Trad Gang

This story started last year when I began getting convicted about relying on "luck" to bring me success in the woods.......

Most hunters that I know have things that they do or say to bring them luck while out hunting wether it be wearing an artical of clothing, going through a certain routine, keeping a lucky momento with you, to useing a differant arrow out of your quiver to change things up.

I had my lucky "Purple Power" wind pants that I liked to wear (as a layer under my camo of cores)   :D    and then when I would have a couple of dry sites (we call them "Goose Egges") I would pull out my second arrow instead of the first to bring me good fortune.  Now most would say theres no harm in these things and I would agree.... but for me last year I had something pulling on me that was telling me that I was relying on "luck" way to much to provide meat for my family!!  That tugging was comeing from "My Provider"!!!  Im a Christ Fallower and believe that He is and wants to be involved in every aspect of our lives, even when we are out hunting!

I love bowhunting!!!!  I want to be carfull not to say that I live for it but it is my passion   :thumbsup:    and I love being able to provide good meat for my growing family!!!
Last year was a tough year in when it came to deer sightings for me, often going sit after sit without seeing a deer and i was realy starting to get tested in this "Luck" thing.......
So at the begining of every hunt I would pull out my first arrow and say this simple phrase...

"The Lord is My Provider"

The season ended ok and we had enough meat to get us through the year   :pray:  


So that brings us to this season.......

Oh boy here we go!!

:bigsmyl:

:campfire:

:campfire:

:campfire:

:campfire:

:campfire:    :coffee:    :coffee:    :coffee:

I think what Caleb meant to say was "Here we go" ~~~ again!      :knothead:

:campfire:    :pray:

:campfire:     :coffee:

Ben, were heading out to Minnesota on Thur. AM for thankgiving, any chance you might have it done by then. HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So this year rolls around and Im as excited as ever to get into the woods to test my skills against some Iowa Whitetails.......

Now "Skills" is a big word and although Im no crack shot I can usualy got the job done given those sweet 12 to 17 yard shots...... well this is the part of the story I would love to leave out or better yet not even remember to tell, but its part of My Story and dont feel its fair to suger coat when telling story like this.

I had my worst season ever when it comes to missing, grazing and flat out wounding deer
  :saywhat:

QuoteOriginally posted by doug77:
Ben, were heading out to Minnesota on Thur. AM for thankgiving, any chance you might have it done by then. HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Doug oll budy.... I promise  :bigsmyl:

Sat. morning found me driving down to the folkses farm where I met up with Travis aka "KAZ" to spend my last weekend of the year to fill an archery tag.  I did manage to get a little buck on a management hunt in mid October ( another story for another time) but still had my state tage as well as an antlerless tag to fill.
I realy wanted to get an opportunity to try out some improved form issues and to end the season on a positive note  :saywhat:  Take your time Travis  :goldtooth:

Sat. evening came and went with very little movement and so I headed back to the home place with planes to sit the "Killin Tree" Sun. morning before heading to church.

Now the Killin Tree got its name form   :rolleyes:   well lets see.....
Lets just say it has some MoJo  :thumbsup:  
and its about a five min. walk from the farm house.


These are a couple of pics from the tree from two years ago with a couple of coresponding pics from Sun. morning.
 (http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/101009weekendscenery017.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-3.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/101009weekendscenery020.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-1.jpg)

I got to my stand and put out some scent bombs in a line running east and west on the fence at the base of my tree then climbed up to enjoy my last morning with a bow in my hand for 2012....
I set this stand back in 1989 when I was 18 and my brothers and I have witnessed some incredable things out of it, one if which are some incredable sunrises.....this morning would be no ecception!!!!!

As I sat there enjoying the sunrise Travis texted me about the new day and that it could happen at any time so stay sharp...
I snaped this pic feeling very light hearted and joyfull at being able to just be out witnessing such a sight and sent it back to him and commented on how there are so many things in this life for us to be thankfull for.....

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-1.jpg)
he text back nowing I had been a bit down in the mouth in general through out the season saying:

"Thats the spirit...Its a new day dawning,10,000 reasons for our hearts to sing!  Bless the Lord oh my soul with all that is within me bless his holy name.  Good Providence my friend!!!! "

We where haveing "Church" right there in the tree stand  :thumbsup:  

That was 6:46 and at 7:01 I texted back with some more good news!!!!!!!!!!

