This is a story I prayed I'd get to write.....
I know some of you have been following Cade's progression thru the years, and most recently have been following along with us on this thread...
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=121023;p=1
Yesterday evening "it" happened for my Cade...I'll do my best to tell this story without leaving out any details.....but my words will probably fall short....
I'll also update everything I write here onto the above thread so we can keep that one going....our season is far from over.
I just wanted to get this started, but now I have to go trick or treat....I promise I'll be back tonight with all the pix and the whole story...
HAPPY DAY!!!
Sweet! Can't wait to read it... :campfire:
Can't wait Curt, but understand the Trick or Treating... Going out myself... Can't wait for the read!
And a heartfelt CONGRATS to you Cade!
So happy for you boys! Looking forward to that day myself very soon. I bet you popped all the buttons off your shirt with pride :thumbsup:
OH BOY! :coffee:
OUTSTANDING! :clapper:
:campfire: :coffee: atta boy!
Thats what I`m talking bout.Yeah!!!RC
:campfire: :archer:
A ______________ and trick or treating all in 24 hours! Life is indeed good in the Cabrera household!
Awesome! You must be very proud.
yee hawwww!
Can't wait.
Tell the boy THE WHOLE TRADGANG FAMILY SAYS CONGRATS!!!!!
Fantastic!!
:campfire: another Curt and Cade adventure :jumper: :jumper:
Happy day for sure! Can't wait for the details from a proud father and son :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
Too cool! Congrats and can't wait to hear the story! :thumbsup: :clapper:
:thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :archer:
Congratulations! I had been away from here for several months, but the above thread keeps me checking back daily!
Thats awsome! I just cant wait to here the story. Hurry up though im leaving for Illinois Friday morning and dont want to wait till i get back.
can't wait to see how it went... if you've got a spare could you send me a Hershey bar?
;)
:archer: Looking forward to it.....
Yyyyeeeaahhh buddy!!!!!
I've been expecting this. Congratulations!
:coffee: Can't wait!
Thanx fellas....ok, here we go....
I was off of work because of Sandy, we were lucky, but others weren't so lucky. Cade was also off of school for the 2nd day in a row as well. By yesterday afternoon the rain had stopped with the exception of an occasional very light drizzle. I figured with the storm having the critters laying low for over a day....they'd probably be moving pretty good.
The wind was still blowing more than usual, but it was in a steady direction, and nowhere near like it had been a day earlier....that was truly scary!
We decided to hit the low stand that I'd set about a week and a half earlier...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/journ0208.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/journ0209.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/journ0210.JPG)
As seen in the pix, this stand was very low to take advantage of the available cover. I would carry in my old Staghorn Hiker lok on to attach to the other trunk next to the ladder.
We ark quite a ways away from the part of the orchard we were hunting. After we got there we went through the routine that I'm passing on to Cade....we don't wear any of our hunting clothing in the truck or anyplace else. Packs, harness, and clothing all travels in our HS Scent-Safe bags. Boots travel in plastic bags and are only worn while hunting.
I got dressed, strapped my pack to the stand and slug it on my back. Then, like usual, went to the other side of the truck to help Cade....he's learning.....
We carefully picked a route through the orchard that I though would be optimal for how I thought the deer would move, and were soon at the base of the ladderstand. I went up and locked the Staghorn on the other trunk. Cade went up and got into the Staghorn, then I climbed up and just sat on the ladderstand. I left my bow on the ground....
We settled in and soon Cade was busy on his Ipod...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer001.JPG)
As you can see in the pix, things looked very different now. A lot of our leaf cover was now on the ground. But I was still confident we'd be fine if something showed up, and I liked the fact we could see a lot better all around us.
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer002.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer003.JPG)
We glimpses two deer back in the heavy cover, but they seemed to be headed away from us, and were quickly out of site. The deer were up and moving early just as I'd hoped!
A bit later I looked into the woods behind us and caught some movement....turkeys...and they were headed our way!
Cade slowly got his Lil" Slammer in his hand and slowly got into position to shoot just in case they came into the orchard "close enough"....
Before we knew it, the lead bird, a jake...had popped out at about 15yds and stopped to scan the orchard. I saw Cade "ooozing" the string back......
With a slight twang the arrow was away....he missed just high!
