I got back from camp Shrewhaven the other day, drove all day in the rain. I put on 1000 plus miles on Old Blackie my 2002 Chevy Diesel. We went to camp a little earlier this year, usually it's the 1st week in November but the guys wanted to try middle October this year. As it turned out several of them couldn't make it for one reason or another. We had a good time but sure missed the wood and water toters and the dish washers LOL.
We had a celebration this year because it was my 60th year bow hunting deer with a bow, traditional bow I might add, I've never owned a compound.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small66130745.JPG)
My friends Randy and Cindy who are man and wife of Northwoods Outfitters in Iron Mountain made the cake and certificate and surprised me with it one evening at supper.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small15464575.JPG)
Congratulations on 60 years Ron! Wishing you many more to come.
Stories from camp please... :campfire:
Great Ron, 60years is awesome. I started at 12yrs old but I had a break of about 20years. After a motor cycle wreck at 37, The Docs told me I would never shoot a bow again. They were wrong I have been shooting and hunting again for 10 years. At the suggestion of my friend Doug Campbell. Been great.
:thumbsup:
Congrats, Ron. Any hunting stories to share?
That's pretty cool, Ron!
Since I did not get started in archery till I was 25, I don't know if I'll make 60! I'm sure I won't make 60 with trad gear!
Congrats, and I hope you can have 60 more!
Bisch
One of my favorite threads every year
The deer are down in the U P this year because of two bad winters back to back. Bow hunters aren't allowed to shoots does this year and bucks have to be at least three points on a side. Having said that a couple bucks were taken, this 7pt was shot by Ken Huven our camp caretaker. He was using a Shrew Samurai, 57#@ 28"
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small43252439.JPG)
This buck was taken by Cindy Gustafson, Randy's wife with her Shrew Lil' Favorite, 46#@ 28". Cindy has accounted for five bucks and six does with her L F, she loves that bow
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small50139596.JPG)
Here's some of the crew this year. If you don't recognize the guy on the right that's my grandson Jordan, this is his first year in camp and his first ever bow hunt. Kind of neat that it was his first and my 60th
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small11151090.JPG)
way cool man! nice bucks.
Congrats Ron. Looking forward to hearing more about the week
:archer:
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy: :archer:
Congrats Ron!
I cooked a neck roast from Kens buck and this is what was left of it. Along with potatoes and onions it was declared the best meal of the week by Chef Nicolaou.
In camp we have a big 12" cast iron pan that has a cast iron cover, it's what I usually do the squirrels in. I seasoned the meat with salt pepper and garlic. Then I browned in on top of the stove in bacon grease. I added onions and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, then added a little chicken stock to keep it from drying out, put on the cover and put in the oven at 275 degrees for 3.5 hr's. Then I added the potatoes and cooked them on top of the stove for another 40 minutes. Neck roast is mighty tasty
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small73513914.JPG)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
Here's some of the crew this year. If you don't recognize the guy on the right that's my grandson Jordan, this is his first year in camp and his first ever bow hunt. Kind of neat that it was his first and my 60th
That's way beyond "kind of neat," Ron! That is plum awesome! I took too long of a hiatus from bow hunting to make 60 years of it, but I do hope to be around to see my grandkids bow hunt. My 10 year old granddaughter has been shooting, albeit with a compound, but not hunting yet. My eldest grandson is only 7, but I've got him shooting a little solid glass longbow. He started with a little lemonwood recurve that I got when I was about 8. Amazingly it survived my kids to be used by my grandkids, especially when you consider number one son left it out in the yard in the rain for a few days. :(
I'm sure the time spent at Shrewhaven was wonderful no matter how many deer were killed or not killed.
Even those left overs look good !
Did you see many deer ? I am running up to the Escanaba area in a couple days. Not sure if I will buy a tag this year or not.
Congrat's on that 60.
This is my 60th year of being on this earth, which I thought was an achievement !
ChuckC
Very cool! One of these days I want to attend a camp full of trad-hunters.
I've always been a solo, weekend-warrior kind of hunter.. by circumstance.
My grandson was raised in Texas, note the shirt and the boots. :D One day we went into town for breakfast and he ask the waitress, "do y'all have grits?" She gave him a puzzled look and I told her, he's not from around here. LOL
He lives and works in Chicago now so he's actually closer to Shrewhaven than I am. He'll be a regular in camp from now on. :campfire:
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small58149955.JPG)
That's a great picture, Ron.
Congratulations Ron. Judging by the blue sky, sunshine, food and friends you had a good time. Well go get one during the rut.
Thank you Ron for leading the way for others...l
Thank you Ron for leading the way for others...l
Congrats Ron, 60 years of memories.
I dont believe anyone in the UP knows what grits are lol.
I was up there 2 weeks ago, the colors were amazing.
Thanks for the recipe I will definitely give it a try.
Congratulations Ron ! What an accomplishment sir
This is a great thread every year. Thanks for the update.
Congratulations Ron. Keep up the tradition.
:campfire:
It is always a joy to see and read from Shrewheaven
not too many people can say they have never owned/hunted with a compound these days. I admire that
It doesn't get much better than a neck roast in camp Ron. Fresh one at that. :thumbsup: :clapper:
Ron, quite the accomplishment to be Trad Only for 60 years...and on day your grandson started his journey...maybe he will carry for 60+ years as well.
Congrats and thanks for the example you set.
QuoteOriginally posted by VA Elite:
not too many people can say they have never owned/hunted with a compound these days. I admire that
While I don't consider it an important feat, I can say that. Always been traditional since 1966 when I got my first bow as a 5 year old. Our camp chef, Greg Nicolaou, is one that I can count as a convert from compounds to traditional based on my influence. When I met him and started hunting with him as a 16 year old, I was using my Howard Hill Tembo longbow and he was hunting with a high end Wing compound at the time. A few years later he bought a used Assenheimer recurve, 66", with a spicewood riser that was super heavy physically. That started him on his traditional journey and he's been traditional ever since. He now has a nice pack of Shrews in his arsenal and his favorite is the Super Shrew Scout recurve, whereas mine is the Super Shrew Lil Favorite recurve.
Alas, I could not be in camp this year due to work commitments. It was a difficult decision to make, however a few years ago, 'big' Eric looked like this:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/eric%20on%20phone%20horizontal_zpsnmlpvnqg.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/eric%20on%20phone%20horizontal_zpsnmlpvnqg.jpg.html)
Poor Eric spent the week on the phone with his work and working on his laptop doing bids for jobs. I saw this picture and thought this would not be the way to spend my vacation time and instead of relaxing at camp I'd probably be mad at myself for not really being on vacation.
So I'm going to add some reruns from past years to this years threads. I chatted with the boys almost daily and they were closing in on a nice 8 point, but ran out of time.
My first deer at Shrewhaven circa 1993:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/Armstrong%20Creek%20Hunt%201993%20Ray%20with%201st%20UP%20deer_zpsohyuaajf.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/Armstrong%20Creek%20Hunt%201993%20Ray%20with%201st%20UP%20deer_zpsohyuaajf.jpg.html)
The gang last year:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB070071_zps60d47388.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB070071_zps60d47388.jpg.html)
I'm sure they came back a little heavier with Greg's cooking, however I'm guessing they missed out on my pies. When Ron and Roger are misbehaving, this is how we divvy up the pies:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB060062-Copy_zps56dd7e76.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB060062-Copy_zps56dd7e76.jpg.html)
Some of my does from past years when they were fair game:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/rays2012deerCHanniversarybow.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/rays2012deerCHanniversarybow.jpg.html)
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/ArmstrongCreekHunt2011rayanddoe1bestpic_zpsc6830611.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/ArmstrongCreekHunt2011rayanddoe1bestpic_zpsc6830611.jpg.html)
Thanks Ron for the post ,the pictures and congratulations. The nostalgia is thick! Shrewhaven congers up the past yet is so in the present. It tugs at your core and heightens the senses. The sights, sounds, smells (I can smell that delicious roast), the feel of the weather etc. Thank you, Thank you kind Sir for your journey! God Bless.
Dave
:thumbsup:
I may be wrong, but THIS IS WHY I HUNT!
