I can still remember when I first met my wife...
(I'm going to start from the beginning for those who don't know the two of us) :D
She was totally interested in shooting a bow and arrow but she couldn't get herself to shoot my 3D animals. I could care less though, I was just glad that she accompanied me to the range.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_2219.jpg)
Staci with her first Stickbow.
I think it was the 24/7 Outdoor Channel and hunting DVDs that slowly peaked her interest in bowhunting. ;)
Slowly, she began asking me questions about bowhunting and one day asked to join me on a hunt. Enjoying the outdoors, she had a great time and accompanied me a few more times.
One day out of the blue, she asked if she could go hunting. "What do you mean", I asked? Thinking that she was already hunting with me. "I want to hunt with a bow and arrow" she replied.
"Of course!" I told her. The only problem was that her current stickbow set up was not legal to hunt with and she wasn't comfortable enough to shoot a heavier weight stickbow. That was when we discussed the option of a compound. Although hesitant about switching bows, she agreed. ****I know we can't talk about compounds, so I'll keep this part very short and won't include accompanying pics***
She easily took to the compound and found that she loved to hunt. She won a few 3D tournaments and harvested nice Hawaiian game animals.
After a successful stint with the compound, she switched back to a Stickbow. Because of all the practice, she was now able to shoot a hunting recurve within the legal hunting requirements. She's been hunting with it for less than a year and although her effective range is less than 20, she's already harvested a small hog.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0807-1.jpg)
more to come...
Good story.. Very cool.
:campfire:
This will be a great read!
Very cool!!
That is great. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Awesome keep it coming.
:campfire: :archer:
We even tried to video a few hunts...
*****VIDEO OF STACI'S HUNT ----- http://youtu.be/tFsQT_TS1c4
But, that still isn't my favorite part!!!
:clapper:
Bill
S2, You should be very proud of her......It's great to have your wife as your hunting partner. It was alot of fun with my wife,but, she can't do it anymore, unfortunately. Horserod
Thanks for the kind words Gang! Need to turn in for the night.....
Horserod, I'm extremely proud of her! :thumbsup:
Very Cool!Im still workin on getting my wife to have the want.Ill have to show her this thread.My daughter lives on the big island.Next time we go to visit I want to go hunting.Any way,cool thread thanks for sharing.
Lucky man, enjoy.
As always Ryan has some good stories..
That is so cool
Very cool. My Wife hunts with a gun a bit but loves to camp and fish. Its a blessing to have an "Outdoor" Wife.RC
That's great Brother! Let's see some more. :archer2:
Great story. Congratulations!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
I am sure liking this....gives me hope with my wife !!! Thanks for sharing.
Lanier
Great post!
Okay, now for the story.... :archer:
When I first started bowhunting, I spent much time in a place the locals refer to as Makua. It's a public land hunting area that's open to bowhunting six months out of the year. In my opinion, Makua is not an easy hunt. Steep cliffs, hot weather and long hikes are to be expected.
For myself, I have a deep connection with this valley. It was where I learned to bowhunt. Hours were spent there, hiking, stalking and glassing. But due to the nature of the hunt, Staci and I had never hunted the place together. But for some reason last summer, Staci and I began talking about other areas to hunt. (At that point, we had been hunting together for about four years and she was able to keep up on every hunt.) We discussed the idea of hunting Makua. She sounded intrigued about the place, especially because I always talked about it.
At that time, we had one week before the season closed, so we decided to take a trip on the last open weekend. I told Staci that we would take it easy and stay on the low side. It was the end of the season, so just seeing anything on public land in the "low areas" would be a treat.
On the day of the maiden voyage, we took it slow and steady. Things were going well and we actually climbed higher than expected.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0905.jpg)
Check in Station
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0825-1.jpg)
The Start of the Hunt
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0828-1.jpg)
One of the Steeper Cliffs
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0833.jpg)
Another View of the Valley
You are a very lucky man!
Great story Ryan.
Lets hear some more please.
:campfire:
X2 ^^^
Upon climbing the first ridge, we startled a few bedded hogs which took off running past us. Although we spooked them, it was a good feeling to know that there were still animals in my old stomping ground. After climbing another 100 yards, we heard some rustling of leaves. At first, I had thought that it was the Francolins rummaging around. Because we couldn't identify the noise, we took our time. As the noise began to get louder, I knew that it couldn't have been birds. Just as I thought that, we heard a goat cry. Excited as heck, I turned to Staci and motioned the direction of the herd. We continued to stalk ever so slowly until we were able to peek over the ridge. Below us were a herd of goats feeding like crazy! I motioned to Staci to set up above me while I kept tabs on the goats below. She moved into position and was ready. Unfortunately one goat headed directly to me. Not wanting to shoot, he kept feeding until he was too close for comfort. He snorted, ran and took the rest of the herd with him. I was a little disappointed and thrilled at the same time. I didn't expect for us to see anything that day!
We regrouped and continued to head up the ridge. Unbelievably, we spotted a few more goats on the next ridge. We crept into shooting position and were less than 10 yards above them at one point. Because of the shooting angle, Staci waited to get a clear shot but the winds were on the goats side that day. A quick swirl sent the goats in the opposite direction.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0856.jpg)
Staci making the final approach...
Come on now,,,
At that point, we thought our hunt was over. We could care less though. The action that we already experienced was priceless for a heavily hunted piece of public land.
I asked her how she was doing and she said that she was totally fine. So I decided to take her deeper into the valley to check a few more ridges.
Staci was a goat magnet that day! Less than an hour later we spotted a nanny heading up. We tried our best to scramble and set up in the direction that she was headed for. We got there in the nick of time, the goat was feeding right to Staci. Staci waited for her shot. As the goat walked behind the tree trunk, she readied her bow and as soon as the goats vitals were exposed, she took the shot. Crack! Her arrow had hit the very edge of the tree bark. I mean one measly inch to the right and it would've been a home run! Although a little discouraged, she was having a blast.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0852-2.jpg)
Scrambling to intercept the nanny
Well, it was time for a lunch break. Between the two of us, we couldn't stop talking about all the action! Once we refueled, we headed back for the hills.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0863-1.jpg)
A view from our lunch break.
I couldn't believe it but we had two more close encounters that day and although she didn't harvest anything, I couldn't have asked for a better hunt.
We packed up and headed home, replaying the days events over and over again. First of all, I couldn't believe we made it that far, secondly, I've never had that many close encounters with goats and lastly, I was able to share quality time with my wife in one of my favorite hunting spots.
That was the end of our day, but not the end of this story...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0873-1.jpg)
Heading Home
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0903-1.jpg)
Staci using the limb tip to show where we just came from.
Outstanding Brother. Congrats to you and your wife for an outstanding day afield. RC
Thank you RC!
So that was the recap of the hunt from the last weekend of the season in 2012.
Makua opened up in February of this year. I assumed that the trip for us was going to be a one time experience, but I was fooled. Staci wanted to return and this time, she wanted to climb to the top of the ridge!!!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0843-1.jpg)
The Ascent...
I'll share the rest of the story as a photo essay
Ryan, This is Good.
Congrats to you and Staci, Beautiful country!
:thumbsup:
Just to be on the safe side, I climbed up first to check for any obstacles.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0857.jpg)
Staci waiting below for the "all clear"
But wouldn't you know, just as we were about to reach the top, we spotted goats below us. Keep climbing to the top or stalk the goats??? Staci decided that she wanted to stalk the goats.
Mahalo Charlie!!! :thumbsup:
What a lady you have! I sure wish my wife had taken interest in any aspect of archery, but she is a committed mall shopper. Continued good luck on your hunting adventures.
Thank you Sam and yes, I know, I'm very fortunate.
The decent towards the goats...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0861.jpg)
We stalked up to the feeding goats. At 20 yards, we dropped our packs and crawled in further. The goat was feeding below Staci but once again we were foiled by the swirling wind in the valley. The goats slowly trotted off not liking what they smelled.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3455.jpg)
Staci with the goat 10 yards in front of her. Can't see the goat in the thick brush. I didn't want to lift the camera any higher.
Great story-telling skills and photos Ryan! Thanks for sharing the adventure.
Thanks Marley!