Funny thing is the birds hardly even noticed something was "wrong"....he nocked another arrow as the birds that were out in the orchard slowly moved off....but other were still coming!
Minutes later another came out just a bit further than the first. Cade drew again as the bird walked out.....another one just a bit high and in the dirt!!
Laughingly(I couldn't help myself), I told him... that's enough bud, you only have one broadhead arrow left, we need to save it for a deer"....not sure why I found it funny that he missed twice....but I know it's very easy to do with turks, I've been there!!!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer004.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer005.JPG)
So with his last arrow nocked deer started popping out into the orchard to the north of us about 50yds as the light started to fade fast.
They weren't coming our way, instead headed further out into the orchard, and downwind of our set-up.
Then, cade says to me....."Daddy....deer RIGHT there"! I looked back to the south and saw a big doe standing about 30yds away out in the orchard!
Then I noticed a smalled doe out in front of her...
The bigger doe was very cautious, and I could tell she knew something wasn't "right"....she looked to turn away and go back into the woods....but the smaller doe stayed out and got curious!!!
You know what they say about curiosity and the cat....well obviously this deer didn't know the story and it started to come closer to "investigate"....I held my breath......
Just like does do a lot, she knew "something" was they, and was cautiously coming in to find "it"...25yds.....20yds.....15yds....oh my gosh this might happen!
I was whispering to Cade to....."be patient, and let her get as close as possible".....10yds....
Her at 10yds, and us only 6ft off the ground...things were "cozy" to say the least.....she just needed to turn to our left and get broadside......
:banghead: Dad nab it!!!!
Congrats Cade!!
Congratulations to the young man.
All I can say is "AWESOME"!!!!
:clapper:
Tim
But your killing us here :readit: :banghead:
:campfire:
Im in , keep it going......
,,Sam,,
This is great.
My wife and I have been following the other thread hoping the little guy connects!
Curt my friend......did you really just leave me hanging? :dunno:
Oh lordy....my heart ain't gonna take this!
Congrats Cade!!!! I knew it wouldn't take you long. Congrats to you too Curt, I know how much this means to you.
Cant wait for the rest of the story......
David
By now it very last shooting light, and this deer was right in Cade's "money shot" range....something had to "give"...and soon!
She turned right.....I whispered "shoot"....but I don't think it was necessary....Cade was already starting to draw.....the Lil' Slammer "Guapo" arched to a fully loaded position and with a dull twang the arrow sprung from Cade's hand like an orange missile.....I was concentrating on the deer....
I barely saw the arrow, but knew by the sound, and by the reaction of the deer.....Cade had made a solid hit....but I honestly didn't know where he'd hit it....
At impact, the deer buckled, tucked it's tail and took off in a low run......"you hit her Cade, but I couldn't tell where"!!!!!
To that he answered...."I hit her real good Daddy! It looked almost perfect! I know it was in the chest!"
The deer hit the woods with a crash, and almost instantly everything went silent.....
With that, I about lost it.....I was shaking so bad, I was glad I was sitting down!
I asked Cade a couple more time if he was sure what he saw? He even said one time that if he wasn't in the lungs, he was for sure in the liver, but was 99% sure he'd hit the lungs. He was convinced he'd made a good shot....and he'd convinced me now as well. We were excited beyond words....but it would get even better.
We sat for a while and laughed at each other as we watched each other shake so bad....amazing!
After we calmed down enough, maybe 15minutes after the shot, we climbed down and as quietly as possible packed up. Then I went out into the orchard to check the spot of the shot....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer006.JPG)
Instant blood! Oh my!!!!
To make us wait a bit more we walked back to the truck to move it a little closer.
Soon we were back....maybe a half hour since the shot.....we started along the trail.....5yds into it....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer007.JPG)
About 20yds. into it....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer008.JPG)
The blood was there, but not exactly gushing out. Cade was shooting a little 2 blade, and I'm used to seeing bloodtrails from my deer after I put a big 3 blade through them....I hoped this perceived..."lack of blood" was just a product of his equipment....we followed along and after about 30yds we hit the edge of the woods were she entered...again, there was blood, but not a lot...we continued into the woods....
It was slow going, but 20yds into the woods my Wensel Bros. Main Beam light hit something bright orange....the arrow!!!!
