From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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I have just returned from my 2nd attempt at free range bison. Oh the sweet taste of a hunt where the country is still pristine and water pure enough to drink straight from the river...
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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I hunted Pink Mountain British Columbia in 2007 in December..... definitely not the time to go hunting but there I was, -35 on snow mobiles looking for bison and then attempting to spot and stalk ....a feat only 1 of us 7 bowhunters were successful at and he was a compound guy with a long range shot skill. I would come in at night frozen and stiff and exhausted...These herds are willwy and very wary because of the high wolf population. Here is 90lb wolf...they mature out at about 150lbs...
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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I hunted with sikanni river outfiters, Mike and Dixie Hammett. we stayed in their home... a beautiful hand crafted log cabin...
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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the herds were spotted and then attempts to spot and stalk followed. It is very tough to get close to them because they have a keen sense of smell and they feed along at a fast pace. you have to try and position yourself to either ambush them along the way as they feed or get close enough with cover you can get a shot....
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Finally on day 8 of the 10 day hunt... the meat pole has alittle bend to it....
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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here is what happened....we spotted this herd from about a mile away, glassing from a lookout where we could see the valley....7 days earlier Tom Miranda and his film crew where at this same spot and ultimately Tom arrowed his nice bull from 37 yds cathcing the whole thing on film for an upcoming episode on ESPN... back to the story...My guide and I headed out on foot to the area where we could approach from the trees, the meadow as the herd fed along. we arrived this time with the wind in our face and prayed no swirling this time would ocur and bust us like had happened all week long thus far... Fortunately my prayers were answered as the herd was at the meadows edge and we had positioned ourselves at the edge just inside the trees...I shed my pack and binocs, had my face camo net in place, my hands gloved, an arrow on the string and set out to the last few feet of cover stalking slowly and leaving my guide behind...the wind continued strong in my face...a nice cow and calf were first to feed in range and I stood motionless at 32 yards hoping the wind would not alert them I was waiting...next came a very nice bull...Praise the Lord i rejoiced! I had seen bulls all week but not where I could confidently draw and comfortably set myself ready for a great shot. The big guys don't travel with the herds typically and when i had seen them, they often were moving about inside the group and not on an outer edge.... I had little time to think this over.. one instant there is a cow/calf and the next I am seeing massive horn bases, a dark head and then a quick glance to check sex and it was now or never...I small spruce sapling group hid me and my shooting lane was between the limbs and branches. I had already bent a few and twisted othe limbs to give me adaquate clearance to thread an arrow thru and now in an instant there he was...feeding along and in my shooting lane...My bow was already vertical, my fingers with tension on the string, this was the moment and then he paused and looked up to view his surroundings... in one motion I drew... my 55lb Palmer at 28" was now stretched to my 30.5" draw length and the 585 gt Easton FMJ 300 was set to do the job I had in mind when I put the 4 fletch 4" feathers on it. The 175 gr single bevel Zwickey head just touched my riser, anchor 1, then I touched my nose to the feather end, my leather glove tip touched my mouth corner and in my sight picture I focused on the spot behind the shoulder, just at the top of the the bottom 1/3 of his enormous body, all 1500lbs of him. Later i learned my guide ranged him at 32 yards from my shooting spot... Earlier in the week, 2 compond hunters had lost their bulls after sticking them and having them bust out and disappear in the brush and never recovered... I was doing my best to not have him tagged and mounted before I even released the arrow... I prayed for calmness and asked God to annoint the path of my arrow and keep it free from deflection....I heard Rick Welch saying "hold, hold, hold..let everything stop moving" I revisted the mental imagery I had rehearsed over and over and over again seeing my sight picture with my bull in clear position, my chosen spot defined to individual hairs and upon release, my arrow flying true to the spot..... then it happened, I released...as in slow motion it all came together but part way to him, i went from releasing to the next moment of what happened? My guide's whisper seemd like a silent shout..what happened? Did you miss him? Where is your arrow? Confused I looked hard at the big bulls vital area and strained to see red and white feathers, nothing.... the big bull just stood there unaware a bow had just lanched an arrow his direction...My heart sunk, my eyes and ears told me I missed...no familiar striking thud.. the kind of sound successful hunters recall as the unmistakeable confirmation that their arrow found the mark...nothing... then the bull turned slightly and I caught the broadhead and shaft exiting his other side! I was able to confirm a great hit, a pass thru penetration and it made sense at that moment why I was not able to see feathers in the fur of his kill zone... they were not there but rather inside his body cavity! Now the heavy praying began..Dear Lord put this bull on the ground... keep me hidden and him not spooked....and just that He did...the bull appeared as if nothing happened...I watched him intently... I studied his every move... Yes, he was beginning to appear weak.. he stopped feeding and just took steps in the general direction away from my position... He got out to 66 yards and then to my satisfaction, laid down...at this point I am convinced there is a very good chance this hunt is almost over...I am thanking Jesus and praisng God and hoping he is down permanently...The rest of the herd continued feeding away and he did not care to join them..then I got nervous...He got back up and walked to the edge of a patch of willows. his steps less than solid, his hind quarters showing some wobble... fearing he may not be as hurt as he appeared...we backed out of our position to try and get close again for a 2nd arrow. The bull was not interested in staying with the rest of the herd. yet he was not approachable either...we were unable to stalk close enough to get a second shot.. He got to his feet again and went back toward the area where first laid down. along the way, he chose to lay down again and this time he would not get back up. Without notice, the herd fed away and were soon into the trees at the meadows far edge...my bull did not rejoin them and we broke out of the cover of trees to begin the process of getting him back to camp. The outfitter was able to get his truck, equiped with a winch, into the meadow. after a few pics we were on our way back to camp and I was thinking about a shoulder mount and backstraps for dinner....
