THIS FUNNY STORY WAS SHARED BY KIMBERLY RUCK. I DON'T KNOW THE HISTORY OF IT, BUT I CAN TELL YOU IT HAD ME CRYING FROM LAUGHING SOOOO HARD! USE YOUR IMAGINATION. IF YOU HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE, IT'S WORTH RE-READING. IN MAY CASE, THE MORE I READ THE MORE I ALMOST...., WELL YOU KNOW, DID #1 IN MY PANTS. LOL! I HAD A REAL TOUGH DAY, TODAY, AND THEN K.R. SHARED THIS. MAKE SOMEONE ELSE LAUGH. THEY WILL THANK YOU:
"Why we shoot deer in the wild:
(A letter from someone who wants to remain anonymous, who farms, writes well and actually tried this)
I had this idea that I could rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.
I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up-- 3 of them. I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold.
The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it, it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope, and then received an education. The first thing that I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.
That deer EXPLODED. The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity. A deer-- no Chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined. The only upside is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals.
A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.
I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual. Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in. I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand...kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope back.
Did you know that deer bite? They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when ..... I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and slide off to then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head--almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.
The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective.
It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it. While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose.
That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day.
Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp... I learned a long time ago that, when an animal -like a horse --strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.
This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy. I screamed like a woman and tried to turn and run. The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head. Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down.
Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head.
I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away. So now I know why when people go deer hunting they bring a rifle with a scope......to sort of even the odds!!
All these events are true so help me God...An Educated Farmer"
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Kuddos To This Family
March 16, 2013 - another 3D Shoot. I was running late to meet my buddies. I was hoping to be there to start showing off whatever skills I have, nothing to brag about. We went through the cold day, shooting one arrow at a time, cracking jokes (especially at the expense of Hoyt bow shooters). In that group I was so honored to be with was Mark of @SoleAdventure, Joe, @slsgdad (follow them on twitter), and three other outstanding individuals. There was no shortage of laughter. I wonder if we were there to shoot, compete, or socialize. I say all of the above - it's supposed to be fun! Fun we had, let me tell you.
But as we went through the range, I could not stop thinking of a family I was so honored to meet. It was meant for me to be late, otherwise, I would not have seen such an inspirational sight. Oh, the emotions. It would take too many words to describe.
Before I brag about them, I want to explain why it had such a huge impact on me. It entails some self-disclosure, a matter I seldom visit. To start, I never had a father. What father figure I had, died when I was a just learning to feel what having a male role model in my life (RIP, Mr. Moody). My sister and I did not have the closest relationship due to uncontrolled circumstances. My mother, passed a few years later. Recently, I've had some personal challenges in life. Last, I am passionate about my children and a lover of the God blessed outdoors!
Now the stars of this blog: The Merli Family. I don't know them nor did I interview them in depth, but saw the "big picture": three bows, a proud gentlemen standing beside each younger shooter as they took their turn to shoot, and a woman being the quiet, but strong & supportive, onlooker. WOW! The intense focus of the young shooters was amazing. I noticed how the father shot, but was more focused on his off-springs' experience - from their stance to what pin to use. Seven year old Adam was shooting a Diamond. His sister Courtney, 13, and both were participating on their first 3D shoot. I can't imagine how the proud parents felt. I introduced myself, asked permission to take pictures, and with a big smile (I couldn't contain myself), I told them how awesome it was to see them all there. It was a long shoot, so they may have left earlier than expected because I didn't see them after a while. Now, one confession before I go on. I was behind them at target #5, I heard Courtney shot a ten, AND I FELT PRESSURE!!! hahahaha. It takes a man to admit it, so I admit it. (I did shoot a ten on it, too, but Courtney - you made me a nervous wreck).
To the Merli Family, wherever you are - God bless. Mom, a big, nah..., a mega-huge thanks to you. It's not easy to get up, not be an active participant, be cold, and stand proudly and supportive. Dad, you kick ass. Keep that patience up, the passion, the passing on of tradition. Adam and Courtney, keep up the good work, miss small, and may all your dreams come true. From time to time, don't forget to just say "Thank you, mom/dad", just because. "Hasta luego, amigos!"
But as we went through the range, I could not stop thinking of a family I was so honored to meet. It was meant for me to be late, otherwise, I would not have seen such an inspirational sight. Oh, the emotions. It would take too many words to describe.
Before I brag about them, I want to explain why it had such a huge impact on me. It entails some self-disclosure, a matter I seldom visit. To start, I never had a father. What father figure I had, died when I was a just learning to feel what having a male role model in my life (RIP, Mr. Moody). My sister and I did not have the closest relationship due to uncontrolled circumstances. My mother, passed a few years later. Recently, I've had some personal challenges in life. Last, I am passionate about my children and a lover of the God blessed outdoors!
Now the stars of this blog: The Merli Family. I don't know them nor did I interview them in depth, but saw the "big picture": three bows, a proud gentlemen standing beside each younger shooter as they took their turn to shoot, and a woman being the quiet, but strong & supportive, onlooker. WOW! The intense focus of the young shooters was amazing. I noticed how the father shot, but was more focused on his off-springs' experience - from their stance to what pin to use. Seven year old Adam was shooting a Diamond. His sister Courtney, 13, and both were participating on their first 3D shoot. I can't imagine how the proud parents felt. I introduced myself, asked permission to take pictures, and with a big smile (I couldn't contain myself), I told them how awesome it was to see them all there. It was a long shoot, so they may have left earlier than expected because I didn't see them after a while. Now, one confession before I go on. I was behind them at target #5, I heard Courtney shot a ten, AND I FELT PRESSURE!!! hahahaha. It takes a man to admit it, so I admit it. (I did shoot a ten on it, too, but Courtney - you made me a nervous wreck).
To the Merli Family, wherever you are - God bless. Mom, a big, nah..., a mega-huge thanks to you. It's not easy to get up, not be an active participant, be cold, and stand proudly and supportive. Dad, you kick ass. Keep that patience up, the passion, the passing on of tradition. Adam and Courtney, keep up the good work, miss small, and may all your dreams come true. From time to time, don't forget to just say "Thank you, mom/dad", just because. "Hasta luego, amigos!"
Monday, March 11, 2013
BUYING "BEGINNER'S BOW" : Tips
What is the right bow to buy for a beginner? What is the best beginner bow? Million dollar questions, those are. And because I am not an expert, I will not write like I know what I am talking about - I just might confuse myself further. So I will humbly share my opinion and at the end is a link that goes into further detail for purchasing a bow. Remember, I am not a professional, I am an experienced archer and bowhunter - that's all.
1. Beware of the commercials and testimonials of "professionals". I fell victim to a bow from one of the leading manufacturers with a new "double cam series" and it bragged about being the fastest bow on the market. Ha, I did not own that bow for two weeks before I found a new owner for it. Speed speed speed became the selling point for many bows. Now, that same manufacturer has slowed their bows down, realized they were sacrificing the important traits, I personally look for: Control, balance, smoothness on the draw, let-off, noise control, bow weight, and a SMOOTH SHOT! Remember, one example as to why speed is not a selling point to me - no matter how fast the bow is, a whitetail will always be faster (sound travels faster the arrow resulting on deer jumping the string. Many speed bows have been humbled, or should I say, bowhunters).
2. If the bow is for a youth, make sure that bow "grows" with him/her. Some bows have very limited length draws. Others, you have to change the cam for every length adjustment you have to make. That can get expen$ive.
3. Whether the bow is for a youth or an adult, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY A BOW WITH ALL THE BELL$ AND WHISTLE$!! Nowadays, with the technology and advancements made with modern day compound bows, an inexpensive bow out performs the high-end/expen$ive bows of just a few years. Make sure you, he, she is hooked first before moving on the "next" level.
4. Peer Pressure : "Friends don't let friends shoot Hoyt", or "I swear by my Hoyt". "Mathews is the only bow I will ever shoot". Diamond, PSE, BowTech, G5 Then there's me. I've owned multiple manufacturer, some not even well known. Now I am a proud member of the Elite Archery family and new owner a Pulse bow! There's also a wonderful tweep of mine, Mark - an outstanding blogger, writer, individual, and Pro-Staffer for Elite Archery. He LOVES his Elite (click here to learn more about Mark of Sole Adventure).
5. I included #4 to say this (and my friends make fun of me when I give this advise, BUT IT MAKES SENSE - if you really think about it): LET THE BOW CHOOSE YOU!! I can't emphasize how important this part of the process is. Before I purchased my last bow, I shot different manufacturers' bows, similar specs, and that Elite Pulse just spoke to me. When I shoot a new bow, I close my eyes and connect with that bow & that's what I did yesterday with the Elite Pulse, as well. Weird? Try it or let the potential buyer try it, and you will thank me later, lol.
In short, do your homework and good luck with the purchase and journey. God Bless. BTW, thank you Mark, Oak Grove Archery, and Elite Archery!
Guide to help buy a compound bow
1. Beware of the commercials and testimonials of "professionals". I fell victim to a bow from one of the leading manufacturers with a new "double cam series" and it bragged about being the fastest bow on the market. Ha, I did not own that bow for two weeks before I found a new owner for it. Speed speed speed became the selling point for many bows. Now, that same manufacturer has slowed their bows down, realized they were sacrificing the important traits, I personally look for: Control, balance, smoothness on the draw, let-off, noise control, bow weight, and a SMOOTH SHOT! Remember, one example as to why speed is not a selling point to me - no matter how fast the bow is, a whitetail will always be faster (sound travels faster the arrow resulting on deer jumping the string. Many speed bows have been humbled, or should I say, bowhunters).
2. If the bow is for a youth, make sure that bow "grows" with him/her. Some bows have very limited length draws. Others, you have to change the cam for every length adjustment you have to make. That can get expen$ive.
3. Whether the bow is for a youth or an adult, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BUY A BOW WITH ALL THE BELL$ AND WHISTLE$!! Nowadays, with the technology and advancements made with modern day compound bows, an inexpensive bow out performs the high-end/expen$ive bows of just a few years. Make sure you, he, she is hooked first before moving on the "next" level.
4. Peer Pressure : "Friends don't let friends shoot Hoyt", or "I swear by my Hoyt". "Mathews is the only bow I will ever shoot". Diamond, PSE, BowTech, G5 Then there's me. I've owned multiple manufacturer, some not even well known. Now I am a proud member of the Elite Archery family and new owner a Pulse bow! There's also a wonderful tweep of mine, Mark - an outstanding blogger, writer, individual, and Pro-Staffer for Elite Archery. He LOVES his Elite (click here to learn more about Mark of Sole Adventure).
5. I included #4 to say this (and my friends make fun of me when I give this advise, BUT IT MAKES SENSE - if you really think about it): LET THE BOW CHOOSE YOU!! I can't emphasize how important this part of the process is. Before I purchased my last bow, I shot different manufacturers' bows, similar specs, and that Elite Pulse just spoke to me. When I shoot a new bow, I close my eyes and connect with that bow & that's what I did yesterday with the Elite Pulse, as well. Weird? Try it or let the potential buyer try it, and you will thank me later, lol.
In short, do your homework and good luck with the purchase and journey. God Bless. BTW, thank you Mark, Oak Grove Archery, and Elite Archery!
Guide to help buy a compound bow
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