It had blood, broadhead to nock, and blood soaked feathers!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer009.JPG)
To be honest, it looked more "livery" than lung. But we still had blood, Cade had me convinced the shot was good......so we continued....at this point we were about 50yds into the trail.....
Another slow 20yds Cade was getting worried, and honestly, I was too a bit. I explained to him how easy it is to miss things at night with only the help of a flashlight......"we'll try a little bit more, but if we don't find it soon, we'll have to back out and I'll come back in the morning".....I really didn't want to have to do that!
He understood as the blood was getting real hard to follow. Another tough 20yds and we'd lost the blood again.....we both searched close to the last drop found. Cade was about 5yds. to my right with his head down looking....I swept my flashlight beam forward and caught "something"....
My heart jumped into my throat as I got my binos up and lined up my flashlight.....white belly, dead deer!!!!!!! OMG!!!!!
As calmly as I could, I whispered to Cade that I'd found blood, and he needed to come over....
He said..... "where daddy"... I said right here, and I think there's something up ahead.....he looked up, I lined my flashlight up an he saw "his deer"!!!!!
I'll never be able to put this part into words...
he about knocked me over as he jumped up to hug me tighter than he ever has! He kept repeating...."we did it daddy, we did it daddy"....an unbelievable, indescribable feeling for us! Somehow I kept the tears back! Not sure how, because anyone that knows me, knows how I am!
We started toward the deer....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer010.JPG)
I don't know how many times we hugged, kissed, and told each other how much we loved the other....he'd done it!
As soon as we walked up to it, we could see that he'd hit it a bit higher than he thought....and when we rolled her over we could see the had re-directed back a bit and exited back slightly and was clogged with fat.....
High entrance, clogged exit....that explained the lack of blood....
We dragged her out to the orchard for pix....
Not a happier boy on the face of the earth last night!!!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer011.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer012.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer013.JPG)
WOW!!!!!!!!!! Congrats Cade...and congrats Curt! As a father to a son, I have an idea what you must be feeling, and I bet its more pride than you can hardly stand! Great job!!!!!!!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer014.JPG)
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.
.
.
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"Proud" doesn't even come close...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer015.JPG)
That is way cool brother , Congrats for both of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
,,,,,,Sam,,,,,,,
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats on the first of many...we were all pulling for the both of you..Proud for ya bud.
Congrats Cade !!! And way to go Dad ! Priceless, Lifelong memory right there, they never ever forget their first deer.
Fantastic Curt! I have tears in my eyes. :thumbsup: :clapper:
:thumbsup: Outstanding!
awesome!
Nice. . congrats dude. . .
ChuckC
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: Great job Cade!!! It's only just begun !
That is awesome! Congrats to both of you.
Ray
Curt,
Well schooled and well done. I'm really impressed with your son's fine deer....a definite fantastic trophy he will remember forever. You both have my admiration and congratulations!
Way to go Cade and Curt!!! What a team. YOu'll never forget this hunt. You did very well Cade.
Way to go Cade. Dont ever forget who put you on her. your Dad.
Good job Curt. DB
:clapper:
Well I'm glad you were holding back the tears Curt, I've never met you or Cade (although I feel like I know you both), and I couldn't hold back mine. WELL DONE TO DAD AND SON :bigsmyl:
Those smiles hold the memories of a lifetime in them. YOU THE MAN CADE!!!! Great Job!!! :notworthy:
Congrats guys! Yall made my day, put a big smile on my face and brought back some good memories.
Don, He thanked me more times than I could count..."for taking me daddy".....
What a journey.....thank you Curt and Cade for sharing! Congrats to both of you as well! Enjoy this Cade, the first one only happens once.....Ryan
AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME!
Congrats guys! :thumbsup:
Congrats young man and to your Dad too!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Thanks for taking us along for the ride.
Congratulations Cade. Well done.
Way to go Cade ! That is great !
I knew I'd be seeing this thread soon. Congrats you guys, AWESOME story!
I was looking over my sons shoulder when he got his first deer (had treestands in two side by side trees) Was doing the same thing, whispering "shoot. shoot" Watching him shake afterwards was the best. Congratulations man, great feeling!
Congrats Cade! Awesome! Sweet! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great job to both of you!
