tjhunt2

My hats off to those who have taken the big ten with a bow and all the others who have taken anything with a bow. I really never gave it much thought about seeing how many critters I could kill with a bow because I was always more interested in the hunt and not racking up numbers but I got to thinking about the archery kills I've made and I've been blessed for sure. After seeing a few bears on my trail cams this year I got to thinking why I haven't bought a bear tag for years and tried to take one with a bow. I guess I have always been happy with the one I shot with a rifle yrs ago and haven't shown much interest since. Ok, now I don't want to sound like the numbers all of a sudden are more important than hunting, because they aren't, but I could end up with a possible 9 of the 10 if I tried but the numbers are starting to stack against me. My age, would I ever draw a sheep or antelope tag, my body wearing down, and not staying in shape has the odds, with each passing year, not on my side. Back to why I started this post in the first place. I'm sitting in my blind last month and miss my turkey by using the wrong pin. Wish I could remember how many times I've done that over the years. You would think after all these years I would have figured out how to control my excitement or buck fever as they say. Now I'm dozing off and as I open my eyes for the 50th time I have a black bear at 15yrds in front of me. This is why I bought a bear tag incase I ran in to one doing this archery season but not in the middle of my crack corn. This bear stayed for 1hr and 20min with so many thoughts running thru my head. I could easily shoot this bear. No one would ever know but me that I shot it over bait. I could say I now have an archery bear kill and my 8th of the big ten with a bow. I know hunters who wouldn't think twice and shoot. Could I ever live with myself and would the huntin gods ever forgive me. Well, I decide I'm going to shoot this bear because he just isn't wanting to leave. As I try my hardest to position myself, without making any noise, I finally succeed and take my best shot. Dam I wasn't expecting the flash to go off. The bear never seemed to mind so I shot several other pictures. These pictures will always mean more to me than just another number. TJ

Hope this day is a good one for ya Tommy and may you have as many as you've already had. Good luck on your hunts and give our best to Julie. Oh yea, one other thing, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

How much better could it have gotten to say the least. Congratulations to all 7 of you and thanks for sharing the pictures. Family time mixed in doesn't get any better than that. You and your wife are blessed for sure and your kids will soon be chasing bulls of their own. TJ

Happy Birthday Hector!!!!!! There's no doubt you will be celebrating with some fine food and a couple of cold ones. Peg and I wish you a great day. TJ

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm sure there are alot of you who would have done the same. TJ

Christina, your writeup was great even though you didn't tag out. As I read it I could feel the excitement you were experiencing along with the frustration and disapointment. My condolences for the loss of your exhusband's wife. I'm sure that was hard to explain to the kids. Thank you for sharing your hunt with us and let me say you have had a tough outcome that so many of us have experienced for ourselves. Archery hunting is a tough way to go and sooner or later it all happens to everyone loosing a critter and believe me it hurts and it's all you can think about at the time. I feel your pain but let me reassure you it is going to get better and you will succeed in your quest for a bull someday. I'm positive of it by the attitude you have for the sport. You did everything right and your ethics need to be applauded young lady. It's obvious your shot wasn't the best but we've all been there. It's people like yourself that make us hunters proud to say your one of the good guys. Congratulations to your husband and enjoy that elk meat. I have always enjoyed your posts and once again thank you for bringing us along on your hunt. TJ

It just doen't get any better than huntin with your dad. The memories are as precious as your bull. Thanks for sharing and congratulations. Great picture! TJ

You certainly don't look like no rookie in that picture. Congratulations on a freezer full of meat. TJ

I don't know how I missed this one James. Wow, you are on a roll for sure. Congratulation on a nice buck and thanks for sharing your story with us. TJ

I to liked the video. Good ending! TJ

Looks like you got yourself a good spot Keith. That's an above deer for the area for sure. Thanks for sharing. TJ

Where is Camno Loma Alta just south of Garrigans Gulch? TJ It is East of Garrigans Gulch Of course, I should have known that. I'll look it up when I get to Kansas. lol

Some friend you are. BANG! lol TJ

Where is Camno Loma Alta just south of Garrigans Gulch? TJ

Congratulations on getting it done. Sounds like you had a hard time but you kept after it and made it happen. That's some hard huntin and thanks for sharing. I like the pictures. TJ

Phil, awesome writeup and great pictures to go with. Congratulations to Keith and everyone of you who worked your tails off to make it happen. That's an awesome bull. Thanks for sharing. TJ

That bull is awesome to say the least. Holy crap that thing is huge. Congratulations on your last day deal. That's cutting it close for sure. Thanks for sharing and thanks for all the pictures. TJ

I spent mon & tues walking up under the rim. Seen as many as any year before and maybe alittle more to be honest with ya. This should be a very good year for squirrels. Let us know how you did. TJ

I'm curious as to what you use instead of straps. I use ratchet straps and haven't had any trouble. If there is something better I definitely want to know about it. Thanks! TJ If you know a mechanical contractor that does commercial and has guys who do pipe insulation find out where to buy the large stainless clamps that look like automotive hose clamps, no bear is going to remove them. Thanks PRDATR!

I'm curious as to what you use instead of straps. I use ratchet straps and haven't had any trouble. If there is something better I definitely want to know about it. Thanks! TJ

Congratulations Eagle Eye on your first and I know it won't be your last. It gets in your blood. Reading where other cwt members helping out other members is what sets this site apart from all the rest. I can't say enough about cwt.com. TJ

Pipe feeders are easy to make and work really well. If there are bears in the area I suggest using two straps on a tree. TJ

Congratulations to your wife. She must be very happy with this big bull. Thanks for sharing. TJ

Welcome to the best huntin web site in the world for whitetail and just about anything else you might want to hunt here in az. Good luck on your hunt. Some good advise from everyone. Take lots of pictures and can't wait to hear how your hunt goes. TJ

Them Ibexs are cool looking and thanks for sharing your brother's. Congrats! TJ