We will be in deer camp tomorrow for a short weekend and the atmosphere will be much the same.
Thanks for sharing, it's so nice to see the celebration of years of tradition. Looks like a wonderful spot and a great cast of characters.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :archer2:
When we accrued the property in 1990 I was up and down the hills of our 400 acres like a mountain goat. Twenty five years and two knee replacements later this old goat doesn't get around like that anymore. So a new addition to camp this year was a Kawasaki Mule, it sure made touring the property a lot easier for the old man.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small59718582.JPG)
Some years it's beautiful and sunny and others we've got snow. Here was a warm sunny year with the 'vintage Bear recurve' bow rack (Shrews rule, but we're traditional archers and sometimes we like messin' with other bows):
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB0800391_zps7c5f84ac.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB0800391_zps7c5f84ac.jpg.html)
And of course when mother nature in Michigan's upper peninsula decides to make things interesting....well the landscape takes on a different look:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB0600171_zps62217246.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB0600171_zps62217246.jpg.html)
But, that can mean the deer are easier to see and pattern and end up on our special deer hanging rafter outside Lobo's Lair:
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/PB0600141_zps3578846b.jpg) (http://s1246.photobucket.com/user/shrewshooter/media/PB0600141_zps3578846b.jpg.html)
favorite thread every year
congrats Ron, 60 years quite an achievement, heck thats my age come to think of it.
Too bad all could not make it this year.
Fine hunting in tough times.
A look at both cabins, the small one is "Lobo's Lair" where the old gray wolf sleeps. ;)
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small25780473.JPG)
Great story Ron and others from Shrewhaven, and congrats Ron on 60 years!
I thought if I ever was to have the chance I would love to get a picture with you, you are a piece of history :thumbsup:
Sometimes we take for granted what we have because we become to familiar with each other.
Ray and the rest of you boys take note of what you have and count your blessings!
"The Throne", the fanciest outhouse in the north woods, built by Big Eric and Tim Cosgrove.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011%20new%20privy.JPG)
Chef Nicolaou preparing another fine meal
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2014015_zps90ab43ed.jpg)
Roger Norris entertaining the guy's one evening
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2010/ShrewHaven2010062.jpg)
A view of a corner inside the cabin, note the hardwood floors. The cabins walls are tamarack logs, so hard you can't drive a nail in them. It was built in 1936 (the year I was born) by the CCC
QuoteFormed in March 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, was one of the first New Deal programs. It was a public works project intended to promote environmental conservation and to build good citizens through vigorous, disciplined outdoor labor. Close to the heart of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the CCC combined his interests in conservation and universal service for youth. He believed that this civilian "tree army" would relieve the rural unemployed and keep youth "off the city street corners."
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/Dianerelaxingincamp.jpg)
I look foreward to this thread every year. Congratulations Ron on your 60th trad season, hope you have many, many more! :campfire:
Denny
As usual Shrew Haven is an entertaining adventure even though we don't get to actually go there. Love the 'Throne'...looks like the original tiny house, lol. And there's Roger's pink n' purple dancing outfit. Meeeeyow! So what are ya' doin' this friday night, Roger? :laughing:
QuoteOriginally posted by South MS Bowhunter:
Ray and the rest of you boys take note of what you have and count your blessings!
Shrewhaven is never taken for granted. At over 20 years now, it's sacred. All the guys in camp are true pleasures to share camp with. Now that we have a new 'mule' in camp, I won't have to worry as much about dragging deer out of some hellacious places because I was considered one of the camp mules. ;)
I've used a full body safety harness for about 7 years now, however I have an old, around the waist safety belt with a single rope strap that has a clip on the end that I've used since my first years in camp to drag deer out with. That belt has probably helped me drag 100 plus deer over the years between mine at camp and at home as well as the other camp members while at camp. I'm looking forward to getting that back of that Kawasaki Mule bloody next year at camp!
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
Roger Norris entertaining the guy's one evening
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Shrewhaven2010/ShrewHaven2010062.jpg)
Is this a new Asbell Wool Patern!?!?!?!?
Whats it called, "Midnight Dancer"?
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
:bigsmyl:
Congratulations Ron on a great run. I am on 54 years bow hunting now. Looking forward to your 70 year cake. :clapper:
This is one of my favorite threads too, always love to read the stories about the hunting and hijinks that go on. Glad to here there's still a few deer running up there in the north woods. Congrats Ron on 60 years bow hunting, and year one with your grandson, I hope the two of you have many more to spend together at your little piece of heaven on earth. God Bless and shoot straight.
Jason
!955 is the year I started bow hunting for deer with my new 55 Bear Kodiak.
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small30018354.JPG)
I was bitten by the archery bug at an early age
(http://***********.bowsite.com/tf/pics/00small44237263.JPG)
That's so cool Ron! Congratulations on 60 years!
Kenny :shaka:
Ron, Congratulating! God blesses you!
If I did not live so far from you away, it would be a dream a round curve to shoot with them!
Best regards from Salzburg / Austria
Bertl
1947?!
How danged old are you RON? :saywhat:
Dang I'm pretty :biglaugh:
QuoteOriginally posted by Roger Norris:
Dang I'm pretty :biglaugh:
Um there is not even enough whiskey in camp to drink you pretty.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Lyon:
QuoteOriginally posted by Roger Norris:
Dang I'm pretty :biglaugh:
Um there is not even enough whiskey in camp to drink you pretty. [/b]
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:
60 years gives you serious street cred....I always enjoy looking at the old pictures you put on here.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
A view of a corner inside the cabin, note the hardwood floors. The cabins walls are tamarack logs, so hard you can't drive a nail in them. It was built in 1936 (the year I was born) by the CCC
QuoteFormed in March 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC, was one of the first New Deal programs. It was a public works project intended to promote environmental conservation and to build good citizens through vigorous, disciplined outdoor labor. Close to the heart of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the CCC combined his interests in conservation and universal service for youth. He believed that this civilian "tree army" would relieve the rural unemployed and keep youth "off the city street corners."
(http://i1246.photobucket.com/albums/gg617/shrewshooter/Dianerelaxingincamp.jpg) [/b]
Always great to see there is still an old time "deer camp" around. I sure do miss that at times. My grandfather was in the CCC--he worked in it near Higgins Lake.
Look forward to the Shrewhaven report every year. Great stuff as always. I think Roger could stand for a smaller piece of the pie. Haha
Always great to see your story's! Congrats for keeping it going.
Just a little correction, the paneling on the walls are actual pine boards, some of them almost a foot wide. The round beams you see are Tamarack and it's comical to see someone try and drive a nail into one of them, it's a 50% chance of having a bent nail. The construction is amazing for a non power tools build.
Great Post!I enjoy reading these types of post,brings back alot of memories and good times. :clapper: Its what hunting is suppose to be!
Thanks
I'll be happy to offer my services tonhaul wood and water. I simply run on the occasional scotch and listening to tall tales.
"Lobo's Lair's" front porch appears to be over loaded with deer! How many are there, eight?
I have a great idea Ron..!!! How about an annual competition/raffle/(something) to invite one guest annually..??? 10 $ entry fee....great fundraiser for camp "Shrewhaven"...?? I'm a longrime camp member of a deer camp here in central Pa started by my father and two unclesin 1950..!. I know the specialness of camp. Been going to it as a kid since the 60's...!!!!! I know this will surprise you but there has been many a flintlock hunt out of there!................ ... :-D
The average year in the past was six to eight deer on the pole. With the tough winters the last few years it's been slim pickin's. That said mother nature can bring the herd back pretty quick. With another average winter we should see numbers back up there.
Hey John, speak of the devil. I was talking to Jud tonight and he said he hadn't heard from you in awhile. :dunno:
Quotejust a little correction
I was refering to the logs on the outside of the cabin Ray :readit:
Thanks for sharing your tradition!!! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Nice photo's and story. My dad lived just a few miles from Shrew Haven for 25 plus years. Deer hunting over his way was never too good either. Bear hunting on the other had is real good.(if you can draw a permit)
yeah....been BUSY now that Im back in the shop. Maybe Ill call his this afternoon...Good man...great FRIEND....thx....