Congrats!!! thanks for letting us follow along. It was a great adventure. :clapper:
Congrats!!! thanks for letting us follow along. It was a great adventure. :clapper:
Outstanding little brother!!!!You and your dad make a great team,I am proud for you both.Thanks for taking me along on this very special hunt.Wooohoo :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :archer2:
congrat's awsome!! way to go!!
Very nice job, Dad and Son. Just a beautiful journey and it's only just started...... :)
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations Cade!
And Curt....well....standup act man....truly a standup act.......
congrat Cade..thats AWESOME!!!!! congrats to dad as well..
Good Shootn'!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/buzzards.gif)
WOW guys!! Way to go!! Congrats to ya both!!
:clapper: Way to go bud! Thanks for telling the story. Brought back alot of memories. Thirty years from now it will be just as vivid. I remember my sons first and we are still hunting together and making more memories all these years later. Its a bond that will never be broken, gets better every year!
Congratulations to Cade on taking his first deer, and to you Curt for showing him the way.
PHENOMENAL!!!!! I know im not the first to say it but I have tears in my eyes. I can only hope to foster that sort of relationship in my boys as they grow. You are a role model to him and to us aspiring fathers.
Fantastic!!! Congratualtions to Cade! I am sure this is the first of many "Cade" stories with the foundations you have laid.
Thanks Curt... for going and getting me all emotional while sitting here eating pizza post- hunt!
What an awesome hunt and "awesomer" day for you both. Congrats!
Congratulations, Cade! I am so very proud of you! I have looked at the picture your daddy texted me a hundred times and have been chomping at the bit to hear the details. I am sure that you know how lucky you are to have Curt for a daddy! Best wishes and welcome to the brotherhood of traditional hunters.
Gregg
:thumbsup:
Congratulations, Cade! I am so very proud of you! I have looked at the picture your daddy texted me a hundred times and have been chomping at the bit to hear the details. I am sure that you know how lucky you are to have Curt for a daddy! Best wishes and welcome to the brotherhood of traditional hunters.
Gregg
:thumbsup:
Congratulations! You and Cade make a fine team, those pictures are priceless!
:thumbsup:
Congratulations Cade!!! Well done to you both. Curt, what a happy, emotional time. I know what you mean.
I can't imagine what that must have been like!!!
Amazing night for you two!
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Cade!
Very nice. Congrat's.
Thanks....makes me think of MY grown boys. Awesome!
Cade congrats on a fine looking deer. Great job to the both of you. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Well done Cade, well done Curt! :thumbsup:
Awesome! Great job to both of you.
Congrats Cade to you and your dad both. :thumbsup:
Awesome job to the both of you!! Just Awesome!
Congratulations Cade. You will cherish that moment forever.
Shick
Congrats Cade!!
Well done Dad!
Don't ever forget that day ! When he grows up and moves out you will miss him sooooooooo much
Congrats to both of you.
Well done Cade !!! :clapper:
Bill
AWESOME!!! I love the smiles!
Great job!
Benjy
QuoteOriginally posted by Guru:
"Proud" doesn't even come close...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer015.JPG) [/QB]
GREAT PICTURE CURT & CADE! Congratulations to both of you; I've enjoyed the journey with you guys. Thanks for sharing.
What a nice big nanny! Way to go Cade! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome job! I know you are a proud father Curt!
Congrates to both you guys. Cade that was an awesome shot. I remember watching my son shoot his first deer and i know how proud you are of your son right now Curt.
Very nice! Congrats to you Cade. You are a blessed young man.
Congratulations to Cade and congratulations to you Curt for raising such a fine son! You both will remember this forever!
Congrats to both of you the smiles will last for quite a while.Good shooting Cade.Curt good job on showing your son the great outdoors.With a father like you he will go far. :clapper:
Unbelievable story. I got nervous reading it. That was the little doe. Holy smokes.congrats
That was a great story from start to finish congrats to both of you.
Stewart
If that doesn't make you want to get a kid involved I don't know what will.
Great job Cade!
Thanks,
Josh
... And the Cabrera hunting dynasty continues!!!
Big congratulations to BOTH of you! :archer:
How cool is that, congratulations!!
Great job to both of you. :thumbsup: thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Fantastic!! well done! congrats to you both, that's a life long memory for sure!
well done!
Awesome story! Way to go Cade!