So I was enjoying the sunrise, haveing church with a dear friend and trying to keep an eye out for deer when   :scared:    :eek:  
down the fence line from the east comes this buck!!!!!
Hes about 150 yards out on the otherside of this narrow picked bean field but theres not a question in my mind that this thing is a shooter every day of the week!!  I think my exact words where "Oh youv got to be kidding me"........
I couldnt believe my eyes!!
He was far enough out that I sneaked a peak through the binos.......  :readit:

Now hes walking across an open bean field and im in a tree with so so cover in it but for the most part we generaly dont get picked out  :help:

He gets to about 17 to 18 and I said a quick prayer asking for help to have good form, to be able to pick a spot, and to have a  leathal shot.  At 15 yards and starts to get down wind of my first scent bomb and sticks hes head up in the air to get a better wiff and looks right up at me  :banghead:  
and its not just a quick look, its a "I dont like what I see and Im getting nurves look"
Im at the ready with one eye closed and the other just barely open to see what hes going to do and he starts to do the slow exit stage left.

Im ready.... and as he goes broadside i come to full draw makeing sure my back elbow is nice and high, I hit my anchor and the arrow was on its way..................

My arrow is gone and the buck spins and runs back the way he came....Im exploding inside because I think I just zipped one through the goodies!!!  He jumps the fence and turns around for a brief second to look back, and through the Binos I can see blood comeing out of his nose  :jumper:    :jumper:    :jumper:    :jumper:    :jumper:

That's a great beginning...can't wait to see/hear the rest!

At this point I lost it.......
I normaly am pretty jacked up when I shoot something but usualy keep it to a dull rore. With the whole build up of the hunting seasone and with all that was weighing on my mind........I whoopd and holered at the top of my lungs.....and he hadnt even fallen over yet  :archer:    :pray:     :jumper:

I said my thanks to My Provider and then started snaping pics and sending texts!!!!

7:01

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo.jpg)

White Belly

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-3.jpg)

Got down and found my arrow stuck in the dirt!!!

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-2.jpg)

And then started my slow walk to my prize....

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-6.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-7.jpg)

Ill post pics tomorrow after work  :campfire:

Holy smokes    :eek:

  :clapper:

Great story! Thanks for sharing! Congratulations!   :clapper:

Holy Smokes is right!!

Congrats!!

What a fantastic story.......you're not really gonna make us wait all day for the hero picture?!  :smileystooges:

QuoteOriginally posted by Joeabowhunter:
What a fantastic story.......you're not really gonna make us wait all day for the hero picture?!   :smileystooges:  

I'm afraid so.....
My computer is down at work so Ill post them when I get home.

I'd've cried too! Smokes what a rack on that booger!!

Looking forward to the rest   :)  
 :thumbsup:

Oh Man now my knees are just starting to tremble as we get a closer look...My heart is racing with excitement..I see 4 tines and am sure he got a brow tine and lets get a little close now...     :archer:

Awesome!  Looks great from here.  Amazing how things can change in an instant.

:bigsmyl:    :campfire:

Man o' man looks like a bruiser!!!

Well done my friend... Praise God for it all for He is good ALL the time!   :campfire:    :coffee:

Heck I can see that buck's antlers all the way from Louisiana!   :thumbsup:      :biglaugh:

I said wow after I scrolled down over the second pic! Can't wait to see this guy up close and personal! Congrats!

SON! What a buck!  Can't wait to see the close ups.

GREAT TIME AND STORY NICE READING thanks

Wow, what a nice looking buck from a distance!  Maybe, since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, you'll get off work a little early today?     :D

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

WOW! What a blessing!!

QuoteOriginally posted by Bernie B.:
Wow, what a nice looking buck from a distance!  Maybe, since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, you'll get off work a little early today?      :D  

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Maybe..........   :saywhat:

QuoteOriginally posted by Bernie B.:
Wow, what a nice looking buck from a distance!  Maybe, since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, you'll get off work a little early today?      :D  

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Maybe..........   :saywhat:

Darn smart phone......
I don't think I've ever double posted before yesterday and now look at me.......

I will have to tag this thread and remember to visit it later this evening...I think we are all itching for pictures!

Congrats on the deer and the journey, my friend.  Now you have antlers for the wall and meat for the table!

What a gorgeous picture of a giant, congratulations!!

Awesome story. Can't wait to see an up close shot of thet bruiser. Well done!!   :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Looking real good so far Ben! WOW!

