Well, another deer camp at Shrew Haven is history. We had fewer hunters in camp this year. Last year our camp was in mid October, this year we changed it to the first week in November. Some of the guys couldn't make it mostly because of job schedules. Still we had a great time and some success as you will see.
Roger Norris and I drove up together from lower Michigan, The 500 mile drive took all day but switching off driving and eating fast food on the fly made the trip go fast. As we got close to camp we were greeted with a good covering of the white stuff.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20182.jpg)
:coffee: :campfire:
Love this thread every year!
Looking north up Armstrong Creek
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20183.jpg)
Looking south down the Armstrong from the bridge over the creek
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp_2013_6.JPG)
:campfire: :coffee:
Ok I'm comfy and ready for this tail to unfold.
After arriving at the cabin it was like coming home. The old Fisher wood stove soon had it warm and cozy, the gas lights gave out their soft glow and as I settled into the old Lazy boy recliner beside the woodstove, all was right with the world. :campfire:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20184.jpg)
Because we didn't have a full crew this year Tim Cosgrove who is a regular at the camp invited a business associate, Henry Bodnik of Bear Paw Products in Germany. As some may know, there is NO hunting in Germany so Henry, a traditional archer has to go out of his home country to hunt. This year was only his 2nd time bow hunting deer in the US. His first time was with Tim in Indiana where he killed a doe with his longbow, his first deer with a bow
Henry was a very interesting guy and a lot of fun to have in camp. He pitched right in helping with camp chores. He also like to help with the cooking and treated us to a delicious German potato salad one night.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20185.jpg)
I'm in my comfy chair and ready for a shrew tail :archer:
:campfire: Always look forward to this!
I always look forward to hearing this story.
The first day of the hunt deer were seen but no shots were taken. For the last several years antlerless deer have not been legal for bowhunters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
On the second day a nice fork horn presented it's self to Henry, his shot was true and the buck went down within sight. Henry was thrilled with his first bow and arrow buck and we were all very happy for him
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20188.jpg)
The next night Tim came in after dark and said he needed some help that he had shot a buck. I ask him if her had an idea where he hit the deer. He said, it gave him a good quartering away angle but he thought he may have shot low. I told him it might be a heart shot. Then he said, I think I heard him go down so I took a compass reading in the direction of the noise.
The compass reading is something I had told the guys about many years ago, about how I had found a buck one time after I heard a crashing sound and took a reading with my compass. I found the deer that night with a flashlight after it had run over 100 yd's without leaving a drop of blood. The arrow had hit in the guts, angled forward into the lungs and the wood shaft had broke off inside the deer. A intestine plugged the entrance hole so all the blood was inside.
Here's Roger and Tim at the end of the trail
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp201811.jpg)
The happy hunter
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp201810.jpg)
Tim's hit with a 200gr German Jaeger broadhead from Bear Paw. The sharp back edge of the head really opened up the heart.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20189.jpg)
Three hunters and two deer. The guys with the big smiles are obviously the successful hunters :goldtooth:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20187.jpg)
Roger and I modeling our Asbell "Pathfinder" wool in the new "Oakridge" pattern
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20186.jpg)
Congratulations to the successful hunters. Love my Asbell wool.
Did you carry that bear k4 ?
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Henrydeer2018_zpshkevxjj3.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Henrydeer2018_zpshkevxjj3.jpg.html)
Both deer kills in camp this year were interesting, and worthy of a story. Henry Bodnik has a ton of respect for our freedoms and hunting opportunity that we have here in the USA.
Henry is an experienced outdoorsman and hunter, yet he was like a sponge soaking up what few deer hunting tips we had to offer. I helped Henry choose 2 stand sites that had been productive in the past, one on historic Banana Ridge. It had 7 scrapes leading to his stand alongside a brushy trail. I admired that Henry wanted to "do it himself"....he insisted on hanging his own stands. He went quickly from "guest" to "hunting partner".
The second site was far enough away as to not disturb the first,in a pine thicket that serves as both bedding and travel corridor.