Congrats to Cade and Curt. Great pics and story and the memories that will last a lifetime.
Awesome job Cade! Your on the right track to achieve all kinds of special moments in your life. You are very lucky to have a daddy that's there for you and loves to involve you in everything he does. Keep up the good work you two!
Man, That was exciting! You know how you very slowly scroll down the page I mean real slow like you just inch forward because your heart is in your throat from excitement and you know any second there going to be picture and you want to take it all in slowly. That's how this story played out, congrats Curt and Cade, knew it was going to happen sooner than later :clapper: :clapper:
Awesome! I am not so sure that was a 'little' doe!
Man O Man Curt, a story worth waiting for. Congrats to Cade and to you for a Father and Son team that got it done. And just think, this is only the beginning of more to come.
Tony
Congratulations! Great story. It reminds me of me first deer, and the excitement I felt when we found it. That was about 40 years ago..
Cherish the time, I know you will. My son now lives in Colorado and we never get to spend enough time together.
I don't know you,you don't know me but I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and the great photos.
Thanks for sharing.
gary
I just got a serious case of the chills reading that!
I've been on the road all day and waiting for a chance to read the story since receiving the text this morning.
This is just incredibly cool! Way to go Cade! And wah to go Curt! Simplh outstanding!
:) :thumbsup: :clapper:
WHAT A FEAT!
Congratulations Cade! :scared:
:bigsmyl:
Well, that's about as good as it gets!
Awesome
Amazing and touching story to say the least. Congrats Team Cade !!!!!
Way to go guys, fantastic !!
Good shooting, Cade..
One of the few times I wqas glad to be at work all day. Kept my mind from thinking about when this story would finally be told. This brought so many memories of the day my son shot his first deer while it stood under my stand.
Congratulations Cade you did an excellant job. Now get even with those Turkeys with short legs.
Way to go guys! Congrats Cade!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
CONGRATS CADE!!! Nice shooting, and I'm sure it is the first of many great hunts for you and your Dad!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: Congratulations Mr Cade !!!!
Good on ya dad !
Thats awesome congratulations Cade. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Cade... well done buddy!!!
A great big congradulations to you Cade, and to you Curt :thumbsup: .
We all knew it was coming as you have taken all the right steps through the years to make it happen.
I would like to offer you both a virtual handshake and say well done hunters.
:thumbsup:
Well Done......Young Man.....
Cade and Curt, thanks for sharing the experience and we are proud of ya. I got a little choked up reading this and can just emagine the emotions of both of you. What a night!
Ready this was time well spent.... :clapper: :clapper:
Cade and Curt, thanks for sharing the experience and we are proud of ya. I got a little choked up reading this and can just emagine the emotions of both of you. What a night!
Ready this was time well spent.... :clapper: :clapper:
Congratulations Cade!
Arrow #3 - that's Biblical right there!
EXCELLENT WORK DAD!
Enjoy the feast!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Nice shooting Cade!!!! A big congrats on your first deer! I didn't harvest a deer with the bow until I was 20 and for you take a deer at your age, impressive,vary impressive! Nice job Cade!
Curt...outstanding job you did with Cade in helping him harvest his first,outstanding!!!
Thanks for sharing his journey with us.
You guy's make a great freezer filling team!
Way to go, Cade! Way to go, Dad! Here's wishing for many more memories, together! Thanks for taking us along....
Congratulations to Cade and Curt.
Congratulations! I was able to experience that with my son this year as well. Have to say it was better than when I got my first deer. Enjoy and congratulations again!
Wow!!! Great job Cade!! Very impressive I must say.
Congratulations Cade on a great deer!! Your smile definitely says it all... It's been awesome getting to share in his transition thru all of this from you being carried in the woods by dad to having him help you drag out your very own "First Deer"...
Curt you have`much to be proud of.... Good Job!
Gene
First that li'l rascal red head from GA and now the Cade. Youngsters growing up to warriors before our very eyes. Got all emotional reading along. Dang this is good stuff!
Look at that smile, congratulations young man! :thumbsup: :archer:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Way to go guys. Outstanding. Sweet thing is you get to do it AGAIN!!!RC
Outstanding :clapper: :clapper: I had to get on here as soon as I got out of bed this morning to see how this turned out. Congratulations to both and thanks for including us in your story!
You are somthin kid. Congrats.
Congrats Cade and Curt thanks again for taking the TG Family along the journey, its the best thread I have ever followed.
That is fantastic.... Congratulations!! I think we're going to get to read about many more of Cade's successful hunts. :campfire:
Congratualtions Cade you have a great teacher there and his smile shows how proud he is for you...You Cade are one of my little hero's here on Tradgang and one these day's I just may be lucky to get your "Autograpth" :clapper:
You were able to hold those tears back,but this story has opened mine.
Congrats.
Awesome guys. Congrats CADE!! Thanks for taking us along for the first of many!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations Cade!! A beautiful doe and some fine shooting.
Kudos to you too Dad!!!
Awesome fellas, just awesome. Im sure that this will turn out to be way more than a hunting lesson. I would imagine the young fella has learned to attack life like he has this hunting season. Way to get the job done. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Doesn't get much better than that. Congrates guys. Fine shooting Cade! :thumbsup:
Great job Cade. That is a great deer and I am sure it is the first of many.Curt,what can I say that hasn't been said.So happy for both of you!
Really cool. Congratulations Cade... :thumbsup:
Yep, I think we all feel as if our own son has been successful after watching Cade grow up here. Congrats again to you both. Can't wait until the first alone successful hunt thread typed by Mr. Cade himself.
Congrats again Cade! You too Curt! Way to go :thumbsup:
The story behind the story is that Curt did with Cade what more dads need to do. What he does and how I have seen him relate to
Cade at the Muzzy, for example, is the real story....as excited as i am for Cade....I'm really impressed with Curt. It's better to spend time with your children than to spend money on them. You both did really well and are lucky to have each other.
By the way, Curt, who dressed out the deer?
I can't say any more than has been expressed here already.
Fine job ...Congrats to both of you....Memories for a lifetime....Thanks for sharing the journey..!
Pretty darn cool. Nice work Case. You too Dad!
That was fantastic! :thumbsup:
Congratulations!! :clapper:
Words can't describe it, congrats to both! :thumbsup:
What an incredible journey! Congrats Cade and one heck of a job Curt! Thanks for sharing with us through all these years.
Cade, Congratulations on a fine looking Doe. And Dad, very well done sir.
Congratulations Cade on the beautiful doe! I'm glad your dad was beside you the whole way!
Excellant adventure,very proud of you both,congrats Cade and Curt. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Great job young man! I'm sure the first of many. Congratulations!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Well done Cade and congrats to you Guru for raising your boy in the traditional world.
Careful dad, you might puff up too much and rip the chest out of that jacket! ;)
Congrats Curt an Cade. What a great father son experience! It's been fun keeping track of your story... Thanks for sharing it!!! And great shot Cade!!
The 1st of many successful hunts together!
FANTASTIC!!! Great job lefty :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
In just a couple of years I hope to have an experience like this with my son. He is 10 now. I can't wait to show him this thread. Outstanding :archer2:
Congrats Cade. Nice Shot.
Cade, you have an excellent teacher.
Way to go guys, Awesome team effort.
Absolutely one of the best stories I've read here! Congratulations to Cade for his harvest, and to you for a job well done. That's the good stuff!
Holy cow! I knew he'd do it but wow again!
Congrats to Cade!!! What an accomplishment.
Congrats Cade, your dad has done well. Diapers to deer hunter, wow - how time flys. Just keep on enjoying your time in the field together. There is a lifetime of fond memories ahead of you! :thumbsup:
Congrats to you all, ecspecially the boy. God Bless
Simply awesome! I can't get even begin to imagine the emotions and pride you feel. It's great you were able to share such a special moment together, it will last a lifetime. :clapper:
Way to go Cade! Good job to both of you. That is good stuff right there!
:clapper: :clapper:
Thank you for sharing and thank you Curt for taking Cade along with you. I know neither of you would have it any other way.
K.C.
Too Cool!! Congrats on your first Cade and to Dad for putting in so much effort! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome, congrats Cade!
Curt for President!.... :thumbsup:
Seriously Curt, you have done a fantastic job mentoring Cade. It started with the father son talks of what it means to be a hunter, weekend trips frogging, 3d shoots and evening practice sessions all came down to one "moment". That moment was the hug you two shared when you found his deer. So Cool.