:campfire:

QuoteOriginally posted by 23feetupandhappy:
Darn smart phone......
I don't think I've ever double posted before yesterday and now look at me.......

lol, makes ya wonder why they're called smart phones.

QuoteOriginally posted by Over&Under:
Holy smokes     :eek:  

   :clapper:  

X2
WOW!

More Pictures!

QuoteOriginally posted by dirtguy:
More Pictures!

Soon!!!!

I've checked back in...man I was hoping for the pics already!

Man as I walked up on this guy it was a real treat and I took my time to soak it all in  :archer:  

Pics in 20 min.    :coffee:

T - 19 min

 :campfire:

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-8.jpg)

:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

The VPA did a number on him

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-9.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-11.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-10.jpg)

Sweet, congratulations on a mighty fine buck.

doug77

We cleaned him up and took our time knowing we had the whole day to enjoy him!!!

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-19.jpg)


(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/photo-13.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/DSC_2085.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/DSC_2060.jpg)

Love the thumbs up pic! Great buck Ben    :thumbsup:

Wow Ben! Congratulations! What a monster!  :clapper:    :clapper:

Congrats man. Super happy for you. That is a awesome animal. Great proof prayers are answered!

Great looking buck and better looking kids. I like that picture. Congrats

Wow that is cool!  What a buck and sounds like a great stand...love the magical trees that produce year after year!

Awesome!

Thanks,

Josh

For those that would like to know, he field dressed 176# and I rough scored him at 163 and some change!

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/DSC_2088.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/DSC_2097.jpg)

(http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p443/BEH160/DSC_2155.jpg)

Hes beautiful man!!! Congrats and good to see that you take him for the gift that he is.   :notworthy:

Congrats man. Super happy for you. That is a awesome animal. Great proof prayers are answered!

:notworthy:    :notworthy:    :notworthy:

Congrats man, so happy for you and great story. Love the pic with the kids thats what its all about.

Holy cow what a fat head on that brute!  Nice big mature buck!  Congrats on a great story all around!!

Congrats,  That is a great buck. Sounds like the hunt with a good friend was successful in many ways.
Especially love the picture with the family.

Man what a beauty!  Way to go!  Looks similar to the buck Ryan Rothhaar shot this year too.  Nicely done.  Enjoy your success.

WOW. God surely smiled on you that day!

:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:  Even my wife just looked over my shoulder and said;  "Wow, that's a deer!"

What an awesome, beautiful animal!    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

OH YEA!!! Congrats....  :bigsmyl:

That ones got some tine length. Super buck,congrates.  :thumbsup:

Thanks for giving God the credit,and what a buck,nice.

Congratulations! Very nice buck!! Love the picture with the kids.     :thumbsup:

Mighty fine, mighty fine indeed!

Great story, great deer, congrats!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Thanks everyone!!!!

Being able share  my story on here is a big part of the whole experience to me   :thumbsup:

Wow! What a deer congrats. I get the shakes with an old doe. I can't even imagine what that was like.  :clapper:    :clapper:

Congratulations on the fine deer ,And the patience to wait. Your son most definitely has it right. Everything we have is a gift from above  !

And thanks for your commitment

Carl

Incredible.

Congrats!

Thats incredible.  Congrats!!

Yeah, even cheap-o me would pay to get that one mounted.  That is one h#ll of a deer!  

Congratulations!

Man, what an early Thanksgiving gift!  Thanks for the awesome story and pictures, congratulations on such a fine deer!
-Jay

Awesome!  :clapper:

Wow!  That is truly an incredible buck and a moving story.  I so relate to the first part of your story... Few sightings, misses and mistakes... That's what me season has been so far.  And I have honestly questioned just how much God is interested and involved with my hunting.  But I know that ultimately every good gift comes from God!  Anyway, thanks for sharing your honest struggles and letting us celebrate with you!
Congrats!!    :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Wow what a stud that being the buck.  Congrats to you

Awesome!!! Buck of a lifetime right there...congrats!

:clapper:

quote:

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Originally posted by Tsalt:
Wow!  That is truly an incredible buck and a moving story.  I so relate to the first part of your story... Few sightings, misses and mistakes... That's what me season has been so far.  And I have honestly questioned just how much God is interested and involved with my hunting.  But I know that ultimately every good gift comes from God!  Anyway, thanks for sharing your honest struggles and letting us celebrate with you!
Congrats!!     :wavey:  

Ben