On his first evening out, Henry saw only a button buck up on Banana Ridge. He hit the same stand the next morning, but wisely climbed down due to swirling winds. Banana Ridge can be tough to hunt....changing winds and a plethora of acorns cause an odd problem...too many deer. It is common to have deer moving through from all directions.
With great effort Henry snuck almost a mile to stand #2. He climbed in, and within an hour his buck was down. It was fun experiencing Henry's excitement, and his respect for the kill. Bravo, Henry!
Very nice, congrats to the hunters.
(http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h227/rnorris/Timdeer20182_zpsxn86zucl.jpg) (http://s65.photobucket.com/user/rnorris/media/Timdeer20182_zpsxn86zucl.jpg.html)
Tim Cosgrove is one of the original ShrewHaven members,he has been coming to camp longer than I have. Tim is a wonderful guy,and a dear friend to all of us. Tim struggled this year,having shoulder surgery earlier in the year. He worked hard to be able to pull a hunting weight bow,actually switching from left handed to right handed (with some coaching from Henry). I came down the road one evening and there he stood grinning in the headlights...."Got one?" I asked....
"Heck yeah" was Tims response. :goldtooth:
We decided to go back to camp, eat supper, and let it lay for a bit.
Tim was sure of his hit, but like anyone waiting to take up a bloodtrail, he was nervous. An hour passed quickly in camp, and now it was 2 hours since the shot. Tim, Cindy Gustafson,and I went out on the blood trail.
No blood. Nothing.
But Tim had done everything right. With compass and good after shot observation, he guided us down an obvious trail. He said he was certain that the buck had rocketed out, did a button hook,and Tim's last note was lots of crashing in a thicket.
Pitch black UP darkness made everything look different. Tim directed Cindy and I by flashlight to where he thought the buck made it's last crash. He then split the difference, walked between us, and there was his buck, exactly where he thought it would be. Tim is a great woodsman, and it showed that night!
look forward to this post every year! have spent some great times near you ( Crystal Falls) just love your stories and the U.P
Nicely done guys :thumbsup:
Red Bird Lane is a sacred spot where Nancy (RedBird) put her blind every year when we hunted at ShrewHaven. Bow hunting was as much a passion for her as it is for me and she loved spending time in the woods with her bow.
She was my hunting partner every year since our first hunt together in 1959. I miss the times we had together, sharing our experiences. Her enthusiasm and excitement when she would tell me a story of a hunting encounter always brought a smile to my face. One year when we were hunting the late season in December at Shrewhaven, the weather was very cold getting in the single digits at times, she suggested that we could spend the winter there in the cabin. She was a trooper and I was blessed to have her for so many years.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp201813.jpg)
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/ronandnancy.jpeg)
As usual the cuisine at camp was excellent. As I mentioned Henry is a handy guy in the kitchen and Greg one of our regulars that couldn't be there this year sent up apple pies that his wife made and several packages of bluegills and perch from lake Michigan. Roger Norris brought a Venison Ham that he had made from a bow kill early in the season and it was absolutely delicious. :thumbsup:
Of coarse I had to make my legendary "Breakfast Burritos" which consist of bacon, venison sausage, onion, jalapeno peppers, eggs scrambled. Served on a lightly fried flour tortilla topped with graded sharp cheddar cheese then the special green sauce. Then rolled into a tube that is guar-own- teed to awaken your taste buds :goldtooth:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/camp20181.jpg)
Kindred spirits, that is what makes a hunting camp special. :clapper:
Thanks for taking us along Ron. I look forward to this thread every year.
Thank you Ron for once again talking us along.
:goldtooth:
Very nice, a great story and trip as always Ron. My congratulations to Tim and Henry beautiful bucks both.
Congratulations to all, thank you for sharing I enjoy this thread every year
I haven't had a chance to check this one out yet but I will as always. But just a heads up... a teaser has been posted on Instagram.......
