Still can't believe it, a morning I'll never, ever forget as long as I live!
Last night, with the predicted NNW wind, I left it up to Cade to choose where we should hunt. I had it narrowed to 2 stands....The Ant Tree(which I have an experience from last weekend to tell about someday soon), or Grandpa's Stand....
....He quickly chose Grandpa's Stand....which really was a great choice, as it had not been hunted at all yet.
It's a stand that is literally 150yds from my Dads house. I set a small ladderstand there a few years ago so dad can come and go as he pleases.
This year, knowing Cade would be hunting, I switched it from the small single man stand, to a 2 man ladderstand. I wanted him to hunt with his grandpa, or we could share it as well.
Setting that 2 man stand by myself back in Sept. was and probably will always be the single hardest stand set I've ever done!!
Dad said he would help, but had to go take care of something first...I told him I was just going to carry it in, leave it till he could help me....and get the small one out. Well I was hardheaded and stubborn enough to believe I could do it myself......I did it, BUT I'LL NEVER DO IT AGAIN!!!!!
So we pulled into my parents place, and went through the routine of putting on our hunting clothes outside of the truck....all set....we walked the short distance to the stand nice and quiet.
I climbed first, got hooked in, got his harness belt around the tree for him.....and up he came...
I hooked him up to his belt, and we readied ourselves. All set he asked to pull his bow back a few times....and he did....all good.
It was barely getting light now, so after he warmed up a bit, it was my turn to pull back a few times. I did twice, and was about to hang my bow back up when Cade sharply whispers...."DEER"!
They had gotten tight on us already...he could see them, I couldn't....he slowly stood and got his bow in his hand.
My low light vision isn't what it was once, and hunting with Cade this year has really made that clear....he has amazing young eyes!
I finally did see the first one move about 20yds in front of us, soon I saw the second one....
When we got into the stand, I decided I would cover the left side, he would cover the right(looking out). The right side would be an easier shot since we are both lefties.
So there we were not knowing which way the deer would go.....
Cade could see two more deer behind the 2 that were in front of us...but I couldn't see them because of the foliage in front of us.
These deer were in no hurry, it was cold too, about 32 degrees...so after about 10 minutes of holding his bow Cade whispered that his hands were getting cold! So were mine!
But the deer were headed for his side, and it was now light enough to shoot.
Little by little, they got closer and more to the right....this just might happen!!!
The second deer was bigger than the first, so as the first deer worked into shooting position, Cade decided to "roll the dice", he'd try for the bigger one that was in front of us, close enough, but not broadside....the other one walked away....
The deer in front of us, turned, and started the way the first one went....this was getting very tense to say the least!!!
This deer knew something wasn't "right", it was acting much wearier than the first....lifting it's nose catching some of our scent, but not figuring out where we were.
No it's 12yds away, quartering toward us....and it looks right at us!!
This whole time I'm right over Cade's shoulder whispering advice whenever I thought necessary.
Now the deer really got interested at the giant "blob" in the trees....head bob, foot stomp....a couple minutes more and it finally starts moving away again following the same path as the first...
It suddenly stops, broadside at 12yds, but it's near leg was back.....I whispered to Cade...."wait!"
It started walking again, but very,very slowly....I whispered..."shoot"......
Now if I had a choice in my life to only remember one arrow I ever saw shot...it would be this arrow Cade was about to release.......
Remember...I'm right over his shoulder...looking right down his arrow....just like this...the deer had just crossed over the log when he shot...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer001.JPG)
Cade very slowly drew his Lil' Slammer "Guapo", just like I've watched him do a thousand times, with a barely audible..."thunk", he release the arrow.....
....And I watched the most beautiful, arching, orange arrow flight I've ever seen as his arrow started out of his bow.....rose up above the deer....then dropped right in right tight to the shoulder!!!! Maybe too tight!!!!
I watched the deer buckle, and tear out down the trail into the thicket along side us...taking Cade's arrow with it!
I followed it as best I could as it joined the first deer and they both ran off....last I saw of them were 2 white tails about 60yds. away.....then nothing!
Cade turned to me looking a bit worried he'd hit to high and forward. I told him...."if the arrow hit where I thought it did....the only thing we'll have to worry about is if the arrow went in far enough!
We talked and thought about the shot.....I told him...."it looked very tight to the shoulder but hopefully not too tight, but, the arrow wasn't flopping as it ran off, and there was no sharp bone sound at impact.....both signs that the arrow just might be perfect"....we were both very excited, but still a little worried.
I also told him...."if those deer decide to move back the way the other two deer ran, they'd just about have to come right back by us as the piece of cover they ran into abruptly ended up the way they'd run".
When I tell you we were excited and shaking, i would be a gross understatement.....this was awesome! Could he have just killed his second deer in 5 days!! Ho-ly cow!!!
We decided to sit for an hour before we'd get down.
We saw a one horned spike, but he never came close.
As we sat and talked, it was decided we'd get down, check for blood, walk out back to my parents house so grandma could make us breakfast, then with grandpas help....we'd go back out and look for the deer....sounds about like a perfect deer hunt huh?
I looked one more time with binos from tree for blood and all of a sudden saw red! Oh yeah!!!!
So it had been an hour so we packed up and got down to check the blood....but no further....
One anxious(but a little worried) little bowhunter..
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer002.JPG)
This is where the deer stood at the shot...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer003.JPG)
Blood after about 7-8yds....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer004.JPG)
Time to head out for good breakfast by grandma!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer005.JPG)
After a hardy pancake breakfast we were back outside putting our hunting cloths back on, and off we were look for Cade's deer loaded with nervous anticipation!!!
The bloodtrail was good, but not great. The blood itself looked good and bright.
Bubbles, a great sign!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer006.JPG)
Within 30yds. we came upon the arrow...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer007.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer008.JPG)
more coming.....
:campfire:
Geez Cade!!!
What a year, can't wait to hear the story.
The arrow looked all positve, and showed us that the arrow had indeed made it in "far enough"!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer009.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer010.JPG)
I assured Cade that the deer wouldn't be too far.....I was 100% positive of that now!
He asked to take the lead...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer011.JPG)
That freed me up a little more to search ahead. A little further along the trail, I showed Cade that the deer was now stumbling and moving erratic....we went about another 5yds and I looked ahead and saw this....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer012.JPG)
He wasted no time getting to his deer!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer013.JPG)
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer014.JPG)
As I looked around at the blood that was all around the deer....I saw this...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer015.JPG)
The Zwickey Eskilite gifted to him from Terry Green, but not so green anymore....
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer016.JPG)
Im in again.........
,,Sam,,
Heck yea , Congrats....
,Sam,
Brother, we're all proud of Cade and your family! :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
WOW..congrats Cade..2 in a matter of days..that is awesome
Very nice! Way to go, Cade!
Congrats man!!
Congratulations Cade!! That was a perfect hunt from beginning to end.
Cade quickly noticed it had a "bad eye"...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer017.JPG)
He couldn't wait to rol it over to see where his shot was.....he'd slid it just, and I mean just, behind the shoulder blade....perfect!
One extremely happy, 12year old bowhunter!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer018.JPG)
I took this one while he wasn't paying attention as he looked at the "bad eye"...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer019.JPG)
One extremely happy and proud grandpa!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer020.JPG)
Then there's me....the proudest father in the world!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer021.JPG)
Three generations....it just doesn't get any better!
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer022.JPG)
Maybe this just might be the most perfect deer hunting morning I'll ever experience..but who knows what the future brings....but I do know one thing.....I'll never forget the flight of that arrow....
Nice job little hunter,you make your father very proud and he should be. I myself just got home from the woods I killed a nice 14'' 8pt. and finally got it out of the woods and home. Today was a good day for both of us, but I would say you are having a banner first year.
Great job Cade :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Chip off the 'ol block! Congrats Cade! Awesome shooting!
Look out, little brother is on a roll!!!
Congrats!! Cade well done. :thumbsup: :archer2:
:thumbsup: :clapper:
Saaweeet! You guys rock!
out standing.. meat in the freezer >>----->
Outstanding young man!!!! Cade your doing your father and all of us that fallow along proud. Keep up the good work young man. Your inspiring others in your age group as well. My step son was reading about your adventures while we tried to get him his first deer this evening.
Chris
This is Great! Cade, little man you are setting some high standards :readit:
Congrats guys! This has certainly been an exciting week...thanks for sharing. Your documentation of these hunts is 2nd to none!
Too cool! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations on a banner season!
All right kid...leave some for the rest of us!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
He's on a roll, I predict a rack buck before too long!
Nothing more rewarding than seeing three generations of hunters enjoying the joy of being together and sharing a hard-earned harvest. Congratulations Cade and Curt.
Allan
AWESOME, Curt! Cade is definitely on a roll. I hope he keeps it up too.
Congrats again to Cade!
Bisch
Congrats Cade!!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
That is some fine shooting. Is he giving lessons yet?
Awesome! Congrats, again!
Congratulations! There is nothing like watching our children be successful! Thank you for sharing Guru and good job on the training of a hunter! I'll be watching closely for more Cade success stories!
Cade again congratulations, now go get a buck!
:clapper: another awesome hunt!
Man O Man Curt, it just don't get any better than this. A HEARTY CONGRATS to Cade for getting it done a 2nd time in as little as 5 days. Kudos to you Dad(Curt) for bringing him along in the right way and sharing it all with us.
Tony
this is great. well done cade! what's on next weeks episode? pope and young buck?
12 years old and 2 down already.
Way to go, guys.
Great memories being made right there.
Fantastic post!
best regards from Australia!
regards
Damian
That's awesome guys,a year to remember.
WOW Cade you are thinning the deer herd for sure congratulations once again :clapper:
Man, you guys are having a time, congrats again, and keep up this thread, warms the soul, and really enjoy to see the accomplishment of cade. Great Job Young Man.
Wow, impressive! Congrats again Cade. :clapper:
Cade, first of all congrats on an amazing season so far! I hope you know what a great dad you have. One day you will look back and realize just how much he has done for you (If you don't already know) and you will feel truly blessed.
Curt, YOU ARE MY IDOL. If more children had fathers like you, the world would far better off. Thank you. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Excellent :thumbsup:
The hunting gene seems to run strong and hard in the Cabrera family. Congrats Cade, you have truly picked up the legacy that has been handed down from father to son. You do your family proud and are a great addition to the brotherhood. :clapper: :clapper:
congratts! too both of you guys, youve learned well young man, apperently you had a great teacher.... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
What a awesome story and pics ...i felt i was rt with you guys...CONGRATULATIONS
I can only immagine your feelings.Great Cade!
Alright! Way to go Cade! :clapper:
Cade the deer slayer, well done!
To cool little man! Congrats!!
Jason
Way to go! :clapper:
Way to go Cade!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
darn it, cade! now i hadda go and fix yer member banner pic to add in deer #2! you better stop giving me all this extra work!!! :D
CONGRATS CADE!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
(http://www.tradgang.com/member-banners/pow1.jpg)
Great job Cade...again!!!
cade you are the man congrats.LCH
Very Cool! Congratulations!!
Awesome!
Like I said, "my new hero". :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats Cade, great job!!! Love the picture of you, your dad and your granddad, that's one the three of you will never forget.
David
Congrats again Cade!! Way to go buddy :thumbsup:
Awesome, congrats!
Congrats Cade!!! Your showing your dad how it's done!
Great job!
OUTSTANDING!!!! Love the pic of the three generations. Who's strutting like a peacock more Cade, Curt, or G-pop???? Congrats again Cade :thumbsup:
That's awesome congrats again! Is that the area you shot the buck in last year?
He's on a roll! Congratulations!
The bond between generations is something we all aspire to. what a beautiful story. congrats Cade!!'
Great to see this - steady instruction and support - focused study - results are a lifetime bowhunter - no way this kid will ever stop - Congratulations Cade!
<><
<------------------<<<<<<<<
Tremendous! Way to go Cade!
:jumper: :archer2:
Way to go Cade! Absolutely awesome! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome!!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
:thumbsup:
So cool. Congrats fellas. Guru your gonna need a bigger freezer.RC
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Way to go Cade!! Another great shot !
Thanks for sharing Curt! That does sound like just about a perfect day of bowhunting.
Yeah guys!!! "Perfect" is about right Curt.
Big time congrats Cade... :thumbsup: :clapper:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Great job men!! Congratulations Cade on #2. Wow and there is a LOT of us still waiting for #1 this year. Memories of a lifetime right there.
K.C.
That is just too cool!!! A family memory to be treasured for years to come. You are my new hero as well Cade :thumbsup: Good stuff!
Great job on both of you. You are one lucky fella. Great read too. Thanks for taking us along. Felt like I was in the stand with you.
Good job Cade, great shootin', congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Way to go Cade! Man, you are on a roll!
Congrats again Cade and Curt !!! I like the 3 generation pic the best, what a legacy.... :campfire:
:campfire:
Man! I hope they raised the ceilings at school!