Congrats Cade on holding it together and making a great shot! You and your sister have been blessed with one heck of a Dad! :clapper:
Awesome Cade, I knew you could do it and wishes for more success for you this season as well, got to work on getting that turkey "monkey" off your back now! Good luck buddy!
Congratulations, nice job.
Way to go Cade!
:clapper: Thanks for bringing us along on this memorable hunt
Congrats - that is AWESOME!
:bigsmyl: :thumbsup: :clapper: :archer2:
It just doesn't get any better than that. :thumbsup:
WOW! Congrats Cade(and Dad) on quite an accomplishment. I mean it, great job on a great deer!
I admit, I had to wipe my eyes to keep the tears from streaming down my face as I read the story.
There's no feeling like it in the world when you're with your child when he/she gets his/her first deer, whether it be with a gun or bow. Priceless.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :jumper:
ive been away for a while.. But what a surprise to come back to!!! :clapper:
i have tears in my eyes... what an amazing story..
congrats Cade.. and way to go Curt.. WOW is all i can say... :clapper: :clapper:
JG
Congrats Cade!!! And Curt you've done an oustanding job! Your children are very blessed.
WOW.....Congratulations Cade and Curt!!
WOOT WOOT!!! Great job, BOTH of you!1
God Bless,
Nathan
!!!That is so ridiculously cool!!!
Way to go Cade!
You've done at your young age what took me to the old age of 36 (almost 37) years to do.
Congrats to you too Curt.
Your efforts have really paid off bro.
That feeling of pride had to be almost overwhelming.
..heck I was tearing up a bit just imagining how proud I'd be if it was my Son making the shot.
Great story and thanks for sharing!
:thumbsup:
Curt and Cade,
Congratulations...no finer moment. Great story.
Enjoy and God Bless, Pierre
Congrats to dad and son on a fine and dedicated effort! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
I couldn't be happier for you both!!! Congrats!!!!
Congrats Cade!!!! :clapper: :clapper:
Outstanding Cade!!!!
Great job Curt!
Memories to last a lifetime!!!!
:clapper: :clapper:
I really can't add anything more of what is already been written.I am so happy about Cade's journey into traditional bowhunting,but he had a great Mentor.
This is just awesome!
Congrats Curt and Cade!!!
I have no idea how you held back tears, I can't.
Just can't wait till my turn like this comes up.
Well ...
I just got this big knot in my throat and big tears rolling down my cheeks. The wife thinks I've gone nutts. Proud for you both.
Well Done Cade. I cannot wait to meet you. I cannot imagine how that felt Curt.
Way to go Cade!! Curt I know you must be extremely proud!!
Congrats to you both, reminds me of my son taking his first deer at 12 years old. Finer memories cant be made. Sam.
Atta boy Cade!!!
Way to go Cade
Congratulations to Cade and to Dad! Well done, gentlemen.
I love it. Awesome job Cade.
:clapper:
I've been following this from the start - well done young man!!!!
Outstanding!!
A memory that will dance around in your head for a lifetime. Way to go guys.
Thats too cool .Good job Cade.
Absolutely Awesome!! :thumbsup:
Jason
Congratulations Cade! Awesome job buddy!
well done lad!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
congrats little Bro and to you as well curt OMG!!!!!!! thats one hell of a smile in fact ear to ear :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Way to go Cade , congrats Curt
You guys have made my day! Congratulations! Frogslayer becomes Deerslayer!!!
Fantastic stuff Curt ! Congrats to the young man !
AWESOME CURT CONGRATS CADE!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I'm wondering who had the best time in this adventure!! Great on you both.
Nice job CADE MAN!!
CONGRATS,CONGRATS,CONGRATS!!!!
What a memorable hunt!!!!!
I can't wait for my son to be able to draw a legal bow. Those memories will last forever.
Once again, congrats to both of you!
Man thats as good as it gits. I can't wait to have that experience with my son. Congrats to both of you. :clapper: :clapper:
Very, Very Cool.
Congrats to you both.
Congrats! I know you're elated. My daughter is only two, but one day... :archer:
:clapper: :clapper:
AWESOME!! Congrats Cade and Curt!
happy for you both.... good job
Regardless of age, this is an epic tale of dedication and skill. Graciously shared with us all.
Bowhunting isn`t about how far you can hit `em, it`s about how close you can get `em.
You did a great job Cade!!!carry on! :campfire:
Awesome Job Cade and Curt! There are not many things more exciting than getting your first deer. I am very happy for you guys.
Pete
Simply awesome. Congrats to you both!
Congrats to you both.
The smiles say it all. Congrats!!!!
Way to go Cade!!!!!! That smile tells it all. You will never forget the first. Congrats Cade and congrats proud papa.
Congrats guys! awesome thread, good job staying with it Cade, missing can be very frustrating.
from start to finish its been the hunt of the year to follow :notworthy: this place is just the best :campfire:
I knew it all along he'd be successful, he had a great teacher. Congratulations.
I've been watching this one.
Congrats MR. Cade. Well done little big man. Don't know who was more stoked....you or your dad. And congrats to your dad as well. That's Big Time right there for BOTH of you.
I got the story over the phone from him...and maybe one day next week you can tell me your version over the phone. I'd like that.
Glad the Zwickey worked out for ya. ;) Now you have an official big game arrow to retire.
I know you are going again this weekend, and so am I....I'll be pulling for ya as always.
:campfire:
When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when a son gives to his father, both cry.
William Shakespeare
Congrats!
:campfire:
Curt glad you kept the tears back because I sure didn't reading the story. Seems like just yesterday Cade was so small at his first bunny hunt. I'm at our deer camp with my father right now this is our 33rd year together bowhunting in deer camp. I can't imagine what my life would be like if my father hadn't taken me hunting. To many long years and memories .................
Congrats Cade, I knew things would come together. Curt, thank you for sharing such a big part of your lives with us and I hope you share much more. :clapper:
That is fantastic! The other night, on the way to hunt with my girls, I recapped my first deer taken with my Dad. Those are memories that I will never let go of. Great job fellas! Cade, way to go brother.
Good job guys...Congrates..Full mount? What a rush..I would say the boys hooked...
I've been looking forward to reading this one...
Just awesome guys! Cade, Curt...what to say but you guys do it right! Congrats to you both and especially Cade for making that shot...what a moment in time.
...great smiles all around. That is one historic Cabrera photo.
Wow, great story and Cade.....congratulations young man, we're very happy for you. It's been amazing watching you 'grow up' here and we know how proud your father is of you and your accomplishment. You will both remember and cherish this moment for the rest of your lives. I still rember the first deer I shot-a similar sized doe-thirty four years ago like it was yesterday. I still have that longbow and arrow hanging in my rack. Congratulations again young man!!!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Well done to you to Curt!!!
You the man, Cade keep up the good work buddy and always talk up traditional archery to your friends and keep it alive in your generation. Congrats from down south!
you had me needing the tissues! what a fantastic achievement. there are grown men who haven't killed a deer with a trad bow yet, i'm one of them.
that is something to be cherished by you both forever.
i look froward to sharing such moments with my kids.
what was the specs of cades bow and arrows?
Way to go guys!
-Jay
AWESOME! Congrats to both of you. :clapper:
AWESOME!!!
Absolutely outstanding story with wonderful pictures! Congratulations to both of you for your awesome adventures! Cade, you'll remember this hunt your whole life! I think that picture with both of you and the deer should be enlarged and soon hanging on your wall! :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
A big congrats to Cade and to the proud papa too!
Way to go Cade!
Bisch
Thank you all so, so much for the kind words!
It does my heart good to hear that we are inspiring other dads with young kids to get them as involved as possible in our wonderful sport....there is no greater reward...no doubt about it!
I've been fielding a bunch of questions about Cade's equipment....
He's shoot a Leon Stewart 48" Lil' Slammer longbow that's about 37-38# at his 22" draw.
His arrows are .800 spine CX Predator II's. With the insert, 125 steel adapter, and 110 grain
n Zwickey Eskilite they weigh about 480grs if I remember correctly.
This deer he hit in the ribs and got both lungs, liver, and the arrow went almost all the way though at impact. As it fled it pulled all the way thru....so it was about a complete pass thru at impact....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer016.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer017.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade1stdeer018.JPG)
While we were prepping for this season I had no doubts, that even at his short draw, his set-up would do the job with good shot selection.
So far. so good!
Thanx again :notworthy: