Post by: RadSav on November 09, 2014, 04:47:51 AM
I cancelled every hunt scheduled for this year except this one. And after talking with some friends up there I can not for the life of me understand what I was thinking. Calling for temperatures around 10 degrees in the first half of the week with a possibility of temperatures reaching -10 by weeks end! Even worse is the idea of sitting in a treestand for five or straight days :o
I guess I expected this trip to match my failing health level. Thought all of my business issues would be far in the distant past. All new products would be completed and all ATA show obligations would be done. Boy did I get most of that wrong :chuckle: After 18 months all the broadhead outsourcing is finally going right. Most everything coming in while I am gone. Our loss of Bowtech as a customer forced us to look at new ways to expand our market share...that means new products, new colors and new packaging. All looking to be done while I am gone. Of course all this changes our display for the ATA show which means new booth, flooring and product displays. When will all the graphics be ready for approval? Yep, this week :chuckle: :chuckle: And as far as health is concerned, I'm not so sure frostbite, cramps and what is sure to be waffle buck/backside is going to be doing me any favors. :rolleyes:
I must be going crazy, because with everything coming to a head this week I'm still going to America's Frozen Dairy State ;) Them Badgers keep filling my imagination of monster bucks chasing does out of the untouched wilderness to the north. I keep imagining that I can actually draw and shoot my bow with 20 pounds of Thinsulate frozen to a metal seat 15' above the ground. That I can sit still in a treestand long enough that some love struck buck will walk past without seeing me. And that when I do get a shot I can actually get the string past 4" of down filled Sitka Incinerator jacket arms and make the opportunity count! I imagine a good shot, a short blood trail and kneeling beside a dead whitetail so impressive that I might change my attitude toward whitetails forever. :tung:
Yep...I think I just booked a seat on The Crazy Train! :IBCOOL:
Post by: Eli346 on November 09, 2014, 05:09:04 AM
Post by: bobcat on November 09, 2014, 07:28:21 AM
Post by: bearpaw on November 09, 2014, 07:38:03 AM
Post by: PlateauNDN on November 09, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 09, 2014, 07:51:06 AM
Post by: Jingles on November 09, 2014, 07:58:18 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on November 09, 2014, 08:22:42 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 09, 2014, 08:26:50 AM
Post by: buddy01 on November 09, 2014, 08:38:38 AM
Post by: Watimberghost on November 09, 2014, 08:39:07 AM
Post by: lokidog on November 09, 2014, 08:47:40 AM
Sounds like you are not going to be in one of those fancy pants treestands that has a roof, walls, and even a heater. My parents have a few of these type built on their property.
Post by: 4fletch on November 09, 2014, 10:08:33 AM
Post by: jasnt on November 09, 2014, 10:17:16 AM
Post by: sakoshooter on November 09, 2014, 08:08:12 PM
Where are ya going as WI doesn't share much border w/Canada.
From northern WI myself.
Post by: Sandberm on November 09, 2014, 08:12:56 PM
Stay warm and safe. :)
Post by: wog on November 09, 2014, 08:51:10 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 09, 2014, 08:54:11 PM
I wish ya the best of luck ol timer.
Where are ya going as WI doesn't share much border w/Canada.
From northern WI myself.
Ha, hadn't noticed that. The middle of Lake Superior would be the closest Canadian border line. :chuckle:
Post by: Bango skank on November 09, 2014, 08:54:58 PM
Post by: xXLojackXx on November 10, 2014, 07:48:32 AM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on November 10, 2014, 07:59:28 AM
Post by: Toptwo on November 10, 2014, 08:09:07 AM
Post by: Jacklaroo on November 10, 2014, 10:59:26 AM
Post by: de0827 on November 10, 2014, 04:39:29 PM
When do you anticipate the broadheads being ready to go at this point? Really looking forward to getting some!
Post by: JBar on November 11, 2014, 02:59:24 PM
Post by: Todd_ID on November 12, 2014, 04:34:08 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 16, 2014, 03:16:07 AM
Where are ya going as WI doesn't share much border w/Canada.
From northern WI myself.
I'm no WI expert by any means. All I can say is what the outfitter was telling us. That is that the big Canadian whitetail migrate around the lake and settle in on the indian land. We were hunting a large parcel of private land the indians had sold before they got their casino in full swing. Canadian or not i saw some dang nice bucks. Too bad the storm caused so many problems!
Post by: RadSav on November 16, 2014, 03:24:20 AM
Post by: rasbo on November 16, 2014, 05:55:57 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 16, 2014, 10:13:35 AM
Post by: sakoshooter on November 16, 2014, 03:35:42 PM
Extremities are intact. Sanity might me another matter all together. Had my opportunity and screwed the pooch. I'd like to blame it on the fact my rangefinder didn't work in the sideways snow. But, i should have thought it through in advance. Only bowhunter with a chance...or crazy enough to be hunting in the blizzard. But just a stupid rookie mistake and I knew better. Going to haunt me for a good while. Put up with all the garbage mother nature had to throw at us and then make a dumb mistake!!! I'd kick myself in the buttox if I could.
I'd hate to see you pull a muscle Rad. Let me kick ya in the arse next time I see ya. LOL.
Post by: RadSav on November 16, 2014, 11:51:11 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 16, 2014, 11:59:41 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:01:47 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:03:10 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:08:39 AM
Post by: csaaphill on November 17, 2014, 12:12:41 AM
Post by: csaaphill on November 17, 2014, 12:16:03 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:16:22 AM
Post by: csaaphill on November 17, 2014, 12:19:25 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:23:30 AM
Post by: csaaphill on November 17, 2014, 12:26:56 AM
for later
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 12:28:01 AM
Post by: Swannytheswan on November 17, 2014, 05:41:13 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 08:49:19 AM
Due to the long walk in the deep snow I decided to dump everything of bulk I could. Very little food, just one bottle of water, no Hot Mocks, no rangefinder, no backup gear, no extra hand warmers...Just enough gear to get me through a half a days sit on an 18X18" slab of metal in a tree! Toes were warm, my core was warm and my fingers were warm enough most of the time. I love sitting the day after a storm...this was going to be a good day!
I could hear the BearCat and plow working non-stop as the outfitter tried his best to get those who could not walk through the snow such distance. Could hear the winch being used a lot and the occasional shout of profanities rang out through the woods. Sounded like I was the lucky one out that day. Other than the regular ice balls being dropped on my head from the heavens I was pretty comfortable. And best of all I was seeing deer. And bucks were coming through with regularity!
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 01:06:07 PM
Just before 10:00 I catch a good buck running through the trees like his balls are on fire. In the course of about four seconds I get a glimps of the left side...heavy outside of the ears, next a glimps of the right side...tall, heavy and outside the ears, broadside with vitals behind a tree I see the profile 9 points! Then a turns to go away and I draw, swing the 20 yard pin through his spine and touch 'er off! A good solid thump and his chest hits the ground as he is trying to get footing for a quick break away. Man, that all happened fast :yike:
Arrow looked good. At least what I saw of it. Was headed right for the opposite shoulder coming in from just inside the left hip. Sounded like I hit a watermelon with a baseball bat! But I never did see the arrow the last five or eight yards in flight. I was pretty confident at the impact, but as I saw him run 120 yards my optimism was taking a hit! If I had hit him where I thought I did I should have watched him go down in a pile of snow poop. Instead I jut watched him full bore run out of sight.
Post by: elkoholic1 on November 17, 2014, 01:27:29 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 03:04:13 PM
When Timber Jim got to me and I gave him the story he was not so understanding of me breaking the rules. And then when he told me in no uncertain terms that I was not allowed to help trail things got a little heated! When he got back even more heated :rolleyes: The decision was made that we would wait until the next day to track the buck. To say I was a little miffed was an understatement! I understand they have their way of doing things, but 24 hour wait even in cold weather did not sit well with me at all!
Post by: 92xj on November 17, 2014, 03:14:43 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on November 17, 2014, 03:14:53 PM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 17, 2014, 03:24:23 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 03:26:10 PM
About a quarter mile later we found the back half of my arrow. Completely soaked in blood and covered with white hair. WHITE HAIR!!! WTF is that all about. We went through all the possible scenarios that would lead to white hair. If I had hit him in the arse he'd be dead already! I was certain the arrow was on a path to the opposite shoulder and we came to an agreement I must have shot low in the brisket. And with all the blood on the far side that the broadhead must have excited behind the off front leg. But, we still had blood so we were going to keep tracking.
After over a mile the buck was still chasing every doe track he crossed. Had not found a drop of blood in quite some time and the only trace that kept us knowing we were on his trail was the occasional transfer when he would cut through a swamp with grass and sticks. Most of that transfer was now a few inches below the snow line. Supporting the theory the arrow had hit the brisket and not any higher.
When the buck hit an old quad road and changed direction to bird dog more does we had pretty much accepted we were not going to find him dead. We still saw blood and I was wanting to keep tracking, but then Timber Jim fell through ice as we crossed another swamp. With miles to go to get to the truck, temperature in single digits and him soaked from shoes to shoulders we called it quits.
Once we crossed the last water crossing and could see the main road in the distance I told him to forget about me. "I'll get there in due time. You just bust tail and get to the truck and get those clothes off. I'll be just fine!" I worried about him, but I was just slowing him down. Figured his risk was less pushing it hard and getting to the truck sooner. We called ahead and had another guide pick him up at the main road. As I saw him get into the truck I felt a WHOLE lot better. I laid down in the snow, closed my eyes for a few minutes and thanked the Lord. That could have gotten bad in a quick hurry.
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 03:41:06 PM
Tell me this story gets better :dunno: :hello:
Nope, That's about it.
After that day the weather just got colder, the wind stopped and deer movement almost completely quit. That was the last good buck I would see on the trip. I felt crazy for making the trip and I returned home just feeling like an idiot!
Last day we got a range finder reading on the shot. It was 30 yards not 25. That pretty much explains everything...I SUCK :o :P >:(
I made the trip cause I thought it would be an easy treestand hunt. Ended up being one of the most physically demanding hunts I've had in a while. Half the clients didn't hunt more than five hours the whole trip. Just hunting or trying each day makes me feel good about the effort. And I was the only one of the bowhunters to get an opportunity. But that doesn't make my failure any less of a complete cluster %^(*
Well, that is my story about nothing! My opinion of whitetail hunting remains unchanged... :chuckle:
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 04:11:43 PM
On the horrible second day as everyone sat around the cabin waiting for an opportunity Del got a call from the P&Y club. He is now a full fledged Senior Member of the Pope and Young Club. Quite an honor! He was shocked and extremely grateful. The news spurred some great stories told as only Del can. By bed time my sides ached and my face was crusted with dried tears from laughing so hard.
In the end the trip was more about good friends from opposite coasts coming together to enjoy an experience together than it was a deer hunt. Hard to go wrong on any hunt choice when we can get together and spend time enjoying life! You just never know when those opportunities will come to an end. Some day one of us will remember back on this trip and say, "Dang, I wish we would have had more of those." Thoughts of big bucks and missed opportunities won't seem all that important. The friendship and comradery will be the lasting memory and cherished moments :tup:
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on November 17, 2014, 04:31:07 PM
Post by: csaaphill on November 17, 2014, 05:04:57 PM
I bet he's around next year for some other hunter to hit, or miss as the case may be.
;)
Post by: jackelope on November 17, 2014, 05:32:51 PM
:dunno:
Apparently maybe that's not the case.
Post by: RadSav on November 17, 2014, 06:52:24 PM
That's so weird. I thought all treestand hunts were easy and only lazy hunters hunted out of treestands.
:dunno:
Apparently maybe that's not the case.
Ain't no Boneaddict muledeer hunt for sure! But, when mother nature throws gimpy and grumpy a curve ball even sitting in a tree can be challenging. :chuckle:
Post by: Seahawk12 on November 17, 2014, 08:33:17 PM
Sorry you didn't bring home the harvest, but the memories sound pretty awesome.
Post by: JODakota on November 17, 2014, 08:48:59 PM
Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2014, 09:48:37 AM
Post by: RadSav on November 23, 2014, 10:05:36 AM
I hear they have over 80" for the rifle hunters this week! Makes Del and I feel like we were the lucky ones.
Post by: HornHoarder on November 23, 2014, 10:39:30 AM
Kill dat tirdy pointer and watch out for the dnr!
I wondered if anyone else had seen that movie. Escanaba in the moonlight right?
Post by: jasnt on November 23, 2014, 12:52:07 PM
lol that's funny movie.Kill dat tirdy pointer and watch out for the dnr!
I wondered if anyone else had seen that movie. Escanaba in the moonlight right?
"Chevy took a chit."
80" would not be a pleasant hunt.
Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2014, 02:39:59 PM
[
80" would not be a pleasant hunt.
Easy though, they'll never see you coming as you burrow along. :chuckle:
My parents are in Northern WI right now, I think I'll give them a call and see how it is going.
Post by: jasnt on November 23, 2014, 03:15:49 PM
[
80" would not be a pleasant hunt.
Easy though, they'll never see you coming as you burrow along. :chuckle:.
lol I'm picturing buggs bunny style
Post by: AKBowman on November 23, 2014, 04:22:45 PM
I had every piece of clothing I had on and still got my butt kicked by he COLD!!
Post by: T Pearce on November 23, 2014, 04:43:48 PM
Post by: chester on November 23, 2014, 09:47:43 PM
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Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2014, 09:53:42 PM
Good luck! I was there're earlier this month spent 6 days in a tree stand from November 7th through 14! It was AWESOME and can't wait to go back. Killed a big fat doe, passed on a few smaller 6's and the big bucks I had opportunities at twisted me up in my stand and no shot. I swear they can tell which way your facing and come in from behind every time.
I had every piece of clothing I had on and still got my butt kicked by he COLD!!
Really, you shot a doe? My parents said they shut down doe shooting in the northern half of the state even for archers. Maybe I misunderstood?
Post by: chester on November 23, 2014, 10:28:16 PM
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Post by: lokidog on November 23, 2014, 10:34:12 PM
Post by: chester on November 24, 2014, 07:52:04 AM
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Post by: RadSav on November 24, 2014, 09:13:10 AM
Well since finding out that it costs the same as a multi season tag here. I'm contemplating going over at least one year and trying it. It would be a fun visit anyway even if nothing gets killed.
Half the price of a multi-season tag if it is your first time hunting WI.
Post by: coachcw on November 24, 2014, 07:29:56 PM
Post by: coachcw on November 24, 2014, 07:30:51 PM
Post by: RadSav on November 24, 2014, 08:41:02 PM
I used to think you where long winded and over explained every thing with all variables considered. Now I know your nucking futs !
Surprised it's taken this long for people to realize that :chuckle:
Post by: lokidog on November 24, 2014, 09:48:47 PM
She said it's been a weird year in that almost all of the bucks showing on their trail cameras have been during darkness, even last summer. My dad did take a buck about three weeks ago with his crossbow.
Post by: Band on November 25, 2014, 09:13:40 AM
I hope by "people" you mean just Coach. The rest of us have known that for years. ;)I used to think you where long winded and over explained every thing with all variables considered. Now I know your nucking futs !
Surprised it's taken this long for people to realize that :chuckle: