My Traditional Journey...

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:12:00 PM

In time I stood up and went over to the impact site, a little hair scuff marks in the dark soil, no blood. I saw the deer go down but took my time following his path through the woods. I found the fletching end of the arrow that had flipped up into the air as he bounded off.

Still no blood! I was a little surprised and was looking real close now, none. It was not till I was very close to the downed deer, maybe 15 yards, that there was an explosion of blood from what I would later see was his mouth not broad head wound. Later on field dressing I discovered what I believe to be the reason for this. Photos will show.

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:20:00 PM

This photo is specifically for Keith Zimmerman! Arrows down and pretty Zipper Bow up!

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:41:00 PM

Those crazy cell phones... I was able to call my brother Dan from the woods after he had only been at work a half hour. He answered "Oo Noo... lol" Not as good as sharing a tree but better than no Dan!

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:50:00 PM

back to camp I realized why he was an effort to get on the 4wheeler alone!

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:54:00 PM

the shot was an entrance from the bucks right, downhill, exit left, higher

exit wound

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 05:59:00 PM

I had to go back and look for some time to find this... but I wanted it!

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 06:09:00 PM

The great thing about an early harvest is a great tenderloin lunch

Sockrsblur · February 15, 2014, 06:12:00 PM

Thanks Gerald, I hope you enjoyed it!

steadman · February 15, 2014, 06:24:00 PM

Thanks for the story and great pics

Jayrod · February 15, 2014, 08:46:00 PM

Great story and pics THXS for sharing ...GREAT ENDING!

February 16, 2014, 12:39:00 AM

Congrats again, James!

You are a very, very good story teller!

Bisch

Hopewell Tom · February 16, 2014, 07:48:00 AM

Nice work, well told story and great pics.

Thanks for sharing.

Fattony77 · February 16, 2014, 08:30:00 AM

I LOVE the pic from inside the ribcage!!!! Great storytelling (both with words and pictures), thanks for that!

fmscan · February 16, 2014, 12:12:00 PM

James, enjoyed your story and writing. I also learned more about ground and bad weather hunting. Your trad journey has been eventful and you learn fast.
I must comment on your shot selection in the first story, each situation is different and we learn by our choices and results. I have made some choices that I regret and beat myself up for quite some time, I do try to learn by my mistakes, asking The Lord to help me do better in the future....
I love how you share and include your entire family in your journey.
Thanks for bringing us along

Sockrsblur · February 16, 2014, 01:01:00 PM

Thanks guys!
I agree Frank, well said, thank you sir!

Tsalt · February 16, 2014, 02:53:00 PM

James, I've been waiting for you to tell another good story. I figured you had one and we're just making us all wait! Really enjoyed it. He's a big bodied buck with a cool rack. Great shot!! Congrats!

J.T. · February 16, 2014, 04:36:00 PM

great buck and great story telling

Fattony77 · February 17, 2014, 07:25:00 AM

Ok, I kinda read this backwards reading the ghillie story first and just now finishing the hurricane/trad journey story. What an absolutely SENSATIONAL story!!!! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the tale, from the introduction of the longbow into your life to blood flingin' end! I sincerely thank you for sharing such an intimate and moving insight into your life and inspiring journey.

swampbow2 · February 17, 2014, 09:18:00 AM

Great story and thanks again for telling it. It was also good to hear from someone who appreciates Little Ridge and Roy. That is the one shop in our area that a traditional archer is not going to feel out of place. They're good people there for sure.

goingoldskool · February 17, 2014, 11:08:00 AM

I just read all 19 pages of this post and wish that there was more!!! Great story and VERY well written... I wish that I could write as well as you do!

Thanks for sharing!

Rodd