Can't wait to hear how Ron and his boys are doing up at Shrewhaven in the glorious U.P. We need to start a campaign to get Mr. LaClair to write a book about their adventures up there. I would be first on the list to buy it!
Excellent idea!
Shrew Haven 2017 is history. I just got home yesterday. Here's some pictures.
The two Eric's planning their hunting strategy, I'm in the background listening so I might learn something. ;)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-9.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-7.jpg)
This year was restricted again to 6 points or better and no does for bowhunters. This little guy might be legal next year
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-1.jpg)
Eric took this picture from his tree stand of a nice doe that wasn't legal either
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-2.jpg)
I hunted from the ground this year from this Hidden Hunter blind by Northwoods Wilderness Outfitters.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-5.jpg)
In this picture I was using my 66" David Miller all bamboo longbow. I also hunted with my Classic Hunter II
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-6.jpg)
If you're wondering how the deer reacted to the blind, I took this picture of a big mature doe from the window of the blind at 12 yards, She never knew I was there.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-4.jpg)
What pattern is on that blind?? Blends in well!!
Those Hidden Hunter blinds are nice, aren't they Ron!
On those cold, misty, foggy days that chill you to the bone, being inside one of those blinds out of the damp cold is a great way to hunt. I have wondered what it might be like to use one when it is really cold with a buddy heater in the blind -- haven't tried it yet, but I might get to it in December.
I have had lots of deer near mine and they don't seem to spend much time looking at it or wondering what it is.
Anyway, keep up with the photos of the fun at Shrewhaven.
Thanks for the update Ron.
Glad you had a safe trip north and back home Ron, I think the idea about a Shrewhaven book would be great reading! I have always looked forward to the tales you and your camp mates post for us. Happy hunting and shoot straight.
Jason
The blind I was using is the Predator Deception Green pattern.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/hiddenhunterblinds/predator-green800px.jpg)
I would also like to see a book by Mr. La Clair.
Look forward to the shrew crew report every year.
Ok got my seat and waiting on dinner so I have time to catch a few lines of the story so go ahead and let her rip...
Great stuff! Your tales are always captivating,Ron.
I didn't know Shrewhaven is in the UP.
:campfire:
We had some warm days early in the week but then it turned cold. The old Fisher wood stove kept the cabin snug and warm. The big kettle on the stove kept hot water available all the time.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-8.jpg)
Nothing like a deer camp. Would love those days again.
As usual, we eat good in camp. Here's Big Eric, Tim Cosgrove's Son-in-law fixing biscuits and gravy for breakfast one morning
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-14.jpg)
Ray Lyon's apple pies from an old family recipe are legendary in Shrew camp. This is a deep dish apple cobbler he made that was desert the night he made Beef Wellington for us.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-12.jpg)
About mid week, Eric 2 took this nice chocolate rack 8 point with his Shrew longbow, Heavy Hunter shaft and a Trailmaker broadhead. It was his first buck with a traditional bow.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-11.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-10.jpg)
It was a great time as always. Weather was WARM to start out. 75 degrees daytime high on the first day. That's not wool weather or condusive to bucks moving. 'Lil' Eric, who's not so little anymore, was super excited to bag his first buck. Being on a track at camp with the boys is always a great time. Pure elation on Eric's part. Lot's and lot's of does and fawns spotted, so the future is bright for the deer herd if Mother Nature is kind this winter.
Equipment high lights from camp include props to Trailmaker broadheads from Kustom King (OK, Tim Cosgrove, owner, is a camp member, however these heads get sharp and do the job. Eric hit that buck in the liver and it was down very quick.
The Northwooods blinds are incredible for anyone looking for a popup blind. Good camo, doesn't collapse in snow and it's super easy to set up.
Montana Pitch blend, this is an oldy but goody. Works on leather boots like a charm. I have a 25 year old pair of Cabela's Danner all leather boots and they are still kicking (every pun intended)and keeping my feet dry.
Ron LaClair's Shrew Hawk. It continues to amaze me how many times you grab for this, from reaching to hook something in the back of the truck that's just out of fingertip reach to making quick work of making a ground blind. Mine is going on five years now of tireless service.
Eagle's Rare bourbon. OK, we enjoy sipping on bourbon in camp and this is one that's 'a great value' for the price. About $30 here in Michigan, but compared to a $55 to $60 bottle of Woodford Reserve Double Oak or Blanton's, it's a very good bourbon (not the same quality, but very good) for half the price.
Boiled dinner in camp. After 2 or 3 meals of red meats and potatoes, a good corned beef boiled dinner with carrots, potatoes, reutebega's and cabbage is second to none for keeping the system in check.
Roast black bear. You don't know what you're missing if you haven't had it cared for and prepared properly.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ron LaClair:
Shrew Haven 2017 is history. I just got home yesterday. Here's some pictures.
The two Eric's planning their hunting strategy, I'm in the background listening so I might learn something. ;)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-9.jpg)
Let me correct that conversation between the Eric's Lobo..."Look Eric, if we don't eat some of the gourmet liver pate that Greg made in this container, Ron and Tim are going to polish it off and we won't have tasted any!!"
I've seen that look on Ron's face in the background before. It's the same as I saw on a dog with a big steak bone as another dog approached. :biglaugh:
QuoteEquipment high lights from camp include props to Trailmaker broadheads from Kustom King (OK, Tim Cosgrove, owner, is a camp member, however these heads get sharp and do the job. Eric hit that buck in the liver and it was down very quick.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-3.jpg)
I really enjoy this thread. Thanks
Like Ray said, the first few days were unseasonably warm but it soon got cold enough to break out the wool. The wool bibs and wool jacket that I ordered from Teresa kept me warm and comfortable in my blind.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/asbell-wool-bibs-1.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/asbell-wool-bibs-2.jpg)
Ron, you see many bear in your area? We hunted maybe 10 miles from your place in Sept and went 3 for 3.
Also any wolves? We also had many wolves on camera and had one run out in front of us while baiting.
Excellent.
QuoteRon, you see many bear in your area? We hunted maybe 10 miles from your place in Sept and went 3 for 3.
Jon, the bears were in the area earlier when the berries were ripe, but we didn't see any the time we were bow hunting there. As for wolves, I didn't hear any but some of the others heard a few.
Shrew Crew:
As a life-long Southern Boy (now 68 Years young) I always look forward to your adventures up North. I have hunted Black Bear in Manitoba, Idaho and Northern Arkansas but never Whitetails. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us and best of luck to all.
PS. I really love your cabin. Very nice.
Shrew Haven is a place where there are no distractions. It is a place where like minded people get together to hunt in a wilderness environment and share their experiences with each other. A place where we can get away, even for just a short time the modern fast pace world that we live in the rest of the year. It's a place where we can relax and only worry about where we're going to hunt tomorrow.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven-2017-13.jpg)
Doug,
Thank you for the kind words. It was a little 'Southern Boy' temperature early on. The cabin was built in the 1930's by the CCC. From the outside, when we saw them by the side of the road they looked broken down and trashed. However Ron went with one of the guys to look at them (6 of them were sitting there for sale), the insides were in incredible shape. We spent countless hours remodeling inside (building bunk room, filling in the chimney hole that went right through the floor where the current wood stove resides), running gas lights, building the kitchen, adding a metal roof and most time consuming was stripping, rechinking and staining the outside of the cabin. The floors and verticle pine paneling and windows are untouched and just as they were when built. Of course Ron's brought in some memorabilia to hang on the walls too. Ron loves the lazyboy chair by the stove, but my favorite is the big ole rocking chair Ron brought up from his shop. That sit's next to the front door.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp_2013_4.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp_2013_6.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/shrewhaven%202012%20pics%20012.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp%202010%202.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011%203.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011%202.JPG)
always look forward to this post! are there any trout in the creek?
The new addition, Little Haven with Lobo's Lair
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011-new%20addition.JPG)
Shrew Havens fancy new privy
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011%20new%20privy.JPG)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Shrewhaven_2011-privy%202.JPG)
I always look forward to this thread. Thanks guys for sharing your pictures and stories. :archer2:
Thanks for the history Ron. I can tell from your description it was a labor of love by all and I commend all of you for the beautiful result. I can just imagine coming in from a long day's hunt in the cold wind and snow, only to smell the prepared feast on the stove, the smell of wood burning in the stove and the warmth of the fire and great friends.
As close to heaven as you can get. God bless.
A video of Shrew Haven deer camp, it starts a little into the video
web page (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C5sIKWBjoY)
Thanks for sharing. I wish so bad I grew up with something like this...or had a place to disappear to for a week a year.
Business concerns kept me away from ShrewHaven this year and it truly broke my heart. Such a great place, and such wonderful and loyal friends.
We missed you in camp this year Sledge. Young Eric did a good job keeping the wood stove stoked and he mastered the procedure of raking the coals forward. :)
Where were you when the video was made in 2013?
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/hunting/Hunting137.jpg)
There is nothing like a north country deer camp. :thumbsup:
Just a beautiful place you guys have up there. Relaxing just to see the photos.
Actually, Lil Eric mentioned Roger must have it out for him. Lil Eric sleeps on top bunk (9 feet up) and he roasts when Roger keeps stove stoked too high at night. Perhaps Roger and Eric's wife have an agreement, sweat off all that extra weight he's packing on at camp before he comes home!!!! :biglaugh:
And yes, Roger, you were missed!
Here's two of the 6 bunks in the bunk room, they're stacked 3 high. The young guys get the top bunks because the old duffers can't climb up there. :biglaugh:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Camp_09%207.JPG)
Thanks for this.
Simply Good stuff!
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Camp%202010%201.JPG)
The year we built the back deck
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/ShrewHaven2.JPG)
The 1/3rd mile trail off the railroad grade road to the cabin
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/To_ShrewHaven.JPG)
This is the original sign naming the road to the cabin after my wife Nancy (RedBird)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Redbird_Lane.JPG)
The new sign near where Nancy always had her blind
(http://www.shrewbows.com/images/red-bird-lane-550.jpg)
Awesome camp there, Ron.
Excellent, thanks for sharing with us!