Trad Gang

I had an idea (I know, I know - dangerous territory!).  I'm always trying to balance bow hunting with my other hobby of upland bird hunting.  Now that my dogs are older, it's getting easier, but I still enjoy training my dogs and watching them slam into a point.  For fun, I put the shotgun away and took the recurve out for a walk on state land with stocked birds.  I had no luck, but a few close calls and it was a blast!

So I got to thinking...:  my hunting camp in central PA (Rebersburg) is also a private registered shooting preserve, meaning we are allowed to release pheasants on our property for hunting through the end of March, including Sundays.  I thought I would throw it out to the Trad Gang membership to see if anyone would be interested in getting together for a pheasant hunt with our traditional equipment during the late season (Feb or March)?  We could work it out where I could accommodate groups of 4 rotating through the fields.  For those not hunting, they could sit inside the camp by the fire and stay warm.  There is also room for anyone needing to stay overnight to do so to make traveling easier.

I'm just brainstorming ideas and don't know if anyone would even be interested, but it could be fun!  Let me know if you're interested, and if we have enough interest, we'll pick a date and start with the planning.

*****UPDATE ON PAGE 6 - PLEASE READ!! ******

Great offer.

Count me in,as long as the dates don't fall on the Bunny Hunt. I may be able to get a couple more if needed. Great offer very much appreciated, Thank you very much,

Big Ed

Am interested, but were we get'n the birds?

As for dates, I like the first week of March, better chance of missing a February blizzard and then after that around mid March roster birds don't like or want to fly because of their swelling nads at that time of year. (true statement, been there seen that) There is still one roster I should have blasted on the ground that outrun me at full speed that still never did fly during mid or late March. Don't remember the exact date, but if had a do-over, I'd of dusted him on the ground...     :)

Sounds like some interest is there.  Great!  One of the club members has a bird farm.  We can order directly from him and the birds will be delivered to the club for us to stock in the fields.  I can get a price from him for February, but figure about $12-13 a bird (possibly less).

Absolutely! Count me in!

I am interested , but like big Ed said we will be at the bunny hunt in February.

I'm tentatively planning on doing the bunny hunt (for the first time) also, so we'll definitely avoid that weekend.

I could be interested, I'm going to school at Penn State and could do a saturday or sunday. Short drive from campus

I just talked to homer, he is in pa with family hunting and he said he is also interested .

im in with peter and homer

So does Saturday or Sunday work best for everyone?  I'm looking at 3/1 or 3/8 if we go for a Saturday.  Any preferences?

By the way, do any of you guys also have bird dogs?  I forgot to mention that you are welcome to bring them.  I'll have my GSP with me, and it would be cool to have some other dogs as well.

I'd be interested and I'm sure I could talk dad into a day trip to scare some pheasants!    :bigsmyl:

Sounds like fun.  I work Saturdays, though.

Saturday or Sunday would be great for me.

Either day would work for me, too, so please add my name to the list.

Thanks for putting this together!

David

p.s. curious about the bunny hunt... when and where is it?

My son and I would be interested for sure. At this point either day would work. Keep us posted.

March 8th, sounds good with me...

Ok, I am going to reserve the club for Saturday March 8th.  For the people interested in going, does anyone need to arrive Friday evening?   We won't start until about 9:30-10:00 on Saturday morning I figure, just to give things a chance to warm up, have the birds delivered, etc.  We can fit about 6 people overnight, if anyone is coming from further away.  I live in Philadelphia, so I like to arrive Friday and save the 3.5 hour drive.

I'm in!!

I  would  like  to  try  that,  it's  funny I   was just  telling a  friend I  would  like  to  try  hunting  birds  with  my  bow. I'm  next  to  the  shore  here  in NJ, so I  don't  know  how  far  it  is.

Thanks

QuoteOriginally posted by njloco:
I'm  next  to  the  shore  here  in NJ, so I  don't  know  how  far  it  is.

Thanks

Hi Ken.  Where on the shore are you?  My M/F-in-law live in Edison and it takes 3:45 to State College... LBI is about 5 hours if traffic in Philly isn't an issue.

I think we're going to need to go with Saturday, 3/1.  The weekend of the 8th is going to conflict with some other activities.  I'm going to lock in 3/1 now.

UPDATE: 3/1 is locked in. I have the camp reserved from Friday evening through Sunday morning.

Heck ya! If you still have any room available, please count me in. I have been wanting to do this for a while,  please keep me posted. Thank you, Joel

Sounds great! I'll definitely be there. Thanks for setting it up.

I'm in!  Rebersburg is just one hop over a mountain for me.

Hello Nittny,

I  live  just  south  of  your  in-laws, in Old Bridge  about 15  minutes  from  the  ocean. I  figure  it's  about 5  hours  from Rebersburg.

OK, so here is the list of people who are tentatively attending.  Date is 3/1 (Saturday) with a start time of approx. 9:30 AM.  If you want to stay at camp on Friday night, please send me a PM and let me know.  There are 15 of us "signed up".  I am thinking 2 pheasants each, for a total of 30.  Though we can maybe do 3 or 4 each, if the interest is there.  Cost will be approximately $13 per bird.  I'll need to figure out some way to get bird payments from everyone up front so I can place the order - I don't want to have to layout the cash up front, in case people don't show.  I've never tried to organize something like this before, so if any of you guys have recommendations on the number of birds, how to collect the money, etc, please let me know!  Also, is anyone coming also bringing a bird dog?  Just let me know.

I think 15 people or so is a good number.  We can add a few more, but I think we're close to the limit here.

Here's who I have:
jebeckjr (John)
Big Ed
Zbone
Sarah
Mamba (Peter)
grouse11
Homer
kwc
stumpsniper
NittanyRider
mahantango and son
njloco
jwind338
jsweka

Let me know of any corrections  /  changes.  

Thanks!

I will ask my buddy about the use of his dog. Also is there an area to bring food along. I can do a crock pot of soup and or chili and my usual deer sticks and bologna. I am in for a case of water.

I'm really looking forward to this!  I saw that 3Rivers has a couple videos on pheasant hunting  and aerial archery:

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Pheasant+Hunting+with+a+Bow+DVD_i7044_baseitem.html

and

http://www.3riversarchery.com/Product.asp?show=info&c=86&s=334&p=46&i=7047#full

Does anyone own either of these DVDs or know anything about them?  If not, I would be willing to order one and pass it around to the group.

John - I can mail you a check for the birds... just need your address.

David

John - Can you do Paypal?

Those DVD's look useful.

Yes, I can do PayPal, or people can mail a check.  I don't need anything yet, we'll just need to plan on getting all the birds ordered in Feb.  This way, if people need to back out or change, I'm not trying to refund money.

There is a full kitchen up at camp.  That's a great offer, Ed!  I'll bring some food up as well.  This sounds like its going to be a blast!!!

I need to watch those videos, and go practice some more!

John this is amazing! Is there room for me to get involved or are you full? It would be a treat to see a bird dog point and flush a bird for the first time. Thanks for the consideration :)  Jim

Jim, sure, you are more than welcome.

Some people have pm'd me about equipment - especially arrows.  We're going to keep this a Trad-only hunt, and for arrows, flu flu's will be needed.  As for points, I'm going to say no broadheads, just because of the dogs.  My dogs will attempt a retrieve and run down cripples, and that's too dangerous with broadheads.  Judo, Snaro, and blunts should do the job.  With flu flu's, we should be able to retrieve all the arrows easily, but in case we can't find one, that's another reason broadheads are a no-go.  Just too many dogs hunt at the club to risk it.

Any other questions, please let me know!  I am far, far, from an expert on bowhunting birds, but know a lot about pointing dogs and upland hunting in general.  This inaugural event will be a learning experience for all of us!  I am very open to suggestions!

I would be interested. Keep me in the loop please. Heck, I could get there easily.

I just ordered the intro to aerial archery dvd... glad I waited because books and dvds are 20% off today at 3Rivers!  

I'd be happy to pass it around as long as each person who receives it is willing to pay shipping to the next person in line.  The last person can either give it to me in March or send it back to me when they are done.

Who wants it first?

I understand the concern with brodheads and dogs, but in my limited experience blunts and flu-flu's aren't real effective on pheasants and Snaro's even less so. Arrows slow down way quick, lose energy, no penetration. Maybe somebody who's done more of this will chime in?

I would love to be part of this adventure!  Keep us posted on the details and thank you!
Thaddeus

When a group of us would go yearly in Maryland we used broad heads on flu-flu's. The dog handler would leash up the dog after going on point. Then we would proceed to flush the bird. The flu-flu's were only three fletched usually 4"-5" as to not to slow down the arrow as much with in reason. We had some birds fly quite a ways with broadheads punched through them.
But I will respect the ruling of the land and dog owners as what to use. I am sure we can all come up with a remedy.

I'm kind of stuck on the broadhead issue.  I can leash up the dogs after pointing, provided no one takes a shot at a wild flush (by the end of the day, we may have a lot of birds in the field). Late season, these birds also run like crazy.  I'm more concerned about arrows that are unable to be recovered - there is pretty heavy cover, and potentially even snow in March.  I'm not the only one who uses the club, and I don't want to risk someone else's dogs getting injured.  People train dogs and use the club all year round with their dogs.

As for payments, I just need a little more time to nail down the exact costs of birds.  As soon as I get that, I'll PM everyone my address and people can mail me a check.  I plan on holding them until mid-February, just in case people need to cancel I can mail the checks back.  Come 2nd week of February, I'll deposit the checks and pay the supplier.  At that point, we won't be able to do any refunds.  

Big Ed bought up a good reminder - all hunters will need a PA archery license.  Just a consideration for out of state hunters.  Also, the state requires hunter orange (250 sq inches - hat and vest) when hunting pheasants, even though we are bow hunting.

Keep the questions and comments coming!

John - I don't think non-residient hunters need a PA "archery" license.  Archery licenses are required for deer, but longbows and recurves are legal arms for small game under a general hunting license.  Am I correct on this?

Can't wait. This is gonna be fun!

Know what?  I think you're right!  I've been buying both so long I just assumed that it was needed.  That's good news for out of state hunters, who can just get the non-resident small game license 7-day license.  That helps take the sting out!

Sounds like broadheads wouldn't be a good idea in this situation. Maybe something like Hammer Heads or Barta Blunts with a less drastic fletch like Big Ed suggested.

non resident small game 7 day think it can be brought online 31.70

Ok gang!  I just sent everyone a private message with the cost, how to pay, my contact info, etc.  If you expressed interest and did not receive the info, please send me a PM or email and I'll get it right over to you!  If there are any questions, just let me know or post them here.  Seeing as I can only figure out how to PM each person individually, if there are updates, etc, I am just going to post them to this topic.  Thanks again for your interest everyone!

I am in! Check is in the mail.

IS THERE ROOM LEFT.

Earl, I just emailed you the info.  Let me know if you are interested.

John I sent out a check today. Thanks for putting all this together.

I have had great luck with Adder small game points in the past and wonder what your thoughts would be on their use in this situation? If you don't know what they look like do a search on goggle and they will pop up. this is a brief description so we are talking about the same thing. It would be comparatively inexpensive to have a dozen of these in a quiver for the hunt since they utilize field points we all more than likely have.

{ Small Game Adder Point —
Add extra devastation to your next arrow with a Small Game Adder Point. Ideal for small game, the eight steel claws slow down penetration and deliver serious shocking power. Fits behind field point.}

I looked at the pictures.  I think the adder head will be ok. It will still hurt it a dog steps on it, but it looks less likely to slice a pad (or worse).  I just think we'll need to make a very dedicated effort to find our arrows (but everone was already going to do that anyway!)!

Homer and Sockrsblur, you're checks arrived today.  Remember I am going to hold them until February.  Thanks!

I mailed mine yesterday.

Thanks John       :thumbsup:

A OK    :thumbsup:

I haven't followed this...I'm assuming the hunt is full? Sounds like fun!
Tedd

Hi Tedd, we still have room.  Let me know if you are interested.

stumpsniper and Mamba, your checks have arrived - thanks!

For those keeping track, we are at 11 registered participants and 22 birds so far!  This is really shaping up to be a great time!  Now, if the weather would warm up and cooperate for a little aerial target practice...

NitranyRider, your check arrived today.  That makes 12 participants, and 24 birds.  Remember, if anyone has a hunting dog they want to run, just let me know.

Merry Christmas everyone!

It sounds fun!
The dates make it had for me to commit this year. If my daughter's ball team goes into states I'll be at that.

Payment Sent to you Via PayPal!

This sounds like it's gonna be a blast!

Big Ed is also in!  13 people for 26 birds!  This is going to be great!  What an awesome response!!!

TTT

Thanks for bumping it up.  I was out pheasant hunting last week and had a blast!

Looking forward to this one!   :archer:

If this goes well, I hope you plan to do it again next year as by then I should be ready and able to attend.  Good luck to everyone and I hope you all have a great time.

If it goes well and there is continued interest, I would love for it to become an annual event!  By the time March rolls around, I usually have cabin fever pretty good.  Al, if you are in the area, or don't mind taking a trip, drive up and hang out.  We're going to set up some targets for practice and to try out different bows if anyone is interested.  There will be a warm fire, food and good company!

I received some excellent news tonight - a good friend will be joining us, and bringing his son and his top notch Brittany to assist with the dog work.  You guys are going to get to see some awesome dog work on this hunt!  

Welcome, Mark, and thanks!

You left out good looking  :)

We are excited to come and thanks for the pressure. I will give Sam the Brittany a pep talk before we come!

Looking forward to meeting everyone as I am a traditional newbie.

I can't wait to see the dogs work. I grew up around hounds and hunting dogs of different types and I love to see them work thanks John & Mark!

Is there anyway you can give us an address for my gps? And what exit are you off of I-80? Can't wait to meet all of you and looking forward to a great day!

Homer, I'll send you a PM with the address.

Getting close everyone's getting excited thinking about building a thrower so we can practice

Gang, we're about 4 weeks away!  I'm really getting excited.  Our terrible weather has really thrown a wrench into practice plans, but I'm hopeful weather will improve as we get closer.

I need to firm up our bird order by next weekend, so if anyone needs to cancel due to a change of plans, let me know between now and Friday the 14th.  I'll be depositing our all monies on Saturday, and after that, cutting the check for the birds, so I can't due refunds after that.

If you know anyone else that wants in, let me know before Friday.

Stay warm, everyone!

Thanks for the update John :)

I'm really looking forward to this.  I'm finishing up a new Hill style longbow which will make it's debut on this hunt.    :thumbsup:

Been following this one for a while and Cade and I would have loved to come and join you guys....but....I have a prior obligation on that date that I just can't get around...dang it!!

I've done this twice before, and taken birds out the air both hunts...hard to imagine more fun!!!!!

Good luck to all, take a lot of pix and video would be priceless!!

I'm going to do my best to get a lot of pics and video.  Then, I'll have a reason to learn how to get the video from the camera to the computer! :-)

jsweka, I can't wait to see your longbow.  That's a cool way to break it in!

I hoping this is a success and we can make it an annual event.

Gang, I've gotten a few questions and concerns over the snow.  Specifically, the amount of snow on the ground and loss of cover with the ice and snow.  Reports from other members at the camp is that there is about 8-10" of ice and snow on the ground and road in to camp.  They are supposed to get more this week, and who knows what the rest of the month is going to bring.

Planting birds with a lot of snow and loss of cover is tough.  There are also worries about how difficult walking is going to be, and the potential for dogs getting hurt on the ice.

