I've been into archery here and there over the years. Was into it, got out for a while, back into it for a year, out (shoulder issues), now in again. Was a last minute decision to get back into it (without shoulder issues) this year and my decision was helped by Three Rivers Archery having all 2008 model bows half off. New, just hadn't moved. So the week before the season opened I got a bow. Week later, got it equipped. Spent a little time tuning it and had broadheads flying like field points quickly. Did numerous lunch hour trips to the archery range and walk through course. Felt good, so went out.
So, APA Boa (2008 but new) with Carbon Express Maxima 350s and 100gr Muzzy 3-blades. Not going with the Muzzys again. Went to pull the arrow out (rookie mistake maybe?) and the damn blades all came off. Don't know if I bent it or the deer did, but what did come out was bent, without a tip and without blades.
Was cow calling one morning and had a black bear come in. Waited till 20 yards and hit him just behind the shoulder. Unforunately, no pics First black bear though and first archery kill.
Have seen some elk. Three branched bulls, but at over 400 yards. Big six, at 74 yards. Had one coming in and bugling, but the wind shifted and spoiled that. Another big six, but on private property so just had to watch from where I was. Have one that I've been after for the past four nights and mornings thats really hot and won't shut up, but just doesn't work out. Tonight was it for me, out of town for the closing weekend. Out opening weekend, middle weekend and last weekend. Goes that way sometimes, but at least I got out as much as I did. Plus there are some units that have late cow seasons south of here I might check out.
Was going after him tonight and came across a deer. Have had numerous shot opportunities at does, but I'd rather them drop fawns in the spring. Don't want a spike either. So tonight when I came across a forky at 30 yards, I got all excited and decided to take him. Had to wait about a minute for him to turn for the shot, but holding at full draw was never an issue. Circled around a mound and laid down about 15-20 yards from where I hit him.
Only had the (five megapixel) camera phone with me so far, but a few pics from hunting and my deer
I'll say I've had the most frustrating seasin regarding the wind this year. Not because of archery either, just the way the wind has been. Tonight is a perfect example. Get to my intended hunting area and the wind is out of the north, which I didn't want. So I change spots, to hunt from south to north and guess what... wind is out of the south. Eventually go back to the other spot, wind is out of the north/NE! Has been that way all season long too. Oh well...
