Archery Talk

Im getting out there early this year...

 

You got a Thermacell?

 

Nah tried that in idaho and they thought i was making a heating pad for them. One landed on the pad and was happy as can be

 

They've worked really well for me but I've gotten to a point that if mosquitos are bad enough to need a Thermacell then I really dont want to be out there anyhow.

 

Really windy days are your friend when its hot, keeps the skeeters (somewhat) at bay.

Until that last 45 minutes of daylight when the wind tapers off and the mosquitos tear yer ass up.

 

I had them biting me through my butt pad a few years ago. Granted it’s old and mostly two layers of cloth now. Padding is long overdue to be replaced

 

I've had a brand new thermocell in my closet for at least 8yrs, never used it. I usually dress in long sleeves for skeeters, the worst sits are when it's warm. Expanded archery (coastal zones) opens here in Maine on the 7th of Sept, statewide Oct 1st through Nov.

 

I started this bowhunting thing in '80. I was 19 and still in tech school. It has been a wild 44 year ride. Sometimes, I think had had more fun then, than I do now. I had zero clue as to what I was doing. Zero. Magazines were the only source of info. I remember buying a used Bear Kodiak Hunter, 45lb draw, Easton fiberglass arrows, Satalite Broadheads...Picked up a few hay bales and started to practice. All summer. As the back and shoulders got stronger, the groups got tighter. The first day found us at some public land by the river. I do remember seeing a bunch of deer, working my way to the river. I remember taking a nap, looking out over the Susquehanna. I remember the fall colors and sun warm on my face. I remember knowing I was hooked. For life. Now, the brashness and balls to the wall is replaced with careful planning. Working out is not an option, it's a requirement to continue what I love to do. The bow weight has dropped from 70 to 60. The practice sessions while still as frequent aren't near as long. Maybe 36-40 arrows. But come November. I'm up way before sunrise and back home well after dark. Some all day sits.And even though I'm exhasuted at the end of two weeks, when Monday rolls around after the season closes, I'd be ready to do it all over again.

Never quit. Never give up. EVER.

 

Thanks for your inspiration and love of adventure. I play ice hockey, tennis, Tai Chi, work with resistance bands and stretch daily just to stay limber. I've also eliminated sugars and carbohydrates from my diet and my energy levels and fitness have been on an upward trend since Feb24. The oldest guy I play hockey with is 84, tennis-81. These guys have taught me what it takes to stay active and how to treat your body and other people in general, Mentors for sure. If I stop activities for a week, it takes 3 weeks to get back where I left off. Body movement also helps with mental health which is a win win. Shoot straight and often-Steve

 

Great post and I can really relate to the knowing ZERO part. So after an uneventful 1982 season I got permission to hunt on actual deer property for my second season. On the morning of November 6th I’m way up in a tree on this little death trap of a portable stand I built from a magazine article with a bow I bought from Shopko department store. So shortly after light three does walk right past at 5 yards and stop on the ridge behind me. Now I’m already freezing because I got in the stand way too early and don’t own any warm hunting clothes. (it’s in the low 30’s) The does they keep looking back to where they came from and won’t leave and I have no idea why. I’m getting colder and just want to get down so I start dropping stuff on the ground to try and spook them without them seeing my stand location. All of a sudden see a buck with his nose to the ground following the trail they came in on. He walks right past and I shoot him in the heart at 5 yards and he goes maybe 50 yards. AND NOW I’M ALSO HOOKED FOR LIFE. I had no idea that when hunting the first week of November in Wisconsin and three does walk past and keep looking back it’s go time.

 

Chuck, what happened, you were once a handsome feller...












good story sir...

 

Rockin the woodland camo!! Great story!!

 

Rockin the Evinrude sled as well.

 

I never forget a face!! Laurie was my favorite! Bet my last dollar @1buzzbait has every David Cassidy album.

 

Archery starts tomorrow in south Florida!! I am not participating yet!

 

Y’ain’t gonna hunt during the impending tropical storm?