Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: KentuckyTJ on December 17, 2014, 09:43:00 PM
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First week of December, 9 of us from PBS and TradGang joined Matt Schuster from an open invite to hunt on the majestical Blackbeard Island WMA deer/hog hunt off the coast of Georgia. The pictures and stories to come from 9 of some of the best guys and gals to have in a camp, will show what a great time it was for all of us.
The islands history and its iconic hunters from our past make this trip very interesting to us all. Its deer (which are a subspecies of our whitetail and are VERY small) also added a new twist for most of us on this adventure.
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I hope you enjoy this as much as we did! Let the tales begin...
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Man, do i hate catching these threads when only 1 post has been posted.. ahh!!! Some how I always manage to miss the end of it.
I can't wait to hear it though!!
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Well the Black Beard Hunt has come and gone. We had an absolutely awesome time and a successful hunt. I think we may have even recruited a few new members. Some quick statistics: Black Beard Island host 2 hunts a year, one in October and one in December. On the October hunt they had 147 bowhunters and harvested 87 deer and 7 hogs. For the December hunt there were 155 bowhunters (10 PBS brothers) and there were 39 deer killed and only 3 hogs (piglets). We had some weather issues as well as a full moon to contend with. We had a white out fog two days in a row that was thick as pea soup. I will be posting pictures and adding my part to the story later this evening as I get a chance to post. For now just know there was blood drawn from the PBS Gang!
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This would be my first hunt in the state of Georgia, but for sure not my last. I pulled out of my driveway last Tuesday around 3:00 pm headed to Statesville N.C. to meet up with Jeff then on to Georgia to rendezvous with Tim at the Holiday Inn Express. We arrived at the hotel about 2:00 am. Tim, I'm sure you hated to let us in so late, but thanks a ton for letting us crash in your room long enough to catch a few winks. For some unknown reason I always have a really hard time getting to sleep just prior to a hunt. As usual I had just found sleep when the alarm sounded. Splashed some cold water in my face and scrubbed the pearly whites and we headed out to meet up with the rest of the gang to mooch off of Joe's breakfast buffet. At least the coffee was good :lol:.
After the meet and greet it was time to head to camp. The drive to Shellman's Bluff brief and the fog had rolled in.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7215-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-51.jpg)
Word had it that there would be some pretty elaborate camps set up and that we could bring just about anything we wanted. Pulling up to the dock the entire gang pitched in to unload each vehicle of all it's contents. Some how I ended up with my jumper cables and other assorted road hazard gear bag :D . We had chartered 2 boats to carry all the equipment and hopefully the hunters that went with it.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7114-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-1.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7119-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-3.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7121-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-4.jpg)
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This trip fulfilled a long time dream of mine. I remember reading about adventures on Blackbeard Island years ago and it has stuck in my mind as a place I hope to visit ever since. When Matt took the initiative to put this trip together as a PBS membership hunt I knew I had to find a way to make it happen. As a Wisconsin boy, a trip to hunt an island along ocean beaches in December was too much to resist. Blackbeard was every bit as exotic and beautiful as I had imagined it to be.
PBS is a great organization that I have really enjoyed being a part of. Membership hunts like this are held in all parts of the country for a wide variety of species but this was the first one that I had participated in. I can tell you it won't be the last!
The group that assembled for this hunt were some of the finest people I've had the pleasure of sharing a camp with and I would love to do so again with each and every one of them. But I guess that should come as no surprise since that is just the type of people who you meet at any PBS function.
I am currently in the middle of another trip and all of my pictures are on my home computer. So I will have to wait to add my small share of this story. But rest assured, you are in for a good read. The rest of the group are some great story tellers and even better photographers. I will try to chime in when I can.
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Double post
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This is going to be outstanding!
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Glad to see this being posted on Tradgang as well. :thumbsup: This would have been an awesome hunt to be a part of.
Bill
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This is gonna be goooooooood!
Bisch
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Yeah, I want to hear stories, and see pictures ! Git busy fellers !
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:campfire:
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Very cool Tom....looking forward to the story. Timmy Antoine and I grew up not far from each other. Small world. :thumbsup:
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Matt? Matt?
You got to hunt with MATT???
Dang...I sure miss him in camp. Matt, lets try to hook up sometime next year please....somehow sometime, somewhere.
Looking forward to this hunt. I always enjoyed Matt's company. Great guy folks.
(Matt, I text you about 3 weeks ago, but I got 3 numbers for you, must have sent it to the wrong one)
I'll be looking forward to reading about this one....would have loved to have been there for sure.
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Tap, tap, tap...... Uncle Robbie..... :dunno:
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This is going to be great
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I'll make my intro short and sweet as Rob will cover it well with his great pics and story telling skillz. The boats were quit full to say the least, but we quickly had them loaded and off on our adventure. Everyone pitched in and helped load all the gear not just their own. Right then I knew this was going to be a special trip.
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After a moist boat ride we had arrived at the island dock.
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At the island and for a second time, everyone pitched in and it didn't take long to gather our pile for the transition to the camp.
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Terry he's in our club, y'all need to get together and actually hunt it sometime. There was hog sign all over the place last weekend, got into a good group of hogs in the cutover but got busted 3 times trying to stalk them.
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:campfire:
:archer:
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Thanks Mark...I hear ya...I just gotta get down there soon. Just so dang busy....I might need the directions and info again....I'll see...had to delete a wad of emails due to reaching my limit and I don't know if yours got caught up in it or not.
I'm liking this thread already....any hunt that starts with a boat ride HAS to be good!!!
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Man, this gets me excited to do a hunt with a group of people! This is what it's really all about!
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:campfire:
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On the short trip from the dock to the grassy opening which is camp for all, you could tell this was a magical and mysterious place. The stage was set for a great adventure.
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The camp time is the best on these trips and this one would prove to be the pinnacle of that statement with the folks we had assembled and the fact that it never rained. I had shared a camp or two with Bill and Tracy and they are top shelf as most know, but I also got to meet 7 others that I have only known from behind a keyboard. I am very glad I got to spend time with them all. The professionalism at camp, for our game and the critters we chase was oozing out of each of them. It was very impressive.
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After setup Rob Peel hung his bow in a moss covered live oak close to his tent and it was a sight to behold. For those of you that know Rob, you know what a great dude he is. I set my tent beside his and he was quick to let me know that it might sound like someone is sawing logs in his tent at night. I quickly picked it up, thanked him and moved it across the way. That turned out to be a bad move as the side I was now on definitely had the log sawing contest winner on it. Haha
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TJ's quote of the trip winners for the week!
Jeff Holchin - "I once lost my wedding band in a gut pile".
Bill Dunn - Out of the blue, on the way home in the truck when it was very quiet and we were all resting "Dang it, I forgot my rack"!
Hahaha!
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Is this kinda fun legal?
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Love the name of the boat in the pic. lol. one of these days I'll make it down south to hunt hogs. there aren't any up here.
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:campfire:
This is so cool. More...more...more!!
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Great post!
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This hunt might turn out to be as cool as the adventure in the movie "King Kong". That dock pic sure reminds me of Skull Island.
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What a great hunt this was!! You know how when you have had a great weekend hunting with friends and its time to leave. Your already making plans to do it again next year. That was just how this trip went. This island hunt is so unique. The deer are tiny in comparison to any whitetails I have ever hunted but in this case tiny deer equal big fun.
My only regret is not getting a picture of my "Monster" buck. His head gear was so large you had to move the hair away to even see that he had antlers! That is why Tom's quote from the ride home struck him so funny.
My story takes place on the last evening of the hunt so I'll wait until later to tell it.There are also many more excellent photos to share as well.
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Nice group picture! But I see a Rose between those thorns! Good luck hunters.
