Trad Gang

with hunting season right around the corner it's time to make some plans. i just got off the phone with the one and only Bob Walker and he gave me the low down on our brethren from Auckland (HO'NEHE JEFF)who will be arriving here in Virginia around the 28th of September.

since our hunting season starts on the 6th of October we decided to plan a 3 day hunt from the 11 through the 13th or maybe the 10 - 12th.

i have a great spot in the George Washington National Forest that would hold as many bowhunters as we can get to join us. the plan is to run a 3 day hunt that is very laid back. you can hunt if you want or just hang around camp and stump shoot.

right now wee have the following on board for sure.
me - Paleface
Ed Frye
Bob Walker
Jeff aka HO'NEHE JEFF

anyone is welcome, just let me know as soon as you can if you will attend so i can put your name in the pot for some fine chow. if you are from outside Virginia and would like info on hunting license and what not just drop me an email.

hope to see some of you there so we can show Jeff a real American Welcome.  

PS>>for anyone that has wondered what the heck TGMM is all about, this could be a good time to get a few details.

I might be able to pop in for a day or two, especially if the Wilderness Float hunt doesn't go off.

Chuck we are hoping you can join us for at least a day or two even if it's  just to hang around camp. PM me about this wilderness float hunt, that sounds like some serious fun.

Too steep for me! Last time I hunted there I killed a spike and just gave him a nudge and he slid all the way off the mountain to the road a half mile below!

Where is the hunt to be? Always looking to meet people who share the passion face to face.Especially one who is coming from so far away to share a campfire.

That sounds like a blast!

Rob, Send me some info through a PM please.

That sounds like a great time - I only wish I was able to join.  Thanks for the offer though.
       Geoff

How far is that from Bedford County, Pennsylvania?

Good question, George. The GW runs the length of the left hand side of Virginia. I sure would be proud to meet you!

Killdeer

Can we buy a 3 day permit to hunt?

Nonresident Hunting Licenses, Permits and Stamps
The issuance fee is included in the prices below.

If you are required to buy a nonresident hunting license, one of the following is needed to hunt in Virginia. Other licenses, permits, or stamps may also be required.

License, Permit or Stamp Fee
Nonresident License to hunt statewide (16 years or older) $86.00

Nonresident 3-Day Trip License to hunt statewide (16 years or older). Must be 3 consecutive hunting days; no Sunday hunting $46.00  
Nonresident Youth License (under age 12) to hunt statewide $13.00

Nonresident Youth License (ages 12-15) to hunt statewide $16.00

Nonresident Youth Combination License (under 16 years old) to hunt statewide; includes hunting license, bear, deer, turkey license, archery license, crossbow license, and muzzleloading license $31.00

Nonresident Lifetime License to hunt (16 years or older) Available only through Richmond Office. Annual deer, bear, turkey license and all applicable licenses, stamps or permits are required in addition to this license $505.00


LICENSES NEEDED IN ADDITION TO THE STATE'S BASIC HUNTING LICENSE:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nonresident Bear, Deer, Turkey License to hunt bear, deer and turkey statewide, required in addition to hunting license or lifetime license. Valid July 1 through June 30. Age 16 years or older $66.00  

Age 12-15 years old $16.00
Under 12 years old $13.00

Nonresident Archery License to hunt statewide during archery season $31.00  

Nonresident Crossbow License to hunt statewide during archery season $31.00

Nonresident Muzzleloading License to hunt during the muzzleloader season $31.00

Nonresident Shooting Preserve (to hunt within the boundaries of a licensed shooting preserve, in lieu of other required licenses) $18.00

Nonresident Bonus Deer Permit (2 antlerless tags) See page 31 $31.00

Nonresident County Damage Stamp to hunt deer and bear in Smyth County, in addition to other licenses, and sold only by the clerk of the county $5.00

A National Forest stamp will also be required.
Here is a link to the VDGIF site:
 http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/licensefees.asp#nonresident

Killdeer

this hunt will be taking place in Bath County just outside of a little town called Millboro.  not to be confused with Millboro Springs which is down the road a piece.

we actually hunt Rough Mountain, Short Mountain and Mill Mountain. as a crow flies we are not far from the Homestead. if you would like to see the area you can look at the topo quad "Nimrod Hall".

so this is whats going on eh  :campfire:

you got it Jeff.  after talking with Bob we decided to just drag you a long.  fun times are in the making.  if necessary we will bring a mattress and box spring for you. i will leave the down comforter to someone else.

Air mattress, thutty bux at Wally's. Best night's sleep you will have anywhere!

Killdeer  :thumbsup:

a bed roll close to the fire works for me, but i hear Jeff likes a little more creature comforts   :biglaugh:   ...

That is because he doesn't want the Virginia Earwigs crawling into his ears in the dead of night. If Customs found them on him, they would probably have to dispose of him.

K~

ttt, just want to make sure anyone that might be interested in joining us for the welcoming party hunt for Jeff gets the opportunity.

Rob,
  PM sent.  Here's a link to a live map view of the area you're talking about:
http://maps.live.com/default.aspx?v=2&cp=37.965313~-79.571915&style=r&lvl=11&tilt=-90&dir=0&alt=-1000&encType=1

If it was a shorter drive I'd try to be there to meet Jeff and everyone else.  Have fun on the hunt.

Dennis

Killdeer, It would be my pleasure to meet you my friend.

Can you define that "spot" a little better Paleface, so I can check with Mapquest?

are you going to come as well killie dang if so there goes the neighbour hood .LOL!!!!   :D      :jumper:      :jumper:

It looks like a three hour drive from my house, so I'll see if I can get a partner to come along.
Post the location soon as you can.

Actually, I have been paid to see that you leave the state, Jeff. Just doin' my duty.

Killdeer  :saywhat:

well what can i say. i love you to  :D    :biglaugh:

for anyone looking for the location, camp is right where you see "Copeland".  from the little town of Millboro it takes about 20-25 minutes to get to camp on a gravel road. you can park right at camp.

George if you need some more info shoot me a PM. for anyone that is going to make the trip i will plan a meeting time and location so that you can follow me back to camp since it can get a little tricky if you miss a turn.

George...it is a nice drive down there from PA.  I've been past the area and always wondered about hunting it...I'd love to hunt Virginia some year in the future.  Almost moved to Charlottesville area two years ago.

Mike you should come on down, why wait for some year when you can do it this year. there is plenty of room and it not often when we get the opportunity to have a foreigner in camp, right Jeff?

sound i put the following names in the pot for grub? George, Killdeer, Tom, Big Ron and UK Bowman. for sure we have Bob Walker, Jeff (guest of honor), Ed Frye and myself.

Add me in for SURE.  :readit:    :bigsmyl:

I can make it to where 220 meets 64 in 45 minutes from my house.  I will definitely try to be there for the 12th.  Maybe come up the 11th after work and camp out.  If I could fly I could make it in 15 minutes. My house is at the very beginning of those Short Hills.  They start right out my back door.

This sounds like way too much fun so I am throwing my hat in the ring.


COUNT ME IN!

Oh by the way I haven't forgotten you Jeff. I got you a little something but you'll have to wait until you get here.   :biglaugh:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Millboro,+VA,+USA&sa=X&oi=map&ct=title

I may be able to make it.Let me check my calender and I will get back with you.