We continued to glass and we found one last herd but the day concluded when other hunters spooked the goats that we were stalking.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0850-2.jpg)
Well Makua is now OUR hunting spot!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0837-2.jpg)
After those two hunts, there was no question in my mind that she could handle the rigors of that hunt. The funny part is that I was worried about her but I cramped out twice and she came out of Makua fine on every occasion! :D
Last week, we decided to head back up since it was a long weekend. To my surprise this time, she wanted to go to the very back of the valley!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3467.jpg)
Yes, our truck is parked about a few hundred yards from the ocean.
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3469.jpg)
Continuing the climb on the main ridge to the back...
Once again, the goat magnet found a herd. Instead of swirling winds, this time a "kid" was attracted to her. He would not leave!!!!
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3488.jpg)
She was pinned down a few times and eventually the curious goats turned into worried goats and pulled the herds away from us.
The goats decided to head to the steepest part of the cliffs. We both decided that it was a good idea to not go after them. Lunch was a better idea!
I had never been that far back before so i told Staci that it was a good idea if we back tracked. That would take us all afternoon meaning that we would have to head back after lunch.
I brought up the option of heading back on the ridge that we ended up on as it was a straight shot back. The only problem was that I've never been there before and there was always the chance that we couldn't climb back down as we descended. That would mean walking back up the same ridge to where we started and then making the back track.
She said she was willing to chance it and wanted to opportunity to hunt more. I was impressed to say the least!!! I had a good feeling about finding a way out, so our hunt continued.
On a mission! :D A view of the back of the valley on our way down...
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3496.jpg)
Well.... she pulled it off once again!!! We spotted a herd feeding to the river bed below us. It looked like they would eventually climb to our ridge!!!
You got me hooked on this story now!
Makes me want to get out into the woods right now!
What a wonderful story line and experience for you BOTH...but you have to be so proud and blessed.
Only observation is that you are quite the man if you can get away with calling a pretty woman like that a "goat magnet" and still speak in anything less than a falsetto voice! :thumbsup:
I'm tickled to read your shared experiences and mightily impressed with your survival techniques! :jumper: :dunno:
Looking forward to more stories. Beautiful country...OMG...that is incredible... but looks like land best left to the young!
Staci knew that I haven't been shooting on our last hunts, so she wanted us to split up to increase our odds. I was hesitant at first, but because she was so insistent, I agreed. I let her set up first, then I found a place down the ridge.
Guess who popped up at her feet again!!!!
Yeah, it was another "kid"!!! She waited patiently but the other goats headed in another direction.
Although my wife didn't harvest anything in Makua, I couldn't be any more proud of her! I would've been happy if she'd just accompany me to the range, but heck, now she joins me on expeditions in one of my favorite hunting places!
This has been a milestone for us as bowhunters and as husband and wife. Yes, spending time together can be very rewarding. But trust me, it didn't come easy. We've had our share of trials and tribulations. Our relationship took a lot of hard work and dedication but like traditional bowhunting, the greater the efforts, the greater the rewards. Just take it one step at a time.
Aloha,
Ryan & Staci
:campfire:
Thank you Doc!
LOL! She gave herself that name!!! (I've never seen so many goats back there when I hunted alone....) She said " I must be a goat magnet"
Hopefully we'll have more stories to come!!!!
Sounds like a fantastic hunt, made even better by the company of your wife! One day I hope to do the same with mine.
BTW,
I forgot to mention one thing....
(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_3499.jpg)
After we split up..... I loosed an arrow, but that story will have to wait till another day! ;)
Nice. . that could be a fun destination.
Is it allowed to camp up top there overnight ? That could be a neat thing to do once in a while. Take some smaller hammocks and spend the night.
Please post pix when "the magnet" gets one. You know she will eventually. Can't wait.
ChuckC
Thanks Brian!
Thanks Chuck!
In this area, camping is not permitted. Yeah it would be cool if we could camp on the ridge line overnight. Hammocks would be the ticket!!!!
I'll be sure to post pics when "the magnet" :D gets one! Hopefully it's just a matter of time!
Ryan
That is what it all about. Sharing what we love with others and especially the ones we love. Very nice and your a lucky man I guess you know that already.
Great story and great looking country that you two have to hunt in.
Ryan, Thanks for the story, great tread. Sounds like like you have found a great partner, to share the love of the hunt with a bow. Congrats
Ryan..great story and Staci...keep it up girl..your gonna show Ryan how its really done :biglaugh:
Thanks for the kind words Gang!
Art, she's already showing me up!!!
Great video. Not only to see your bride in action but just enjoyed the spot and stalk. Nice sound track as well. Very nicely done.
Nice write up, and nice pic for the finish :)
Thank you everyone for the wonderful support and encouragement. Ryan has been a great teacher and coach throughout our entire bow shooting and hunting experience. Plus, he's a great writer and always manages to make me look good!
:bigsmyl:
Staci
Thanks Cato!
I got lots to learn in terms of filming and editing!!!
William,
I'll save that story for another day. :) It was definitely a great day for both of us!!!
Aloha!
Ryan
You are a great couple! you worth a visit to HI.LOL
My favorite bowhunting couple!
Awesome Ryan...and a huge hand to Staci...you both should be very proud of yourselves!
Thanks for sharing!
Very cool!
Thanks for the great story I enjoyed every bit! Hey Staci, my wife is getting interested in trsd bows (has a compound now).....can I ask the specs on your bow/arrows?
Trad bows*
Great story my friend! I am proud of both of you. Having your wife along as a real partner hunting has to be one of the coolest things ever. My wife has been elk hunting with me twice, and I hope some day she is the shooter and I am the spotter...someday. Until then I will enjoy reading yours and Staci's exploits :campfire:
We both appreciate all the kind words. Thank you Gang!!!
Felix,
We don't have the "best" hunting on our island but I'm sure we'd have fun!!!
Curt,
Means a lot coming from you brother!
Mahalo Jake!
Thanks Mike! Try leaving the Hunting channels on 24/7. I think I accidentally brainwashed Staci. :D BTW house looking great!!!
That is a really cool story. Congrats to both of you and thank you for sharing!
Iowabowhunter,
My draw length is a hair over 25"
I'm currently shooting a 56" Stalker Bobcat. It's currently set at 35# @ 25" Thanks to South's "program", I'll be trading in my limbs and moving up in weight this year.
As for the arrows, I'm shooting the Easton Traditionals in 600 spine. I'm shooting them a little long to get the correct spine. 28" with a 150gr tip.
Thank you! I am goinv to show here the picture of you and your husband where you guys are fscing away from the camera, awesome picture and I think it just shows the bond between you two! I will have to look into South's bows, have heard only great things!
O my goodness posting from my phone makes my posts appear as if I am illiterate! Please excuse the spelling errors gang!
Really cool! And great job on the video. Thanks for sharing!
It's great to spend time together doing something that you both enjoy!
Thanks for the positive comments Gang!!!
Aloha Ryan,
Amazing pictures and story. This may turn out to be one of my stomping grounds when I head to Oahu in May...that is if you and your wife don't mind.
Now its raining here in the eastern US how bout that bloodied arrow?
Best of luck in the valley to you and your wife!
Craig
Craig,
It's a public land hunting area. Anyone with a Hawaii hunting license is welcomed there. Contact me when you get here and point you in the right direction.
About the bloodied arrow. That was just icing on the cake for us. Although I've hunted back there for years, I"ve only harvested goats with my compound in that specific area. It was my first trad goat in that valley, a story that I'll save for a later date. ;)
Aloha,
Ryan
Ryan, You sure have a way with words my friend! And also you sure know how to leave a brother hanging!!! I thought I was gonna get some feeling of conclusion at the end of the tale but instead you leaves us with an even more tantalizing evidence and another un-concluded story!!!
Iowabowhunter,
Yes, South is a great guy and the Bobcat has been working out just fine! Come to think of it, that might be the "goat magnet"!
Yep, you're a lucky duo !!!
More, more !
QuoteOriginally posted by S2 Bowstrings:
We even tried to video a few hunts...
*****VIDEO OF STACI'S HUNT ----- http://youtu.be/tFsQT_TS1c4
But, that still isn't my favorite part!!!
Your video is better than the stuff I see on TV. :clapper:
I agree with Lotech Joe. Your videos are better. No products, no un pressured animals, just you, your hunting PARTNER and a camera. Crawling, stalking, grass and sticks in the way, odd positions, just as it occurs.
I am truly impressed with both of you and your willing to share.
Billy
You are truely blessed Sir!Thanks for the great story and wishing you two many more great outings together.
Great job Ryan and Staci!! Looking fwd to more hunts, maybe even a 'goat hunt in MT.... ;)
Guys, I have shot with Staci a couple times, she is the real deal. I can guarantee you when the time is right those goats are in trouble. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
LOL Marley! I was told that's how to write a Trad Gang story.... ;)
Thanks Pat,
Hopefully we'll have more stories soon!
Thanks for the kind words Joe. Now I'll just have to get Staci to talk in front of the camera. :D
Mahalo Billy, I was "on the fence" about filming. Thanks to the kind words, we may be filming more.
Thanks for taking the time to read the stories Corey.
Hey Doug,
Isn't almost time for your visit??? Pretty cool to see Staci shooting a stick huh? Speed Goats.... Staci's favorite animal. ;)
Thanks Joe
Ryan, I recognized the first photo and the range where we Bushwackers hang out. Brought a smile as I see the Ft Barrette grounds. Hope to see you both there as I live in Mililani and usually out there on Sundays.
Ryan & Staci...two special people right there!
Mark,
If we're not hunting, we're usually there on Sunday mornings. Looking forward to meeting you!
Thank you Bryan,
You're quite the gentleman yourself! :thumbsup:
Awesome!
What a story. Thanks buddy.
I also see Staci in the Stalker stickbow catalog that I picked up yesterday at the state archery shoot.
for those on Oahu, Kapolei is the place to shoot on the weekends. 1st Saturday each month is normal shooting with a few work details and the second Saturday is the Bushwacker Archery Club meeting 9am.
See you there!
Mark,
Were you the guy in the Muzzy hat that I have the catalog to?
Thanks Gang....you all are too kind!
Doug, I'll have to practice on Makua goats first. Not sure I'm quite ready for them "speed goats" just yet!
Ah they are a piece of cake Staci. Took two last fall and the longest shot was a whole three yards... ;)
Ryan, Yup, wearing my muzzy hat, since I couldn't shoot my muzzy broadheads. Was back out there again today. I'll be in Kapolei next Sat for the work day at the range.
Doug,
Be sure to give us a call if you and Karen come down. We have a new house to have dinner at! ;)
Mark,
What a "small world". Gotta love them Muzzys!!!
Aloha!
Ryan
Ryan, you're killing me with all of the Hawaii pics! I'm looking forward to the trip out to Maui in June...wish it was in April! Maybe if you wear some of your wife's clothes, the "magnetism" will have worn off on them and we'll lure them in close like she does! :biglaugh:
QuoteOriginally posted by Sam McMichael:
What a lady you have! I sure wish my wife had taken interest in any aspect of archery, but she is a committed mall shopper. Continued good luck on your hunting adventures.
X2 here!
I can't believe I missed this one for ten days! Excellent write-up and video Ryan. Keep Staci going and it will only be a matter of time before we see her in a hero pic!
Congrats to both of you and best of luck in your future hunts!
BisP.S. - I'll be watching for "the rest of the story" about your last pic!
South,
Actually, her Prois shirt fits me pretty well! :biglaugh:
Thank You Bisch!
BTW.....
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=126365
Happy for y'all! My wife is the outdoors type, and shoots trad too, that's a good story. Best wishes.
Congrats Ryan. Great story and a wife to be proud of. You are a lucky man. :thumbsup:
Thanks Guys and yes I'm definitely lucky!!!
Here is the link to the follow up story. :campfire:
http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=126365
Well done Ryan my hat is tipped to ya and a firm hand shake is deserved really good job on the pics story video and specially for building a hunting partner one hunt at a time for a life time... And Staci beautiful job and what a beautiful place to hunt
Hey Leonard!
How are things going? Great to hear from you. Give me a buzz one day so we can catch up!
Take care!
Ryan
Hello Ryan! We are good here on the coast to much work not enough hunting lol but the antlers are dropping off the blacktail so we been out scouting some my sponsor aka(work)has been keeping me pretty busy which is good i have been saving up the vacation so maybe i can go out into the woods this season and let a arrow loose from the stalker i want to thank you for your storys and pics it really inspires a person to grab his bow and partner and get out there and spend quality time thank you
Beautiful story and great pictures..... you are a lucky man :)