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I used to be a loner, but the PBS group hunts have allowed me to meet other serious bowhunters from all around the country, and hunt new areas and new animals. This hunt is my third group hunt of the year!
Hunting with a professional photographer (Rob) can be intimidating for a hunter with a crappy camera and little photography skill, but here are a few random photos from the hunt..
I am glad that we went with the charters who knew the area instead of trying to use our own boats - one group got lost in the fog, took some wrong turns and ended up swamping their boat in the pounding surf and nearly got themselves killed! I'd love to know the story of this lost boat..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/unluclyboat_zps1d0cb35f.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/unluclyboat_zps1d0cb35f.jpg.html)
It was obvious pretty quick that the island veterns had their good spots and claimed them early. We heard that many had come over the weekend prior to the hunt and hung their stands, and some had come over the evening before the hunt and slept in their boats at the island dock, so that they could check in early and claim their spots. Claiming a spot was done by hanging a piece of toilet paper on the trail or road close to the stand. With over 150 hunters and many newbies like us, there was sometimes a line of hunters heading out from camp...
Here Tim, Rob, Matt and I head for the south end of the island with other hunters.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/footracetothegoodspots_zps1fa16302.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/footracetothegoodspots_zps1fa16302.jpg.html)
We arrived at noon on wednesday, set up camp- and went out scouting. Rob, Tim and I headed to the very north end of the island and picked several good-looking spots. We passed many live oaks but I did not see an acorn until friday. However, we did see fresh deer and hog sign at the beach..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/freshtracksinthesurf_zpsf3a4dc6b.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/freshtracksinthesurf_zpsf3a4dc6b.jpg.html)
Rob in particular enjoyed hunting along the beach..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Robenjoyingthebeach_zpsa59a5fc4.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Robenjoyingthebeach_zpsa59a5fc4.jpg.html)
Every night the excitement built as the deer were brought into the check-in area, examined and processed. Two very nice bucks were killed on this hunt, including one in this photo..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/checkinginthedeer_zps103f423b.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/checkinginthedeer_zps103f423b.jpg.html)
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:campfire:
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I sure enjoyed following your adventure on the PBS forums.
Awesome place and great Group of people. You have to be a great shot to hit such small targets :readit: ;)
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Been looking for this one. I had pretty good intel that something got brought home.
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I have always wanted to hunt blackbeard since hearing the stories. It was a great experience. Most days, Jeff, Rob, and I walked over 8 miles a day to hunt the North end of the island. I had two shot opportunities on deer but opted to pass for hogs. The one hog I saw crossing the road from the marsh was really running. So fast that I do not think I could of shot him with a shotgun. The goverment is trying to eradicate hogs from the island due to their disturbing of sea turtle nest. Shooting hogs has really reduced their numbers.
I found myself walking around looking at the different flora, exploring, while hunting. Resting on the beach with our stickbows seemed a little out of place also. I kept thinking about beach chairs.
I am looking forward to next time and hearing more stories from around the camp. Tim in NC
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Well, Terry, you'll have to come next year. We will definitely be doing it again. Although Blackbeard is an enchanting place, and begs to be revisited, what made this trip was the people. It was just a great group of dedicated, passionate, bowhunters and I look forward to hunting with all of them down the road somewhere. I do wish I had followed Rob around more and got some picture-taking tips, his pictures of the hunt are outstanding.
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I'm sure the bikes played a part. I'd like to hear about all the bikes taken over.
I wish I could have been there with my PBS brothers too.
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Matt, the food stamp card and the lottery stories was one of the highlights of the trip for me. Everyone at work enjoyed them as well. It was the first time I have heard my dad laugh in a while.
We will hunt together again.
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Originally posted by Biathlonman:
Been looking for this one. I had pretty good intel that something got brought home.
Brad was good enough to let me park my truck at his home so Bill and Tracy could enjoy my company. Many thanks again Brother! Trad gang guys are the best.
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Enjoying this one already. Keep it coming! :campfire:
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quote:
Originally posted by SheltonCreeker:
Enjoying this on already. Keep it coming! :thumbsup:
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Rob had good cell reception so he called his wife while sunning himself on a coastal island with his PBS buddies. She was slaving at work earning money while he was goofing around. I knew that my wife was hard at work also, but I decided to not disturb her. Note Rob's choice in footwear - I bet those pack boots won't make the next trip!
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/beachbum_zps9c28ab42.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/beachbum_zps9c28ab42.jpg.html)
Speaking of cell phones, it was amusing to walk into the bathroom and see 20-30 phones being charged. Many of us (including me) have a hard time "cutting the cord", even while hunting..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/phonecharging_zpsa77d2056.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/phonecharging_zpsa77d2056.jpg.html)
The very best times, for me at least, were when we sat around the fire, ate good food and enjoyed each other's company.....
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Fellowshiparoundthefire_zps9de1d0de.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Fellowshiparoundthefire_zps9de1d0de.jpg.html)
The island has quite the history and we barely scratched the surface in exploring it, partly because you had to be on stand from 6:30 to 9 am and from 3:30 to 5:30 pm (no walking about then). Tim and I did find the old island crematory...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Timatcremetory_zps5c5a2bd9.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Timatcremetory_zps5c5a2bd9.jpg.html)
Here is some history related to that artifact:
In 1880 the U.S. Marine Hospital Service opened the South Atlantic Quarantine Station at Blackbeard Island to monitor oceangoing shipping entering the Georgia ports of Savannah, Darien, and Brunswick. The quarantine station was built in response to the yellow fever epidemic of 1876, which claimed 1,000 lives in Savannah alone. Yellow fever, typically spread by mosquitoes, was usually introduced to the American mainland by ships arriving from tropical Caribbean waters. Vessels bound for U.S. southern Atlantic ports were required to report to Blackbeard for inspection and, if necessary, disinfection. The disinfecting station, built on wharves extending into Sapelo Sound from Blackbeard's north end, was composed of tanks and a rail track to expedite the removal of ballast stone from the holds of ships contaminated by yellow fever. In 1904 a brick crematory was built; it is the only structure from the quarantine era that still remains on Blackbeard Island. Marine hospital records do not note that this device was ever used for its intended purpose—to cremate the bodies of yellow fever victims.
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After camp was set we were free to roam the island searching for potential spots to hunt. My plan was to find as many hot live oak trees as I could find. Problem was that even though they were literally everywhere on the Northern end of the island getting to them was another story. As soon as you stepped off the road the jungle rose to what seemed 8-10' above the ground immediately. I made it to check quit a few trees but never found a single nut.
With my first day scouting info I naturally decided to go where I had seen the most deer sign in the sand on the roads since this island is massive and ultra thick. I concentrated on at short dike which was the beginning of the "Middle Trail" and separated two swampy slews. I had found a path dumping into a long slew off the 90 degree bend in the road which had a bunch of tracks, rubs and what appeared to be a still active scrape by a large bush. I headed back to camp to get my stand and steps and rode right back and hung my stand in a tree that owned this spot if anything were to filter my way.
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This little 150 yard stretch is where Joe, Tracy and I ended up spending most our time and at last count I believe we had accumulated 21 deer sightings.
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On this dikes 150 yards there were multiple freshly used paths dumping up and down it in the sand. Come to find out later Bill had also found this spot but he had no toilet paper to mark it and therefore was open to the public (which included me) Haha.
Next morning we all ate a bite, drank some coffee (thank God for Joe and his maker) and headed our own ways off into the darkness. Joe and I made the mile walk in short order and our first days with bows in hand on this beautiful island began.
At day break the fog had rolled in and made for a very moist first morning.
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We couldn't cut any limbs as this is a WMA so we all had to tie back the branches with rope in order to create our shooting lanes.
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Morning one ended for me with no deer sightings.
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Good stuff, keep it coming!
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this is awesome,more please.
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That evening I decided to give the stand another chance and climbed aboard before the 3:30 deadline. This hunt was different. At 3:40 I looked to the right and caught movement in the tall native grass. A doe had popped out of the palmetto jungle and began feeding on the short green grass at the edge of the water.
Here is a short video of her.
http://youtu.be/uxsFcSUlwog
At about 25 yards and with the windy conditions and them being such a small target I didn't feel comfortable taking the shot. She fed slowly on down the edge and out of sight. At about 5 I turned around to look in the direction she had gone to see a small buck. He continued on the same path she had taken simply backward right past.
At dark I lowered my gear and climbed down. As I was about to pop out on the road from my trail I noticed a deer in the darkness just down the road feeding on the bushes. I waited a little while and she walked back down into the swamp off the dike. I walked over there and with my flashlight discovered her food source, little blue berries of some sort. The light (under my solar panel) went on.
Day one in the books for me but oh how I was looking forward to our first camp fire.
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Enjoying it fellas...keep it coming!!
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Originally posted by KentuckyTJ:
The light (under my solar panel) went on.
:biglaugh: That is what Tom calls his bald spot! His solar panel. :biglaugh: I had forgotten about that. You learn all kinds of things when you hunt with an old guy. :D :laughing:
Bill
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Great stuff,thanks for sharing. Hunting camps have something magic it isn't just the hunt.
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Great stuff guys!
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This is totally cool guys! Thanks for bringing us along & keep up the good work! LOL
Kenny :campfire:
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Is there anyone else out there?
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My story took place on the last day of the hunt but I'll go ahead and post it up now.
Tom, Rob B., Tim and I left camp on the last evening at the same time. We were all headed to the middle road. Tracy decided that she was not going to hunt the last evening so I was headed to her stand that Tom had so graciously hung for her.I did not bring any tree stands for us because quite frankly we had far too much gear to deal with already. Plus I had no idea what the Island looked like or even if a stand would be usable I will definitely bring a stand on the next trip to the island. It was sure nice to get up above all of that cover for a change. This stand was located in a low drainage that has since dried up.Where the water had receded there was a bunch of young violets coming up. Tracy had told me that she had seen the deer feeding on those violets.There was also an amazing trail coming from the swamp on the opposite side of the road into this little drainage. In fact Tracy had seen 9 deer there throughout the hunt.
I had not much more than gotten settled into the stand when I saw Joe headed down the middle road. I waved him over to let him know where everyone had gone along the road and to try to talk him into taking Tracy's stand for the evening. The spot that the stand was located in was actually marked by Joe. I really wanted him to sit that stand that evening since he gave up the spot to Tracy. He would have none of it and moved off to another spot that he had found that was only a hundred yards or so away.
About 8 or 10 minutes after Joe moved off I saw him pop out in a clearing. He waved to me and I waved back.Then he moved into the thick brush again. I was thinking to myself that is just about the direction that the deer I had saw from this stand that same morning went. Sure enough a few minutes later I could hear something coming in my direction through the palmettos. At about 30 yards the movement in the palmettos stopped soon all was quiet again except the birds picking seeds from the weeds around the stand.
It was a good hour later when I heard that same clump of palmettos start to rattle again. Sure enough out steps a deer. It started to feed on the young violet shoots and ever so slowly work toward me. This little buck was nervous. Every time he heard something real or imagined he would jerk his head up and flinch like he was about to bolt.He would then stare in the direction he had come which was also the direction Joe had gone.I suppose Joe may have bumped the deer going into his hunting spot for the evening.
To my surprise when this "monster island buck" all of 40#-50# came out I got excited like it was a booner back home.That really surprised me. I gave myself and the deer as much time as I felt comfortable allowing him and me to try to calm down.Finally at 15 yards and nearly perfectly broadside he entered a hole in the tall weeds. The shooting lane was about 8 inches wide with tall weeds on both sides. The whole was plenty big and the deer vitals were centered in the opening. Since I knew the little bugger was a little bit spooky I aimed extra low picking a the spot right at the bucks elbow just up from the bottom of his body an inch or so.Once I had my spot burned in my mind I drew an shot.
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When I make a good shot on game I usually don't remember drawing the bow, anchoring, the sight picture or much about the shot except the arrow flight. It just seems like if I'm really locked onto my target once the shot is presented it just happens. I know it may sound strange but that is the way it works for me. This shot was one of those shots.I can see the arrow spiraling to the deer and the impact but I sure don't remember how it got there :D
I clearly saw the arrow hit to the left of center of my hole I was shooting through. I was sure I had hit the deer 3 or 4 inches back from my intended spot. The arrow went through the deer like he was not even there. Much like you would expect on any deer shot through the lungs but it did not sound right. We all know that hollow pumpkin like sound an arrow makes when impacting too far back. I clearly heard it on this little deer.
After the shot the buck did not really run. He took a few hops then stopped. He then stood stone still for what seemed like 5 minutes or more he was not more than 12 or 15 yards from where I shot him and still in the small flooded opening. After standing there looking around he began to arch his back just slightly and then laid down. From his reaction and the sound at the impact of the arrow I knew I had some guts in that shot but was hoping that I was correct in that I was only a few inches back and would also have gotten the liver in the shot as well.He only laid down for a couple of minutes and then got up to move into the thick cover. I quickly lost sight of the deer.
Listening closely I thought I heard a twig snap in the direction he had walked off about 25 or 30 yards behind where he had first laid down. I decided to give it an hour and then sneak over and look at my arrow. Luckily the ground was still soft and damp from the recent flooding so I knew it would be quiet to get to my arrow. After the hours wait I snuck out of the stand and over to my arrow. It was buried deep in the soft muck which wiped the first half of my arrow clean of sign. Only the mud remained. The back half of the arrow told the story. It definitely had gut material along with some blood which gave me hope for the liver as well.One thing puzzled me though. The arrow clearly had gut material on it but it did not smell right. It did not smell like an arrow that had been through a deers gut.
As I turned to go back to the stand to wait for darkness I stepped on a small twig. At the crack of the twig I heard something behind a large palmetto move. I thought sure it was my deer because it was just on the other side of the brush I had lost sight of him in. I had misjudged where he had laid down. Luckily I did not hear him move anywhere. I only heard the initial noise of what I assume was him standing up so I quietly snuck back to the stand to wait for dark.
As darkness fell I met up with Tom, and Rob and Joe eventually joined us as well for the walk back to camp to make a game plan for recovering this deer. Back at camp we all ate dinner and discussed our options. As I'm sure you can guess and even though it was a mile walk I did not have to ask for help when it was time to go back and track my deer.There were more than enough volunteers.
Once we got to the sight of the shot we all started looking for sign. I believe it was Rob or Tom who spotted the first bit of blood. Then Matt and Joe heard movement. After a few minutes we figured out that an armadillo was trying to crash our party and that was the movement that they had heard. The thing is though Rob and Tom had also heard movement but in the direction the blood sign led. Rob and Tom tried to stay on the track while Joe, Matt and I tried to circle some of the tangle of vines, palmetto, and a general mess of tangles to try to pick up the track. Needless to say our plan to circle around was hopeless as the whole area was a mess of tangles. Luckily Rob and Tom did a real nice impression of a tracking dog and found OUR prize at the end of the trail.
THANKS AGAIN FOR THE HELP!!
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Back at the designated camping area there was a nice area all set up for getting your deer skinned and boned. Once the buck was hung and ready for boning out it was time to see just what happened with the shot. The shot was in deed farther back than I expected. It took the buck right through the middle from top to bottom and well behind the lungs and even behind the liver. I still can not understand the lack of smell on the arrow. It just does not make since. The best I can figure since the deer was a bit spooky he must has lunged at the shot making the impact farther back than I expected. The reason I say that is because the hole in the weeds that I shot through was not nearly wide enough for me to get an arrow back that far on the deer. It just reinforcement that what we think happens at the shot is not always what actually happens.
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Awesome hunt report! I can't get over the size difference between those deer and those here in Michigan.
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Originally posted by Hawken1911:
Awesome hunt report! I can't get over the size difference between those deer and those here in Michigan.
I'm with you, Paul. I knew they would be small but I never expected them to be as small as they are.
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Day two I decided to return to the treestand since it seemed to be coming to life somewhat. But with all the tracks on the road and the food source I saw the doe eating on the night before on my mind, a different strategy was rolling around in my head. I found myself climbing down at the 9 am no walking cuttoff to explore the new area just up at the end of my entry trail. I walked to the berry bush and snapped a pic of them. No idea what they are, they looked liked tiny blueberries though but she sure liked them.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/nvd2jr.jpg)
The wind was coming out of the NE and blowing over the road from the berry bush which was perfect. I began looking for a spot to set up a ground blind as there were no trees close enough. I found a suitable spot and tied back some palmettos and even propped up a tree branch with a stick that was in the way of a shot to the road if given the opportunity. Not five steps from the road, here would be my hide for the evening hunt.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/154et6d.jpg)
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Originally posted by Hawken1911:
Awesome hunt report! I can't get over the size difference between those deer and those here in Michigan.
Yeah Paul, big shock from ours also. One guy killed a nice buck for there one evening, The biologist said it was 5 years old buck and it was 118 lbs live weight.
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The "Berry Bush" is Wax Myrtle.
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After getting back to camp and kicking the sand covered boots off to let the dogs air out a bit, we all ate some lunch and sat back to rest for some time. At 2:30 I gathered all my gear back up and headed out the road again to our middle trail. After a 30 minute walk I was slipping into the palmetto blind. A quick check of my shooting lanes and after drawing my bow and visualizing a shot opportunity I settled in and waited for the deer to follow the previous nights wonderings (sandy ground is great, I had smoothed it out in a few spots and knew the tracks were fresh from the night before). At around 5 I turned to look left down the road again and saw nothing, then turned slowly to the right OH a deer in the road. She was about 25 yards and picking along on the berries on the opposite side of the road and headed my way.
There was a very thick palmetto between me and the deer and I grabbed the Nitro and readied for the shot. She kept coming and stepped up in the road about 15 yards out. When she reached my shooting window directly in front of my setup, I drew and bleated to her softly. She stopped and looked right at me and the arrow was off. At 5 yards the shaft seemed to hit her instantly. My shot was a bit high and on a 40 pound deer two inches is a lot.
She dropped in the sand. I quickly dispatched her and then pulled the camera from my pack and snapped a few quick shots so I could get her off the road. We had 5 tags and I still had an hour of daylight.
(http://i59.tinypic.com/r1ii68.jpg)
(http://i62.tinypic.com/29lenvs.jpg)
(http://i59.tinypic.com/2djxcnd.jpg)
I got her gutted quickly and sat back in my hide. The rest of the evening was uneventful and at dark I stepped out into the road to see Tracy just down the way. She walked up and we swapped the evenings events before gathering our gear for the walk back. I threw the massive beast on my shoulders Mike Mitten style and walked it backed to camp like a man (Only because Tracy said I couldn't do it).
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Great story TJ! Thanks for sharing. Those deer sure are a lot smaller than what you normally pose with! Congrats.
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Awesome so far! Those are some small deer!
Congrats TJ and Bill!
Bisch
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Congratulations!
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Congrats!
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Very cool guys, congrats. :thumbsup:
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Congrats :thumbsup: :campfire: :coffee:
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Thanks guys! There is more to come. Joe should be getting home today I believe and Jeff has just started a hunt in Ohio and Rob has some great stuff to come also. Keep an eye on this one.
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I did not take a tree stand on this hunt but I sure will next time. There were a few trees around that were big enough I could make due.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/BillstreestandBBI3.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/BillstreestandBBI3.jpg.html)
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I slept in this morning, keep it coming.
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Hunting so close to the beach was a unique experience. Joe found a great new bicycle helmet on one trip to the beach.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/IMG_0821.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/IMG_0821.jpg.html)
We also found the remains of a rather large turtle that had washed up long ago.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/IMG_0820.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/IMG_0820.jpg.html)
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I love that pic of you in the tree Bill! You should print an 8x10 if that and give it to Trace for Christmas!
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A couple of more beach pictures.
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/IMG_0830.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/IMG_0830.jpg.html)
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e305/zipperbows/IMG_0826.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/zipperbows/media/IMG_0826.jpg.html)
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:campfire: Enjoying the story guys! Thanks for sharing such a cool experience with us! Congrats on the two deer down so far.
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My camp mates have done an outstanding job with their stories and photos. It's hard to compete with the likes of the photography skills shown here but I will add a few.
I did see a few deer during my trip, and had my chances at a couple of them but no arrows were launched. The main reason I had come was for the chance to explore what to me is an exotic location and it filled a long time dream of setting foot on a place I had read stories about years ago. To be able to do it with a fine group of PBS members was really icing on the cake.
I can't begin to describe how special this place is and the feelings it evokes while walking its paths. Pictures are worth a thousands words they say, so I will let them do most of my talking.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014002.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014002.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014034.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014034.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014019.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014019.jpg.html)
This was my favorite stand location of the trip. Although I never did see a deer there, tracks indicated they used it frequently. It was situated on a beautiful dune with a mix of palm and pine trees, live oaks draped with Spanish moss, and palmetto thickets, and I could hear and see the waves breaking on the beach 100 yards away. Heaven!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014029.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014029.jpg.html)
This turtle shell was washed up on the beach, but hopefully was able to pass on its legacy first. The game biologist said that they typically have 200 - 300 turtle nests on the island beaches each year. They place wooden cages over the top of the nests to prevent predators from digging up the eggs during incubation. As the hatchlings emerge they are able to crawl between slats in the cages and make their way to the sea.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014015.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014015.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014017.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Blackbeard%20Island%202014/Blackbeard2014017.jpg.html)
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That last picture looks like stone crabs. How about snakes?
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I know that some of the others saw a few snakes. I only saw the back end of one myself, and I don't think it was even a poisonous one. Certainly something to be aware of but it wouldn't stop me from hunting there again!
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The campfire meals were amazing. I am used to just going simple in the food catagory on trips and this one was nothing like that. Bill Kissner had smoked a bunch of ribs that were amazing and Tracy made a bison meatloaf one afternoon that was the best loaf I've ever had for sure. They automatically got invites back from Matt after that one. Around the fire we figured out that the meatloaf cost about $110 a pound. Bill killed it last year.
(http://i62.tinypic.com/j5i0hx.jpg)
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Originally posted by SELFBOW19953:
That last picture looks like stone crabs. How about snakes?
Tracy and I saw one cotton mouth sunning himself on one of the sandy roads. That was the only snake we saw.
Bill
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You mentioned snakes. Apparently, Jeff and I share an interest in snakes. Both of us wanted to see one of those 8 ft eastern diamond back. It is said that they have a head the size of a cat.
I saw 3 of these, they would bite you if given the chance.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/imagejpg2_zps88614587.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/imagejpg2_zps88614587.jpg.html)
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22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/imagejpg3_zps5dda37b5.jpg.html] (http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/imagejpg3_zps5dda37b5.jpg) (http://s[URL=http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoin[/URL)
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" Coolest hunt ever!" Yes I would agree.
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Well even though this was meant to be a group thread, the title was my personal thought Luke. I am sure most these guys have done many group hunts. I usually hunt alone or at the most with my brother or a friend so this hunt was an enjoyable change for me.
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Looks like an amazing hunt. Thanks for sharing! I'll keep on eye on this one :campfire:
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Here the biggest buck of the trip.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/imagejpg1_zpsd67d6f2f.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/imagejpg1_zpsd67d6f2f.jpg.html)
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Whip
That's a great looking ghille - what brand is it?
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Man I hate snakes.....I'm out! :dunno:
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Originally posted by Whitetailarcher:
Whip
That's a great looking ghille - what brand is it?
It is a Rancho Safari long coat with the ghili boonie hat and face mask.
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This bunch are some workers, it only took about 10 minutes for the group to totally unload all our gear and have it stacked and awaiting the short mule ride to the camp site.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7143-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-15.jpg)
Meanwhile we got signed in and received our hunter ID numbers along with a short briefing on how to use the tags.
Here's Matt all signed up and he was lucky bowhunter number 100. I think he received some candy or something like that.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7141-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-14.jpg)
Those with mountain bikes rode behind the mules to make sure no gear bounced off while the rest of us made the short walk to our home away from home for the next 4 days. Joe you might want to fill in the blanks here on your experience riding on sand
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7147-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-17.jpg)
I believe at least one member snuck a ride on the back of the trailer.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7145-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-16.jpg)
Arriving at our camp site, I'll have to say this was one of the coolest camping spots I've had the pleasure of sharing with my bowhunting brothers and sisters.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7151-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-19.jpg)
Everyone chipped in and we made quick work of getting camp up and ready for the hunt.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7153-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-20.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7155-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-21.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7159-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-23.jpg)
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Sorry about taking so long to get my part posted, it's been a little crazy around here the past week. The story continues!
Day 1 Wednesday, after getting camp situated it was time to get out in the bush and scout, hopefully finding that sweet spot to set up for the following mornings hunt. Jeff, Tim and I ventured 4 miles north to North Dike. There we found an abundance of both deer and hog sign, so we decided that we would try our luck here. Jeff would head west towards Crematorium Road, Tim selected a spot near Horseshoe Dike and North Dike and I was headed east to North Dike and Middle Trail.
(http://www.fws.gov/blackbeardisland/Images/blbmap.jpg)
We made the loop around East Trail along North Dike then back to camp on North Trail. We put close to 8 miles on the boots and I was not prepared for the long walks, thinking more about water and snakes. My bad! Next time I will be wearing hiking boots for the walk in and packing snake boots. Speaking of snakes, I was talking with the biologist and he said that Black Beard Island has the highest concentration of vipers on the east coast. So for those of you that fall into the Ophidiophobia category you will want to think twice about this hunt. You will see snakes!
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7261-1/DSC01891.JPG)
Back at camp there was a fire going and we had dinner on in short order. Spaghetti & Meatballs were on the menu, packing carbs for the hunt. Then it was time for a little fellowship around the campfire to hear how everyone's scouting adventure went.
Alarm clock sounded and Jeff was out of the sack and dressed in no time. I think he must have been really excited to hit jurassic park. Breakfast consisted of a 2" thick slice of homemade pumpkin bread thanks to my lovely wife. After washing down breakfast we grabbed our bows and packs and headed north. The plan was arrive just prior to day break and get set up. When I made it to the spot I had chosen I found a fresh wad of toilet paper hanging in a branch leading me to believe that someone had beat me to the punch so I kept on heading east on North Dike. Not being totally sure where to spend my morning at this point I kept walking. I arrived at the intersection of North Dike and East Trail just as darkness gave way to light and the sounds of the island creatures waking up. If I could I would upload an audio file here, it's just about impossible to describe the sounds.
Here's a photo taken from the intersection just after day break.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7165-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-26.jpg)
Not having a specific spot ready as my back up and being close to the beach access I decided to make a quick dash out to the beach to catch the sunrise. I was not able to get out on the beach due to high tide, but did manage to capture a nice picture. This spot is known as the "Bone Yard"
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7163-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-25.jpg)
It's really difficult to hunt and photograph at the same time and my focus was on hunting, so I headed back west on North Dike. Coming around a slight bend in the trail I found several game trails that crossed and the sandy road was covered in grass with a few live oak acorns scattered around. I located a nice oak that I could easily climb into and within minutes I was up about 10' perched ready for action.
Here's a view just after sunrise from my overlook towards the Atlantic Ocean.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7219-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-53.jpg)
My view down North Dike looking north west.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7263-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-74.jpg)
There was a very light breeze blowing in from the beach, the set up seemed perfect. Not long after getting situated I caught movement and out stepped a doe onto the trail. She turned my way and began feeding towards me at about 75 yards. My heart was in my throat and fingers gripped the bowstring tight. No way could it be this easy I thought, I was right. At 50 yards she turned to her right and disappeared back in the tangle of palmetto. I kept my fingers crossed that she would pop back out and cruise by giving me that 5 yard shot, but it wasn't to be. Shortly after the sighting the breeze picked up and a thick fog rolled in from the ocean.
My view looking towards the ocean with the fog rolling in.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7221-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-54.jpg)
Prior to the fog rolling in, several trawlers were just off the beach running their nets up and down catching who knows what. As the fog rolled in the two boats must have been getting a little to close for comfort, I heard one of the boat captains yelling obscenities to the other and blowing the air horns. Nothing like good entertainment while sitting in a tree.
The plan was to meet back at the intersection of Horseshoe Dike and North Dike at 11. It was now 9:45 and I was getting restless. I wanted to locate a good spot off the beaten path, so climbing down seemed like a good call. Back on North Dike I made my way down towards Tim's hide in the curve where he could see both ways for several hundred yards now that the sun had finally burned off the thick morning fog.
http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7171-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-29.jpg
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I will continue with my first day afield. I made my way down the North Dike to Tim's set up and we compared notes on the early morning hunt. After touching base with Jeff, Tim and I decided to ease west on North Dike to scout a little. The hunt regulations state that you must remain on stand basically from day break until 9:30 and then you are allowed to walk the roads and scout. Most hunters would mark their spots with toilet paper where they entered the bush. The biggest problem is that some would mark several spots, but one can only be in one place at a time so there would be spots with no one around.
As we made our way west I found a pretty decent trail crossing the road by the marsh pond. Following the deer sign down into the bush proved to be a good call. The area was much more open than any area I had checked thus far and I found numerous tracks, droppings and even a few fairly fresh rubs. I decided that I would give this spot a try for the evening hunt. I made my way back out to the road to catch up with Tim, but he was no where to be seen, so I just tucked back into the bush on the side of the road to wait for Tim to re appear. I'd been standing there about 10 minutes when I caught movement about 80 - 100 yards to the east. It didn't take long to confirm that it was a deer and she was feeding in my direction.
I quickly found some brush to hide behind where I could keep an eye on her movement as she slowly worked her way in my direction. She closed the distance to about 50 or 60 yards and then swapped ends and headed back in the other direction. At this point I checked the wind and it was perfect, blowing from the deer back to me. I began slipping down the road in pursuit, playing cat and mouse. Every time she would ease off out of site I would move forward 10 to 15 yards, then I would back off just far enough so that I could still see down the road. I would then wait her out letting her make the next move. Each time she would come out onto the road I would mark her spot and as she would disappear, I would move forward. We played this scenario out about a half dozen times before I was reaching striking distance. I had maneuvered to within 25 yards when she stepped off the road down into the brush. My hope was that she was still standing there, so I moved forward at a snails pace covering the last few yards. Reaching the spot I visually marked when I had last seen her I froze and began to pick the brush apart. I was scanning every little opening trying to locate the deer when she stepped back out at less than 15 yards broadside looking right at me. I think she was probably thinking something along the lines of "O' $h!t, I just messed up", she was right. I was at full draw and then the arrow was on it's way. I saw my blue feathers bury into her side and then she swapped ends and was gone. I listened for her escape, hearing only a few splashes and leaves rustle and then it was all quite.