It just doesn't get any better!
Great Job!
Awesome! I got to experience my son's first deer this year as well! Words can't describe the feeling that comes over a father at these moments! Congrats Cade and awessome shooting!!!
There's a new sheriff in town! Way to go Cade! Congratulations to you both!
:thumbsup: Three generations, all with great reasons to be so proud and thankful! Yous have been blessed big time!
:archer:
Wow!!!!
Holy smokes Cade! Way ta go! Great story, great pictures. We're all proud of you Cade.
Tim
Congratulations to you both! Them deer will taste even better!
He would make anyone proud! What a great moment for father and son! You will both remember and cherish that moment forever! Congrats!
Adam
The generations photo is incredible! That should be in a frame above the fireplace! What incredible season you boys are having.... :thumbsup:
:notworthy: :notworthy: :clapper:
:thumbsup: Well done again!
Man o man, what a hunt!!!!! Congrats Curt and Cade. A season to remember.
Good Shootn'!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/buzzards.gif)
Wow! :notworthy:
Congrats Cade and Curt!!! What a memory! :clapper:
nothing beats your kids following in your foot steps.my son Jake got his frist deer this year w/trad equ. he is 14 he is my hunting partner we have a blast together. I could watch him hunt all day. I dont care if I ever get another deer I get so much joy watching him do his thing.congrats to you an Cade an grandpop as well.you know he must be lovin this.good luck on the rest of the season.keep knocking them down Cade.your hard work is paying off.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Congrats on another fine deer!!
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.
On this deer he hit so close to the shoulder blade, until we butcher it up, I can't be sure he didn't nick it.
It was slightly quartering away and it at least went thru the muscle around the shoulder before entering the ribs. pretty sure the arrow just barely made it to the other lung. We only found a shallow slash in the far lung.
Near lung...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer023.JPG)
Far lung...
• (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/cade2deer024.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:
Congrats again!
Congrats, love that family photo!
Way to go Cade. Hope you leave a deer or two for your dad. Would not want him to get rusty. Ha! Ha! Great pictures and story. Thanks for sharing. :archer2:
Awesome Cade :thumbsup: and way to go Pop!!! Memories that will never fade right there :campfire:
Holy cow Curt and Cade! I am astounded! Unreal! Cade you are making some of us look bad bud! Way to go! Curt do you have a post somewhere that details the equipment Cade is using? I may have a young hunter to mentor soon. Wow! Wow! Wow!
Oops scratch that Curt. I just saw your post about Cade's equipment on page seven.
Congrats.Cade.Awesome deer.
Very cool!
Please tell me you are shooting video of your and Cade's reaction after the shot. I have been doing short videos after my shots for a few years now and they are a blast to look back on. I say the day, year, where I'm at and explain what just happened. Hearing my voice shake and seeing myself shake is hilarious, but for you these types of videos of Cade's hunts would be priceless.
Great job Cade! You're having one heck of a season!
That's fantastic! I'm sure you were all on cloud nine the rest of the day!
I don't get no better! Enjoy my 17 year old had homecomming activities with his gal and left me alone all weekend! He did get his first Trad Kill a couple years ago.
Curt, hurry up and trademark 'the world's proudest bowhunter'----because you deserve it.
Congratulations again Cade. I'm thinking we may have to have Rob add a graemlin like this, because I think it's going to happen a lot:
'congratulations Cade :thumbsup: :clapper: '
Wow Cade! your on a roll, Congratulations!!!
Man it just don't get no better than that. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Awesome fellas, love the pics. Young fellas developing nerves of steel at a tender age.
What a perfect morning. Thanks for sharing it with us. Congrats to all three of you!!!
2 deer in less than 2 weeks with a longbow at the ripe ole age of 12 WOW! you have a bright future in the world of traditional archery young man! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Steve
GREAT JOB AGAIN:thumbsup: :bigsmyl:
GREAT JOB AGAIN :bigsmyl:
More great memories!
Well done guys!!
Cade,congrats again nice deer and a better shot,Curt I know you will never forget these days,The pic of the three of you is priceless way to go >>>------> ED
Verl cool :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats again Cade! :thumbsup: I'm sure it makes it that much sweeter that you and your Dad get to share in Cade's hunting adventures.
Oh yeah, Orion has has taken a liking to Cade, congrats again Cade !!!, and I agree with everyone on the three generations photo, that's just the best !