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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the hunt was a success..not because of the bull on the ground, that was just an added bonus... Seeing the country, making new friends, testing my skills and enjoying 10 days in this paradise was truly remarkable... I learned soooo much to help me be a better hunter thanks to the other hunters in camp and the outfitter. Mike and Dixie run a first class operation and I would not hesitate to return to hunt with them again. they are outfitters for several species including bison, moose, sheep, goats, and grizzly. I look forward to Columbia blacktail deer next month in California and will keep you posted....
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From: Bluebell
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats on a job well done . A fine looking animal and a great story.
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From: TomL
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congratulations! And thanks for the story and pics.
TomL
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From: Buzz
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats.
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From: ElkHuntr
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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nice story, thanks for sharing the hunt.
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From: Tracy
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Great story, congrats!
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From: Gaur
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats. Sounds like it was a more by the play book than your polar bear hunt ;).
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From: 36bound
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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What an incredible experience. Thanks so much for sharing the pictures and the story. I can't imagine...amazing!
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From: keepemsharp
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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What a great hunt, would be fun. Looks just like a buffalo.
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From: Zman
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Wow! I would get the whole hide braintanned. That would be awesome. BTW, your food is going to slide off the plate if you don't rotate it.
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From: 4FINGER
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats on a true trophy...Thanks for taking us along...4finger
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From: coaster500
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Great hunt!!
That's something that few men can experience anymore.
Thank you for sharing :)
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From: PaPa Doc
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats!!
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From: Tomahawk
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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you are unbelieveable! Awsum!! the things you do are the dreams of the rest of us...thank you for sharing it with us!
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From: rraming
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Pretty cool - Congrats!
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From: smallbore shooter
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Way cool. thanks for the story and congrats.
John
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From: Barringer
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Cool hunt and pictures!!
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From: cacciatore
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Congrats a big trophy.
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From: oldcrowkiller
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Thanks for your story and pictures.
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From: Big Dog
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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What an experience! Thanks for sharing and Congrats! Regards.
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From: Carcajou
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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Great accomplishment, and even greater story. Well Told.
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From: JusPassin
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Date: 19-Oct-10 |
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You have accomplished what I consider to be one of the greatest traditional kills in North America. Outstanding.
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 20-Oct-10 |
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I have several questions about booking this hunt so here is what I did. Mark Buehrer with Bowhunting safari consultants 800 833 9777 helped me and has helped me on many hunts. He and Neil Summers have a great service and have put me with outfitters who know bowhunters. This eliminates the guess work and horror stories that can happen by not getting with the right folks when you are hunting unique animals and unfamiliar locations.
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From: Bou'bound
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Date: 20-Oct-10 |
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great story and photos.
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From: HighPockets
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Date: 20-Oct-10 |
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Wow, how awesome is that!
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From: LV2HUNT
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Date: 20-Oct-10 |
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Real cool, congrats on the hunt and memories. That has got to be a seriously stout meat pole.
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From: Wudstix
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Date: 20-Oct-10 |
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Free range, Ooohrah
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From: Tarponnut
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Date: 18-Jan-12 |
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Well done! Great story too, congrats!
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From: Woods Walker
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Date: 18-Jan-12 |
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Now THAT is a hunt! My fanatasy is to hunt bison with the bow......from horseback. I've been a horseman my whole life, and being on a horse is like walking for me, so to combine that with my other way of life (the bow) is item #1 on my "bucket list".
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From: AWPForester
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Date: 18-Jan-12 |
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Congrats and send me some Bison meat.:) God Bless
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From: Ryman Cat
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Date: 18-Jan-12 |
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Dude this is simple magnificent it's my dream also to get one. Congrats you did it and a real beauty.
Cat
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From: Raymo
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Wow congratulations!!! I would love that type of hunt.
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From: tonto59
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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tonto59 is a Stickbow.com Sponsor - Website |
Thanks for sharing that awesome story of a hunt of a life time. Congratulations again.
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From: Pathfinder
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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I'm sooooo jealous! I just applied for 3 bison tags here in Alaska for the 29th year in a row and have yet to draw one. Maybe I just should have put all that money in the bank and bought a hunt like yours! Great story and a fine trophy.
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From: sodbusterjim
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Congratulations, I loved your story. Thanks for taking me along. Sodbusterjim.
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From: damascusdave
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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We have bison all over the place in Alberta and they are tame enough that you can drive right up to them. You do not need a tag or an outfitter.
DDave
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From: damascusdave
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Not exactly sure what the penalty is for shooting them in a National Park.
Can't be that bad can it?
DDave
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From: Lil' Okie
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Congrats on a job well done !!!
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From: nomo
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Great story and pics. Congratulations and thanks for taking us along.
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From: GF
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Sounds like an adventure, man!
Just curious - do you know how fast you were throwing that arrow?
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From: Popester
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Great story, great hunt! Thanks for sharing. Congratulations.
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From: Popester
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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Great story, great hunt! Thanks for sharing. Congratulations.
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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184 fps is what the arrows chronographed at for speed....My palmer is really a fast bow
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From: GF
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Date: 19-Jan-12 |
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So you're at about 10 gpp? You long-armed guys have got a heckuva big advantage over us little dudes... Makes me wonder how many pounds I'd have to pull to get that kind of shoot-through capability... The arrow was evidently Heavy Enough....
Of course, it sounds like you managed not to whack any bone at all, which sure would help
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 22-Jan-12 |
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yes, maybe a just a tad over 10gpp....The poundage at my draw was 60-62lbs
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From: Straitera
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Date: 17-Dec-14 |
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Excellent story & trophy! One of my top 3 animals too!
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From: Dry Bones
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Date: 17-Dec-14 |
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Awesome adventure. I'm curious, on a 1500 lb bull, approximately how much actual meat do you get? Assuming they really are similar to cattle there is a lot of hide and bone weight as percentage.
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 17-Dec-14 |
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I'd say the percentage of meat for the buffalo is similar to that of cattle. It is really low fat and tasty! I gave my guide most of my meat, we ate it in camp but he fed his family with it and was great full to get it.
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From: HillbillyKing
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Date: 17-Dec-14 |
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Bryce I always enjoy Youre stories and Hunts Thanks keep sharing them ......... J.R.
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From: Arrowflinger
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Great story, and a Great Hunt!
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From: coxral
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Great story and pics! Buffalo is one of my dream critters, along with Moose and Eland!
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From: Cyclic-Rivers
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Congratulations. Nice story and pictures.
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From: old vet
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Very nice! True trophy experience and Bull to make it sweeter. Nice recap to go with it, thanks for sharing your hunt. Well done on all counts!
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From: CD
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Bison is some great meat! This story is from a while back... but I'm glad it was brought back up. Thanks so much for sharing the experience! Great job and a belated congratulations!
CD
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From: DT1963
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Outstanding! Congrats on your fine trophy!
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From: Heat
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Very Cool! Congratulations on your bison!
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From: hawkeye arrow
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Great hunt and story. Congratulations.
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From: John Ryan
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Enjoyed the story Bryce.
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From: CATK
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Great story, and congrats!! Thanks for sharing.
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From: greyghost
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Date: 18-Dec-14 |
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Man Moosehunter, your hunting budget must be equal to the national debt.
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From: moosehunter
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Date: 20-Dec-14 |
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LOL greyghost! When I got serious about hunting, I got serious about making more money. I had no idea so many people were looking for a way to make more money. I learned some more things, made some new friends and I'm way ahead of where I was. Not where I want to be yet but I will get there. 6 kids between ages 9 - 16 and my wife, there is no excess money or time but we manage. Seems most of us could use more money for something -PM me if you like, maybe we can work together
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From: oldcrowkiller
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Date: 20-Dec-14 |
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Thanks for the story and pictures.
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