By that, I mean I have yet to connect!   :mad:  

Well, for those of you who remember me, I'm still lurking in the back ground. Life as a soldier didn't  stop after coming home from my deployment. Went to work full time for the Oregon Military Department after my leave was up. And still going.  

Anyway, as you will recall I was in search of my first deer ever. Now after my second hunting season home it seems I will not be fulling my dream of taking my first deer before the age of 40. But, it was not for lack of trying!! Guess the years just didn't have it in store for me. Perhaps the luck (if you believe in such things) is not on my side. I will however continue to keep trying and next year I'll be out there trampling the mountains of Oregon looking to accomplish the seemingly impossible.    Straight shooting and fair weather to you all.

For those of you who I had planned to see upon my return, I send my deepest apologies. Life has been very busy with the family, new baby, job.....well you know the story. Still no excuse so, I'm sorry!   :p

Ever make it east and I'll be more than happy to help you achieve your goal.

How about Wisconsin?   Only half as far as Vermont if you get out this way!

New York is an open invite anytime.Dont laugh,theres more to the state than Manhattan.

you are certainly no wannabe when it comes to serving your country ! And thank you with all my heart for doing so.

                                                 
the guy who got me into hunting deer with a bow- that would be 30 years ago- took 12 years to kill his first deer. He is a great shot and a great hunter; just really picky about his shots    

      thanks again !!

My first bow season was in 1959.  For 11 years the deer laughed at me until one of my arrows finally found it's mark.  For some reason, after that first deer, the others just seem fall in to place.  Hang in there.  It's gonna happen when it happens.

Thanks for the service you have given your country and good luck with the homeland hunting!

Enjoy the ride...you'll get there and it'll be everything you expected and more....it'll happen.

I will happen for you sooner or later. Nothing is sweeter than a hard earned reward!

As long as you're sticking with it and not discouraged you are CONNECTED! The deer may take awhile but stay with it. Thanks for your service!

Strait shooting and fair weather to you also.

The hunt, the journey, practice, scouting... its all good. But sometimes, its about the kill.
Success. The work of getting the animal to the table. The end result of a well placed shot. Proof that it can be done. Something you can smell, and touch.

Keep grinding, don`t give up. With experience you will see that sometimes you can do no wrong. Other times, no matter what you try it is never right. Thats why I believe there is more to it than just what WE do. Call it luck or whatever.

Truly; best of "luck" to you.

I distinctly remember offering you the opportunity to hunt Texas before you came home. The offer still stands. I got a place for Vets!

BTW, I didn't connect till my third year.    Believe me, the wait is worth the adrenaline rush! CK

Thank you for your service to our country.  My son is career Army with a deployment under his belt and a second coming up in the near future, so I know what you've been through.

Don't get discouraged.  I started deer hunting when I was 16 and didn't get my first until I was in my mid 20's.  Since then, I've gotten anywhere from 1 to 6 or so a year, depending on how the tags are alloted.

You ever get to ND, look me up.  I bet I could put you on a deer ASAP.  I've passed several in this last week alone...

I also thank you for your service to our country, I have an open tree stand or ground blind here in IL. for you anytime if you ever get out this way.

Missouri is full of the wiley whitetails and turkeys, plus the turkey tags come as a bonus when you get your Missouri archery tag. I'd be more than happy to take you to the woods if you ever get over this way. (this offer applies to any tradgang family member too)
Thank you for giving of yourself for our country.
God bless,Mudd

Thank you for all of the wonderful offers! I appreciate them all.

LittleFeather: I remember your offer and know you meant it. Texas is just a little to far for the wallet if you know what I mean     Still, very much appreciate it.

And just to clarify, I have never taken a deer whether it be by gun, bow, slingshot or what ever. So, glad you understand my frustration in trying to reach this goal by the age of 40. I will keep up the effort and thank you for the words of encouragement.

Wannabe1....
   Glad to see your back again....
Keep your chin up, I hope to get my first this next week....Over in Montery county....Near FT Ord.

If taking a game animal like whitetail deer was easy, it would just be killing... The Great Spirit will give you Your first deer when the time is right. Try not to push it, You could do yourself more harm then good... Remember time in the field is the best time, Killing isn't what hunting is all about, but it is a great perk.

Try a different area that you haven't hunted before, sometimes it's the new spots that give up the game to the hunter...

I know there is more members on here from Oregon, that would be glad to help you out... Try emailing Ted from Raptor Archery... He should be able to name some spots for you...

Thanks Mike. It's good to be back. This site got me through some lonely times in the sandbox. I've been reading a lot of the posts here but, this is the first one I've done in awhile.

Good luck to you on your hunt. I will send up a word for your arrows to fly straight and on target.

Hope all is well with you and yours and the business. Have put your stuff through the works with practicing and all. They have held up very well!!! 'Til next time my friend...

Mysticquido: Your absolutely right and I have surely enjoyed some time in the woods. I believe my time will come also just wanted to do it before I hit middle age!!  

Hang in there, buddy, surly your time will come.

Tell ya what, I've been thinking all morning about this one. If you can take the time off and you can get yourself to Texas in January I'll foot your way on either Ted Fry's hunt(Jan 3-6) or Mark Horne's hunt(Jan 25-28). Now it's your move. I like to help returning soldiers. We've had a few on hunts past and I'm gonna continue this traditoion. It's a small gesture but I can't help the entire armed forces. Hope this will help. CK

You can contack me via email-CACJCK@YAHOO.COM