Stephen

I may be able to make it also. Hope ya'll dont mind a ol' hick from nawth cackalacky!
Might brang a lil'bit o bear meat to roast.
I'll check my schedule for work .
Tim

I guess i'm goina have to buy my license for VA this year after all... I might as well join in, that is if its o.k. i don't want to crowd it up to much. I use to hunt over in Craig Co. some, i guess its the same kind of terrain where everybodys going to be hunting and camping. Might need some directions though( very simple ones ). PM me if its o.k. Thanks, Larry

hell we dont want big ron unless he brings heaps of jerkey and peanuts.   :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :jumper:    just kidding bro. well it sounds like its going to be fun i realy want to thank you all for your kindness from the bottom of my heart this is truly one big family thanks guys. wolfman. may the spirit of the wolf walk with you allways and keep each and everyone of you safe.

hey tim ya better come it will be good ta meet ya.and you to dave stein    :campfire:

Thanks for not forgetting me Jeff. Should I bring the tent cot for you. Wouldn't want you to get a sore back from sleeping on the ground.   :campfire:    :biglaugh:

hey bro thats a good idea. i am suprised yo have not sold it yet. man its been on there since adam was a boy.   :biglaugh:  by the way i have something for the ball and chain. LOL!!!

Mike....you can ride with me if you drive to Manns Choice.

Count me in and will bring some nasty jerky if anyone is interested. Used to turkey hunt in the rough area a few years back, remember some steep hills. Will need directions from Rt. 42.

Rob and George you are both true gentelman and I appreciate your kindness.  If you do it again next year I would be honored to hunt with you.  I have two trips planned this year and with three kids still at home that is my limit it seems.  Please include me next year and I'd love to drive with you George as I'm not a fan of long drives alone when I could be talking traditional archery with you :-).  Virginia is a great state and there are many days my mind drifts back to almost having been fortunate enough to live in Albermele (Charlottesville) area of Virginia.

Jeff,
My wife is excited about the...what ever it is your making. See you in about a month. Enjoy that 6438 hour flight.

Dave

 :biglaugh:

Do you know the dates for sure yet ? I'm supposed to meet up with Jeff anyway. This might be a good oppertunity ?

If I can manage a few days off of work and no one minds a first year trad guy, I would love to make the trip and meet a few guys from here.  In the mean time, I guess I'll have to work on getting back in shape to climb a few hills.

hey bill ya got the skin for ya quiver yet?  :wavey:

Jeff,
I cant promise but i will try my hardest to make it.
The upcoming hunting trip on the 8th. will take up all my vacation days , it depends on how my work schedule works out.

looks like we are gonna have one heck of good time now. glad that a bunch of you are going to be able to make it. for those that won't be able to join us this year we can make this an annual event for sure so plan on it for next year.  

i think we are best to stick with the original dates.  i will be there on Wednesday October 10th and stay through Sunday the 14th, (my birthday).. so anyone that wants to join me on Wednesday feel free and the rest of you can make it as soon as you can. i will post some directions up to make it easier, but i would be more than happy to meet anyone out on Rt. 42 or 39 and escort them back to camp.

if you can give me some times that you would be arriving we can make the arrangements.

as far as gear goes, you will need of course your hunting equipment. i use a climbing tree stand or hunt from the ground.

for camp, you can sleep in your vehicle, tent, camper or whatever you choose. just bring what you need to be comfortable around camp.

as soon as we have a good count on the number of folks joining us i will work us dinner plans. my thoughts are for everyone to bring enough food to serve one meal. lunches everyone can do their own thing as some will no doubt want to be in the woods hunting while others will be hanging around camp or stump shooting.

there is more than enough room at the camp site for everyone and then some. this is a picture taken one morning at camp:
  (http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/nature/photos/landscapes/morning-fog.jpg)

this is a picture of the road that leads to camp.  you shouldn't have any trouble getting any type of car back to camp.

  (http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/nature/photos/landscapes/_d2x1013fallcolors3.jpg)

Jeff this is the view from one of my favorite spots, it's not my secret honey hole but i can sit there all day and just enjoy the coutryside.

  (http://burnhamphotography.com/galleries/nature/photos/landscapes/hidden-meadow.jpg)

ok we have the dates set October 10 through 14... if you know for sure that you will be there send me a PM and we can work out all the details.

hey rob that there looks real bloody AWESOME!!!!  WOW!!!! if that is any thing to go by its going to be real nice indeed.  :thumbsup:    :notworthy:  see yall soon.
wolfman

Jeff if you were going to be here two weeks later you would really be in for a treat as all the fall colors would be at their max.  it will still be might purty up there.  some real fresh air...

what cold? oh yeah do i need to wear snake boots?  :thumbsup:

Jeff, I have a choice of furs from a friend. I forget what he said he had but I get my pick of whatever I want. I'm gonna get with him this weekend and pick one up   :thumbsup:

You won't need snake boots.  

but can i trust you killie i know ya want me out of the state LOL!!!!

oh that sounds good bill what ever skin ya pick i will make it for ya or show ya how up to you. i will bring my quiver makeing gear.

hey killie dont they have snakes in there? or are they asleep at that time of the year. as ya all may guess i dont no anything about snakes apart from them  eating ya.

Jeff, the snakes Should be in hibernation in Oct., just depends on how cool it is. Robert, looks like a pretty place-looking forward to it.

Jeff i have been hunting at this location for the past 37 years and i have never seen a snake during the month of October. i did see one the first part of September about 10 years ago.  now in the summer time you will see them. they go into hibernation as Tom said.  if you see a snake just let me know and i'll take care of em for you. we can cook him up with some gravy and onions.   :biglaugh:

oh no i hate the buggers the only good snake is a dead  snake.   :clapper:   what do you guys eat em? i have heard that they taste like chicken. well i guess i will leave the snake boots off my shopping list as bob said i would not need em. mmmmmmmmmm more money for another bow.  :goldtooth:

i believe i can make this hunt.i live just up the road,in alleghany county.

Leave my snakes alone, Jeff.  :mad:  

I have only seen one snake in October, and it was a pretty little garter snake, taking in the last rays of the afternoon sun. But if you see and mess with a snake, Jeff, I will make you the sorriest rat on the face of the Earth. If you are left on the face of the Earth.

I hardly ever see snakes, so they are a treat for me. They take me back to when I was eight years old, playing along the creek, catching frogs, crawdads, turtles and snakes, taking home toad eggs to hatch and raise, finding out what lives outside the lives and notice of the majority of Americans.

Killdeer  :archer:

The more the merrier. We have a good time around the    :bigsmyl:

what about killie she is a bit    :scared:        :biglaugh:   hey killie ya can have all the snakes ya like i hate em dont like em never did never will they are all yours baby!!!!   :D      :jumper:

Looking forward to meetin' all ya'll!
Lord willin' and the crik dont rise, me and my boy'll be there.
Even if we dont hunt...looks like a nice spot to just to hike and drink a thermos full of coffee.

time for roll call to see who is going to be a part of the 1st annual
"Rough Mountain Rendezvous".   :campfire:  

ok ladies and gents let's try and get a count on who is in for sure and who might be ?able to make it at this point.

send me a PM with a number where i can reach you and i will contact you with directions, details and what not.

