
-
Ted, my buddy and I are both planning an Idaho DIY bear hunt for the spring. I just sent him an e-mail asking if he is interested in your hunt - I am extremely interested for both the bears and to learn how to make selfbows, and those dates fit perfectly into my schedule, but we are both on tight budgets and may not be able to afford it. What beautiful country!
-
Maybe you have been good this year Jeff and Santa will be good to you . Do I have to get out more photos and torture you guys more . Three spots left.
-
Yep Ted it was before the wolves and the big winter. Seems that calf recruitment is in the minus catagory. But I keep hopeing it will come back like it used to be.
Man it was fun.
Mike
-
-
Is this a draw hunt or a guarenteed tag?
-
Not to step into Ted's thread, but it is a two bear area. I believe that this year the price for the hunt includes the cost of license and tags. This will be my third year at camp. Rick
-
Yes Rick you are correct this hunt includes your lic. and tag , So yes JD it is a guaratee that you will get a tag, as a matter of fact you will get two. Hey you just gave me an idea , we could advertise 100% succes on tags. Thanks for answering for me Rick
-
Ted: I just got the Mrs.’s to say yes, I'd better book before she wakes up and realizes I wasn't asking her if she wanted cream in her coffee ;) I will call you @ 10:00am, and you can plan on me driving through Lo Lo pass on down the Lochsa to join you late may. :bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
-
Welcome aboard Andrew , I look forward to spending a week building bows and chasing bears with you.
Two spots left guys and one of those is hanging by a thread.
-
Man, this is killing me... How much do my kids really need those pesky college funds...?
-
Ted, per our phone conversation, I need a little more assistance than that which is provided by a master bowyer. Can you put on your marital counseling hat and call my wife (you offered!). We already have the selfbow class approved, just a little more to help Mrs. Welch understand....... Although she may just say to heck with me and want to go herself.
-
Ted-
Do you think this will happen again the following year?
David
-
Viking , I did speak with she who must be obeyed,
Funny thats what she said ,"heck with Sean I want to come".
I planted the seed brother , now its up to you to water the field.
David , it is my hope and dream to do this again next year, better wait to see if all these guys come home before you book.
-
My buddy and I can't afford it this year; this package is well worth it but we are too poor. Maybe next year!
-
Ted, will folks be hunting with the bows they make? I'm not quite getting the timing on that -- seems there's be several days of bowmaking before they're finished enough for hunting... Or do folks bring hunting bows, hunt with their gear, and make bows when they're not on stand?
Are stone points legal in Idaho? Thanks in advance!
-
Yes Woody , they will bring the hunting gear they are comfortable with and build bows in the morning before heading out for the evening hunt.
Yes stone points are legal in ID . The mountain lion on our web page was one I shot a few years ago with a flint head I made mounted to a wild rose shaft. Someday I think it would be fun to do a hunt where you brought all the material and had to build your stuff before going hunting.
Better bring food along just in case.Sorry you cant make it Jeff , save your pennies for next year.
-
So Ted here’s what I’m thinking for my setup. Either the 59# Bull Snake self bow with some Raptor Raven special bear arrows and Magnus points, or…… The Black Douglas with the #63 limbs Beeman MFX classic 340 arrows with 100grn brass inserts screw in stinger 4 blade 150’s for a gross arrow weight 600+/- grains or 200 grain razor caps for a GAW of 650+/-grns. I got a lotta time to practice with either, both are fun….. Life is good!!!!!!!!! :bigsmyl: Sorry guys just a little excited, I hope some others jump on board. :archer: :archer: :archer:
-
Hey Ted, Sounds like a great hunt. Is this the same area Tom Phillips elk hunted?
Sorry you won't be able to make the Quebec bear hunt this year. We have an all traditional group heading up last week of June. Six tradgangers and and 4-5 compounders that are switching to All traditional :) Doc
-
Hey Jeff , good to see your still out there.
Yes the same area, further down in the big canyon as the area Tom was in will be under a ton of Snow . Gary was in there hunting Mt. lion yesterday and said there was over 7 feet of snow.
Nobody said I wouldnt make it to Quebec just gonna be tight if I can as I will be coming out of the 6 weeks of being in the Weitas guiding.
I always figured that it was better to ask forgiveness rather than permision when it came to hunts , however my wife of 17 yrs has pointed out I am real close to using up all my forgiveness. I hope that it will fall together that I can make it on the hunt but at this point only God knows that.
-
Ted, Just tell your wife that Quebec is a busniess trip. Some of the new coverts away from wheels might just like to learn about making some bows after a night of watching bears! Plus I know I could use a refresher course :) A couple of our Pow Wow moderators (JC & Bob Walker) will be there too.
Woody, If you can't make Ted's hunt, visit your in laws the last week of June. You can drive up to Quebec with me...Doc
-
PS...Woody
Tom Phillips has already taken a black bear with one of Ted's stone points...Doc
-
You might have an idea there Jeff .
Andrew , I want you to shoot what you feel comfortable shooting a black bear at less than ten yards on the ground. I of course would love it if it was that bullsnake bow I made you but you get to decide, you shoot what you want to .
Boy Jeff I remember the night Tom did that , I was in the tree with him filming, I about blew up from excitement being the camera man rather than the shooter . What a bear that was, Tom made a perfect shot.
-
OK gotta bring this back up . The one guy hanging by a thread cant make it , sorry to see Nathan but I understand.
So there are two spots left, we are going to go even if those spots dont get filled but it would be more fun with four guys , so step up unless you guys want more pictures . Two spots left.
-
OK you guys asked for it .
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/raptorarchery/100_1733.jpg)
-
Heres another one, building a bow in camp
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/raptorarchery/100_1630.jpg)
-
And if that wasnt enough.
(http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/raptorarchery/100_1553.jpg)
-
Here is a picture of the main cabin with a couple of the bunk cabins in back . This cabin was made in 1928 and served for years as a Forest Service fire camp. We regularly have Moose and Elk come in and feed on the front lawn. (http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/raptorarchery/100_1814.jpg)ice fire camp.
-
Ted what was the overall sucess rate for hunters last year. With 2 tags available i'm assuming getting one bear if you arn't picky is really likely and then one can hold the second tag for a trophy size animal. Also do you guys ever follow the spring snow line up for spot and stalk hunts?
-
Here is a small color phase bear I shot with a recurve, first of only two animals I have shot with a recurve. I knew it was smaller but didnt hesitate when I saw the color . This one was great eating as well. (http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m263/raptorarchery/100_1515.jpg)at eating as well.
-
Beautiful Bear!
Sure wish I could go..
Robert
-
Dang Ted pretty bear. Well you have two MT guys coming, others would be nice for the campfire BS but I'm sure we are gonna have a great time. Maybe some easterners will come on out, the Selway is just such a magical place. It will be the first camping trip for me that year and what a way to get the spring/summer started!!!!!
-
Beautiful bear and an awful nice Border! I'm guessing shedua and ebony?
-
Andrew , Everyone last year had chances , not all got bears but that was not because there were no bears. That 8-10 yard shot can be pretty tricky sometimes. We do follow the snow line up and do have some good spot and stalk areas if interested. But I for one enjoy the sitting at the bait and being that close to bears, if I shoot or not is up to me, sometimes I enjoy just watching. Yes Woody you are correct on the wood.
OK guys only one spot left , welcome aboard Paul.
-
Woody, I can tell you are dieing to join us. I know you are a Borders fan as well as a knife maker/flint knapper, I believe Idaho game laws would let you use some of those pretty self knapped points!!! You should jump on in, maybe Ted would give you some trade value for a couple of nice flint blade knives for his shop, just a thought. :campfire:
-
Ted, How many groups does the outfitter have coming through befoe us? Here in my part of Montana the spring bear season will already be over, it's almost like the want the bears still denning until it ends, the week you've got for us seems like it oughta be one of the best.
-
Ted,
As if I wasn't having a hard enough time with not being able to go, you have to go and post those pictures. I am already saving money for next year. Hope you guys have fun!
Nathan
-
I will be out there for the first hunt of the year. It is my third time with Gary. I have done the first full week of June in the past and look forward to the hunt in a different type of weather condition. Rick
-
Andrew , we hunt new territory each week as we move up the mountains as snow melt allows . So the area one group hunts most likely wont be the area another has hunted . If we have a good site and bears are still there we continue to hunt there . Most of the time the bears move up with the snow. We do have some good spots for spot and stalk but most is pretty brushy, By the week we will be hunting, yes thats right I am going to try to hunt that week as well , all the other weeks I am the guide, the snow will be ( hopefully) high enough you could hunt the open meadows stalking if you choose as the bears are feeding in the grass. Nathan , sorry bud didnt want to cause you stress , but think of the excitement you will enjoy all year dreaming of going next year.
Rick , going that first week the trip in can be an adventure all its own, look forward to seeing you there in the spring, I will have a set up for you like last spring , up close and personal.
-
Ted, Have you filled the last spot yet, If not let me know I've got someone I'm working on?
-
Well folks , the class for 2007 is full,welcome aboard Phil Floyd . We will start booking for the 2008 class after the fall hunting season and if this goes as well as I feel it will we may offer a fall class and hunt also.
So keep in mind for all of you that couldnt put it together this year spring 2008 will be here before you know it .
Of course we will be doing a running account of the bear hunt /selfbow class for all of you here on Trad Gang. Have a great new year and get ready for spring boys.
-
OK guys looks as though one spot opened up, sorry your boss wont let you have the time off Phil. So now is your chance if you were kicking yourself for not jumping on it , first one to call gets on board.
-
OK Im sure everyone is getting tired of this post so this is the last time to the top for me . Thanks for your patience all .
-
Aw heck, I can't hold out any more... I'm in.
An all Tradgang crew of hunters and Ted says he can show me how to make yew bend too.
-
I've been away and missed this , if anyone backs out I'm in . Let me know , Fred
-
There you go guys, Shaun welcome aboard.
Marc and Fred I will let you know if there are any cancelations. Start planning for 2008 hunt and class. We will start booking for this mid summer 2007 , if we get enough response we will do two weeks. Thanks all
-
Tag Filled!
Heard from Lois Fry (Ted's wife) yesterday that the selfbow workshop - bear hunt is going well and Ted took a little time away from teaching the selfbow class and harvested a bear at 7 yards. His youngest son Jesse, is up helping Ted out but evidently was back in camp when Ted took his bear. A big congrats to Ted, learning how to make a selfbow and hunting bears with Weitas Creek in some of the most beautiful country Idaho has to offer! Some guys have the luck.
-
Selfbows Finished!
Heard yesterday that all of the folks attending the selfbow workshop with Ted Fry out in Idaho finished up their bows and are hunting with them! Good luck to all the fellas out there with their bear hunt. Building a selfbow in hunting camp then immediately taking it to the field to try at harvesting a bear. What a way to break in a new selfbow!
-
Excellent!
Sure wish I could go.
-
Well I was there, Steve, (don't know what he goes by on this site), killed a bear with his bow he just finished that day, no arrow rest or anything. It was a great time and a great group of folks to hunt with. Met Charlie and Curtis on at the trail head, they are are going to have a great time.
Steve, Paul, and Andrew if you read this I am in Dixie right now a couple hours after we left Kamiah, WOW it is beautiful. Later.
-
We had a great trip, and the bows all amazingly came out great! Bears were not a cooperative as we all had hoped for but hunting is called hunting and not killing just for that reason. Steve, Paul and Mark were fantastic guys and just reinforced my belief that the caliber if people on this site is really unusually high. I think if you include the bears that Ted and Steve killed we saw a total of 6 bears and heard one more. The good news is the bears started to move a little more during the daylight the last day we were there and that bodes well for Charlie, Curtis and the next group. Of the six bears sighted 3 were on the last day. Steve dropped me off at home in Missoula @ around 6 pm just out of time for the St. Jude’s thing, oh well better timing next year. There were a lot of bears out there but I think the full moon and strange weather (from freezing rain the first night to heat wave the remainder of the week) had an impact on their daytime activity. I was lucky enough to see Snow Shoe hares, a Pine Martin, an Elk cow, a Fisher, WT Does and Bucks, and finally the last night one really spooky Bear from the hide/stands. The food was enormous and now I am 5 pounds heavier, Ted was a pleasure to spend time with and his son Jesse is a real good kid (and not too bad in a snowball fight :readit: ). The Weitas Creek bunch is an honest hard working outfit. Gary and Toby busted their butts to make things happen for us and seemed really surprised that it was as slow as it was more on the hunt later. Mark and Paul drive safely you boys have a long way to go, Steve thanks for the ride again and make sure to get you wife to help you unload that bear you don’t want to throw your back out. BTW guys Steve blasted that bear with a bow that doesn’t even have the finish sanding work done, string silencers or handle and shelf. He did one heck of a job getting that bear and all of us were just plumb proud and grateful he got it done. :archer:
-
Lois Fry called me the other night, Ted has been in touch with her from Idaho via satellite phone. The bear hunt self bow class went very well and the students hunted with their new bows. Lois told me that Ted's friend Curtis Kellar (and friend of many here at TG) took a nice bear. Congratulations to Curtis and the gang and hopefully we will see some photos after they come out.
-
Excellent! Thanks for the update. Can't wait to see pictures of Curtis and his bear!
:campfire: