A very special hunt

[John Krause]

A hand stained, sealed and fletched cedar arrow. A hand sharpened broadhead. A bowstring carefully crafted with your own fingers. A 1970 Kodiak Hunter. A late season hunt. A perfectly placed six yard shot. Hearing your deer hit the ground out of sight. A lil seven pointer on your own property 9 1/2 weeks after quadruple bypass surgery.

I am truly blessed and thankful.



Has anyone seen what I call a frost flower? Anyone know the real name? I have only seen them in south MO when atmospheric conditions are perfect.

[lpcjon2]

The deer and the story are cool,But the frost flower thing is about the coolest thing I ever seen!

[sweeney3]

I think I have noticed a couple, but I'm in northern Arkansas, so same deal.  No idea what causes it.  Neat though.

[Jack Guard]

What a great story.  I too thing the frost flower is very cool.  Thanks for sharing.  Jack

[Fletcher]

Congrats on a great accomplishment, John.  Hadn't heard about the bypass, great news to hear that you are up and gettin' after it.

[buckhuck]

Congrats on the buck John, hope your doing well.

I have seen several frost flowers in Missouri back when I lived there.  I had no idea what formed them till I found this little bit of info on Wikipedia.  Interesting stuff.

The formation of frost flowers, also known as "ice flowers," is apparently dependent on a freezing weather condition occurring when the ground is not already frozen. The sap in the stem of the plants will expand (water expands when frozen), causing long, thin cracks to form along the length of the stem. Water is then drawn through these cracks via capillary action and freezes upon contact with the air. As more water is drawn through the cracks it pushes the thin ice layers further from the stem, causing a thin "petal" to form. In the case of woody plants and (living or dead) tree branches the freezing water is squeezed through the pores of the plant forming long thin strings of ice that look uncannily like hair i.e. "frost beard".

The petals of frost flowers are very delicate and will break when touched. They usually melt or sublimate when exposed to sunlight and are usually visible in the early morning or in shaded areas.

Examples of plants that often form frost flowers are white crownbeard (Verbesina virginica), commonly called frostweed, yellow ironweed (Verbesina alternifolia), and Helianthemum canadense. They have also been observed growing from fallen branches of conifers and contain enough hydraulic power to strip the bark off.

[hunterace]

congrats on a good recovery and your buck, i've seen the snow flower but never knew it had a name just thought it looked neat

[adirondack46r]

Ironically, I saw my first frost flowers today while hunting near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. For a while I was worried that it may be some sort of radioactive ribbon candy. ;-) They were delicate and very unusual. Thanks for the explanation.

[sou-pawbowhunter]

Congrats on your speedy return to the deer woods.  When I mention this to my Father in law I just know he's gonna cringe.  He didn't bounce back nearly that fast.

[dnovo]

John, Hadn't heard about your surgery. Glad you are doing well. Congrats on the deer. I've seen quite a number of the frost flowers over the years here in Missouri

[straitera]

Good news John on your hunt & successful surgery! Hope you are healing well.

[adeeden]

Well done john!

[k. sisco]

John,glad to hear your doind well.
Also it's great to be able to put some meat in the freezer this late in the season.
Your blessed indeed.

[Wannabe1]

Congrats on a fine harvest and 2 great recoveries!!      

[JMartin]

Southern Oklahaoma, frost flowers every year. :-)

[Jerry Wald]

 

jer bear

[Mudd]

Congratulations JK I know that deer has to be extra special. I'm glad to read that you're doing so great!
God bless,Mudd

[Tom Leemans]

Great deal!

I think I saw a flower like that in the AVATAR movie. LOL!

[dick sable]

John,
Congratulations on both your buck and your health recovery!  Was that six yard shot from the ground or from a tree?  Great job!
Dick

[Mike Manassa]

Congratulations John..On the quick bypass recovery and the nice buck!!Mike