I'm going!  :thumbsup:    :campfire:    :archer:

Not unless you respond to the Trad Gang sticker thread.   :saywhat:  

Killdeer  :D

OK we are getting this hunt fine tuned for our guest of Honor, Ho'Nehe Jeff.  i have heard from a few of you confirming that you will be there. here is the potential list as i have it.  if you know for sure you will or will not make it just let me know by PM. if you have already sent me a PM you are good.

 for sure list  
Bob Walker (for sure)  
Dave Stein - (for sure)  
JDC - Jessee Cales (for sure)
Tom - Tom Bohl (for sure)  
Larry 247 - Larry Altizer (for sure)      
Strobber - Tim Mooring (for sure + 1 guest)  
BlkDog - John Addair (for sure)    
Ed Frye - (for sure)
Va Bowbender -Robert Bingel(for sure +1 guest)    
BigRonHuntAlot -Ron Andrews(for sure +1 guest)    

and last but not least our fav's
Killdeer - Kathryn Collister
Ho'Nehe Jeff - Jeff Burgoyne (for sure)

undecided just yet but thinking real hard:  
UK Bowman - Adam Brown
Seeking Trad Deer - Mike Huff
Geroge D. Stout
Stephen R - Stephen Haynes  
Talondale - Chuck Browder  
Got2Strum - Bill Gibbons
Deer Dog - Lewis Ostwalt

also if anyone is interested in going up earlier to do a little scouting let me know what dates you might have open and we can make some arrangements to get in a day or two of scouting.

How come i get bottom billing, see how he treats me.   :(    :knothead:

I'll be off that week, I should be able to make it.
BigRon, be sure to bring more of that cube steak like you had at the skwerl hunt.

Hey Rob, I will have to see if I have any left., I may have to cube some up for this hunt.  :readit:    :bigsmyl:

you think you got problems ed he put me under killie i thought the GUEST OF HONOUR should be at the top of the list.     :biglaugh:      :D

Down, Jeff.  :knothead:

oh crap there she is again  :banghead:    :biglaugh:  
wolfman

i always save the best for last....    :notworthy:

who said she was the best? i thought i was dang wrong again   :goldtooth:

o' Jeff you are in for a treat. Killie is already out with the flash light trying to catch some of them timber rattlers to bring to camp.  i'd sleep with one eye open if i was you...   :scared:

dont worry i will have both eyes open and armed to the teeth.   :biglaugh:

You still have your teeth?  :confused:  
I will be praying for the deliverance of the snakes from out of your purview. You bringing a banjo?

Killdeer  :goldtooth:

oh yeah i still got my teeth . why havent you? and if i so much as see a snake its going to kiss the kumra in other words die.   :D   and as far as banjos go i cant play them things any way i thought that was an american thing if Got2strum comes he will be able to play one for sure.   :goldtooth:      :jumper:

is this what they call,"dueling banjos"?

No, these are dual banterings. It's customary where the toilets flush clockwise, I hear.

Killdeer~back to the snakepit.  :D

oh you make me laugh killie. toilets flush clockwise. oh i forgot you guys are backwards. day behind and all that  :biglaugh:  oh btw killie dont go getting ya self bit now i would hate to come to a funeral instead of a hunt  :D

You would come to my funeral????
Awwwwww.  :o   I wuvootoo.  :)  

Hopefully, when I croak out, I will be waaaayyyyy back somewhere, leaning against a tree overlooking a creek crossing. I am hoping nobody finds me for a few years, I wanna feed the land. And I am hoping it is natural causes, and not the natural wood and stone of an arrow, neither!!  :mad:    :biglaugh:  
Killdeer  :jumper:

LOL!!! thats way funny killie  :jumper:  looking foward to meeting ya killie.
wolfman

You GUYS er a GALS Er a well You'all are FUNNY LOL  :readit:

JUST MAKE SURE YA BRING HEAPS OF JERKY AND PEANUTS RON OR ELSE!!!!!  :biglaugh:    :jumper:    :jumper:  BUDDY

Don't Worry about your meat or nuts, I would hope no one is THAT hungry.  :readit:   LOL  Couldnt resist Bro.  :wavey:

:biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:   i love it bro thats way funny

Oh I see this huntin adventure is going to be a hoot   :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

I'm hopeing it'll be a good one!  :thumbsup:

might not be comming now  :D    :D    :D

Bad Joke Jeff.  :readit:    :confused:

this is no joke ron.  :o

don't worry about Jeff, Bob promised he would have Jeff there. Jeff you don't have to hunt, we can stump shoot if you want.  besides you will be seeing some of the prettiest country any where near.  

regardless the hunt is on even if the guest of honor decides to bail out, but i don't think Bob is going to let that happen.

Here in Virginia, we have traditions. Old, old, traditions that have been handed down from the times when Richmond was the frontier. They involve feathers, sticks, tar, rails, lots of string, torches, dark nights and lots of hootin' and hollerin'.

Now, I am going to give all the goodies I was gonna give Jeff to the Goodwill store. But that doesn't mean we can't still have a good time with the varmint. He is just nervous about the snakes and the earwigs, and the jitters have caught up with him. I think staking him down near a good campfire and plastering him with the traditional regalia worn by humbugs and ne'er-do-wells would change his mind completely about the real nature of the inhabitants of the state, its wildlife, and the brotherhood of the bow.

You can't tease us and run, Jeff. You talked a good "date" with us, and we're gonna get one!  :saywhat:  Now, if someone can come up with about five gallons of tar, I will supply the candy thermometer and some fluffys from Pilgrim's Pride.  :D  

Killdeer

Well even if he doesn't show I think I will.  I just haven't decided how many days.  I want to save most of my time off for closer to the rut, except for the float trip.

well i may just come for one day only as bob knows i aint a camping type of person as i dont even do it in my own country no need as hunting is 45 min drive from my house. now that i have said that if you people cant understand what iam saying i am sorry.

I gotta go take the dog to the park.  :rolleyes:

Jeff you are fine.  we will still be holding the get together and you and Bob will need to come for at least a day so everyone can meet you. of course we would love to have you there for the entire time, but we will understand regardless and will look forward to meeting you mate....

hey i just rang you but got the answer machine. i wanted to talk to you in person. whens a good time

nice talking to ya rob  :thumbsup:  see ya all when i get there  :campfire:

hey i am still comming but one day only is this ok with you killie.  :goldtooth:  and everyone else

See ya there Jeff!  :thumbsup:

okie dokie larry.  :wavey:

What is the dates again????

There will probably be someone there from the 10th to the 14th. The last dates were from the 11th through the 13th. You be able to make it Tom?

I don't know yet??? Got to talk to my old hunting buddy to see what our plans are and then I got to see If I can get off..... Would really like to go though. We really ate good the last Squirrel Hunt I went to..... Wonder if'n Killy will bake some more of her pies???

No pies!
I saw what they did to you. It wasn't pretty.  :knothead:  

Killdeer

what you poisioned him shame on ya killie  :biglaugh:

He got better...

 :rolleyes:

well seen that he is ok i will bring the frog with me hes all yours killie seen he looks like you know you told me in the email.   :biglaugh:      :biglaugh:      :jumper:    :jumper:and thats way to funny. well see ya all soon. wolfman.

I'mm a thinkin' cherry, peach, and strawberry???
Come on IllBear it's the only time I get to eat anything homemade. Everthing else I eat comes in a box and is microwaved.... PLEASE!!!! Pout, Pout???  :(  
I'll even let ya poke me with that sharp stick you have for the kids while I eat it...  :pray:

:biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

now thats way funny this i gota see  :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

hi ron hows it going bro

Watch out Jeff, Tom may wrestle you for your Jerky... LOL

like hell he will he might leave with no fingers    :biglaugh:        :biglaugh:    as he will have to talk with f.o.a.k about that.    :D        :eek:  no one gets my jerky  :biglaugh:

Killey,
If I can make it I'll be sure to bring another Mason jar.  It'll help keep the cool night air at bay.  :thumbsup:    :campfire:    :coffee:

whats a mason jar?

QuoteOriginally posted by HO'NEHE JEFF:
whats a mason jar?