Like Tim, I've been going to camp since the inception with Ron and Greg and then adding others in the late 90's. One daughter just started college this fall and the other is a senior in high school. Both run competitively and I found myself chasing races around the state of Michigan this fall as well as doing an official visit for the younger to sign with Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI on the final weekend of this years camp, so it just wasn't going to happen. Good news for me, both girls are going to be in Michigan's Upper Peninsula going to college and only about 2-3 hours from camp!
My first deer in camp came off of Banana Ridge. It was 1992 and there were deer and acorns everywhere. I put a stand in an oak tree after scouting the first morning. That night I saw no less than 30 deer parade through, but most of them about 60-70 yards away. The next morning the same story, so I moved the stand. That night, I heard a crunching of leaves coming my way. A few steps at a time and I thought for sure it was a single deer-a buck of my dreams-slowly feeding my way. I finally saw the movement and low and behold it was a gobbler. Now turkeys hadn't yet taken a stronghold like they currently have back then, so this was the last thing I expected to see, but it sure got my heart racing. The next morning a nice doe came through and I made a good shot and watched her fall about 50 yards away. Since it was early and I had my buck tag I decided to sit tight and see if any other deer were going to work through. None did, however I was surprised that within 40 minutes ravens were already circling above my deer. They have and uncanny ability to see the white of a deer's belly from above.
We added Kevin and Brian, then Brian dropped out and we added Roger and Eric and Little Eric (Tim and Kevin's son-in-laws). All the best camp mates anyone could ask for. We've had many guests over the years including Fred ASBELL, Steve Turay, Brian Cole, Bill Heath and his son, Tom Jenkins and a scattering of others. DEER CAMP in Michigan's Upper Peninsula just has a charm and aura of it's own. I'm glad Henry had a chance to experience this coming from a country that does not allow bowhunting. What a great opportunity for him to experience and I'm sorry I missed the opportunity to meet him. His products that are well thought out and great quality (I use his fletching jig, feathers and taper tool).
It's also gratifying to see Ron and Tim overcome shoulder surgeries and continue their passion of shooting traditional bows. Sitting by the Shrewhaven woodstove, enjoying a snort of good bourbon and swapping tales after dinner. It's just something that can't be beat.
Looks like good times. Congratulations to the lucky hunters!
Love the pictures and the story. I look forward to them every year!
Looks and sounds like a great time! Congratulations to all :thumbsup:
Looks like a great camp...good company, good food, a couple deer hanging. :thumbsup:
Absoutely fantastic.....traditional camp and ways.
Thanks for the share. Great pics and story's
Tim B
I gotta get me one of them oakridge pullovers too. I looked on the web page but didn't see that pattern. Not available yet maybe?
Tim B
Quote from: TIM B on November 20, 2018, 06:21:39 AM
I gotta get me one of them oakridge pullovers too. I looked on the web page but didn't see that pattern. Not available yet maybe?
Tim B
Tim, just call Teresa...
This looks like everything most of us picture in our minds when we hear the phrase "deer camp." I look forward to this thread each and every season. Flat out awesome - truly the stuff dreams are made of.
Well done everyone. This place and stories are a link to our past. Every year Excellent !! Mike
Thanks for sharing Ron , I look forward to this story every year!!
Great stories and pic's every year. Nothing quite like "deer camp".
Congratulations to all for a good hunt. Great job with the photos and stories!
Man, the view from the bridge is very striking! Sounds like it was a good year this year!
I grew up in Germany as an AF brat in the late 80's early 90's. To hear that their hunting has been closed is downright ridiculous!
Classic ! Always enjoy this thread.
Love this thread, always a great read. Our camp is now at my cabin on Drummond island. Since I was 15 it was always on the west side of the UP. Nothing like November north of the bridge. Thanks for sharing. Dennis
outstanding !! I look forward to this post every year!!! ive spoke to henry several times as a customer and he is a great man...the most approachable business man I know....and a true gentleman!!! god bless you all
Good times....
,,Sam,,
Never get tired of all your pics Ron.
