Congratulations Ken. I would like to hear some detail if you're willing to share. Beautiful country there.
Regards, Jerry
Outdoorsman Thread
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zp4ja
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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philco
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Congratulations Ken. That's going to be some good eatin' there. 
Phil
AAPK Administrator
Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?
"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
AAPK Administrator
Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?
"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
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ken98k
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
The short story is, another hunter and I came upon a small group of caribou at the same time. The caribou were a mile away, milling about in some thick black spruce. The other hunter and I decided to team up and work together, so with my new buddy in the lead, we left our ridge top lookout and each of us mounted on Skidoo's, we plunged down through waist deep snow into the spruce.
When we got close to where the animals were, I realized we were now somewhat below the group, we dismounted and with great difficulty maneuvered on foot to get a shot through the trees. I didn't see the animal that my new buddy fire at but I picked one out at about 75 - 100 yards and fired my custom built 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser.
Those of you that have harvested big game will know what I mean when I say the caribou "jerked and hunched up" when I fired. This a typical reaction when hit hard, but not killed outright. I then lost sight of the caribou through the thick trees.
At this point my new buddy jumped back on his machine and drove up to where the caribou had been and I heard another shot. He returned in a moment and told me he finished off "his caribou".
In my haste to get off a shot, I had stopped my machine in bad location and I was now stuck, so I hopped on the his machine and we doubled up to go look for the rest of the escaping caribou.
When we went past the animal the other hunter had "finished off," I realized it was the same caribou that I had shot! We went up the hill and circled around but could not immediately located any other caribou that had been in the group.
After retrieving my skidoo we field dressed the downed caribou and loaded it onto my "tow behind" sled.
The other hunter tagged it with no objection from me.
As daylight hours are very short this time of year, we spent the next couple hours riding the ridges and glassing before returning to our trucks.
As it turned out the other hunter and I had several friends in common. We decided to split the small caribou and return the next day (new years day) for another go a filling my tag. Unfortunately the other hunter didn't show up, I suspect like many people yesterday morning, he was probably in no condition drive, much less hunt!
I felt like I had been kicked and beaten up from the previous days activities, so after waiting an hour, I decide to head on home. The season for that area will close at midnight tonight so the next adventure will be in some other part of this vast state.
When we got close to where the animals were, I realized we were now somewhat below the group, we dismounted and with great difficulty maneuvered on foot to get a shot through the trees. I didn't see the animal that my new buddy fire at but I picked one out at about 75 - 100 yards and fired my custom built 6.5x55 Swedish Mauser.
Those of you that have harvested big game will know what I mean when I say the caribou "jerked and hunched up" when I fired. This a typical reaction when hit hard, but not killed outright. I then lost sight of the caribou through the thick trees.
At this point my new buddy jumped back on his machine and drove up to where the caribou had been and I heard another shot. He returned in a moment and told me he finished off "his caribou".
In my haste to get off a shot, I had stopped my machine in bad location and I was now stuck, so I hopped on the his machine and we doubled up to go look for the rest of the escaping caribou.
When we went past the animal the other hunter had "finished off," I realized it was the same caribou that I had shot! We went up the hill and circled around but could not immediately located any other caribou that had been in the group.
After retrieving my skidoo we field dressed the downed caribou and loaded it onto my "tow behind" sled.
The other hunter tagged it with no objection from me.
As daylight hours are very short this time of year, we spent the next couple hours riding the ridges and glassing before returning to our trucks.
As it turned out the other hunter and I had several friends in common. We decided to split the small caribou and return the next day (new years day) for another go a filling my tag. Unfortunately the other hunter didn't show up, I suspect like many people yesterday morning, he was probably in no condition drive, much less hunt!
I felt like I had been kicked and beaten up from the previous days activities, so after waiting an hour, I decide to head on home. The season for that area will close at midnight tonight so the next adventure will be in some other part of this vast state.
I, am the NRA.
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Colonel26
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Very cool story Ken. Ya got meat and got to keep your tag. That's pretty awesome. I've never shot one of those 6.5mm Swedes, but I've read a lot about them. They interest me greatly. I hear that Savage chambers some of their rifles in the swede.
A friend from out in Missouri posted this in another forum. He said they've had so much rain that when he checked his trail cam this is what he saw! Now that's a lot of rain.
A friend from out in Missouri posted this in another forum. He said they've had so much rain that when he checked his trail cam this is what he saw! Now that's a lot of rain.
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“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee
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Paladin
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
TAIL cam? tail cam,, Col, Col. What have you boys been up to???Colonel26 wrote:Very cool story Ken. Ya got meat and got to keep your tag. That's pretty awesome. I've never shot one of those 6.5mm Swedes, but I've read a lot about them. They interest me greatly. I hear that Savage chambers some of their rifles in the swede.
