Trad Gang

I'm still in disbelief.....

    :campfire:

:campfire:    :coffee:

Talk to us Ryan.

I need to preface it first with this link.  I know most of you saw this, but for those that didn't, it's important to read this story first.

http://tradgang.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=125986

For some reason, I didn't get off to the best start today....

First, I jumped into my truck without my hunting shirt, luckily we were still at home.  On the drive there, Staci realized that I forgot to pack the binoculars!!!      :knothead:      For us, binos are just as important  as our bows!!!  We decided that it was too late to turn around and we'd make the best out of it.

 (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0952.jpg)
00x00 Sanpei S2 Binos

Since Staci has become a little more familiar with Makua, today I asked the "goat magnet" where she wanted to go.  On our previous trip, she had spotted a few big billies which must've left a lasting impression because today, we were headed to the ridge that she had last spotted them on.

Getting to the back of the ridge went without a hitch, maybe my luck was turning around, "I thought" to myself, but I was only fooling myself...  Because we're both new to that specific area, finding access to the ridges are a little tricky in the back of the valley.  You start off in thick vegetation and you can't see above the tree tops, so finding the correct ridge takes a little trial and error.  We climbed one and turned around, then climbed another.
For some reason, the ridges looked so different from our new approach.  We decided to just climb as high as possible on the current ridge in hopes that we could cross somewhere up above.

At that point, I felt a little discouraged.  I couldn't even get Staci on the correct ridge! Fortunately, as we gained ground, we were able to find a few crossings.  Although it looked as if we could cross, we would need to take our time as the trails were steep.  After crossing two ridges, we reached a point where I thought we couldn't climb any further.  I turned around and asked Staci, "what do you think"?  To my surprise, she said "chance 'um"!  So together we climbed what came to be the third ridge.

This ridge started to look promising.  Out of the blue we began to hear a few goats "crying".  After about fifty yards, we spotted two, but they were small ones again!!!  We waited till they trotted off and continued on.  Thinking that they were heading to a herd, we followed their direction.

Sure enough, as we rounded the corner, we spotted a few nannies and a nice billy feeding.  Slowly we crept towards the herd.  We were about thirty yards away and Staci was ready to make the final stalk.  Just as we switched places, the wind switched too and the goats slowly moved on.

Tired, discouraged and hungry, we decided to break for lunch, good thing I didn't forget that!  Lunch was the highlight of the day for us at that point.  After we had lunch, we made plans for the rest of the day.  Boom! Boom! Boom!  Gun shots rang out near the back of the valley! We instantly looked at each other and thought to ourselves, WHAT THE HECK!  Not only was it bow only season, we were the only ones checked in!!!  Just to be safe, we sat on the opposite side of the ridge, away from the gun shots.
Now what do we do, we thought.  Staci was a little shaken by all the gun shots and we were considering to head back for the truck at that point.

We discussed our options and set our new plans,  just as she slung her backpack over her shoulder to get going, I told her "get down"!

Oh come on thats not nice.   :thumbsup:      :campfire:

:campfire:    :archer:

OH boy!!   :thumbsup:

Tuned in!  :coffee:  

Bisch

Well.....waiting !!!!!

:campfire:

Drowning in anticipation.

........In the near distance, I saw the horns of billies bobbing up and down feeding in the tall grass ahead of us.  We both hunkered down while maintaining focus on the feeding goats.  They were feeding right to us!  Staci held tight behind a tree while I hid behind and slightly to the left her.  With arrows nocked, we were both ready and waiting.  

The sounds of feeding and rustling got closer. In front of Staci, I could see the silhouette of a billy inching his way closer and closer. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a "kid" pop up above us.  Oh no, I thought, not again!!!  But because we were both motionless, the "kid" remained unstartled.  The billy was now 15 yards in front of her and heading straight for us.

The rest of the herd broke and fed to the left of us. They were on a mission.  For whatever reason, one of those billies broke off and headed in my direction!  The billy in front of Staci was now 10 yards and closing in, while the billy to the left of me was headed right to me!  This was getting too close for comfort!  Any minute now, these billies were going to pop their heads up and spook.  

Amazingly, the billy in front of Staci started to turn and with trembling legs, she began her draw cycle.  Knowing that she was going to have her shot, I drew simultaneously at the billy below us.  I hit anchor before her and my shot went off a split second before hers.  Both of us had taken a shot!  After, I saw where my arrow impacted, I turned and saw Staci's goat turn and bolt!  

Instantly, I asked her about her shot.  She told me that it felt good and that she put the arrow right where she was looking.  I couldn't believe what just transpired!!!  

We both stood up from our kneeling position to get a better look and we couldn't believe our eyes....

Oh come-ON, I just poured a fresh cup of coffee.    :campfire:

Guys we need an exorcism here! Charlie Lamb's spirit is possessing all sorts of trad gangers these days!

Not 50 yards away, I saw Staci's fletch sticking up from the grass and attached to that arrow was her goat!  She had made a perfect shot!  

Although I had a good feeling, we still proceeded very carefully.  

The downed animal was in sight but we still followed the trail.


(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/DSCN0003.jpg)

Yea buddy!! Your up awful early/late to be telling this! Congrats bro!!

We're with ya.

Upon final approach, we saw that the goat had expired.  In my hunting career, I've seen some crazy things so I still had Staci nock an arrow, while I crept up and grabbed the horns, just to know that he was finally ours...

A crazy feeling of elation swept over both of us! The time had come....  All the countless hours of dedication, hard work and perseverance had finally paid off!  I was so proud of my wife!  Never in my wildest dreams would I have dreamt that we would be hunting together in Makua, let alone she harvesting a billy with her stickbow!


(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0958.jpg)

 
Against all odds, Staci had just pulled off what I felt was the "impossible".  Just to give you another idea of the hunting area.  It was a weekend, and we were the only ones who signed in at the check in station.

Brother,

I'm still pumped, I couldn't sleep all night!!!  Figured I might as well finish the story!      ;)  

Today's going to be rough though......

Awesome, congrats! And I was just listening to Also Sprach Zarathustra while reading this!

Beautiful billy right there!

Way to go Staci!     :thumbsup:    :notworthy:


So Ryan...where did your arrow go?    :)

That was great!
I *think* the plan is to move to Hawaii in bout 18 months. We are both drying out here in the desert.

I cant wait...

yeah, man. Where's your goat? Awesome job you two!! That is an amazing time ya'll had together!

Jake & Dendy

I promise not to leave the Gang "hanging" again.  Just wanted to check if you guys are reading the whole story.    :D  

My shot this time is a little more fitting to the story....

So after deboning Staci's goat and hanging the meat in the shade to cool, I went to look for my arrow...

(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/DSCN0031.jpg)

Here's what I found...

I had a feeling yours met its mark too...   :archer2:

So far, so good, the blood trail was getting better and better...


(http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/DSCN0033.jpg)

Staci  :thumbsup:  Ryan  :thumbsup:    :clapper:    :clapper:    :clapper:

Thank you for all the kind words Gang!  This hunt meant a lot to both of us!!!

Thanks for sharing, what a great read.   Congrats to you both.  :thumbsup:

That blood trail's gotta end somewhere, man.

Told ya, when the girl gets serious critters are gonna die...     :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    

Congrats to you both, wish I was there!! Cold, snowing and the wind is howling here.   :eek:  

Did ya fall asleep Ryan...

Thank You Ryan and Staci ! Awesome!

Congrats Staci. Way to go. I'm really happy for you.  Ryan you got a awesome partner there  makes a lot of us envious   Now on to the rest of the story    :bigsmyl:

Outstanding Ryan and congrats to your Wife as well. Any Lady that wears her hat backwards has got to be cool.RC

:campfire:   Just waiting for the other shoe to fall.

Congrats to you both!!!

:bigsmyl:    :campfire:

Awesome Ryan and a huge congrats to Staci !  :clapper:

Thank you Gang!

Yeah sorry had to get a couple more hours of sleep.   :D  

Now back to the story....

Fortunately my 4 blade Muzzys did their job and the tracking went on without a hitch.  I had assumed that he had run straight down but by sticking to the trail, it led me to the back of the gulch.  I reached a point where there was good amounts of blood but the trail just ended???

I stood for about a minute just looking around to see if he had fallen anywhere. My next guess was he backtracked.  Bending down to check the direction of the splatter, something had caught my attention under the nearest bush.  There he laid...  He had stopped, spun around and dove under the thick brush.


   (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/DSCN0045.jpg)

What an incredible story.  I am not sure why, but with so many great stories here by good folks, this one really touched me!

You have to both be in 7th heaven...well, you live in what looks like heaven.

Ever find out what the gunshots were about?

Congrats and may you two have many, many more such success in your hunting time together!

Congrats again bro  :thumbsup:   Great pics  :)

Thanks Bro!

Thanks for the kind words Dave!  It's really appreciated.
I'm assuming they were poachers but I couldn't see anyone with my "homemade" binos. LOL!.  I've seen poachers in there every season that I've been hunting up there.

An incredible saga, and a gifted writer!!!

Congratulations, and thank you for sharing!  :)

Hey S2 , wonderful story of an incredable adventure for a great Couple .
  Cheers from the Westcoast of Canada...

Absolutely awesome...... what's the odds of a synchronized shot such as that ? You will be hard pressed to trump this !!!

Froggy

Thanks guys!

Aloha from Hawaii!

  :wavey:

Congratulations to the both of you! Great story and pics.

After finding my goat, I went back to get Staci, my meat bag and knife.  We made short work of deboning the second animal and headed back to our packs.  

Staci wanted to keep her horns, so after a few quick cuts we retrieved the horns packed everything up and headed down the ridge. The pack sure was heavy but pumped with adrenaline, I could care less.  The trek back home was definitely one to remember!!!

 (http://i159.photobucket.com/albums/t142/rysanpei/IMG_0986.jpg)

Amazing stuff. Sad to hear them poachers are back there out of season though. Ryan, in a way it could have been a blessing for you and Staci them gunshots pushing them goats your direction.

I'm itching to get back in this valley and stomp those ridgelines. May is to far away.

Quick question for you Ryan, I have been looking at packs for bringing out goats and hogs when I get to Oahu and settled in. What did them Billie's bone out too?

Those are neat looking goats, with nice coats and horns, a big congratulations to both of you, and thanks for sharing a real good hunting story.

Unbelievable story.  I don't know that I've ever heard of a double like that.......and husband and wife too, well good luck repeating that one.  Of course you don't know until you try again.  Fun read.

Thank you Guys!
Yeah, this hunt's going to be impossible to top!

Craig, yup I forgot to mention that.  The gunshots could've very well sent those animals in our direction,  something that we discussed on the way down.  Great point!

Sorry, but I'm bad at estimating weight.  That pack is little over 2000 and can fill two deboned goats or one big hog.  For Oahu, a big hog is any "field dressed" hog over 100lbs.

Hope that helps

Great story Ryan, congrats to you and your wife and thanks for sharing.  :thumbsup:

A great story and photos!  Thanks for posting.

Thanks for following along guys!  Means a lot to us!   :thumbsup:

Extremely good stuff.

Congrats X 10!! Do you have to leave evidence of sex and/or take horns out as most states over here require? Good stuff thanks

Very, very nice!

I appreciate your videos, very informative, well done.  And you keep such a clean shop !!

Bob

Thanks Bob,
As you may have notice in my story, "forgetting all my equipment", I'm adhd.  If I didn't keep my stuff organized, I'd lose it or wouldn't be able to find it.     ;)    

Thanks BWD!

Rick, for this area, all you need to do is report what was harvested at the hunter check in station.   For some public land hunting in Hawaii, evidence is necessary and sometimes removal of whole animal.

Ryan

Congrats to both of you. That's one double that will be hard to top, but certainly worthy of attempting.

Chris

that is a great double.   Congrats to you and your wife.

Great hunt Ryan and Staci!!!!!!

Thank you everyone for following our story. As you can probably tell, Ryan has been so patient with me as I learn and gain confidence as a traditional bow hunter. This harvest was a success not only for myself, but for Ryan as well.

It was a wonderful experience and will definitely be tough to top!

Thank you for all the words of encouragement and praise. We truly appreciate all the support!

  :archer:  
Staci

Wow! Bet you can't get the 2 for 1 deal again...ever. What a story! Congrats to both of you!

so cool........

:wavey:    :thumbsup:    :notworthy:

Congrats to u both!!!!!

A GREAT story!!!!  
As hunters we have very few stories that end as well as this one.
An animal turns,some one misses, wind changes.......
Congrats to both of you on a great hunt ENJOY it!!!  Joe

What a dream hunt!  That is really, really cool.  Congrats to the both of you and thanks for sharing the story with us.

Outstanding!! Congrats to you both!! The first meal with the goat meat will be some sort of celebration I am sure. For me one of the greatest satisfactions of hunting is eating what I have killed. I can only imagine what dinner will be like after this hunt and the way is went down. AWESOME!!

Great job,thanks for sharing.Gary.  :thumbsup:

Thanks for sharing this wonderful hunt with all of us.

Wow!  Way to go Ryan and Staci!  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Way to go guys Staci what was your set up .Thnaks Shane

Thanks everyone!

Shane,

My draw length is a little over 25".  I'm currently shooting a 56" Stalker Bobcat. It's set at 35# @ 25".

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 200gr tip.

Top Notch!!!!!

This was great!  I will just have to live vicariously on the wife killin stuff part.  :D

Ryan and Staci,

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences.  Being able to hunt and harvest game with a buddy is terrific but to be able to do it with your life's partner is just a dream for most of us.  Sharing our passions is what it's all about and you are doing it.  Thank you.

What a story!!  Congrats to both of y'all!

Congrats to both of you!  The pic of the homemade binos was priceless too!

:clapper:  Congrats

great end to a great story. Congratulations to you both! way to get it done.

Great story! You're experiencing a relationship few have as a couple enjoy it.

Thank You Everyone!!!  

Yeah, those binos are way better than my Swaros!!!    :biglaugh:

Aloha and Mahalo,

Ryan Sanpei

Sorry, accidentally double posted with my phone.   :knothead:

That was a great story, it's nice to see your 'team' enjoying each other's company and sharing the joys of this great sport...rare for sure.   :thumbsup:  

I hadn't realized that you're the u toob string guy, Ryan.  I like your vids...well-presented and very useful.  

Hawaii...now there's a place I could get used to in my retirement years!

Tony, yeah the weather is great here! We love living in the islands.

Thanks for the kind words about the hunt and videos,


Ryan

That's awesome Ryan!! Tell Staci congrats, I would love to go to Hawaii and hunt some hogs and goats. I always love your pics and stories, keep up the good work!

Thanks Logan!

Staci will see this.  She switched over to the stickbow, so now she's a member on tradgang.

Aloha!
Ryan

Nice job guys! Still pretty wintery in Wyoming, all that green and a successful hunt makes us feel a little better.

Congrats Ryan and Staci !!!  :notworthy:  


Bill

That's awesome!  Beautiful country and animal!  Tracy and the goats are lovely too lol.

Ryan, Truley an unforgettable experience, thank you for sharing.  congrats again, its definitely a hunt on my bucket list.

Nice adventure you two!  Thanks so much for sharing, and congrats....  :bigsmyl:

Holy moly. That was a real hunt. Sharing a hunt is special, but with your bride----the best!  Congrats

Way to go guys!

Have enjoyed the pics and story. Great to read how you both love to bowhunt together.  :archer:    :archer:

Congrats to both of you!  After reading your adventures previously Staci I was pulling for you!  Even though when you see that kind of determination you know it is just a matter of time before everything comes together...  Doesn't make it any less satisfying when it does though!  

Great story and thank you for taking us along!

Thanks Gang for all the wonderful comments!

Jeff, it really was amazing how everything came together yesterday! I'm still grinning from ear to ear!

Thanks again,
Staci

Fantastic story and hunt congrats to Staci and you,Ryan.

Very very cool bro! psyched for you two!!!!!!!!

Thanks Felix!

Mahalo Brother!  It was definitely a hunt to remember!!!


Aloha!
Ryan

:thumbsup:    :clapper:

How stinking cool is this one?.... Way!!..... I'm saying.........!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you both for sharing with us.

I found myself feeling the warmth given off your photo's and your spirit.

God bless,Mudd

Awesome!  Thanks for the fantastic story.     :clapper:

Great story, great hunt congrats to you and your wife.  :clapper:    :clapper:

Awesome hunt, congrats to both of you!  :thumbsup:

Thanks for the additional kind words Gang!

Yesterday we took Staci's horns to get a european mount.  Not only was the taxidermist my friend, he was the guy who first took me to Makua.  Staci got to meet Jr. and we chatted a bit about hunting. She was able to meet my Makua mentor, a fitting end to our story!

Aloha Gang!

Awesome, congrats to you both!    :thumbsup:

Congrats to the both of you!!!!!

WOW!! Congrats to you both very well done.. thanks for taking us along with you on this beautiful adventure really i will be talking about this for a while to my bow brothers and sisters and anyone that will listen lol thanks looking foward to the next adventure

That was a dream hunt fro sure!!Congrats!

That was a dream hunt fro sure!!Congrats!