Thats too cool. You created a real deer getter. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Natural Born Killer right there!! Natural Born Killer...
Way to go Cade==Good Job!
rick
Hey buddy you are starting to shame this old man. Keep it up pal! I'm glad the three of yall could share this special moment.
Just doesnt get any better than this. When the first in a week he becomes a deer hunter thread started I thought this is going to be great. I figured they would be several misses to start it off and then once the first one was harvested then Cade would be on a roll, he is on a roll for sure. Cade is a lucky boy to have you as a father Curt. I have never met you but thanks for taking us along the journey. These threads have bettered me as a father just seeing how you all have prepared and progressed. The down side to them is that it about makes me want to give my 6 yr old son growth hormones so I can hurry up his stickbow journey ha ha. He killed his first deer a couple of weeks ago and it was great because he, me and his grandfather (my dad) were all in the stand together. As great of a moment as that was I still dont think it will compare to the day we share his first stickbow hunt. Awesome, Awesome story, I actually find myself kiddy about checking to see what Cade has done over the past few days, again thanks so much for sharing this with us.
Just doesn't get any better than that,congrats Cade,well done(again). :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
excellant! :clapper:
Wow!!! Great job.. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Whoa! Way to go young man!!! :thumbsup:
Curt I can't tell you how much I envy you. That's just totally awesome!!!!!
Congrats again Cade on a great shot and a great deer!!!!!
I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that quite a bit in the years to come.
Hey Curt, on the way in to my stand this afternoon, I walked by a turkey feather. 10 steps later I stopped and went back and picked it up and stuck it in my quiver. Figured I'd get some Cade luck. Well I had a tall 4pt and a big doe at 10 to 15 yards for a half hour. It was a good little hunt but my deer didn't show. Congrats again to you and Cade. Don
Curt, you've done well as a roll model and mentor for Cade. The pic of three generations of proud hunters is beyond priceless. Well done and congrats again to Cade, a proud father and grandfather. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats Cade :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Curt, You've done well raising that young man.
Congrats to you both. You both have every right to be proud.
Congrats again Cade! Maybe you can let dad shoot one now!!!
Great story line, Curt & even better job to Cade. You guys have had a wonderful deer season and I appreciate you sharing the moments with us. Someday I hope to learn to take pics as good as you.
Rock on Cade. Dad is going to explode if you don't let up a little. :bigsmyl:
What an awesome season Cade! You have a huge gallery of friends here pulling for you. Congratulations! :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Great job on all accounts guys!! :clapper: :clapper:
Awesome, the pics say it all! Congrats again. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Curt you have great kids,just think in a few more years well be rooting your daughter on,way to go Cade keep it up. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Love it!!!
Congratulations again to Cade AND you!
Absolutely Amazing!!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
On a roll now...enjoy the journey....
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
That sounds like a perfect hunt.Congratulations. :thumbsup:
Congrats Cade!!!!!!!!!!!
Cade you are a MACHINE!!!!
Great shootin :)
:campfire:
Wow I was expecting another adventure but more success so soon, that is just awesome. Keep it up Cade and I will be getting your autograph next time I see ya! Sweet!
In fact I believe I want a autographed pic of all 3 generations, so remember that! Thanks for sharing.
Way to go Cade...your dad can help you in many ways...but at the moment of truth, it is all up to YOU!
OBVIOUSLY, you have done the work...
Great shooting!
:thumbsup: :campfire:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
That has to be a record at his age and equipment..
Wow....isn't this just too cool!!!
Cade....now you can carry on the phrase I coined back in the 80s....Anytime during deer season if someone asks you what time it is...you can tell them its "Zwickey Time" :archer: :archer: :archer:
AWESOME LITTLE BRO!!!! ye haaa :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :archer2: :archer2: boy you are just way to cool. real nice curt real nice i am happy for you.
That is spectacular, congratulations to Cade and the proud dad and grandpa!
Awesome!! Congrats Cade!!
Didn't have wait long for another Cade stor. Congrats!!!!!!
Way to put em down. Congrats!!
What an awesome story! With two boys of my own, I can imagine how proud you are.
Way to go Cade!
Congrats young man. You are already a great hunter, your father must be so proud. You are the future of hunting and the future looks good. :clapper:
DUDE! That's awesome. I'm thinkin it's time for some horns.
Awesome story telling, Curt! Great job to all! Congratulations Cade!
Awesome deal right there! Congratulations Cade!