This is tough, as I'm not sure how to proceed.  I know it's impossible to predict what 3/1 will be like, but I also get people are going to travel and some are going to incur expenses (including our bird order) for something that may range from uncomfortable to downright dangerous.

I'm open for suggestions.  If I cancel, I can't get the club again this season.  Issuing refunds back to everyone is no problem, up until I lock in the bird order around middle of the month.  My suggestion is to see what this week and weekend brings us, and make a call this Monday.  How does that sound?

Sounds fine to me John.  The call is yours.  I am fine with paying for the birds and if we have to cancel at the last minute well then the pheasant farm gets a bonus this year.  But I am fine either way.

I would hate to see that happen.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that things warm up soon!

This has been an unusual winter for sure.  I think it's going to be a tough call to make, but I understand the concern for the dogs and everyone travelling. I'm fine with Mambas idea.  Order the birds and if we have to cancel at the last minute, than I guess some pheasants get a "governors pardon" of sorts.

John for me the call is your to make. There is really no wrong answer, you can't control the weather. For me the money I sent for the birds is not enough to be a deciding factor in any direction. This is a great hunt you set up and I'm grateful no matter the outcome. Jim

John whatever decision you make is fine I'm not worried about the money weather has been crazy here in Connecticut as well my family lives near oil city PA and I realize how bad it has been for you over that way thanks for all your work on getting this set up maybe we can put this together another time if it doesn't work out thanks again

It's totally your call, John.

I have a regular pheasant hunt coming up on the 22nd and we're wondering the same thing about the snow. Last year we went with snow on the ground, it was a lot of trudging, but nothing like what's on the ground here right now.

John - Yeah, this winter just plain sucks!  I guess I didn't think about the snow/ice being a problem, but it could be.  I only live on ridge over from the club and it sucks just to walk in my yard.

I can keep you up to date on what we get from this next upcoming blast and we can look at the long range forecast and make a call.

That would be great, John, thanks!  I heard that area is looking at 8" possible in this storm, and that could be the straw that breaks the pheasants back.  My dog handlers are already concerned!

Well, it snowed all day here and we did get about 8" today.  I've got about 12 - 14" total in my yard. The extended forcast is calling for 40s Tues - Saturday of next week which should melt off a lot of it.  Who knows what might happen the week after that.       :dunno:

Ok gang, I decided to throw in the towel.  The weather conditions have broken the pheasant's back, so to speak!  After considering all the options, and speaking with the bird supplier, dog handler(s) and friends in the area, its just not shaping up to be a fun time (and potentially not a safe time, either).  I appreciate everyone being flexible, but I just didn't feel right about people having to spend money for licenses, travel, birds, etc and there being no cover, not enough parking area due to the snow fall, and likely difficulty with filling the bird order due to a really high mortality rate this year.

For anyone who has paid through PayPal, I already sent the funds back to you through PayPal, using the email account I received the payment from.  For those who paid by check, I will mail your check back to you as soon as I can dig out of my street and get to the post office - tomorrow afternoon at the latest.

Let's try this again in the fall when the weather is better and see if we can pull this off!

John you can just rip my check up buddy! Thanks for all the effort and planning you went through. I do hope we are able to try again, Would love to see big bright fletched arrows fly through the air at birds! Ha

You can just rip my check up as well, no need to waste money on a stamp to send it back.  I hope we can make this work at some point.  Thanks for trying to make it work.  

Brian

Thanks John! Glad I hadn't ordered the arrow stuff yet.  :)

Better luck next time!!

Bummer.  But we can't control the weather.
I went out to shoot some after work this evening.  It's been a long time since I've trudged through snow this deep in our area.

Thanks for the update john, you can rip mine and matts check we don't need them back.
Pete

Thanks for the effort, John!  Bummer it didn't work out, but let's definitely try to reschedule in the fall.  Please go ahead and rip up my check, too.

Cheers!

David

This does stink but sometime you just gotta roll with the weather. Good call John.