Beginner’s luck is no joke…

This weekend I had the pleasure of spending 2 days with Walter Ford and his son Cory. We spent all day Saturday shooting quail and pheasants here in the North Georgia Mountains and talking a lot, and I mean a lot of smack about who would catch the biggest trout come Sunday. It wasnt until later that afternoon that I was briefed on their fly fishing skills… or should I say lack thereof. This would be the first time either of them would have a fly rod in hand. At that point I’m thinking okay, here goes about three dozen flies, a bunch of strike indicators, a spool of tippet material, and no fish to the net. For anyone who has had the pleasure of fishing at Noontootla Creek Farms you know that the “toot” is not a place for beginners. Oversized fish in tight quarters usually spells disaster for a lot of fly fisherman no matter how good you are. But these two were willing to give it their best and that was all I could ask of them. Upon arriving streamside… in the rain… I realize that I have left my rain gear in the shop and that I was S.O.L. as far as keeping dry for the day. At that point I must admit I was ready to turn around, head for home, and save myself the lost flies, indicators, and tippet material. I was sure this was not going to be a fun trip, especially for me. But Walter and Cory were excited and eager to get on the water, so fish hard we would. With rain still coming down at a good clip we stand truck side in preparation to put on the body condoms and make our way down to the first spot. I’m now soaked and shivering right out the gate and we haven’t even wet a line yet, I’m convinced this isn’t going to produce anything except the flu for me. After getting to one of my favorite holes on the “toot” I ask Cory if he’s ready to step up to the plate and give it a whirl. He says “nah, let dad go ahead and try his luck”. Having never fly fished before, I think Cory was afraid of making a fool of himself before dad had his shot at all the glory. Well Cory… we know what the outcome of that decision was don’t we? I then explained to Walter (dad) how I wanted him to fish this particular hole and what to expect if a big fish were to take the fly. Anyone ever hear of beginners luck? Upon making his first cast, in the first hole we fished, and only covering the top end of the hole…WHAM! …. let the chaos begin. Several minutes later after lady luck had so graciously held our hand through out the battle, and much to my amazement, I netted Walter’s first ever trout on a fly rod…. a big spawned out female brown that MEASURED 27 1/2 inches. What a gorgeous fish this was. This was now the biggest brown I’ve had the pleasure of watching a client catch this year, besting a 25 inch male taken back in February… in the same hole. Yep, I know where they live. After a few pictures we carefully got her back in the water and watched her swim off. The smack talking would now commence once again. Cory was now in for a world of hurt and a LONG ride home if he didn’t get himself a big fish as well. Dad was relentless, that is until we arrived at the second spot and Cory put the smack down on 4 nice rainbows in about 9 casts. Nothing comparable in size to dad’s big brown but at least the monkey was off all our backs and we were having a great time. Having clients with 5 nice fish under their belt inside of 45 minutes of fishing puts the rest of my day as the guide on a downhill slope… no way would we better that big female brown, but big bows were still to come. We fished our way upstream and the fishing was on fire. We pulled out one big fish after another, every spot would produce a half dozen strikes and bring three or four to the net. These fish were jumping into tree’s, running around stumps, dropping down the falls, and we just kept catching them. I was blown away with the amount of beginners luck that had been bestowed upon these two guy’s… it just wasnt supposed to happen like this. But it did. The rain had now subsided and the wind was kicking in. I’m soaked, freezing and wanting nothing more than to get into my truck and make a bee-line home to a hot shower. But the fish would have none of that… hole after hole, strike after strike, fish after fish, they just kept pounding my magic fly and we just couldn’t leave under those conditions. Could you? Walter caught a few more and so did Cory. As we got to another one of my favorite spots that I know holds some really big fish I ask Cory if he wants to take the reins on this one or give it to dad. Remembering what had happened earlier that morning when he was faced with that decision, his answer came fast and was something along the lines of  “no, I got this one”. We moved down to the edge of the bank and made our first presentation. With about 10 feet of fly line out, the surface erupted and the reel started singing. Cory and I looked at each other and we both knew he had hooked a big one. Ever see someone try and reel in a 26 inch rainbow with the palm of their hand, because their fingertips won’t work… and actually get it to the net? Few and far between for me but we did it. And what a beautiful fish. Big black spots, broad tail, rose-colored cheeks, and bright pink sides. This was another trophy fish waiting for its Kodak moment… and a great way to end what would be one the luckiest day of fishing I’ve ever been a part of. WOW!, what a day. 

Thank’s Walter, thanks Cory, I enjoyed spending the weekend with you guys and look forward to your return. 

Want to know more about the “magic fly”, call me and book a trip. It’s money well spent. Just ask the Ford’s 

Tight loops…

Singing In The Rain

Guess what. Its raining. In Georgia. Odd isn’t it. I know. Haven’t seen it in a while. As I sit huddled under a hemlock trying to minimize the amount of rain I take on I figured now was as good a time as any to finally catch up on my blog posting. Where to begin.

After all the excitement Carrie and I enjoyed over two weeks in Africa and then the one week I enjoyed on my annual pilgrimage to Wyoming its been pretty slow here in Georgia. But not for a lack of trying.

First weekend back that Carrie and I could get out we ventured up to Ellijay to hunt with “Chief” on his farm. This beautiful place backs up to Cohutta National Forest and is loaded with deer, bear, hogs, and turkeys. The plan was to hike to the top of the ridge as that’s where all the acorns are and really the only bear sign at the moment. We made it about halfway up and the mountain had schooled carrie. I got up the next morning and due to an extended recovery period needed for her I hunted one of my favorite nearby public archery only spots. Nothing.

Our next outing took us to the Big Buck Contest opening weekend in Alma. I was bound and determined that I was gonna kill the big buck and win the truck. Unfortunately someone decided they’d enjoy a few laughs at the expense of this ol stick slinger. I got up Saturday ready to go. Carrie’s girlfriends dad whose gorgeous farm we were hunting had the perfect spot for me. I got in the stand well before dark. I was all settled and all of a sudden I heard what sounded like someone in a climber stand going up a tree right next to me. I saw no light and things settled down so I forgot about it. That is until the reenactment of the battle of the bulge. When the shooting started it didn’t quit. If it did it wasn’t for very long. Then out of nowhere. Boom. Someone shot right next to me. As I cowered in the stand ducking for cover assuming an initial assault I said I’m finding out what in the heck that was. I walked to the edge of the field looked at the box stand and sure enough. There is Carries girlfriends husband and son sitting with two big grins. Supposedly Scott said there was a deer in the field and his son Caleb kept telling him “shoot daddy”. Later I figure out that doe was every bit of 250 yards away. Oh well. A short while later about 20 or 30 hen turkeys stroll through. Other than that. Nothing.

So we wrapped up the morning hunt. All of us empty handed. But we went back to the house and what we were about to get was a belly full of an opening day smorgasbord. The food started at one end of the counter and wrapped through the kitchen. And that was the main course. The desserts covered the island. I ate. And I ate. And we all almost ended up in a food coma. now we wanted to go back out in the woods. to sleep. Ha. I mean hunt. Well Scott and I first had to bring the chairs to the tobacco warehouse where that nights events would transpire. When we got in at lunchtime the chairs were in rows almost all the way to the back. I dreweled at all the prizes being given away. Besides the pick up they had almost 40 deer stands. Ladders tripods towers you name it. Then they had trail cameras feeders climber stands. I said this was hitting the hunter lottery jackpot.

So we headed back to the farm for the evening hunt. I daringly decided to give my hot spot a second shot. I got in the stand early that afternoon. Fighting off the blueberry tart nap jerk I was enjoying the afternoon. The weather was perfect. Not too warm. Nice and cool. Wind picked up a bit but I said all the better to blow my scent out. Then I heard a truck door slam. I said to myself you’ve got to be kidding me. The sound subsided and I ignored it. That is until later that afternoon and I start hearing a deer blowing. From the wind direction I knew with certainty it wasn’t me. It all got quiet again. Then boom to the front of me. I again sunk in my seat preparing for the invasion. Boom behind me. I sit in shell shock gathering the fleeting peace and calm I’d enjoyed earlier. As I glance to my left I see two idiots walking through the woods. My woods. No orange. Guns on their shoulders. I assumed they shot the deer and were trailing it up though I remember seeing or hearing no death march nearby earlier. Well these two proceed to walk a perimeter around me. Just great. Two boneheads have just left their scent all over my hunting area. They walked right by me and had no idea I was even there. Wish I had some doe pee to throw on them. They finally left empty handed. The area settled back down as the sun was setting. I assumed the day was a bust till I heard the crunching of leaves. Darkness was setting in quick. I blew my grunt call. It was coming right in almost as if on a string. Then it stopped walking. I was ready for the shot. I couldn’t see it. It got dark and I was getting ready to get down. I turned on my headlamp and looked in that direction. Eyeballs. Looking right up at me. Good heavens.

So we headed to the Big Buck gala. Numbers are being called. Prizes are being claimed. There’s enough chili and sausage dogs to feed an infantry. Then I hear a name that was all too familiar. Higginson. Flashback to my fraternity days in Macon, Ga. It was one of my fraternity brothers brothers. He ended up with a nice stand. As the evening was winding down they called Calebs name. This little rascal had won a nice tripod stand last year. Guess what. Make it two. He was all grins next to his new toy. Well we didn’t get a buck. Biggest deer was a 129 inch 9 point. We didn’t win the truck either. But we sure had a good time. And we’d be back in the woods in the am. Life is good.
So Scott shows up the next morning to take me to a new spot. We ease down the fire break to a ladder stand at a major crossing area. I got this I think to myself. Weather is cool. Light breeze. A short while later I see movement. Twenty yards in front to my left. The young doe feeds in front of me. She’s fixed on looking back over her shoulder in the pines. She hangs out for about thirty or forty minutes. Nothing ever did show up but I enjoyed watching her anyway.

The next weekend we’d get out we planned to head back up to North, Ga. I think Carrie was determined this time to make it up the mountain. And we did. Wind was a bit much. It was cold. And she’d been sick for most of the week. I’d built a brush blind at the top of the ridge where you could tell some bears had been feeding heavily on acorns. A short while after wed set up I could tell she wasn’t comfortable. She fought off the cold as long as she could and I knew wed need to move. Chief hadn’t seen anything so he was walking down through the creek bottom. Wed stay on top of the ridge. The wind was blowing heavy enough we could walk slowly and keep our sound covered. We eased along finding trees the bears had clawed up. Lots of acorns on top. Just no critters. As we head down the mountain to the truck we get to the food plot. Through the break in the christmas trees all I see are heads and tails. We were busted.

Next afternoon Carrie opted to stay home while I hit my archery spot again. I eased along the edge of a food plot along the river. I get all the way to the end and climb a tree. There are lots of tracks coming from some heavily used trails into the field. Late in the afternoon I see a visitor. This guy skirts the edge of the field my way. I’m thinking to myself surely not. Yep. He walked all the way to me. Waves. And walks in the woods right behind me. Great. A while later I hear a plane flying in low. The pilot banks it hard and then straight up. As the plane stalls he starts a series of loops as its falling down. He pulls it out and begins a fifteen minute aerobatic show over my head. I’m thinking this is a cheap show but not what I’m here for. Looks like this hunt too is a bust.

So here I am. Sitting in the rain. Laughing at the comedy of errors thus far this year. And who says hunting is easy. Come join me. I promise it’ll be an adventure you won’t forget in the morning.

The Flies and Fletching gang in Alma

Caleb with his second stand in two years.

October Update!

I’m sure some of our followers may be wondering where the heck we’ve been for the last few weeks. Well… since returning from Wyoming on the SEEDS Dream Hunt we’ve been very busy here in the North Georgia Mountains… but trust me, we’re still here! Archery season opened just as we returned and we’ve been really busy getting clients in and out of the woods. So far this season there hasn’t been any really big deer taken, mostly small bucks and doe’s. But MAN!!! … what a bear season. So far, there have been 4 bears over 500 pounds taken up here in the mountains with archery gear. One of our friends was doing some hunting of his own and took one that went 566 pounds with his recurve. The big bear jumped out in front of him at 5 yards while he was walking to his stand… he ended up shooting it at 9 yards. I dont know about any of you, but being able to keep your composure with a big “Yogi”  pushing 600 pounds just 9 yards away is a feat in itself. I believe I would have had to change my pants. Congratulations T on the trophy of a lifetime. I know he’ll look good on your wall.

As for the fishing… the trout are in full swing on our private waters. We’re catching big 20+ inch rainbows on almost every trip with some nice brown’s making an appearance every so often. All the recent rains have really brought the creek levels up which is in turn making the trout a lot more active. They’ve been feeding well throughout  most of the day and our clients have been doing very well on streamers… I’ve come across a pattern that has been consistently producing some really big fish… interested in trying it out? Give me a call! We’ve got almost 5 miles of private waters just waiting for some eager anglers to come give it a shot.

As for the Toccoa tailwater… it’s been hit or miss. The generation schedule is inconsistent so it’s hard to get out for a full day’s float. I’ve been taking clients to some of our private access areas and doing quite well wading until the water levels start to rise, then it’s time to get out. Again, streamers have been really productive here as well and the early morning bite is just as good as the late afternoon bite but the water generation tends to be later inthe day. Remember to always be safe while fishing on the tailwater. At first sign of rising water be sure and exit the river as soon as possible… dont chance it. There’s been some instances with a tubing and kayaking company that has sent clients down river without knowing the generation schedule which in turn has made for some close calls creating bad blood with the TVA. Regardlessof published or unpublished water generation the company at hand is directly responsible for the safety of their clients. Why anyone would risk putting someone elses life in danger just for a “Buck” (the guilty one) is beyond me. Seems to me I’ve seen signs all over that river that say “WARNING… WATER MAY RISE WITHOUT NOTICE”. Not sure what that means to some but I certainlyt get it. Maybe if it said “WARNING… YOU MAY DIE ON THE RIVER TODAY” more people would take notice. Carelessness on the behalf of a certain few will surely ruin it for all.     

As for whats on the horizon… Well, we’ve got lots of neat stuff happening.  Most exciting of which is our new expansion. Due to overwhelming success and the positive response from our travel guests we’ve decided to launch a new division under the Flies and Fletching umbrella. Outdoor Pursuits Worldwide will soon be the official travel company of Flies and Fletching. Outdoor Pursuits Worldwide will be focused entirely on first class destiantion travel services for all our guests. No matter where in the world you want to go… if you can dream it we will make it happen. Lots of other neat stuff happening but unfortunately we can’t let that out of the bag just yet. All I can say is stay tuned for some really exciting news within the next couple of months.

Like I said… we’re still here. So anyone wanting to come up and do some big game hunting or some world class trout fishing just give us a call.  We look forward to hearing from you.

Co-Owner Todd Fox

Thanks to all our good friends and sponsors…

Another year’s Dream Hunt has come and gone…  As I sit here writing I’m dreaming of all the antelope and mule deer left back in Glenrock. To say we have some unfinished business would be putting it mildly… I’m already looking forward to next year’s trip. Wyoming is such a beautiful part of the country with wide open plains, rugged mountain terrain, and endless rolling hills… all within eyesight and the turn of your head. This years Dream Hunt was a wonderful success, great times were shared by all.  New friendships were made and old ones rekindled. I will cherish the time spent with friends, new and old alike, and look forward to the next time we can all hunt together. Although Jake Meyer left Wyoming with un-filled tags, he certainly goes home richer with memeories that will last a lifetime. And that’s what the SEEDS Dream Hunt is all about. It’s about making memeories with family members and new friends and spending quality time outdoors. At Flies and Flethcing, we look forward to providing young kids everywhere with many memories in the years to come. Be sure and check out the pictures from last weeks hunt below. If your ever looking for a big game hunting adventure in Glenrock be sure and give Flies and Fletching a call. We provide first class travel services to destinations throughout the world. At Flies and Fletching, first class service is our first priority. 

These trips wouldn’t be possible without the help of our good friends and sponsors. We’d like to thank each and everyone one of them for all they do for us throughout the year. 

Thanks to:

Wilderness Outfitter’s for being a proud sponsor and providing accomodations, meals, and guide services. Without Dan Mangus and the rest of the Mangus family this wouldnt have been possible. Thank you grandma and grandpa.

Arrowdynamic Solutions for being a proud sponsor and and donating all the archery equipment needed on this hunt. Arrowdynamic Solutions is the maker of The Gobbler Guillotine and The Atom broaheads… Lethal Engineering! 

Roland Whitt Country Music for being a proud sponsor and providing a weeks worth of entertainment… singing or otherwise?     

Bowtech - Home of the finest bows in today’s archery industry… Refuse to Follow  

Firenock - For providing the most advanced lighted nock on the market.

Dead Down Wind – For providing us with the ultimate in scent elimination. 

Costa Del Mar - For providing us with unmatched eye protection. See What’s Out There.   

Kings Camo - For providing us with the ability to stay hidden in the wide open Wyoming terrain. Go get you some Shadow Camo…

Backwoods Radio – While Jake was out chasing mulies, Todd, Matt, and I had to sit in on his behalf as guests with the Backwoods Life boys…always a good time…just good ol boys talkin bout good woods times…livin the life…

Backwoods Life TV – While Jake didn’t fill his tags, we did film most of the hunt…not sure what they’ll have on next Fall about the hunt, but stay tuned for more…

River City Outdoors TV  – thanks to Kirk Ebarb and his crew for providing us with the camera equipment to film this hunt. Jake had a good time with it…such the natural actor he is…

Thanks again to all for your help and support! This would not have been possible without you!!

                                                                                                              

Jakes takes a load off as Dan Mangus galsses the hilside

 

Left to Right… Roland Whitt with Jake Meyer and Todd Fox

 

 

 

 

 

Jake on stakeout

 

        

 

Matt Futtere of Arrowdynamic Solutions with Chris Albrecht and his birthday speed goat

Another Valiant Effort

The 5th and final day started just as the previous ones… up at 4:30 am to get a quick bite and then off to the hunting grounds. In attempts to even out t he odds we decided to cut the crew back to just Roland, Dan and Jake. Three people can get throughthe woods a lot quieter than 5 or 6 and both Roland and Dan were determined to get Jake a mule deer. Amongst the feelings of frustation and exhaustiuon, Jake was also feeling somewhat determined  himself. We had spent the previous four days eyeing antelope and mule deer and up until this point nothing had hit the ground. Today would be Jakes last attempt at harvesting a antelope or big  mule deer and he wasnt going to give up easily. Roland and Dan had decided to take him back out to the private ranch we had been hunting prior and put the stalk one of those big mule deer we had seen on the previous days hunts. After all, we had them patterned and knew where they would be and just needed to catch a break for Jakes sake. Jake was a trooper… he had huffed it up and down the Wyoming mountains for three days and put the stalk on numerous big mule deer only to have all attempts end in the same fashion. The deer either winded us, heard us coming, or just disappeared into thin air before we dcould get close… but thats big game hunting.  After a couple of hours Dan found a nice muley bedded down on the hill side and he and Jake were off once again in attempts to put an Atom broadhead in him. The stalk was successful… they hadnt been seen, heard, or winded by the big muley. With the deer in his scope and broadside at 54 yards, it was now time to end this once and for all. But in all the excitement both Jake and Dan had forgotten the instructions Matt had given them on how to seat the cross bow bolt so the safety would release. No need to go any further as we all know how this one ended… frustration had set in once again. After a quick phone call to Matt they were once again back in the game and off to look for more mule deer. After 6 more hours of the dry Wyoming heat they still were unable to get within bow range of any big deer. So at that point the decision was made to head back to the Mangus ranch and look for the antelope that we had seen all week long on the other side of the North Platte river that runs along side of Dan’s place. We had a big goat in sight feeding on a hill side just up from where we were spotting. Time was running out for Jake and we all wanted to see him go home with something, he had hunted from sun up to sun down for 4 solid days and had yet to make his dream come true. So with all of us watching with binoculars from the ranch hillside Dan took Jake down to the river bank where they jumped into the canoe and paddled across for one last spot and stalk. They reached the other side and began to make the up hill climb in order to get out of the antelopes sight. The big speed goat buck was feeding in the middle of the hillside just above his group of does that were  now down watering on the river bank. Then just as we all figure out that the wind had switched and they were in a bad spot… it was all over and the goats were off to the races. The final attempt to get Jake a Wyoming critter would also fail… both his tags would be left unfilled. We were all absolutely beside ourselves as we wanted nothing more than to see Jake to go home with the memory of a lifetime. He had hunted so hard every single day and if “effort” meant filling tags then Jake would have filled them both the first day. He was humbled to say the least, but now has a different outlook and respect for what it takes to harvest wild animals with a bow. No one deserves more credit for giving it his all and hanging in there until the final hour. Jake never gave up, never once complained, never said he was tired, never got discouraged, and just kept waking each and every morning knowing he had a new day ahead of him and wondering if  it would be the day. Jake Meyer is a sportsman through and through and we were honored to have spent the week with him and his mom Teri. 

It was now time for dinner… Roland had made some chicken fried antelope and white gravy that was out of this world, we all ate until we were ready to bust. Then it was time to head down stairs to get our stuff packed and get ready for what would be a very long evening getting back into Denver for a 6:15am departure. After we all had our stuff packed and loaded into the truck we hung out dwonstairs where Roland Whitt entertained us all with some of his latest songs. For those of you who know Roland… it was a time full of fun and laughfter and definitely an evening to remember. At the strike of midnight we all headed up to say our goodbyes to grandma and grandpa Mangus and to thank them for their warm hospitality and  for putting up with Roland all week… what wonderful people they are.  Now looking down the barrel of a 4 hour ride into Denver… Matt, Chris, Jake, Teri and myself pile into Matts big ol’ truck and head out down the long dirt road leading out of the Mangus ranch one last time. As much as we all wanted to get back to our families and loved ones, sorrow had set in and we all realized that we didn’t want to leave. Just about two hours into the trip Jake began to realize that the chicken fried antelope he had for dinner was a little too much for him to digest. So with all that spicy, rich food running through him like one of those speed goats crossing the meadow he said he needed to find a restroom… and fast! Now being out West in the middle of no where doesn’t mean a Quick-Stop at every exit so finding a restroom at 2am was a bit of a chore and Jake was running out of time. We finally came across a hotel and before the truck was stopped Jake said “this is good enough” and bailed out sprinting to the front door. After the long pit stop Jake resurfaced with beads of sweat on his forehead and a sigh of releif. We were off once again, this time only to make it about three more exits before Jake realized the chicken fried antelope wasnt finished with him just yet… “I need another restroom” he says with a sense of urgency in his voice. Again, every gas staion we come across is closed and Jake is once again running out of time. Thank goodness for hotels, we fianlly found another and Jake was once again in business… or should I say once again doing his business. After we all poked a little fun at him, mom included, we were back on our way to Denver to catch that early morning flight back home. Two more hours had past and we were checking in our bags… we had made it at last and home was finally the next stop. 

We were all absolutely exhausted… I think everyone was asleep before the plane left the gate. I woke to a wet shirt and steady stream of drool coming out of my mouth and the rumbling of the jet engines as it was coming to a stop. The people sitting next to me were looking at me kind of funny so I’m guessing that between the drool and me snoring like a chainsaw I was quite entertaining without even trying. But hey! that didn’t matter we were home at last.

From all of us at Flies and Fletching, Arrowdymanic Solutions, Roland Whitt  Country Music, Wilderness Outfitters and the entire Mangus family, we would like to say thanks to Jake Meyer and his mom Teri for hanging in there all week long and being the wonderful peopel they are. Jake is a tried and true “big game hunter” and reminded us all of how we used to be at his age. He’s only 14 but Jake has the the kind of personality, determination, and drive that will not only take him far as a big game hunter but will take him along way in today’s world. We were honored to have spent this past week with him and look forward to keeping in touch with him and his family. Mom and Dad, you should be very proud of the boy you have raised, he will be a fine young man very soon.         

We will be posting pictures from the trip this week so be sure and check back in the next day or so. Thanks again to all the folks who made this hunt possible, without our good friends and sponsors we would’nt be able to do this type of thing for these kids. When at all possible, take a kid hunting or fishing, you’ll be glad you did.

Until next year…. be safe!

Day Four – From the Field Log of Jake Meyer

Today we headed out to go mule deer hunting. After stocking up on snacks, we headed to the Stateland. We saw the same group of 6 nice bucks that we saw yesterday. They started to seperate, and we decided to go after one of the bigger bucks.  Due to a lack of wind it was very hard to stalk the buck because we had nothing to cover the sound of us walking. We ended up spooking the buck when he was about 300 yards, because he heard us. Then we decided to head back to truck to eat junkfood, I mean glass for mule deer. After a quick lunch we began to glass again, and Roland spotted an elk shed in the woods. After retrieving the shed, we glassed a couple more hills,and we decided to head Mormon Canyon.  As soon as we got there we spotted tons of antelope, including a monster buck. We then decided that Roland and I would walk looking for deer, and Todd and my mom would stay on the road in the truck. Roland and I were walking along and a very big buck poked his head out of a rock, I could not get a shot and the buck bounded off. As we were walking to go find the buck, I recieved a text coming from Todd and my Mom. They said that they had spotted a buck. We were up right above the buck but couldnt see him because he was bedded down in a cave. We then headed to another rock formation that the buck moved to. We climbed up the rock formation to get above the buck, and it started to get freaky because I had to crawl along a skinny ridge with the rock cracking underneath me, to get above the buck. Roland began chucking rocks down to get the buck to stand up so I could shoot him. Nothing was happening and we didnt know why. We then headed back to the truck to see what they saw, and they said the buck snuck out without us even seeing him. Knowing that dehydration(or worse) was imminent, I quickly chugged a mountain dew. We then rode around some more looking for antelope. When we couldnt find any close enough to shoot, we decided to call it a day and headed back to the house.

Day Three – Perfect Birthday

At the start of the dream hunt for Jake my only request for the week was I be allowed to hunt antelope on wednesday which was my birthday. For years now I’ve been lucky to get to spend it here in beautiful Glenrock wy with friends who I now consider family. Many years ago I ventured out here with two buddies Bill Millican and Brad Bryant for my first ever national bow hunt. Little did I know I’d get my first ever mulie which was a big 3×3 along with winning the bow hunt. The best part was my now good friend Dan was my guide. In the years that have followed I’ve participated in several of the bow hunts. Dan and I both missed one year when we went with bill brad and matt to canada chasing caribou. Roland and I missed last year when we went to idaho to hunt with brady and dan for elk mule deer and bear. We’ve gone from my first stay at the all american inn to taking over dans parents basement. Hence grandma and grandpa. Its come to be something I look forward to each and every year as I’ve come to love it out west. One day hoping to find a place and retire enjoying my pursuits of hunting and fishing.

So after the first two days with Jake sitting in hopes of bagging him a speedy goat we sent him out with Dan and Brady for mulies. Matt, Todd, and I would enjoy the luxury of sleeping in. Matt had filled his antelope buck tag after chasing them here for the last three years. That was his number one goal and he did so with a real beautiful trophy buck using a new prototype broadhead. It sure packed a punch on that goat.

So todd matt and I take our time getting up. I had to get my license still so the three of us opt to head to town for breakfast. Boy was it good. Todd and I each had a belly buster breakfast burrito. Matt had the school girl eggs and bacon trying to keep a close eye on his girlish figure. So we enjoyed a few good laughs over several cups of coffee. We headed over to the ace hardware and I got my licenses. I got a buck and doe tag. Having chased these sharp eyed buggers for so many years with no luck I was going to take a crack at the first one I saw.

We got back to the ranch and goofed off a bit. I finally got my stuff together and got ready to head out. When we got back to the house we noticed a buck and several does bedded behind the house. Todd decided to test his stalking skills. As I sat in the truck I glassed the goats and then the ditch that todd was working his way through. As hard as he was trying he was soon to get jakes speed goat 101 training. They had him pegged so bad it wasn’t funny. I hit the gas a few times in an effort to distract them. It lasted 15 seconds at best before they focused back on todd. After a good laugh I headed out. I called carrie real quick on the way. Since were two hours behind and jake and I have been putting in such long days we’ve been playing phone tag with each other. So she wished me happy birthday and shortly I pulled into the walk in hunting area. I told her I’d call to let her know how I made out tonight.

So I grabbed my bowtech bow my chair and my pack and headed across the field. There were several antelope feeding in the fields as I crossed. They moved to the other end and kept a close watch on me. As I skirted the edge of the pond I could see a buck bedded on the sand at the edge of the pond. I cautiously snuck my way through the tall grass and olive trees. As I neared the buck I peered through the trees to see him staring right at me. I chuckled to myself as the sharp eyed devil bolted. Along the way he picked up a girlfriend who happened to be feeding near the hay bales. They ran out into the field.

I made it to the small brush blind matt was in the midst of constructing the day before when they came to water and he got his buck. After sitting near this spot for four days he assured me if I sat there long enough I’d get one. So I settled into the bushes and got my stuff situated. It was about 10 am local time and I figured I’d check some emails texts and facebook posts from friends wishing me happy birthday. I was chuckling and amusing myself reading. You realize what true friends and family you have with the well wishes you get on your birthday.

So I’m reading and responding periodically looking out at the field for signs of life. I was reading and responding to a post when I happened to strain my eyes up and see movement. I slowly raised my head and here he comes. The buck is cautiously coming in. I quickly tuck my phone in my pocket. He’s at the top of the berm by the pond that I’d ranged earlier at 50 yds. I reach for my bow and he stops. He looks my way. I freeze. He turns around and looks out across the field. He steps down from the berm and is walking closer through the grass to the waters edge. As he lowers his head for a drink I come to full draw. I aim for just above the shoulder using my 30 yd mark on my impact archery full draw sight. I release the atom tipped arrow and it finds its mark in the bucks shoulder. He turns and runs through an olive bush full speed. As he clears the other side he runs into another olive bush. Silence.

I am grinning from ear to ear. I haven’t even been sitting two hours. I’d had a laid back relaxing morning. I called matt and said happy birthday to me. He laughs out loud screaming no way. He informs me I now owed him a guide fee and that he and todd were on the way. I settled back into my blind and called carrie to tell her the news. She too is excited knowing this was all I wanted to do for my birthday. I see todd and matt pull up through my binos. It felt like it took them forever to get to the blind. As they approached up jumped up from the blind pumping my fists. After an exchange of high fives and hugs we walk to the bush where wed find my arrow. As we walked to the second bush I expected to find him in there todd shouts there’s a buck. There he lay in the hay field. After some celebratory photos and field dressing we began the long drag back to the truck. On the way I returned a call to my mom who called in the midst of the festivities. She too congratulated me. We loaded him up and took him to town to the meat processor.

We headed back to the ranch to chill out for a bit. Shortly wed have to go meet jake and the crew as he was scheduled to be on air with the boys on backwoods radio. We left early to ensure we were on time. We arrived at dans truck but they weren’t off the mountain yet. We waited a bit for them to get back but when we realized we had no signal we had to find a spot where wed have service. Talk about a chore. When we found service then we couldn’t find the number. After a frenzied panic we were on the air cutting up with the boys about the week so far. We wrapped up the heckling I mean the show and headed back. Jake and mom looked like dan and roland must have made them do some hiking. I think the smile on jakes face told a different story.

So we head back to the ranch. Todd and dan stayed to bear hunt. Dan has an absolute monster coming in. We all enjoyed a birthday dinner of lasagna and grandmas famous german chocolate cake. I gave Jake some homework and told him he had to give his account for the day. He says.

 

From the field log of Jake Meyer:

Today we woke up at 4:30, to get ready to go mule deer hunting. We started hunting at about 6:30, and saw mule deer right when we got there. We then started glassing for them, and spotted a group of six nice bucks. We decided to walk up the mountain to see if we could find them. We spotted the group walking along some rocks. Then we snuck up to the rocks where we saw them and climbed up on them to see if we could find them. When we were up there we could not find them, we figured they must have bedded down someplace or gone into the woods. As we were glassing to see if we could spot them, we saw one of the bucks that were originally with the group, bedded down. One of my guides and I snuck up behind the buck, but when we were getting close to him he heard us and stood up. He started to stare at us and we couldn’t get a shot because there was a boulder in the way. He ran off a little, and we began to walk in the direction he ran off in.  We spotted him about 50 yards away and he saw us and got very nervous.We could not get a shot at him and he ran off. We then decided to head back to the truck and eat lunch. After lunch we rode four-wheelers to another spot and we all took naps. We then started to glass for deer again, and spotted a couple does. Another one of the guides and I walked around and saw a couple deer, but no bucks. It was then time to go and we rode the four-wheelers back to the truck.

Day two – let’s just say long

Well we got jake up and at em even earlier. Plan was to get in the blind before first light. After sitting a long 12 hour first day we were dragging just a bit. It was breaking daylight when we pulled up on the road adjacent to the brush blind. After the hour long belly crawl the day before we were not going to make a repeat attempt. We looked on the other side of the brush pile and there were some does bedded down not far from the pile. So we got all our gear and quickly walked bent over to stay below the brush pile skyline. We got situated and prepped ourselves for as long as it took to get jake a goat. Little did we know what was in store.

As todd and jakes mom drove off. And yes. I said mom. Rumor has it that dad has no love loss for flying. Therefore mom reluctantly. Yeah right. Opted to step in as chaperon. Lord knows with this crowd we need all the supervision available. So todd and mom are driving off as I was glassing the field. I noticed the does that were bedded down were feeding towards us. I was just about to send them a text and tell them to park at the end of the field. This hunt was soon to be short lived.

The does kept feeding towards us. They were barely more than 100 yds from us. I noticed another doe coming towards them. With that a buck took pursuit and started our way as well. Then I noticed. It was him. The buck that wed had the run in the day before with was on the way. 200 yds and closing. He was watching his does and what the other buck was doing. The does kept feeding. 90 yds.

The smaller buck joined the does. The big buck. Just when it looked like an instant replay of the day before. Beds down. He keeps a close eye to make sure the smaller buck doesn’t have any silly idea to run off with his does. We sit patiently. Waiting.

I already have jake huddled up against a tree. Crossbow is on the tripod. He’s looking across the field. He’s watching the does and smaller buck. I can tell its driving him nuts that his big buck is just beyond them bedded down watching. We were going to shoot a doe until we saw the buck. We were going to shoot the buck till we saw jakes buck. We were going to shoot jakes buck until.

Famous last words. I gave jake the refresher course. Eyes forward. Sit still. Don’t move. Too late. I watched the doe go from feeding to looking at the end of that log. She stared right at him. I said whatever you do don’t move. Phew phew phew. Last thing we would hear. The doe blew out. Collected the others. And left the pasture. The ranch. And the county.

Literally. I glassed the entire field. Nothing. I looked on the hill tops. Like tiny ants. There they were. We couldn’t see a thing that wed stand a snow balls chance at a shot with. So it was time to read. Cover to cover I read petersons bowhunting journal. Time to eat. Jake and I had lunch. Quit glance at the field. Nothing.

Time for a nap. Up. Glass the field. Nothing. Play on the phone. Glass the field nothing. Repeat steps one through five. Nothing. Again. Nothing. I wore out the magazine. We had to call in reinforcements for more water. Jake and I were working on our sun and wind burn. Todd dropped us of a bag of water ice and snickers. I wore out my phone that the battery died. I slept till I couldn’t sleep any more.

Finally around 6 or 630 we started to see the antelope moving back in the field. We had a group of does along with a buck feeding our way. As we watched and waited the darker it got. The goats started feeding away from us and I knew.

Long day. Long long day. Kudos to jake for waiting it out. Plan in the morning. Wake jake and mom up even earlier. 4 am to be exact. No more sitting. Time to go chasing some mule deer. Stay tuned for more dream hunt excitement from glenrock wy.

Oh yeah. And don’t forget. Well be on backwoods radio some time between 6 and 7 pm est. Tune in for the latest.

Day one – wasn’t in the cards

Five o’clock came real early. Especially after last nights excitement with grandpa getting bucked and stomped on by a horse. Guess I was tired as I never even heard them get in last night. Grandpa got a night at the hospital hilton with three cracked ribs a few splintered vertebrae and a partially collapsed lung.

So after a quick bite we loaded up and headed out to the ranch. We got there right at day break. We settled into our makeshift blind. When you’re hunting antelope or speed goats as we like to call them you don’t want to change their environment if you want to hunt that day. A pop up blind will keep them in a holding pattern at bay for days.

The antelope were in the pasture on the other side of the road. As they were feeding through the field we could only hope they’d feed down to the opening in the fence and feed our way. Unfortunately a little morning ranch traffic would push them away from us rather than towards us.

I had jake settle in and relax while I snuck through the maze of hay bales to the irrigation ditch. I followed it all the way to the road and laid up on the berm along the road. From there I could see that they were congregating near a brush pile out in the field. After texting Roland the plan was to move to the brush pile without getting busted by a herd of eyes feeding and bedded down in the field.

So Jake and I strapped our gear on our backs and crawled towards the tall grass at the edge of the field along the road. From there we crawled along the edge until we were across from the brush pile. We then had to crawl under the fence. Then it was across the road. I let Jake go first so he could get settled and we weren’t drawing too much attention to ourselves. I was next.

I had to take off my pack to get under the fence. Once through I could lay in the ditch to put it back on for the crawl across the road. I said Jake did it so can I. As I started across the gravel I looked back towards the barn off the field we were hunting to see a truck coming down the road. Now I’ve seen stickers that say paddle faster but I want one now that says crawl faster.

I picked up the pace and made it across the road. Luckily the ranch guys saw me and backed off. So I made it to the brush pile and Jake and I settled in. We could see the antelope bedded down and feeding. We kept a close eye and waited. They’d feed up and down back and forth through the field. It seemed the pivot irrigator was the line of demarcation or do not stop do not pass go.

We watched a small herd feeding up the field. Roland and Jake’s mom were in the truck at the end of the field watching the action. I sent Roland a message they were under two hundred yards. He said look at the truck at twelve o’clock and look at two o’clock. There was a small group that must have snuck by us and were eighty yards and closing.

We got Jake set up in position. If they came between the fence and the brush pile it was fifty eight yards or less. I kept an eye on them and they fed towards us. Then behind us. We scrambled to get on the side of the brush pile so we could shoot the other side.

Jake tried to turn himself around. I had just told him don’t let his head get over the log we were hiding behind. Oops… too late. We had four does and eight sets of eyes locked on our position… we had been busted. They ran across the field away from us. I looked at Jake’s big eyes and laughed. I said you’ve never hunted like this before have you. He said nope.

So we settled back in. Roland and mom drove by and literally threw lunch at us from the road as they passed. We ate in our little brush bunker and I tried to take a nap. Hard to get settled in when you know there’s critters in the area. So we watched as those four does fed down the pivot irrigator to the edge of the field and turn. They were coming right towards us.

I told Jake to keep an eye on the big doe. We’d take that one. Then another doe started across the field towards the other four. She was even bigger so I said we’d take that one. I kept glassing to make sure we didn’t have any eyes that might ruin our surprise. As I glassed to the left I noticed the bigger of the bucks watching the does.

He came towards them as if he was on a string. My heart started pounding. I knew what had to be going through Jakes mind. Here he was… day one of his dream hunt. The biggest thing he wanted was an antelope. And here was a monster buck walking right towards us. One hundred yards.

I was trying to hold the camera and range the buck without getting spotted by the does. Eighty yards. I said to jake inside sixty and he called the shot. Seventy yards. I told him keep his eyes on the buck. He kept looking left to right watching the does. Sixty yards. I said watch the buck. He locked in on him. I said whenever you’re ready. Fifty yards. Forty nine yards. Pow. The stryker crossbow launched the atom tipped bolt and we heard both heard the trademark smack when it hit the buck.

He took off quick and then slowed down. I could tell he was hit and was waiting for him to fall over. He picked up stride and ran towards the pivot. He stopped and bedded down. I watched the footage and couldn’t tell but it looked as if hed hit it in the neck. I told Roland to get the spotting scope and come for a look and the shot was definately high and forward.

We waited it out hoping to bed the buck but then it started to rain. We headed back to the truck and Roland, Todd and Dan came to watch the buck. They saw him bedded towards the back of the field. Night, night, Mr. Buck. Well see you in the morning.

We’re Heading to Wyoming

Well departure day is finally here and everyone has made it on baord. It doesn’t seem like much time has past since last year’s Dream Hunt in South Texas where we had an awesome time hunting  monster whitetail at Matt’s place just outside San Antonio with last years winners…The Mighty Bug Zapper and Squeeze. WOW!!!… South Texas last year, Wyoming this year… I wonder what next year’s winner has waiting in the wing.

This year’s winner Jake Meyer and his mom Teri flew in from Jacksonville, Florida earlier this morning and are sitting just behind us. We left the gate on time but are now sitting in a long line of aircraft on the run way at Hartsfield Int’l waiting for a nasty storm to pass. We’ll hopefully soon be on our way to Denver where Matt Futtere, owner of Arrowdynamic Solutions is awaiting our arrival. So, with some much needed time to kill I figure what better way to do so than by blogging. Hard to believe that very word comes from the mouth of a hunting and fishing guide. Man, how times have changed. As a business owner, keeping pace with today’s social networking sites and all the benefits they have to offer is a full time job in itself.

The rain is now coming down in sheets, thunder is booming all around us and lightning strikes are becoming more frequent… a tell tale sign that the storm is working its way over the airport and will soon pass. I’m now doing my best attempt at “multi-tasking” as Chris and I are sitting here editing video footage from our last hosted trip to South Africa at the same time I’m making this post. Looking behind me I can see Jake is patiently sitting with mom seemingly day dreaming about the upcoming week and the events that will hopefully lead to him harvesting his first ever antelope and mule deer…  and with a cross bow. The rest of the passengers are now getting a little hot under the collar as we’re all beginning to wonder if we’re ever going to get off the ground. This is torture… and to top it off we just got  a text from country music singer Roland Whitt… all the text says is “got one” and then in pops a picture of Roland with a beautiful antelope buck. He hasn’t been there two days and already has one on the ground… it’s our turn next. Matt is now heading south from Glenrock to meet us in Denver where we will make an immediate u-turn and head back to Dan’s place. Dan and Brady Mangus own  and operate Wilderness Outfitters in Chalis, Idaho. For anyone interested in true “Western Style” big game hunts be sure and check them out at www.idahowilderness.com . We can attest to the fact that they run a first class operation and you will not find a finer hunting experience anywhere.

Ahhhh… good news at last, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The captain is on the intercom telling us that the airport has just been re-opened to inbound aircraft and that we will be under way shortly. Knowing we are sitting 18 deep in a long line of stationary airplanes doesnt do much to convince me that anything will be happening fast. Oh well, knowing that I get to spend the next 8 days bow hunting with my partner and other close friends kind of puts everything into perspective. It is sure to be a week filled with lots of fun and excitement.

Well, I just got chastised by the flight attendant for the second time for having my laptop on so I guess I better shut it down for now. Be sure and check back with us daily for continual updates on this years SEEDS Dream Hunt being brought to you from Glenrock, Wyoming on behalf of Flies and Fletching, Arrowdynamic Solutions, Roland Whitt Country Music, and Wilderness Outfitters. We’d also like to say thanks to our sponsors for helping to make this years hunt a reality for Jake Meyer. Without our sponsors none of this would be possible. We look forward to spending the next 8 days with Jake and his mom Teri in hopes that they both go home with memories that will last a lifetime.

Uh-oh… here she comes again and she’s looking right at me. I’m about to get it for the third time, and you know what they say about the third strike. Check in tomorrow for more uodates from Wyoming.