Hey Gang,
I haven't had the chance to get on as much I'd like in the past several months...
But I do have a story to tell.....
:campfire:
OK....Let's hear it and don't forget the pics!
:campfire:
:coffee:
glad I just poured a cup :coffee:
Looking forward to your story.
:campfire: :coffee:
Waiting patiently my friend!! :campfire:
:coffee: :coffee:
Tap-tap-tap
Lets hear please.
:campfire:
it's been a busy few months around here... My wife and I had our fourth kiddo about 2 months ago. Having a new born in the house certainly adds to the excitement, but also to my responsibility.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/Steiner%20Family/0b81f113-4131-44c3-ab8e-ae225c2a06d7_zps2933ab02.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/Steiner%20Family/0b81f113-4131-44c3-ab8e-ae225c2a06d7_zps2933ab02.jpg.html)
here is the picture of the little bugger. His name is Silas Emil, and I am pretty sure he will want to be shooting with dad real soon!
Well, It's starting off as a "nail-biter"....!
it just so happens that I now have two boys, the youngest and the oldest. You guys have met Austin before when he received his first bow and arrow set that I made him.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/HUNTING/7a66a31f-0c0a-4d8d-b230-2d76cf3b2a0b_zpsf98fe3c0.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/HUNTING/7a66a31f-0c0a-4d8d-b230-2d76cf3b2a0b_zpsf98fe3c0.jpg.html)
Cute little Bugger!!! Bald like his Dad???
If not, You will be in about 16 years!!! :bigsmyl:
Trad archery runs deep through our veins.... and Austin has been itching to head out to the woods with me.
I need to mention at this point, I have four children total (2 girls in the middle) and I figured, hey, what better time to start Seminary... =)
my time has been very limited this season, mostly devoted to class, and to my family. However, yesterday, my beautiful and very understanding wife insisted on me getting out into the woods.
well, I gotta go lead youth group, then I'll be back to finish up some more of the story!
:campfire:
ok... back from youth group... =) I work full time at a church in Erie with youth and young adults.
Ironically, the lesson tonight was about how God takes small things and uses them in big ways.
When my wife suggested that I take the evening to get away, I was really excited for a chance to just be out in the woods. All of my time has been devoted to the church, schooling and my family. I can't remember the last time I had a chance to just be out in the woods. We live in the city, so my access is limited. Those of you who can hunt in your back yards, you are truly blessed. Enjoy it, and never take it for granted.
I quickly gathered up all my gear. Threw the treestand into the truck with a change of clothes.
I practice all year long in our basement. I have about 10 yards down there to keep the muscles loosened up... but I have to tell you. This year, I didn't have the time to shoot like I normally do. I can't explain it, but I think that I often "overthink" my shots at animals. I missed a beautiful buck last year... with shooting less this year, I noticed things were just happening in shooting form and being on target. Hard to explain, but some of you that have experience that before would understand. I would always encourage practice and shooting, so don't get me wrong there.
as I drove out to my spot, I thought man it will be nice to just be out and relax.
I pulled into a parking area, changed into my camo and headed into the woods. It's a great spot, really. It happens to be Gamelands, you know, the ones where everyone parks and hunts 100 yards from the road.
I strapped on my stand and a pack with food, water, and all the essentials. My trusty Kwyk Styk was ready for a walk. I thought to myself as I walked in, how little time I had this year to hunt. I slowly walked through the woods checking on a few areas that typically held some oak trees. It was a difficult walk way back in, as it was sunny and almost 70 degrees. Along the way I stopped at several locations to take a drink and remember past hunts.
I came to one ridge, and I heard that familiar sound. It's almost like rain... but better. It's ACORNS! Realizing that I had found a good food source I didn't hesitate in setting up the climber and preparing for my ascent.
Up I went. I guess I forgot how much work this can be. Drops of sweat began dripping off my nose. Not sure why, but I climbed a little higher this day. The area where I found the oaks was really wide open. Maybe the height would keep me above their noses.
Once I was satisfied with me view, I hung up my backpack and bow on a tree hook and pulled out my binoculars. Oh, how I have missed this...
and then I hear the tell tale sign of crunch crunch crunch in the leaves behind me.
I glance over my shoulder and see a deer coming down the hill.
everything happens quickly at this point...
I quickly slip my facemask on, my shooting glove, and slide my bow off of the hook. Most of this is done glancing at the deer (now multiple deer) that are coming down the trail towards the Oaks.
It's 3:30 in the afternoon. I slowly and deliberately pull an arrow out of the quiver and get it on the string. I shoot four fletch and did this while watching the deer over my should... I think this was a huge advantage.
They are still coming, but are calm. They quickly get on the acorns. I commit to the biggest one and begin to turn around to prepare for the shot.
a smaller deer feeds towards me at about 15 yards.
