Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: zipper bowss on May 28, 2014, 11:58:00 AM
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We are leaving in the morning for Tracy's bear hunt at stickflingers! :goldtooth:
We have requested a set up that we can hunt on the ground up close and personal. "Ryan says that is no problem" so I'm sure we are in for quite a show.
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Ohhhhh man, you kids are in for a treat. I have been focused on other things so much I almost forgot it IS bear season. Gosh I miss being up at Ryan's. Next year!
Looking forward to the photos and stories :thumbsup:
Is Miss Tracy field testing the new 3 blade?
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Have a safe and rewarding trip Tracy and Bill!
Keep us updated! :thumbsup:
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Enjoy and have a good hunt. I'll be waiting for your story . I have fond memories of those guys up der!
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Originally posted by Steve O:
Ohhhhh man, you kids are in for a treat. I have been focused on other things so much I almost forgot it IS bear season. Gosh I miss being up at Ryan's. Next year!
Looking forward to the photos and stories :thumbsup:
Is Miss Tracy field testing the new 3 blade?
It was VERY tempting, Steve. Very tempting.I'm quite sure the 3 blade is up to the task. I decided that for her set up we would stick with her 2 blade Grizzly's. They have worked great for her in the past.
She is shooting 40#@25". Her arrow is just shy of 500 grains.She has taken bear and more than a few deer with this set up so we know it will get the job done with energy to spare.
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Have fun. I am missing Stickflingers this year too, but I am in for 15 and 16. Great bunch of people.
D.P.
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Tracy and Bill,come back with story and pics,I am confident to see a good one!
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I am waiting on the UPS truck to bring me my rug from my Stickflinger bear last year. Good luck!
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Best of luck and keep us posted!!!
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Good luck bill can't wait to hear all about it...take lots of pics and tell Tracy put it to em!!
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Originally posted by zipper bowss:
We are leaving in the morning for Tracy's bear hunt at stickflingers! :goldtooth:
We have requested a set up that we can hunt on the ground up close and personal. "Ryan says that is no problem" so I'm sure we are in for quite a show.
Bill, and Tracy knows she can out run you.. :laughing: :laughing:
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Good Luck, let's see pics
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Good luck Tracy!!! I will test out the 3 blade for you on a bear in Quebec :)
You guys are going to have a blast! One of the best hunts I have ever been on :campfire:
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See ya there. I leave Friday.
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Things are looking good up here!
I was lucky enough to test that 3 blade last week and I can tell you they shoot through giant bears really easy!! That's for later...
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You tease!
D.P.
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Best of luck and safe travels to you both.
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A great destination ... best of luck to you
:campfire:
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Go Tracy! Don't forget to tip the help...
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Good luck...looking forward to another cool video!
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Bill, don't take those blueberry pancakes in the blind with you or Tracy may have a lot closer shot than you want!
Good luck and be safe!
Benjy
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Best of hunting for Tracy!!!
Get us some good pics Bill :archer2:
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Good luck, sounds like you guys are in for a great time.
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Thanks all! I just got through sharpening her broadheads. If the bears at stickflingers know whats good for them they will go back into hibernation.
I'm a little suspicious about the blueberry scented shampoo Tracy bought for me to use while we are there. Should I be worried? :scared: :dunno:
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Uh Oh is Tracy on the market for a new partner???
Blueberry shampoo sounds like it. :goldtooth:
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You will know you are in trouble when you catch her stuffing your pockets with pancakes or when she says "oops, I didn't mean to poor syrup all over your back!"
You may should check and make sure she didn't up your life insurance policy before you leave!
:bigsmyl:
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Good luck !
Sounds like you're already having fun!
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Good luck Tracy and Bill !!! Have a safe trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back. :campfire:
Bill
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Bill,
You better be ready in case that tongue comes out again. next time you need to grab it :readit: :laughing:
Have a great Trip!
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You mean like this, Charlie!
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/2010mn6.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/2010mn6.jpg.html)
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Good luck Bill and Tracy!!!
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Originally posted by zipper bowss:
"I'll also be filling the role of trophy husband and eye candy. :goldtooth: "
This is my favorite part! Its hard just being a piece of meat isn't it Bill?
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Bill, Exactly!
This is my favorite part! Its hard just being a piece of meat isn't it Bill?
I don't know if I would want to be a piece of meat sitting 10 yards from the bait.
Maybe you should only be the piece of meat in camp and not in the blind :biglaugh:
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Have fun.........
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Wondering how Bill and Tracy are doing? Sure they are having a blast !!! :thumbsup:
Bill
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Good Luck!!! I'm following this one closely.
We will be there next week.
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Good luck guys! Be sure to post the videos
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:campfire: :coffee:
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Playing the role of eye candy huh? Somebody's gotta do it. Good luck!
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Word on the street is there are stories to tell!
:campfire:
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knowing Ryan and experiencing his hunt I am sure there are !! looking forward to them
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X2 :thumbsup: I had the opportunity to be part of this weeks hunt with Bill and Tracy, signing up with Ryan back in November when he had a cancellation. Having done Bear Quest with Tom Phillips in Quebec for the last four straight years Sweet Wife asked me not to go to Quebec for this years hunt. My line of thinking was "Manitoba's not Quebec so I should be OK". Well after two straight months of begging I couldn't get clearance so I contacted Ryan and my spot was filled in short order. Good luck to all, really looking forward to seeing what I missed out on. :(
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Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Word on the street is there are stories to tell!
:campfire:
Can't wait to hear about this one !!!!
Bill
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I just crossed the boarder back into the US. There are stories to be told. But I have at least 14 hours more driving to do before I can tell mine. But I will tell you this... as always, Stickflingers did not disappoint.
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:campfire:
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Eye candy? Now that is funny :biglaugh: Best of luck to you.
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Ahh, no offence, but that would be the black licorice of eye candy, I'd think...
Waiting on the story.
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Good luck Girlygirl , I'll talk to you when get home. Oreo Joe.
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She did it! Just like I knew she would!!! She put a perfect shot on a beautiful 6 footer.
We are back in the U.S. but will not be home to load pics and tell the story until sat. We are going to stop at the pope and young museum tomorrow then we are off to bug Joe and Irene in WI.
Much to much to share to try to do it from this phone. It was pure pleasure spending time in camp with you, Brian.Ryan is also an easy guy to be around. I think his new handle should be "Dapper Dan" instead of stick flinger. :biglaugh:
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:clapper:
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Good job...can't wait for the story
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Originally posted by Pops:
Good job...can't wait for the story
X2
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:campfire:
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Way to go Tracy!!! :clapper:
Hope you got some fantastic pics Bill .
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Way to go Tracy !!! :campfire:
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Congrats. Bug Joe real good! looking forward to Tracy's story! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Looking forward to sharing stories tomorrow. Drive safe!
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Congrats Tracy !!! :clapper: I had a feeling this hunt was gonna turnout well. Hopefully Bill did his job and got us some great pictures. :D
Bill
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Congrats on the bear, Tracy! Looking forward to the story. Say hey to Arlo for me in WI.
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Originally posted by Hopewell Tom:
Ahh, no offence, but that would be the black licorice of eye candy, I'd think...
Waiting on the story.
:laughing: You are spot on, Tom!
Thank you all! We are Leaving the hotel now to head to the museum.
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Alright! Can't wait to hear this story.
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Awesome!!! Can't wait for the story!!! :campfire:
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Congrats Tracy. I'll see you two at Joe's in a bit.
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:coffee: Come on Saturday.......
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Way to go!
Can't wait to hear the story!
Bisch
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What a hunt! We got all the details and watched the video when Bill & Tracy visited last night. All I'll say for now is you are going to love it!
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Good going Tracy & Bill! This will be the graduation gift that keeps on giving for a long, long time.
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looking forward to this story!
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Can't wait!
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Can't wait!
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:campfire:
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We made it back in one piece. We managed to get most of our gear unloaded. Tracy is trying to upload pictures now but Photobucket is being contrary. We will get the story up tomorrow along with pictures. Sorry for the delay. Surely we can get it done tomorrow.
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Get some well needed rest Bill,Tracy we can wait a few extra hours. :campfire:
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Ryan told me this past week he is booked for next two years. :(
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Hello everyone! This is Tracy writing, not Bill.
First off, I want to thank everyone for their well wishes and congratulations. Traditional bow hunting has a great community of people and I am lucky to be a part of it.
Second, I want to share a little back story. Many people do not know that I had all but quit shooting my recurve for the past 2 years. I broke my right arm several years ago at the elbow and wrist and do not have full range of motion of it. I cannot turn my palm up further than 90 degrees, fully extend or flex my elbow. Loss of range of motion has gotten worse over the years due to scar tissue and arthritis. I lost about 1 ½” of draw length due to this and had to anchor at my cheek bone. For those of you that have seen me, you know I have prominent cheek bones. Anyway, I started to hit my cheek bone with every release causing a bruise. After about 5 shots my face would be sore and my anchor and release would vary causing me to shot horrible.
Needless to say I was very frustrated and so was Bill. He didn’t understand what was going on or how to help me fix it. Many people would say just hold the bow with your right hand. Well that didn’t work either since I can’t extend my arm fully or rotate my elbow out of the way of the string. So I started shooting my compound bow again which isn’t much fun and I felt as though I was letting Bill down as well.
At Kalamazoo this past January we ran into Joel Turner, Elk Calling Champion and traditional archer. He showed me how he shoots using his thumb. Excellent I thought! My knuckles are nowhere near my face and the arrow is closer to my eye. Joel also said I could gain another couple of inches of draw length by anchoring at my ear since I wouldn’t have to rotate my wrist when I drew. Even better!! Down side was I would have to retrain myself and he thought this would take about a year to become proficient. No good I thought, I don’t have a year I have 6 months before my bear hunt.
Technique: The string is held by the tip of your thumb distal to the meaty part. Your index finger then hinges over the tip of your thumbnail for support. There are 3 nock sets on my string; one for the arrow, one for the knuckle of my index finger and one for my thumb. Pick a spot, pull back to anchor and release. Sounds simple enough.
As most of you experienced, this winter was a long one and I was not comfortable learning a new shooting technique in the house. So it was March before I got outside to practice. I started out with limbs that were 26# so I would be comfortable and not develop bad habits. Let me tell you, 26# is more than enough weight on your thumb when you’re not conditioned for that. I did gain about 2 more inches of draw, but these pesky cheek bones kept getting in the way of the string. I went back to anchoring by my cheek since I was changing to avoid pain and inconsistency.
I was fairly accurate at 10 yards right away and was I ever thrilled. I was shooting every day. Lifting weights at the gym and eating protein smoothies to help increase my bow weight quickly, down to 2 months now. Everything was going great until 3 days before we were to leave for Manitoba. I started shooting low and left, way low and left. Like missed bear low and left. I couldn’t figure it out and Bill didn’t have any idea either since he doesn’t shoot this way. I wasn’t dropping my arm, form was the same as well as follow through. Man I really did not want to try to shoot a bear with my recurve the way I was shooting, but I really didn’t want to take my compound. I went to work on the second day of bad shooting and realized my thumb was not hurting. The next day I noticed I had been rolling the string and tucking it behind the pad of my thumb which was causing low and left shots. Hallelujah I figured it out. I paid great attention to were my thumb was at on the string and shooting was perfect. Come on bears!!
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:campfire:
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:campfire:
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Getting good.
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:campfire: :coffee:
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:coffee:
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I took a few days off work on both sides of the hunt to allow for leisurely travel. We stopped at Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Manitoba, about 4 hours from camp, on the way up. We tent camped for 2 nights next to a beautiful lake at an unmaintained site. We did some hiking and a lot of sitting around the fire doing nothing, it was great.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0510.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0510.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0520.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0520.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0532.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0532.jpg.html)
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We never thought about it staying daylight so late until we got up there and it was 10:30 before it was dark and bright sunshine at 4:30 am. Bill was grumpy about that. Oh well the scenery made up for it.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0555.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0555.jpg.html)
A beaver that liked to swim by each morning and evening.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0540.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0540.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0559.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2013-04-04%20001/IMG_0559.jpg.html)
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i can't wait Bill!
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..... To me the Boreal Forrest be the most peaceful , beautiful place on Earth !
Very much enjoying the story and pics ;)
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We rolled into camp about noon on the first day. Camp was 10 kilometers off the road, so we weren’t for sure we were in the right place until we seen a white peaked roof of a wall tent peeking through the trees. Getting excited now! It was raining so everyone was in Ryan’s Airstream. We met another guide Manny and Earl who’s an aspiring guide. Brian “Big Sexy” Lance was already in camp and itching to get out to the stand.
Bill, AKA Eye Candy, had told Ryan, AKA Dapper Dan, before we left home that I like to hunt bears off the ground. No problem he said, I know just the spot. And boy did he ever!! The spot he had picked was another 9 kilometers from camp. For those of you who have been at Ryan’s camp you may remember Determination. Well this is about 500-600 yards past that bait and is set up as a Pressure Relief bait. Bill was going to sit with me to video, so we had to take 2 ATVs to the bait. During our adventure ATV ride we encountered some minor problem with one of the ATVs. Leaving us with one ATV, Bill and I had to go in one at a time. Bill went in first to set up the video equipment and then Ryan came back to get me.
When Ryan came back to get me he said, Oh it’s going to be a good night. There is already a bear on bait and it wouldn’t leave when Bill and I went in, I hope it’s still there. How big I said. Young one, not a shooter and NO it’s not BLONDE! Ok! Ok! I’ll try to restrain myself and not shoot the first one, which is hard for me since I am an equal opportunity hunter!
Sure enough this black 120#ish bear is STILL on the bait. Ryan and I go in, I get settled, talk some to Bill and it’s still there. He would look up every now and then to make sure we were still there, but obviously was not concerned. He stayed for probably an hour or so and got up and left.
Less than 30 minutes later another young black bear comes in and flops over like our German Shepherd pup and starts shoveling in the bait. Cool I thought, he has no idea we are 8 yards from him. Rope-a-dope, as we came to call the bear, was nice bear, long and tall, but skinny. He looked like an immature bear. Not what I was after. I looked over my shoulder at Bill who has the googly eyes for this bear and he’s saying that’s a nice bear. Yeah it is, but it’s young I said. Bill’s like you’re crazy, give me that bow! I finally convince Bill that I am NOT going to shoot this bear and we settle to watch him.
He did finally get our wind about 20-30 minutes into his feeding frenzy. He didn’t run off though. He got up and circled around us trying to get a better idea of what we were. He came close to us a couple of times. And when I say close I mean 3-4 yards! At one point he did a side step bluff at us while huffing and puffing up a storm. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous. I made sure Bill had the bear spray handy just in case he thought about coming closer.
He didn’t though. I think he just wanted us to know this was his food and he wasn’t going to take any guff off us. He went back to the bait, checking us over his shoulder every now and then. He was there for at least 1 ½ hours before his posture changed and he looked off into the woods behind us.
Tracy
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Not Rope-a-Dope or Junior, just another bear I saw.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0593.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0593.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0594.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0594.jpg.html)
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:campfire:
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Rope-a-dope stands up on a fallen tree and is intent on something in the brush. Oh boy, I thought, another bear!
Side bar, I’m used to hunting fall bear in Minnesota. Great hunt, wonderful people, not the population of bear like there is in Manitoba. Me and the other 5 hunters have left a 6 day hunt in Minnesota without anyone seeing a bear. So this is awesome.
I look back to the left and behind me and just see this black mass in the brush. Is that a VW Beetle I ask Bill. I think it must be he says. This thing is big and fat. A mature bear, just what I’m after (even though it’s not blonde). I looked at Bill and said this is my bear, be ready. The black mass starts to move and Rope-a-Dope does not like it. They square off about 10 feet from each other, 25-30 yards from where we are sitting. They do some grumbling and growling and that noise that a human cannot possibly make and the VW Beetle sends the other bear into flight.
At about 15 yards the Beetle winds us and huffs off to about 50 yards. Doesn’t leave, but lays down nose up in the air watching. It would circle us trying to catch our scent, grumbling some along the way, coming close to the bait and then walking back off. You could just tell though this bear WANTS that bait. This all lasted about 1 hour. The bear acts like it is going to come in several times, but just won’t. At least not until Rope-a-Dope shows back up.
Of course Rope-a-Dope is not worried about us and the VW Beetle won’t come in all the way to the bait. So he just comes back in and flops down. That was just more than the Beetle could take. So it comes into the bait and the 2 make challenging gestures and noises at one another, but decide they can tolerate each other as long as they were on opposite sides of the barrel.
Meanwhile during all of this I have already drawn on the VW Beetle 4 times!! It would either lay down, turn and walk away or go behind the barrel. OMG right! My nerves are shot!!! My knee was against Bill’s leg and he didn’t think I’d be able to get a clean shot because I was shaking so bad. I had already decided I was not going to take a shot unless everything was perfect. Not with how much my shooting would sometimes vary.
Finally the Beetle gives me the shot I was looking for and stayed still long enough to make it happen. Thoughts of a few days before leaving home played through my mind, missing my mark way low and way left. I thought forget that, I’m going to kill this bear. I picked a spot, drew and had perfect arrow flight. The arrow hit right where I wanted, just behind the shoulder. You could hear the crack of the broadhead (Grizzly single bevel 155 grain) breaking a rib as it hit home. The bear went about 50-60 yards before Bill seen it go down. The death moan followed a few seconds later. Oh what a relief. A clean quick kill using a new to me shooting technique.
Bill and I waited as long as we could stand it before going to look at my trophy. Beautiful. The VW Beetle turned out to be an old dry sow. I didn’t get a full pass through, but did get 2 holes. I was shooting my souped-up Zipper recurve, 40# at 25” (my actual draw) and arrow weight of 480.
Tracy
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A great pair of pictures Tracy to show how pictures of bears can be deceiving...in the first pic that bear looks kind of wide across the back and the ears appear kind of over on the sides of its head...in the second pic it is clear it has "dog" ears on the top of its head...even the skinny legs and short claws say it is not a very big bear...intially I typed that it was not a mature bear, but then I remember a Fish and Wildlife Officer telling us about a nuisance bear she shot in Northern Alberta...it was a healthy bear and about a hundred pounds...she pulled a tooth and sent it in for aging to find out what appeared to be a young sow was actually a five year old...genetics and short growing seasons can really affect bear size
DDave
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I'm not much of a story teller, but I hope you all enjoyed it. This was an awesome experience and I even enjoyed the adventure ATV ride. Thanks to everyone involved. Bill for setting it up. Ryan for great guiding and Manny for helping with the recovery. It was great to share a camp with Bryan and Earl as well.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0566.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0566.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0564.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0564.jpg.html)
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I thought you told a pretty good story,congratulations on a nice bear!
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Originally posted by damascusdave:
A great pair of pictures Tracy to show how pictures of bears can be deceiving...in the first pic that bear looks kind of wide across the back and the ears appear kind of over on the sides of its head...in the second pic it is clear it has "dog" ears on the top of its head...even the skinny legs and short claws say it is not a very big bear...intially I typed that it was not a mature bear, but then I remember a Fish and Wildlife Officer telling us about a nuisance bear she shot in Northern Alberta...it was a healthy bear and about a hundred pounds...she pulled a tooth and sent it in for aging to find out what appeared to be a young sow was actually a five year old...genetics and short growing seasons can really affect bear size
DDave
The bear in those pictures ended up being a very aggressive sow with a 40# cub.Her cub thought he could whip the world and he did ok as long as momma was close by. The 40#er did push his luck with a 125ish pound blonde bear. He narrowly escaped in tact. Tracy and I thought it was pretty entertaining but that cub and momma did not think so. Momma came running in and sent the blonde out with his tail tucked.
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Awesome Tracy :thumbsup:
Beautiful bear and a fine story. Loved all the nicknmaes...they are VERY fitting :biglaugh:
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Oh by the way. Junior came back to check out the barrel while we were field dressing my bear and heard us talking. He came to see what all the commotion was about.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0575.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0575.jpg.html)
A bear den we came across
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0605.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0605.jpg.html)
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A great bear hunting lesson there in the simple words "I have already drawn on the VW Beetle 4 times"...that is what let you make a great double lung shot with a dead bear close by, no fuss no muss...that is the sign of a savvy and ethical hunter...well done
DDave
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Well done,congrats! I ain't understud what bow you were shooting!
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Originally posted by cacciatore:
Well done,congrats! I ain't understood what bow you were shooting!
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WooooHoooo Tracy, Congrats on a nice bear. I love it when I shake like that - and I still do.
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I shoot a 56" SXT carbon and foam recurve limbs.
Tracy
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Other camp pictures
Couldn't leave home without Moe.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0614.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0614.jpg.html)
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0610.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0610.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0611.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0611.jpg.html)
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Sitting around the campfire.
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I was a little slow with the camera trying to catch Blondie chasing the cub up a tree.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0583-1.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0583-1.jpg.html)
The cub waiting for it to be safe to come down.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0580-1.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/TRACY-PC/Pictures/2014-05-30%20001/IMG_0580-1.jpg.html)
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Well done Tracy. Your story brings back memories from my past trips to Stickflingers. For a minute there, I thought a sow we named Monna had moved over from Determination. She should be ready to come in heat this year. There was a real tall male, about 7-footer that I past up last year hanging around as well. His face was rubbed and needed to hill out his head. Thanks for the stories, Mike
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All that action while sitting on the ground :scared: :scared:
Thanks for sharing a great adventure and congrats on your Manitoba bear ....
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Congratz!!! Great y'all sharing the experience
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Congrats Tracy!!! That is a great looking bear!
Bill, did you hunt too?
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Congrats. That's a great looking bear and one awfully sharp looking zipper bow!
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congrats on your Bear tracy and thanks for taking us along and this is about as close as i want to get to one of them. ( on the other side of the world Down under in Gods own country where nothing bites or kills ya) :laughing: well done you two
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Wow, great story and super bear..
Also a great shot and clean kill...
Congratulations !
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:clapper:
Again Tracy, congratulations on a fine bear and a great story. I truly enjoyed meeting both you and Bill and hope we can share another campfire somewhere down the road. And Moe is about the best camp dog I every met.
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Awesome!
Way to go and congrats, Tracy!
Bisch
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:thumbsup: Cool beans.......
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Great Stuff ! :thumbsup:
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:thumbsup: :thumbsup: I thought the narrative of your hunt was exceptional!!! Congrats on a fine bear Tracy!! I like to hear how you didn't let your injury get the best of you. Awesome!!
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Way to go Tracy! :thumbsup:
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Outstanding story. Really great the way you fought your way through your shooting issues Tracy....and then got "a hole in one! " congratulations!
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Tracy,great story and beautiful bear! You're hard-headedness when it came to pushing thru your shooting woes and the final result is just top shelf!
Enjoying the outdoors together and having a chance to enjoy a hunt like Stickflingers is awesome. The spillover from Determination (been there, done that) produced for ya. Congrats fellow NP!!! Congrats to both of you :campfire:
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Congrats! You went through a lot for that bear! Great photos!!
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Congrats! Also great story.
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Awesome!!! Congrats to all!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Congrats again Tracy on a fantastic bear, thanks for sharing your story and the pics. I really enjoyed meeting you and Bill as well as Moe. And thanks to Bill for letting me shoot his Zippers in camp, that was a real treat.
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GREATJOB TRACY!! way to close the deal on a fine bear can't wait to see the video :campfire:
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Congrats Tracy !!! You did an excellent job telling the story. I actually felt as though I was sitting there with you and Bill. :thumbsup:
Any idea what your Bear weighed?
Bill
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Awesome story and great bear!
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Tracy,
Great job on a great hunt. I really appreciate your taking the time to post your hunt and pics because I show them as an example to my young daughters of women hunting. We use your specs of draw weight and arrow weight to set goals/benchmarks for hunting caliber setups for them that are real world proven. They're not old enough to hunt yet, but close, and again I appreciate the example you provide. Nice work!
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Thanks Guys! I tried to write the story as though I was reliving it.
Bill, they don't weigh bears there, so I don't know what she weighed. We measured her at 6'.
Tracy
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Originally posted by NBK:
Tracy,
Great job on a great hunt. I really appreciate your taking the time to post your hunt and pics because I show them as an example to my young daughters of women hunting. We use your specs of draw weight and arrow weight to set goals/benchmarks for hunting caliber setups for them that are real world proven. They're not old enough to hunt yet, but close, and again I appreciate the example you provide. Nice work!
Thanks so much! I do try to let other women and those with short draw know you can successfully hunt big game with traditional archery equipment with the proper setup and determination. However I never considered myself as an example to others. Good luck to your girls and thanks for your post!
Tracy
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Well done Tracy. Thanks for taking us along with the great account of the hunt Bill.
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Thanks for taking us along on the hunt Tracy. So glad you were able overcome your situation and be successful. True grit is what you are sister! Awesome bear!
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Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Thanks for taking us along on the hunt Tracy. So glad you were able overcome your situation and be successful. True grit is what you are sister! Awesome bear!
Thanks Tom! I'm sure most people who know me wouldn't think I could "say" so many words at one time.
Tracy
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Way to go Tracy!! Well done changing release techniques and gettin it done!
A great trophy!
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Nice bear Tracy and great shooting . :archer2:
I got to say you told a wonderfull hunting story felt the shakes while I read. :eek:
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Smile says it all! Way to go Tracy...you really figured out that thumb shooting style.
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Very nice story.
Thanks for sharing.
Been shooting my beautiful Ebony/Maple/Carbon SXT
exclusively since it arrived.
Thanks for all the hard work you guys do in making them.
Finest bow in my collection.
So glad you could shoot yours too.
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Great story and hunt. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing.
homebru
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Congratulations on a successful hunt!
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Congrats Tracy. Beautiful bear!!
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Awesome congrats Tracy.
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Congrats and the write up was one of the best I have read in a good wee while. Much better than I can write. :)
When you said you like to hunt bears off the ground, I thought you meant like way up high in a stand not from on the ground? So which one is it?
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Tracy, that was a great story on many levels! The narrative, the frustrations, determination, anxiety and eventual elation were all very clear to me. In short...now THAT'S a huntin' story!!! Well done in all aspects!
Congratulations on a hard-earned and well deserved bear!
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You Dunn real good, Tracy!!!!!
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Great Work Tracy, wonderful story and bear! It does bring back fond memories for me as well
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Originally posted by Dogboy900:
Congrats and the write up was one of the best I have read in a good wee while. Much better than I can write. :)
When you said you like to hunt bears off the ground, I thought you meant like way up high in a stand not from on the ground? So which one is it?
Ryan made a blind on the ground using pine limbs and other brush. It was a perfect setup. The bait was 8-10 yards away.
Tracy
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I've seen the video from Tracy's hunt that included footage of Rope-A-Dope acting aggressive at 3 yards. Let's just say if I ever try something like that there will be two pieces of equipment required :
A can of bear spray
A box of Depends
:scared: :scared:
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Originally posted by Whip:
I've seen the video from Tracy's hunt that included footage of Rope-A-Dope acting aggressive at 3 yards. Let's just say if I ever try something like that there will be two pieces of equipment required :
A can of bear spray
A box of Depends
:scared: :scared:
:biglaugh:
I did have to check my underwear after he laid back down!
Tracy
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LMAO way to funny tracy. where was Bill when all this was going on . i know he was up a tree right LOL!!!
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It was really cool overcoming everything with your shooting. Having to think about a clean release because of your change in method makes it much more difficult of a feat. The perfect shot had to be so satisfying. Congrats again and my wife and I enjoyed sharing the the first take of your video with you and Bill. Also thanks to Joe and Irene for the bluegill feast right after.
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Well done Tracy!!
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Is the video on here yet?
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Congrats! BIG TIME!
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Originally posted by zipper bowss:
Originally posted by Dogboy900:
Congrats and the write up was one of the best I have read in a good wee while. Much better than I can write. :)
When you said you like to hunt bears off the ground, I thought you meant like way up high in a stand not from on the ground? So which one is it?
Ryan made a blind on the ground using pine limbs and other brush. It was a perfect setup. The bait was 8-10 yards away.
Tracy [/b]
Wow!That has to be the coolest way to hunt bears! All I can say is you are one brave hunter, well done I am impressed :clapper:
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Tracey, I never had any doubt you could pull this off.
You didn't disappoint in the slightest. Its a good thing you didn't listen to Bill and shoot the dink.
We all know he wanted you to shoot it because he was shaking like a little wuss behind the camera. ;) ;)
Congrats, Beautiful Bear and even better story! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
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I did hear some whimpering, but after looking around I realized that was me LOL!
Bill was on the ground right behind me with the bear spray in hand. I made sure he kept it handy.
Hopefully I'll get to the video within the next week. Can't promise though, I've got to go back to work day after tomorrow.
Tracy
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Originally posted by smoke1953:
It was really cool overcoming everything with your shooting. Having to think about a clean release because of your change in method makes it much more difficult of a feat. The perfect shot had to be so satisfying. Congrats again and my wife and I enjoyed sharing the the first take of your video with you and Bill. Also thanks to Joe and Irene for the bluegill feast right after.
It was great getting to stop off at Joe and Irene's and have dinner with you and Ellen as well. Hopefully we can do it again as long as Joe promises to cook bluegill!
Tracy
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Tracy, congrats on a beautiful bear!
I loved the story, very well told and I could tell from your writing how close you were. Very exciting.
The persistence and perseverance says loads about you.
Overcoming obstacles and adapting to new techniques to continue doing something you obviously love........priceless!
The smile does say it all!
WELL DONE TRACY!!!!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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CONGRATS!! TRACY!! :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper: :goldtooth: :goldtooth:
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Thats a fine bear Tracy!
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Nicely done, congratulations.
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Great job Tracy.
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I am glad that you did not stuff blueberry pancakes in Bill's pants! I would not want a cookie crumb in my pocket with all those bears around especially being on the ground! :scared:
I guess that bear sausage and blueberry pancakes is on the menu!!
Awesome job, congrats!
Benjy
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Great story and congratulations! One day I hope my daughter can write a similar story. You are a true inspiration to all female hunters!
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Originally posted by Benjy:
I am glad that you did not stuff blueberry pancakes in Bill's pants! I would not want a cookie crumb in my pocket with all those bears around especially being on the ground! :scared:
I guess that bear sausage and blueberry pancakes is on the menu!!
Awesome job, congrats!
Benjy
How do you think I got the bears so close? I covered Bill in syrup ;) .
Blueberry pancakes and bear sausage is definitely on the menu for the next outing!
Tracy
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Originally posted by Lefty:
Great story and congratulations! One day I hope my daughter can write a similar story. You are a true inspiration to all female hunters!
I love hearing parents are involving their children in archery/hunting, especially girls.
I never intended to be an inspiration. Heck I was going to let Bill post pictures tell about the hunt. Not because I didn't want to share my experience. Just that Bill's the talker, not me. He wouldn't have it though. He said I should write about changing my shooting style, that people would enjoy hearing about it. I had never even considered other people would be interested until he mentioned it.
I'm so glad I did post the story now, especially after hearing from you and NBK.
Thanks everyone for the congratulations!
Tracy
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:clapper:
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Another great thread. Congrats! And great pics!
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Any word from week three hunters at Stickflingers?
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Well....ain't that just dandy !!!!!
Great story and pics. ...congrats to you both, and thanks for sharing.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Way to go Tracy. Thanks for sharing. Sat at determination last year. GOOOOD TIMES. Congrats on a fine bear.
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Nicely done Tracy. Looks like you guys had a great time. I too will echo how great the services were at Stickflingers.
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Nicely done Tracy !!!! Congratulations
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Nice job Tracy! Great pics and story. The trials a d tribulations are what makes a trip like this special and rewarding. Nice work!
Chris K
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Great hunt and great story! Congratulations Tracy on overcoming your setbacks and accomplishing your goals...very inspiring!
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WOW!!!!!!! :notworthy: :clapper:
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Originally posted by zipper bowss:
I love hearing parents are involving their children in archery/hunting, especially girls.
I never intended to be an inspiration. Heck I was going to let Bill post pictures tell about the hunt. Not because I didn't want to share my experience. Just that Bill's the talker, not me. He wouldn't have it though. He said I should write about changing my shooting style, that people would enjoy hearing about it. I had never even considered other people would be interested until he mentioned it.
I'm so glad I did post the story now, especially after hearing from you and NBK.
Thanks everyone for the congratulations!
Tracy
The best role models don't become one because they want to be. They simply do things that other people respect, look up to and can take inspiration from. You meet all of those Tracy, and I can imagine will be used as a fine example for all kinds of women, young girls, and yes, even guys. You've demonstrated repeatedly that a hunter of any gender can ethically hunt big game with lighter bows when set up correctly.
Heck, you've inspired me to try to take a bear from the ground without a blind. What a rush that had to be!
Well done! I really think you need to work this up into a magazine article. The more people that can read and take inspiration from your story the better!
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Thanks again everyone.
I think 4 people had bear down last time I heard anything from the Stickflingers camp. I'm unsure of the details.
Joe, I've been considering submitting an article to a magazine just for that reason. We'll see if I can fit it into my crazy schedule.
Tracy