A brand name glass pickling jar.  In the context mentioned it usually has a mountain home brew in it.   ;)

Jeff don't worry what's inside of the jar is the important thing and i'm sure it will be tasty. as for the dates. i will be headed up on wednesday and staying until sunday. anyone is more than welcome to join me. i will spend wednesday getting camp set up, hunt in the afternoon and thursday morning. folks should start showing up thursday, i hope any way. i would hate to think i have to enjoy this hunt all by myself.  

just as an FYI. Dave Stein is getting activated and won't be able to join us. please send you prayers and best wishes his way as he takes off for parts unknown to defend our freedom.  :thumbsup:

oh that sounds gooooooooood must try that stuff LOL!!!!  :biglaugh:

yeah i already spoke to dave on the ph he told me about that real bad news. but he has my prayers.  and i will be with him in spirit watching his back.  :pray:

Thanks guys for the prayers, I will be just fine. Don't forget our fellow troops in harms way at this very moment. I will log in when I get to my destination and check up on you all.

I might have to retire when I get back so I don't miss another season. I almost forget what deer look like in the wild. Why can't the AF send me on trips in the spring?  :banghead:  

Enjoy the hunt but cherish the fellowship.  :campfire:  

Dave

Dave, you will be on a hunt in Highland County this fall, I promise. I will let you know how we did when I come down off the mountain.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v249/Killdeer/TG%20Uploads/Hunting/Ashly2.jpg)

Jeff, stay away from Mason jars. They are used for breeding snakes. I am telling you this as a friend, because I know you hate them.  :readit:  

I don't.  :goldtooth:  
Killdeer

eewh!!! is them pickled snakes in those mason jars? i know killie you just want them all for ya self.  :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

Killdeer,
Thanks for keeping me on the hunt in spirit. I am already jealous...I love Highland County. I hope you all have a great trip.

Dave

ps: thanks for the picture of the deer (that is a deer isn't it?)It's been too long.

see ya all or some of ya on the 11th and 12th  :D

10th and 11th??  That means I'll miss you.  Ah well I'm sure others will be there.  

Dave that's a bummer.  Didn't you just get back this spring?  I have a co-worker shipping out Monday.  Thank you for your sacrifice and service(and another hunting season too).

Whatever, Jeff.  :rolleyes:

now now killie dont be like that. at least i am comming.  :biglaugh:

Jeff with what's in them mason jars you could pickle just about any thing you want.

Killie the photo of that deer is great. i love the way you have arranged everything. i would like to see some more folks taking these kinds of photos. i like to see the hunter in the photos but i also like to see shots like yours. heres one i did last year.

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/burnhambuck11-7-06.jpg)

Dave there will be plenty of photos for you to look at as well as video footage.

rob that sounds like my kind of pickle.   :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:  wow thats a real nice deer ya got what sort of quiver is that?

that's the O.L. Stalker. i got it from Art Vincent a few years ago and love it. i never liked a bow quiver and my back quiver was always getting snagged on something.

well i will use any quiver but a bow quiver i hate them. well  not long to go now. yup theys going have to scrape me off the ground ta get me  in the plane.as i wont go with out a fight  :biglaugh:    :biglaugh:

Rob,
  I was driving out that way yesterday.  Went all the way to Millboro Springs.  Nice little valley.  Saw the site of Ft. Dickinson  

QuoteFort Dickinson (or Dickenson's Fort) (1756 - 1760's), built by the VA colonial militia, attacked by Indians in 1756 and 1757. Located on the Cowpasture River southwest of town.

Whereabouts do you hunt?

Chuck if you were on 42/39 you went right by the turn to Millboro. you would have needed to make a left as you were going up that grade just before coming over the top of the mountain and down the really long steep grade that brings you to Millboro Springs.  of did you come by the Homestead?

I was on a business trip to Lewisburg, WV and just swung by on the way back.  I turned around at the 42/39 junction at the ice cream shop, came up 42 from 64.

hey chuck,i live in covington.you drove right by me on your trip.

It looks like the Commonwealth says that I cannot shoot arrows at Pigs, so count me in for Thurs/Fri Nights

I'm with Adam.  If I can't use my bow to hunt at Back Bay/False Cape quota hunt then I won't be there at all.  :mad:
I'll try to be at this hunt on Wed/Thurs or Thurs/Fri.  This will be more fun anyway.  :campfire:    :archer:

I gotta work Friday, and don't figure to be there before Saturday. Leave the jug.

K~

QuoteOriginally posted by Killdeer:
I gotta work Friday, and don't figure to be there before Saturday. Leave the jug.

K~

Well the jug would be all that would be left.

:thumbsup:

:rolleyes:    :biglaugh:

Killdeer you need to just come on up friday night. i am sure we will still be awake, but if not we will be like motel 6 and leave the light on for you.

it's almost here. Virginia's season is fast approaching, just 2 weeks from Saturday. the "Rough Mountain"  hunt is less than 3 weeks away and it's time to start getting the plans nailed down.

first things first. I need to get a good head count on who can make and for which days. I will be there from Wednesday October 10th through Sunday October 14th. everyone is welcome to join for any or all of these days.

as soon as i have a good count i will send out directions and any information that needs passing a long. if possible i would like to try and keep this thread up top for the next few days so everyone will have a chance to see it.

looking forward to meeting a bunch of you on this hunt.

I am going to try to be there Wed night, but it may be Thursday AM through Saturday AM. I wil bring some food and refreshments.

Looking forward to it!

Adam

I'm going to be there most likely Wed and Thurs, maybe Fri.  I have to be home on Sat 13th for the wifes B-Day or never go home again!  :scared:

My Hunting bud and I will be there Thursday through Saturday but may be able to get down Wednesday evening and set up camp.

Friday night and Saturday.

ttt.... looking good, we have 7 total so far.  i am going to keep this up top through the weekend.  i will be headed up next week to do some scouting and verify the camp site based on the number of folks that will be there.

I will be up Thursday after work through Sat. Will have some food and beverages. See y'all then!

yup see ya all when i get there  :campfire:    :archer:  it should be fun hunting tree rats.  :biglaugh:

bring some big broadheads, some of them tree rats are HUGE! don't forget about the deer, bear and turkey as well as fox.  might need to double check on the bear for this hunt. not sure on the date bear come in season.

Jeff you are down to 7 days.  short timer now....

ttt

yup yall got that right    :scared:  but its ok i got my tranquillizers ready.   :biglaugh:

ttt

How far is it from Richmond? I will try to make it for Wed.

I am starting to think that y'all are avoiding me.

Adam you can get there in about 2 1/2 hours.  

Killie why would anyone want to avoid you?  :saywhat:  

ttt

I ain't tellin'.  :saywhat:  

My cousin died, and the family doin's will tie up a weekend in October. I am looking a little iffy.
Killdeer

sounds like it will be a great get together (hunt), hopefully someone will post some pictures for the one that can't go, but wish we could.

Daniel

Daniel there will be plenty pics posted i promise.

Killie don't you dare back out on us now. real sorry to hear about your cousin, i bet they would want you to be in the woods hunting. if you need help with any family doin's just holla.

yeah sorry to hear about ya cousin killie . take care and god bless  :pray:

Sympathies Kathy, somtimes things come up that are just more important. If we don't see you there we can catch up at the Skwerl Hunt.

We will bake our own pies if we have to  :rolleyes:  

All the best

Adam, I can't resist...

I'm a man
but I can bake
if I have to
I guess.
 :rolleyes:  

Killdeer   :archer:   :biglaugh:  
Thanks for the condolences, guys.

:clapper:  you're the best

Oh NO! and to think all this time i thought Killie was a true "Southern Bell" with a sense of adventure.

so how's it looking for the hunt gang, who is going to make it and who ain't?

every one needs to check their mailbox, email sent out today with info..... RSVP for the Ho Down requested.....

Wow, I was just looking at the calendar, this is comming up fast! can't wait.  :archer:

YaaaaHooooo!!!! Got it off!!! Now if'n Ill Bear will make n me some pie???

Tommy got your email, thanks.  glad you can join us.  this hunt is really going to be a blast. so far i have received 9 replies and it looks like we will have at least 10 hunters in camp.  still waiting of a few to get back to me.

pm sent

ttt

One week and Counting!

yes sir we are getting close now.  i sure wish it would turn cold and drop some rain though.  

just took a look at the weather forecast for next week and it looks like:
Wed. 78/51 cloudy
Thur. 71/50 sun
Fri. 69/49 sun

pretty typical this time of year.

Directions...I'd really like to be there. I've made all these plans, I took vacation time, I even invited a guest, but I don't know where we're supposed to meet up.  :confused:    :help:

sent you a PM regarding all the details.

Can you send them to me also?

Thanks for puting this gig together Rob

How's the phone reception there?  Will we be able to call in to camp for clearance to land?

Chuck, it will depend on who your service is with. i had Cingular (AT&T) and had no service. folks with Verizon, which i have now, will get reception.

i will be sending out an email this weekend with the roster of who is going to make it a long with all the details on what to bring, expect, directions and phone numbers.  just one week and Rough Mountain will never be the same........

  :archer:

just a real quick up-date on who will and will not be joining us on this hunt......

 for sure YES i have the following:  
Va. BowBender
Tom Bohlhunt
JDC
UK Bowman
BigRon HuntAlot
Talondale
Bob Walker
Jeff Ho'Nehe
Eagle Eye
PaleFace
Ed Frye
String Cutter

 for sure No's  
Blk Dog
Got2Strum
Deer Dog
George D.Stout

 maybe no reply yet!

Stephen R
Stobber
Larry247

Killie is going to try an make it.... they are working her like a dog, but i think i have sweetened the pot enough to bribe her in to a visit.

I'm going to the Rough Country. Just need to know where we're meeting and what time????

everyone should have received an email this morning with all the details. if you didn't get it let me know.  just 3 days to go......

Rob,

Unfortunately, I'll not make the hunt, but I'd love to be on your "Attention List" for the "Second Annual Rough Mountain".  I'm over on the west side of the Mountain in West Virginia....just need planning time.

Lobo in West Virginia

Got the email, sounds easy enough.

Oh, SpringFlutter is going to Oregon? Won't Rough Country be surprised! I may just make it after all.  :wavey:

Looks like relief is on the way:   http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=goshen%2C+va  

Highs in the high 50's and lows in the 40's.  It's huntin' weather.

Chuck i was hoping someone would do a weather dance.  this is just crazy to have 90+ temps in October.  Killie get there when you can, we'll leave the light on for you.

Have a great time all!  I hope the weather change is invigorating and everybody has safe travel for an enjoyable weekend.  

The mast crop is moderate to patchy down my way and I would expect you'll see the same at Rough Mountain.  The white oaks that are producing are still dropping, probably for another few days.  I have been seeing deer active under the white oaks even in the midday heat.  Remember that turkeys are available and there are many of them around.  Bear opens Saturday.  Deer are "One per Day" on the west side.

Rob, I got your message - sorry for not responding.  There are so many close by group hunts in the next three weeks and my schedule will not let me attend any.  I will keep the home fires burning for everyone and hunt a morning/evening schedule when I can.  Looking forward to the stories.

Pick a spot!

Rob,
Sorry to say that after 3 days of fixing mechanical problems at work I am snowed under. Won't be able to make the hunt after all. Hate it when life gets in the way of fun!!
Will make the Fulfillment even if I have to work my a@@ off when I get back.
Will miss meeting up with you, especially that fellow from the other side of the world.

Sorry you can't make it Tom, I will miss that Jerky!

thanks for the call as well.  get that work done and we will hope to see you Friday night or Saturday and if not we will see you at Fulfillment for sure.

well the truck is packed, chili is cooked and my bow has been ready. leaving in the morning for Rough Mountain.  for everyone coming up make sure you take in the sights as you drive down Rt. 42. it sure is purty.  looking forward to meeting everyone in the next 4 days.  

if anyone has a change of plans and can get away come on up. there should be some coffee on the stove  if you get there and everyone is out in the woods.

stories and pics will be coming soon!   :campfire:

paleFace and some others should be there trying to adjust to the temperature change.  It has gone from Tuesday morning temps of 65 degrees to this morning's 40 degrees at Rough Mt.

If anyone who is headed up there reads this please be aware, and remind the gang, of fire conditions and the current restrictions.  Extra care with any flame would be a good thing in the dry conditions, even if we get a little rain.  Also, we don't want anybody getting in trouble violating the burn ban:

According to a news release issued Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, campfires and heating devices that use solid fuel, such as wood and charcoal, will be banned in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests from Oct. 13 to Dec. 15.

The ban applies to all lands administered by the two national forests, including developed and dispersed areas.

Stoves that use liquid or gas fuel will still be permitted.

Hunt safe and have fun!

I just talked to Rob:  There are 8 guys in camp and they saw 3 deer this morning and an arrow was released.  I'll let them fill in the details when they get back.   :)    For those going up later they are camping in Copeland, which is the further campsite mentioned in Rob's email.

Duane, that fire ban is going to be inconvenient when we go down the river next weekend.  Guess we better not fall in.

We're ready for the stories!  Whatcha gonna name the new thread??????

the "RMR" gang is back... i think i can speak for everyone, we had a blast. if my math is correct we ended up with 13 bowhunters in camp.  stories and photos to follow.

Adam make sure you chime in with what happens when 180 grain griz collides with a gray squirrel.....

thanks to everyone that made trip up, this was my 20th year bowhunting Rough Mountain and I can't think of better folks to spend it with.

You're on first, Rob, my camera was a no-show!
Thanks for your work in getting this organized into such a success. Lots of special folks came and had a ball, Ron showed himself to be a world-class camp chef (from my one taste and the testimony of those who scarfed down all those cube-steaks!) I hope Jeff and his friend Ralph are enjoying his new Buick, and that Bobby has a lifetime of enjoyment from his new knife. That is really a beauty.

I didn't want to leave today, but would rather have stayed to learn more about that beautiful land, with its severe underpinnings. Not a bad spot, when a newbie to it can watch squirrels all afternoon and spook a deer on her way out. I heard a screech owl this morning, a treat, as I had not heard one in some time. There were more delights to be discovered, and I resent thoroughly having to work for a living.

Killdeer

I'll be on to post the few pics I took before battery failure tomorrow.  I saw a 110" 8-point cross the road infront of me a mile before Bubbling Springs on the way out last night. He sure took his time crossing too.  Thanks for planning this Rob and for the chili.

VA Bowbender's rule;  when bowhunting deer leave the squirrels alone!    :readit:  

Thursday morning, 9:00 AM , I am sitting in my treestand.  The wind has been blowing rather intensely most of the morning.  I haven't seen a bird, squirrel, turkey or deer all morning. Finally a nice fat gray squirrel comes romping through the leaves.  I think, "Aw heck I might as well shoot at something".  I switch off arrows to a blunt.  As I'm looking to see where the squirrel is a nice fork horn buck comes bounding down the hillside.  It ran down to my left then turned and ran right in front of me.  Here I am trying to get the blunt arrow off the string and put a broadhead arrow on.  Now the deer is 60 or so yards off to my right.  The deer is obviously spooked by something.  It ran to the edge of the field I was sitting on and then came to an abrupt stop.  It looked into the field then switched ends in a flash and started running back the way it came in.  While the deer was looking into the field I had the chance to put a broadhead arrow on the string.  Here he comes running past me at 18 yards.  Now I have the blunt arrow between my knees trying not to drop it, the deer is running within my range, I'm now twisted to my left.  I bleat...aaaahhhh... at the deer, he stops for a heartbeat, and the arrow is on its way.  I watch it fly perfectly right into...the leaves over the deer's shoulder.  The deer bounds off never even knowing anything had happened at all.  This all took place in about 20 second.

If I had adhered to my own rule, when hunting deer leave the squirrels alone.  I would have been ready and taken a nice calm shot.  Instead I was hurried and out of position for the shot.  :knothead:  

My friend Dave and I had a GREAT time.  Yes, Ron is a talented camp chef.  Thanks Ron.
 :clapper:

There we were half way up the mountain, squirrel jumps down onto the trail, I have no shot but Rob shoots and misses at around 40/50 yards (read 20) i see the dreaded beast leap up the tree, pause and turn around. After my previous experience shooting them with blunts I decide to go with the big guns 180 grain Grizzly El Grande! I knock him off the tree and he drops, success thinks I! we walk up to the point he dropped and low and behold he jumps up and runs off behind a log. We sneak up for the second kill shot and he scurrys up a tree and into a hole. I felt bad for not recovering the kevlar beast, but I know that he died real quick as he left a hell of a blood trail.

Bloody Skwerls!!!  :mad:  

Thanks to Rob, awesome time  :notworthy:  

Adam

One thing I learned this trip was that if a squirrel gives you a shot at 30 yards you better take it because he probably won't let you get any closer.  The most nervous/paranoid squirrels I've seen.  

Adam was it a complete pass-through or did he take your arrow with him?  Sorry we didn't get to spend more time together.  Bad timing and all.

You lucky! I didn't get to see him at all. As soon as folks heard I would be there on Saturday, they started bugging out of camp like roaches when the lights go on.    

Killdeer

It was before the ligts came on, sorry I missed you. Are you going to came down to fullfilment with us?

I know what you mean Killie.  I at least showed up the night before.  Seemed like a lot of hello-goodbyes.  Funny thing is I was worried about rolling in so late (10PM) that I'd be disturbing everyone.   :rolleyes:    Little did I know I'd be going to sleep before most of them.  LOL

I'll save my story until the rest get to Friday night in their telling.

Tell you what, Adam, I will. I will just quit my job, pack up the truck and spend the next three months hunting with you guys. Oh, four months. That'll take me through February. Am I going to live in your mother-in-law hause or are you just going to subsidize my mortgage payment? If it's the latter, my hubby and I would rather spend the mortgage subsidy on something other than this shoebox we live in. Oh, and then there's the truck payment...just the one as I will sell my mail truck 'cause I won't be a mailma'am anymore.

Now, Christmas is coming, and besides the rent and food (I love  good  food!) and truck payments and gas money (It's a Tundra) I will need funds to lavishly gift my friends and family. A couple grand oughta do it, as I don't want to be ostentatious.

Lemme know when to start packing and have the yard sale.
Killdeer  :bigsmyl:

Work Sucks, I am blowing my last 4 days on these two hunts. I like the idea of a mailtruck!

Just an update. Dave got home and has killed a 7pt and an 8pt. across the street from his house.  I'm going over there tomorrow!

:bigsmyl:    :clapper:

Pix.  :readit:

I don't know if he took any and he's cutting them up at an other friends house now.  I would have done it for him but I was taking my father in-law to eye surgery.  I'll ask him if he took any when I see him.

Sweet

Where are Rob's pictures? Don't tell me he forgot to put in the memory card! Prolly left the lens cap on...  :campfire:

Yea Rob, We are waiting for you to post pics or start a new thread. I have some pics to post too. LOL

I can't believe ain't nobody said how much of an Honor it was to Finally meet and hunt with the Great String Cutter????
Yep Illy they  was runnin like roaches... Guess they got down wind of ya too many times??
As for the pics. I'm sure he's just havin trouble trying to bring out my true goodlookingness that the camera just can't seem to capture....DAng it's hard bein this great!

Oh. THAT'S what happened to his camera. He shoulda known, he's a pro and all.  :banghead:

nope, the problem was i had to install a new computer system.  i have been working on this thing since i got back on Sunday afternoon.  i hate all the file transferring and stuff that needs doing.... any way hang tight i am getting close to being ready.  

here is one shot from the last evening out.  Bob Hardee you should remember this shot.

   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/moonoverroughmountain.jpg)
 "MOON OVER ROUGH MOUNTAIN"

for those of you that left before Mrs. Killdeer arrived to bad.... I for one enjoyed her wit and passion even though she wouldn't eat but one bowl of my chili.    :confused:  

   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/killdeer.jpg)
 "Killdeer RMR 2007"

Killdeer is this the bird that you mentioned above?
  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/grouse.jpg)

Rob,
 That sunset pic is awesome.  I don't remember the evening being that spectacular from the hollow I was hunting in, but then I only had a slice of sky visible.  How's the knee doing?

couple more of the area.
"Wildflowers"   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/wildflowers.jpg)

 "Padds Creek"  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/padscreek.jpg)  


"Millboro General Store"   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/millborogen.store.jpg)

one more of the moon rise..... Bob and I really enjoyed this view.    :archer:

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/moonoverroughmountain2.jpg)

here are the pics i'm sure everyone is waiting for....

we had 2 different group shots.  

Group 1

(http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/group1.jpg)


 Group 2
  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/groupii.jpg)

I recognize a few of those faces. I especially recognize that gorgeous bow Ron is sportin'.

Here a some pics of our mountain hacienda's...

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0716.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0715.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0714.jpg)

A view from my perch high in a tree.

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0717.jpg)

 Here is where I got picked out by a group of 5 does. No Dice.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0718.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0719.jpg)

Here is a view from Mill mountain.
(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0740.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0734.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0723.jpg)

we had a special guest with us, not you Jeff!  Miss Hope was passed around and everyone but "String Cutter" got to enjoy her. that's what you get for being a lefy!   :biglaugh:

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/misshope.jpg)

thanks to Big Ron for bringing her a long.  it was a pleasure shooting her again.  

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/bigronmisshope.jpg)

Here's a real short video of camp.(//%5Burl=http://s60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/?action=view¤t=1stAnnualRoughMountainRendezvous.flv%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/th_1stAnnualRoughMountainRendezvous.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

there was plenty to eat on this hunt. honestly i can't remember ever having such a smorgasbord of food. i think Big Ron cooked everything but the kitchen sink. on thursday night we ate so much food we could hardly move the next day. we ate at least 3 full course meals.  this was all that was left...

had this grill made by a blacksmith about 10 years ago. those are well cooked baked potatoes.

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/leftovers.jpg)

Here is a couple of pics that IMO show the benifit of ASAT over other camo. These were taken on Mill Mountain.

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0732-1.jpg)

(http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f367/Melissa70/IMG_0730.jpg)

Thanks for posting the video Rob.... i must have still been dreaming about a big buck, i see my tent was still all zippered up...

here is a shot of one end of Rough Mountain, this point is know as Griffith Knob

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/bandoflight.jpg)

I enjoyed cooking for you guys as much as you did eating it.  :readit:    :D    Wild Game is my specialty. LOL

nice water hole in the hills... might be hard to see in the photo but the area around the water was covered with tracks. this spot will get hunted next year for sure.  

speaking of next year, we are going to plan for an entire week.  i will be doing a lot more scouting and even have some hang on stands in place prior to the hunt for those that won't get the chance to do their own scouting. with this being the first annual we got some of the bugs worked out and i am sure next year will be even better.

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/waterhole.jpg)

Here's the view when we first got there.

(http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/100_0038.jpg)

Then of course there was the food!

 (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/100_0040.jpg)

And the comrades in arms waiting for more food.
 (http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h21/VAbowbender/Hunting/100_0041.jpg)

well here goes my recollection of the hunt.  

Day 1 wednesday.  tried like mad to get on the road before 9:00am but it just wasn't meant to be.  ended up not getting to camp until almost 2:30 in the afternoon.  by the time i arrived there were tents and gazebos already in place.  the site selected was the old camp site from about 12 years ago, maybe a few more.  we had moved the camp out of this field due to wind and bugs.

Did you guys see any gnats?  the other issue with hunting the first week of the season in Rough.

  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/rmrcamp.jpg)

now on with the story.  i didn't break any speed records setting up my tent and dragging out the rest of my gear for camp. still it didn't take me long to get set up and it was time to do some looking around.  i had not been able to get up to Rough early before the season.  i think this was the first time in 20 years that i didn't at least get in 1 scouting trip before hand.  

i guess when you have been hunting a place for 35 years the scouting is more a formality than any thing else, but i still like to see what the critters are doing.  depending on mast and water things ca really change from one year to the next.  this go around we had very little water, but the mast was abundant.  

after meeting everyone Ron, Martin, Bob and i headed out to have a look around.  the first stop was to head up on Mill Mountain to check out a few spots... there is just something special about that first walk in the woods at the beginning of a new bowhunting season.  get this, out of the 4 of us there was not a bow to be found.

yep you guessed it!  as we walked up to the last field there were 5 does standing under a huge white oak munching on it's fruit. dang, where is  my bow when i need it.  would have been all for nill any way.  they had us pegged right away. we were making as much noise as kids in the candy store. it was fun none the less just seeing them and knowing that the woods were holding deer.

sure gets the blood boiling when spot em regardless.  after checking a few more spots it was getting late and light was fading. we had seen another deer feeding in a field adjacent to the road so we had at least 2 good spots that we knew the deer were using.  these would be good afternoon stand locations.  

full of hope we headed back to camp for one of Ron & Dave's man sized meals....  

day 2, the hunt begins.....

Rob, I et  TWO  bowlza chili. First, the tepid one, which you would not have been able to pry away from me for all the bows in Ferret's house. Then, the perfectly heated one, just hot enough to liberate the savory flavors but not so hot as to blister the palate, with one of Chuck's homemade rolls for balance.

Food makes quite an impression on me. Ron, your eggs and sausage gravy were a lifesaver for me Saturday morning, as I had only stopped for coffee on my way down. I would have eaten that blacksmith'd grate, just for the residue, if it weren't for your generous fare. Biscuits...mmmmmmmm!

And I believe that was the bird, Rob, though I did not get a chance to compare serial numbers on the ID tags. I could not believe how it just stood there. There must be more poachers in my hunting area.  :rolleyes:  

Killdeer

well me and RALPH made it home apart from not haveing my bags when we got home. they went somewhere ele yeah guess where to the land of the bloody wambats (aussie) but the good thing is i got them back minus the chiggers they can have em. apart from that little hickup me and RALPH had a ball. as soon as i can get my brain together i will post some pics. hey i would like to thank every one for  not telling RALPH off for making such a noise at 3 in the morrning  :campfire:

It was awesome to finally meet that guy that I met on Trad and have talked to over the last year or two!! Just to say "thanks Bob" for all your putting me up and showing me around your neck of the woods. you have a great backyard bro and a fantastic family. Love ya bro. Enough of the blubbering!! Here's us before I spent half my dollars in the Pro shop. Him being too tall and me being too short I had to stand up on the fire hearth for this shot!LOL!!
  (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip004.jpg)  one of the days we did some small mouth bass fishing it was awesome. i have forgoten what river it was but here are some pics.   (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip127.jpg)   (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip123.jpg)   (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip118.jpg)   (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip122.jpg)   (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip124.jpg) th scenery was great, different to our rivers back home. The fishing was great too, the bass really fight hard a bit like our sea kahawai. I didnt get to do any bowfishing but I had a lot of fun that day.

Jeff you are a real piece of work mate!  love the photos you have posted thus far.  can't wait to see the rest.  hope you had a trip to remember, that is if you and Ralph can remember any of it. JK of course.  glad to meet you and thanks again for the token of friendship.  

next time you come you will need to stay a month. if Bob can't put up with you that long i'm sure we can find a spot in the corner for you to lay your head.

wish i would have had time to get in a bunch of scouting so we could get you a deer, but hey that just gives you a reason to come back and soon.  

so that was you out there at 3a.m. in the morning?  i thought it was a bear growling and hocking up a fur ball from some critter he had just finished et'n.   :biglaugh:

The funny thing is I knew right away who was puking in the dark..... Didn't know you could have an accent while doing it? But, I guess you learn something new every day???   Thanks Jeff for the quiver, hat and the 3 a.m. wake up call. I was laughing my butt off...  :campfire:

Day 2, the first steps in the woods with bow and arrows in hand...  

Big Ron and I headed out before day light to a spot know and appropriately named "Rob's Roost" and the "Watering Hole". just a little about these two spots to catch you up to speed.  i found this little piece of paradise, not to be confused with that place down in GA. where other know Trad Ganger's hunt. any way i i was out scouting one day before the season about 15 years ago when i came across this ridge that runs about half way up Rough Mountain.

as i was coming down i noticed how it narrowed down and flattened out a little. right as it started to flatten there was a persimmon tree dropping fruit. now i knew them whitetails liked these edibles. myself, my first experience with them turned my mouth inside out and then some. (that's another story for another time).

any way as i worked my way down the ridge i found several rubs and a bunch of deer droppings. a finger split off to the south and dropped down into a deep draw. the path traveled down through some white oaks and then through a really quiet section of evergreens. once through the pines it opened up to the creek bottom with a nice wide spot in the creek where the ground was covered with tracks like those you would find in a barn yard. numerous critters had been visiting this spot for a cool drink from the fresh mountain stream. after this hike i was ready to kick back so i parked my butt at the base of a huge white oak to rest my tired feet and legs.  

within minutes a doe with her two fawns tipped toed down the hill walking within 15 yards of my position. needless to say i started hunting this spot several weeks later. now back to the story.

by the time Ron and i got into the "Water Hole" the first hints of daylight were upon us. i showed Ron the lucky tree, we wished each other luck and i headed up the ridge. i was more on a scouting mission so i had opted to leave my tree stand back in the truck.

reaching the oak flat above the grove of pines i started looking for a good spot to construct a quick ground blind. with the help of the abundant mountain laurel i was able to set up just on the south side of the ridge about 20 yards from the crest.

i was visited by birds and even a fat squirrel that just wouldn't offer up a good shot. around 10am the crunching of dry leaves from behind me put me on red alert. from years of deer hunting i knew immediately that this was the sound of a deer walking up the ridge. all at once there he was. a nice 3x3 broadside at about 35 yards.

with the buck looking up the ridge in the opposite direction the shot was tempting but there was another deer with him that still had not shown itself. experience told me that this was probably a bigger or at least older buck and the possibility of getting a crack at a bigger buck overpowered the bird in the hand vs. the bush philosophy.  

the 3x3 finally did a 180 and headed back in the direction from which he had come and the two deer were gone. i though to myself "only if"? and then a big smile came over me. i hadn't taken the shot, but the opportunity had presented itself, the buck was unaware that i even existed and the encounter had satisfied my appetite for the time being.

i gathered my gear and quietly eased down the ridge to see if Ron had had any luck at the "Water  Hole".  it felt good to be back in the mountains spending time with my old friend "Rob's Roost" the ridge that received it's name from many days spent perched in a tree enjoying the beautiful view and nature that make this spot one of my all time favorite places to be.

photo taken on "Rob's Roost" in 1989
  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/rm2.jpg)  

Day 2 continues.......

well thomas i hope the quiver will work for ya. as ya most welcome.any friend of ralphs is a friend of mine.  :biglaugh:

i'm sooo sorry i missed out on this one.sounds like you guys had a blast.keep the pics comin.that's the next best thing to being there.

as soon as i sort some out i will post em no problem.  :thumbsup:

a couple of times we went to big rons for a hunt and here are the pics.  (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip056.jpg)
it was nice to meet ron and melissa and holly and jake. i want to thank you for ya hospitality guys. (but not them jiggers) LOL!!!!
 (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip154.jpg)
this is the spot where ron put me when he left i was sitting on the ground with bow on my lap and arrow on ground then i looked up and saw this doe comming straight at me but she offered no shot so i waved her goodbye. bad luck i did not have extra hands to use the camera.
 (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip156.jpg)
oh yeah i met another friend ha yeah right.  :scared:  
 (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip158.jpg)
after meating mr spidder i heard a noise to find bobby and bob comming to see if i had seen anything. i think we had enough of waiting around so we all went to rons for lunch.
 (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip168.jpg)
after lunch the only game we shot was these buggers.
 (http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/wolfman_031/2007usahuntingtrip060.jpg)
a most enjoyable day had by all. more to come later.

a few more pics...

Adam Brown launches arrow off Rough Mountain after the 2 mile hike to the top.
   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/adamlaunchesoffroughw.jpg)

another pic of "Rob's Roost"
   (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/robsroostw.jpg)

and this one was taken up on top of Rough Mountain. it took Adam and I a little over 2 hours to get to the top. it's a hike and mostly straight up.
  (http://www.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/events/photos/wesgallery/topofroughmtnw.jpg)

it sure was a real nice spot rob hey again thanks for putting it on.  :thumbsup:

Jeff best you plan on a return.  you can leave Ralph at home next time if you want.  just bring plenty arras.

RALPH AINT GOING OUT WITH ME ANY MORE. he makes to much noise scare all the animals away not good.  :biglaugh:

Dang Rob,I'm going to have to hound dog you around for a few days next year. I mostly just hunted the creek bottem.   :campfire:

Great pics guys!

Rob I think has truely found his calling. He has a really great eye fur picture taking.

Great Pics Rob!

Tommy next year we will have all the scouting done, stands hung and we will be there for the entire week.  

the dates for the 2nd Annual "Rough Mountain Rendezvous" are set for next year.  October 18th through October 26th.    

make sure and mark you calendars now and don't forget to get the time off.

I'll throw my two cents in now.  I got to camp late, 10PM and was worried I'd disturb the slumbering hunters, weary from a couple of early mornings and hard hunting in rough terrain.  I needn't have worried.  Everyone was either around the fire or in one of the mess tents eating, drinking, and talking.  I greeted those I knew and was introduced to those I didn't.  Jeff was on the phone with Vance or Gary, I don't know which and was in obvious good spirits.  I set up my tent and stowed my gear and joined the crew at the fire.  After a while of easy conversation and reviewing the area map with Rob I turned in for the night.  Sleep came slowly for me and I was still awake after midnight and heard the coyotes howling in the distant night.

 I woke up at 4:30 and made a breakfast on my camp stove and talked some with Jeff, who was up for his own reasons.  :)  I had chosen to climb a ridge behind the camp and try and find one of the saddles on it that looked promising.  The ridge had been control burned a few years previously and the ground was bare, few leaves and acorns and even fewer understory plants.  On one long flat spot I found a stand of young sassafras trees and decided to set up in them.  I watched the woods come alive with the morning sun.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Archery/morningbreaks.jpg)

The gray squirrels were active with the first hint of light.  Like VA Bowbender said, it's hard switching arrows out and getting a shot off.  By the time I had the arrow swapped the squirrel would be out of range.  I decided I needed to concentrate on deer, of which I wasn't seeing any.  I could hear cars pass on the gravel road below and wondered if one of them might be Killdeer, who was rumoured to be making an appearance that morning.  I figured it was too early for her to be getting here just yet.  

I had made a torges tree seat for this hunt as I was having mixed results with my three-legged stool.  I was pleased with how it performed, although my poly rope had too much give in it, so it needed some adjustment.  I was wearing my new ghillie and although I liked how it blended in, the squirrels didn't seem fooled by it.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Archery/Ghillieinaction.jpg)

It was about this time my "freshly charged" batteries decided to lie down and die.  I had spares but didn't know if they were any better off so I thought I'd start using battery power sparingly.  I needed to be able to take shots of the big buck I was going to kill.  ;)  

After awhile I figured the deer had bedded down and I started to stalk along the ridgetop with the wind blowing across my shoulder.  I found some old bear scat among blueberry bushes and plenty of deer sign and some great benches on the east side of the ridge.  I eventually dropped off the ridge onto one of these benches and went into the wind.  I dropped (actually skied would be a better description) down the side of the mountain to the road and creek below.  I stalked along in the creek for a while and went into the woods on the other side of the creek.  There were more acorns here and I found a big rub with some other rubs nearby on the edge of a mountain laurel thicket.  I'd set up here for the evening.  
  I walked back to camp and one of the cars I had heard had indeed been Killdeer.  She had sacrificed a mornings sleep to join us.  The camp had shrunk some by those who had left early.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Archery/Campbreakingup.jpg)

I changed clothes and made some lunch and talked to Killy and the others in camp.  Jeff, Bob, and Bobby (and I think Stringcutter) were off stumping in the woods behind camp.  I DIDN'T shoot Hope.  Somehow that detail seemed to slip someones mind.  That's okay, I have a date with her and some gobblers in April.  After lunch and some hanging around camp the remainder of the crew seperated for the evening hunt.  I decide to squirrel hunt my way to the spot I had selected for the evening.  It started out well with a squirrel letting me get within range right away.  My windage was just a tad off and my footed alum. shaft tipped with a hex head bounced off an oak trunk.  The arrow was unharmed and the squirrel allowed me to take a second shot at a little further distance.  This time the windage was on but elevation was low.  Mr. Gray vacated the area.  He must have spread the word because from then on I couldn't get within 40 yards of a squirrel.  I set up for the evening hunt and the wind seemed good with occasional stray breezes.  I didn't see anything except at the last light a squirrel came to the tree beside me to mock me.  He then climbed up the tree I was sitting against and started dropping acorns all around me.  Impudant creatures.  
  Apparently I missed out on that stunning sunset by being down in the hollow.  I walked back to camp and Rob, Kathy, Hardee, and I shared a good chili Rob had made.  We talked awhile and then I had to head out for home.  On the way out I saw a nice 8 pointer cross the road in front of me, taking his time and flaunting me.
  Thanks for the good time and it was great meeting all the new people and revisiting with those I already knew.  Look forward to doing it again soon.

yeah it was good to meet ya chuck even if it was short. them tree rats are quick little buggers eh.  :biglaugh:

ttt