That will do.
I commit to her, draw and watch the arrow hit below the spine. The angle is really steep. Later, when processing her, the first shot hit lungs and broke the opposite shoulder.
She fell to the ground and before she could stand up, I had another arrow on the way.
The other two deer were still standing at 20 and 25 yards while this happened.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/HUNTING/a1b2f166-1c48-42fe-a476-dc100305abd6_zps3bac7e2d.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/HUNTING/a1b2f166-1c48-42fe-a476-dc100305abd6_zps3bac7e2d.jpg.html)
A view from my stand
That's how you do it and be home for the evening news. ... props !!
Froggy
I snorted at them to finally get them to leave...
I called my wife to tell her what had just happened.
I remember just saying to her "God provided again"
It was 3:40 when I called her.
here is a view from the ground.
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/HUNTING/68b9115e-b418-4731-abef-6f62322917fd_zpscf92bedc.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/HUNTING/68b9115e-b418-4731-abef-6f62322917fd_zpscf92bedc.jpg.html)
I have never had a hunt like this before. I have hunted years with out shots and have gone weeks without seeing deer.
My time was short this year.... but it was enough.
It turned into a huge blessing.
you can see my treestand still at the base of the tree in the last picture.
one more close up...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/HUNTING/592b3f7a-875b-4b80-9bd1-99249d32d603_zps3974758c.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/HUNTING/592b3f7a-875b-4b80-9bd1-99249d32d603_zps3974758c.jpg.html)
I got her home, was able to spend some much needed time with the kids and wife....gave them each a hug and kiss.
and that's my Pennsylvania blessing....
my favorite part was coming home and having my 18 month old Ellie waddle right over and smooch that doe on the nose.
Austin told me that I had better not shoot another without him... I am excited for the days ahead when we get out there together.
Congrats! :thumbsup:
Congrats Super K!!!
Is that the Kwyk Styk I traded to you? If so, congratulations, and I'm glad it brought you some good mojo. Hopefully it brings you more luck the rest of this season!
it sure is!
That's awesome, I'm thrilled to hear the bow worked out for you!!!!
Best of luck the rest of the season!
Great stuff!!RC.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
Great story!!! Thank you for shareing it with us!!!!!
That is Great! Congrats!
Way to go!
Glenn
Congratulations! Nice story!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Awesome.
The lord does provide.
Congrats
Congrat, great hunt
:clapper:
Thanks for sharing. Congrats!
Congrats!
Fantastic story, congrats.
Congrats :thumbsup:
Great story and so glad your short time in the woods was fruitful both in spirit and belly.
simply awesome - congrats on a couple fronts!
Congrats, i wish my lock was like that!
Great job!! Will be some good eating.
Way to go!!!
You're double blessed! You found acorns! :eek:
I drive up to hunt old haunts in central PA and have yet to find acorns in our areas. Without feed in the woods, its like the rapture came and sucked up all the deer...so far!
It amazes me at times when life or health or weather prevents intense practice and then I can go out and SLAM...right on the money! Don't advocate it, but it seems a short lay-off clears the mind and allow one to be 'in the zone' perhaps and just let it happen rather than think too much?
Congrats on a fine experience and a reverent appreciation of God's bounty!
:clapper: :goldtooth:
thanks guys for all the encouraging words! Just finished up classes and have a week off before I start a couple more.... looks like I might get out again next week! =)
Awesome!!
Congrats!! Great shot.
Awesome story!
Congrats on your doe!
Bisch
another blessing came...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/4f493d69-47f3-416f-8a31-3278186f8bad_zpsd820d9d0.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/4f493d69-47f3-416f-8a31-3278186f8bad_zpsd820d9d0.jpg.html)
I was able to get all my work done for my classes, and headed out for a much needed afternoon in the woods last week.... here is the view from in the tree...
about 4:30, a nice healthy 4 point comes down the trail and stops at 10 yards, right about where that vine is below my feet....
now there is a little problem here... you see, I would gladly have shot him since I have very limited time in the woods, but in my Management unit, I could not. Bucks must have 3 point on one side, not including the brow tines. This plump little buck wasn't legal....
don't get me wrong here guys, I loved getting out, and it was much needed with as much as going on in my life... but as he walked away the thought that kept going through my mind was, "God, my wife and kids deserved him... so I could be at home..." Sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn't, and as hunters, we must be ok with that. I don't want to ignore however, how there is a real tension for many of us between work, faith, family, and hunting... there may even be more you guys could list. There are always good things that take our time, sometimes we make good choices in what receives our attention, and other times those are not as balanced....
so fast forward to this week, it's the last week in PA for archery season, and the ground looks more like this now....
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/NCM_0285_zps13036c0b.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/NCM_0285_zps13036c0b.jpg.html)
I have a paper due and a few other assignments this week for seminary, so I knew this might be it (unless I could get them all finished by Saturday afternoon). I have always enjoyed the last day of archery season. Normally, I would go for a walk, and just take it all in, think of all the "close calls" and enjoy the creation around me. I thought I would do the same yesterday, Nov. 12th. I was able to leave the church a little early to get into the woods. As I walked in, I thanked God for the many blessings in my life, mostly for just the chance to be in the woods despite all the other responsibilities in my life...
It was about 2:00 and I saw the first movement through the snow covered branches... It was the kind of snow that actually limits your visibility, but I knew it was a deer, and when I saw the size of the body, I knew it was a buck.... It was clear what he was up to as he zig-zagged back and forth through the thicket....
at this point, I forgot that it was cold, I forgot about my assignments due, how busy I was, and I was just present... I was thankful just for the chance to see a deer... it appeared he was going to just pass through way out of range, and like so many of us have experienced, he stopped and for some reason made his way directly at me....
it was already snowing, ever since I got into the woods, but the wind really was picking up and so was the snow... it was coming down! He continued towards me, not offering a shot... I was praying and hoping he would turn broadside, or at least something other than head on! When he hit about 20 yards it was clear to me that he was a legal shooter.... the rest I can't quite remember... the only thing I kept thinking was "God, is this really happening?"
at 10 yards he began to angle, not completely broadside, but enough for what I felt to be a good ethical shot, I watched the arrow bury itself tight to the shoulder, and as he ran, I could see it hanging out the other side closer to the hind quarters... I don't particularly like this shot, I would always advocate for better opportunities, but it was a judgment call that I made in that moment... I felt pretty good about it, and waited a few minutes....
my concern now was how hard it was snowing... it was accumulating so quickly, I could not see my own tracks from when I came in, and I was starting to visually have a hard time seeing his.... so I made the decision to immediately get on the trail that I had... I slowly eased through the snow, careful to be as quiet and possible and to look ahead. there was blood, but not as much as I expected...
I wish I could have told this story through pictures, but with the snow coming down like it was, there wasn't much to see! I went about 40 yards and was finding it more and more difficult to see the tracks and blood. They were there, just under the white stuff!
at that point, I stopped... still excited but rather nervous that this wasn't going to turn out well... I slowly continued forward in the direction that he had gone... up ahead about 20 more yards there he was! I grabbed my binoculars and checked him out... and I am positive I watched him take his last breath... so I just watched for another minute... no movement! I am not one to scream or fist pump... but I did make my way over thanking God for another blessing... I called my wife, and I could hear my kiddos cheering...
his final resting place
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/d0d8a083-4b20-46cc-aeec-a596f87031a3_zps4f2f7e0e.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/d0d8a083-4b20-46cc-aeec-a596f87031a3_zps4f2f7e0e.jpg.html)
one more...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j100/superkodiak/9c69642d-a1a6-4514-8dc6-8328553bdaa1_zps1429bf56.jpg) (http://s78.photobucket.com/user/superkodiak/media/9c69642d-a1a6-4514-8dc6-8328553bdaa1_zps1429bf56.jpg.html)
Congratulations on a beautiful buck! God has truly blessed you in so many ways!
:campfire: :archer:
Great thread. Thanks for sharing it.Really nice way to put things in perspective.
Congrats!!
BAB
Awesome hunt! That is epic... A buck in the snow on your last day to hunt! Way to make the shot count. I'm glad you posted on the same thread. I had missed your previous post about your doe so it was fun ready the whole story.
By the way, I remember the seminary days and having small kids and pastoring and working a second job... sounds like you are doing a great job balancing it all and God is surely blessing you with great experiences in the woods!
Super'; great story tellin'. You are a busy fellow and I'm glad that everything came together for you. Fine looking buck. Congratulations.
Shick
Too cool, congrats on that baby as well, I sure miss having little ones around the house.
Great job!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
:thumbsup: :archer:
That is a nice buck and great story, Thanks and congradulations
Congrats!
Awesome!
Congrats on a great buck!
Bisch
Way to go!!! Just killed my first trad buck Monday and loved reliving that feeling as I read your story. I'm a PA boy too with 4 boys of my own at home between 1 and 6 years. The balance talk really hit home. Thanks again.
=) thanks guys... I called in reinforcements for the weekend to take care of the kids (papa and grandma) so I can get him cut up and take a test and finish my paper! So thankful that it has been around 40 degrees outside!
Congrats, I loved the story and the pictures! thanks for sharing!!!
Beautiful buck and awesome story!!
Great buck and story, Thanks for sharing!