Hey Roger, mind sharing how did you do the venison ham? It looks delisious!
Tim B
Quote from: TIM B on November 21, 2018, 05:48:18 AM
Never get tired of all your pics Ron.
Hey Roger, mind sharing how did you do the venison ham? It looks delisious!
Tim B
Tim...I had DJ's Meats do it, they are in Highland Twp on Duck Lake Road. Absolutely the best butcher I know. I try to cut my own deer, but often time and weather requires a butcher. DJ's is the only place I will go.
Every year I have them smoke a couple hindquarters into ham. It is amazing.
Quoteauthor=Roger Norris link=topic=164845.msg2832692#msg2832692 date
Tim...I had DJ's Meats do it, they are in Highland Twp on Duck Lake Road. Absolutely the best butcher I know. I try to cut my own deer, but often time and weather requires a butcher. DJ's is the only place I will go.
Every year I have them smoke a couple hindquarters into ham. It is amazing.
That ham looks great Roger. I could make a meal outta that with a side of pepper shooters and Halumi. 👍👍
I too look forward to this post every year. It's a traditional bowhunting classic for sure!
Congratulations to Tim and Henry!! What a grand adventure up there in Armstrong creek country.
Thanks Ron for posting the story and the pictures!! :archer2:
Great story and some great guy's :thumbsup:
Thank you everyone, I'm glad you enjoy our adventures at Shrew Haven :campfire:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Inside%20ShrewHaven%20Lodge.jpg)
Very nice thank you for sharing
First time reading your posts, will look forward to it next year.
Quote from: Ron LaClair on November 21, 2018, 08:04:56 PM
Thank you everyone, I'm glad you enjoy our adventures at Shrew Haven :campfire:
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Inside%20ShrewHaven%20Lodge.jpg)
Dang Ron, that place is kinda nice just to call a "camp". Can you get there on your Harley?
Sent from my LG-M150 using Tapatalk
Down in Shrew hollow by old Armstrong creek
sits a little log cabin with wood floors that squeak
In the evening the soft glow of gas lights are there
while outside there are Whitetails Gray wolves and black bear
Up on the oak ridge the acorns are falling
the bucks they are grunting, the does they are calling
so we slip in our stand and we wait for a buck
if the wind is just right all we'll need is some luck
Now come hang up your buck on our deer hanging rail
then sit by the fire and tell us your tale
For the stories of hunting is why we come here
to hear the stories and to hunt for the great whitetail deer
Great post! Always look forward to this one!
Thanks for the stories and photos Ron. :clapper:
:clapper: cool stuff
Great story.Great camp. What a wonderful group of folks enjoying the outdoors. It doesn't get any better. >>>----> Ken
:campfire: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: Thanks again
One of the best places in the world to spend time in the fall
I thought I would post a picture from the past. This was from a late December hunt at ShrewHaven. The people are Yooper friends that came out for dinner one night. Since it was the Christmas season Nancy (Red Bird) sitting on the right at the back had cut a small tree and decorated it with cutouts for the dinner table that evening. That was her last time at ShrewHaven, she really enjoyed it there.
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Spaghetti_supper.JPG)
The back deck
(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/soft%20glow.JPG)
I always enjoy the posts and the stories about Shrew Haven. I miss the north woods dearly, I haven't been since Dad passed in 2015, and my brother and I left some of his ashes in one of his favorite spots. We both want to make the trip again, but just wont be the same without him. Ron, the picture of your wife Nancy brings tears to my eyes, and chokes me up, knowing through your post how much you and she loved your little place that God created for you.
Jason
I really enjoy these threads Ron...thanks for sharing and taking us on the journey
I'm new to traditional bowhunting and to TradGang, but I really enjoyed reading through this. Sounds like you have a special place and some special friends, Ron. Thanks so much for sharing. Grace and peace to you.
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Thanks for the trips Ron. Now and then. Pretty cool. Really miss those who've passed.
This is always a special thread. Love the pictures and Ron, I truly enjoy your poetry and the warm feelings that your words call forth.