A friend from out in Missouri posted this in another forum. He said they've had so much rain that when he checked his tail cam this is what he saw! Now that's a lot of rain.
Ray
Paladin
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
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Colonel26
- Bronze Tier
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Oops. Fixed it. Iphones and pain meds evidently don't mix. Lol. Although that feller is from Missouri. You can't ever tell about them Missourians.Paladin wrote:TAIL cam? tail cam,, Col, Col. What have you boys been up to???Colonel26 wrote:Very cool story Ken. Ya got meat and got to keep your tag. That's pretty awesome. I've never shot one of those 6.5mm Swedes, but I've read a lot about them. They interest me greatly. I hear that Savage chambers some of their rifles in the swede.
A friend from out in Missouri posted this in another forum. He said they've had so much rain that when he checked his tail cam this is what he saw! Now that's a lot of rain.
Ray
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Robert E. Lee
Robert E. Lee
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carrmillus
- Gold Tier
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
........... 
!!!!.............. ...........
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Old Hunter
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Speaking earlier about things you see from an elevated stand - how about a bobcat attacking a whitetail? OH
http://www.realtree.com/the-realblog-wi ... ttack-deer
http://www.realtree.com/the-realblog-wi ... ttack-deer
Deep in the guts of most men is buried the involuntary response to the hunter's horn, a prickle of the nape hairs, an acceleration of the pulse, an atavistic memory of his fathers, who killed first with stone, and then with club...Robert Ruark
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johnny twoshoes
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
A ghost has stopped by with a report.
Life is full of unexpected turns, but it's full of just as many opportunities. My family and I had some trials earlier this year, but the calendar doesn't allow you to hold on too long to those bad memories and so we found ourselves in the midst of hunting season yet again.
With tags left empty after archery season we faced the challenge of filling our tags with rifle in hand. Truth be told, I would rather have my old Rem 700 on my should than any bow of any variety in my hand. (I think my grandfather has a lot to do with that preference) We had a lot of chances and saw a lot of great buck all throughout archery season, but no one even got to draw back, which as I stated above, didn't bother me.
Opening morning arrived with a very warm welcome and by that I mean I found myself in a t-shirt instead of a thermo. It was the warmest opening day and probably the warmest season I've ever hunted. Being a beanfield hunter, I rely on the movement of other hunters to keep the deer out and about, but with the warm weather most guys seemed to post up and hold tight.
So as first light dawned and last light drifted silently away, I was a little worried about our season. Six hunters saw a total of six deer, had they not all been seen at once it might have been an interesting day, but no. All six were doe and we weren't taking doe this early on. Generally speaking we hear rifle reports all day long, but this day we heard maybe a grand total of seven or eight, not exactly exciting stuff, but thats why they call it hunting.
I'll go ahead and skip to Wednesday.
My brothers and I found ourselves together in one of our hunting shanties just as daylight began to fade. I think my brothers and I probably a similar thought, "not today", but we remained optimistic. With about a half hour of daylight left a deer broke into view. We could tell instantly it was a buck, definitely not a monster buck like you see on the outdoor channel, but a legal buck that puts meat in the freezer.
The buck fed about four hundred yards away at the edge of the woodline. None of us felt the need to take a shot that might push the limits of our own comfort, four hundred yards is a poke. Jr, (my older brother) and I were planning on what to do when the buck started to make life a little easier on us. Keeping the distance the same he began to feed down towards a brush pile, putting him right out in front. It was decided that I, would make the move.
I left the stand and made my movements at the instruction of Jr. (We've been hunting together forever) "Heads up" meant I needed to stop, "heads down", I was good to go and so with whispered instructions I slowly found my way to a little fence row in front of the hunting shanty. I cut the distance by eighty yards and to my delight the buck had done the same. I found an old gas pipe for a rest and laid my rifle across the top steadying myself. Swinging the rifle I located the buck in my scope, few sounds can get my blood pumping the way that Remington "click" does as I take the safety off, just as I have many times before. What was a once a steady target is now shakey and blurred. I try my best to control my emotions as I touch the trigger off, the buck stops and looks about. I knew I missed my mark, I readied another round only to have my excitement get the best of me, I double fed a bold action.... I know.
I found a moment of clarity, a voice of reason, "Slow down", I'm sure it was my grandfather and it was something he had instructed me to do many times before on the rifle range growing up. I calmly pulled the extra round out from the chamber and dropped it at my feet, I held the other round down as I pushed the bolt into place seating the live shell that was meant to be loaded in the first place, until I fouled it up.
Again I steadied myself and kept the "slow down" wisdom in mind. The crosshairs lined up on vitals and the rifle roared, I was rewarded with the "Thud" that only a bullet on buck can make. The buck dropped in his tracks.
Life is full of unexpected turns, but it's full of just as many opportunities. My family and I had some trials earlier this year, but the calendar doesn't allow you to hold on too long to those bad memories and so we found ourselves in the midst of hunting season yet again.
With tags left empty after archery season we faced the challenge of filling our tags with rifle in hand. Truth be told, I would rather have my old Rem 700 on my should than any bow of any variety in my hand. (I think my grandfather has a lot to do with that preference) We had a lot of chances and saw a lot of great buck all throughout archery season, but no one even got to draw back, which as I stated above, didn't bother me.
Opening morning arrived with a very warm welcome and by that I mean I found myself in a t-shirt instead of a thermo. It was the warmest opening day and probably the warmest season I've ever hunted. Being a beanfield hunter, I rely on the movement of other hunters to keep the deer out and about, but with the warm weather most guys seemed to post up and hold tight.
So as first light dawned and last light drifted silently away, I was a little worried about our season. Six hunters saw a total of six deer, had they not all been seen at once it might have been an interesting day, but no. All six were doe and we weren't taking doe this early on. Generally speaking we hear rifle reports all day long, but this day we heard maybe a grand total of seven or eight, not exactly exciting stuff, but thats why they call it hunting.
I'll go ahead and skip to Wednesday.
My brothers and I found ourselves together in one of our hunting shanties just as daylight began to fade. I think my brothers and I probably a similar thought, "not today", but we remained optimistic. With about a half hour of daylight left a deer broke into view. We could tell instantly it was a buck, definitely not a monster buck like you see on the outdoor channel, but a legal buck that puts meat in the freezer.
The buck fed about four hundred yards away at the edge of the woodline. None of us felt the need to take a shot that might push the limits of our own comfort, four hundred yards is a poke. Jr, (my older brother) and I were planning on what to do when the buck started to make life a little easier on us. Keeping the distance the same he began to feed down towards a brush pile, putting him right out in front. It was decided that I, would make the move.
I left the stand and made my movements at the instruction of Jr. (We've been hunting together forever) "Heads up" meant I needed to stop, "heads down", I was good to go and so with whispered instructions I slowly found my way to a little fence row in front of the hunting shanty. I cut the distance by eighty yards and to my delight the buck had done the same. I found an old gas pipe for a rest and laid my rifle across the top steadying myself. Swinging the rifle I located the buck in my scope, few sounds can get my blood pumping the way that Remington "click" does as I take the safety off, just as I have many times before. What was a once a steady target is now shakey and blurred. I try my best to control my emotions as I touch the trigger off, the buck stops and looks about. I knew I missed my mark, I readied another round only to have my excitement get the best of me, I double fed a bold action.... I know.
I found a moment of clarity, a voice of reason, "Slow down", I'm sure it was my grandfather and it was something he had instructed me to do many times before on the rifle range growing up. I calmly pulled the extra round out from the chamber and dropped it at my feet, I held the other round down as I pushed the bolt into place seating the live shell that was meant to be loaded in the first place, until I fouled it up.
Again I steadied myself and kept the "slow down" wisdom in mind. The crosshairs lined up on vitals and the rifle roared, I was rewarded with the "Thud" that only a bullet on buck can make. The buck dropped in his tracks.
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jerryd6818
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Ahh Caleb. Welcome back Junior, it's awfully good to "see ya". Glad to see you got your buck and glad to see things are well with you. Visit more often please. You are missed.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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Paladin
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Ditto here. Glad to hear from you and be sure to check in more often.jerryd6818 wrote:Ahh Caleb. Welcome back Junior, it's awfully good to "see ya". Glad to see you got your buck and glad to see things are well with you. Visit more often please. You are missed.
Ray
Paladin
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
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johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Jerry, it's good to see you too.
It's like seeing old friends when I log back on to check what you all have been up to. I hope you are doing well.
Ray, I'll do my best!!!
Here is a picture, not a very good one though.
I'm blessed to have filled a tag and to share a great memory with my brothers. Actually had some salbury steaks tonight thanks to that buck.
It's like seeing old friends when I log back on to check what you all have been up to. I hope you are doing well.
Ray, I'll do my best!!!
Here is a picture, not a very good one though.
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jerryd6818
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- Location: Farther down the road.
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Holy cats dude. You are growing into a handsome man.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.
This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.
"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
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johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
The first Saturday.
Saturday is usually the best day of the season after opening day, with my tag already filled, anticipation was high that my oldest brother, Levi, might fill his tag. At this point in the season we were looking for any legal deer that afforded us a good shot and took some empty space out of the freezer.
Levi is 24, but he has only been hunting for two years now. He was born with cerebral palsy so he has some struggles that I've never had to contend with. Aside from the physical handicaps he is skinny, again something I've never had to contend with.
So he never hunted when he was younger because the cold kept him inside and with his limitations he didn't want to just take part in the killing, being he wasn't able to do what Jr and I can. He is however a rifleman. He took to shooting very easily and listens to instruction incredibly well, I think in part because he truly cares about a humane kill. He hasn't been at this whole hunting thing long, but he has the makings of an excellent hunter.
Saturday morning was our coldest day of the season, but Levi met me before first light as we made way to the shanty, determined to hunt hard. A thick frost coated the entire landscape in a white hue that reminded me of the snow covered seasons of years past. To go along with our frost we were greeted with a dense fog that cut our visibility down to about eighty yards. From this stand we can see as far as a thousand yards.
The morning passed us by, but the fog did not. It would clear up in spots then quickly fill back in. Early morning turned to mid morning as 11 o'clock rolled around. I was looking at my phone for a minute when I lifted my head to browse the expanse. Directly in front of us a doe was feeding at rough a hundred yards. I told Levi to get ready as I pointed the doe out to him.
He Slowly raised the rifle and slid it onto the window ledge. The doe was causitious and kept her head up scanning for danger. Suddenly she bounded over the fence row was was headed right for us. She was spooky, but not busted. I tried to grunt her to a stop, but that only led her into a trot. I swiveled to allow a different window for Levi to shoot out of, but he remained still. I whispered "don't shoot", as I turned to see the doe stand about sixty yards away. An explosion irrupted just to my left as the doe collapsed in a pile. I turned to see levi with a giant grin on his face. It was an amazing moment and I'm proud to have been there with him.
Saturday is usually the best day of the season after opening day, with my tag already filled, anticipation was high that my oldest brother, Levi, might fill his tag. At this point in the season we were looking for any legal deer that afforded us a good shot and took some empty space out of the freezer.
Levi is 24, but he has only been hunting for two years now. He was born with cerebral palsy so he has some struggles that I've never had to contend with. Aside from the physical handicaps he is skinny, again something I've never had to contend with.
So he never hunted when he was younger because the cold kept him inside and with his limitations he didn't want to just take part in the killing, being he wasn't able to do what Jr and I can. He is however a rifleman. He took to shooting very easily and listens to instruction incredibly well, I think in part because he truly cares about a humane kill. He hasn't been at this whole hunting thing long, but he has the makings of an excellent hunter.Saturday morning was our coldest day of the season, but Levi met me before first light as we made way to the shanty, determined to hunt hard. A thick frost coated the entire landscape in a white hue that reminded me of the snow covered seasons of years past. To go along with our frost we were greeted with a dense fog that cut our visibility down to about eighty yards. From this stand we can see as far as a thousand yards.
The morning passed us by, but the fog did not. It would clear up in spots then quickly fill back in. Early morning turned to mid morning as 11 o'clock rolled around. I was looking at my phone for a minute when I lifted my head to browse the expanse. Directly in front of us a doe was feeding at rough a hundred yards. I told Levi to get ready as I pointed the doe out to him.
He Slowly raised the rifle and slid it onto the window ledge. The doe was causitious and kept her head up scanning for danger. Suddenly she bounded over the fence row was was headed right for us. She was spooky, but not busted. I tried to grunt her to a stop, but that only led her into a trot. I swiveled to allow a different window for Levi to shoot out of, but he remained still. I whispered "don't shoot", as I turned to see the doe stand about sixty yards away. An explosion irrupted just to my left as the doe collapsed in a pile. I turned to see levi with a giant grin on his face. It was an amazing moment and I'm proud to have been there with him.
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Paladin
- Bronze Tier
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- Joined: Sun Apr 08, 2007 12:20 am
- Location: Near Austin, Texas, between a Rock and a Weird Place
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Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Caleb,
Great story and exceptionally well told. You have a real talent for the telling of a story like this.
Ray
Great story and exceptionally well told. You have a real talent for the telling of a story like this.
Ray
Paladin
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
God Bless the USA
Please visit my store SWEETWATER KNIVES
"Buy more ammo" - Johnnie Fain
"I'm glad I ain't scared to be lazy." Augustus McCrae
-
johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Nocking the rust off.
I can't share the details of this hunt, but I can share a little.
Levi doesn't have a rifle of his own yet, so he has been using Jr's, so I lent Jr a rifle I've had for a while. The rifle is a Sako forester with a Manlicher stalk. It's rifled in 243. Win, which just so happens to be the favorite round of us beanfield hunters here on the farm. The rifle belonged to my grandfather maybe 9 years ago, he had it for a long time. The last year that he owned it he killed a big cow doe with it for my family. The next year my Mom bought it to surprise my Dad on their anniversary. He had loved that rifle for a while, but couldn't get it away from my grandfather. My mom has charm though.
I remember like yesterday how it happened.
My mom got the rifle from my grandfather and snuck it into our gun cabinet. The cabinet has a glass door and a light to help wick away any moisture in the cabinet. She slid it right next to the various shotguns, 22s and other hunting rifles that called the cabinet home. To the naked eye nothing had changed, it melted right into the rest of the stalk, barrel, scope combinations. An hour or so later my Dad got home from work, we all watched in excitement. He walked through the door, took about five steps passed the cabinet, glanced at the safe and retraced his steps. In mere seconds he recognized the rifle in it's new place.
Unfortunately he was never able to hunt with that rifle and about a year later I inherited it. Fast forward to this season and Jr needed a rifle to hunt with.
Jr's season was slow. The only legal deer seen being the buck I had taken when he was with me. He had already missed out on filling a tag last year and was hoping to break the trend. We got home from work and I told him he best head out unless he wants tag soup again. I stayed home and processes the deer we already had taken. About an hour later I got a phone call saying to come on out to the field and bring a knife.
That rifle hadn't been on a hunt in almost a decade, but the second it was pressed into duty it didn't let us down. It added a memory to it's already storied past.
I can't share the details of this hunt, but I can share a little.
Levi doesn't have a rifle of his own yet, so he has been using Jr's, so I lent Jr a rifle I've had for a while. The rifle is a Sako forester with a Manlicher stalk. It's rifled in 243. Win, which just so happens to be the favorite round of us beanfield hunters here on the farm. The rifle belonged to my grandfather maybe 9 years ago, he had it for a long time. The last year that he owned it he killed a big cow doe with it for my family. The next year my Mom bought it to surprise my Dad on their anniversary. He had loved that rifle for a while, but couldn't get it away from my grandfather. My mom has charm though.
I remember like yesterday how it happened.
My mom got the rifle from my grandfather and snuck it into our gun cabinet. The cabinet has a glass door and a light to help wick away any moisture in the cabinet. She slid it right next to the various shotguns, 22s and other hunting rifles that called the cabinet home. To the naked eye nothing had changed, it melted right into the rest of the stalk, barrel, scope combinations. An hour or so later my Dad got home from work, we all watched in excitement. He walked through the door, took about five steps passed the cabinet, glanced at the safe and retraced his steps. In mere seconds he recognized the rifle in it's new place.
Unfortunately he was never able to hunt with that rifle and about a year later I inherited it. Fast forward to this season and Jr needed a rifle to hunt with.
Jr's season was slow. The only legal deer seen being the buck I had taken when he was with me. He had already missed out on filling a tag last year and was hoping to break the trend. We got home from work and I told him he best head out unless he wants tag soup again. I stayed home and processes the deer we already had taken. About an hour later I got a phone call saying to come on out to the field and bring a knife.
That rifle hadn't been on a hunt in almost a decade, but the second it was pressed into duty it didn't let us down. It added a memory to it's already storied past.
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johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Roy, thank you for the kind words.
Jerry, thank you for the kind words as well.
Jerry, thank you for the kind words as well.
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treefarmer
- Gold Tier
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- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 6:53 am
- Location: Florida Panhandle(LA-Lower Alabama)
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Hey young man! Seems like you and I agreed on the .243 subject several years ago! Always enjoyed your posts and input, glad to see your still kickin' I'll just have to say a hearty Amen to what has already been said concerning your ability to allow us to feel like we were right there with you and your brothers. Only could get one of the Photobucket pics to open 
, I can see them legal antlers hidin' back there 
.
Been havin' a few joint issues and haven't got to the shootin' house since Thanksgiving. That time was to take my grandsons, maybe I'll still get out there and see if I can bust one again this season, runs through February .
Treefarmer
I'll just have to say a hearty Amen to what has already been said concerning your ability to allow us to feel like we were right there with you and your brothers. Only could get one of the Photobucket pics to open , I can see them legal antlers hidin' back there . Been havin' a few joint issues and haven't got to the shootin' house since Thanksgiving. That time was to take my grandsons, maybe I'll still get out there and see if I can bust one again this season, runs through February
.Treefarmer
A GUN IN THE HAND IS BETTER THAN A COP ON THE PHONE.
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Old Hunter
- Posts: 8409
- Joined: Mon Sep 19, 2011 12:14 am
- Location: Beaufort County, NC
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Great hunting stories Caleb, I've enjoyed all three - good to see you here again! OH
Deep in the guts of most men is buried the involuntary response to the hunter's horn, a prickle of the nape hairs, an acceleration of the pulse, an atavistic memory of his fathers, who killed first with stone, and then with club...Robert Ruark
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royal0014
- Silver Tier
- Posts: 7044
- Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:21 pm
- Location: ♥Sweet Home Alabama♥
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Mr twoshoes, you have a real knack for writing.
Making memories, thereby having a story to tell is grand.
But your ability to put your experience into print is a true gift.
I will implore you to seek ways to share your gift, perhaps submitting to a magazine or other media.
Making memories, thereby having a story to tell is grand.
But your ability to put your experience into print is a true gift.
I will implore you to seek ways to share your gift, perhaps submitting to a magazine or other media.
Chris
i woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
i woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
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johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Treefarmer, you have a great memory. I've been singing the praises of the 243. Winchester for years. Based only on my experience with the round I have great faith in it's capabilities, maybe too much... I had to be talked out of using it for black bear season. The bear here in PA aren't too big, but every once in a while someone gets a bruiser. Cooler heads prevailed and I took my 30-06. 
OH, it looks like you did pretty well yourself this season, I'm glad to see that!!!
Royal, I appreciate your comments.
I sincerely enjoy those memories I've been blessed to make and sharing them with a like minded crowd is a blessing. If my passion for the outdoors can be construed even a little in my writing then I am happy!!!
OH, it looks like you did pretty well yourself this season, I'm glad to see that!!!
Royal, I appreciate your comments.
I sincerely enjoy those memories I've been blessed to make and sharing them with a like minded crowd is a blessing. If my passion for the outdoors can be construed even a little in my writing then I am happy!!!
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garddogg56
- Bronze Tier
- Posts: 9871
- Joined: Mon Mar 07, 2011 2:18 am
- Location: Maine Aya up North
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Hey Johnny great stories good ta see ya check in
"On the Road Again"Willie Nelson
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zp4ja
- Posts: 4728
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 9:47 pm
- Location: Northern Nevada
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Hey Caleb, good to see you back and sharing some great hunting stories! Thanks much for sharing!!!
I am with you and TreeFarmer on the .243 Winchester. The one I have my Dad and I took days to take a rough stock and rasp, sand, 19 coats of finish, etc. My most prized rifle I own still after 38 years after he gave it to me as a teen. Started life as something different.
I only knew three calibers of long guns growing up. If the smallest one was "too small: for the intended game hunted you move up in chunks. Here is the only 3 calibers Dad owned and I knew as far as use in the field when I was growing up.
.22 Long Rifle. Usually a single shot since that was safest for "youngins".
.243 Winchester round. I have a nice oldie. I also have an old Savage 110 from the same Chicopee Falls Ma. plant. It has an old 5 digit serial number SAVAGE 110 not pre-pended with a letter like the newer ones. Best I can tell based on receiver length, it is a first year run "short bolt action" from 1959'. Made just prior to factory move to Westfield Ma. in 1960. Only made that rifle 2 years at old factory in in the Chicopee Falls Ma. plant starting in 58'. Discussed here and Monk's rifle a few posts above.
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ge#p456168
Dad's Savage 110E .30-06. I took and Pronghorn Antelope and Mule Deer Buck this year with this rifle. Just like Dad was there with me. Awesome stuff. Hope to take an Bull Elk with it this new year (2016) and many Coyotes prior to that.
Basically, you only moved up in caliber until the limit was stretched as to "not enough umpph" for hunted game. Only three I knew growing up and same scheme still works for me.
We all know humane kills involve good shot placement which is difficult to do at times when hunting. Anatomy study of game and range practice "knowing your gun and your own capabilities" are key components here. W.D.M Bell is my hero in this arena and I aspire to be a fraction of the Hunter this man was. See link for his shot placement and use of a .275 Rigby of small fast caliber to take down many, I mean many Elephants. We can all learn a lot from this man in my opinion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._D._M._Bell
Thanks again for sharing some great hunting stories and great pics. Come by more often and keep sharing my friend!
Regards, Jerry
I am with you and TreeFarmer on the .243 Winchester. The one I have my Dad and I took days to take a rough stock and rasp, sand, 19 coats of finish, etc. My most prized rifle I own still after 38 years after he gave it to me as a teen. Started life as something different.
I only knew three calibers of long guns growing up. If the smallest one was "too small: for the intended game hunted you move up in chunks. Here is the only 3 calibers Dad owned and I knew as far as use in the field when I was growing up.
.22 Long Rifle. Usually a single shot since that was safest for "youngins".
.243 Winchester round. I have a nice oldie. I also have an old Savage 110 from the same Chicopee Falls Ma. plant. It has an old 5 digit serial number SAVAGE 110 not pre-pended with a letter like the newer ones. Best I can tell based on receiver length, it is a first year run "short bolt action" from 1959'. Made just prior to factory move to Westfield Ma. in 1960. Only made that rifle 2 years at old factory in in the Chicopee Falls Ma. plant starting in 58'. Discussed here and Monk's rifle a few posts above.
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... ge#p456168
Dad's Savage 110E .30-06. I took and Pronghorn Antelope and Mule Deer Buck this year with this rifle. Just like Dad was there with me. Awesome stuff. Hope to take an Bull Elk with it this new year (2016) and many Coyotes prior to that.
Basically, you only moved up in caliber until the limit was stretched as to "not enough umpph" for hunted game. Only three I knew growing up and same scheme still works for me.
We all know humane kills involve good shot placement which is difficult to do at times when hunting. Anatomy study of game and range practice "knowing your gun and your own capabilities" are key components here. W.D.M Bell is my hero in this arena and I aspire to be a fraction of the Hunter this man was. See link for his shot placement and use of a .275 Rigby of small fast caliber to take down many, I mean many Elephants. We can all learn a lot from this man in my opinion.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/W._D._M._Bell
Thanks again for sharing some great hunting stories and great pics. Come by more often and keep sharing my friend!
Regards, Jerry
That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who leaves the world better than he found it; who never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty or failed to express it; who looked for the best in other's and gave the best he had.
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treefarmer
- Gold Tier
- Posts: 15128
- Joined: Sun Oct 04, 2009 6:53 am
- Location: Florida Panhandle(LA-Lower Alabama)
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
Good Mornin', Jerry! Just read your post and I understand where you are coming from. Seems like folks want to have a gun for every occasion, there's nothin' wrong with that, the more the merrier!
When I was a young man, I wanted one of everything, one for when the wind was blowin' from the west and another rifle for when the rain was fallin', etc...A feller I knew worked for the Florida Fish and Game Commission told me you need one rifle to hunt deer and you need to master it, all this figuring which rifle to use today is goin' to mess you up.
At that time I had a one of the 1st Ruger 44 carbines and had a Rem. 742 30/06 carbine, both would do the job but totally different. Ended up with a Model 700 30/06 and shot it and nothing else for many years. Now I shoot basically the same thing, only it's a 700 in .243. Most times they drop in their tracks, there is no future in taking a risky shot and wounding or losing a deer. I haven't shot at a running deer in years. The 6th paragraph in your post speaks volumes to me !
Treefarmer
When I was a young man, I wanted one of everything, one for when the wind was blowin' from the west and another rifle for when the rain was fallin', etc...A feller I knew worked for the Florida Fish and Game Commission told me you need one rifle to hunt deer and you need to master it, all this figuring which rifle to use today is goin' to mess you up.
At that time I had a one of the 1st Ruger 44 carbines and had a Rem. 742 30/06 carbine, both would do the job but totally different. Ended up with a Model 700 30/06 and shot it and nothing else for many years. Now I shoot basically the same thing, only it's a 700 in .243. Most times they drop in their tracks, there is no future in taking a risky shot and wounding or losing a deer. I haven't shot at a running deer in years. The 6th paragraph in your post speaks volumes to me
!Treefarmer
A GUN IN THE HAND IS BETTER THAN A COP ON THE PHONE.
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johnny twoshoes
- Posts: 1765
- Joined: Sun Jan 11, 2009 5:21 am
- Location: Sarver, PA
Re: Outdoorsman Thread
3 is a crowd, 23 is a drive.
We've been bearing hunting the same stretch of Pennsylvania Natural Forrest since I was old enough to hunt and my family hunted it long before that. Success isn't really the determining factor as to why we hunt it, but there has been some bear taken up there. My father killed one in 2003 I believe, my cousin in 2011 and my uncle has wasted a box or two of ammo trying to fill his first PA black bear tag.
We aren't a large group of guys so our plan is usually to split up, hike as far as you can, hike back and leave. I've enjoyed this tactic because of the diversity I've discovered in those big woods. One minute you'll be surrounded my ancient boulders covered in moss and the next you've found yourself in a pine grove, soon you're in a laurel thick where you can't see more than three feet ahead... now thats bear territory.
Last season was a bit strange, we lost two of our four hunting members after the first day. With the season now starting on a Saturday it makes for a boring no hunting sunday. So two guys packed and left. My uncle and I hunted hard for the next few days, covering lots of ground and discovering awesome locations I want to check back on in the years to come, but no real hard evidence of bear.
Then we found ourselves on one of the old gas well roads that leads back to a dead end. We pulled over to talk to another hunter and see how his luck was going. That morning he had taken a bear out of the laurels we were surrounded by and he went about telling his story. (I truly enjoy this aspect of hunting, recounting the moments leading up to success, or even failure, you can see the passion and memory being etched into someones minds that will last a life time).
His bear wasn't huge by any means, but it was more bear than a lot of people were getting. His group were trailing a different bear that someone had wounded earlier in the day. Soon the radio signaled that the bear was headed in our direction. Not wanting to disturb the group and their efforts I was ready to back out, but the guy we had been talking to asked us to join in. I was surprised by how he genuine he was with his offer. (I know its public land, but I'm not one to invade on someones drive).
My uncle felt the need to continue talking and I felt the need to load my -06. I found a nice little tree to lean agains as the minutes passed. Now, being apart of a drive the senses seem to be on edge, I think in part because you know whatever happens, will happen fast. Ever little noise or movement of laurel had my heart racing, even though it was just the wind most of the time. Then suddenly... the drivers appeared. Apparently the bear had doubled back on them and was still in the laurel. The drivers were tired and were ready to call it quits. Then the trucks pulled in.
Two pickup trucks loaded with hunters in each bed. They all bailed and descended on our little patch of laurel like an army ready for battle. Their leader met with our newly chosen drive chief and a plan was hatched. Being a young guy I volunteered to push, but I wasn't needed as a pusher and so I found myself a place to post.
I chose an old hickory with a "Y" about five feet up. I was able to wedge myself into my make shift "stand" and had a pretty good view of the thicket ahead. My uncle walked maybe 75 yards further down before cutting in a ways to a small clearing. Soon the drive started.
Just mere minutes into the drive a solo shot rang out, I knew the direction was in my uncles, but I didn't want to think it could be him. Soon the drivers crested the hill and the drive over. I immediately descended and headed for my uncle. Only to find him surrounded by other hunts as he recounted his story.... He tells a lot of "stories".
Apparently a small bear crossed his view just minutes after the drivers entered the thicket and his only shot was a small patch of saplings that afforded him his only good view.
No dice.
So, we've learned and are now planning a drive of our own. Not only did we learn the terrain better we've found ourselves a new technique, thats not exactly new.
We've been bearing hunting the same stretch of Pennsylvania Natural Forrest since I was old enough to hunt and my family hunted it long before that. Success isn't really the determining factor as to why we hunt it, but there has been some bear taken up there. My father killed one in 2003 I believe, my cousin in 2011 and my uncle has wasted a box or two of ammo trying to fill his first PA black bear tag.
We aren't a large group of guys so our plan is usually to split up, hike as far as you can, hike back and leave. I've enjoyed this tactic because of the diversity I've discovered in those big woods. One minute you'll be surrounded my ancient boulders covered in moss and the next you've found yourself in a pine grove, soon you're in a laurel thick where you can't see more than three feet ahead... now thats bear territory.
Last season was a bit strange, we lost two of our four hunting members after the first day. With the season now starting on a Saturday it makes for a boring no hunting sunday. So two guys packed and left. My uncle and I hunted hard for the next few days, covering lots of ground and discovering awesome locations I want to check back on in the years to come, but no real hard evidence of bear.
Then we found ourselves on one of the old gas well roads that leads back to a dead end. We pulled over to talk to another hunter and see how his luck was going. That morning he had taken a bear out of the laurels we were surrounded by and he went about telling his story. (I truly enjoy this aspect of hunting, recounting the moments leading up to success, or even failure, you can see the passion and memory being etched into someones minds that will last a life time).
His bear wasn't huge by any means, but it was more bear than a lot of people were getting. His group were trailing a different bear that someone had wounded earlier in the day. Soon the radio signaled that the bear was headed in our direction. Not wanting to disturb the group and their efforts I was ready to back out, but the guy we had been talking to asked us to join in. I was surprised by how he genuine he was with his offer. (I know its public land, but I'm not one to invade on someones drive).
My uncle felt the need to continue talking and I felt the need to load my -06. I found a nice little tree to lean agains as the minutes passed. Now, being apart of a drive the senses seem to be on edge, I think in part because you know whatever happens, will happen fast. Ever little noise or movement of laurel had my heart racing, even though it was just the wind most of the time. Then suddenly... the drivers appeared. Apparently the bear had doubled back on them and was still in the laurel. The drivers were tired and were ready to call it quits. Then the trucks pulled in.
Two pickup trucks loaded with hunters in each bed. They all bailed and descended on our little patch of laurel like an army ready for battle. Their leader met with our newly chosen drive chief and a plan was hatched. Being a young guy I volunteered to push, but I wasn't needed as a pusher and so I found myself a place to post.
I chose an old hickory with a "Y" about five feet up. I was able to wedge myself into my make shift "stand" and had a pretty good view of the thicket ahead. My uncle walked maybe 75 yards further down before cutting in a ways to a small clearing. Soon the drive started.
Just mere minutes into the drive a solo shot rang out, I knew the direction was in my uncles, but I didn't want to think it could be him. Soon the drivers crested the hill and the drive over. I immediately descended and headed for my uncle. Only to find him surrounded by other hunts as he recounted his story.... He tells a lot of "stories".
Apparently a small bear crossed his view just minutes after the drivers entered the thicket and his only shot was a small patch of saplings that afforded him his only good view.
No dice.
So, we've learned and are now planning a drive of our own. Not only did we learn the terrain better we've found ourselves a new technique, thats not exactly new.