This is where the deer was standing when I shot. (she was standing just in front of the dark spot of the dark green bush to the right of the picture)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7225-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-56.jpg)
Talk about being pumped up. I was shaking like a leaf on a fall oak. During the stalk all the way through the shot, I was in a zone and never really gave it much thought to what I was doing, it was pure instinct. Standing on the road I recalled the shot and I was pretty sure that my arrow had struck the deer about dead center. I've had the unfortunate luck in the past of a gut shot deer, so I decided to give this deer some time. To verify my what my brain was telling me, I eased to where she was standing when the arrow impacted. No blood visible, but her path down into the brush was obvious. Cautiously I made my way down off the road looking for any sign. With the fog leaving everything moist, walking was almost silent so I crept forward eyes on red alert. There was a tree growing horizontal that gave me a good elevated vantage point, so I climbed up to take a look. I caught movement to my right, there she was bedded down with head up and ears working.
I snapped this picture real quick then backed out to give her time.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7169-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-28.jpg)
Back out on the road, I moved west about 50 yards then dropped my gear and took load off my feet. My thoughts were with the deer, I knew she would be suffering, but experience dictated and I sat tight knowing that she would die within a few hours. With the bush being so think and hard to navigate, I didn't want her to move.
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Sitting on the road, I replayed the shot over and over, I was sure I had made a paunch shot based on my recollection of the hit and the lack of sign. I had given her 45 minutes, but she needed more time to die. Off in the distance I could hear the mule moving in my direction and it wasn't long before the wildlife guys arrived doing their first round of pick ups. At the briefing Wednesday night we were told to tag our deer and then drag them out to the road and they would be picked up and taken to the cooler. They wanted us to continue to hunt since the limit was 5 deer and unlimited hogs for each hunter. I told Grant, the wildlife officer, about my hunt and that I wanted to give the deer some time to expire. He said they would be making the loop and would stop back by in about 45 minutes to see if I had her ready for transport.
After they pulled off I decided to ease back down into the woods to look for my arrow. Bingo! Found it. It had passed completely through and traveled another 15 yards. There was some blood on the shaft so I made my way back up to the vantage point on the horizontal tree. She was still there, head up. As I moved through the brush to get a better look she stood up and walked about 10 yards the immediately laid back down. I could tell by her movement that she was hurting very bad, it was just a matter of time. I weighed my options and decided that I just might be able to circle around behind her and get off a second shot. My reason for getting behind her were two fold, one she would have her back to me and two it would put me between her and the thick palmetto tangle. I really wanted to end her suffering as much for her as me.
I slipped around behind her with no problem and moved in to about 15 feet. If she knew I was there she showed no signs of being alert to my presence. I picked a spot and loosed my second arrow. Hitting home the arrow passed completely through and she tried to get to her feet, but stumbled and fell. She regained her composure and some how managed to get to her feet to run. At first my plan was working perfect, she was headed right to the road, then she turned and did a half moon and headed in the palmetto. I heard her crash into the thick maze of briars and palmetto then I heard the distinct sound of splashing water then more crashing in the brush and finally more splashing in water. Then it was silent. I waited for what seemed to be about ten minutes. No sounds came from the jungle where I had last heard her. I eased over to her bed and found blood and my arrow. Following the blood into the palmetto I was sure she was dead. I knew this would be a difficult track and recovery and help was going to be a crucial part of a happy ending. I returned to the road and got in touch with Jeff. He was advised that I had a deer down and needed help, but more importantly it was not going to be an easy task. He was on the way!
It's thick and dang near impossible to get through, unless you are a deer that is. We literally crawled through most of it on our belly just waiting to come face to face with one of those fang toting reptiles. And yes that's blood on my forehead from all the briars and saw teeth on the palmetto. I'm still pulling thorns out of my hands. Jeff and I were on the blood trail which was difficult at best to follow. Several times the deer took a turn which made the track one tricky adventure. I was sure I had heard water splashing, but we could not find any water so I climbed up into the top of one of these jungle trees to see if I could get a better look. Jeff was still belly flat on the ground in one of the many tunnels when I poked my head above the palmetto and noticed what appeared to be a clearing about 20 yards to our front. I guided Jeff by voice through the maze and he popped out, but still no water to be found. I was just climbing down to join Jeff when I noticed the snake climbing up the same tree I was in. Not good! Had it not been for my little knowledge of snakes, enough so to know that this one was of the non poisonous variety, I think I would have been doing my best version of Jesus walking on water except I would have been on palmetto tops. I tried to shake him out, but to no avail. I climbed down the opposite side and followed Jeff's drag marks in the tunnel to his location. We looked around good for probably 10 minutes without finding any more sign or blood, so I re traced my steps looking on the sides and underside of every branch.
Blood! Found a dried blade of palmetto that the deer had rubbed against as she entered the next section of the jungle. Back to ground we were on our bellies again keeping a relentless watch out for snakes. We got to a Y in the tunnel and could not determine which way she had gone, but I knew there was blood that would lead us on. It took a few minutes to sort it out and then we found the next spot of blood and it was here that she really started to bleed good. Then we hit the first pocket of water. Jeff looked to the left and I went right checking all the possible tunnels that she could have taken. Again I located blood on a dried palmetto branch and the track continued. Jeff took the lead here and we crawled maybe another 15-20 yards and he said I have more water ahead and then the next thing he said was "I got her". As I crawled out of the tunnel Jeff snapped the shot above, I was drained. It had been about 3 hours since the first shot followed by waiting, a second shot and finally a 45 minute track. Finding the dead deer was bitter sweet. I had made less than a perfect shot, but with the help of Jeff and Tim, we stayed our course recovering my first Black Beard Island kill.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7173-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-30.jpg)
Two Happy Bowhunters: As you can see these deer are very small in comparison to their mainland relatives.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7175-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-31.jpg)
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Tim I was trying to forget about that snake looming some where close by.
We dragged the deer back to the road, tagged and ready for transport. It was time to get back to the hunt. Jeff and TIm were headed around to Crematorium Road where Jeff would make his way out onto the beach. I would head back to East Trail and enter the beach there. The plan was to hunt the dunes along the beach and work our way to the northern most part of the beach to link up. I can't remember a more beautiful still hunt, working my way around the north end of the island on the beach. Waves were crashing one after the other while the sun lowered itself further and further in the western sky. I took the opportunity to do a little hunting with my camera, a few of my successful shots.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7183-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-35.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7191-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-38.jpg)
I call this one "Elephants Eye"
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7187-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-37.jpg)
WIth maybe an hour left of sunshine, Jeff and Tim came into view. They had found a nice spot on the dune to kick back and relax. Jeff used the time to catch up a little on his daily readings.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7189-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-39.jpg)
Finding a nice spot myself, the boots came off so my feet could air out from the days walk. Nothing like sticking your toes in the ocean while on a bowhunt, however the water was a little to chilly for a swim. Hunting along the beach was definitely a rewarding experience and I would find myself back walking the beach again on Day 2.
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7231-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-59.jpg)
Darkness would soon be upon us as we made the 4 + mile walk back to camp. After a hot shower it was time for the camp fire and the sharing of the days adventures. One of the greatest parts of sharing a hunt with fellow PBS brothers and sisters is the time in camp. Memories from this trip will forever be burned into my mind. Everyone chipped in with all the chores associated with camping and bowhunting. Although it had not been planned, food was cooked and shared with everyone. It was delicious I must add. I'm pretty sure I could have sat around the campfire all night telling stories and listening to the others adventures. These member hunts are one of the biggest assets PBS has to offer. Most of the group had never hunted together, but after just one day it was almost as if we were all old bowhunting friends. It had been a long day and the eyelids were weighing heavy, time for some well deserved sleep. Lights out!
One more shot of the beach for Day 1
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7177-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-32.jpg)
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I know you wanted to see what the bison meatloaf looked like, just sorry you can't taste it. Man was it good
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7203-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-45.jpg)
On Day 2 I had several encounters right off the bat, practically joining the first deer in it's bed. Not sure who was more surprised, me holding my mouth open with jaw on the ground or the deer trying to crash through the solid defensive line of palmetto. We were maybe 5 feet, yes 5 feet apart when the deer decided that this human was just a little to close for comfort. Hastily setting up a ground blind using dead branches and brush, i was ready for action and it wasn't long before the next deer was in site. Problem was I had not readied myself, shooting glove lying on my pack and my bow was still propped up against a small live oak. The stare down begins! For no less than 10 minutes she bobbed her head and attempted to maneuver around my hide determined to get the unknown object to move ever so slightly. Ha, I was fully aware of this game and I beat her on the eyesight phase, but the nose knows and she finally got a whiff of something she did not like. Swapping ends she was gone. Thinking to myself just how cool this encounter was. I had her at 15 yards, but not shot. If only she had continued on about another 10 yards, it would have been my victory. It was apparent that these Black Beard deer share the same uncanny traits as their main land relatives. Being humbled by a deer is sure a treat, especially when you do everything in your power to fool all of their incredible senses and they still come out the victor. Four deer were seen in the first hour of my hunt, but the beach and fog were calling. Jeff would be hunting along the duns on the beach and we were to rendezvous again on the north shore. Dense fog was covering the island like a blanket as I stepped out onto the beach just off East Trail.
Bone Yard Fog
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7195-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-41.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7193-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-40.jpg)
Jeff needing wipers on his glasses poses for a quick picture in the Bone Yard
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7197-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-42.jpg)
Some views from the north end of the island along North Dike and Horseshoe Dike
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7235-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-61.jpg)
My Day 2 set up
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7247-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-67.jpg)
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Discussing the hunt plan for the evening Tim, Jeff and I decided to head south for a change of scenery. After a little down time back at camp we were on our feet again headed south. From camp north one will find thick palmetto with groves of live oak and a few star maple mixed in. Lot's of water with flooded dikes and ponds intersected by roads and trails. South from camp a totally different eco system exist. Large pines and oaks as well as tall palmettos. There is also about 100 acres of fire burned land. Following South Beach Trail all the way to the beach. Matt headed north along the beach, Tim back tracked and went north of the trail while Jeff and I made our way south on the beach. The beach was littered with broken and unbroken sand dollars. Picking up a handful, I would leave the beach $10 richer
Jeff cut into the dunes first, I traveled another 4-5 hundred yards down the beach before headed into the bush. Following a well used game trail I came upon a small water hole filled with fresh water and an abundance of tracks. Thinking to myself, good spot now to just find a suited tree to stick my lone wolf climber on. Tree spotted, I was just about at the base when I heard a faint whistle. Looking up for the source, someone had beaten me to the spot so back to the beach. There had been no tracks in the sand leading to this spot so I assumed that I could walk in on another hunter at just about any spot. Back tracking north on the beach past where Jeff had entered the woods, I slipped off the beach once again looking for a spot. It was now almost 3:45, darkness would be in a little over an hour so it was here or no where. The remainder of the afternoon turned out to uneventful with the exception of the waves. The peaceful sound of the surf pounding on the beach caused me to doze off momentarily, I think
My afternoon view on the southern beach
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7243-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-65.jpg)
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A little on the food. I'm still smacking my lips after delicious array of food. Not sure what the entire crew ended up eating, some meals were shared with the entire gang. There was just so much food being prepared it was impossible to eat it all. Spaghetti & homemade meatballs went on the first night, then it was elk burgers & baked beans the next. Friday we had elk stroganoff on the menu that had to wait as there was just to much food already cooked. For lunch on Friday Tracy had whipped up a special "Bison Meatloaf" from Bill's bison hunt earlier. All I can say is it was the best meatloaf this boy had ever eaten. Saturday night was a collage of wild game and other outstanding eats. There was marinated venison medallions, the elk stroganoff, BBQ ribs compliments of Bill K. and some other stuff filled in. This was a 5 Star camp, food and friends.
Day 3. Our last full day on the island, the hunt was winding down. Deer sightings had declined some, but we were there to hunt and hunt we would. Opting to head back north with Tim, Tom and Bill. Can't remember where Jeff had decided to try his luck for the last hours of the hunt. Tom had a spot that he had located earlier in the hunt, it would be my hide for the evening. Tom had hunted out of his tree stand here on day 1 and seen several deer, I was hoping for the same. Either way I was going to enjoy my last few hours on the hunt. The sun sank lower in the western sky casting it's orange glow across the landscape. Leaning back against the huge live oak soaking up this beautiful place, I knew this hunt was about over, the memories however would last for the rest of my life.
My views on the last evening
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7207-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-47.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7251-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-69.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7249-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-68.jpg)
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7205-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-46.jpg)
Sunday morning arrived, time to break camp and re enter the hustle and bustle. Tents came down and bags were packed. I heard the sizzling as someone poured water over the remaining hot coals from the previous nights camp fire. The end of a fantastic hunt is always bitter sweet. Part of me wishes the hunt could go on forever, but alas it had come to the conclusion. The hunt was over, God willing there would be future adventures. It was time to head home, memories etched in my brain and new brothers & a sister of the bow. These PBS member hunts with out a doubt are the most memorable and fulfilling times I have had as a bowhunter. There is no better brotherhood than that of the Professional Bowhunters Society. The folks that make up this organization are indeed the salt of the earth and this group that shared the past 4 days on Black Beard Island are a perfect example. Until we hunt again, walking the woods with bow in hand I salute each of you. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
(http://www.aperture4.burnhamphotography.com/galleries/d/7213-1/Black+Beard+Hunt+2014_-50.jpg)
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Incredible pics Rob....but we all knew they would be. :thumbsup:
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Glad I checked back in.Beautiful pics and a great story. :clapper:
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When Tim and I arrived to help Rob, this is the jungle that the deer had entered...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Robonbloodtrail_zpsd77a5566.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Robonbloodtrail_zpsd77a5566.jpg.html)
Tim was smart enough to go around the thick stuff, but Rob and I crawled through the worst of it...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Robcrawlingthrujungle_zpsfb716c8e.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Robcrawlingthrujungle_zpsfb716c8e.jpg.html)
Our tenacity was eventually rewarded...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/photo21_zps482128bf.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/photo21_zps482128bf.jpg.html)
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I had two goals for the hunt: kill a hog and deer, and get to know some PBS hunters better. I failed at the first goal but met the second goal. Cory asked which treestand worked best - Rob and I had climbers but never used them - no suitable trees at the north end; there were plenty of good pines to climb at the south end but I didn't find a good area worth climbing a tree for. I did bring my old Lock-on Spirit and Rapid Rails, which I used the final evening and they will return with me on the next hunt.
Tracey hinted at some snoring - actually there was some very impressive snoring going on, even in my own tent!
For the first day of hunting, I pinned my hopes on a ridge of live oaks that extended from the swamp to the ocean, but after checking each tree, discovered not a single acorn there. However I did find fresh deer and hog sign in the dunes at the beach, including this trail.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/goodtrailatthebeach_zpse5c00a31.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/goodtrailatthebeach_zpse5c00a31.jpg.html)
Rob, Tim and I returned to the north end for Day 2 and I watched the trail for a while, with no action. Then I explored this salt marsh..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/saltwatermarsh_zps14db91ec.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/saltwatermarsh_zps14db91ec.jpg.html)
I hoped to spot and stalk a deer or hog there, but it just didn't happen. I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of biting insects, except for a few no-see-ums...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/saltwatermarsh_zps14db91ec.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/saltwatermarsh_zps14db91ec.jpg.html)
I didn't hunt the final morning, but Tom told me about an oak right at the edge of the campground that was dropping acorns - I checked it out and discovered three oaks that were dropping. Tom had noticed that the deer were cleaning up the fresh acorns at night. I sat there the final evening hunt and did hear a deer moving through the palmettos and crunching acorns, but just couldn't see it.
My only disappointment happened on the ride from Blackbeard to Shellman's Bluff - the boat was moving pretty fast, my cooler lid opened and my wife's cherished lime green crocs flew out. I was busy holding onto some bows and thought maybe somebody would dive overboard for them, but it didn't happen. Somebody asked me if those were tears in my eyes, but I lied and said it was the fog.
I have not broken the bad news to my wife yet; maybe I can find a replacement pair at Goodwill?
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(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/Jeffonthehunt_zps3f4a847e.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/Jeffonthehunt_zps3f4a847e.jpg.html)
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This was incredibly cool and certainly one of the coolest hunts ever shared!
Many thanks for bringing us along.
Reminds me our marsh hunts we did when I was younger.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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This was a great read Thanks
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Amazing photos! thank you for sharing.
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thanks, for sharing your adventure with us. pretty cool looking place.
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Wow! That WAS a cool hunt!
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Thank you all for sharing I've really enjoyed reading about your hunt.
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That was just beautiful, thank you all for sharing.
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Great read and fantastic pictures. :clapper: :clapper: What a great way to spend time together.
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Many thanks for sharing...would have loved to heard Matt chime in. He's always good for some intellectual input one way or another.
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Oh....and yes....those types of environments are really mystic for sure...hare to believe the diversity GA has.....and one heck of a lot of hunting opportunities for a lot of different animals.
Were there a lot of hogs seen on this trip?...or has the government put the hurt on them?
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Terry, the game folks told us at the meeting that they had thinned them down to a count of 50 hogs. Not sure how they would know that as the place is literally a jungle on most the island but many of us never saw a pig and I only saw a few tracks that were from 10 pound piglets.
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Terry, I really wanted to shoot a hog this trip, but the federal warden in charge of erraticating the hogs has really got them on edge. Hogs adapt so well in my opinion that the rest are going to be hard to kill due to the pressure on them. They estimated that their was 50 hogs left on the island.
Matt, is very interesting to talk to and he kept us entertained. I laughed uncontrollably at times. I like his political views. But then again, I am not politically correct myself. Matt definitely has a gift for gab. I would go on this trip again just to listen to the guys around camp. A bunch of great info can be had. Talking about western hunting, photography, old times, bow building; we had it all covered on this trip.
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Another thing, if you have never met Rob from TN or talked to him on the phone, you would be surprised to know that he has a strong English accent and slang. He was great to have in camp and talk about his experiences. There was many traditional archers present and I was really not expecting that. Most of them at least had visited the forum. Most of them recognized Rob from his tattoos and piercings. Some guys recognized Bill and got to pick his brain about bow building.
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Thanks for sharing the great stories and pics!
Leland
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Great hunt . thanks for telling. Ya`ll were not far from my neck of the woods. I went by Shellmans bluff today. Its nasty here and been raining for 3 days. RC
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People often ask, "Why should I join PBS? What do I get from it?" A chance to join other experienced, die-hard bowhunters on hunts like this is a major bonus that comes with your membership. We are looking forward to hosting two pig hunts in February in Texas for PBS members. We have other hunts and shoots planned in 2015 for our members in most regions of the country.
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First I would like to say I have never shared a camp with better people than the Blackbeard bunch. Joe, Bill and Tracy Dunn are old friends that I have known for quite some time. I had also met Rob Peel a few years ago at Comptons. Tom, Jeff, Tim, Rob Burnham, and Matt Shuster who is a legend, were all new acquaintances.
I went hoping to kill some hogs as they are about my favorite thing to hunt,..... well except maybe next to elk. It was disappointing to say the least that they had been baiting and killing hogs in the weeks before we got there. I saw a few tracks but no hogs.
Here are a few pics of our camp and a few of the fauna on the island.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0752_zps510d1376.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0752_zps510d1376.jpg.html)
Our cook tent supplied by Bill and Tracy.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0747_zps12ac902c.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0747_zps12ac902c.jpg.html)
My Seek Outside 6 man.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0746_zps328fe22a.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0746_zps328fe22a.jpg.html)
The shower house which stayed pretty busy with 155 hunters.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0750_zps687d9926.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0750_zps687d9926.jpg.html)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0749_zps71d8f02f.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0749_zps71d8f02f.jpg.html)
One to show the jungle that is somewhat impenetrable.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0755_zps8cfceb06.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0755_zps8cfceb06.jpg.html)
A salt flat I hunted the last evening.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0754_zps61f6f3b0.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0754_zps61f6f3b0.jpg.html)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c199/BillrK/IMG_0756_zps14fa6ecf.jpg) (http://s27.photobucket.com/user/BillrK/media/IMG_0756_zps14fa6ecf.jpg.html)
I want to thank Matt for giving us the opportunity to see such a wonderful place. Anyone that has never been to Blackbeard Island is missing a great adventure. The large live oaks with all the hanging spanish moss make a beautiful place to pitch a tent.
I feel fortunate to be a PBS member because of all the hunting friends I've made and just being welcome to go on these hunts is very special.
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I had the privilege of hunting Blackbeard twice back in the 1980s. It has to be one of my most favorite places to hunt(they called it a harvest). Back then there were no hogs and the ranger told us if there were squirrels on the island the deer would suffer because of the shortage of available food. Also back then I saw the largest water moccasin I've ever seen. It was laying up under a bush and looked like a truck tire laying there. I saw it from about 30 yards away. We were told not to kill anything but deer and their goal was to reduce the deer herd by 50%. Looks like you guys had a great hunt. Thanks for letting us come along.
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I hunted Blackbeard the first hunt of 1985 and don't remember seeing another traditional bow. I hunted the South end with an old Baker Climber and walked the beach back every evening with another of our group. We had a severe storm one night that flattened most of the free standing tents. Some of the veterans brought home-made climbing blocks attached with rough rope to access some of the live oaks. They pulled a wagon with a tractor to pick up the deer and if you killed one you could ride the wagon back with it.
Some great photos and stories.
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Thanks guys! I really enjoyed reading about the adventure and also the great pictures.
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What a cool place to hunt. I thank you for sharing.
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Very cool hunt, thanks for sharing!!! :clapper:
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Great hunt, stories and pictures. Those deer look to be the size of our MD Sikas.
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The other guys...Thanks for chiming.
Great Hunt, great photos!!!
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This was a great read and sounds Like a lot of fun!! But the snakepics will keep me from thay place - yikes...
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Great hunt! Thanks for taking us along.
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What a nice thread to read. I don't know how I missed it. Great photo skills and nice story telling to go along with them.
Those snakes would keep me from hunting areas like this. I think I'll stick to my Midwest whitetails! :bigsmyl:
Merry Christmas everyone!
Bernie
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Looks like an awesome time with an awesome group!
Congrats to everybody!
Bisch
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Cliff, I wasn't there that year but had friends that were. They talked about the tents that were up in the tree tops after the storm.
Those were still in my days with training wheels.
There was a group of guys form Statesboro, GA(I think) that all wore red berets both years I was there.
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Thanks for sharing with us!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Great hunt, thanks for sharing!
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:thumbsup:
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Very cool hunt... Awesome photos! Thanks for sharing guys :)
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:campfire: :clapper: