tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13702406740430978232024-03-12T20:07:56.373-07:00Quadriplegic hunter's stuff & things…I made this blog to tell about my experiences and thoughts while sharing products that have worked for me, being a quadriplegic hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. It will mostly be everything hunting but with a little life mixed in.Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-72390829698627611772023-11-29T09:36:00.000-08:002023-11-29T09:40:59.323-08:002023 4D Muley.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9oKc7z0qzlVUGNBdyiVTETK9mZ9YwD-xCppHbUe2K7AXovX6ppBPrZbY2JFuy2V90UCSpI7P9NYJJpDc_QiL0wC8gmBq2V1mLeNlHRegRLNaOSfT1LYQZHKQLNXVcoLY349K0-u7xLW-o2V21rhbA3AAxpF0FVDzUY2Ez30pWl5whRU8yq8mcYYyl_IY/s2832/DSC02540.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="2824" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9oKc7z0qzlVUGNBdyiVTETK9mZ9YwD-xCppHbUe2K7AXovX6ppBPrZbY2JFuy2V90UCSpI7P9NYJJpDc_QiL0wC8gmBq2V1mLeNlHRegRLNaOSfT1LYQZHKQLNXVcoLY349K0-u7xLW-o2V21rhbA3AAxpF0FVDzUY2Ez30pWl5whRU8yq8mcYYyl_IY/s320/DSC02540.JPG" width="319" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This year deer applications were due June 7 and we got the results June 20 in North Dakota. I was lucky enough in 2022 to receive a mule deer buck tag in unit 4D. When deciding where I should apply in 2023, I remembered the landowners from last year said I can come back anytime. So before applying this year I contacted the landowners in unit 4D and asked them again if I could come back to hunt and one response was, “You better damn well apply for this unit!” After that and other conversations with the landowners, they wanted me back and wanted to help in any way. With that I applied and wouldn’t you know it the “Lucky Boy in the Wheelchair” drew another coveted mule deer buck tag. That didn’t suck.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After the tag was secured, I needed to figure out scheduling and who was going to come with on another one of my adventures. First, I called up my friend and guide, Sam. He works seven on, six off in the oil fields and grew up in Medora. He knows stuff and things about the North Dakota Badlands. He sent me his schedule and said try to work around this. It worked perfectly, the second weekend of rifle season would be our huckleberry. Then I got a hold of landowner Nick who said I could come down anytime no matter what the season. He also said him or someone would be around pretty much every day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, I made sure my mom, Deb would be able to go or I should say I told her I was going west for hunting and she replied, “Who’s coming with?” I then got a hold of my sister Shelie who had mentioned when I applied for the tag that her and her husband Brad should be able to go along. This time when I talked to her she said, “Yep. What are the dates and where are we staying?” I told her would take off November 16th, hunt the 17th-19th and head home on the 20th. Plus I said we would be staying at the AmericInn in Medora. She said she would make it work with her and Brad’s work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew we had one landowner secured but Sam and I also got a couple other landowners to give permission. Plus, both of us know people. And if we don’t know the right people, we know people who know those right people. It’s good to know people. It’s also good to be respectable about other people’s property when they graciously let you on. Not being an idiot is helpful.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9QyEGAtDPMdbNgRXi6hH_29JeRBBmnrOkBtLuI_loy5qGFPuk2vzzPe4sxikh0LERJ-K8b5OLVKBKItTXFlxh3EB62iNDJY2qzGV8W4EYJixcDpYn4W-TwS23Ts8nl-Yq9FDdcVfLO3TiNvvZDpGuoX3DdtbyqcEd2X12l1rCjtMhA0359dvt4VZiptr/s845/Snapchat-1474343812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP9QyEGAtDPMdbNgRXi6hH_29JeRBBmnrOkBtLuI_loy5qGFPuk2vzzPe4sxikh0LERJ-K8b5OLVKBKItTXFlxh3EB62iNDJY2qzGV8W4EYJixcDpYn4W-TwS23Ts8nl-Yq9FDdcVfLO3TiNvvZDpGuoX3DdtbyqcEd2X12l1rCjtMhA0359dvt4VZiptr/s320/Snapchat-1474343812.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Brad and Shelie got to the farm that Thursday a little before 10 AM. In no time they had their stuff and our stuff plus all of my hunting crap packed. I believe we were on the road right at 10. That’s good planning. Our first stop was at Steele. They have a huge travel plaza with snacks of every kind plus a subway. Here is where I tilted back for my first time. I am supposed to tilt back every hour for 10 minutes to relieve pressure off of my derrière. Pressure sores suck I have learned the hard way, numerous times. We also got a little lunch and snacks for the trip. I think I checked at least three times on the way to see if I packed my deer license and elongated trigger. Nervous I was. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxHhivebWLSD8rQoHY6bknOQ1FS0vVaaf74sAP7VwZH_y3cuhYVGRl52toeA736tSwHOfojCYQR4Lc6qb74tVjf5lrmpIfVg_vkmEVoqmyg9DJVuM3w7MCOizPEJTtFM33ci3p-1XzO0C_xEoKVm8g5xD4nNUZuQWQtAlo-8wXeAeUq0INUFeSGagaFsl/s845/Snapchat-1907133562.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjxHhivebWLSD8rQoHY6bknOQ1FS0vVaaf74sAP7VwZH_y3cuhYVGRl52toeA736tSwHOfojCYQR4Lc6qb74tVjf5lrmpIfVg_vkmEVoqmyg9DJVuM3w7MCOizPEJTtFM33ci3p-1XzO0C_xEoKVm8g5xD4nNUZuQWQtAlo-8wXeAeUq0INUFeSGagaFsl/s320/Snapchat-1907133562.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, we were bucking a 30 mph northwest wind most of the way with higher gusts. Could hear my 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 HD SLE pickup sucking the gasoline. Our second stop was in Richardton where there is the best convenience store along I 94. I tilted back here again, got some more snacks and filled the gas tank. In no time we were entering the beautiful rugged badlands. Couldn’t check-in until 4 PM mountain time so Brad decided he would take us to Buffalo Gap. I had never been. If you haven’t, you should check it out. I even got to meet Ole the owner. He is entertaining. The scenery is breathtaking. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntSaZYbxcFlEV58GqGsfMuy7ooik4YTqfRDVBEwLY-En1Txr1iKuB_tnj5g_WX2sCyipik0MV4gpfxod4R_RxoE5R79EHQ8Pv_B4xwMYtJ7IWfol9DJTqTJZRAvSmYkgoBPkZZkKJGZZd1letpL1t43QLaqwCCu35p2ta1qcLyJOGyydETQ2CvZop14Jk/s845/Snapchat-59816033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntSaZYbxcFlEV58GqGsfMuy7ooik4YTqfRDVBEwLY-En1Txr1iKuB_tnj5g_WX2sCyipik0MV4gpfxod4R_RxoE5R79EHQ8Pv_B4xwMYtJ7IWfol9DJTqTJZRAvSmYkgoBPkZZkKJGZZd1letpL1t43QLaqwCCu35p2ta1qcLyJOGyydETQ2CvZop14Jk/s320/Snapchat-59816033.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you don’t know this is a place where you can stay, eat, drink, bring your horse, camp and just about anything else. You should check it out you haven’t. We stayed here for a bit as I tilted and we sampled some libations until we decided to go for a cruise to see if there was any deer movement. It didn’t take long to see our first deer on the East River Road. There was a bunch on the greens at Bully Pulpit Golf Course. There were deers everywhere it seemed, not only on the golf course. My hopes were high for the hunt.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8x13w2461lDOs-xNvbN4BxpayEGcZGpSVxZybNqKvvgfJv6qrFGck1EyqIa2bAUNVo2ICfZYcjyQpfyZiQe4faoPv_f7oz9qHc9adklKCKLHnfmjbmIZ_7BNYuM2DicWMOFGam8zPqz-xTD_MmFkWP_DkwKmMiIhECjhQkYT7gqIau7yy-T8-qbu6kig/s1829/Resized_20231116_163348.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1829" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8x13w2461lDOs-xNvbN4BxpayEGcZGpSVxZybNqKvvgfJv6qrFGck1EyqIa2bAUNVo2ICfZYcjyQpfyZiQe4faoPv_f7oz9qHc9adklKCKLHnfmjbmIZ_7BNYuM2DicWMOFGam8zPqz-xTD_MmFkWP_DkwKmMiIhECjhQkYT7gqIau7yy-T8-qbu6kig/s320/Resized_20231116_163348.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, we decided to go to the Little Mo Saloon for supper, cocktails and to see the best bartender throughout the land, Lasko. This man is a machine. The bar was packed and he kept everyone happy and not sober. Just stay out of his way and never say you’re going to Boots Bar. He will lock the door when you leave. I don’t even think he’s kidding when he said that. Truthfully to watch this guy work is entertainment in itself.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkF7PP9PP2h0ttASWtR_ylWpMEmlsF19smEko4NlRo2t9vFLT1lMitKlaqbbR4-bJHIoxOnEBStc5GyMNfcAqe6ggCkmOAGA0DdZJv6vIhJ9JQAxUexshNj8ivzCiEnmvt6FVP-GzRSex1KwIiJ50_lrxWjg-kYJOZMGpthG8MJwGMyTGBRXJcxXMnjPF/s845/Snapchat-82395413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAkF7PP9PP2h0ttASWtR_ylWpMEmlsF19smEko4NlRo2t9vFLT1lMitKlaqbbR4-bJHIoxOnEBStc5GyMNfcAqe6ggCkmOAGA0DdZJv6vIhJ9JQAxUexshNj8ivzCiEnmvt6FVP-GzRSex1KwIiJ50_lrxWjg-kYJOZMGpthG8MJwGMyTGBRXJcxXMnjPF/s320/Snapchat-82395413.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning, I got a hold of Sam and of course he was out and about already scouting the area for anything that moved. We made a plan that I would get in the chair around 11 AM and we would meet by the Brown Ranch. When we met Sam, he was excited and said there were a couple bucks and a bunch of does a couple hundred yards off the trail. We got excited. But first we had to drive down a sketchy trail to get there. Actually it wasn’t too bad but my head was flopping around like a bobble head as we bounced for about a mile, probably a little more. Once we got to the spot we couldn’t drive anymore Sam asked, “Do you think your chair can get over there? A couple hundred yards,” as he was pointing to the north. I said, “I think we can do it.”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPzQ9phkpDpZCmGDE84qYW_GWx6jJC4LfMxPDch-NFakC6LluhOQg553a-ahMskUVSWTLbJTQkbVD6wpozowkavylTWa7zDDVWDOOHTQPH6IklcWC0mXbfhYbbjrkZ4oHWdXQ2bPOIb40ARNWQhnL_1Z0UYs-W09TEtGB1n27LYmHRnxJLiJeAuFdNwvU/s845/Snapchat-49902553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPzQ9phkpDpZCmGDE84qYW_GWx6jJC4LfMxPDch-NFakC6LluhOQg553a-ahMskUVSWTLbJTQkbVD6wpozowkavylTWa7zDDVWDOOHTQPH6IklcWC0mXbfhYbbjrkZ4oHWdXQ2bPOIb40ARNWQhnL_1Z0UYs-W09TEtGB1n27LYmHRnxJLiJeAuFdNwvU/s320/Snapchat-49902553.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We got out of the pickup and got all my equipment ready. Sam and Brad attached my rifle mount to my chair and then got his rifle attached to the rifle mount. They also attached my elongated trigger to the trigger guard on his rifle. We also tested the trigger a couple times. We had a scenario last year while hunting so we make sure we do this now. Good stuff. It is a process, but they get it done in quick fashion. Shelie was helping me get my orange clothing on and getting other stuff. Before we knew it, we were making our way across the pasture. Shelie had the spotting scope with tripod, Sam had his rifle which was attached to my rifle mount cradle and Brad was helping push and steer me in the right direction as I was navigating rocks, dried cow pies, holes and other things while bouncing a couple hundred yards to a vantage point where we could see the deer without them smelling us. I would guess the whole process took a half-hour maybe a little more.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17x2CQ8o9Z7vuz_aJT2-jRxshZghdrKlH9DxYd9N32F2OPJtePKk-yF-Q0MSn1qzFTve8rD7RfUvpTVTNxneFzyVFDYVDvy4PWCljjCyhwES5iPrWx2OL-zATjTrtn5vrJd6HziFGUwW0XRGLgjjxXbKqM91_83OIBvuXsWZj1WVeAayfbd009IE-8W_Y/s845/IMG_8546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17x2CQ8o9Z7vuz_aJT2-jRxshZghdrKlH9DxYd9N32F2OPJtePKk-yF-Q0MSn1qzFTve8rD7RfUvpTVTNxneFzyVFDYVDvy4PWCljjCyhwES5iPrWx2OL-zATjTrtn5vrJd6HziFGUwW0XRGLgjjxXbKqM91_83OIBvuXsWZj1WVeAayfbd009IE-8W_Y/s320/IMG_8546.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got to the little draw that was holding the deers, we were happy to see they were still content and just milling around aimlessly eating beside a windmill and water tank. There was one buck we could see from our vantage point. He wasn’t huge and he wasn’t small. Sam asked if I wanted to take a poke at him and I said yes. Soon after that they were attaching the rifle cradle which holds a rifle onto my rifle mount on my chair. After that I snuck forward a little bit to get a good angle and to be able to get the buck in the scope.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7SSn07bk3s5fFWlzKoZt7Um5xIeiuayJASswOQPe5UYzEZXWPpMxSY4CCI0LaUKHXs0J_qZEdiuBJGgvaGpQokf4TgVgK-JJ8cY4YCkM-kd-wbdFpmNFI0TEQUR6KhObzfsYZ2YdRccuY6pjZIK428m9oDIgZ2i5xwaGPJMWgccF0zlmpxXXPHZxTUv8/s1127/Snapchat-1730894608.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1127" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7SSn07bk3s5fFWlzKoZt7Um5xIeiuayJASswOQPe5UYzEZXWPpMxSY4CCI0LaUKHXs0J_qZEdiuBJGgvaGpQokf4TgVgK-JJ8cY4YCkM-kd-wbdFpmNFI0TEQUR6KhObzfsYZ2YdRccuY6pjZIK428m9oDIgZ2i5xwaGPJMWgccF0zlmpxXXPHZxTUv8/s320/Snapchat-1730894608.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pic of rifle on Afognak Island.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me stop and tell you about Sam’s rifle and stuff. His rifle is a 300 Norma Mag with 230 grain Berger bullets topped with Swarovski DS scope, the scope has ballistic calculator and rangefinder. It’s like looking through pure sex. You see things looking through that scope that most only see in movies and magazines. It is wild.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIN3JGwH2lKIORlT2Lny8DKmEhAPaAJRnz62EtlWJjyhZVUSFOzsQum2DhzgbHt5fArKkmirNeXIOcieEgqtXU2DI78NhP2FM2PXUfsx3E2vfgeu_VHqiAuLodXW_39TW-uwOBB6nvIyGsuXkQLPScIReSg0O7DoDEgLuXtk8UkqtUymxZ-cyY1giSVFI/s480/IMG_8540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIN3JGwH2lKIORlT2Lny8DKmEhAPaAJRnz62EtlWJjyhZVUSFOzsQum2DhzgbHt5fArKkmirNeXIOcieEgqtXU2DI78NhP2FM2PXUfsx3E2vfgeu_VHqiAuLodXW_39TW-uwOBB6nvIyGsuXkQLPScIReSg0O7DoDEgLuXtk8UkqtUymxZ-cyY1giSVFI/s320/IMG_8540.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back to the story. Sam got the yardage and it was 515 yards from where we were to the buckaroo. It took me a while to get lined up. In fact, while I was trying to get on him, he decided to lay down. It really takes me a long time to get the elevation correct, up and down. To do this I hit the recline button on my chair, once I get within a couple inches then I do the fine adjustments with my shoulder. It’s a little not precise. Anyway, after a handful of minutes I said I was on him and Sam asked, “You sure, we have a lot of time, he isn’t going anywhere.” I responded, “Yep!” As he reached over and took off the safety. Next thing I knew I was pulling on the trigger waiting for the crack of the barrel. “BOOM!” I knew right away that I missed because there was no hollering. It was a clean miss.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHMLkVhHrTM9PUVqUh9sxhCVLu2PRu5-tJ9c0DrYsywCqxou-_Bytg55ANSFnoGkStcDCXU7GW7tz1karAT9KM8VVGZDtf71oMv0ExHv7vvCf_87l7QjaSH7inqwU-aJMQf3_YWTddc-yBAFTJlLB4wSmdSjUxnA_4KeaBcG4AU-H9TovLoI9tDxr7uRk/s859/Video-in-4D-2023-Muley-Google-Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="859" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHMLkVhHrTM9PUVqUh9sxhCVLu2PRu5-tJ9c0DrYsywCqxou-_Bytg55ANSFnoGkStcDCXU7GW7tz1karAT9KM8VVGZDtf71oMv0ExHv7vvCf_87l7QjaSH7inqwU-aJMQf3_YWTddc-yBAFTJlLB4wSmdSjUxnA_4KeaBcG4AU-H9TovLoI9tDxr7uRk/s320/Video-in-4D-2023-Muley-Google-Photos.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It didn’t take me long to find him in the scope again and Sam jacked in another bullet. By this time the does around him knew something was up and they started to head to the north, away from us and he followed. Once that bunch was gone another bunch from the same group of trees got up and followed the first bunch. We didn’t even know they were there. After that, another couple followed them all. There was probably close to 25 deer in group. It was awesome to see. We knew they were gone and they were not coming back that night.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjhpmkUwbIyPaBNq8jaJv5_6kgVECGC-K0cGIG9Nc8wPClUJWyigjzMzYPvYQvjnQ19UQ5IzqsmXK7UNJ94zRT-cqhTU6XWT71WSE0P0y3od9u0aa5bvT3b8ixONPVf2sA6tpLlK3KxvCMniYIWflQhIT9_hmrwHyvvjTQ4zQ6vRygX0UWs4bHUuZNHKp/s845/FullSizeR(22).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="567" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjhpmkUwbIyPaBNq8jaJv5_6kgVECGC-K0cGIG9Nc8wPClUJWyigjzMzYPvYQvjnQ19UQ5IzqsmXK7UNJ94zRT-cqhTU6XWT71WSE0P0y3od9u0aa5bvT3b8ixONPVf2sA6tpLlK3KxvCMniYIWflQhIT9_hmrwHyvvjTQ4zQ6vRygX0UWs4bHUuZNHKp/s320/FullSizeR(22).jpg" width="215" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Before we packed up to head back to the pickup, Sam spotted a coyote laying down in the shade like 700 yards away. Some people just have the eyes to see things. I have good vision, like better than 20/20 and I had a hard time seeing the coyote in the spotting scope. It’s impressive to see that kind of vision, it seems to come with a lot of time glassing different territories.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57zbFnWjwiElJVLdTda3Y92D39naVLt8dqdLZazx04xtMvEL6KuSQLldRZ213TbXVHELi_S-_Tcqm2P5BP9kiUKklOhcNt6Col3VqrT9xX8GaRWZQFIm9Vozk3DV7GdvDkiDn1sO4hS1kehvZS1PMM2NGUJBbqpt-vZf7T5z5hduEBXjfM-51LFlen4rS/s480/IMG_8528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57zbFnWjwiElJVLdTda3Y92D39naVLt8dqdLZazx04xtMvEL6KuSQLldRZ213TbXVHELi_S-_Tcqm2P5BP9kiUKklOhcNt6Col3VqrT9xX8GaRWZQFIm9Vozk3DV7GdvDkiDn1sO4hS1kehvZS1PMM2NGUJBbqpt-vZf7T5z5hduEBXjfM-51LFlen4rS/s320/IMG_8528.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Next, we bounced back to the pickup around and sometime over rocks and crevices. When we got back to the pickup, we got the rifle mount unattached and everything put away. Then I tilted as we made a plan for the rest of the daylight. Sunset out there during my time was around 4:15 PM Mountain Time. Legal shooting hours are a half-hour after sunset in North Dakota. Making the couple hundred yards out and back took a couple hours. It was around 2:30 PM after this first attempt, which gave us a couple hours to drive around and look for another buck but we never found anything that we could get to. But we enjoyed the scenery and company.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlheZrvdfIfUJ3xZtT6lR21oCBHpPBW-4fHPvAVlvMqzcs2MDCu8D5WtssKfXsLb4Qi-q5uASTALlzCxjP339kYrSRv0Bex6eAUcE4-krQ4T7mFgbm6qzJAxT6XImPqcFaAVXL38e3BITqqNb0cjN6M2Kdhcj9dsAJxmEdKoMrJPbz39TZuHYdMWwCNYpN/s800/IMG_8553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlheZrvdfIfUJ3xZtT6lR21oCBHpPBW-4fHPvAVlvMqzcs2MDCu8D5WtssKfXsLb4Qi-q5uASTALlzCxjP339kYrSRv0Bex6eAUcE4-krQ4T7mFgbm6qzJAxT6XImPqcFaAVXL38e3BITqqNb0cjN6M2Kdhcj9dsAJxmEdKoMrJPbz39TZuHYdMWwCNYpN/s320/IMG_8553.jpg" width="269" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got back to the motel I tilted again. Shelie rounded up Mom, she doesn’t go along when we are traveling on what she considers sketchy roads. She would rather sit in the hot tub, do some shopping or play the machines. Then we went back to the Little Mo for supper. Sam joined us for an evening full of food, libations and reminiscing. Good times.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaiQl5MvaPpVFvQitDi6Wdb1AY5iHFSg7ZWgbS1RVppcfz6_6jDPbvlTfN76-zspEjhBSy4_tzjJ7aTP9yqcRye5V_rMPqUXMeHc6BEiX__YWUjUmtQfaX1oAC8x33q0wGPQCwKfa884KOxUk8QatXthWd7fo6-5-qzcZiFtrIGprpzp2w1yDWs1GCPVy/s845/original_bfbf26a0-46bd-4e8e-9151-1e15d3400ba9_20221103_203434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBaiQl5MvaPpVFvQitDi6Wdb1AY5iHFSg7ZWgbS1RVppcfz6_6jDPbvlTfN76-zspEjhBSy4_tzjJ7aTP9yqcRye5V_rMPqUXMeHc6BEiX__YWUjUmtQfaX1oAC8x33q0wGPQCwKfa884KOxUk8QatXthWd7fo6-5-qzcZiFtrIGprpzp2w1yDWs1GCPVy/s320/original_bfbf26a0-46bd-4e8e-9151-1e15d3400ba9_20221103_203434.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I should explain that I get in the chair so late every day because I am only supposed to be in the chair a limited time per day. I tried to keep it under eight hours but more likely around six hours a day. But on this trip, it was more like 10 hours a day. Reclining hourly and limiting time in the chair every day keeps away pressure sores and keeps me out of the hospital. You can read about some of my hospital visits in earlier blogs.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmGoCvipEOEu5I694bD_-nzRUh1n2YrWDXtqgGMgc072pwAVj1N28526YRRwmxYYg8HNSJEEExNv38_eubqi4_ftva95SizUuYGzH9G0oN1RtUNTyEGHe3kZhoGsfGpV3z5qHVL1_SGoFpoLC5ZWYLWseYtMD7bunYk_1K4pOu8dZmTVhJ2q6_FiRK-Ny/s666/Video-in-4D-2023-Muley-Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimmGoCvipEOEu5I694bD_-nzRUh1n2YrWDXtqgGMgc072pwAVj1N28526YRRwmxYYg8HNSJEEExNv38_eubqi4_ftva95SizUuYGzH9G0oN1RtUNTyEGHe3kZhoGsfGpV3z5qHVL1_SGoFpoLC5ZWYLWseYtMD7bunYk_1K4pOu8dZmTVhJ2q6_FiRK-Ny/s320/Video-in-4D-2023-Muley-Photos.png" width="224" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Saturday morning, I got a hold of Sam wondering what he was up to and of course he was out scouting. He is awesome. He told me he was way south, farther than we had been this year or last. I said I would get in the chair at 11 and head that way. It took us a little over an hour to get down there. I was glad Sam went this way. The views and scenery are spectacular. The view to the west was like looking over a little Grand Canyon. It was impressive to say the least. We were only 2 miles I believe from the Montana border at this time. I definitely want to come back and explore this area. Then we went back north a couple miles to the spot where I could tilt. After that I called Sam and he said he hadn’t seen much but he almost tipped his pickup over. Geesh. Close call. I mentioned to Sam we were going to head back to a place we were yesterday. It is a spot we were at a year before. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4IcEWzaujbDiuUGJyTPq7u1rrMUFwIpBYKt85ORP2TueXalnM17KCVzZ8UW_zCqQskp3wPz3gciVHPLJr3aP3xvkkjhbP7PywzidWtA4MHaaJJ439rirjtt5ZxIfjI0k6Kw3qk1Ku0SjmUX9aWZ3IuDSTAkStH_9vv5LCbb1aPzzcSY23c_lTePGLB-M/s845/IMG_8574.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE4IcEWzaujbDiuUGJyTPq7u1rrMUFwIpBYKt85ORP2TueXalnM17KCVzZ8UW_zCqQskp3wPz3gciVHPLJr3aP3xvkkjhbP7PywzidWtA4MHaaJJ439rirjtt5ZxIfjI0k6Kw3qk1Ku0SjmUX9aWZ3IuDSTAkStH_9vv5LCbb1aPzzcSY23c_lTePGLB-M/s320/IMG_8574.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we got down there, we pulled onto the trail and we didn’t go 100 yards before seeing a mule deer doe with twins. We watched them for a couple minutes and didn’t see a buck so we decided to go down the trail farther. It is a gnarly road, the kind of roads I like. We didn’t make it 50 yards and we saw a muley buck on top of a break a long ways away. Then we noticed some muley does not too far from him, just below. About that time Sam pulled up behind us and we showed him what was up. He asked if I wanted to try and of course I said, “Yep!”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtkmAC3Q3ws-fwNPN_OG1pQ-5TZ-0b0e8vLV-ccfP6zQXgdAYfW1vS5S61Px_pQrImmPAtKJvuksH0bUgbAhBxi9A91p7diqudMGz0T5IEgza-p2UKrWl2zuyOsNXSDHphMxRNIJhotaXm3eMgfhhnW6UxKcWFWg0UMQoXAl34nzXBiXY5Ak4ELv7k9x6/s845/Screenshot_20231118-160815_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDtkmAC3Q3ws-fwNPN_OG1pQ-5TZ-0b0e8vLV-ccfP6zQXgdAYfW1vS5S61Px_pQrImmPAtKJvuksH0bUgbAhBxi9A91p7diqudMGz0T5IEgza-p2UKrWl2zuyOsNXSDHphMxRNIJhotaXm3eMgfhhnW6UxKcWFWg0UMQoXAl34nzXBiXY5Ak4ELv7k9x6/s320/Screenshot_20231118-160815_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">He ran back to his pickup to back up because we needed to back up so I could get out of the pickup on flat ground. When I got out of the pickup, everybody did their thing. Brad attached my rifle mount to the chair, Sam got his rifle attached to my rifle cradle, Shelie gathered orange clothing, binoculars, spotting scope and then Sam and Brad attached the elongated trigger to the rifle. It goes pretty smooth for how chaotic it could be in pressure time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeFJj1f8cnoaOvDOevUYYcehkk7qq5RvuGFWz21lJdL3KIzVY7SKiWMAhJjWeCKAntoCMUi04_-UKvDlCV1E0lDXPEIA1VhIGORFVrUhkLi3DCjZB8tfjEfcXrDdJUgkA7jiA5DWrFGrK8kWmYXruU3z2ErMWjqaBiFirj1a76aPkuvN5VkpbAU0nvtP/s652/Video-in-2023-Muley-Google-Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="460" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUeFJj1f8cnoaOvDOevUYYcehkk7qq5RvuGFWz21lJdL3KIzVY7SKiWMAhJjWeCKAntoCMUi04_-UKvDlCV1E0lDXPEIA1VhIGORFVrUhkLi3DCjZB8tfjEfcXrDdJUgkA7jiA5DWrFGrK8kWmYXruU3z2ErMWjqaBiFirj1a76aPkuvN5VkpbAU0nvtP/s320/Video-in-2023-Muley-Google-Photos.png" width="226" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pretty soon we were sneaking over a rise trying to get closer. When Sam ranged the buck, he was at about 600 yards. We were able to get about 20 yards closer but not too much closer. At that distance it took me a while to get him in the scope. But he didn’t have a care in the world except those females. He was twitterpated. He would lay down for a while, get up not move really and lay back down. The does were just meandering around the hillside. Soon enough I got him in the scope and Sam dialed him in so he was bigger in the scope. This is fine and dandy but it gets touchy at that far a distance. Move the scope 1/32 of an inch, and downrange 500 yards the crosshairs are 6 feet off, give or take. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I finally got him on the crosshairs steady, he wasn’t moving standing perfectly broadside. I reached for the trigger, breathed out and squeezed back the trigger. It goes off and he doesn’t move. Sam says, “Miss.” Nobody could tell where the bullet hit on the hillside. Sam racks in another bullet. The buck still hasn’t moved much neither have the does surprisingly. I get the buck lined up again in the crosshairs, pull the trigger, it goes off and still he doesn’t move. Sam says, “Miss.” Again no one could see where the bullet hit. Sam racks in another bullet. This time the buck has moved but not far. It takes me a couple minutes to get readjusted and lined up. Eventually I get him in the crosshairs, Sam takes the safety off and I fire again. I can see in the scope that I did not hit him. Sam says, “Clean miss. I got to run back to my pickup to get more bullets!”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">By this time, we are all laughing perplexed because I just fired three shots and the deer are all still there. Sam was giggling his way to his pickup and back. We have a conversation about where we think I am hitting and Sam looks over the video he has been taking on spotting scope and there is nothing to see about where the bullets went. Thankfully this buck and the does were as clueless as we were. So, Sam jacked in another bullet and I got realigned. I fire again with a clean miss. I did this two more times for a total of six shots and no hits. Frustration settling in.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But Sam made me laugh when he now said he had to go back and get a box of bullets. First two times he only had three in his hand. Good grief what a scenario. Now he had ample kill pills ready to do the job, again. He jacks in three more bullets and I fire three more times without hitting anything. We did see dust a couple times in this last volley of lead. By the way, the deer still haven’t moved.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4KHUw6C2MYTfoMjdTsvFZP2DT-4HK4c8GJdONT2U5XXb07cAKyRf9Chr5fd9tcSIcaC8bnoG3ArSgmtXAIeI_VZu6cLD11g4vlVkqgQNpvJLVrshVse0wBKjT0YJBd27zDBUw-6uAR4wGUOqvYdgYh1LZdXO-Xsi9CsElSxAg5-NtqQYKXnvDcLlZcN5/s1784/Screenshot_20231118-152138_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1784" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4KHUw6C2MYTfoMjdTsvFZP2DT-4HK4c8GJdONT2U5XXb07cAKyRf9Chr5fd9tcSIcaC8bnoG3ArSgmtXAIeI_VZu6cLD11g4vlVkqgQNpvJLVrshVse0wBKjT0YJBd27zDBUw-6uAR4wGUOqvYdgYh1LZdXO-Xsi9CsElSxAg5-NtqQYKXnvDcLlZcN5/s320/Screenshot_20231118-152138_Snapchat.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The buck is now looking to my right but broadside. He was following one of the does pretty hard but thankfully he never moved more than 20 feet the whole time the barrage was going on. I get readjusted and get him in the crosshairs and Sam jacks in another bullet. As I’m looking down the scope Sam says, “I think your hitting to the right of him, aim right at his ass.” He then takes the rifle off safety. I reach for the trigger for the 10th time, slowly pull back and I hear that beautiful SMACK sound. I hit him right in the back hip but the 230 grain bullets dropped him like a sack of potatoes. Sam yells, “He’s down! You got him!” Shelie and Brad were yelling, “Congratulations! You got him! You got him!” There were probably some expletives too and Sam grabbed his phone to get most of the celebration recorded. I told Sam, “The scope said it was 571 yards!” Holy Shinto. What a relief.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb1XXmvKWuh290wFpsFceS9jC_w_ux-xT3AwPCpIr7DRinlqJGHhnyIbix_d3jLJpuF-6Tmepb6nFQ_HBN1cNDgSlxzDH7yuCMhP6CgtfqcasHzDFOQ6eA6W1guZWE5PUr40aPxJFSFoBbDR6pGtW6tIfUUvtJ7NLEvQtQ5U9CL8OOKb-ZeBizpoO0ohh/s711/Video-in-4D--Muley-Google-Photos.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="451" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb1XXmvKWuh290wFpsFceS9jC_w_ux-xT3AwPCpIr7DRinlqJGHhnyIbix_d3jLJpuF-6Tmepb6nFQ_HBN1cNDgSlxzDH7yuCMhP6CgtfqcasHzDFOQ6eA6W1guZWE5PUr40aPxJFSFoBbDR6pGtW6tIfUUvtJ7NLEvQtQ5U9CL8OOKb-ZeBizpoO0ohh/s320/Video-in-4D--Muley-Google-Photos.png" width="203" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We high-fived, hugged and probably cried a little bit celebrating. That’s what it’s all about. Camaraderie. After the celebration we were a little concerned that he might get up. We waited for probably 20 minutes and Sam could see through his spotting scope that his eyes were not blinking. By now some of the does had left. The rest of them left when we started putting away my gear.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwkB_5ZbMaGewZm0-UAGuP-vLWNqzsJAZXT7Yd7H5cFxoBW_z9GE6Tzv2ee9Aq26AJiKlh7KzOKSzdKPJlSNtQvH7KTc4rWhuKfjgACpIo3M6avDo4cBO9t_4yAcH_qv7RPNdMFrdImyAig0OepQ4LkWR9JR7LlCR_zs1Nldzjx2xz0LszkX4zTWWXrJK/s742/kill%20shot.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="742" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvwkB_5ZbMaGewZm0-UAGuP-vLWNqzsJAZXT7Yd7H5cFxoBW_z9GE6Tzv2ee9Aq26AJiKlh7KzOKSzdKPJlSNtQvH7KTc4rWhuKfjgACpIo3M6avDo4cBO9t_4yAcH_qv7RPNdMFrdImyAig0OepQ4LkWR9JR7LlCR_zs1Nldzjx2xz0LszkX4zTWWXrJK/s320/kill%20shot.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now we had to figure out the easiest way to get him. There was a big draw between him and us. Sam called up Nick the landowner and he said there is an easier way around back to the north to come back south. On the way over there, Sam pulled over to tell us he was going to ask some hunters camped not too far if they could help. It was a good idea but nobody was home. At this point we were losing light in a hurry. We decided not to go longways around and just go in where we were.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpLQIaOn7I-r3AsdytcrC2ul5goaghIshlRjhxzkidDim9w4xul32d6Y-oEnYe5CYCqAoEcO6-MFnFRTFoqxhd05Hie3VN-gbZ8svcdwGqcLqGkAikP1blDDMfFacgaMPFafzJS8P1DAAaSjoLi9MVNPdZ7KNjyj3GyVxuHG6wEo-YYAhh9llMBEZgj7U/s1265/DSC02532%20(1).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1265" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpLQIaOn7I-r3AsdytcrC2ul5goaghIshlRjhxzkidDim9w4xul32d6Y-oEnYe5CYCqAoEcO6-MFnFRTFoqxhd05Hie3VN-gbZ8svcdwGqcLqGkAikP1blDDMfFacgaMPFafzJS8P1DAAaSjoLi9MVNPdZ7KNjyj3GyVxuHG6wEo-YYAhh9llMBEZgj7U/s320/DSC02532%20(1).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For the 600 yards or so it didn’t take them long to go down the gully, back up the other side to get him and put the tag on him. By the time he was in the back of my pickup we maybe had an hour of sunlight. Sam found a perfect spot to take pictures. The buck turned out to be a 4 x 3 counting the eye guards. These pictures are awesome with the backdrop. Sam then mentioned we should bring the deer to Buffalo Gap to get him quartered. He said they have a set up just like a regular locker with walk-in cooler, rails on the ceiling and pressure washer to clean everything up. Good thing Sam knows everybody. Evidently he has helped Ole while Ole has been hunting a time or two.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV_Nrkn6aGZseEs6tpP7GwfooS6Ny4VJF1C8vt2x5L8I96oIaA6SMbSs-dF71NqsAwf8zCPpU6fW5xrCVHhQwiL5jo7RmpWde65wumof3uRpboJaemY_5JOWHgsZZYBiiWAznTIgb1qoFyboYz2dYwSj34-_p7klcoVQEf5GArzmxxDC0tGBrx7zUMQKa/s845/Snapchat-597149396.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifV_Nrkn6aGZseEs6tpP7GwfooS6Ny4VJF1C8vt2x5L8I96oIaA6SMbSs-dF71NqsAwf8zCPpU6fW5xrCVHhQwiL5jo7RmpWde65wumof3uRpboJaemY_5JOWHgsZZYBiiWAznTIgb1qoFyboYz2dYwSj34-_p7klcoVQEf5GArzmxxDC0tGBrx7zUMQKa/s320/Snapchat-597149396.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We followed Sam to Buffalo Gap. When we got there, it was dark. We backed up to the door and by the time I got out of the pickup and inside they already had the buck hanging and started to skin him. When I say they I mean a character named Itchy Twitchy. This guy is neat. He helps at the Gap. If you have met him, you know what I mean. Hard to explain. I asked Shelie if she would go to the bar to get a couple six packs of refreshments. In the meantime, Brad went back to Medora to pick up Mom. It’s only like 5 miles away. The beers were flowing and we kept the butchers lubricated after Shelie got back. Itchy Twitchy said we could keep the deer there overnight and pick him up in the whenever we can. That was nice and handy. I hope to meet Itchy Twitchy again. He’s got good stories and I’m sure they’re all true…</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-J66rB_4Y_YP4siskiWNgCaIQIpTQluBa8t586p_p2M-21lc0sikGkOkxMSrThqE1TAYIdo8KMosIL6lNAgF8Gq-NDGbhAfDzI-rm5ABj7bgttUQvw2Z-3RgZ4TmxBMze_tLL0dpgOXkGVnvr2URN25DYjX4QcXmU-8vN3ITO5uJuvwfTtkpCRJsqKoY/s845/IMG_4349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk-J66rB_4Y_YP4siskiWNgCaIQIpTQluBa8t586p_p2M-21lc0sikGkOkxMSrThqE1TAYIdo8KMosIL6lNAgF8Gq-NDGbhAfDzI-rm5ABj7bgttUQvw2Z-3RgZ4TmxBMze_tLL0dpgOXkGVnvr2URN25DYjX4QcXmU-8vN3ITO5uJuvwfTtkpCRJsqKoY/s320/IMG_4349.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Then we went to the Little Mo for supper and to celebrate. Of course, the place was packed but we found a spot I could get to. Lasko greeted us with our beverage of choice which he remembered from the days before and the year before, crazy. Sam joined and we had a couple rounds with supper while reminiscing the day’s events. Pretty soon it was just Sam and I at the table because the others went to gamble. Then a couple of cowboys with their girlfriends asked if they could sit down with us. We told them go ahead. They were all in town for the North Dakota Rodeo Association year-end banquet. Parker turned out to be the saddle bronc champion of 2023. He was with his lovely girlfriend Brianna. The other couple was bareback rider Tanner Jarrett and his lovely girlfriend Sierra. They are all good people.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zx_Mv7Tw9geV7SRVNiDUfYqAboCz7Qzx65wHQ4QlX99FQcWUeIr4H9HmmawdYioOPpW4NDAO57h3yo7-GfmuLKrU6l3CeIwCV8jKHavLpxr1R7dMeDSXRFV5pj7aznxK3bCgInc7NlmNS0g9Z5WdeWguROixM5p0PIIGFjY7bE21Q422MmwubV-Q8Jrw/s845/IMG_4351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9zx_Mv7Tw9geV7SRVNiDUfYqAboCz7Qzx65wHQ4QlX99FQcWUeIr4H9HmmawdYioOPpW4NDAO57h3yo7-GfmuLKrU6l3CeIwCV8jKHavLpxr1R7dMeDSXRFV5pj7aznxK3bCgInc7NlmNS0g9Z5WdeWguROixM5p0PIIGFjY7bE21Q422MmwubV-Q8Jrw/s320/IMG_4351.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday was a free day to do whatever we wanted. Our number one thing on our list was to go down and visit the Brown family. Mom even came with this time. She only freaked out a couple times with the roads. It is about an hour from Medora to the Brown Ranch. We stopped at Beach for lunch around 12:30 PM at the Buzzy Café. Classic small-town restaurant. I suggest ordering the hot burger on bread with mashed taters and brown gravy. It didn’t suck.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_-g9okORYCy4M7VlEHAPWTlb4FW8KpR1AJs96q3L3SiVDwHG_NHeYVr-E62xHWAc42P7_FCCkzzbTQdmXbDG4BTyZCaJxpVwTKS67vh5KpISobFhJhEm90OVj4tNK3fVXZTsIHivSS_rH6Q-uLeArbKtnpPFlRFO7LA_t0hEA-3qVyrK6mr0obo34Qtk/s845/IMG_8619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_-g9okORYCy4M7VlEHAPWTlb4FW8KpR1AJs96q3L3SiVDwHG_NHeYVr-E62xHWAc42P7_FCCkzzbTQdmXbDG4BTyZCaJxpVwTKS67vh5KpISobFhJhEm90OVj4tNK3fVXZTsIHivSS_rH6Q-uLeArbKtnpPFlRFO7LA_t0hEA-3qVyrK6mr0obo34Qtk/s320/IMG_8619.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After I tilted, we grabbed some libations from the local watering hole and made our way south. After going through Golva which is 14 miles south of Beach, the views get better and better. It gets more rugged and rugged the farther south you go. The definition of wide-open spaces. Once you get onto the ranch everywhere you look is spectacular. When you get down to the homestead everywhere you look is a postcard. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR9BZyj3J2Aa_NYEmr2FpO9HHZjKarZmz6MnUk98skNnNKfOHjl5QZaPxw16jaE8-r9CodcygsvXp_hyMq6KaZHfYL6QThCFeitQOBCMF6O34gLenBiMFpsHOJPexbOSh8UcY9o_RrTWi7v9o_QNS0GkU72g7uWOAHW180kMN5aM7YUVv_Pr2UU2EjVsx/s845/IMG_6442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtR9BZyj3J2Aa_NYEmr2FpO9HHZjKarZmz6MnUk98skNnNKfOHjl5QZaPxw16jaE8-r9CodcygsvXp_hyMq6KaZHfYL6QThCFeitQOBCMF6O34gLenBiMFpsHOJPexbOSh8UcY9o_RrTWi7v9o_QNS0GkU72g7uWOAHW180kMN5aM7YUVv_Pr2UU2EjVsx/s320/IMG_6442.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got down to Nick & Maria’s it didn’t take long for the whole family to be outside, Nick, Maria and their kids Mason, Aubree, Miles and Ava. Grandma Nikki also walked the half mile to visit. She is a sweetheart. (I can still picture the cookie story scenario with Grandpa John. I am smiling at the inside story.) Soon we were gathered around in the yard sitting, visiting and commenting how nice the weather was while enjoying each other’s company. It was close to 55° every day that weekend. We were only able to stay a couple hours because we wanted to be able to see some new territory on the way back to Medora. Before we left, I was able to give Mason a ride on the back of chair just like the year before. Good times. Next time I give Mason a ride he wants to bring a rifle along in case we see a coyote. Ha. They invited us to come back again. I really hope to get down this summer to spend some more time enjoying the Brown family. A truly genuine, nice family.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv63A3-B7Khxn9lgZZcXPLHpLCtj-W_JxpE9lD7jGAjSmV5SvZS_SvpxLllSxFYJsiXPZreFVHdJwzeto4SO40KjdhnFNEtZJ4Am7LXczFNPE_Av61RZnRN6R9-rnkHgGHEnQkGbABE89jsa9yeYa48ZamFAxlL7n29LELVy_zRDHK7B95wDa_6YOYjT1g/s4240/DSC02546.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2832" data-original-width="4240" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv63A3-B7Khxn9lgZZcXPLHpLCtj-W_JxpE9lD7jGAjSmV5SvZS_SvpxLllSxFYJsiXPZreFVHdJwzeto4SO40KjdhnFNEtZJ4Am7LXczFNPE_Av61RZnRN6R9-rnkHgGHEnQkGbABE89jsa9yeYa48ZamFAxlL7n29LELVy_zRDHK7B95wDa_6YOYjT1g/s320/DSC02546.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We left the ranch with about a half-hour of daylight left. Brad had a plan to go home on the Pipeline Road which leads to the West River Road back to Medora. Glad he had this idea. We saw hundreds of deers. When it got dark, the deers really came out. I’ll need to go down this road again in daylight to see what all we missed. It is a very winding and up-and-down road. Coming over one hill Brad came to a complete stop because there was a black bull standing in the middle of the road. He didn’t want to move so we had to drive around him. This is open range area, FYI. Cattle guards everywhere.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIf1crKUdoTD31Sa1FkWpZLNhnWk5rZcdGebdkLXPHM7JCBfvydIhhRxayD_ZER6KK2ab42Q5F7zwTvGrDle8GGxsINkpx8ID3z_locMCvsSzDYOFkIs63Lcl1eyj7Ql9Jgm-vHbynowHaOaSG_Xtqz3YeIpsuErqHDbsYYz7fDfomAwRkX6F5CsJi4ue/s2145/DSC02543.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2145" data-original-width="1612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIf1crKUdoTD31Sa1FkWpZLNhnWk5rZcdGebdkLXPHM7JCBfvydIhhRxayD_ZER6KK2ab42Q5F7zwTvGrDle8GGxsINkpx8ID3z_locMCvsSzDYOFkIs63Lcl1eyj7Ql9Jgm-vHbynowHaOaSG_Xtqz3YeIpsuErqHDbsYYz7fDfomAwRkX6F5CsJi4ue/s320/DSC02543.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We managed to make it back to the motel a little after 6 PM. I laid down in bed immediately. The others of course went to the Little Mo for supper. I ordered takeout. When they got back, I ate and they went to the hot tub for the evening. While soaking Brad listened to three guys in the hot tub talk about their day of hunting and what they did for a living. Finally, they asked him he did for a living and Brad with his quick wit said, “I am a game warden. I like to go undercover every once in a while.” I guess the other guy’s faces were in shock because of what they just told him. Ha ha. I wish I would’ve been there.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPWe2YutOO20DmZw-poinh7926fIhZmBgFs4NqwTJJiNYZxPbQoQyEXW600e6kvDgZUatzq6AQ7ptdmB4BQzaLra1k_0IIdhku0dQlu2igmb3quJVRUEShcLr-cFn8BHHh-rTBiojOigLLpItLPfcKlW8TxsTnvcKMKXXyEifXnsdiUn5-2N88l9NOALP/s845/Snapchat-464974962.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggPWe2YutOO20DmZw-poinh7926fIhZmBgFs4NqwTJJiNYZxPbQoQyEXW600e6kvDgZUatzq6AQ7ptdmB4BQzaLra1k_0IIdhku0dQlu2igmb3quJVRUEShcLr-cFn8BHHh-rTBiojOigLLpItLPfcKlW8TxsTnvcKMKXXyEifXnsdiUn5-2N88l9NOALP/s320/Snapchat-464974962.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Monday morning it was time to go. Before I got in the chair, Brad & Shelie were already packed. They said they would go to Buffalo Gap and pick up my deer meat while mom got us packed. It didn’t take long get it and come back. Evidently Itchy Twitchy was there to help them. Geesh he is neat. When they got back to the motel, they helped us get everything loaded into my pickup.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GxmiqjOI5MoVKIAOJIuAbgMrwrAXA5cweDeocglbEEcY0qM9qW-3OUX91CJspLf00VnZUJ6WUw6qZm41efsovvy1OQSiFUYCUn2F7vuGzhfK-l7B4D3F1DX_VioQr1VfS6Eao1ZIuaJyINJHhIEHzbbuHU5azbmV3y6U8xLIrCm3_8inIMpix9o6sh5x/s845/Snapchat-31723873.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GxmiqjOI5MoVKIAOJIuAbgMrwrAXA5cweDeocglbEEcY0qM9qW-3OUX91CJspLf00VnZUJ6WUw6qZm41efsovvy1OQSiFUYCUn2F7vuGzhfK-l7B4D3F1DX_VioQr1VfS6Eao1ZIuaJyINJHhIEHzbbuHU5azbmV3y6U8xLIrCm3_8inIMpix9o6sh5x/s320/Snapchat-31723873.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">On the way home the wind was actually pushing us, shocking. We didn’t need to stop for gas but I did stop to tilt in New Salem and Tappen. The Tappen Roadhouse Bar & Grill is a good place to stop. They have good food and homemade soups. I had a huge bowl of beef veggie soup that made me happy in my facial region and in my belly.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbcChvU_sInX09RnLa5af6TjE62_z1KF-qHU3DJI9ZNR2MVODdT7nMw0tEPNMvjwkqERIL0JDKgeF8HHihYbkHhheq7BRHpGgpLdqopDVyBK6HKd6tqkHC_mt8nZHr79gVuBRTkj6VTxy6USYfVTcaJaGmKcIGQ4Gi8OzWQ1hXbUqCztCIeKMSlY5Zx5r/s845/Snapchat-189306130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbcChvU_sInX09RnLa5af6TjE62_z1KF-qHU3DJI9ZNR2MVODdT7nMw0tEPNMvjwkqERIL0JDKgeF8HHihYbkHhheq7BRHpGgpLdqopDVyBK6HKd6tqkHC_mt8nZHr79gVuBRTkj6VTxy6USYfVTcaJaGmKcIGQ4Gi8OzWQ1hXbUqCztCIeKMSlY5Zx5r/s320/Snapchat-189306130.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We got home around 5:30 PM on Monday the 20th. It didn’t take long to get everything unpacked and in the house. Then we got the coffin cooler in the shop and got the meat in a freezer. We will trim out the quarters soon. Can’t wait to eat the tenderloins, back straps and heart.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsQUg1fh4ApAfZtRf6cM1_Fqn11h2Yp575YjCXmj4whwKjrs0ym2iX0cM52ribrQmtJWLU2q7V8RYY4OmRNo5mmykcrEzTIxHc-cG56ZwxWwLn9k4oXJy-r1pFz7zihPfUiRRTc2Xod5jKx6Tlor8Be9GJI39mnMdnmUFvNA_cOlwfnMDYJNuPelxhczp/s845/Snapchat-971897136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWsQUg1fh4ApAfZtRf6cM1_Fqn11h2Yp575YjCXmj4whwKjrs0ym2iX0cM52ribrQmtJWLU2q7V8RYY4OmRNo5mmykcrEzTIxHc-cG56ZwxWwLn9k4oXJy-r1pFz7zihPfUiRRTc2Xod5jKx6Tlor8Be9GJI39mnMdnmUFvNA_cOlwfnMDYJNuPelxhczp/s320/Snapchat-971897136.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I got in my room, I got in bed, gosh it felt good. This was going to be where I stayed until Thanksgiving three days away. My backside needed a couple days rest after averaging 10 hours a day in the chair during the trip. Good news, no problems with skin breakdowns. The couple days in bed will also get rid of muscle soreness built up from bouncing around and just being up in the chair so much. You might think it would suck laying down for days, but going on trips like this make it not suck.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another trip of a lifetime thanks to Mom, Brad & Shelie, Sam, and the landowners Nick & Maria, John & Nikki. Without you all, none of this could have happened. Thank you. You all don’t suck…</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpEd8e0vpjY0dDzoM3yTimBWr7hfKP0dzT_ZqbKbztoEWnSZwiakH1tztPpzwcmMFDJOOBRty-oDsMluc4UjMFQelAtUoEdYo6jXGfD1VmeK6Z1hsIGde3EX-oY9DLHCzaURpi3_PXFj9HEhFj0fwlov3jmxNRQNxwGKh9S9xP9nZBjWJqKL1Ygl6_5Uz/s845/Snapchat-423451826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="476" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpEd8e0vpjY0dDzoM3yTimBWr7hfKP0dzT_ZqbKbztoEWnSZwiakH1tztPpzwcmMFDJOOBRty-oDsMluc4UjMFQelAtUoEdYo6jXGfD1VmeK6Z1hsIGde3EX-oY9DLHCzaURpi3_PXFj9HEhFj0fwlov3jmxNRQNxwGKh9S9xP9nZBjWJqKL1Ygl6_5Uz/s320/Snapchat-423451826.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sorry if this got a little long-winded but I love the details. Great memories.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-90824533630342452072023-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:002023-06-20T15:30:46.394-07:00Indies Hall of Fame stuff and things.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-x6EeHKQxtlmH4kVD8jnbvU5DoDYsV26h9N3ntq2pNI0Sa6qre6G_pli92gYC2JwjolLS5dcDGeJ-rwhPrCllM18zUtqiSxOsDRm6yzC45J7nc5jXwtAXZFWkLoHFgsVVE6-QEXeUs_QtJb6JabymHuT0iJ2yLgkSfTxnDMufLF0Jedz6e5WZKP0Pauh/s854/%233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD-x6EeHKQxtlmH4kVD8jnbvU5DoDYsV26h9N3ntq2pNI0Sa6qre6G_pli92gYC2JwjolLS5dcDGeJ-rwhPrCllM18zUtqiSxOsDRm6yzC45J7nc5jXwtAXZFWkLoHFgsVVE6-QEXeUs_QtJb6JabymHuT0iJ2yLgkSfTxnDMufLF0Jedz6e5WZKP0Pauh/s320/%233.jpg" width="180" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The North Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame celebrated the four members they selected for their 2023 inductions on June 10. The four inductees are Don Dick of Enderlin, Bryan Erstad of Jamestown, Larry Omdahl of Fordville and Scott Johnson of Tolna. The celebration started with a golf scramble in Park River which the Enderlin Indies took 1st, then there was a social hour at The Wells Drinking Well in Fordville, the Hall of Fame banquet followed where a roast beef dinner was served before the inductees each gave a speech and the night ended with a dance and silent auction. The banquet hall was packed with family and friends of each Hall of Famer.</span><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict7FLKJbioOj2O3GCStba0UQ8TRN7lFBn7_RI68A_9f0WpmzugvU-P5k9YM6XEJGwuJxPjrVXLU3lZmzLstGjI3f9KuKpUAqpvTbBBLbHOHqAvtrbq-M-07dtRsOJlOhC1SLAJ1BLmZWQtjKiPY5LK9_q5dD_39-Bjk1mxKdyYM2kmI3HBNykD-2A2Sx2/s1139/%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1139" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEict7FLKJbioOj2O3GCStba0UQ8TRN7lFBn7_RI68A_9f0WpmzugvU-P5k9YM6XEJGwuJxPjrVXLU3lZmzLstGjI3f9KuKpUAqpvTbBBLbHOHqAvtrbq-M-07dtRsOJlOhC1SLAJ1BLmZWQtjKiPY5LK9_q5dD_39-Bjk1mxKdyYM2kmI3HBNykD-2A2Sx2/s320/%231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don Dick, Larry Omdahl, Scott Johnson and Bryan Erstad.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Manager Don Dick has led the Indies for 22 years. During those years of managing, he has brought Enderlin 6 state titles. Being a manager of an amateur team means filling many roles, which include scheduling games, recruiting players, making lineups, making sure there are enough players to fill a lineup, playing games, field maintenance and making travel arrangements to name a few. It also takes a lot of time and commitment to keep the program running and he has done that with flying colors. Most of all Manager Don Dick makes the summers awesome for the individual Indies. Our hats are off to you. Thanks Don.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRU88ebjpUX3IBgU3v6GJp2PQqf0b_56bJpE8sgitAdumLpO4VBymS8nondcLXAipNDpDBfCrEq0ks9aruTXiy9JUoMzABGAUAouKpsHQJrwE_YFEX1cyzEUAYE176eIY4LsLvGIXiXih-WgrCAflob9bAk7W5ka2Pw7Rl3ZMQq5acJMy1gGtv22nRfQ/s1139/%232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1139" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVRU88ebjpUX3IBgU3v6GJp2PQqf0b_56bJpE8sgitAdumLpO4VBymS8nondcLXAipNDpDBfCrEq0ks9aruTXiy9JUoMzABGAUAouKpsHQJrwE_YFEX1cyzEUAYE176eIY4LsLvGIXiXih-WgrCAflob9bAk7W5ka2Pw7Rl3ZMQq5acJMy1gGtv22nRfQ/s320/%232.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Past and present Indies who attended the banquet were Taran Langland, Tanner Groth, Bruce Madsen, Lawrence Rolland, James Gillespie, Don Dick, Travis Midthun, Kevin Bratland, Kayl Hamre, Clint Lindemann, Neil Roesler, Dustin Nelson, Pat Adair, Logan Midthun and David Dick.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNS6nVsvp3aHYcfMI6ouXKUqZ5R8Ol0EqPLeEnt70qxRvbostGK_OzMfCFekYUSDoCjLlMkiztgDU4bmqfp0NMaf_e7RYZJMi-PyYiBuK5RdkZ1aYE-PfyAi_Mu_22orLgVApEbIK7QUlW0MM1H_D9aOgxbb3CtqSVmtbZ5hItYZttIH8ki2a8ovG-iG9/s854/Snapchat-321560352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNS6nVsvp3aHYcfMI6ouXKUqZ5R8Ol0EqPLeEnt70qxRvbostGK_OzMfCFekYUSDoCjLlMkiztgDU4bmqfp0NMaf_e7RYZJMi-PyYiBuK5RdkZ1aYE-PfyAi_Mu_22orLgVApEbIK7QUlW0MM1H_D9aOgxbb3CtqSVmtbZ5hItYZttIH8ki2a8ovG-iG9/s320/Snapchat-321560352.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-54273477323704904482022-11-09T13:12:00.005-08:002023-06-26T14:25:55.060-07:002022 Mule Deer Hunt.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRV8R0r45PsVKoTHjG-3FRTGvxRpAp-6F0PumwhaUozFfrNetsxYk8cXmoLu2Beobj6tiT0iKxMm0OYYvj6deQzNrbW1J4jkuKXzVQLXOgAPQXiZ5LVGmY3rYt1brglGSs5t9g60vNdLYGnJKpGUqcqXUXKDaECsGx3QLfVVeFfUQlb1Y8Bqz-U_EcsA/s320/original_9e063c64-0229-45d2-96a6-994be5409252_IMG_7577.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="190" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sam, Shay, Cole, Brad, Shelie, me and Brady.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRV8R0r45PsVKoTHjG-3FRTGvxRpAp-6F0PumwhaUozFfrNetsxYk8cXmoLu2Beobj6tiT0iKxMm0OYYvj6deQzNrbW1J4jkuKXzVQLXOgAPQXiZ5LVGmY3rYt1brglGSs5t9g60vNdLYGnJKpGUqcqXUXKDaECsGx3QLfVVeFfUQlb1Y8Bqz-U_EcsA/s854/original_9e063c64-0229-45d2-96a6-994be5409252_IMG_7577.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I have a lot of stuff and things on my bucket list. To shoot a mule deer buck is at the top of that list. Of course, to hunt mule deer you have to go to where they are and this is the main reason I wanted to hunt them. To get out in the Badlands of North Dakota. There is just something magical about the place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The quest to wrap my tag around a muley buck antler started a couple years ago. My friend Matthew who has spent a lot of time in the Badlands around Grassy Butte told me to put in for that unit, 4C. He said once I draw the tag he will take care of everything else. Wouldn’t you know that I was lucky enough and I drew the coveted tag. I wrote about that adventure <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2020/11/hunting-4c-for-muley-buck.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you haven’t read it, please click on, “<a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2020/11/hunting-4c-for-muley-buck.html" target="_blank">4C hunt</a>.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Those days hunting and exploring around Grassy Butte got me hooked. I seriously didn’t care that I didn’t fill that tag. Seeing those elk and seeing the sights absolutely blew my mind. I couldn’t wait to get back again. After that hunt a guy name Sam who I only knew through a group on Snapchat, offered to help me chase mule deer in unit 4D if I could draw that tag. And wouldn’t you know it, I drew that tag in 2021. I got to know Sam more and more with our conversations over phone and texts. We had everything lined up, places to hunt and I had my motel room booked. But there was one problem, I got sick. And not just a little bit. I ended up with pneumonia and spent six glorious days in Scamford Hospital & Suites. Good times. You can read all about the blog entry <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2021/11/pneumonia-and-stuff.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you haven’t read it click on, “<a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2021/11/pneumonia-and-stuff.html" target="_blank">Pneumonia sucks</a>.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was pretty disappointed missing a chance at that hunt. I thought the opportunity was going to be gone. But Sam told me to apply again and we will just do it next year. I told him, “I am coming hell or high water. I don’t care if I’m on my deathbed!” But I first had to draw the 4D tag. And wouldn’t you know it, I drew it again. So we started making plans for the 2022 rifle season. Sam works in the oil fields and works seven on seven off, Wednesday through Wednesday. So it would work for me to hunt the opening weekend. Sam also drew a buck tag in the same unit but he didn’t care. He said, “I can hunt after you kill.”</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2-h65qsur4y9Z1_hj5NxoGZtuHwcHXVayoEsXzbHBt4hl83ikK4hY_0vmjnVYA2-zVcZTuwVFnaZurcEjbq0_wJGbQwLwBO6yqc2dZe3OkRNDgoeUaYRy_IHYZtUJbGHZdm840bt23FZ04GuqbqMLijRCPg5s9Wrh65KctfZQ4RaNldCZgSXk5mYZQ/s854/Snapchat-1130310594.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2-h65qsur4y9Z1_hj5NxoGZtuHwcHXVayoEsXzbHBt4hl83ikK4hY_0vmjnVYA2-zVcZTuwVFnaZurcEjbq0_wJGbQwLwBO6yqc2dZe3OkRNDgoeUaYRy_IHYZtUJbGHZdm840bt23FZ04GuqbqMLijRCPg5s9Wrh65KctfZQ4RaNldCZgSXk5mYZQ/s320/Snapchat-1130310594.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now I had to convince my mom about the stuff and things that were going to happen. She was hesitant but she would do it. I didn’t know at the time but my brother-in-law Brad and sister Shelie offered to go along and help. I am a full-time job. We all decided that we would take off for Medora November 3 the night before the season opens and head back on November 8. That would give me three days to hunt and two days to travel. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD4mNzUu9mP7DDCJ3hmaFk4g5cSZx4bif3N_Shk0Daj9Cb7UcrOrtu0HIr9aja6_fLL-xUzgEcD23FIXXRntnmfQxOProeSU6xsSqjR36qaVC2-OuJyqTCAakwud61GnljVNmdohvnwx9ki-dnAZCW-LXV3Hu4qpM0QA2Op4jobKS7FoRORR5hJJVDw/s854/Snapchat-2065466145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmD4mNzUu9mP7DDCJ3hmaFk4g5cSZx4bif3N_Shk0Daj9Cb7UcrOrtu0HIr9aja6_fLL-xUzgEcD23FIXXRntnmfQxOProeSU6xsSqjR36qaVC2-OuJyqTCAakwud61GnljVNmdohvnwx9ki-dnAZCW-LXV3Hu4qpM0QA2Op4jobKS7FoRORR5hJJVDw/s320/Snapchat-2065466145.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After we got everything packed up and there was a lot of packing, we headed west. It should be around 4 ½ hours to get to Medora from the farm but I am supposed to tilt back 10 minutes every hour. So that adds time. We stopped at a rest area west of Jamestown, rest area east of Bismarck and at my favorite convenience store in the state in Richardton. Of course, the wind was in our face on the drive. Doesn’t it always work that way?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdarVgHPIkbDcndQN_mktwV0i09L55ITL-j5MRHapP7BzlPAFl3GeDHlSeneqIA0yNeBmFWNGqKctzRU58ED-nAEQkTDuwKeeLV4Zre6pSFDfIu-zS83HJqRTNLbWv02Enz8pIwzAty8JldzJ169GOo8Uawic2q5df78oJZliyiKQzqyEyGVHypKE9A/s854/Snapchat-236372098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdarVgHPIkbDcndQN_mktwV0i09L55ITL-j5MRHapP7BzlPAFl3GeDHlSeneqIA0yNeBmFWNGqKctzRU58ED-nAEQkTDuwKeeLV4Zre6pSFDfIu-zS83HJqRTNLbWv02Enz8pIwzAty8JldzJ169GOo8Uawic2q5df78oJZliyiKQzqyEyGVHypKE9A/s320/Snapchat-236372098.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe we got to Medora around 3:30 PM local time. We got checked into the AmericInn early and we decided to head south on the West River Road. My eyes were wide with the views. The beauty of the landscape is just unmatched in my eyes. Pictures do not do it justice. We drove and maybe put on 30 or 40 miles. We saw quite a few mule deer here and there. Mostly on the river bottom. To say I was excited would be an understatement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I got a hold of Sam who lives in Dickinson and told him to meet us at the Little Missouri Saloon for some supper and cocktails while we made a plan for the next day. This was actually the first time I had met Sam face-to-face. He is a character and he fit right in. His mustache is phenomenal. I am envious. That night we also ran into a couple guys from Enderlin, Kyle and David. It’s a small world. We took it pretty easy the first night because of the long drive. So we got a plan together and headed back to the motel. I went straight to bed while the others went to the hot tub. Sidebar: If you ever go to the Little Mo, say hi to Lasko the bartender. Best bartender in the state.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBza6I_XNM0lD4ZWacHDFgnZIWR8LcEwyqan83x8pCGtk1FAubvsHqW9x71GPu4NFUnp2YxceTpE_rDLQH7HYCfQTbvvXqryFL_Od1_7DEzHX_KITmVkLYmfcghx30Cwb-4vdeVVIg-YnsviraMXqTTar7pLyX7o5P-OzHCcNwbZdzlJ03I1jls0jyw/s854/IMG_6427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBza6I_XNM0lD4ZWacHDFgnZIWR8LcEwyqan83x8pCGtk1FAubvsHqW9x71GPu4NFUnp2YxceTpE_rDLQH7HYCfQTbvvXqryFL_Od1_7DEzHX_KITmVkLYmfcghx30Cwb-4vdeVVIg-YnsviraMXqTTar7pLyX7o5P-OzHCcNwbZdzlJ03I1jls0jyw/s320/IMG_6427.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2bCdYDAhpzkHntON8iyVsTijmFCROvn0gz0VjyXsyCAm1r8vrfHPjmDWICxtV7fYidc6Z7g8bbjjVaNhjE74B5B0GnrJtCvitE_dHT4hFEgXce163tTtO6vcl1PqjCd-a42AzfOm_x3C_t6GOdyGs-b48od-c7Dj0muROFakkJ_XZMeUVp5G6dF7iA/s854/Snapchat-1768096132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2bCdYDAhpzkHntON8iyVsTijmFCROvn0gz0VjyXsyCAm1r8vrfHPjmDWICxtV7fYidc6Z7g8bbjjVaNhjE74B5B0GnrJtCvitE_dHT4hFEgXce163tTtO6vcl1PqjCd-a42AzfOm_x3C_t6GOdyGs-b48od-c7Dj0muROFakkJ_XZMeUVp5G6dF7iA/s320/Snapchat-1768096132.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfDBFgGNZQA7Zn_3HbKpoS9F7n_BDnwDTpPuzC0tUc2wwciFDEEMThBy9wcIiP_d_9oV7ihatbOZ-408Dl3cfN_10VCsh_Y94-5rcAZsima5IjESqp4xVyWfQaD4DAbF7H6IGsPQG0sfVsSm82Gc4zMJvP6P9fLG2a33WsQmU5hbK9X8gofglfQbHEg/s854/FullSizeR(18).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlfDBFgGNZQA7Zn_3HbKpoS9F7n_BDnwDTpPuzC0tUc2wwciFDEEMThBy9wcIiP_d_9oV7ihatbOZ-408Dl3cfN_10VCsh_Y94-5rcAZsima5IjESqp4xVyWfQaD4DAbF7H6IGsPQG0sfVsSm82Gc4zMJvP6P9fLG2a33WsQmU5hbK9X8gofglfQbHEg/s320/FullSizeR(18).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5jargunnqh0GGuCILDjuB_z0fIcYgr1HybGy9N7iUoMMYT5OBCvchkVJb_A1fyGsUoFalB8iD3xzcQ-Z6k5DVdHKAbOOGvBPCvE_dylTBkGqK_i8SXnhQKRPK7XbXhrMNYSfZ_exorEmOIJKwm32eAqnIbDSkTwOHgfmPMPZBNF_sfXqV4_JaCc0pw/s854/Snapchat-990499911.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5jargunnqh0GGuCILDjuB_z0fIcYgr1HybGy9N7iUoMMYT5OBCvchkVJb_A1fyGsUoFalB8iD3xzcQ-Z6k5DVdHKAbOOGvBPCvE_dylTBkGqK_i8SXnhQKRPK7XbXhrMNYSfZ_exorEmOIJKwm32eAqnIbDSkTwOHgfmPMPZBNF_sfXqV4_JaCc0pw/s320/Snapchat-990499911.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sam and I. Blood brothers.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rifle season opens at 11 AM local time in Medora. Sam had a plan for us to go down to the Brown Ranch. It was a little over an hour away from Medora on the south end of the unit. Was a little hesitant to go that far but once I got there I was in heaven. We met the awesome landowner Nick at his house, plus we met his beautiful wife Maria and his adorable mother Nikki that first day. Their place is right along the Little Missouri. Everywhere you look is a postcard. It is something to see. As I was tilted back waiting to go on the hunt Nikki told us that Teddy Roosevelt camped not more than 100 yards from the house while he was on a hunting trip through the area. That just gives you goosebumps. Nick and his family are awesome. They made us feel like we were part of the family. After I got done tilting to rest my backside we headed out after I showed them how my rifle mount and elongated trigger works. They were impressed, I think. I brought along my Tikka 270 rifle. Then Sam jumped in Nick’s pickup and we followed them.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGROKMWtIR-P-Eqmf9fzPQ1OZN3IqSVk9YvHCPcQll-LavD8YIWejncbizHN_emEAkvr6hZmmudii6zoyLj01a_5-jMvWVDu_SdbZ2Vfk2R5CPMAT2AVDk5G5GvlgHQ3SiGr0gjy-OgEtLMn2xsVdHOqan6YXsAOf8lLDsn6SGT-rN0EJK9Gbf3Wng7A/s854/IMG_6442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGROKMWtIR-P-Eqmf9fzPQ1OZN3IqSVk9YvHCPcQll-LavD8YIWejncbizHN_emEAkvr6hZmmudii6zoyLj01a_5-jMvWVDu_SdbZ2Vfk2R5CPMAT2AVDk5G5GvlgHQ3SiGr0gjy-OgEtLMn2xsVdHOqan6YXsAOf8lLDsn6SGT-rN0EJK9Gbf3Wng7A/s320/IMG_6442.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iIczTIXHCum9CqFdkDNYwKTlazMs6vcheyfoJ_DbXyea7AXyOdrc9FTIONQ0LGXOtOTLFJ6frmlU9ZBPbvtT1_D1R1JIKddkvvwdtJiV3__EkiUg6TOePlsuZ0sftYf6mJ0A2hZNjwVU2EdDe7UWXz1ZHRYIL0NVtjxYunkIBB3MuH33BFg5d9cB_Q/s697/IMG_6443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="697" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iIczTIXHCum9CqFdkDNYwKTlazMs6vcheyfoJ_DbXyea7AXyOdrc9FTIONQ0LGXOtOTLFJ6frmlU9ZBPbvtT1_D1R1JIKddkvvwdtJiV3__EkiUg6TOePlsuZ0sftYf6mJ0A2hZNjwVU2EdDe7UWXz1ZHRYIL0NVtjxYunkIBB3MuH33BFg5d9cB_Q/s320/IMG_6443.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXWM1OL6Gfp4i82d6ovqCqHwLimUF6WFrk8Jhlui8rNeR-j-jW4PYixUip5l4ejwNzkYEzarAzivjJnKtLdcQ5VNWgyBl6aAQJz-6Mq8UGxGlTsxkk5KwOCKWPYeb55n1_mXjY2tWMHn9QXIfCC_MRVrGSm8r0vi7QBcgHf_AIIDWVS8-o-qJMpX40g/s836/IMG_6463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="836" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzXWM1OL6Gfp4i82d6ovqCqHwLimUF6WFrk8Jhlui8rNeR-j-jW4PYixUip5l4ejwNzkYEzarAzivjJnKtLdcQ5VNWgyBl6aAQJz-6Mq8UGxGlTsxkk5KwOCKWPYeb55n1_mXjY2tWMHn9QXIfCC_MRVrGSm8r0vi7QBcgHf_AIIDWVS8-o-qJMpX40g/s320/IMG_6463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7Z7FPZsvIexxNP49N9pI2Jd-blwhVyMcTt5f8V_g1Hph9RC2cvvbjiZ-JDPaar8hqVaVIClQTTUj6F6OY7VlAyb2YjJAVOACROt6KOFL-6OQgIRGRpTR1UlM6kzsG7ib7A9oz1LGKXDmwUcnbDZxPvKNXH4EaHUqly4x0-tdWDbSJ2gh81TQhKcdw/s836/IMG_6454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoo7Z7FPZsvIexxNP49N9pI2Jd-blwhVyMcTt5f8V_g1Hph9RC2cvvbjiZ-JDPaar8hqVaVIClQTTUj6F6OY7VlAyb2YjJAVOACROt6KOFL-6OQgIRGRpTR1UlM6kzsG7ib7A9oz1LGKXDmwUcnbDZxPvKNXH4EaHUqly4x0-tdWDbSJ2gh81TQhKcdw/s320/IMG_6454.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCu6Y9HbBEV4tnUySoBSHazU2-g7QYKxwbK_WxR9b2EHYwIoQoMhJjtoUuKNSR4Mpjw6ETG4P--fa6Wam36V3mP1TuTZ-xqU1CQwPZPUvNCnmLc5wJvs1OHP0DhAF2KgEdAOuOuNDwDU05W1yMWAuseAgNmiI6OKU86duQxn5c5AO_dWqfEt3MWkWqQ/s1038/20221105_151438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1038" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHCu6Y9HbBEV4tnUySoBSHazU2-g7QYKxwbK_WxR9b2EHYwIoQoMhJjtoUuKNSR4Mpjw6ETG4P--fa6Wam36V3mP1TuTZ-xqU1CQwPZPUvNCnmLc5wJvs1OHP0DhAF2KgEdAOuOuNDwDU05W1yMWAuseAgNmiI6OKU86duQxn5c5AO_dWqfEt3MWkWqQ/s320/20221105_151438.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We put on a ton of miles that day. We were going up and down and bouncing all around the buttes and valleys on their place. It is something that I will never forget. I just can’t get over the scenery. We took a lot of pictures. It’s hard to absorb it all. We saw some deer that first day but Nick was disappointed that we didn’t see more. We did find quite a few does and one buck that I could have tried to get on. But Nick told me he wanted me to get something bigger. He is neat. That first day we explored most of the north side of the ranch. I really didn’t care about seeing deer. I was in my element driving through that land of history. Nick invited us back the next day to search some more of the territory. He promised me the next day that I would be able to notch off another item off my bucket list. That is to ford the Little Mo with my pickup. So we headed back to the motel and I went straight to bed. The others went to the saloon and had supper. I believe my mom won $600 that night on the machines also. Then they came back with some food for me and they hit the hot tub.<br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tB8DtiSh-4bcJKafv_WEcDoxAUvqSjCq3ST0VqaEAiLhyv62SQRwaWDuv5_PgIOFz_f5ijH2_0zFKR5Io3ivmC7YrcCDgwk9Se2h7dZ94_3W0u3iv-pLUIESuPS9njs-XVCD4BBXhGzicdoXJd9qh0yFl4wz7MsP0-KG-_MMZAjgu3sraVEHcVsc4A/s1704/Snapchat-845023908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1704" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2tB8DtiSh-4bcJKafv_WEcDoxAUvqSjCq3ST0VqaEAiLhyv62SQRwaWDuv5_PgIOFz_f5ijH2_0zFKR5Io3ivmC7YrcCDgwk9Se2h7dZ94_3W0u3iv-pLUIESuPS9njs-XVCD4BBXhGzicdoXJd9qh0yFl4wz7MsP0-KG-_MMZAjgu3sraVEHcVsc4A/s320/Snapchat-845023908.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzbNUsF91TJkxVO1D1ac1WiCBwTiA6fFaM2qtXiySsCUFnJz1UwGOPBKYnCEMbe-7VbflpEoIHQ3VU-N-ZTYDeUslLGgtznwgFVDJWWa9boPS6ZJJvwwUGaBhxqrMDV5NeQKi77383iUO9GkyAkSDGnqq_EQi8_1Ox-OFlHoV6fnP4yc9LHEr1p-zqA/s854/Snapchat-9915712.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzbNUsF91TJkxVO1D1ac1WiCBwTiA6fFaM2qtXiySsCUFnJz1UwGOPBKYnCEMbe-7VbflpEoIHQ3VU-N-ZTYDeUslLGgtznwgFVDJWWa9boPS6ZJJvwwUGaBhxqrMDV5NeQKi77383iUO9GkyAkSDGnqq_EQi8_1Ox-OFlHoV6fnP4yc9LHEr1p-zqA/s320/Snapchat-9915712.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate bitch.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbABnZ1TSHkIWUSwhPhybcmVpbxA9TjkmCo_gTBMpzUwuxonQgePZUztKACmVFaWBkad38-6yH7ct-J9bmVUo5WfYvi5RpvQTS04w7a3cVNWlXlOzYSjqrxgskMilVqXMCHws9ERv-BQv0iKpQrLjVK54n2QFdzsSxb77-27fZbUJ5XCYGlS9JWuO0A/s854/IMG_6469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbABnZ1TSHkIWUSwhPhybcmVpbxA9TjkmCo_gTBMpzUwuxonQgePZUztKACmVFaWBkad38-6yH7ct-J9bmVUo5WfYvi5RpvQTS04w7a3cVNWlXlOzYSjqrxgskMilVqXMCHws9ERv-BQv0iKpQrLjVK54n2QFdzsSxb77-27fZbUJ5XCYGlS9JWuO0A/s320/IMG_6469.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The next day which was Saturday we headed back down to the Brown Ranch. This day it was windy. I mean like 30 mph with higher gusts. We got down to the farmstead and there were some other hunters there plus Nick’s mom Nikki and dad John. Plus Mason, one of Nick and Maria’s four children. This kid is entertaining. More stories to come. They were gathered around on the porch trying to get out of the wind enjoying a Busch Latte. I tilted and we got to know the other hunters. They are lifelong friends of the Brown’s. I told Nick that I didn’t want to pull him away from his visitors but he said it was no big deal and we headed out. This time Nick got in Sam’s pickup and we followed them around.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3_oQFEsXl6XNbV-5ggrOhmMHqtNrsSXXav1zEIJNwl9rNruQ5y1tcITF2fMH_jgexDQCc22Yn2_UfHxme19U8eatmxgfCx1OOgzceuy_QgPoQxU9jcgax0em_jzj9bhQpw3vcQ7RnBGmcGGr59DApXdIbx51YxSrSXeocH6PnMYdn_UBowEclGLVlQ/s854/IMG_6458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3_oQFEsXl6XNbV-5ggrOhmMHqtNrsSXXav1zEIJNwl9rNruQ5y1tcITF2fMH_jgexDQCc22Yn2_UfHxme19U8eatmxgfCx1OOgzceuy_QgPoQxU9jcgax0em_jzj9bhQpw3vcQ7RnBGmcGGr59DApXdIbx51YxSrSXeocH6PnMYdn_UBowEclGLVlQ/s320/IMG_6458.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a2YukUjBtktbjx9htCr9GnzTlbdiApeddeqYvdeB2fVETuYDCOnTQ7vacsu_mM-zIVU4ebR7ZpXNO2P7rztv00M8MfPF4rjGrF6hlfEx_aS5kCJBT8eJPvYS4tuJz26u4mRMjdsESTrO4vPI08yVQFiVzf8pHu2GpANRTy9OO9SVDHGZd6tmiANN3Q/s854/Snapchat-1368512499.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6a2YukUjBtktbjx9htCr9GnzTlbdiApeddeqYvdeB2fVETuYDCOnTQ7vacsu_mM-zIVU4ebR7ZpXNO2P7rztv00M8MfPF4rjGrF6hlfEx_aS5kCJBT8eJPvYS4tuJz26u4mRMjdsESTrO4vPI08yVQFiVzf8pHu2GpANRTy9OO9SVDHGZd6tmiANN3Q/s320/Snapchat-1368512499.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholX3d_iTSVoJDICx-cOzQ8YHh7wmdi62fagk4wVFxbDpmf4BsCzUdvGj0dEiWadMbLGznoPBOiT091ehjSecgPFap2XVIPe78-e1Kj0Nxw_dr0Dz6Jl9cc7WKKr0kXg6cmwiizSN9hGorJOleZJAfKwWzf0VjxxBgU4jpGZxtRbdjj-A210GqyzfMmw/s854/Snapchat-1103805973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEholX3d_iTSVoJDICx-cOzQ8YHh7wmdi62fagk4wVFxbDpmf4BsCzUdvGj0dEiWadMbLGznoPBOiT091ehjSecgPFap2XVIPe78-e1Kj0Nxw_dr0Dz6Jl9cc7WKKr0kXg6cmwiizSN9hGorJOleZJAfKwWzf0VjxxBgU4jpGZxtRbdjj-A210GqyzfMmw/s320/Snapchat-1103805973.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhimJIbtuuKrOTygxJ9wQoXaVTEmqaC5cQE_fWvqYYtuvH3Ic1z-LtzRsSkwdwCocbJ6wbdqxdncFeyQc0NBVrlrkHB2JvIaPoDqVQXSAKnZ7fgsF-Xxmch6eMrogLHLfgLs5v_tlkiWqnXjGsNuAHAWqsZF-Pd9P0FjvgV2dRCq79ok_Nb-gQaDXZ6w/s1704/Snapchat-2027391678.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1704" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhimJIbtuuKrOTygxJ9wQoXaVTEmqaC5cQE_fWvqYYtuvH3Ic1z-LtzRsSkwdwCocbJ6wbdqxdncFeyQc0NBVrlrkHB2JvIaPoDqVQXSAKnZ7fgsF-Xxmch6eMrogLHLfgLs5v_tlkiWqnXjGsNuAHAWqsZF-Pd9P0FjvgV2dRCq79ok_Nb-gQaDXZ6w/s320/Snapchat-2027391678.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGfxN0v9zUFGYfLOX43Y23Ig1y-vH5B8Au6iaJ1CIL0-tcON9AKDeI4trXm4wnQ8zS3LbNkMQAA8V5hGgsVvVIVsBkEU8wBfl1TbPRnRGb0LF8khO52oXl-F8rO20-cb5YIxbe5hGtEob3hJRbgLZSW1CxQrv5v44ge6xBuyfzaBP80EJVK8Y8i5fDQ/s854/Snapchat-1768096132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGfxN0v9zUFGYfLOX43Y23Ig1y-vH5B8Au6iaJ1CIL0-tcON9AKDeI4trXm4wnQ8zS3LbNkMQAA8V5hGgsVvVIVsBkEU8wBfl1TbPRnRGb0LF8khO52oXl-F8rO20-cb5YIxbe5hGtEob3hJRbgLZSW1CxQrv5v44ge6xBuyfzaBP80EJVK8Y8i5fDQ/s320/Snapchat-1768096132.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We headed through the corrals and to the south end of the property. It wasn’t too long and we were staring at the Little Missouri. They went first and we followed shortly after. I didn’t think it was going to be as deep as that was seeing there has been so little rain. But it was up to the floorboards or little higher. It was a blast going through until we got to the other bank. It was steep. And there were deep ruts. We tried going up but we slid off the high points and stopped. So we backed up down into the river and this time we gave it the onion. I didn’t look over at the tach but she had to have been close to pegged. The GMC sounded great. Nick and Sam were on the top of the bank and as soon as we give it the onion Nick put his thumb up and smiled. They got back in Sam’s pickup and we explored some more. I don’t know how those guys see the deer they see. They would stop and glass and point out deer. Most of them I have to say I didn’t see. I don’t know how they could see them while driving. They just must have the eyes for that kind of territory. It’s like a needle in a haystack. Soon enough we were at another crossing. This time fording the river wasn’t as sketchy but just as much fun. There were deer here and there up high on the sidehills and one buck I would have tried to get on but he ran like a raped ape for some reason into the other unit.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XmTMWCNp_c" width="320" youtube-src-id="6XmTMWCNp_c"></iframe></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Soon enough it was getting dark and we started heading back to the house. This meant fording the river two more times. I was in heaven. Going this direction the riverbanks were not so bad climbing out of. I was just glad my mom did not come along this day, she would have been crying and walking back to the motel. She is not a fan of going over old bridges or any type of water. I am the exact opposite. To watch the crossings of the river click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XmTMWCNp_c&t=3s" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_76FjEaz9q2jylC-yhAJumiDVgP1Vu29ZPP0xqPZHyPpoLR3sb8zwy4S5gUMUGHXDd7D422vBhRbY0Rdfh55CD9fC6TWf1YcE2xVnGCn03nZHVciYgkZ90h6kQ2NkOCm1L_4tVKDR6uJSyex0Rnyfmw36-fVHQDpzJIsE6pK6q1yEBVUTjuKsXdwJQ/s1228/Snapchat-1901448392.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1228" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK_76FjEaz9q2jylC-yhAJumiDVgP1Vu29ZPP0xqPZHyPpoLR3sb8zwy4S5gUMUGHXDd7D422vBhRbY0Rdfh55CD9fC6TWf1YcE2xVnGCn03nZHVciYgkZ90h6kQ2NkOCm1L_4tVKDR6uJSyex0Rnyfmw36-fVHQDpzJIsE6pK6q1yEBVUTjuKsXdwJQ/s320/Snapchat-1901448392.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">L-R: Nick, Mason, Sam, me, Shelie, Brad.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got back to Nick’s place he opened the garage door and we went inside. He threw a 30 pack of Busch Light on the floor, we had some libations and talked about the days hunt. He invited us back the next day but I told him I couldn’t do it one more time. I really truly enjoyed going around their property but I was jostled around quite a bit. My muscles were tenderized and I knew I would be sore. I could see he was disappointed but he understood. We stayed there for a couple hours. It was fun. He showed us his mounts of the animals he has been able to take. Pretty sure Jim Shockey would be envious. The stories he told us were awesome. I could’ve sat there all night. I think the highlight of the evening was getting to know their son Mason. He is a card. He asked me questions straight out about everything. I actually told him the truth. He offered to make me a cocktail. He started pouring the Morgan into my mug and my eyes got huge. I think he was trying to kill me. I am laughing as I am typing. I can see the whole thing playing in my mind. To say it was stiff would be an understatement. He also kept straightening my feet. So when he wasn’t looking I would move them in different directions by running into something. When he would come back he would stare at me and straighten my feet again. He was so disgusted with me. He also showed me his switchblade skills. It was entertaining. We also got to meet their other kids Miles and Ava. They are all awesome. But soon enough we had to head back. I so hope to run into that family again. If you guys are reading this let me know if you ever head this direction, I would love to meet up.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8MSs23sdxd5oZJEt94NTdZJEIwyhDOP1IvyIrywckZEj-0bdEZaReeGPyV3DNcuT3_6W9YvPfu5E8g9JKjX2wJBvoKGxUhRxgMLE4OrQHEH7xs9uCsBBV7PAE8tmtDs-pG7krMpS-BTpjpaJFQZTNlctSNToMQY6l4HvsdSDJArCzXNduFdDcjEU_g/s854/Screenshot_20221106-084945_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="587" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8MSs23sdxd5oZJEt94NTdZJEIwyhDOP1IvyIrywckZEj-0bdEZaReeGPyV3DNcuT3_6W9YvPfu5E8g9JKjX2wJBvoKGxUhRxgMLE4OrQHEH7xs9uCsBBV7PAE8tmtDs-pG7krMpS-BTpjpaJFQZTNlctSNToMQY6l4HvsdSDJArCzXNduFdDcjEU_g/s320/Screenshot_20221106-084945_Snapchat.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Austin, me, DB.<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0AkcCA0piH0m16wytX3u5VFIQEQHZ1roAzI9xEXEi4BY6TlYucfNdavFMFpOfEyeaecM328dP5j8V1S7eKpsJa-9C3VgnOoAdphVN6cL-4wLIiIktsk4YhlBj1GKj8yZf81UolIlaCx-V5nrcsr03wuvCQURdhqk0vlbqsEkXw8Gs2dPwIWlDUjy4A/s854/original_bfbf26a0-46bd-4e8e-9151-1e15d3400ba9_20221103_203434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="687" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0AkcCA0piH0m16wytX3u5VFIQEQHZ1roAzI9xEXEi4BY6TlYucfNdavFMFpOfEyeaecM328dP5j8V1S7eKpsJa-9C3VgnOoAdphVN6cL-4wLIiIktsk4YhlBj1GKj8yZf81UolIlaCx-V5nrcsr03wuvCQURdhqk0vlbqsEkXw8Gs2dPwIWlDUjy4A/s320/original_bfbf26a0-46bd-4e8e-9151-1e15d3400ba9_20221103_203434.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cKrteBVrogwASWru3mh0OtKcYornwYUViLOrXAM8vJjHZDD8jOX9LzAcGBRd4qH_RBcPh5_Z5Euqz8XAM-cnTqUrui6XF9ecaFwXZYhYmBNBcGFVUsyWeecw17ACQ63FD_oKS5ib-gf2lG4nn1P2EQd-TbikEsO24VpNkx-D9ZsZSCVRNSom2-zsyQ/s854/Screenshot_20221106-085004_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cKrteBVrogwASWru3mh0OtKcYornwYUViLOrXAM8vJjHZDD8jOX9LzAcGBRd4qH_RBcPh5_Z5Euqz8XAM-cnTqUrui6XF9ecaFwXZYhYmBNBcGFVUsyWeecw17ACQ63FD_oKS5ib-gf2lG4nn1P2EQd-TbikEsO24VpNkx-D9ZsZSCVRNSom2-zsyQ/s320/Screenshot_20221106-085004_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l_OYSmVGcq1VDpxYz8LxPfV70a7AoCcPYVuthr2fg9goeuqbd9e2FH1BcxFehZI5q5VwZAMIafM121vLpC3W9B7J4n2nFi1wCEzjFJI-XUCydIuwIX3rXaxOkspfHWRzKNGt87kn4rykkMIgfig1_Su5TUPFCAmFFpddkw2funhoZtmSX4vio4iYGw/s854/Screenshot_20221106-093304_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4l_OYSmVGcq1VDpxYz8LxPfV70a7AoCcPYVuthr2fg9goeuqbd9e2FH1BcxFehZI5q5VwZAMIafM121vLpC3W9B7J4n2nFi1wCEzjFJI-XUCydIuwIX3rXaxOkspfHWRzKNGt87kn4rykkMIgfig1_Su5TUPFCAmFFpddkw2funhoZtmSX4vio4iYGw/s320/Screenshot_20221106-093304_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxso0Iq86Sc08f9ksYjneK4qmRyzPpI6jyPqTQZX6WcZiGFTEVyoyu0TiYj8OkjB1lx7n3kUp6D97Z_u6m3WtpFGPGXR9F-U_lurLiuFXcLYdh6aUMub_lW-6VhU7bPJg9jFycjExpuP27RQXjAu0qrhtZfPGuuXag9rgqJaRrS7WQGO9BluA5KZynoA/s854/Screenshot_20221106-093249_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxso0Iq86Sc08f9ksYjneK4qmRyzPpI6jyPqTQZX6WcZiGFTEVyoyu0TiYj8OkjB1lx7n3kUp6D97Z_u6m3WtpFGPGXR9F-U_lurLiuFXcLYdh6aUMub_lW-6VhU7bPJg9jFycjExpuP27RQXjAu0qrhtZfPGuuXag9rgqJaRrS7WQGO9BluA5KZynoA/s320/Screenshot_20221106-093249_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Like I said it is a little over an hour back to Medora. On the ride home I was contacted by Stephen a friend who lives in Beach. He said him and his dad Andy would who was visiting would meet us at the Little Mo. Was also contacted by Kristy and Tyler who also wanted to meet up, they live in the area. But they were not able to make it. Stephen and Andy did though. It’s always is good to see them. Too bad there was a band at the bar and it was too loud to really have conversation. While we were there Austin and DB came strolling in. These are also two guys who are in that same Snapchat group as Sam and I are. I had never met these guys face-to-face either but it didn’t matter. It was a blast and there were plenty of libations to go around.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dGLZ1BMsa2NrWCnV4gyYwClDsKOADvJ8UIYP1Vz3NAJv_-yZsMMB_Em8YPCjwr3GGE8mt-Rhu96AKV7c6dx9C5xE6s_Kdw53ZmPI_Vi-IVuRFheuPVR3RwThZUvJI__rsMuF1uiJ59FX0yHTeI_pdELd3r4jFq_kO0LCgCW3U2EZ8cQUO2rsfbvWuQ/s836/IMG_6484.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="627" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dGLZ1BMsa2NrWCnV4gyYwClDsKOADvJ8UIYP1Vz3NAJv_-yZsMMB_Em8YPCjwr3GGE8mt-Rhu96AKV7c6dx9C5xE6s_Kdw53ZmPI_Vi-IVuRFheuPVR3RwThZUvJI__rsMuF1uiJ59FX0yHTeI_pdELd3r4jFq_kO0LCgCW3U2EZ8cQUO2rsfbvWuQ/s320/IMG_6484.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was glad to wake up that next day which was Sunday. Sam had a plan to hunt closer to town. He said him and his buddy Brady had some land I could get on that there should be deer. I was still in bed at the motel when Sam got a hold of me. He said he had a buck bedded down and it was just off the road. I could hear the wind howling in my room and I knew it was going to be a sketchy day shooting anything. We got packed up again and Brad, Shelie and I headed out west of town. It wasn’t long and we ran into Sam. We made a plan of driving past the buck, then I would get out of the pickup and get the rifle mount and rifle strapped on my wheelchair. This time we would use his 300 Norma Mag with 230 grain Berger bullets. Sam said we should use this because the heavier bullet would cut the wind a lot more than the 150 grain bullets I was shooting. When I had everything ready Sam and I would go alongside the pickup as it was headed the other direction so the deer could not see us. They are more afraid of people walking than vehicles. It was brutally cold, around 25° and winds were at 40 mph. I was shivering uncontrollably.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TAZBRGg3AfnhSarsPAHkpd8BWfJXaNwLhA5U7A4uaONrjgy-mYsL5XVDgyvjUefBZ3d7nnI3K-rgUwGecJvB8GYhGO8BGNLpYoHGOyY5gt9MFT6SzVamO9JHgkMLFhKp5Q018FTotzXAjkMYrlwtAJXngcRQvxtBqxF9bvGw4qWzgIdmaiRMynUUug/s854/F28BB7AC-.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="458" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TAZBRGg3AfnhSarsPAHkpd8BWfJXaNwLhA5U7A4uaONrjgy-mYsL5XVDgyvjUefBZ3d7nnI3K-rgUwGecJvB8GYhGO8BGNLpYoHGOyY5gt9MFT6SzVamO9JHgkMLFhKp5Q018FTotzXAjkMYrlwtAJXngcRQvxtBqxF9bvGw4qWzgIdmaiRMynUUug/s320/F28BB7AC-.png" width="172" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got to a good angle that I could get on the buck, we snuck around the backend of the pickup. The buck was bedded on a hillside amongst trees. It took a while for me to see him but when I did I could see the two antlers pointed straight up. He was cool looking. He was also in velvet which is weird this time of year. He looked like the devil. Looking through the glass on his Vortex Razor Gen 2 scope was a treat. I could see the cold air coming out of the buck’s nostrils. He was a little over 200 yards. We were all set up and I told Sam I was on him. He reached forward and took off my safety. Right afterwards the gun went off. Sam didn’t have time to cover his ears. For some reason by elongated trigger set off the rifle trigger when the safety clicked off. Sketchy. But we got the whole shot on video. I was inches away from bagging that buck. The buck and a couple others ran around but had no clue what happened. They were actually going to bed back down but we made the decision to pack up and figure out what went wrong. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMpPo99MK977bVIbvYikDpB2lLiTNhhhNaRcn_SsUlS1Y2CgDva7HL4AXViarnBD5EDsQ70dJnO9pSXWjT30rXIsVkCRlMxqJFxNmd4skPfqbTghbg8-PR_GVE8JIdiH43iVjmPUslC48lZ7zKNZe-jGzNhyGD1xL8ECmbfqAnhQaLrjdHHOFR9RWcQ/s1139/Resized_20221104_112420.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1139" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMpPo99MK977bVIbvYikDpB2lLiTNhhhNaRcn_SsUlS1Y2CgDva7HL4AXViarnBD5EDsQ70dJnO9pSXWjT30rXIsVkCRlMxqJFxNmd4skPfqbTghbg8-PR_GVE8JIdiH43iVjmPUslC48lZ7zKNZe-jGzNhyGD1xL8ECmbfqAnhQaLrjdHHOFR9RWcQ/s320/Resized_20221104_112420.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When Sam was taking off my rifle mount my controller on my wheelchair got stuck under my tray. This put me into a flat spin like on Top Gun. I spun around once and Sam asked, “Are you doing that on purpose?” I responded, “Hell no!” I spun around quickly two more times uncontrollably and Sam was able to grab the handles on the back of my wheelchair and he held me in place, thankfully. Shelie saw what happened, jumped out of the pickup and lifted the tray off of my controller. I thought for sure I was going to spin and end up tipped down the ditch. I would’ve been flopping around like a crappie on the ice. What a scene. I wish that was on video. Or maybe I don’t…</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw98jtFu3rnAwKNHws9Kyu27bVRqJ6QIySECSLCJTtr981z7NJMXTngJJ-5ivee9nr06-Dd7KwqqYBjuSmPvygrCuGwiKw7FxqGx49Tlf_nKJmUF76ywGK3xKuE2pp7iwpRxq_7yAW8vER5V8ZpZSfPaxaKNEGwhXmcvh102qMThwlHra_ap4I7T-eQ/s854/IMG_6426.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="394" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCw98jtFu3rnAwKNHws9Kyu27bVRqJ6QIySECSLCJTtr981z7NJMXTngJJ-5ivee9nr06-Dd7KwqqYBjuSmPvygrCuGwiKw7FxqGx49Tlf_nKJmUF76ywGK3xKuE2pp7iwpRxq_7yAW8vER5V8ZpZSfPaxaKNEGwhXmcvh102qMThwlHra_ap4I7T-eQ/s320/IMG_6426.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />By this time, I was freezing. Brad and Sam helped get everything loaded into the pickup and we followed Sam to Sentinel Butte. There we were going to meet his friends Brady and Cole. We met at the gas station which is also the local coffee gathering spot. That place as quite the story. It was even featured on Oprah. The owner opened the back door so I could get in and I tilted back. Shelie got some tea and the owner heated up for me. I was so cold, my left arm wasn't working well. She had to work my controller for me to work my tilt. After I was done tilting, I started sipping on the hot tea. I don’t even like tea but that didn’t matter at the time. It helped me warm up. The owner also brought out a platter of baked goods including caramel rolls and pumpkin bars. It did not suck. While we were there, we figured out that when we put the elongated trigger on the trigger guard of Sam’s rifle it must’ve been too close to the trigger. That is what made the gun go off prematurely. But it worked great earlier when we tested it. Brady said we could use his 300 Win Mag that shoots 215 grain Hybrid Berger bullets. His rifle is topped with a Vortex Viper Gen 2. Very easy on the eyes. The elongated trigger worked perfectly on his rifle.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBaLhOFvvYVmWhI931AlGzTigagrJpbWLQcWVOPHa0Ymc3rSYxyiEyriIqhV8A8GfcN7WwpkDlFdBrcprhvCfwFcEneQWvnaFQn5KP3Yqk2GpJHWf42XFz_IPbimDudUg8CGCwIB7-1ve4fF-CaGfmwmuQMMIFMz4i5IjRLS_njBa5qYT-auMuYGZlg/s627/IMG_6496.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="627" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigBaLhOFvvYVmWhI931AlGzTigagrJpbWLQcWVOPHa0Ymc3rSYxyiEyriIqhV8A8GfcN7WwpkDlFdBrcprhvCfwFcEneQWvnaFQn5KP3Yqk2GpJHWf42XFz_IPbimDudUg8CGCwIB7-1ve4fF-CaGfmwmuQMMIFMz4i5IjRLS_njBa5qYT-auMuYGZlg/s320/IMG_6496.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Brady said they had some family land that I could hunt on. Brady shot a 200-inch mule deer on this stuff with his bow. Crazy. It was number three or four in the state record books when it was shot. Brady and Sam hopped in his vehicle and we would follow them from the gas station. I later learned that I am the only person other than family who has hunted this piece of property. I truly am the lucky boy in the wheelchair. We headed from Sentinel Butte. We pulled into an old abandoned farmstead and we made a plan. Brad, Shelie and I would stay at the farmstead in the warm vehicle while they did some scouting. It wasn’t long and I got the call from Sam that they found a good buck bedded down.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oq20g2Nv9pD_jlRMLfQIGmPkTiI4ZbQdlcrhZPoNQCNpo9y9zmmW2jCfAqtP1-sFY1r2-YNwvNFl3l7KJ5JsaCU173XshLFbGktvZfZlyjJVdqUSpLX8Qz4IsAfKDwIFz58TZ8AKK9fefkC9RrktXVTNN-1zmUGz1SlliDVNc_11RwDAQUQ5Bufkqg/s627/IMG_6501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="627" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oq20g2Nv9pD_jlRMLfQIGmPkTiI4ZbQdlcrhZPoNQCNpo9y9zmmW2jCfAqtP1-sFY1r2-YNwvNFl3l7KJ5JsaCU173XshLFbGktvZfZlyjJVdqUSpLX8Qz4IsAfKDwIFz58TZ8AKK9fefkC9RrktXVTNN-1zmUGz1SlliDVNc_11RwDAQUQ5Bufkqg/s320/IMG_6501.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It took us a bit to get to the spot. But it wasn’t nearly as rough as the stuff I had been through the last couple days. Brady was concerned about the roughness and Sam said with a laugh, “He’s been through a lot worse.” When we got to the top of the hill there was a field of harvested peas. The wind was pretty much directly in my face. Perfect to get on the buck. It was perfect but blowing 40 mph with higher gusts. I got out in that wind and I knew it was going to be a hard shot. Brad, Brady, Sam and myself made the sneak up to the edge of the hillside and got prepared for the shot. The deer was bedded 290 yards away from my position. My tray was vibrating and my chair was blowing around like a kite. Brady grabbed one side of my chair trying to hold it still and Sam on the other. My eyes were watering and I was shivering. I was miserable at that moment. It took me a while to get on him with that wind. And then once I was on him the wind would bounce the scope around terribly. But I finally felt like I was on him so I took a shot and it went right over its back. The buck had no clue where the shot came from. He got up and ran maybe a hundred yards and bedded back down. I was ready to give up but they said he ain't going anywhere. So, I got back in the pickup for half hour to warm up. Then I got back out and we reattached the gun mount and Brady’s rifle. We then made the second sneak. We got up to the hillside and he was bedded 130 yards away. It worked perfectly. For some reason it was just as windy but at that spot the wind wasn't affecting me as much. I moved my chair to get in line, adjusted my elevation by tilting a little, looked in the scope and he was right there. The crosshairs were right on him! Sam grabbed one side of chair and Brady on the other. I said, “I'm on him.” Sam dialed the scope in a little and I said, “That’s good, I'm taking the shot.” I pulled the trigger and didn’t even feel the trigger or the recoil. It felt good. The next thing I knew Sam, Brady and my brother-in-law Brad were screaming like school girls. “He got him! He got him!” I got a little choked up. It was quite the moment. We congratulated each other and I thanked them all. </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPwyPHtNnbKAaoOxQ8vfM_Dg2xtfvhMNqxiLLdhY72yLYcuLymdThFUJQkac-P03bm164RBNntEBiFPx9ZjD3CKavkP7j16NETddEW10tu3lmD_WMdugMezNHd2P36IQJVttXEqZV_e7JC8ddYucwrgixdGh5G6hV24IjC5sx98eyvjoaTlXktX-tfw/s1704/Snapchat-913943428.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1704" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPwyPHtNnbKAaoOxQ8vfM_Dg2xtfvhMNqxiLLdhY72yLYcuLymdThFUJQkac-P03bm164RBNntEBiFPx9ZjD3CKavkP7j16NETddEW10tu3lmD_WMdugMezNHd2P36IQJVttXEqZV_e7JC8ddYucwrgixdGh5G6hV24IjC5sx98eyvjoaTlXktX-tfw/s320/Snapchat-913943428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Me, Shelie, Brad.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSnqTavmpE61uBrMkCQiGcx-sy1Y-Uh7bho5aqyNWhotVI0xGmOv3UDN7NQg0-cUrFsKxmdDcfAXskPh-ennzDypdJsj6H2W89ZOty2f0OeO7YCZ3YCu0znb8ex1e1CKhPIDITrtihFCpcdi25Li7Q8Jt5WBqE-P0JioKKuIMMIC5mdAlp3TII2kEKA/s1704/original_d0a3149c-87fd-43eb-ba87-5c777d27d096_Snapchat-81915416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1704" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSnqTavmpE61uBrMkCQiGcx-sy1Y-Uh7bho5aqyNWhotVI0xGmOv3UDN7NQg0-cUrFsKxmdDcfAXskPh-ennzDypdJsj6H2W89ZOty2f0OeO7YCZ3YCu0znb8ex1e1CKhPIDITrtihFCpcdi25Li7Q8Jt5WBqE-P0JioKKuIMMIC5mdAlp3TII2kEKA/s320/original_d0a3149c-87fd-43eb-ba87-5c777d27d096_Snapchat-81915416.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brady, me, Sam.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0Y8sw1U9VwihSC7RN4i0_cMkRmDcSG2Bi0ELNsbYygj-SIS7E6HWgo713H7KqQONQisUXZdD0-2nJrx-IYVGpyqWp3gaPLUKq7z-c2swGuqp7Wu5-ZUWW17NKiZZ9WiFvwT76W8pJDbRqRWE70aJEryU208f0BPDDpT_1zHbmuWaOL40aWXA_9ak6Q/s854/Snapchat-72208040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0Y8sw1U9VwihSC7RN4i0_cMkRmDcSG2Bi0ELNsbYygj-SIS7E6HWgo713H7KqQONQisUXZdD0-2nJrx-IYVGpyqWp3gaPLUKq7z-c2swGuqp7Wu5-ZUWW17NKiZZ9WiFvwT76W8pJDbRqRWE70aJEryU208f0BPDDpT_1zHbmuWaOL40aWXA_9ak6Q/s320/Snapchat-72208040.jpg" width="160" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They then helped me get everything back into the pickup. Then Brady and Sam went down to the buck and tagged it. They told me to head back to the abandoned farmstead where Brady’s brother Cole was with their cousin Shay. I later learned that these two videoed the whole thing a thousand yards away at the farmstead. You can see the video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQW8Kinl3GY&t=8s" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WQW8Kinl3GY" width="320" youtube-src-id="WQW8Kinl3GY"></iframe></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After the shot, Cole and Shay drove up to help load the buck. It’s a good thing they did because Brady’s fuel pump went out on his pickup. What are the odds? So they threw the buck in the back of Cole’s pickup and made their way down to the farmstead. We then all got out and went over the events that just took place. It was a great time. It was now time for pictures. We found a good spot next to an old building and took turns capturing the moment. They then gutted it and told us to follow them to the Grandpa’s farm so we could quarter it out.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNb-2qfM2qoc7rZBzOdagdMcHnQaYAxq6Tm4lARk9BciFRZIyPg7zJRu5hFIa5KFCUqKzV7n5cy0FTBxBKa3vgrpOd78u9XiIIc66r3V5B_J2RG-ssjwvVrfe6XPTM13wrld2zMnZqlaBptsyEgx3a-2tC1piJWSZQK_MXihV0-_uMNeOrLxHFEes-Q/s854/IMG_7576.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="690" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNb-2qfM2qoc7rZBzOdagdMcHnQaYAxq6Tm4lARk9BciFRZIyPg7zJRu5hFIa5KFCUqKzV7n5cy0FTBxBKa3vgrpOd78u9XiIIc66r3V5B_J2RG-ssjwvVrfe6XPTM13wrld2zMnZqlaBptsyEgx3a-2tC1piJWSZQK_MXihV0-_uMNeOrLxHFEes-Q/s320/IMG_7576.jpg" width="259" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Didn’t take long and we are at their Grandpa’s place. He was very inviting and a great guy. He was pumped for me. He let us use his garage to hang the deer and it didn’t take Sam and the others long to skin and quarter Mr. Big. We all enjoyed some celebratory beers watching Sam work. I was also tilting during this time. I was so cold I couldn’t my left arm, so Shelie had to run my wheelchair controller. But one of the guys got a propane turkey fryer going right next to me. The flames got me warm. They threw the tenderloins and back straps in one game bag and the quarters were in a couple other game bags. Then they threw everything in my Uncle Joe’s big cooler that was in my pickup box. They didn’t even know me an hour earlier and they rolled out the red carpet for me. Forever indebted.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Z7JZrf4o4ry-vOdsJqixb5q5jnp8CwYRHNX9kgnUQg2xKCn8MzT9mKAIbWdJJHn7Vubro6__I_IBLd-fAjsl-pUsFyZ0h7jXVSYVzLgnYT09R7a2dlAsC_1eTcdycv43lTUQKETebpXvDDt4Y4cOQaxtEfNwdLwOnXnMsyqc2K5cqPBDehpUwYM5w/s480/IMG_6521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG6Z7JZrf4o4ry-vOdsJqixb5q5jnp8CwYRHNX9kgnUQg2xKCn8MzT9mKAIbWdJJHn7Vubro6__I_IBLd-fAjsl-pUsFyZ0h7jXVSYVzLgnYT09R7a2dlAsC_1eTcdycv43lTUQKETebpXvDDt4Y4cOQaxtEfNwdLwOnXnMsyqc2K5cqPBDehpUwYM5w/s320/IMG_6521.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtENeUAG-X-tJFOrSvYUhRdhjlcPsyyCdgHQ4V6zTDiv08YTexzMq92QVHbiUFariiuCYLBB0eX7yfBTnfb1Q2KfPlHu0I94co3LpC2KNzdLCjH6Z1CLqS2REi1NSrFTSOyAu_rhDQuKc6C7sw1qQmq5rGjPzxUP0i-1Cq1V11ek3X9a-AlCdL_8a_g/s480/IMG_6515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvtENeUAG-X-tJFOrSvYUhRdhjlcPsyyCdgHQ4V6zTDiv08YTexzMq92QVHbiUFariiuCYLBB0eX7yfBTnfb1Q2KfPlHu0I94co3LpC2KNzdLCjH6Z1CLqS2REi1NSrFTSOyAu_rhDQuKc6C7sw1qQmq5rGjPzxUP0i-1Cq1V11ek3X9a-AlCdL_8a_g/s320/IMG_6515.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_g6FgUzwlmhqK3pV_NcDSp2UJxWV_J-194GJNf8xfUbCYbHJfmiJk-7BfvsO8GBfc39BhnD1qcaodXdIBplqPNdpVShgB7MHSbewOtEi0n9hHtB4qKp5v7r_MNa_escoif8TID5dBd7Td5nhdj5JaT7_dcu1_s34jaHe-Sy2giRcz6FQBrq9PPiUA/s480/IMG_6520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_g6FgUzwlmhqK3pV_NcDSp2UJxWV_J-194GJNf8xfUbCYbHJfmiJk-7BfvsO8GBfc39BhnD1qcaodXdIBplqPNdpVShgB7MHSbewOtEi0n9hHtB4qKp5v7r_MNa_escoif8TID5dBd7Td5nhdj5JaT7_dcu1_s34jaHe-Sy2giRcz6FQBrq9PPiUA/s320/IMG_6520.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFvfvTTmB4nBXODJCX2lWwNg3QpdgromMrYSNpw9lO9Cuq0oG2pOrmGL0C86NnkC1fqjl4l4heYo3S2JsiQvsDjf5c-UEj4vZ_O4EwKjtJjDuNWa11IKbFtDW7ab-n09tuZduC7ltOaoC2PpbCWMN5hi3Bl8h3Kg6uq_wdyACTCMc9wWsgA1G215Oig/s480/IMG_6523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFFvfvTTmB4nBXODJCX2lWwNg3QpdgromMrYSNpw9lO9Cuq0oG2pOrmGL0C86NnkC1fqjl4l4heYo3S2JsiQvsDjf5c-UEj4vZ_O4EwKjtJjDuNWa11IKbFtDW7ab-n09tuZduC7ltOaoC2PpbCWMN5hi3Bl8h3Kg6uq_wdyACTCMc9wWsgA1G215Oig/s320/IMG_6523.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSxNz7wasnUv3HNF8UwV_SJBQiQPgFpm489Cf04RNpsS3WEuucI3AwuUNVUp8mYe_sqV9HaVJHseQQjAgpkQchzXwcfEK7Js8WHb50Z1rZnrylFtzv_HhRsFiS-Pp9k5jB2IfL6ugy06XPa7qfDWtnbJcIZyd7-Pf_8XmRFdZu-NPThHAHxuEUuIwQ/s480/IMG_6517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdSxNz7wasnUv3HNF8UwV_SJBQiQPgFpm489Cf04RNpsS3WEuucI3AwuUNVUp8mYe_sqV9HaVJHseQQjAgpkQchzXwcfEK7Js8WHb50Z1rZnrylFtzv_HhRsFiS-Pp9k5jB2IfL6ugy06XPa7qfDWtnbJcIZyd7-Pf_8XmRFdZu-NPThHAHxuEUuIwQ/s320/IMG_6517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Before butchering we couldn’t see where the bullet entered. But when we looked at the heart we knew where the bullet hit. The top half of the heart was completely gone. The bullet entered his right side went through the heart and Sam found the bullet on the other side in between the ribs and the skin. That bullet and the casing will be with me forever. Forgot to say that we caped the buck also. I texted my taxidermist Shad Stoddard and he said get it here as quick as you can. I will have to find room on my wall for another shoulder mount. That’s a good problem.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNMf1uG5gYTgwA-_6reQspfq9Yt0ZNl13OISDW4e0DJu4bG6gqdHId7eDmqL_j3Va82HtxagQKHs7STTcOkoHVjnR-DMGNoSDLAKMXprB1yvaVCgYmqYA2BRV556fOG7EWr41jW8Yv5Sx_ngrLT5ea3FDOufaA49LC-N9KipqfW5D2o6177PY7UjBLQ/s854/IMG_6522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNMf1uG5gYTgwA-_6reQspfq9Yt0ZNl13OISDW4e0DJu4bG6gqdHId7eDmqL_j3Va82HtxagQKHs7STTcOkoHVjnR-DMGNoSDLAKMXprB1yvaVCgYmqYA2BRV556fOG7EWr41jW8Yv5Sx_ngrLT5ea3FDOufaA49LC-N9KipqfW5D2o6177PY7UjBLQ/s320/IMG_6522.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I can’t believe how everything worked out so well. I was ready to give up a couple times. Because I was happy with just being out there. Glad the fellas urged me on. Could not have done any of it without the help of my new friends, old friends and family.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mPWQcvjgKJpZqDDu5UjegjdR5JmLezPeu_ez-fHolLbAE1mDBhjL4kPsMJiZcXOaVQKphHGAWlaHXMUZECbI7SwsNhb1gDIsqkOovoCEtZbTGoX90FfpY0nNnPFNB5UYKv3khX5K2dECmQjITx2lXH9iOg9a-Gy9UgS36tfNUAwBXIbim3L5RiI1yw/s854/Snapchat-471875000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6mPWQcvjgKJpZqDDu5UjegjdR5JmLezPeu_ez-fHolLbAE1mDBhjL4kPsMJiZcXOaVQKphHGAWlaHXMUZECbI7SwsNhb1gDIsqkOovoCEtZbTGoX90FfpY0nNnPFNB5UYKv3khX5K2dECmQjITx2lXH9iOg9a-Gy9UgS36tfNUAwBXIbim3L5RiI1yw/s320/Snapchat-471875000.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After we got the buck in the cooler the boys got the garage cleaned up and looking just like it was when we got there. I thanked Grandpa for helping and he said any time. I thanked Cole and Shay. They were smiling the whole time. Grandpa told us the shortcut to get back to Medora so Brad, Shelie and I headed back to town to raise a little hell at the Little Mo. Brady hopped in with Sam because he now had no vehicle and needed a ride to Dickinson. We told them to stop at the bar to have some supper and cocktails. Which they did. We all had a great meal and a great time reminiscing the day’s events. We weren’t there very long, I think we were back at the motel by 9 PM. Sam and Brady left earlier. When we got to the motel I went straight to bed. The others went to the hot tub. I didn’t sleep very well that night, I think it was because I was little excited.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOi1ALgCiO3g446tw8cPpXY0WmUEzndNa1XYf6vgB9dLMTBatPESfnNxcbnIO5TFh_n6N4ZFqubtheWsGiQTb1vMq2orTh3SmrOcbqS2-RR14YFOmePR99R06lUUsigooQt62BMHoIizdBJUnkoVC-LQyP2sQFM7RxqAyQ89QASm9YZ7BywwF1RoJTw/s854/Snapchat-2009377588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOi1ALgCiO3g446tw8cPpXY0WmUEzndNa1XYf6vgB9dLMTBatPESfnNxcbnIO5TFh_n6N4ZFqubtheWsGiQTb1vMq2orTh3SmrOcbqS2-RR14YFOmePR99R06lUUsigooQt62BMHoIizdBJUnkoVC-LQyP2sQFM7RxqAyQ89QASm9YZ7BywwF1RoJTw/s320/Snapchat-2009377588.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfo7Mdd8hcpjYBiyTP4rqVa4ie30_Haiu0D-DYTqgi4mIOpKRuT-ENg5E9oLASQkx2EzbimntLBQUhmtlVAhaPFzwlkQmaA3tzPCYcEPueNvfASxjJZlqgE1ZDCoBh06aO79TpQsspNGlxLFeoNV1qaw_ERayx6291Q3UESWzQW-IZxLvok3YIrrzRg/s854/Screenshot_20221106-201507_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfo7Mdd8hcpjYBiyTP4rqVa4ie30_Haiu0D-DYTqgi4mIOpKRuT-ENg5E9oLASQkx2EzbimntLBQUhmtlVAhaPFzwlkQmaA3tzPCYcEPueNvfASxjJZlqgE1ZDCoBh06aO79TpQsspNGlxLFeoNV1qaw_ERayx6291Q3UESWzQW-IZxLvok3YIrrzRg/s320/Screenshot_20221106-201507_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScZmACq7Rcwq7LVbyUxWRrV3w_MX7D2ro7jF61kNVmyIFN5WLDWEmjlaBNKQnMt59LEfxxZfr-23KQmIIUB_9R_iY4XzE6DiUD8RJ0ZRMbggdzwYlYhQ2nW-pDoXrPxZnK8_xQP_jBWUcyhFGahm5TlugNLWqa54UiyNz_p0SAOLmmslcaYxESeGtYg/s854/Screenshot_20221105-111249_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="405" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgScZmACq7Rcwq7LVbyUxWRrV3w_MX7D2ro7jF61kNVmyIFN5WLDWEmjlaBNKQnMt59LEfxxZfr-23KQmIIUB_9R_iY4XzE6DiUD8RJ0ZRMbggdzwYlYhQ2nW-pDoXrPxZnK8_xQP_jBWUcyhFGahm5TlugNLWqa54UiyNz_p0SAOLmmslcaYxESeGtYg/s320/Screenshot_20221105-111249_Snapchat.jpg" width="152" /></a></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning which was Monday, November 7 there was snow on the ground. I looked at the forecast for the day and it said strong southeast winds with snow showers. So we would be bucking a headwind heading east also. Just lovely for a long road trip home. Checkout was at 11 AM and we had everything packed and ready to go a little after that. The roads weren’t too bad until we got to about New Salem. But then they got really sketchy when we got to Mandan. The passing lane was pretty much not usable. The temperature was just right and the highways were warm enough that things were starting to ice up. When we were going down the hill towards the river, we were driving 5 mph. There was an accident somewhere up ahead. We were almost stopped on the bridge going over the Missouri River. It was slow driving all the way through Bismarck also. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWY0z-TVamzAcp_C-fiF-dNI0hwFmSvJ8fykfQdKzxLy2_Xt1jn-JV2EhfLbjxzDgG6kSsTXhJOZupOLIV3ymxjUwaaWvkkJsqCSpq_0xxHy3aGokwSaJ5KbxRiikT8mQrGWG5wxY5QVnFJxnBzkBnzeY5mZH2PKCDwXdPPI6zW2cJMJCjFBI96llZQ/s854/Snapchat-1168483532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWY0z-TVamzAcp_C-fiF-dNI0hwFmSvJ8fykfQdKzxLy2_Xt1jn-JV2EhfLbjxzDgG6kSsTXhJOZupOLIV3ymxjUwaaWvkkJsqCSpq_0xxHy3aGokwSaJ5KbxRiikT8mQrGWG5wxY5QVnFJxnBzkBnzeY5mZH2PKCDwXdPPI6zW2cJMJCjFBI96llZQ/s320/Snapchat-1168483532.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Only stopped twice to tilt on the way back. Once in Richardton and once in Steele. I just wanted to get home and lay down. The weather added an extra hour and ½ to the trip. I think I was home and back in bed a little before 6 PM.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGIbiIEdeA-Mg827oN2sXKfsbBLpq9GsxzGA-JQo30s4E2_P8RIUuHVQK3jzuzNhLSrpglu-pVjrVqPAOo4svNFgN5S6yi5YaLaR4lbVsWMN6aGyv_ffp40L6qMdvv5Ul9YIoLG8s_scPp_DNpt_klp9cpcScCoJZo7_znvDjD97FsnjGGL4xwFuhbg/s854/Screenshot_20221108-112539_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="615" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGIbiIEdeA-Mg827oN2sXKfsbBLpq9GsxzGA-JQo30s4E2_P8RIUuHVQK3jzuzNhLSrpglu-pVjrVqPAOo4svNFgN5S6yi5YaLaR4lbVsWMN6aGyv_ffp40L6qMdvv5Ul9YIoLG8s_scPp_DNpt_klp9cpcScCoJZo7_znvDjD97FsnjGGL4xwFuhbg/s320/Screenshot_20221108-112539_Facebook.jpg" width="230" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">While mom was helping me get in bed Brad, Shelie and my dad helped unload everything. They also made a plan to bring the cooler of meat to the locker that night. My dad works at Maple Valley Meats in Enderlin. That is quite handy. They also brought the buck’s cape to the locker. The next day my friend Don B brought the cape to the taxidermist. It takes a team. I am a lot of work. Ha.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHuKM58YMwZ3bTp7fKQfUnDVKLehTMBopfq9KDQtx5CKAtmE369y4e5Y-OI2zl8-OkY1Hz-DcpD-bkis_xk9CnwlD31daAHPDbDX2E8QMzCOJ58SnKOfD6oDH0rBB50FgGcLMrMSZoj0g9BMATAXNwe-umoqhjLoqhY_LkmVhsBi1qoIy-xGWH0NWYg/s854/Snapchat-273185742.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="465" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHuKM58YMwZ3bTp7fKQfUnDVKLehTMBopfq9KDQtx5CKAtmE369y4e5Y-OI2zl8-OkY1Hz-DcpD-bkis_xk9CnwlD31daAHPDbDX2E8QMzCOJ58SnKOfD6oDH0rBB50FgGcLMrMSZoj0g9BMATAXNwe-umoqhjLoqhY_LkmVhsBi1qoIy-xGWH0NWYg/s320/Snapchat-273185742.jpg" width="174" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Shelie and Mom/Deb.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew this hunt was going to take a toll on my body. But I didn’t care. I figured I had all winter to rest up if I needed. And I probably will need it to recover. Check that, I will let my body recover after I fill my bow tag. Priorities.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlIIKQ4CfWtbk3e55xLm7Ze39qI3vKPqbWhcoKagZB-MlFx8hH6BWJT_yDPdS0X6-_JQbA0TQBvaokg1IByh6_8bmTJVRxhBI2xYwTj1JyaVCtD3z6G9B43WT1GLZrYPiF-bfrDtGNsmBxeV3fJqDVSGCNv8Qu5A_vLhkHKSZKJrb_YPVOCgAoumZRA/s854/IMG_6461.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMlIIKQ4CfWtbk3e55xLm7Ze39qI3vKPqbWhcoKagZB-MlFx8hH6BWJT_yDPdS0X6-_JQbA0TQBvaokg1IByh6_8bmTJVRxhBI2xYwTj1JyaVCtD3z6G9B43WT1GLZrYPiF-bfrDtGNsmBxeV3fJqDVSGCNv8Qu5A_vLhkHKSZKJrb_YPVOCgAoumZRA/s320/IMG_6461.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Nick and Brad.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I still can’t believe how everything came together. The whole thing was just perfect. There wouldn’t be anything I would change. Everyone that I met was so awesome. They didn’t even know me and they were willing to help in any way. I am forever indebted to everyone that was involved. There is no way to say how thankful I am to everyone. It’s not about the kill, it’s about the memories made. And I sure made a lot of memories during this hunt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another sidebar: Grandma Nikki sent me a message and told me that she enjoyed having us down and really loved the conversations we had. I told her if I ever make it back down to be warned because I might never leave. She told me, “The house next door is empty!” That just goes to show what kind of people they are. Just another reason why I love hunting and meeting new people. Lifelong friends are made. I will cherish my time I spent with everyone I met during this hunt.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WwqTAUnuDWJzkJNVyQAgrsEGynrkpn8YRHAmPFogRG-fG2XrWy5bGOUR2OEXENadGBJwFylNuI_fhd--oBYj-qfqso6rTXUi9IFjW_rw1HVkwl-1ISFSTUyb9pXrujfGwpWyFg-6WJNKvPptygkJd_G8DHqf9JFihCzg-CSVfkCzjrsOto6UI4i6aQ/s854/Screenshot_20221108-155914_Snapchat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="762" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-WwqTAUnuDWJzkJNVyQAgrsEGynrkpn8YRHAmPFogRG-fG2XrWy5bGOUR2OEXENadGBJwFylNuI_fhd--oBYj-qfqso6rTXUi9IFjW_rw1HVkwl-1ISFSTUyb9pXrujfGwpWyFg-6WJNKvPptygkJd_G8DHqf9JFihCzg-CSVfkCzjrsOto6UI4i6aQ/s320/Screenshot_20221108-155914_Snapchat.jpg" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sam with his bow buck. Shot 11/8.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-77166025267200045452022-09-08T07:09:00.000-07:002022-09-08T07:09:21.558-07:00NDSU stuff and things.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2tpxmQ8Qpd5LiAxyoPcdzBxKmWgHJTWsudy9SbBQDa305i6N9dwNp-FhIbxd7Hf3rgFHZvHOhCcA2zFuXwFvcmk7TaNLebhicHjEzoGxg0W_htigGniLFRlV3AfxSLWFzYVsEtZO43pdjPSIRniB4U8aurEjV0UdiWpteSLuOgFN8lIULgolawhc3w/s1365/iZFWcx.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1365" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2tpxmQ8Qpd5LiAxyoPcdzBxKmWgHJTWsudy9SbBQDa305i6N9dwNp-FhIbxd7Hf3rgFHZvHOhCcA2zFuXwFvcmk7TaNLebhicHjEzoGxg0W_htigGniLFRlV3AfxSLWFzYVsEtZO43pdjPSIRniB4U8aurEjV0UdiWpteSLuOgFN8lIULgolawhc3w/s320/iZFWcx.webp" width="320" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I have been meaning to get together with people from my past. People who helped me through life. People who made a difference. People who were just there to be them, sometimes that is all that is needed is a little bit of normalcy. I met a lot of these people during my time at NDSU. Some during class, some around campus and some I met around Fargo doing stuff and things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The memories from college are awesome. It was scary at first being as shy as I was and coming from a small town with the class of 36. But that goes away in a hurry when you can’t be shy anymore unless you want to not succeed. I really had no clue what I was going to college for but all I knew was it was going to be entertaining and I was going to meet a lot of awesome people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was thinking about going into Ag Econ but after I talked to an instructor about the coursework, I knew the science and math were not going to be my huckleberry. By this time I already had all of my classes scheduled for my first semester in the fall of 97. A couple of those generals included a speech communication class and mass communication class. Now being shy I did not think I would like these classes but my instructor in my speech 101 class got me out of my shell. Laurie was awesome. It didn’t take long and I was comfortable in front of strangers. My other communication class was intro to mass comm. At least I think that’s what it was called. One of the first days in this class the instructor put us in groups. We had to do research on some topic and then give a presentation. A couple of the people said they would do the research if someone would do the presentation. I gladly said I will give a two minute speech instead of doing hours of research. Seemed like a good trade-off for me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGfKOuRkZNxr7SRaJT1gU8j2EKiqjTu6GrmcZzGYWNg43iZ5mlaRduT56H2tPNCL0kJ9oyXN8VLRZTiOukhFrEDw53FvK3YGp2OwXKU5flc443UE-R6CCI7hvmjuzhu4LUzh2e7fN-MWmws8My-JwYirEdOVuGqYwzzfwd2GJYVKdWlBoc28RTEl6gw/s854/Snapchat-1026357556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGfKOuRkZNxr7SRaJT1gU8j2EKiqjTu6GrmcZzGYWNg43iZ5mlaRduT56H2tPNCL0kJ9oyXN8VLRZTiOukhFrEDw53FvK3YGp2OwXKU5flc443UE-R6CCI7hvmjuzhu4LUzh2e7fN-MWmws8My-JwYirEdOVuGqYwzzfwd2GJYVKdWlBoc28RTEl6gw/s320/Snapchat-1026357556.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That is pretty much how I got through college. Group projects. I was always the one who gave the presentation in front of the class. Still can’t believe I graduated. Doing group projects in just about every class you get to meet a lot of people. People from all walks of life. By the second and third years of college you get to know these people. Some of these people I haven’t seen since college. That is actually why I am writing this blog. I reconnected with one of my friends from college a couple weeks ago at Brewtus Brickhouse in West Fargo. It seemed to me that it was just like yesterday we were in class, but now we were reminiscing about the past 20 years and what we had been doing with our lives. It was great to see and visit with Erin, someone I hadn’t seen since probably December 2002.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At the end of that get-together, we agreed to get together again in the near future. Maybe next time with some more fellow classmates from the greatest university in North Dakota (NDSU).</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqDzdsXUC3e_rZMY5qpHfJrPDDer-V8YFf2s_0K1Hv1akrrTLfbEBXW7K5psvBNXL0kSMvERb9fUyWFRUZMmsVTVPOiQci7TN0WcMVfcznjgRginv-YgPbrvZdkQgWmg85T8vVtD72reVpOiltyoUfg60VgBqYyYMBP-mSTnTmMVdnHfVReaCfIyo6w/s1532/Snapchat-563609423.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1532" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqDzdsXUC3e_rZMY5qpHfJrPDDer-V8YFf2s_0K1Hv1akrrTLfbEBXW7K5psvBNXL0kSMvERb9fUyWFRUZMmsVTVPOiQci7TN0WcMVfcznjgRginv-YgPbrvZdkQgWmg85T8vVtD72reVpOiltyoUfg60VgBqYyYMBP-mSTnTmMVdnHfVReaCfIyo6w/s320/Snapchat-563609423.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is Pastor Leo, Trey Dempsey's dad. He is neat.<br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After that meeting I had a chance to go to my first Bison football tailgating. Can’t believe I have never gone. I watch or listen to every game and it is crazy to me that I never went. I have gone to games but not tailgating. I always seem to be busy on those Bison home game Saturdays. But I was able to make it September 3 for the game against Drake. I still can’t believe how many people were in the parking lot. Everybody of course had green and yellow on, except for the few Drake fans. It is crazy how friendly everybody is. Everybody is smiling and having a good time. I’m pretty sure you could walk into any lot and ask for a libation or bite of food and they would gladly give it to.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMe9r8ypaxRbhlD7XB9wMkW67OIPKTG-jPLj3hdi21GdDO-tEL4PXqoBYMehHmp5lsa8qJfTKcyrthcWnJgrwUgUZqi-zevqI21YbLl_oDNeEnvRqXFrl8gZ135JPzxFDEh7z_HTvRLVJ7OWbXoTmM6t-sBF9lefY2rLZqSodbV_fDMDihpM84jH7aQ/s768/Snapchat-607492040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTMe9r8ypaxRbhlD7XB9wMkW67OIPKTG-jPLj3hdi21GdDO-tEL4PXqoBYMehHmp5lsa8qJfTKcyrthcWnJgrwUgUZqi-zevqI21YbLl_oDNeEnvRqXFrl8gZ135JPzxFDEh7z_HTvRLVJ7OWbXoTmM6t-sBF9lefY2rLZqSodbV_fDMDihpM84jH7aQ/s320/Snapchat-607492040.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I met a couple friends right away at their lot. Then I decided to tootle around to see what I could see. I ran into a handful of people that I hadn’t seen in years. And of course some randoms that wanted to get to know me. And some strangers who said they knew me or seen me somewhere. I ran into one of the kids I used to coach in Babe Ruth baseball who I hadn’t seen since probably 2006. Micah came up to me and we found a spot to sit and we talked probably half hour. Good times reminiscing about stuff and things we did during those summers. We both agreed those summers were the best, just like the movie, “Sandlot.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I ran into some other friends from high school I hadn’t seen in years. They had kids with them that were anywhere from eight years old up to 17. Crazy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxlaetYIlR2i-Otx7woZkVP-cf1oJywGDpKwflIqh_mbQgp_Ba96Pe9pworW_jfcrb7_mEJCMIssXlvui-N438HsdnhPLHMgMb6_daXOiul7FnlvMTo35SjQr7kaDOQFan6rlNifzG-gUSqH_LKiVv4ZMW_a0bmGzfINR8-2zn7cUz-rAPCzhFZlbHA/s768/Snapchat-1149239713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUxlaetYIlR2i-Otx7woZkVP-cf1oJywGDpKwflIqh_mbQgp_Ba96Pe9pworW_jfcrb7_mEJCMIssXlvui-N438HsdnhPLHMgMb6_daXOiul7FnlvMTo35SjQr7kaDOQFan6rlNifzG-gUSqH_LKiVv4ZMW_a0bmGzfINR8-2zn7cUz-rAPCzhFZlbHA/s320/Snapchat-1149239713.jpg" width="170" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I checked my schedule for the rest of the fall to see if I could make another Bison tailgating. And wouldn’t you know it I am busy every single home game. I guess there’s always next year. I can’t wait.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatHie7GouK8gbm3iAB3Jd1nwq0lUxamT43r-oR282ysHYCM99PcvXFFaQDq4Zg9Cwx-6VoFOkp1kCHbjKxr8uGiAjvAVUyHDnqTm9pLVYwU7KHmVLd_q3J8gN7BXBevmC9X3ryDRwZMKaiy17mtZ6Cxj5r7hKR1BoAASfd1-K6U4TpO6X3-1R29m2Bw/s768/IMG953411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatHie7GouK8gbm3iAB3Jd1nwq0lUxamT43r-oR282ysHYCM99PcvXFFaQDq4Zg9Cwx-6VoFOkp1kCHbjKxr8uGiAjvAVUyHDnqTm9pLVYwU7KHmVLd_q3J8gN7BXBevmC9X3ryDRwZMKaiy17mtZ6Cxj5r7hKR1BoAASfd1-K6U4TpO6X3-1R29m2Bw/s320/IMG953411.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was great getting together and seeing people who I hadn’t seen in years. The memories that came back and all of the good times we had came back to the front of the brain. I still am thinking about a lot of those great memories. So I am making a pact to myself to get together with friends from the past and to not just talk about doing it. If you are reading this and want to reminisce about the glory years, hit me up. I am always up for a night of libations and socializing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">By the way I graduated from NDSU in December 2002 with a degree in Mass Communication with a minor in Speech Communication. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sidebar: The best part about communication classes is the group projects. The best part about the group projects is the ratio of women to men in communication classes 7-3. I like those odds.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-16619969791780551502022-07-16T13:47:00.000-07:002022-07-16T13:47:18.704-07:00Thanks Mom for stuff and things.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2HmzSVQgJqW54fF_xZ0voInJ2wfLDzL4pawzsNUWqudBiwlEdnGaEYkQwmhVgk5xaSnOMUGF1ko6iB2j7K2_V2L1nDKWT5jSJsqxlN2pVksJQYXNj9gJ4TiA0uaV9eFGNiMZ-VnekjrKrKX0r0WesR1m7eUaHfsjTErYZ6_by2MlvoUueaDOOwaDXA/s768/Screenshot_20220613-090112_Snapchat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2HmzSVQgJqW54fF_xZ0voInJ2wfLDzL4pawzsNUWqudBiwlEdnGaEYkQwmhVgk5xaSnOMUGF1ko6iB2j7K2_V2L1nDKWT5jSJsqxlN2pVksJQYXNj9gJ4TiA0uaV9eFGNiMZ-VnekjrKrKX0r0WesR1m7eUaHfsjTErYZ6_by2MlvoUueaDOOwaDXA/s320/Screenshot_20220613-090112_Snapchat.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />Sure makes me realize how much I appreciate what my Mom
does for me on a daily basis when she is gone for a couple days. She deserves a
lot more than just a couple days off and she deserves it a lot more often. But
it makes me realize how much I take for granted on what she does for me every
day, every week, every month and every year. Blows my mind how she has directed
her whole life for helping me get through my life. If I come up with some crazy
trip to go somewhere to visit someone over the weekend, she never bats an eye.
She might give me a look but eventually she agrees and we are on our way
somewhere.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYjZT5We9n_nVFF4TPKPGPSFRGk2FT8fB5Xru6hRNvHhf5tE1tIPRiooVastOPLxBfJoo4WLCy7M-sWyt1LHo0pQVHVOTZYZ8VSscSd-HV7jB7Xh4Hsdqt1vwrzg156xru23dBHhHIn-b3gDI4Ke1ooiuITq_sRZkG_IQy6wTddHDhxVkffizPUbjjA/s768/IMG_5396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYjZT5We9n_nVFF4TPKPGPSFRGk2FT8fB5Xru6hRNvHhf5tE1tIPRiooVastOPLxBfJoo4WLCy7M-sWyt1LHo0pQVHVOTZYZ8VSscSd-HV7jB7Xh4Hsdqt1vwrzg156xru23dBHhHIn-b3gDI4Ke1ooiuITq_sRZkG_IQy6wTddHDhxVkffizPUbjjA/s320/IMG_5396.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have a couple examples already from this summer. In
June my sister Shelie invited me to stay a couple days with them at Woodland
Resort at Devils Lake. Of course I jumped on the idea and said yes. I mentioned
it to Mom and she was all for it. But she did ask if they had a hot tub, which
they don’t but she said yes anyway.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bGk4rI3A7fxAZzzTr_JUEaTnoz63KQbFGqOFMgNXrAJYx5iGJHtRY_yF2twlj9b7qGTP_FYKHPvF8Ey9bZ-4_zKdzhJP4iLu1E63lWsTktKhQVN5blfyXNvlTo4Tx3dAgDGp9JvYLycvCoRwEY5pYJ1uPtYkq-PHKtWVCMuiy3K3Jut-Bw2TBBf1dw/s1510/Screenshot_20220612-201351_Snapchat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1510" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bGk4rI3A7fxAZzzTr_JUEaTnoz63KQbFGqOFMgNXrAJYx5iGJHtRY_yF2twlj9b7qGTP_FYKHPvF8Ey9bZ-4_zKdzhJP4iLu1E63lWsTktKhQVN5blfyXNvlTo4Tx3dAgDGp9JvYLycvCoRwEY5pYJ1uPtYkq-PHKtWVCMuiy3K3Jut-Bw2TBBf1dw/s320/Screenshot_20220612-201351_Snapchat.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I had a blast as usual. Doing it up Clint style every
night at Proz. I met a lot of awesome people and I also got to catch a fish on the
Channel A handicapped fishing pier. Thanks Shelie and Brad for an awesome four
days and three crazy nights.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7RqCN9fRb3pkGxojoOOZRzkpKY8W4xbgcUoqTe05SfQdOnJPm5f_IXC5ou6M4i1yY5yShtOHrMOLF1mM8pIuPBxtV59Dd5yRmX3e87yFKJS-G8b-gedkJzaZI6SR7KJvyHmkfPMquSBGCyaGI6FEuAXwT2lLooolp0DJN2ymBFqUkyH2HJR2bTha1A/s768/IMG_5411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="662" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM7RqCN9fRb3pkGxojoOOZRzkpKY8W4xbgcUoqTe05SfQdOnJPm5f_IXC5ou6M4i1yY5yShtOHrMOLF1mM8pIuPBxtV59Dd5yRmX3e87yFKJS-G8b-gedkJzaZI6SR7KJvyHmkfPMquSBGCyaGI6FEuAXwT2lLooolp0DJN2ymBFqUkyH2HJR2bTha1A/s320/IMG_5411.jpg" width="276" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mom had a good time also. She didn’t have to cook and she
enjoyed watching the boats come in and out from the patio. But even on vacation
it is a job for her to help me do stuff and things. Like getting me dressed, in
the chair when getting ready for the day and out of the chair at the end of the
night and undressed. Plus a lot of other things that only people like us would
know need to be done. It is work. I am a lot of work.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegSa0KWb2jg2UKL74JRzmy6SIJ7lJs9HWakDJabiQ5NGfw4gb1c0br_0yniuEzN8tLMRkBNspzkNz_x3C4fDpyGzpdizijO4AeTP7xNZEZRFYnUbsI3JAMcFmz0L7dAnV5PPc95UZd-Uzcity2yjBq7SYbeCtb9TE72mMRgJ0soYOFYUMpcrmv_RZDw/s768/Snapchat-1143985116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegSa0KWb2jg2UKL74JRzmy6SIJ7lJs9HWakDJabiQ5NGfw4gb1c0br_0yniuEzN8tLMRkBNspzkNz_x3C4fDpyGzpdizijO4AeTP7xNZEZRFYnUbsI3JAMcFmz0L7dAnV5PPc95UZd-Uzcity2yjBq7SYbeCtb9TE72mMRgJ0soYOFYUMpcrmv_RZDw/s320/Snapchat-1143985116.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Even when I had the brilliant idea of going home the long
way and stopping in New Rockford for the high-stakes shake of the day. Too bad
we got there an hour early because the Buck-It’s Bar wasn’t open. But I tilted
back for 10 minutes and we were on to our next adventure.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_NV85pBocWsf0zoteHi93b5AzonZgUh_wyd_1SDxSDiXsNMNnoI9hBRqcJUoku7qNHLZf_W6y8XBhkBBd57CgYM1R3jwNFI34-KD8y4ZlWxIyiU7YtH4N6TddddodWreNr0VJc41RjiPMmUUjGQOnZuclal6JOT60jQL89ruHPKNqaj_CjcUHjBmsg/s768/Snapchat-1143642003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_NV85pBocWsf0zoteHi93b5AzonZgUh_wyd_1SDxSDiXsNMNnoI9hBRqcJUoku7qNHLZf_W6y8XBhkBBd57CgYM1R3jwNFI34-KD8y4ZlWxIyiU7YtH4N6TddddodWreNr0VJc41RjiPMmUUjGQOnZuclal6JOT60jQL89ruHPKNqaj_CjcUHjBmsg/s320/Snapchat-1143642003.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">The next adventure was stopping at a friend’s place
southeast of Carrington. I had wanted to go there for years and never did it.
But this time when I mentioned it to Mom she said, “I love Enslow!” That is my
buddy’s nickname. His place isn’t on the way home by any means but it isn’t
that far off the long way home either. Enslow welcomed us and gave us a little
tour of his place. We even got to meet all of his Redbone coonhounds. They are
neat. Another friend was there also who I hadn’t seen in years, Blackbeard and
his dad were there. We all have nicknames. We all bullshitted for an hour or so
in the garage, I also tilted back. It was a quick visit but well worth the trip,
soon we were on the road home. Next time I visit it will be longer I promise
Enslow.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9GqiVrFhcuZwl19bEC7gOXoAnpQQfOvsaWItSzfg3xWvLNqGcjejIfZew9aFTXmwq44HdzcCZ-dB1b-2eDta9SEcEGixzRDBMDWRI27qWNUbtBIreYoGoWl_6grD8sMebqen-TIv0R6CpgoPyLVQHK3wto_q-m1mbQZ5AmMK2Z49wDRJRg1Mx497MQ/s768/IMG_5412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP9GqiVrFhcuZwl19bEC7gOXoAnpQQfOvsaWItSzfg3xWvLNqGcjejIfZew9aFTXmwq44HdzcCZ-dB1b-2eDta9SEcEGixzRDBMDWRI27qWNUbtBIreYoGoWl_6grD8sMebqen-TIv0R6CpgoPyLVQHK3wto_q-m1mbQZ5AmMK2Z49wDRJRg1Mx497MQ/s320/IMG_5412.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last week I had another brilliant idea for another
adventure. This time it was heading east into Minnesota lake’s country. I had a
handful of objectives on this trip. I was able to accomplish most of them. I
mentioned a couple of those objectives to Mom. Again, she agreed and I made
motel reservations. Much to her chagrin, I got the motel without the hot tub.
An honest mistake, sincerely.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvRCfcNTxUu_XrQ3D7MqBvHSODXVYNWCAj0HTYqvLSALdV417OlzMIjRCDGAzYF8_14A2VMKUTCgK1s66eRL7IA-BTdpANI4xfZpaiflPszJbDp02jymsdWLh0P05zoqWUdrS7dHyKoQEIF4MEGLtU09jTTNC5cmLxKQwETa6LOLnoOjSHVZYlTNNYw/s768/Snapchat-736948367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvRCfcNTxUu_XrQ3D7MqBvHSODXVYNWCAj0HTYqvLSALdV417OlzMIjRCDGAzYF8_14A2VMKUTCgK1s66eRL7IA-BTdpANI4xfZpaiflPszJbDp02jymsdWLh0P05zoqWUdrS7dHyKoQEIF4MEGLtU09jTTNC5cmLxKQwETa6LOLnoOjSHVZYlTNNYw/s320/Snapchat-736948367.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a Thursday and we headed to visit my cousins Steve
and Roxy. We got to their place on East Silent and Steve had fried up a bunch
of crappie for lunch. We weren’t expecting that but it sure at the spot. We
hadn’t been to their place for at least five years. We visited for a couple
hours before they had to go to one of their grandkid’s baseball games. It was a
great afternoon. They even sent the leftover fish with us. Thanks again. The
fish was a tasty snack at the motel.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ML8Ku9I0uJzfgIq0NhGQDHAAMLT4JVhtE0xwjcOyeuMZck65noP20a_LpAN73-1NCHM6o1t2SVmFTk9VKdsyJzJ83jdynz_Gyb0m61tCRe5ai15tPMnrO0R_SYtBvvswPZ60wlqP7qok1u_49nQEbsUsHB2DYPfSXkTRbGCCf7fAv0QWHMDXFDtj6w/s768/original_6f6fc40c-42a6-4e33-afac-9154100354e2_Resized_20220708_193729.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="626" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ML8Ku9I0uJzfgIq0NhGQDHAAMLT4JVhtE0xwjcOyeuMZck65noP20a_LpAN73-1NCHM6o1t2SVmFTk9VKdsyJzJ83jdynz_Gyb0m61tCRe5ai15tPMnrO0R_SYtBvvswPZ60wlqP7qok1u_49nQEbsUsHB2DYPfSXkTRbGCCf7fAv0QWHMDXFDtj6w/s320/original_6f6fc40c-42a6-4e33-afac-9154100354e2_Resized_20220708_193729.jpeg" width="261" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Steve also suggested a bar/restaurant in Perham that we
should check out. So once we got to the motel in Perham we got unpacked and we
made our way over to the liquor store for essentials and then the grocery store
for snacks and stuff. After that we went to check out the Silvermoon Lounge
& Restaurant that Steve suggested. It is kind of hard to find but once you
find it, it is pretty neat. It doesn’t look like much from the outside and
actually not much on inside but they do have good drinks and great food. We
only had one cocktail each before I needed to go back to the motel and laydown.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYyTAh7VVkVAvFCBAY-_5obnAxSf6vf29Cuo7rKHIe_V7MRxuyfDu43iObMyJTnGEiYDuEvk1pJsdkRvSpIbX5vCrshthHhtK66x0OACflsKMDaUL9QX4Jj8-tpdUlO0eHMjvdzXlpIQUVBDhu7rWQKRFa8WAzLa-UVTjtebMA3auAR75gD_cud0_gw/s767/Snapchat-569974339.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYyTAh7VVkVAvFCBAY-_5obnAxSf6vf29Cuo7rKHIe_V7MRxuyfDu43iObMyJTnGEiYDuEvk1pJsdkRvSpIbX5vCrshthHhtK66x0OACflsKMDaUL9QX4Jj8-tpdUlO0eHMjvdzXlpIQUVBDhu7rWQKRFa8WAzLa-UVTjtebMA3auAR75gD_cud0_gw/s320/Snapchat-569974339.jpg" width="190" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next day we decided to go back to the Silvermoon for
supper. The waitress remembered us from the night before and as soon as I got
my first cocktail, I noticed a celebrity on the other side of the room. It was
Babe Winkelman and his wife Kris. I was as giddy as a jackrabbit on a first
date. I could barely contain myself. I didn’t know what to do. Mom was laughing
at me while we were eating our supper. Babe and Kris were with another couple
and they were still eating. I didn’t want to bother them during their meal so I
had one more cocktail to gather up enough liquid courage to go over there when
they were finished. I am sure glad I went over there. They could not have been
more gracious and friendly. It was awesome. We talked for better part of an
hour about life, fishing and hunting. I hope to run into that again sometime.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCx995PoEBX1aubg8BSwrSe9BM_YDruhd7GywWlntiuvc-RKo0G5kRLzKNnBiRBSQgsOq0Q4bDLD4CbCVhkv45DfqAvaLChR853ffNhk6vByAwXtBdkZ_-TjNvCFnR0jj7ukjhoRSk5a6e6mJjd1YXh4R62P-g28dAFnnV0QMy_qWO6f7gqY50HeZKA/s768/Snapchat-1355285100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCx995PoEBX1aubg8BSwrSe9BM_YDruhd7GywWlntiuvc-RKo0G5kRLzKNnBiRBSQgsOq0Q4bDLD4CbCVhkv45DfqAvaLChR853ffNhk6vByAwXtBdkZ_-TjNvCFnR0jj7ukjhoRSk5a6e6mJjd1YXh4R62P-g28dAFnnV0QMy_qWO6f7gqY50HeZKA/s320/Snapchat-1355285100.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The main objective for this trip was to surprise my
friend Jen at her birthday party. I don’t think we had seen each other in maybe
eight years. We used to have some good times when I lived in Fargo. Borrowed
Bucks, The Hub, The Windbreak and the best of all, O’Kelly’s (when Clevy ran
it) were our stopping grounds. Anyway, she had no idea I was coming. It was
only 12 miles from Perham to Jen and her husband Bob’s lake home on Little
McDonald. It didn’t take long for us to get there. As soon as I was going down
the driveway towards the beach where the party was, Bob spotted me and started
yelling, “Jen is going to freak!” He was running towards me to help me down the
hill and gave me a big smile and thanked me for coming. By the time I was
halfway down the hill Jen spotted me. She screamed. I can’t remember what it
was she said but it was awesome. She came running over and gave me a big hug
and kept screaming. It was perfect. She couldn’t believe I was there and I was
so happy that I could make her that happy. We reminisced for little while
before she had to go visit with some other friends and family. It was a great
night on the beach listening to a band and watching the sunset.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Around midnight I got a text from Mom saying, “You ready!”
That means I need to get going quickly. She puts up with a lot. Anyway, I found
Jen and Bob and we made our way up the hill to my pickup which they wanted to
see. I got a couple handshakes and a couple hugs and they watched my pickup
work its magic. It was a great night all around.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPpSwuBXL_ZsP4ViKHrYqGkynp9tUnZzgHhmyYlZp-mviAC2ovuxWJqbc-rcFab5ssLm__Z7ElOYXFLLS2ZbW2qVO4KR-mU2Qgu3jCstNdq70R7NiCMDzYuO6ljKmdgCqXuhUkkL8JTSCbF9AKPEVdK6sKEbYpRS9iXxZYl5Y7OYC5mXrFRCi0Yb6g/s854/Snapchat-621428350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="428" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iPpSwuBXL_ZsP4ViKHrYqGkynp9tUnZzgHhmyYlZp-mviAC2ovuxWJqbc-rcFab5ssLm__Z7ElOYXFLLS2ZbW2qVO4KR-mU2Qgu3jCstNdq70R7NiCMDzYuO6ljKmdgCqXuhUkkL8JTSCbF9AKPEVdK6sKEbYpRS9iXxZYl5Y7OYC5mXrFRCi0Yb6g/s320/Snapchat-621428350.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next day there was another objective that I wanted to
happen at Mike and Randi’s lake place on Sybil Lake. I wanted to go for pontoon
ride. But it was hot. It was hot for me in the shade. I was starting to
overheat so Mike and I went for a ride in the pickup to cool off. By the time I
got back I knew the pontoon ride wasn’t going to happen. So Mom and I went back
to the motel. I laid down and cooled off watching TV while Mom went to a local
brewery called 1894. She had a blast listening to a band while having something
to eat.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPKo4vIn0ggFiHX5A8M6wPWynVRBm9hIa71QClUIe8HNAws9UfYijun_KfufPCmRw6c0B6x4EPddhS2mMNOQJpDrf6sBHbUyC1NnJNN_leTg7JVbi06zTVWCVm4rtE-r8myznu-S-08ZTDZQt5LHPL5ekzWEOsBvuSX3aIWUDwhLcSLkEgPA6VAMHpg/s768/Snapchat-1143325708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPKo4vIn0ggFiHX5A8M6wPWynVRBm9hIa71QClUIe8HNAws9UfYijun_KfufPCmRw6c0B6x4EPddhS2mMNOQJpDrf6sBHbUyC1NnJNN_leTg7JVbi06zTVWCVm4rtE-r8myznu-S-08ZTDZQt5LHPL5ekzWEOsBvuSX3aIWUDwhLcSLkEgPA6VAMHpg/s320/Snapchat-1143325708.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next day which was Sunday was another objective. That
was to visit my friend Pipper on the way home. Him and his wife Deb are on Loon
Lake. When we got there the clouds were ominous. After about a half-hour
talking outside it was time to head in before the rain started. It was a good
time visiting with Pipper and Deb, their son Jesse and his wife Leah with their
two daughters plus Steve and Roxy also came over. The visit and the rain lasted
about an hour. After I tilted, Mom and I were on our way home. It was a great
trip, thanks to Mom.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuggGDyf0PPsAtS6MRtstnt-RYwdo9WeRQYNXzleBZa8r14j34fBVma0tujtG_a67WD2gyYGrAy_BX5eelZN4nJzzTJaKrgYJ16MyNAtOIgp_PWcKlI6K0Bat9xZOsV1iKRYPIoqabYGvhft_JeJ3b1ts5l7thrgjirE4vlQg1-l7g3Nz-E9T5duf_UA/s768/Snapchat-101507047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuggGDyf0PPsAtS6MRtstnt-RYwdo9WeRQYNXzleBZa8r14j34fBVma0tujtG_a67WD2gyYGrAy_BX5eelZN4nJzzTJaKrgYJ16MyNAtOIgp_PWcKlI6K0Bat9xZOsV1iKRYPIoqabYGvhft_JeJ3b1ts5l7thrgjirE4vlQg1-l7g3Nz-E9T5duf_UA/s320/Snapchat-101507047.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another trip that I have planned that I ran by Mom after
I planned it is going to Medora in November so I can chase mule deer bucks in
unit 4D with my rifle. She agreed after some compromises and stuff. It is going
to be a grand time no matter what happens. I just hope I can make it this year
and I don’t miss it like last year when I came down with pneumonia the week
before the trip. Here’s to no whammy’s! This time I promise there will be a hot
tub Mom, it is already booked.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pUXycQG2g_7Upfvz2WK1ph3Mkj3nwZmj9rSlmawHAyqDLdG-B_SiuPCMdwZpecCBKjcP8Pl2TdPiBIYwNo3D7RWhW3I70Smey7CBBrw3D4j7jChkHfWOhcNgM-kOGKmeWXbQcT2cXPWxMINJe3ZNQP5IdruXiC39ruB7lPwjMBLB_wS4dsLy5Wc4jQ/s768/Snapchat-90144911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pUXycQG2g_7Upfvz2WK1ph3Mkj3nwZmj9rSlmawHAyqDLdG-B_SiuPCMdwZpecCBKjcP8Pl2TdPiBIYwNo3D7RWhW3I70Smey7CBBrw3D4j7jChkHfWOhcNgM-kOGKmeWXbQcT2cXPWxMINJe3ZNQP5IdruXiC39ruB7lPwjMBLB_wS4dsLy5Wc4jQ/s320/Snapchat-90144911.jpg" width="160" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, none of this would be possible without Mom. I am
forever grateful for everything she does for me and everything I put her
through. Thanks Mom, I love you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-5757624037339913842022-05-24T08:47:00.000-07:002022-05-24T08:47:48.790-07:00Lazy people suck.<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVzYfQRXb2_cwuXAb1jD5KlT72FpTE3xndufhFB3wM5pvPWs9sG85NquLtpjGcuwd1BzHJHcwPkdThunrWXCayJls4uDAl8T3yiJWYR6CJTwG0c2ngzaYwWxyOZvWnKy8dcvqnx1VktvaXzviXE4ccRn4eGTzw38Tsk9WbTrxVsmBO5yjrIXrbU71Mg/s1920/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVzYfQRXb2_cwuXAb1jD5KlT72FpTE3xndufhFB3wM5pvPWs9sG85NquLtpjGcuwd1BzHJHcwPkdThunrWXCayJls4uDAl8T3yiJWYR6CJTwG0c2ngzaYwWxyOZvWnKy8dcvqnx1VktvaXzviXE4ccRn4eGTzw38Tsk9WbTrxVsmBO5yjrIXrbU71Mg/s320/R.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Maybe it is because I'm getting older or maybe it is just
that I have more opinionated opinions about things now. Either way it really
annoys me when people say they don't want to do something and you know that it's
just because they are lazy. You know what I would pay and other people in my
position would do to be able to mow the lawn, do the dishes, fix that tire,
clean that room, wash that vehicle, etc... You get my point. But I imagine if I
was not in the position my position is in I would probably take things for
granted too. But from my view sometimes it is hard to take and it seems to be
getting harder to take.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sidebar: One time Ben and I were going to eat at
Paradiso. We had to go through the bar to get to our table. I heard one guy say
to the person next to him as we passed, "Look at that lazy POS in the
wheelchair!" He said it loud so that I hear. And of course I heard it. I
could tell that Ben heard it and I said to Ben, "Let's just keep on
walking." Probably a good thing we did not run into him later. I don't
think he would have been laughing. We were both hot but we took the high road
that day. I don't think I would do that anymore. I would now release the
hounds…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><br /></div><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-90874762404610949502022-01-27T09:26:00.002-08:002022-01-27T09:30:20.910-08:00High School Trap League<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc-p93Wa_Tyg_D38kCl0zEX1Zluc7aWFYouUHrotIsotE-MkgWwLmzly_ip6iel9LTP-gH2n7D03UJe2Exz4Mo-Gc-GJg_4kGTy590NOkpk4abg04VoZOEdOa9v4eGbBqLSyPnBBrvSqP-q2OWpiaaVlxHV01KdPRACI4OSfNoNY0nPWlKI8Y7CvZRTQ=s449" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="449" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgc-p93Wa_Tyg_D38kCl0zEX1Zluc7aWFYouUHrotIsotE-MkgWwLmzly_ip6iel9LTP-gH2n7D03UJe2Exz4Mo-Gc-GJg_4kGTy590NOkpk4abg04VoZOEdOa9v4eGbBqLSyPnBBrvSqP-q2OWpiaaVlxHV01KdPRACI4OSfNoNY0nPWlKI8Y7CvZRTQ=s320" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Spring 2015 was the first season for the North Dakota High
School Clay Target League. The league was started in Minnesota in 2008. The
Enderlin-Sheldon Wildlife Club collaborated with Enderlin High School and
became one of the first four schools in the state to offer this opportunity to
their student athletes. Since its inception, the Minnesota High School Clay
Target League in 2008 has grown from three teams in three schools and 30
student athletes to close to 40,000 throughout the nation. The 2021 North
Dakota Spring League had 67 high school teams participating.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK3tAbC_TcihSGWUBTMslQ0L3bYsGv4kCXD_IrXWi5yPi3QmHFg9a3oyBlN4BItLs0XULI5Wa4F5fklcdjyxykSpPNsuW1_Px-LfiF1Ap21fDa_aI2e5Op_wQ4SR5zkNpL2VniUuBMLE8FF7ofG3G7c7rm222M2oNT5a5_WjavfgRQ3eOcFqlRBZajtg=s250" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="250" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK3tAbC_TcihSGWUBTMslQ0L3bYsGv4kCXD_IrXWi5yPi3QmHFg9a3oyBlN4BItLs0XULI5Wa4F5fklcdjyxykSpPNsuW1_Px-LfiF1Ap21fDa_aI2e5Op_wQ4SR5zkNpL2VniUuBMLE8FF7ofG3G7c7rm222M2oNT5a5_WjavfgRQ3eOcFqlRBZajtg" width="250" /></a></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The mission of the league is to provide shooting sports
as an extracurricular co-ed activity to high schools for students in grades six
through twelve who have earned their firearms safety certification. Shooting
sports is one of the safest sports available to student athletes. Students who
participate can also participate in other sports at the same time. The league
allows teams to shoot any day of the week, which gives flexibility for
practices and games in other sports.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuS6Xfn2clsBh4LCYy-kZL0c6PyHHTs97KUGKY0_J3jUCZPrY4Zg0sG8nCAnBP17zrOyMwFuUijoUYzeNiJ99hgJSBdQmADLIGLczxyTbZj_3j64wjs7JHseVt0E-ZrkN9fqbaoQKITJBdAseKxzmErMZR0_1QUrRYjd6L1RxLg8_aeNScGJlyGNPdYQ=s1267" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="1267" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuS6Xfn2clsBh4LCYy-kZL0c6PyHHTs97KUGKY0_J3jUCZPrY4Zg0sG8nCAnBP17zrOyMwFuUijoUYzeNiJ99hgJSBdQmADLIGLczxyTbZj_3j64wjs7JHseVt0E-ZrkN9fqbaoQKITJBdAseKxzmErMZR0_1QUrRYjd6L1RxLg8_aeNScGJlyGNPdYQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enderlin-Sheldon Wildlife Club volunteers built a clay
target field at the shooting range in 2015 and have continued to make
improvements throughout the years. All practices and shoots will take place at
the Enderlin-Sheldon Wildlife Club's shooting range located north of Enderlin.
Scores are tabulated and put on the league's website. The students do not have
to travel to other ranges. The state tournament takes place in June at the
Shooting Park in Horace, all athletes are welcome to participate. The spring
session is a nine week season and starts early April and finishes early June.
The spring session consists of two practice weeks, one reserve week, five
competition weeks and a fun week. The cost per student is $30. The money goes
towards the administration costs associated with league operations. The league
also offers a fall session which is shorter in length and does not have a state
tournament.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdh1yBZq2mtzne_08w5oAv80SPPuBjH4xJM4p5FwuHexe7ua9lxz5lIJdRhH_T6J7WV-Xxmw7xtECeabnLdOWOM2KGSQXBuRezjRVBXbmiN1rToCXqg1ePk0qIVzOzlDTJMPL0D_74SLAlk3R04pFbR-C7YhN2ieS6JUiwDzpg1La-Hb8kRCnKyAiJNA=s1760" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="1760" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdh1yBZq2mtzne_08w5oAv80SPPuBjH4xJM4p5FwuHexe7ua9lxz5lIJdRhH_T6J7WV-Xxmw7xtECeabnLdOWOM2KGSQXBuRezjRVBXbmiN1rToCXqg1ePk0qIVzOzlDTJMPL0D_74SLAlk3R04pFbR-C7YhN2ieS6JUiwDzpg1La-Hb8kRCnKyAiJNA=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The wildlife club along with private donors purchase shooting
vests, shotgun shells and clays for each season. There are also businesses that
give discounts on their products that are used for the league. These discounts
are used to purchase ammunition, apparel and shotguns. Also, hearing and eye
protection are provided by the wildlife club. The wildlife club even provides
shotguns to those who do not have.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNzoLcr9-2L7NgkWWcYrimcI6GgFFUhw19PE3UYBzSbBx7Bi_eov012eA0SEc-YJKYHU-tWvwtxDmxWi0m4eaCxi5xIAW_oFWQ2NhK_0DAiZTD_gd0bDEOFTe8-hIOnQAJvs6sLYzlypNmEZs4ZAZXlL60orCQ_8wUnH1iAu6WVkpbUYsMZzQHfd5Jxg=s576" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNzoLcr9-2L7NgkWWcYrimcI6GgFFUhw19PE3UYBzSbBx7Bi_eov012eA0SEc-YJKYHU-tWvwtxDmxWi0m4eaCxi5xIAW_oFWQ2NhK_0DAiZTD_gd0bDEOFTe8-hIOnQAJvs6sLYzlypNmEZs4ZAZXlL60orCQ_8wUnH1iAu6WVkpbUYsMZzQHfd5Jxg=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">What is trapshooting? The shooters fire from five
positions in an arc shaped formation 16 yards behind a throwing machine in a
small enclosure called the trap house. The machine throws the clay disc targets
at different angles unknown to the shooter. Shotguns are not loaded and no
shell is in the chamber until a squad member's turn to shoot. Each person fires
at a clay target. Each target is only fired at only once. After each shooter
has fired five shots from a particular position on the arc, all shooters move
one station to the right until everyone has fired from all five positions.
There are a total of 25 shots per round. Spectators are welcome at all events.
Hearing protection will be provided if you do not bring your own.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik8m5GPQ017syByA02LXgT-NJerMr90_N7fmqD2xIEcUEmpN8yRSczPN_xopa7HgvnTTI4pA7r_-FJx5C8YaHgVVZfeA9LQrHODzFPPbYn0fP28QGbBXnAfrubAADj7UXTWJe_PFfSPkxkP9HGYS8em9TPqdK_LBR2qecHMkmcrg9CthQBhro4iUV2kQ=s854" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="854" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik8m5GPQ017syByA02LXgT-NJerMr90_N7fmqD2xIEcUEmpN8yRSczPN_xopa7HgvnTTI4pA7r_-FJx5C8YaHgVVZfeA9LQrHODzFPPbYn0fP28QGbBXnAfrubAADj7UXTWJe_PFfSPkxkP9HGYS8em9TPqdK_LBR2qecHMkmcrg9CthQBhro4iUV2kQ=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The League is fully Title IX compliant with both male and
female athletes competing on the same team. Additionally, it’s an ‘adaptive’
sport, which allows students with physical disabilities to take part.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The 501(c3) non-profit USA Clay Target League is the
largest youth clay target shooting sport program in the nation. The league offers
trap, skeet, sporting clays, and 5-stand leagues to secondary and postsecondary
schools across the country.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the
pandemic, ammunition shortages and supply chain disruptions, the league posted
another record year in 2021. Here are some stats.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->League programs expanded to 34 states</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Record 39,255 registered student athletes</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->More than 13,000 new athletes in 2021</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->7, 800+ coaches & volunteers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->60% of league athletes never participated in
shooting prior to joining league</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->$4 Million+ conservation dollars raised by
League athletes through Pittman-Robertson excise taxes</span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The League is the safest sport in school, with not one
reported injury since the inception of the League in 2001. Each athlete must
complete firearm safety certification before participation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The League’s priorities are safety, fun, and marksmanship
– in that order.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The coaches and assistants are all volunteers. They are
Head Coach Don Dick, Assistant Coaches Marty Briss, Janna Anderson, Logan
Welle, Kathleen Gilbertson, Tyler Marschke, Craig Skramstad, Crystal Worrell,
Jeremy Worrell and Clint Lindemann.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">For more information go to this link: <a href="http://ndclaytarget.com" target="_blank">http://ndclaytarget.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-1384490897174825142021-12-21T16:17:00.002-08:002021-12-21T16:20:29.379-08:002021 Hunting Season.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4dRQRos3VE5pxL_ZyJ862w9MQve1GEuUtc54kNeSywmPxORT2e70E3ihudBw_UtFtwCpC1HvGuPQkE9kiHscdyOoM0lnDMfGdsCIgrNTOdpB1_a6x5PtWdPCWvvWs26JYJZGhWQ0Xg8oqr6MlhJQnSJ0OyM5_3G2h7pH_-QeJKQKc8S4GkEFlLU_BTA=s504" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4dRQRos3VE5pxL_ZyJ862w9MQve1GEuUtc54kNeSywmPxORT2e70E3ihudBw_UtFtwCpC1HvGuPQkE9kiHscdyOoM0lnDMfGdsCIgrNTOdpB1_a6x5PtWdPCWvvWs26JYJZGhWQ0Xg8oqr6MlhJQnSJ0OyM5_3G2h7pH_-QeJKQKc8S4GkEFlLU_BTA=s320" width="270" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">My bow hunting season started October 22 this year even
though opening date was September 3 of 2021. That was the date of my first sit.
But as most of you know hunting season goes pretty much year-round. We are
either planning our hunts, thinking about our hunts or doing our hunts. As soon
as bow season is over I am thinking about the next season. Throughout the
summer I am setting up trail cams and checking pictures weekly. I cannot get
enough of bow hunting.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiDvCVIZN3KNMusGx_gCOOykzdnx2o5NGRgS2rsoZT5eBV46ncOA83Z63w8AFVLCdiWrQCleOJn9wu-x1H6w0Lnt5pdp0xMhnMLjjLCZqyiJJ4596rJT92lgSdafhKHXHbHAW10Yg9wdERrxwsj2kdx0k6OpxPA8dKhKa_keLvJ3npkoRbCwXTVb8k3Q=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiDvCVIZN3KNMusGx_gCOOykzdnx2o5NGRgS2rsoZT5eBV46ncOA83Z63w8AFVLCdiWrQCleOJn9wu-x1H6w0Lnt5pdp0xMhnMLjjLCZqyiJJ4596rJT92lgSdafhKHXHbHAW10Yg9wdERrxwsj2kdx0k6OpxPA8dKhKa_keLvJ3npkoRbCwXTVb8k3Q=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIXyAw6EPaXwD4moqKl58CGT7w2APJS3iU8s3w_c5ksSLwMdZ8tjQWMoaiYfKMezqrvQxTzHHLVQrvEOiHAacMUKF-o8HQ48zYwAXv7fwNI_J_znvxnAzgP0aYX7d2clrYNZWuxb6ajdU24_-cuqKZUADulPynmyRnN_iNvET6l5orLZYk_jmpY7OTHA=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIXyAw6EPaXwD4moqKl58CGT7w2APJS3iU8s3w_c5ksSLwMdZ8tjQWMoaiYfKMezqrvQxTzHHLVQrvEOiHAacMUKF-o8HQ48zYwAXv7fwNI_J_znvxnAzgP0aYX7d2clrYNZWuxb6ajdU24_-cuqKZUADulPynmyRnN_iNvET6l5orLZYk_jmpY7OTHA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAUfawpB3Eg3DoDwEnviziunzZ4LveSWIxBB-kGC02Le9_tYNDF6oTD3q2MdnzOsERQv2IOsVhktXxDaZQldfHKvGn2IbohMXc4lM5c_Lr0ZnXnvSqipyxItf0TCbSHN3knNuA3kpN6KvG83DGKKs9rKopW9jBEJeq_rUT7zwvG7nizlRiwgnOkNoyvg=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAUfawpB3Eg3DoDwEnviziunzZ4LveSWIxBB-kGC02Le9_tYNDF6oTD3q2MdnzOsERQv2IOsVhktXxDaZQldfHKvGn2IbohMXc4lM5c_Lr0ZnXnvSqipyxItf0TCbSHN3knNuA3kpN6KvG83DGKKs9rKopW9jBEJeq_rUT7zwvG7nizlRiwgnOkNoyvg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfW3oSQLTpdmMUQFJHYnEBUACIHB51xFySysgR7MpZnH5nXygtdQmCljJHQ_4Y6kD6iXFNWDSa2L97qkmdoX-OfVZQTxXi-1dn7Vssbo0p3AnJqnsyrkhLR_iAwafNqKmSuKx87qt2eBzqOHVEfdJh3_0y0KvDwp46SBKCtkp_4W4EEt3joeaVpn99_w=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfW3oSQLTpdmMUQFJHYnEBUACIHB51xFySysgR7MpZnH5nXygtdQmCljJHQ_4Y6kD6iXFNWDSa2L97qkmdoX-OfVZQTxXi-1dn7Vssbo0p3AnJqnsyrkhLR_iAwafNqKmSuKx87qt2eBzqOHVEfdJh3_0y0KvDwp46SBKCtkp_4W4EEt3joeaVpn99_w=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXGR0GYjXjykKtzXPQyEcL1x2UAKGrdcfbhHkxjcASahHGE9hvG0OS8u7qoQC6lsIrqQ37boFV2jyKoYvn0u_OwEZfWgQus1_u9TwCd57KcQm1-9j8ggq9HXpkAUNX5tyDgC8lPYcugpqACpFDpP8-5WDliQDJ81JJZTKkgoEX5Oro7oFljSWTACF30Q=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXGR0GYjXjykKtzXPQyEcL1x2UAKGrdcfbhHkxjcASahHGE9hvG0OS8u7qoQC6lsIrqQ37boFV2jyKoYvn0u_OwEZfWgQus1_u9TwCd57KcQm1-9j8ggq9HXpkAUNX5tyDgC8lPYcugpqACpFDpP8-5WDliQDJ81JJZTKkgoEX5Oro7oFljSWTACF30Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I only had three trail cams set up this year. They were
all within a mile and a half of each other. I knew there were big deers in the
area and I didn't need to go any further. Sometime in July I started getting
some nice pictures of bucks and they got me all giggity, again.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another thing I do to keep myself occupied between
hunting seasons is applying for other tags or buying points in North Dakota or
other states. When applying for North Dakota rifle tag this year I was about to
put in for my home unit 2B. I hunted unit 4C last year with good friends Enslow
and Don B, but never pulled the trigger. (<a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2020/11/hunting-4c-for-muley-buck.html" target="_blank">For the 4C hunting story click here.</a>) But this year just about when I was
going to hit enter to apply for my home unit I got a call from Sam who grew up
in Medora and he asked if I had applied for my rifle tag yet. I told him I
haven't applied yet but was just about to. He said, "Don't hit send, you
should hunt out here in 4D. I think I can get you on some prime land to shoot a
big muley!" How could I say no to that?</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaC1qv9qEbrPf7XfmM--Uc7PzxVo3KeE-zmYTUKtimiAN4GaB--OwxD12aKm4Yc0ahE3NTAEBEtQ1ilEeCLw6VoektKxT2JHFO2L5azmgVD-J44YWJaVpjxq-150gOgQ1ubEopZqYlj10vBCaiUjmJb9g4SmGT_ZBAuPHDsb4HhVqkfU2sulS6nPO6qQ=s625" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaC1qv9qEbrPf7XfmM--Uc7PzxVo3KeE-zmYTUKtimiAN4GaB--OwxD12aKm4Yc0ahE3NTAEBEtQ1ilEeCLw6VoektKxT2JHFO2L5azmgVD-J44YWJaVpjxq-150gOgQ1ubEopZqYlj10vBCaiUjmJb9g4SmGT_ZBAuPHDsb4HhVqkfU2sulS6nPO6qQ=s320" width="240" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">So I applied for that unit and surprisingly got lucky.
After I received notification that I drew the tag I immediately made
reservations in a motel in Medora because I knew the town gets pretty packed
during rifle season. The dates of the hunt were going to be November 10 through
the 14th. This is what worked with Sam's schedule and being the second week of
rifle season makes the hunting even better. These dates also worked for Taylor
who volunteered to be our pack boy. I couldn't wait to hunt some new territory,
especially in the Badlands.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't like hunting early bow season because of the
mosquitoes and heat. My favorite time to hunt with my crossbow is late October
and November. To me it feels more like hunting season when the leaves are
changing and the bugs are dead. Mosquitoes suck… Get it?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I hunted a handful of times in October with not much
luck. For some reason not much was moving. I would see some skinheads but the
only buckaroos I ever saw were pretty small and I knew there were bigger ones
in the area. The last week of October I wasn't feeling the greatest but I went
hunting a couple times. On November 1st, I made an appointment to get checked out
and she told me I had pneumonia. Good times. I got some antibiotics, a steroid
shot and a nebulizer to do four times a day. Two days later on November 3 I was
riding in an ambulance to the hospital. You can read more about it here, <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2021/11/pneumonia-and-stuff.html" target="_blank">Pneumonia Sucks</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">What are the odds? What are the odds that I would get
sick and my hunting trip I was looking forward to all year was going to be
canceled? I was in the hospital until November 8 and I was supposed to take off
for Medora on November 10. I didn't want to but I called Sam and canceled the
hunt. That sucked. There was no way I would have the endurance to do a hunt in
the condition my condition was in.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBPE4Kv5rsG9PqE3UHnE42ubo87yG4tZdFOa3N_zGR4YyJYYrrrPXMNEuaVEecxuVCTNdKnfFRXpOK_mlZ3SXk9AIOwPHMnUsv6W8BwKh2EX17kYtvV_hZfgBi8vUCsnLt4SlPHGUo8QAzhUKf2eZKU_aoeArSfj4yB8T77NJ8kM_E0wIFRr-kEpxP-A=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBPE4Kv5rsG9PqE3UHnE42ubo87yG4tZdFOa3N_zGR4YyJYYrrrPXMNEuaVEecxuVCTNdKnfFRXpOK_mlZ3SXk9AIOwPHMnUsv6W8BwKh2EX17kYtvV_hZfgBi8vUCsnLt4SlPHGUo8QAzhUKf2eZKU_aoeArSfj4yB8T77NJ8kM_E0wIFRr-kEpxP-A=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, back to hunting. November 16 was the first day I
was back in the blind. I still wasn't feeling the greatest but I would rather
feel like crap in the blind than feel like crap in the house. I hunted a
handful more times in November with no luck.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEPHimeksAoj7IfxDGa0bn9lFpIgceI_s2_RjGl487XOiCrCF-o11XWieINIUB676_Yi-krRFG6kdUy9tgFdbfSSrzteVpZ60nMvB40cLzyro5zYuSKieiAeZevIxViU8V5Hdt_axBci8rXTDVeXlYPsjbhazMc-z5bp4xa6J-5n4e21iLFeatTvinZw=s1130" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="461" data-original-width="1130" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEPHimeksAoj7IfxDGa0bn9lFpIgceI_s2_RjGl487XOiCrCF-o11XWieINIUB676_Yi-krRFG6kdUy9tgFdbfSSrzteVpZ60nMvB40cLzyro5zYuSKieiAeZevIxViU8V5Hdt_axBci8rXTDVeXlYPsjbhazMc-z5bp4xa6J-5n4e21iLFeatTvinZw=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I woke up on December 19 I believe it was 9 ° and I
could hear the wind blowing. The wind was out of the south, with that it was
going to warm up to around 30°. But it still sounded gross out as I laid in my
warm bed. Around noon I decided I was going to go hunting for the 14th time of
bow season. Even though I shouldn't hunt this spot with any wind out of the
south I was going to press my luck hopefully just one more time. If the deer
come from the east or straight north they will bust me in this spot. If the
wind is out of the southeast this spot is a no go. But with the wind out of the
south or southwest I was hoping they would come from the northwest. That was my
only chance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I got in the chair around 3 PM and started putting on the
layers of clothing to keep out the North Dakota suck. Once I was bundled up,
dad grabbed my crossbow and attached it to the wheelchair. Then he grabbed the
hand crank cocker to pull back the string on the crossbow. With that, mom said,
"Good luck," as I went out the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">A couple weeks before dad cleared a path to my blind with
the Bobcat. He didn't have the Bobcat plugged in so after dinner he had to
shovel some of the snow that had blown in from the southwest. That was only a
couple hours earlier and my path was already getting blown in again. So I had
to put my wheelchair in third gear and hit it hard. I made it with a little
help from dad pushing on back. Once we got to my pop-up blind camouflaged in
Mossy Oak, dad lifted the front of the blind and I backed in. Then I get close
to the front of the blind so he can reach in and place the arrow on my
crossbow. This is the same process no matter who is helping me get ready which
is usually mom, dad or Don B. Then dad reaches in and takes the crossbow off of
safety. He then said good luck and was on his way.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEharVfU9YEUgvvStfhzVt_28CzOECP2rNv4_DZLZvfAtz3oOLOWLXlYw81Kg6vKOiwwlfa-KfJIvkc8dwbxYV7GFjtYvV0f7FkmfPTk8isNs6i8GmElQ-MqRn72y16IuUUUHByd8y0zKWsC3GgfOZ91TBnIhEJLSPbhGWgBR1-bg7e-WN-gnmW9pHKlXA=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEharVfU9YEUgvvStfhzVt_28CzOECP2rNv4_DZLZvfAtz3oOLOWLXlYw81Kg6vKOiwwlfa-KfJIvkc8dwbxYV7GFjtYvV0f7FkmfPTk8isNs6i8GmElQ-MqRn72y16IuUUUHByd8y0zKWsC3GgfOZ91TBnIhEJLSPbhGWgBR1-bg7e-WN-gnmW9pHKlXA=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as he is walking away I make sure everything is
lined up and I also make sure what my shooting zone is, left to right. Once
that is done I settle back and let everything else settle down around me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pretty soon the birds, rabbits and squirrels are running
around like I am not there. This is my me time. My happy place. Anything I do
is up to me and only me. I can just enjoy nature or pull the trigger. Or both.
Totally up to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe I watched dad walk away right at 3:30 PM,
perfect. That day legal shooting time was until 5:14 PM. Usually the deers in
this spot don't show up until at least 45 minutes before dark if they show at
all. Most of the time it's the last ten minutes when they make an appearance.
As I was looking around the snow covered ground there weren't too many deer
tracks. There were a lot of rabbit and bird tracks. Then I remembered my cousin
Jason called me the day before and said he saw herd of deer in their wintering
grounds not too far from where I was. I wasn't sure if these deers had left or
not. I started to think maybe this was going to be a very slow evening.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I really don't mind sitting in the blind and not seen
anything. Maybe because I am used to it or maybe it is just because I enjoy
being out there, just me and nature. But I have been lucky in this spot even
though it is very hit or miss. Mostly a lot of misses, meaning not seeing any
big game. But I knew I had slayed four buckaroos in this very same spot. Three
of which have been in the last three years.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38KzfSi4H3Aubw8vTebliTMNL1fPQSUoFy6vMQL_Gbi0Bs17RrmcQgPSwja-OXiKO22DhONc5i1dL6nO4TQgjP4XMD_03a0HmJWAtJ5-rT46nkoHMchZzB9Dw1XYX7qXRi10wB2n29ogvvCXRQCi2YCKIHDN5U6m-0Tt5II_-QGkyL726GGVOZVRseA=s2688" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj38KzfSi4H3Aubw8vTebliTMNL1fPQSUoFy6vMQL_Gbi0Bs17RrmcQgPSwja-OXiKO22DhONc5i1dL6nO4TQgjP4XMD_03a0HmJWAtJ5-rT46nkoHMchZzB9Dw1XYX7qXRi10wB2n29ogvvCXRQCi2YCKIHDN5U6m-0Tt5II_-QGkyL726GGVOZVRseA=s320" width="320" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew the time was coming up, that golden time when if
something was going to show up they were going to show up. I looked down at my
phone to see the time and it said 4:24 PM. Right at that exact same time I
heard crunching of snow. I have spent enough time in the woods to know that
this could mean many different things. Things like a field mouse or a goofy
squirrel can sound like a deer when things are quiet. But as soon as I looked
up I knew different. Through the little shelter belt in front of me I could see
a deer making its way through the rows of trees. I was kind of taken back
because I do not expect it that early. Then I looked up to see an antler and I
got excited. Once he made his way into the clearing I recognized the buck from
numerous encounters throughout that season. It was the 3 x 0. During the second
week in November one side of his rack got busted off. He walked right in.
Inside of 10 yards and just stood there. He stared right into the blind and I
wondered if he would see me. But he did not. When they are that close even
though it is dark in the blind you cannot make any movement or you will get busted.
I wondered if he would smell me with the wind pretty much at my back. But he
did not. He stood there foraging for ten minutes while I was enjoying the show.
It is awesome being that close and knowing they have no clue that you are
there.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was trying to make up in my mind if I was going to take
a shot if he gave me a shot. He was aimed right at me so I knew I would have to
wait until he was broadside. That may never happen. I also knew that the
forecast sucked. The wind the next several days was going to be from the south
or southeast which is a no go for this spot. Then it was Christmas Eve and
Christmas and after that the negative North Dakota suck was coming in until the
end of season which is January 2 this year. I also knew that my freezer was
getting low of deer meat. A couple rings of country style ring sausage and a
couple logs of summer sausage were about it. Gosh I love meat in tube form. But
I digress…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was thinking about all these things while he was still
munching on some golden nuggets. I looked down at my phone and it said 4:42 PM.
He had been in front of me for almost 20 minutes just eating but every once in
a while he would look back to the north. I thought maybe there was something
else coming in but there was no other movement. All of a sudden his backend
started to drift a little bit to the south. He was just about broadside when he
reached back with his head to lick or itch something on his left side. I knew
this was my opportunity, so I lined up the crosshairs of my scope on the Carbon
Express Intercept crossbow behind his right shoulder and a little below the
middle mass of his body and pulled the trigger. The next thing I knew is his
back legs kicked up as I heard a big crack. He took off straight to the east
and was out of sight within a second. I started shaking as normal and I looked
at my phone and it said 4:45 PM. I listened to hear him crash but in the snow I
knew this would be futile. I then looked out of the blind at the snow and saw
some blood on the fresh snow. I knew it was a good hit but you never want to be
confident. It is impossible to follow the arrow when you are shooting 365 feet
per second at a target that is 8 yards away. But I was confident I was aiming
in the giggity spot.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I collected myself and dialed home at 4:47 PM. Mom
answered and said, "Hello. What's up?" I was holding back tears when
I replied, "I shot a buck!" She replied, "A big one!" I
responded, "Nope. Not this time. I shot the 3 x 0." I could hear in
her voice she was excited and she said, "Awesome. I will be out
shortly."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">After that I sent a SnapChat video to the BS group I am
in that said a lot of expletives with I shot a buck. This group is made of 20
or so guys from North Dakota who enjoy hunting, laughing, joking, drinking and
a lot of other stuff and things that shouldn't be said here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I then began to look for more blood out the windows of
the blind. I thought I could see some more towards the direction he ran. I then
dialed Don B at 4:54 PM. He answered the phone with, "What the hell do you
want?" I giggled because I knew what he meant. He knew I would only call
this time of day for him to come help track and gut the deer. I replied,
"I shot a buck and I think it's a good hit." "Good job. I will be
on my way shortly," he explained. I then asked him, "Is T-rav home?
Could you give a jingle?" He said, "He didn't know but he would call
him right away." If you have read my other stories T-rav is my other
tracker and gut man.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">By that time I could hear mom's footsteps through the
snow. I had her lift the front of the blind and I drove out. I asked her to
look for some blood and she followed the deer's tracks a little bit and saw
some spatterings here and there. But there sure wasn't a lot. I was kind of
nervous as I said we should just head in and wait for the boys. At this point
it had only been about 15 minutes since the shot and you should wait at least a
half-hour to start tracking, preferably an hour.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once inside I had mom take the crossbow off of my tray on
my wheelchair so I could tilt back and give my derrière some relief. I was just
about to recline when there was a call on my phone from Sam. He is in the BS
group. He answered the phone, "Good job killer!" He asked about the
shot and we went over it. I told him about the buck. He gave me the confidence
that I was going to find the buck dead. About that time I saw headlights coming
down the driveway so I got off the phone. I told Sam I would for sure keep him
and boys informed on what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought it was Don B and T-rav but then I saw the
clearance lights and I knew it was dad. He was there to help get me out of the
blind when I was done hunting. He had no clue that I had shot anything yet. I
told him the story and what was happening. After story time I saw more
headlights coming down the driveway. Dad said he was going to plug-in the
Bobcat and the guys came in the house. I told them the quick story and the
three of us went out to the scene of the crime. The snow had blown in my path
on the way back out so I had to give it the onion to get through the North
Dakota suck.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got to the crime scene, I told them where the
buck was standing and which way he was looking when I took the shot. I
explained the direction he took off and they started looking for blood. Don B
asked if I had found the arrow and I explained that I heard a big crack after I
shot him I figured my arrow hit a tree and ricocheted off somewhere in the
snow. As like mom found, there was little bit of blood where the arrow went
through the buck but not a whole lot. Don B said he would look for the arrow as
T-rav shined his flashlight in the snow for more blood. Surprisingly Don B
found the arrow laying on the snow not far away from the impact site. It was
lathered in blood from tip to knock. It's a good thing to see. My confidence
went up a little. He placed the arrow on my tray and they both took off to the
east.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPLMwVnOjdjRPJhhExqT-FBus4mi95IBJPOABWkTxXj3AJpX2-uogUVwtmhIYaGuR0Oc9fmoA8b3XU1MRIsNTtUqKhovsVmc7QAeKLH7OeaRW163mtujUj2MRcae8640xe8qYbSg5QQgTUJHWcL0uPK5PqQUN6B0dkimkkO0VmB_yNrq9qurn1yQ83w=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhiPLMwVnOjdjRPJhhExqT-FBus4mi95IBJPOABWkTxXj3AJpX2-uogUVwtmhIYaGuR0Oc9fmoA8b3XU1MRIsNTtUqKhovsVmc7QAeKLH7OeaRW163mtujUj2MRcae8640xe8qYbSg5QQgTUJHWcL0uPK5PqQUN6B0dkimkkO0VmB_yNrq9qurn1yQ83w=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is always a nerve-racking time for me. Thinking to
myself, "Are they going to find it? Was it a good shot? Am I going to eat
deer heart or deer liver tomorrow?" These are the things I think about
when they are tracking. As they were following the track I could hear one of
them say, "Here is some blood." "More blood over here," was
repeated until I could hear them talking to each other. The next thing I could
hear was them dragging something through the snow. Don B yelled, "Next
time shoot one with both antlers! It would be a lot easier to drag!" We
all laughed as I could see them pulling him into view with Don B pulling on the
antler and T-rav pulling on a front leg. They brought him in front of me and I
asked how far he went. T-rav responded, "Maybe 50 yards." He then
explained, "By the look of the tracks, it looked like he was running and
didn't know he was dead. It looked like he piled up into a ball mid jump."
T-rav then grabbed the tag off of my tray and started cutting the dates out and
applied it to the antler. As we were doing this Don B was pulling out his knife
and saw to get the field dressing underway. Don B then said, "Look at this
weird coloring of hair on his chest in between his front legs." He then
said, "I think his mother was a skunk!" I shook my head and laughed.
Good grief. There was white striping in between the legs. It was neat. T-rav
also pointed out how the buck broke off his antler directly from the skull. It
wasn't snapped or cracked anywhere. Completely gone and there was still some
redness around the area. Maybe he shed the other one off and this one is just
awnery. Anyway, weird scenario.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivn2FeURkHA9nHSARA7OAXgNoTM-7GjRkPlighmnkyfOGxZfsxF-uXnZLlgSxpIAbas5wMv8EaJf1hbw-GcNylmub7MODVpePxoaT0rnAN6_6eHc0iYpPJrpaL8qKWHGfOwFvRHwHIh_vx6411Rz8bbaF7PUy63YDm1oMJQXxwNDG7JwH_qMvFSQnElg=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivn2FeURkHA9nHSARA7OAXgNoTM-7GjRkPlighmnkyfOGxZfsxF-uXnZLlgSxpIAbas5wMv8EaJf1hbw-GcNylmub7MODVpePxoaT0rnAN6_6eHc0iYpPJrpaL8qKWHGfOwFvRHwHIh_vx6411Rz8bbaF7PUy63YDm1oMJQXxwNDG7JwH_qMvFSQnElg=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I then said I needed to head back of the house to get mom
to take some pictures. On the way back to the house I passed my dad in the
Bobcat. That is a lot easier than dragging it the 60 yards or so to the shop
where the pickups were. By the time I got mom and back to the crime scene, the
buck was already gutted and in the bucket of the Bobcat. I explained that we
needed to take some pictures and T-rav drug it to the snow pile to take our
annual pictures. Mom and dad both snapped pictures.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCPXPsE7AuxtmBHuOgnnoXbnqpMvThhNBUoP5h4brXNi0gJ6wqNHYHMYCugTng_Orh_FAbr0pjQNK2Sa6SYMHrDIyKYA7nKT7NN557244C7ruBZkhkf8aYudPnEMOlJdmPtmmw-WivGtkS2zKxXxqY_pJ0zexAR7Hw4HrQysFjnNcnLU01-FtFX9dCOA=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCPXPsE7AuxtmBHuOgnnoXbnqpMvThhNBUoP5h4brXNi0gJ6wqNHYHMYCugTng_Orh_FAbr0pjQNK2Sa6SYMHrDIyKYA7nKT7NN557244C7ruBZkhkf8aYudPnEMOlJdmPtmmw-WivGtkS2zKxXxqY_pJ0zexAR7Hw4HrQysFjnNcnLU01-FtFX9dCOA=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Then they put it back in the bucket of the Bobcat and we
followed my dad back to the shop. We then decided we were going to bring it to <a href="https://www.maplevalleymeats.com/" target="_blank">MapleValley Meats</a>, the meat locker in town to get the carcass washed out nicely
instead of hanging it in the shop overnight. They put it in the back of my
dad's pickup as I burned back to the house to tell mom what was up. T-rav
helped me in the house so I could tell mom the plan and all I had to say was,
"Can I have you…" I couldn't finish my sentence and she replied with,
"Yes Clint. I can make you a cocktail!" T-rav and I giggled.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcHnYbdghEPdu1idA5p_2t59tJJgZzEJKNcpcJPPLfhqeD5nl0v5Lvl7lbNpE_uJidwPiy9NWyINlRUFC7lEFXmM3u8XLuKyJ0k5-skU8h34J7HcP1V-o7nOn5YPRtFuRu7xqQJJYi8TuGi9lQHBMrXRtA-YSmNUkvfNV5bDO1e3ssBtTBMZzoYAw4Jg=s568" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcHnYbdghEPdu1idA5p_2t59tJJgZzEJKNcpcJPPLfhqeD5nl0v5Lvl7lbNpE_uJidwPiy9NWyINlRUFC7lEFXmM3u8XLuKyJ0k5-skU8h34J7HcP1V-o7nOn5YPRtFuRu7xqQJJYi8TuGi9lQHBMrXRtA-YSmNUkvfNV5bDO1e3ssBtTBMZzoYAw4Jg=s320" width="161" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It didn't take long at the locker for them to get it
washed out nicely. I thanked the guys and said I would buy them a beer. They
said you better call James to see if the Spare Time is open. I gave him a
jingle and explained the situation. He said I saw your buck on snap and yep sure
come on over but use the back door. I burned over there in my wheelchair and
bought the boys a beer. I believe there was only one round and they decided
they had better go home because it was a school night. I of course had one more
while James cleaned up and got ready to close the bar. As I got outside I
realized mom and dad went to the Friendly. So I burned down the middle of
Center Street and was cheered on by a couple local idiots as I was in fifth
gear making little time of the block distance. My pickup was running and mom
was coming out of the bar as soon as I was ready to back in to the lift.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmmuDSFh78tg1WMvnQO7MF8VkyjiRcKWqJVvSPwkvxdUTO2R3-WD7I4kPXxJVPd_ff9mAnf97ioaq4oG859ciSjs1s-_iOEgFgMax9MYp_XIvsBX89DMIlywnOFtG_X3mfjqr3yqop_UzWqICS4dLyObX7aeZgATqbQIxneQZZZfK2qZ-BPzfVv7N-tw=s625" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmmuDSFh78tg1WMvnQO7MF8VkyjiRcKWqJVvSPwkvxdUTO2R3-WD7I4kPXxJVPd_ff9mAnf97ioaq4oG859ciSjs1s-_iOEgFgMax9MYp_XIvsBX89DMIlywnOFtG_X3mfjqr3yqop_UzWqICS4dLyObX7aeZgATqbQIxneQZZZfK2qZ-BPzfVv7N-tw=s320" width="160" /></a></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as I got home I had something to eat and was in
bed by 9 PM. I watched some of the Sunday night football game and was sleeping
by 9:30 PM. It was a good night.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">This hunting season was a different one for sure. It
wasn't the hardest and it for sure wasn't the easiest. But I know one thing for
sure, it was for sure worth it. Even if I hadn't shot a deer this year, it
would have been a success. I am always learning something new about hunting and
the outdoors every season, along with learning new things about myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I want to thank mom and dad for always helping me hunt
whenever I want to. Even though I know sometimes it is the last thing they want
to do. I want to thank the landowners who always offer up a place for me to
hunt every season. I want to thank my good friends who are always there to help
whenever I call, Don B and T-rav just to name a couple. I want to thank Leslie
at the probe shack for the samples. You all don't suck. I can't wait to do it
next year. Bow season starts in 254 days…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am very lucky. I truly am the lucky boy in the
wheelchair…<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p></div>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-58205971074956500402021-11-10T06:38:00.001-08:002021-11-10T06:38:19.141-08:00Pneumonia and stuff.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yBrZo_jYt4/YYvRO5uH61I/AAAAAAAAXf4/TbbJLDAyxuwrMP0-mg-IHFuMLZq7yVq7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1300/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="1300" height="188" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yBrZo_jYt4/YYvRO5uH61I/AAAAAAAAXf4/TbbJLDAyxuwrMP0-mg-IHFuMLZq7yVq7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/R.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I started feeling a little off on October 26. My head was
a little clogged up but I didn't think too much of it. Wednesday I felt pretty
good but then Thursday started feeling poorly. Tried to make an appointment the
next day either in Enderlin or Lisbon but they were full. Over the weekend it
kept getting worse and worse. I could tell the congestion was getting bad.
There was a lot of rattling in my lungs every time I breathed. I have a video
of me trying to breathe and it is not good.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was able to get an appointment November 1 in Lisbon at
the Sanford clinic at 3 PM. Before they would let me in, I had to do a Covid
test. So I had to get there an hour early to make sure I was clear of that stuff.
When I was cleared I went in and didn't wait long to get called back to room.
The NP was in quickly and she could tell right away that I was sick. She looked
in my ears, down my throat and said everything looks good there. Then she give
a listen to my lungs. She put the stethoscope in one spot and that was enough.
She said you have pneumonia. She then said she was going to give me a shot of
steroids to help open up my lungs and she would put me on some antibiotics
right away. She also told me to put a humidifier in my room. I cranked it on
high, it felt like a rain forest in my room. Like a sauna…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">We stopped at the drug store on the way home and picked
up the prescriptions and nebulizer. I was parked right in front of the
Cattleman's. It was tempting but I knew better. Good grief. Anyway when I got
home I popped a pill and it felt pretty good for a while. When I woke up the
next morning I took another pill and could breathe a little bit better. Had
some soup for lunch and pretty much slept the afternoon away.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Wednesday, November 3 when I woke up I knew things were
not good. I was very short of breath. I could not breathe in deeply at all. It
was almost like hyperventilating. About 11 AM that morning I decided maybe I
should get up to see if that would help my breathing at all. About noon I
realized being in the wheelchair wasn't helping. It is not fun not being able
to breathe. I think it was around 12:30 PM when I decided I either had to go to
the ER or call 911. I realized that I wasn't going to be able to get to Fargo
without the help of some medical assistance. So we decided to call 911. An
ambulance was going to come from Casselton and in the meantime first responders
came from Enderlin. LaTeasa and Don B showed up. Then came a Cass County
Deputy. He was going to direct the ambulance to the right location. LaTeasa
hooked me up with oxygen which seemed to help a little bit. It kept me from
hyperventilating. But I was still very short of breath.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ambulance got there around 1:30 PM. I was in my wheelchair
in the living room so mom had to throw me on the stretcher. Once they got me
all strapped in I was out the door, down the ramp and in the back of the ambulance.
When I was inside Don B was shutting the doors, as he was shutting the second
door I voiced to him, "Make sure Sarah knows!" He nodded as he shut
the door. At that point I had no clue what was going to happen. You never know.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4AA5tQ6iBU/YYvYL8NtywI/AAAAAAAAXgk/t9e3-1XpQ7AW2q2e77cuq-uyUpReJx5IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-411957489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4AA5tQ6iBU/YYvYL8NtywI/AAAAAAAAXgk/t9e3-1XpQ7AW2q2e77cuq-uyUpReJx5IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-411957489.jpg" width="161" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as the door was shut the driver turned west and
then we went north on county line, turned east towards Alice and north to I 94.
It wasn't too long and we were at the new Sanford Medical Center. On the way
there I learned that the paramedic has been doing this for 36 years I believe
he said. He was good. We were bouncing up and down in the back while he put a
needle in my vein to get everything ready for when I got to the ER. I was
impressed. Some can't find a vein while I am sitting still in a room let alone
going 85+ mph down a bumpy interstate.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we got to the hospital I was brought into my own
room and the doctor was there in no time. He listened to my lungs and within a
couple minutes there was a respiratory therapist there to see what he could do.
The first thing he said he was going to do was a quad push. For those of you
who do not know this is designed to help quadriplegics cough. It is like
getting punched in the stomach with an upward motion to make you expel the air
out of your lungs. It is not a pleasant experience. I guess I had to do this
quite a bit when I was first injured but I do not remember it. Thank goodness.
He tried this two or three times and nothing worked. I was too clogged up.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFC7ZzAGOLo/YYvXQiyjJYI/AAAAAAAAXgA/R-uQl6u27C8eSW_yDOoyHX4lMwT8x5yDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s538/2-Figure2-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="444" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nFC7ZzAGOLo/YYvXQiyjJYI/AAAAAAAAXgA/R-uQl6u27C8eSW_yDOoyHX4lMwT8x5yDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2-Figure2-1.png" width="264" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">So next up was the NT tube. This is when they stick a
tube up your nose, down your throat and into your lungs. This is fun. Good
times. The tube is hooked to a vacuum and it sucks out everything it can. He
did this down one nostril and got quite a bit of sludge up. Then he did the
other nostril. He did each side four times. After that I told him no more. My
nose was getting to sore and it was starting to bleed, internally. It was
helping but there's only so much you can take. NT suctioning sucks, literally
and figuratively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next up was throat suctioning. This is when they shove a
tube down your throat and into your lungs. This was like heaven compared to the
NT tube going down the nose. He did this quite a few times with different
angles trying to suck up as much as he could. After numerous times of getting
stuff up with suction he decided that he had gotten everything up that was
going to come up, so he let me rest for a while.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I did not realize it but all of that fun stuff lasted
quite a while because I didn't get into my room until about 8 PM that first
day. I think I was in the ER from 3:30 PM until the room was open around eight.
During my stay I learned there was 67 tiles on my ceiling and 34 are whole
tiles, not cut. This is in room 816 if you ever want to check my math.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHbMIMBSoLM/YYvXdOJHuxI/AAAAAAAAXgE/aZ2M402tsJsZOJpoyzVFTjHdut1yxvGwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1872982176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="285" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHbMIMBSoLM/YYvXdOJHuxI/AAAAAAAAXgE/aZ2M402tsJsZOJpoyzVFTjHdut1yxvGwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1872982176.jpg" width="161" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I got to my room a nurse and nurse assistant got me
into my bed and soon after there was a respiratory therapist ready to make a plan
for the week. They did not have a cough assist machine on hand but she
guaranteed she would bring one in the morning. That night she could tell I was
clogged up so she did the NT tube again. This time only three times down each
nostril. Man that sucks. But it did help. She also tried doing a couple quad
pushes. That didn't seem to help. By the time she was ready to leave I asked
the nurse if I could eat anything. Of course the kitchen was closed but she
brought me some dry whole-wheat toast with no butter that I could put some
peanut butter and jelly on. I am not a fan but man that did taste good after
eating nothing all day. During the night I had to call the nurse to have
respiratory therapist come to help me breathe two different times.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6PJfACJlq0/YYvXmRqJB4I/AAAAAAAAXgM/MCTaXbdKqssap2oz2hPKsE8Y2hjmSoysACLcBGAsYHQ/s285/1872982176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="100" data-original-width="285" height="100" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L6PJfACJlq0/YYvXmRqJB4I/AAAAAAAAXgM/MCTaXbdKqssap2oz2hPKsE8Y2hjmSoysACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/1872982176.jpg" width="285" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning after like getting no sleep, literally
no sleep, one of the respiratory therapists was there around 7 AM. The cough
assist machine still wasn't there but she put a tube down my throat numerous
times and got quite a bit of sludge up again. She also tried quad push with no
luck. Then she told me what the plan was for the next couple days. A
respiratory therapist would come around 7 AM, 11 AM, 5 PM and 10 PM every day.
They would also be available throughout the night whenever they were needed.
She also said during their visits they would start with a nebulizer with two
different potions before using the cough assist machine. One potion is to
loosen up the sludge in my lungs and the other is to open up the airways. Sidebar:
She didn't use the term potion, but I can't remember what was in the two
different nebulizer solutions. At 11 AM when the therapist came the next time
she brought the cough assist machine. This was the first time I have ever used
one.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">A cough assist machine does this… "As the patient breathes
in, the cough assist machine gives extra air which expands the lungs called
“positive pressure,” then as the person exhales the machine then uses suction
to withdraw the extra air from the lungs called “negative pressure.” This
action forces the patient to cough deeply enabling them to shift mucus from
their lungs." It will literally knock the wind out of you. It is kind of
designed to do that. It is kind of spooky the first time you use it. But when
you realize it is helping you, it becomes almost natural.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">There was a couple times when there was stuff coming up
but it got stuck halfway. One time my eyes got really big when she was
suctioning through my throat and something got stuck in my airway and the
respiratory therapist said, "Don't worry, I won't let you choke!"
Evidently she could tell I was worried by the look in my eyes. She raced around
the bed and grabbed the cough assist machine and smashed it on my face. She
turned it on and it blew air down my lungs and sucked it back out. Whatever was
in there was dislodged and I could finally breathe. There were a couple moments
like that during the week. That sucked, literally.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">In fact, before they would let me go home they said I had
to have a cough assist machine. I wasn't going to argue because I knew how well
these machines worked over the last couple days. They are seriously lifesavers.
Every respiratory therapist I had wrote in their notes to the doctor that I
needed a prescription for a cough assist machine. The caseworker got the doctor
to sign the prescription and before I left two therapists brought down a new
machine and showed us how to run it. It is pretty simple, which is nice.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7TcFK_3pF4/YYvX1qfq8uI/AAAAAAAAXgU/5pDXTu68P2EfSBLOXx9zpJtn9cX4F45PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1247/Snapchat-1996971710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="1247" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y7TcFK_3pF4/YYvX1qfq8uI/AAAAAAAAXgU/5pDXTu68P2EfSBLOXx9zpJtn9cX4F45PwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1996971710.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Everything about the new hospital is nice and shiny
except for the menu. This is the same exact menu they have had for at least 15
years. Over my past stays I have learned what to eat and not to. Thankfully I
usually have visitors who will bring me food but that is usually just for
supper. For dinner I usually order an everything omelette with hashbrowns on
the side. They seem to never screw that up and it actually doesn't taste bad,
not good either but not bad. The other go to meal if you're ever there is
chicken strips, potato wedges and a plate of raw veggies. Another good one is
turkey breast with a side of scalloped potatoes. I would suggest never getting
any cooked vegetables. Always get a plate of raw veggies. It is not on the menu
but they have it. You can also get individual pizza or a sandwich made with
anything you want. Everything else sucks. Trust me. You're welcome.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">This was my menu for the week:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">First Day - whole-wheat toast with peanut butter and
jelly.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Second Day - everything omelette with hashbrowns for
lunch. Meatballs and noodles from Brutus Brickhouse. Thanks mom and Randi.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Third Day - chicken strips, potato wedges, raw veggies
for lunch. Buffalo wings, onion rings and coleslaw from Wings and Rings. Thanks
mom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fourth Day - everything omelette with hashbrowns for
lunch. House Special Pizza from Duane's House of Pizza. Thanks mom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fifth Day - chicken strips, potato wedges, raw veggies
for lunch. Chinese food from Nine Dragons. Thanks mom.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't worry, I tipped her well for the week of food.
She's the best. By the way, mom had a little vacation herself. She stayed at a
really nice hotel next door with a hot tub and some Angry Orchard beer.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also learned while going through notes from my stay
that I have had 27 surgeries since 2004. For some reason that is as far back as
it went. I know I had more before that. Most of those surgeries are for kidney
and bladder stones. A couple flap surgeries. At least one skin graph. A couple
surgeries were to clean out infected areas of stuff and things. One of these
days I'll have to add up my total tally. I'm way over 30. That doesn't seem
real but it is. Crazy.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I got a total of 12 hours of sleep during my six day,
five night stay at the all-inclusive Scamford Inn & Suites. I guess the old
saying is true, you don't go to the hospital for rest. Too much beeping and
interruptions for any sack time. The worst part was that I found out when I am
just about to fall asleep my heart rate drops below 50 beats per second and
that is when the alarm goes off on the monitor. Evidently the monitor thinks that
is too low for a person to be alive or something. Jerks. One of the nurses even
said, "Man, you sure know how to relax when you relax." They always
ask when they see my heart rate and blood pressure, "Do you feel all
right? Are you going to pass out on me?" I assure them that I am fine and
this is just the normal me. I don't get too excited.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I learned quite a few things during my stay. I have
learned that I have been quite lucky with my quadriplegia. Most in my position
have had many bouts with pneumonia or some other type of lung problem. The
doctors and especially the respiratory therapists could not believe that I had
never used a cough assist machine before.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">FYI: Sanford has a strict policy of only two visitors per day. They
take a picture of your ID at the door.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I write this I have only been home for about a day. I
have used the cough assist machine five times so far. And it is working well. I
have gotten stuff up the last couple times. It is simple to use. I was
prescribed to use the cough assist machine four times a day after doing a
nebulizer session. The nebulizer takes about ten minutes and I do five reps
with the cough machine. If nothing comes up I quit if something does come up I
do another five reps. It doesn't take too long. One thing that I find is weird
is that I never had a temperature or anything else that made me feel sick. Just
the congestion in my lungs. I feel totally normal except for the rattling in my
lungs. Not sure how long that is going to last but I need to keep doing the
nebulizer and cough assist machine until it is gone. All I know is community
acquired pneumonia sucks.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYxU7HVGhm8/YYvYAO6GOMI/AAAAAAAAXgc/9GKHdURqwrwy0dfv1N6O5VghreoMfZBrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-1310860614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYxU7HVGhm8/YYvYAO6GOMI/AAAAAAAAXgc/9GKHdURqwrwy0dfv1N6O5VghreoMfZBrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1310860614.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have to say everyone that I dealt with during my stay
was top-notch. The nurses, the nurse assistants, caseworkers, respiratory
therapists and the doctors were great. I had no problems at all with anyone I
encountered. Until next time Sanford…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><br /><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-26827544060427477292021-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:002021-10-15T12:44:41.000-07:00Fred Bear's 10 Commandments of Hunting:<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpwv5wrkuZY/YWnZRCEbDYI/AAAAAAAAXFQ/tnnw14O1s2kw5sCxLOadhWXEWhgLYhkCACLcBGAsYHQ/s520/fred_bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="520" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wpwv5wrkuZY/YWnZRCEbDYI/AAAAAAAAXFQ/tnnw14O1s2kw5sCxLOadhWXEWhgLYhkCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/fred_bear.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Don't step on anything you can step over.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Don't look for deer; look for movement (and remember,
it's what they're looking for, too).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Always approach downwind. In the cool of the day, move
uphill; in the heat of the day, move downhill.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">4. The best camouflage pattern is called, "Sit down
and be quiet!" Your grandpa hunted deer in a red plaid coat. Think about
that for a second.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Take only the gear to the field that allows you to
hunt longer, harder, and smarter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">6. A rainstorm isn't a reason to quit the hunt. It's a
reason to stay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">7. Camouflage your appearance, your sound and your scent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">8. Be sure of your shot. Nothing is more expensive than
regret.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">9. Hunt where the deer actually are, not where you'd
imagine them to be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">10. Next year's hunt begins the minute this season's hunt
ends.</span></p><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-36516396609232916152021-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:002021-10-12T12:13:15.521-07:00Going places close.<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqwsOtCzu_0/YWXXgm3UVxI/AAAAAAAAXBY/7S-JSlgUaGAAm3_30-JbdDgdnUSONG1KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242327174_10161253696898642_3107147546576714130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DqwsOtCzu_0/YWXXgm3UVxI/AAAAAAAAXBY/7S-JSlgUaGAAm3_30-JbdDgdnUSONG1KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242327174_10161253696898642_3107147546576714130_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a lot of neat places to see close to home that
most people don't ever think about going or maybe even have never heard of.
They might not be the most exciting or interesting to some folks but they are
worth the trip. There are hundreds of places like that in every area including
the great state of North Dakota. If you like history and scenic views, the
options are endless for places to visit. I visited a couple of these places in
a day trip a couple weeks ago.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvr2D5nfsmU/YWXb5ycvPiI/AAAAAAAAXBo/dIup_XUWfjQUIyiXi999LotpBt4BlbWogCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242477501_10161253696328642_5988851310053029341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvr2D5nfsmU/YWXb5ycvPiI/AAAAAAAAXBo/dIup_XUWfjQUIyiXi999LotpBt4BlbWogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242477501_10161253696328642_5988851310053029341_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have wanted to go to the Whitestone Hill historical
site for quite a while. This summer I made it happen. It is the site of a
battle between Indians and Soldiers. You can read more about the conflict in these two links <a href="https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/whitestone/index.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.ellendalend.com/index.asp?SEC=C4D0E811-78C0-4F3C-BD10-A1C289E8FAAD&Type=NONE" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQxFfGpNIKI/YWXchDgWLAI/AAAAAAAAXBw/2RUTYIa-7p0s2P-gUgptNM-NYA2pX5pmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242155274_10161253696233642_2729103874441117800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQxFfGpNIKI/YWXchDgWLAI/AAAAAAAAXBw/2RUTYIa-7p0s2P-gUgptNM-NYA2pX5pmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242155274_10161253696233642_2729103874441117800_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">I was a little
leery about traveling the gravel roads in that area but coming from the
northeast towards the historical site the roads were perfect. We did not meet
another vehicle traveling from Edgeley all the way there. It is pretty
desolate. The historical site it is well-maintained. There are a couple
different shelters, a campground and bathroom.</p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_VHLzNDNNc/YWXcuTuDh5I/AAAAAAAAXB0/8MEUBOi0hIMvjP26WMF_FytSgZ_YGwJ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242636398_10161253696413642_8087572274854479279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_VHLzNDNNc/YWXcuTuDh5I/AAAAAAAAXB0/8MEUBOi0hIMvjP26WMF_FytSgZ_YGwJ4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242636398_10161253696413642_8087572274854479279_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">When doing some research on this place it didn't seem
like the hill was very steep. Let me tell you the hill is very steep. When we
first pulled up I was kind of bummed because I didn't think I would be able to
make it up to the monument. The north side of the hill is very steep but there
are steps with a railing. As we went around to the southwest side of the hill I
figured I would be able to at least try it. It was sketchy but with mom on the
back pushing, making sure I did not flip over backwards, it worked. It didn't
take too long to get to the top. I would not try it with a manual wheelchair. I
was glad I was able to make it up there. The view is amazing. You can see to
the east it seems forever.</p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qf-xL6dcY5A/YWXc66pzAVI/AAAAAAAAXB8/xRiprJ1LccITqj6BUDbmhZzYrGUEtC7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242624662_10161253696483642_6045486080307303614_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qf-xL6dcY5A/YWXc66pzAVI/AAAAAAAAXB8/xRiprJ1LccITqj6BUDbmhZzYrGUEtC7pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242624662_10161253696483642_6045486080307303614_n.jpg" width="161" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">As soon as you get there you realize where you are and
the history that happened there. You can picture the history unfolding in front
of you. You also see that the monument for the soldiers is huge and the
monument for the Indians is not so big. Going down the hill was sketchy also.
But we made it.</p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptwFv-WFzic/YWXdKArV8gI/AAAAAAAAXCE/cJhhJCE3nyApek_zCWZV6t5BmQUNNj9mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242383106_10161253696658642_5373624575878620890_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ptwFv-WFzic/YWXdKArV8gI/AAAAAAAAXCE/cJhhJCE3nyApek_zCWZV6t5BmQUNNj9mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242383106_10161253696658642_5373624575878620890_n.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">On the way home we decided to stop at the Standing Rock
Historical Site. I have been here many times but the view is always worth it.
Doesn't matter what time of year but in the Fall the view is spectacular. For more info on Standing Rock, click <a href=" https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/standingrock/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGv6vlCG8mY/YWXdYzw9MpI/AAAAAAAAXCM/RiVDKox0QEIfcTFoNPo_yKIFs2eZTQ8aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/242080986_10161253696593642_8065064521195803496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="960" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGv6vlCG8mY/YWXdYzw9MpI/AAAAAAAAXCM/RiVDKox0QEIfcTFoNPo_yKIFs2eZTQ8aQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242080986_10161253696593642_8065064521195803496_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing">I can't believe that I have never been to this place
before. It is only a couple hours from home. Next summer I hope to knock off
quite a few more sites on my list of places to go. For more of historical places associated with the Sibley & Sully Expeditions, click <a href="https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/sibleysully/index.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p></div><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-11836299952519390182021-05-17T06:52:00.005-07:002021-05-18T08:20:53.620-07:00Thankful and stuff.<p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4aCQ_iT9kA/YKPa6u-qrmI/AAAAAAAAU6A/N8ZzQRVV8kI6NXjMwt_rVMPWRHuiZjwWgCPcBGAsYHg/s1824/Resized_Snapchat-1338771888_133507751922456.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="915" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J4aCQ_iT9kA/YKPa6u-qrmI/AAAAAAAAU6A/N8ZzQRVV8kI6NXjMwt_rVMPWRHuiZjwWgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/Resized_Snapchat-1338771888_133507751922456.jpeg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have did.
I don't notice too many at least in our area, people in wheelchairs, quads out
and about enjoying life. Most of them I think are locked up and the key is
thrown away. Out of sight out of mind, so to speak. But with my support system
around me, letting me do the stuff I do, it makes life not suck.<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was thinking about this Sunday while I was sitting
outside enjoying the sunshine and beautiful weather waiting to go to the range
to help with the High School Trap Team. I also just got done eating dinner that
consisted of a deer roast from a buckaroo I shot last fall with my crossbow.
That would be a mouthful for a lot of people in a wheelchair to say. Just that
sentence alone, most have not did. But I'm a lucky boy in the
wheelchair. Lucky because of my support system and the life you all let me live. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGE8mqMs6q0/YKPbC29WImI/AAAAAAAAU6E/4w1TCx7yE68t-6x2ritPx3GAb8wUBtlhACPcBGAsYHg/s3840/Snapchat-139219012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="1925" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGE8mqMs6q0/YKPbC29WImI/AAAAAAAAU6E/4w1TCx7yE68t-6x2ritPx3GAb8wUBtlhACPcBGAsYHg/s320/Snapchat-139219012.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-76803564918915172882021-02-15T08:05:00.001-08:002021-02-15T08:05:19.799-08:002014 Rifle Buck and stuff.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_U0x64PpC5E/YCqT8xYQOZI/AAAAAAAATnw/9wCVJOS8S6g6tqAz5hz30mweEetRD8QfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10411260_10153348718688642_805923332776634738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_U0x64PpC5E/YCqT8xYQOZI/AAAAAAAATnw/9wCVJOS8S6g6tqAz5hz30mweEetRD8QfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10411260_10153348718688642_805923332776634738_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">The 2014 hunting season was a challenging season. I had
not seen many deer while sitting. The deers were there, just not when I was
there. My game cameras were full of pictures since August and had been out
since June. That year I sat in four different locations with my crossbow but
never once had a shot at a buck. Frustration was setting in.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJgNGY2HkDc/YCqWKA8NlkI/AAAAAAAATn8/mO5wffv6ItUkMLAl0hpkE5ux9pTkRv4-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10447625_10153253690913642_1712720979658147854_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJgNGY2HkDc/YCqWKA8NlkI/AAAAAAAATn8/mO5wffv6ItUkMLAl0hpkE5ux9pTkRv4-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10447625_10153253690913642_1712720979658147854_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I was lucky enough to draw a rifle tag that year in my
home unit. It had been three years since I had drawn one. The first week of
rifle season I sat with my crossbow because I like getting up close and personal
with them. But I had no luck and I was sick of sitting in the cold. The
temperatures were in the 20s and there always seemed to be a stiff wind full of
suck. So I decided to bring out the rifle. I like to call it cheating.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_16TqEX2_0/YCqbMY4S30I/AAAAAAAATow/DWdJ_ATr-Dw9n7KVB1Cm_s8B3osXBrnnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10474179_10153342721048642_1185839442357303555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_16TqEX2_0/YCqbMY4S30I/AAAAAAAATow/DWdJ_ATr-Dw9n7KVB1Cm_s8B3osXBrnnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10474179_10153342721048642_1185839442357303555_n.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also decided to call up my friend Tito a.k.a. Lawrence.
He doesn't have all of his fingers but he is pretty neat. We did some scouting
during his four days off from work and we found a honey hole of antlers. We
were driving by some CRP when we saw some pheasants fly into a slough. As soon
as the pheasants landed, the slough exploded with deer. Six bucks and a handful
of does were in the bunch. The bucks started sizing each other up. It was
crazy. Second time I have seen anything like it. The bucks were fighting each other,
hard-core. The rut was on. The other bucks were watching and taking their turns
when the loser would quit. We watched them for about fifteen minutes, just to
watch them in their glory. They didn't care that we were only about 40 yards
away in the shaggin wagon. There was one Hartford buck that was the king of the
CRP. Later that afternoon we watched him chase a doe over a mile. Most hunters
would be proud to have him on their wall. But we only saw him one more time in
the next two days and he never gave me a shot. I told Tito I was going to shoot
anything with antlers and he said, "Bull, we are going for a big buck, not
a sausage stuffer."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Where all of these deer were was right on the edge of the
farmstead. So we went into the yard to ask the landowner if I could hunt. As we
were pulling into the driveway Tito said, "You could get set up right in their
yard and shoot any of those bucks right now!" I knew exactly what he meant
and I was getting excited. We pulled up to the house, Tito and I got out, went
up to the door and knocked. The landowner came out and he knew what we were
going to ask. I imagine he saw our hunter orange and knew what was up. We told
him the scenario and asked for permission. He declined us though because the
deer were too close to his house. We explained that we would shoot away from
the buildings but he still denied us, which is his right and we were fine with
it. There is more than one way to skin a cat.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yZ8Myfxb0/YCqWZ_gUOEI/AAAAAAAAToE/Jqj6qlZfnzYCGlkeG67peQvAcFxO3MJbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10616237_10153330681668642_149339129856703001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f5yZ8Myfxb0/YCqWZ_gUOEI/AAAAAAAAToE/Jqj6qlZfnzYCGlkeG67peQvAcFxO3MJbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10616237_10153330681668642_149339129856703001_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">We decided we would head over east back towards my place
and sit a couple hundred yards away from a shelter belt that I have been seeing
a lot of bucks on one of my trail cams. We opened up the back driver’s side
door of the shaggin wagon and we got the rifle mount on my chair. It was a cool
brisk day that afternoon so I decided to sit in the vehicle with the heater blowing
with the door wide open. It worked pretty slick. (At that time I had a permit
to shoot out of vehicle.) We didn't see anything while sitting but we made a
plan for the next day. The shaggin wagon was full of cigert smoke and
disappointment.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyWLRYuUXAk/YCqbAEnpJUI/AAAAAAAATos/9wWjZbyb2_A4Mo51NcMslcw2goV69WA8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/10405331_10153346839208642_35637893775321266_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DyWLRYuUXAk/YCqbAEnpJUI/AAAAAAAATos/9wWjZbyb2_A4Mo51NcMslcw2goV69WA8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/10405331_10153346839208642_35637893775321266_n.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next afternoon Tito and I picked up his dad Lowell. He
was going to be our pusher, little did he know. On our way to the honey hole
where we saw all of the deer the day before we saw a lone deer. It was a buck
and we were only 2 miles from the house when we found him around 3 PM. He was all
by himself, in the middle of nowhere. Tito quickly hopped out of his seat, put
the rifle on my chair mount and I was within 10 seconds of taking the shot.
Just when I was getting him in the scope he took off. Right at that time a
vehicle passed us and we realized why that buck took off in such a hurry. We
were parked in the middle of the gravel road. Geesh. Always check your mirrors
kids.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Little did we know about two hours later we would see
that buck again. But in between the encounters with him we found at least 15
more deer including five bucks, a couple shooters. We did a lot of glassing.
But nothing would align correctly for me to get a shot. We even had Lowell push
a little bit of CRP towards us but to no avail.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">With about a half-hour left of shooting time we were
making our way home. Tito was looking out one window while driving and Lowell
was in the passenger seat looking out the other window. I was of course in the
back scanning every direction for movement. We were just a mile east of where
we saw all of the bucks the day earlier. It was getting pretty dark and Tito
said, "Do you guys see anything? Because I haven't seen squat."
Lowell said he wasn't seen anything. That's when I said, "Why don't I
shoot that buck standing in front of us in the middle of the road?" They
were both shocked. It was funnier than heck because they didn't notice him. They
were too busy looking out their windows. This buck had no care in the world. He
was twitterpated. His nose was to the gravel and he didn't even notice us. I
bet we were not 30 yards away from him.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was the first buck we saw earlier in the afternoon. On
the left side of us was a CRP field that was also PLOTS land (Public Land Open
to Sportsmen). He walked into the CRP with his nose on the ground. Tito stopped
the vehicle and opened the back driver's-side door. We got my rifle mount on as
quickly as we could and Tito jacked a bullet into the chamber. The buck was a
little over 250 yards away when I tried to find him in my scope. I tried
getting my chair lined up so that my rifle was aiming in the right direction.
When that is done then I need to move my shoulder around to find them in my
scope. For some reason something wasn't set up right with the mount. I was struggling
and I didn't know why. Tito asked me what he should do and I didn't have a
clue. All of a sudden Lowell pushed the butt of the rifle towards the middle of
my shoulder. As soon as he did that it felt comfortable and I found Mr. Buckaroo
standing there broadside.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpdFUciBBlA/YCqXbbOkfZI/AAAAAAAATog/xOgiZwRGA_UJLw8EiVgAFm8rcCeAqfjBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BpdFUciBBlA/YCqXbbOkfZI/AAAAAAAATog/xOgiZwRGA_UJLw8EiVgAFm8rcCeAqfjBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I got on the buck through the scope as quick as I could, I
took the shot and missed. He didn't even move. I didn't know where the shot
went. Tito and Lowell didn't know where I shot either. I took another shot and
down he went like a pile of bricks. I was excited. But I think Tito and Lowell
were more excited than I. It was good times. We quickly talked about what just
happened. We decided that I would call home and have mom bring Tito's pickup
over.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">We were only 2 1/2 miles from our farmstead, so it did
not take her long to get there. But by the time she did get there it was dark.
Tito said he would walk out there, tag the buck and then Lowell would go help
him gut it and drag back to the road. But first Tito would have to find it in
the dark. Lowell and I stayed by the shaggin wagon to direct Tito to where the
deer was laying. It took a little bit of yelling and using the flashlight to
steer him in the right direction but it didn't take long for him to find it. I
decided I was going to get back in the shaggin wagon to warm up and I figured I
would see Lowell making his way out to Tito by foot. But nope, he decided to
drive Tito's vehicle out into the PLOTS, which is not so good unless you have
permission from the landowner. I just laughed to myself. I know </span><span style="font-family: arial;">what </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Lowell was
thinking, "Why in the hell would I walk when I could drive?"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as Lowell got out there in Tito's pickup, Tito
said, "You know you can't drive out here?" Lowell replied back,
"Well, I just did!" Tito just shook his head and started gutting my buck.
I still laugh at that scenario. That is good stuff. It didn't take him long to
get him gutted, then we brought him to the locker and the celebration began
with a few libations.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBuG1rDKosg/YCqW0uRwlyI/AAAAAAAAToM/ItfAdnpvoNYStc2hnOYkXoEkO4iT9VwcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20141120_183920.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBuG1rDKosg/YCqW0uRwlyI/AAAAAAAAToM/ItfAdnpvoNYStc2hnOYkXoEkO4iT9VwcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20141120_183920.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">This hunt ranks up there with one of my most memorable.
There are some more stories to the story but I don't think I should tell them
on this platform. Ask me about them over a cocktail. I am pretty sure the statute
of limitations has run out on most of the stuff and things. Good grief.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c78mdA9kgJg/YCqXIvOJIfI/AAAAAAAAToU/Py9Nw9hzgH83PYEsTEBE_aYu7m6IR6pOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20150105_190701.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c78mdA9kgJg/YCqXIvOJIfI/AAAAAAAAToU/Py9Nw9hzgH83PYEsTEBE_aYu7m6IR6pOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20150105_190701.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">November 20, 2014 was the 18th day I was in the field
that year with either my crossbow or rifle. That day I shot him with my
Remington .243 model 7400 around 270 yards. Give or take. He ended up not being
the biggest or oldest buck we were chasing, but that never really seems to
matter. It's about the stories and the memories made that make for a great
hunt. Tito and I still giggle about this hunt.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-90975698504303592612021-02-12T08:59:00.000-08:002021-02-12T08:59:28.976-08:00Earning it and stuff.<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfbk5wtAZGU/YCay5gmkS5I/AAAAAAAATkY/Gmo7qR1AG5g4BVvI7WoOyVi2j_msGvCyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s889/You-will-never-have-this-day-again.-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="683" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfbk5wtAZGU/YCay5gmkS5I/AAAAAAAATkY/Gmo7qR1AG5g4BVvI7WoOyVi2j_msGvCyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/You-will-never-have-this-day-again.-1.jpg" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I have gotten a second chance. I have tried to earn it. I
know I have failed in doing that sometimes but every day I want to try and earn
it. I have made mistakes. But I try to minimize them. I try not to suck but sometimes
the suck just happens. Earning it is hard. Sometimes it is easy earning it but when
I think of the second chance that I have gotten, that second chance makes me
want to do more.</span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Every day and every week and every month and every year I
hope to earn it a little more. More than the day before. Waking up saying to
yourself that you are going to earn it makes that day go a lot better. Of
course there are days that you just don't give a crap but I try to limit days
like those.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">By earning it every day I don't mean doing big things, I
mean the little everyday things. It could be as simple as telling someone
thanks or that you appreciate them. Even if it is just putting a smile on
someone's face. To me that is earning that day. It is worth it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The other side of earning it is the regrets of life. The
stuff and things you should have done. The stuff and things you should not have
done. I have had some big regrets. Those types of regrets when you wish you
could take back a certain day or even a certain conversation. Those really
suck. But by earning that day or moment back, hopefully you can reverse that regret.
Hopefully by the end of the day, week, month and year you have less regret and
feel like you have earned it.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">You need to do it for yourself. Sometimes it is good to
be selfish. It's good to be selfish when you are earning it. The best way you
can earn it is by helping others. But once you take care of you, you can take
care of others. You need to earn it for yourself.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwSSGHAI4-s/YCazkSD6puI/AAAAAAAATkg/0JPzCXywb4MOTvEX6_2Rhsjou6fkUiUewCLcBGAsYHQ/s245/521731_402915216461614_35565694_n-224x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwSSGHAI4-s/YCazkSD6puI/AAAAAAAATkg/0JPzCXywb4MOTvEX6_2Rhsjou6fkUiUewCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/521731_402915216461614_35565694_n-224x300.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></p><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-56285591387442352462020-12-03T08:06:00.001-08:002020-12-03T08:06:09.138-08:00More Adaptive Trigger Mechanisms.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4-G5I0Z8rU/X8kIDJoBr2I/AAAAAAAASXI/DZXZHCCQG2cxsZHX2IizXB__I-sI9k57QCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-338662132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z4-G5I0Z8rU/X8kIDJoBr2I/AAAAAAAASXI/DZXZHCCQG2cxsZHX2IizXB__I-sI9k57QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-338662132.jpg" /></a></div><br />When I first got back into hunting one of the biggest
obstacles I needed to figure out was how I was going to pull the trigger on
whichever weapon I wanted to shoot. My accident in 1994 left me a C 4-5
quadriplegic. That means that I do not have any finger movement, I have a
little wrist movement on my left, no wrist movement on the right side but I do
have use of my elbows. So knowing this I needed to figure out how to pull the
trigger without using finger dexterity.<p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sTEUjsSghIs" width="320" youtube-src-id="sTEUjsSghIs"></iframe></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I started hunting again in 1998 but was using only a
crossbow and the trigger needed for that particular weapon was a lot simpler
than it would be on a rifle. I received my rifle mount for my wheelchair in
2005 from a friend. We had talked and had looked on the Internet for different
types of wheelchair rifle mounts and one day I was surprised by my friend
Dustin with this awesome gift. Now we just needed to figure out how to mount it
to my wheelchair, because nothing is simple. All wheelchairs are not made with
the same dimensions. There was going to be a need for some farming ingenuity.
It actually did not take long for my dad Roger to figure out how to attach the
rifle mount to my wheelchair.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Getting a trigger to work that I could use was going to
be difficult. First we tried putting a hook made of heavy gauge wire on my wrist
splint, having me reach up and pull the trigger. This actually worked a little
bit but I could not get the hook off the trigger by myself, so that wasn't very
safe. I didn't have enough control. Next we tried putting a string around the
trigger and having it hang down far enough so that I could hook it and pull
back. This also worked but was not very reliable.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">In 2009 came the eye-opening, voilà moment. My uncle Gary,
brother-in-law Brad, friend Don B, my dad, my friend Lawrence and myself were
trying to come up with a solution for the trigger. Uncle Gary mentioned having
some type of lever that would trip the trigger and then my dad said we could attach
it to the trigger guard and then Don B said I have an idea. Within a couple
days Don B had the trigger machined out and it was ready for a test run. I
couldn't believe how easy the trigger worked the first time I tried it and I
was glad I had it on video. The design is so easy and simple, yet it works
perfectly. It took us 4 years to figure it out but it was well worth it.</span><span style="font-family: arial; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHv6L5UNI0/X8kJJxEANTI/AAAAAAAASXQ/5v5rokr9RUEnLQxqyasTi6j0g15zprRUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20160408_165253.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPHv6L5UNI0/X8kJJxEANTI/AAAAAAAASXQ/5v5rokr9RUEnLQxqyasTi6j0g15zprRUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20160408_165253.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since the first design of the trigger we really haven't
had to change much about it. Depending on what gun it is going to get mounted
on, sometimes the gap where it attaches to the trigger guard needs to be made a
little bigger. With a fine file this can be done quickly. But one of the best
things about this trigger mechanism is that it is pretty universal. I can
switch it from my Ruger 22 to my Remington Model 7400 and then to my Weatherby
shotgun with just a simple allen wrench. No adjustments need to be made. This
trigger mechanism even works on my Carbon Express Intercept crossbow. This
trigger mechanism has fit on every rifle I have tried it on. The only guns it
does not fit on are some shotguns. The reason is because some shotgun trigger
guards are rounded. For this trigger mechanism to work the trigger guard needs
to be flat below the trigger.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfsPRqzSEj4/X8kKQmVeQ1I/AAAAAAAASXg/i00wmWu2dEUmUAYcJz84J87RNp1lFsGGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/8bde0f328a968e5b6882d393028a9a57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QfsPRqzSEj4/X8kKQmVeQ1I/AAAAAAAASXg/i00wmWu2dEUmUAYcJz84J87RNp1lFsGGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/8bde0f328a968e5b6882d393028a9a57.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">In 2018 we got the trigger mechanism fine-tuned, I
decided to post a video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/ClintLindemann" target="_blank">my YouTube channel</a>. After a while this video started
getting more views and shares and I learned from the comments that there was a
need for this trigger. It didn't take long and I had a list of about 10
disabled shooters that were interested if I could make more. The problem was
where I could get more made. Then someone suggested asking one of the trade
schools in the state. So I looked up the machinist instructor at North Dakota
State College of Science in Wahpeton, Steve Johnson. Johnson is an Associate
Professor/Chair for the Precision Machining Technology and Welding Technology
Departments at the college. As soon as I brought the idea to Johnson, he was
very interested and said his spring semester class would use it for one of
their class projects. Once I got the specs to Steve, the wheels were set in
motion. I received the 20 triggers made from his class that May. The next week
we had them tested and they were ready to be shipped. I can't thank Johnson and
his class enough for what they have done for me and my fellow disabled shooters
throughout the nation. We are indebted.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Before I send out one of the triggers I make sure that
the individual actually needs the mechanism. Once I find this out I send them a
waiver to have them sign. Once the waiver is signed and returned to me, I send
them one of the triggers Johnson's class made. There is no charge for the
trigger.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oh_8PMyccA/X8kKc7bmh3I/AAAAAAAASXk/m8VjtbU0WUAwk15MNj6GtXNpM1qioG9HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-220375596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oh_8PMyccA/X8kKc7bmh3I/AAAAAAAASXk/m8VjtbU0WUAwk15MNj6GtXNpM1qioG9HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-220375596.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It took about two years to find enough people to take the
first 20 triggers. Starting in the spring of 2020 I started getting more
requests but I had to turn people down. I kept their names on the list just in
case I got enough requests. Now that there was enough interest, I contacted Instructor
Johnson again about making more triggers. When I talked to Steve about
mid-summer of this year, he told me with the Coronavirus going on to get a hold
of him sometime in September. So that is what I did and Steve and his class 30
more triggers. Yesterday I sent out seven triggers including one going to
Canada and a couple to Louisiana. Now more people will be enjoying the shooting
sports because of what Steve Johnson and his machining class from North Dakota
State College of Science has provided for them.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-46262736317245558632020-11-21T18:14:00.001-08:002020-11-22T06:36:14.619-08:00 Hunting 4C for a Muley Buck.<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TirYv5sI3C0/X7mvSmyLxUI/AAAAAAAAR94/PCExvGEgttUUNzE4QRmcBiR-K12YjYuygCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201115_155717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TirYv5sI3C0/X7mvSmyLxUI/AAAAAAAAR94/PCExvGEgttUUNzE4QRmcBiR-K12YjYuygCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201115_155717.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks to the White Stallion, a.k.a. Dusty and the guys in my texting group I got the opportunity to hunt in the most prized unit in the state for mule deer. You see the White Stallion was hunting last year and he noticed that someone had a different looking tag wrapped around an antler so he asked about it. He found out from this person how he obtained the tag. So one day during our daily conversation of random texts, he asked me if I knew about it. I had no clue. I didn't even think it was true. But then another guy in the texting group Taylor, a.k.a. The Cando Killer made some calls and found out it was possible.</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPdzjJQxZrE/X7mvlOtE2iI/AAAAAAAAR-A/BOmF97CnZYoApO-QQqAoqO2vGmQoecB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201115_155729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPdzjJQxZrE/X7mvlOtE2iI/AAAAAAAAR-A/BOmF97CnZYoApO-QQqAoqO2vGmQoecB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201115_155729.jpg" /></a></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-ba6413ec-7fff-3626-3216-eaa40d275ed4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So knowing this valuable information I now had to decide what unit I was going to apply for. I knew in the back of my mind I wanted to go after a mule deer buck. It was on my bucket list. But I just didn't know if it would be possible for me physically, getting my wheelchair around the rugged territory of the Badlands. Also did not know where or who I would get land access from. I know there is a lot of public land out west but it would be even more not sucky if I could get on some private land. That is when Enslow a.k.a. Matthew, another guy from texting group said I should apply for unit 4C. He had been hunting out there for years and knew a landowner that he thought would let me hunt on his land.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYbe-cNWV8M/X7mvsOrwdDI/AAAAAAAAR-E/iBqQbsWoFhcuYcXBTcII-LDmlP-ZUjHTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201115_155730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xYbe-cNWV8M/X7mvsOrwdDI/AAAAAAAAR-E/iBqQbsWoFhcuYcXBTcII-LDmlP-ZUjHTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201115_155730.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enslow made a call and landowner graciously said that I could hunt on his land. So it was settled. 4C was going to be my destination. I was pumped. Now I have to decide where I was going to stay. I really didn't want to stay in a motel in Killdeer or Watford City. The drive back and forth to the hunting grounds would suck. I knew there were cabins up there to rent so I inquired if there were any openings during the rifle season. The first place I contacted was the <a href="https://lonebutteranch.com/" target="_blank">Lone Butte Cabins</a>. Just by looking at their website I could tell I wanted to stay here. But I needed to make sure there was an opening and I needed to make sure that I could get my wheelchair into the cabin.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuBj8GkhEkw/X7mv047SsQI/AAAAAAAAR-M/Ql1N8O3DIrEohppV70CF6cXK22JAIsDJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201115_155733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YuBj8GkhEkw/X7mv047SsQI/AAAAAAAAR-M/Ql1N8O3DIrEohppV70CF6cXK22JAIsDJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201115_155733.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I asked the owners if they could take some pictures and do some measurements for me of the cabins to see if my wheelchair would work. They have two different cabins to rent. The owners said no problem and within a couple days I had pictures and a lot of detailed information was sent to my phone. With this I decided that the <a href="https://lonebutteranch.com/?mphb_room_type=juniper-ridge" target="_blank">Juniper Ridge Cabin</a> was going to be my Huckleberry. It also worked out perfectly that the cabin was available November 15 through the 19th. I figured this was the perfect amount of time knowing that my body would be dead tired after that many days of hunting, especially after the long drive. That really takes it out of me. Also, later in the season the more likely the mule deer bucks will be in rut.</span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8wZgoMy48/X7m0ReO0bMI/AAAAAAAAR_w/auGMRKNFjBc_cNaIlEn4kwxJ-7iVq89DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pN8wZgoMy48/X7m0ReO0bMI/AAAAAAAAR_w/auGMRKNFjBc_cNaIlEn4kwxJ-7iVq89DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5175.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After some paperwork of stuff and things I had a tag. I could not believe that I had a 4C any deer tag. Never thought it would happen. To draw in this unit might take almost 10 points for a mule deer buck tag. I have even been buying points in South Dakota for mule deer but that might take five more years to get enough points. I knew going in that the odds of me actually shooting something was going to be pretty slim. But being able to get on private land was going to help those odds. It's good to know good people. I just love hunting new territory. I had never been north of 94 on Highway 85. I had never been to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Because of the good people I know all of this was going to happen.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqle1B7Gox0/X7mxK-CQYSI/AAAAAAAAR-g/VyZ3oLAa7mUJ9minpYOdcNxoNyZ7Oq0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1301019369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cqle1B7Gox0/X7mxK-CQYSI/AAAAAAAAR-g/VyZ3oLAa7mUJ9minpYOdcNxoNyZ7Oq0WQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1301019369.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I knew I was going to use my dad's Tika .270 WIN rifle for the location. I tested it out on my gun mount earlier in the summer and it was going to work perfectly. Even the trigger mechanism worked slick. When I got my new wheelchair in September I did not know how my rifle mount was going to work. But as I wrote about earlier in a different blog, the rifle mount attached to my <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2020/10/new-wheelchair-and-stuff.html" target="_blank">new wheelchair</a> with just a couple different modifications.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6J0w52OpO24/X7myi5GLKXI/AAAAAAAAR-8/axCR1r0QH0QRtPT36QrByeLrbzlClGGRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5179.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6J0w52OpO24/X7myi5GLKXI/AAAAAAAAR-8/axCR1r0QH0QRtPT36QrByeLrbzlClGGRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5179.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enslow and I were in communication throughout the whole process about how things were going to go down during the hunt. He graciously took vacation for the days that I would be out there. He said he had a bunch stacked up anyway and he just loves that country. So first of all it was just going to be myself, my mom and Enslow. I think we could've made it happen but it would have been tough. A couple weeks before the hunt my friend Don B offered to go along and help. This was a big relief for not only me but also my mom I believe. Now she could just get me ready around noon and she could relax in the hot tub while I was hunting. That doesn't suck.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqJMtmyAu44/X7myYISEZRI/AAAAAAAAR-0/q0Li3__j7ZMFWUzLHGJVPp_m7fgXWo7fACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5172.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HqJMtmyAu44/X7myYISEZRI/AAAAAAAAR-0/q0Li3__j7ZMFWUzLHGJVPp_m7fgXWo7fACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5172.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So on the morning of November 15 mom and I drove to Enderlin to get Don B. He hopped in the driver’s seat and drove the whole way to Grassy Butte. We had great weather on the way out and we only stopped once for a pit stop. There wasn't much traffic on 94 or on 85. It was smooth sailing.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_lxJal7tRg/X7myQrCIu0I/AAAAAAAAR-w/Pl80I_nfYyM1utb6wN5RMTgjiH226EZggCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5181.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_lxJal7tRg/X7myQrCIu0I/AAAAAAAAR-w/Pl80I_nfYyM1utb6wN5RMTgjiH226EZggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5181.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we turned east off of Highway 85 we started to see animals. First we saw antelope, then we saw whitetail deer, then we saw turkeys, then we saw grouse and then we saw some mule deer. I knew this wasn't going to suck and I knew that I picked the perfect place to stay.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtAvEmIzDEY/X7mytLru-RI/AAAAAAAAR_E/oOYs85IrRsAsiriOIeHXCAr1vGGQAScLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5180.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtAvEmIzDEY/X7mytLru-RI/AAAAAAAAR_E/oOYs85IrRsAsiriOIeHXCAr1vGGQAScLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5180.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enslow got to the landowner's place earlier that morning. When we turned north of Bellfield I contacted him to see if he could help us unpack the pickup and set up the ramps when we got there. Sure enough just like clockwork he was right in front of us as we pulled up to the Juniper Ridge cabin. It wasn't long and everything was unpacked and in the cabin. I also brought along three of my ramps. We used one of the wooden ramps to get on the walkway, we used the <a href="https://www.rollaramp.com/" target="_blank">Roll-A-Ramp</a> to get up the steps and we used a piece of plywood to get up to the threshold of the cabin door. Everything worked slick.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AORxY13NQQ/X7mzo0GyVwI/AAAAAAAAR_U/zoXyetXEbeMjVen3DFT_Y3BWMbjnGbgdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1957216177.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8AORxY13NQQ/X7mzo0GyVwI/AAAAAAAAR_U/zoXyetXEbeMjVen3DFT_Y3BWMbjnGbgdgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1957216177.jpg" /></a></span></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But before I even went into the cabin I couldn't take my eye off of the view. Holy Shinto. Everywhere you looked was a postcard. Sincerely. It is crazy beautiful. What a view. There is a deep ravine to the northwest of the cabin and to the northeast is Lone Butte. We took a lot of pictures but even though the pictures are great it does not do the view any justice. The best part is you can see all of this from the hot tub on the deck. There is also a path to the west of the cabin that takes you to what Don B called, "Inspiration Point." From this spot you can see for miles. I believe we saw deer right away down in the gully.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPlekrUUJg/X7m0eJRf89I/AAAAAAAAR_4/E1VvFtndxPsN0mbJyYEipzmOaqp3skDDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1696196068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BWPlekrUUJg/X7m0eJRf89I/AAAAAAAAR_4/E1VvFtndxPsN0mbJyYEipzmOaqp3skDDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1696196068.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We then checked out the cabin. It is fully loaded. The only thing you need to bring is food and beverage. There is a full kitchen, dining room, cable TV, four beds, a rocking chair and a couch. It is a log cabin and it has that log cabin feel. There are antlers and stuff hanging all over. I could live here. Easily. Kind of looks like my bedroom with the dead things on the wall. I would highly recommend staying at the <a href="https://lonebutteranch.com/" target="_blank">Lone Butte Cabins</a>.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWdsJRy1vcY/X7m0uC56DVI/AAAAAAAASAI/6WJJ0_8uTTsUsOIBAXAT9Imm7dWQz0jbACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWdsJRy1vcY/X7m0uC56DVI/AAAAAAAASAI/6WJJ0_8uTTsUsOIBAXAT9Imm7dWQz0jbACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5200.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I needed to tilt back for a while and after that we decided to go for a little tour of the area with Enslow. He knows this place like the back of his hand. When we went west of Grassy Butte I couldn't believe what I was looking at. It is hard to explain. The ruggedness and the just pure beauty are overwhelming. I think it is indescribable. I fell in love with everything that I was seeing. And just to top it off we were seeing deers of every variety. It definitely did not suck. If I go back I might not ever come back. I told the guys that the trip was already worth it. I really didn't care if I shot anything. Just being out there in that country was a dream fulfilled. I cannot get enough of it.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfxljaq250g/X7m1GCK3skI/AAAAAAAASAQ/lVyY3F2a-wYHNe4Xxj9oPTzaGfvrFi8ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bfxljaq250g/X7m1GCK3skI/AAAAAAAASAQ/lVyY3F2a-wYHNe4Xxj9oPTzaGfvrFi8ugCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5202.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the way back to the cabin which was 19 miles away from the place we were going to be hunting, I figured out an easy way to explain how to get there if I was ever held up by gunpoint. I would say, "It is six cattle guards and seven culverts away just on the other side of the Beicegel Creek." That should narrow it down…</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqn7siIQ-_8/X7m1PDr4PtI/AAAAAAAASAU/7N7zS3DTyvMlyCWFwKXENxacHVFY1PGrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_1274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rqn7siIQ-_8/X7m1PDr4PtI/AAAAAAAASAU/7N7zS3DTyvMlyCWFwKXENxacHVFY1PGrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1274.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">One thing that I for sure learned is that this trip would have never been possible without my pickup. We were on some rugged roads and I know the shaggin wagon would never have been able to make it to the spot I was going to hunt. Also, there would have not been enough room in the shaggin wagon for all of the gear we brought along. Thanks again for the pickup. Notice how I do not call it a truck. Sorry, that is a pet peeve of mine. Carry on.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlAm9s4tJFM/X7m1YLQZqaI/AAAAAAAASAc/LMk1c-SvmXgc9QdbfCgFpSIKNzmKaKrsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vlAm9s4tJFM/X7m1YLQZqaI/AAAAAAAASAc/LMk1c-SvmXgc9QdbfCgFpSIKNzmKaKrsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5193.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got back to the cabin we had some homemade lasagna that mom heated up. That hit the spot. We brought lasagna, pork chops, deer sausage, potatoes, onions, noodles, bread, butter, eggs and bacon along to eat. The only thing I forgot was the summer sausage that was in the fridge at home. I was worrying the whole way up that I forgot something essential like bullets or my tag. Thank goodness the summer sausage was the only thing.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtVsks-JZHs/X7m1iGI9X7I/AAAAAAAASAk/5ghIgoVYxQEy-odeUdGoXnRS4ICWhV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtVsks-JZHs/X7m1iGI9X7I/AAAAAAAASAk/5ghIgoVYxQEy-odeUdGoXnRS4ICWhV0mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5203.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We decided earlier that I would not be hunting in the morning. As most of you know I only can be in the chair so long so we decided that the afternoon hunt would be the best. So I would get in the chair around noon and be at the hunting spot around 2 PM. It took about a half-hour to get to where we needed to be.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpM6V04KtPY/X7m1yNY45sI/AAAAAAAASA0/u5sOamqstZA06ld4-pPexi5wubPUYP6TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5174.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpM6V04KtPY/X7m1yNY45sI/AAAAAAAASA0/u5sOamqstZA06ld4-pPexi5wubPUYP6TwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5174.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning we had some eggs and bacon for breakfast. The anticipation was high. I couldn't wait to get in the chair. It was actually bothering me. I wanted to get up early and just get out there. It sucks waiting. But eventually it was noon and I got in the wheelchair. We had some more lasagna and in no time it was time to head out. Enslow met us at the harvested oat field where we would set up a pop-up blind. We didn't set it up the night before because it was very windy. Enslow hopped in the back seat of my pickup and we drove through the dried-up creek onto the field. The view from where we were was unbelievable. There were buttes in every direction. We took quite a few pictures but again the pictures just don't do it justice.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdaXlOlb0cE/X7m16gjA-YI/AAAAAAAASA4/VzPNb8qm-24uefLHlKuWeQfU32NG2_ibQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_141748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdaXlOlb0cE/X7m16gjA-YI/AAAAAAAASA4/VzPNb8qm-24uefLHlKuWeQfU32NG2_ibQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_141748.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe we were in the blind by 2 PM exactly. As Enslow drove away I couldn't believe where I was. I was happy in my facial region. I still am by the way. As he was driving out of the field we saw a decent whitetail buck jump out of the draw just to the west and burn to the southwest. He must've gotten spooked.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPItgWQojbU/X7m2DL7dgKI/AAAAAAAASBA/lXwbvio67A8fuvxAJpxfidyoQK58_6JeACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_1289.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qPItgWQojbU/X7m2DL7dgKI/AAAAAAAASBA/lXwbvio67A8fuvxAJpxfidyoQK58_6JeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1289.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After that first whitetail buck we didn't see anything for the first hour and a half. But right at 3:30 PM stuff and things started to happen. We were facing west and the wind was generally from the northwest. We thought most of the deer would come out of the draw that was a couple hundred yards in front of us. I could hear some soft grunts to the south. I believe I heard two of them and I asked Don B if he could hear them. Then I heard a couple more grunts. Then I could hear footprints through the crusted snow. Then a mule deer doe with twins were the first to appear. They came from my left. The old doe knew something was up. She was giving us the stink eye. The twins didn't care. But she did not like that pop-up blind. She stared at us for quite a while. I knew we were busted. She then made her way to the east out of view but I could hear her them bounding away. First time I have ever heard that. Neat. Boing, boing, boing…</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tynk_zplTwE/X7m2MA26XII/AAAAAAAASBI/X5gjUpIZddkL5Vdp4fE_UAzmHY4uEx-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_1291.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tynk_zplTwE/X7m2MA26XII/AAAAAAAASBI/X5gjUpIZddkL5Vdp4fE_UAzmHY4uEx-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1291.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Not long after she took off Don B looked behind us through a crack in the window and said there was deer behind us. There was a handful of mule deer. Pretty soon he says, "There is elk also!" I couldn't believe it. At first I thought he was shitting me. But I could see the excitement in his eyes. I was pumped. He could see four elk through the crack. He then said, "I wish you could see them. Do you want to see them?" Of course I said yes. We just had to figure out how to get me turned around. Then Don B had a brilliant idea. We would do the pop-up blind pivot. He would kind of stand up and push up on the ceiling of the blind and turn slowly while I turn my chair at the same time. The problem was we had to do this very slowly plus there was also a stool and a bag of gear in the blind. So picture this, Don B would turn the blind about 30° then stop, then I would turn as far as I could go, then Don B would move the stuff and then the process would start over again until we had moved 180°. Plus we had to do this so the deer would not notice. When we got turned around there was about a dozen mule deer in the field and 4 elk that we could see.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlbz4ud8DMY/X7m2bp_JAPI/AAAAAAAASBM/QfXDK2LE0fwpm-hGvCbRLuEG0GRDgrv5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s593/original_5ac1e39e-d58c-4d2f-a5d2-4ca00778568f_View%2Brece.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="593" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dlbz4ud8DMY/X7m2bp_JAPI/AAAAAAAASBM/QfXDK2LE0fwpm-hGvCbRLuEG0GRDgrv5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/original_5ac1e39e-d58c-4d2f-a5d2-4ca00778568f_View%2Brece.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I couldn't believe my eyes. I was looking at elk. And there was one mule deer buck that was about the size of the whitetail I shot this year with my crossbow. I had him in my scope at 175 yards. Broadside. For a long time. But I was there for something bigger. This was of course the first day. And I don't think I would have even shot him the last day. It was awesome. I could not believe there was elk in front of me. The spooky elk didn't even budge when we did our maneuver. We could not believe it. The elk were 270 yards away. I could not believe how big they were. This is the first time I have ever seen one in the wild.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwWVK2sLAzQ/X7m2mM1ZiNI/AAAAAAAASBU/QGGv2vspj7037ITC4uj_lkekiClNqiNcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_142008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwWVK2sLAzQ/X7m2mM1ZiNI/AAAAAAAASBU/QGGv2vspj7037ITC4uj_lkekiClNqiNcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_142008.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> We tried to get a good picture through my rifle scope but the attempt was futile. We giggled in the blind about that. Good stuff. I also told Don B that I named the pivot maneuver that we pulled off, "A Glorious Shit Show Pivot." I wish someone could have seen what we did. We could not believe what we did and what was in front of us. I was so glad that we were able to do it though. The sight in front of me was worth the trip.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydb3bbJWX0Q/X7m2sasOtgI/AAAAAAAASBc/9g9QrROunXsbI7-NGB2yxHQKzy1vTXF0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_142012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ydb3bbJWX0Q/X7m2sasOtgI/AAAAAAAASBc/9g9QrROunXsbI7-NGB2yxHQKzy1vTXF0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_142012.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The deer and elk fed in the field and grazed aimlessly but never got any closer. Not that we needed them to get closer but they were all to the east and never moved closer. From our vantage point we could only see that one mule deer buck. There had to of been another buck somewhere with all of the skinheads around.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvowRKEOfDY/X7m23KWDVdI/AAAAAAAASBg/2vYhOemsozsILZwIfMxT7wBEsY1QUGSPACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_142022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IvowRKEOfDY/X7m23KWDVdI/AAAAAAAASBg/2vYhOemsozsILZwIfMxT7wBEsY1QUGSPACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_142022.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pretty soon it was after sunset and there was still no more deer coming into the field. But the ones that were there were still there. I was watching in awe. Soon enough it was 4:45 PM and legal shooting time was over. About then we heard the pickup start about a half-mile away and Enslow made his way towards us. It was crazy. Some of the deer ran right away but the elk did not move. They must've been hungry or knew they were safe. Even when Enslow got to us there were still three elk inside of 300 yards just grazing away. What the heck. We tried to be quiet but that is almost impossible with getting me and all of the gear into the pickup. We decided to take down the pop-up blind to reposition it the next day. So that even made more noise. I got loaded into the pickup and the elk were still there. On the way out of the field Enslow told us there were 32 mule deer in the field plus another eight outside of the field. Plus a real decent whitetail buck. The other mule deer were over the hill to the east and the other deer were to the west down in the draw behind us. Enslow was glassing, sitting about three quarters of a mile away on a vantage point to the northwest where he could see everything that was going on. He also said there was seven elk total including two spikes. We were pumped. On cloud nine I was.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRxl4vAzo8A/X7m3L2diVfI/AAAAAAAASBs/aYug-gBy8kItSNpLTN3QlYHY1FvWjeg-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_142031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRxl4vAzo8A/X7m3L2diVfI/AAAAAAAASBs/aYug-gBy8kItSNpLTN3QlYHY1FvWjeg-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_142031.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We told Enslow about the "Glorious Shit Show Pivot" and he could not believe it. We're all pumped and excited for the next couple days. Put it didn't matter what happened in the future because my trip was already worth it, a couple times.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLsiXX6hjSc/X7m3hHn3MpI/AAAAAAAASB0/VDQHeJ0lReQ-ZowpsByzUHrzbG3MdgiGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/20201117_142037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PLsiXX6hjSc/X7m3hHn3MpI/AAAAAAAASB0/VDQHeJ0lReQ-ZowpsByzUHrzbG3MdgiGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/20201117_142037.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We dropped off Enslow at his pickup and we made our way back to the cabin. Boy does it get dark out there. It is entertaining when it is pitch black going through the winding roads dodging deer on the highway and gravel. But soon enough we made our way with nary a collision. That night we had some deer sausage with fried potatoes and onions. It did not suck.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0BwTVWfado/X7m45KrocAI/AAAAAAAASCQ/uTXHtFQD4YEWpeFH2QPTIK1vh6hX6npHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0BwTVWfado/X7m45KrocAI/AAAAAAAASCQ/uTXHtFQD4YEWpeFH2QPTIK1vh6hX6npHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5211.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The one thing that did suck about the trip was the 4:15 PM sunset. Going into the eastern side of the Mountain Time Zone really screwed with my internal clock. By 9 PM every night I was ready to go to bed. Then I would wake up at 2:30 AM and not fall back to sleep. I even tried alcohol the second and third night and that didn't even help. That is saying something.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp7crFmZqZY/X7m3rfaoFCI/AAAAAAAASB4/ZooEbkAXdjoDwKAOEM0zvfqJb-4z6B4EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5185.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lp7crFmZqZY/X7m3rfaoFCI/AAAAAAAASB4/ZooEbkAXdjoDwKAOEM0zvfqJb-4z6B4EQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5185.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enslow decided to go to the Long X Saloon that night. He texted me, it was a dumpster fire. I figured that that meant something bad happened. But there was really a dumpster fire. What the heck. He then replied, "Only in Grassy!" Ha ha. Neat.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oVjS_APLx4/X7m92cMNr4I/AAAAAAAASD0/kV8DJ_rhC8cIi2q1yQkvxhGm9swJk5X2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-549886797.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oVjS_APLx4/X7m92cMNr4I/AAAAAAAASD0/kV8DJ_rhC8cIi2q1yQkvxhGm9swJk5X2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-549886797.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Tuesday when the sun came up I could hear the wind gusting over the chimney. My bed was right next to the fireplace. The wind was out of the southeast so we decided to move farther to the east on top of the knob in the field. We would set up next to some bushes along the fence line. I got in the chair again around noon, we had some lunch and I tilted back before we took off for that afternoon hunt.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_zJ94q0jvg/X7m-mIdTq8I/AAAAAAAASEA/ingt5F60IFA05jbYle0yIVssKIPcVA75wCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_1302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_zJ94q0jvg/X7m-mIdTq8I/AAAAAAAASEA/ingt5F60IFA05jbYle0yIVssKIPcVA75wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1302.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We met Enslow at the same spot and we told him our plan. He agreed and we made our way through the oat field. When we got to the top of the knob the view was out of this world. In every direction we were surrounded by buttes with the layers of beauty and the greenery that filled the voids. We quickly popped up the blind and Don B got my rifle mount and rifle attached to my chair. They threw the blind over top of me and we got settled in for the afternoon hunt. Enslow grabbed my phone as he was taking pictures with it he said, "Look at this place. Just look around." I agreed. It was the perfect setting. After he was done snapping some pics he hopped in my pickup and headed out to get to his vantage point after a little drive about.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eClUp8RFlAE/X7m-xwYwgNI/AAAAAAAASEE/IU9ms1nu-KIMM3ocMcOvhHiRCve1XzmcACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/original_726e3e24-7f39-476a-86d9-376a5242f7c4_IMG_5196.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="473" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eClUp8RFlAE/X7m-xwYwgNI/AAAAAAAASEE/IU9ms1nu-KIMM3ocMcOvhHiRCve1XzmcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/original_726e3e24-7f39-476a-86d9-376a5242f7c4_IMG_5196.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The anticipation was high again. Especially after the day before with all of the game that came in to the field. We were just about right on top looking down on the area where the elk came in the first day. The mule deer came in just to the west of us where we were sitting this time. Everything was perfect. I was anticipating the field to come alive again around 3:30 PM. But there was nothing at that time. Except for pheasants. Holy shinto are there pheasants out there. At about 4 PM I looked to my left which is to the south and I saw a doe with twins. They were whitetail. She looked at us quizzically but we didn't seem to bother her too much. She didn't cross the fence, she made her way to the east down the draw into some trees. The twins followed and they disappeared. A little while later they did cross the fence and jumped into the field. A couple other whitetail skinheads also joined them. I just knew something else was going to follow them but nothing ever did.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Right when it was about time to start getting ready to pack up, the hills came alive with the sounds of coyotes. In every direction it was absolutely nuts. There were a few that probably were within a couple hundred yards. I can remember the view and the sound right now. It was impressive to say the least. Soon enough we could see Enslow in my pickup making his way up the field to us. He asked us what we saw and we told him. He said he didn't see much either from his vantage point. But when he was driving around before he got parked in his spot where he oversees the field, he saw quite a few muley bucks. He sent us some of the pics of them. They did not suck. It didn't matter. It was a successful night.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soon enough we were all packed up and in the pickup making our way out of the field and back to his pickup. When we got east of 85 we had a nice whitetail buck run across the front of the vehicle. We had seen him the day before also. This night when we got back to the cabin we had some fried pork chops and parmesan noodles. That hit the spot. I even indulged in some Morgan 7's. I needed to change up my luck. It couldn't hurt.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To say it is entertaining in a blind with Don B for any amount of time is an understatement. The things I have learned from him while hunting would impress some and shock others. Ha ha. It's all good. Good grief. Plus there is always candy when you are with him. The only time I ever eat candy is while hunting with Don B. It usually has something to do with black licorice and chocolate. He is a candy fiend. If it's in a wrapper he will eat it. Good & Plenty's were on the menu the first two days of the hunt.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MBYLu0nhW4/X7m9gLY4ByI/AAAAAAAASDs/ow1bYnVWdhk-4mdyihrw_Plxzd8LlU0DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1112902236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MBYLu0nhW4/X7m9gLY4ByI/AAAAAAAASDs/ow1bYnVWdhk-4mdyihrw_Plxzd8LlU0DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1112902236.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When the sun came up on Wednesday, the last day of my hunt the wind was the same. But it seemed to be just in a little bit more out of the southeast with an overcast sky. The wind was a little discouraging but when we looked outside and saw deer out the cabin window, that made me feel better. Every day we would see deer from the cabin. This day there were two muley bucks and I believe three skinheads across the ravine. We would also see whitetail. This place is something else.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrwHUNlnzw/X7m_uCJfF2I/AAAAAAAASEY/5o9ZrV6thBQwe84QONkgiWmYeC_YujTYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s758/IMG951513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHrwHUNlnzw/X7m_uCJfF2I/AAAAAAAASEY/5o9ZrV6thBQwe84QONkgiWmYeC_YujTYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG951513.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySMReDRwQwU/X7m_zkk09zI/AAAAAAAASEc/xWZhrtt5vd8v2GFDdeMZYSzhEK6D3CPEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG951505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySMReDRwQwU/X7m_zkk09zI/AAAAAAAASEc/xWZhrtt5vd8v2GFDdeMZYSzhEK6D3CPEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG951505.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFfDDif1tU4/X7m_3CSH8XI/AAAAAAAASEg/-boHVCdCejMdQRfVdZOIUNx9o_wVK8CLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/IMG951486.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="469" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TFfDDif1tU4/X7m_3CSH8XI/AAAAAAAASEg/-boHVCdCejMdQRfVdZOIUNx9o_wVK8CLQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG951486.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkK9q_rEGdA/X7m_6BDU4RI/AAAAAAAASEk/pdGL2N02K8QDXMXfW7cIgN_0_vL_YFB2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG951506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkK9q_rEGdA/X7m_6BDU4RI/AAAAAAAASEk/pdGL2N02K8QDXMXfW7cIgN_0_vL_YFB2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG951506.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Right before lunch Kelly, one of the owners stopped by the cabin to check on how we were doing. He and his wife Rachel have run the cabins for quite a few years. He asked how the hunt was going and we told him. I could tell right away that he was good people. He told us some hunting stories and asked us where we were hunting. He knew that landowner and said that was a good area. He then told us about the mountain lion that he killed that was first spotted by his mother on the cover of the hot tub. The same hot tub where mom had been relaxing the last couple days. Hee hee. Evidently this cat was beaten up by another lion and was emaciated. It was looking for a safe, warm spot to lick its wounds. His mom told him about the cat and he shot it not far from the cabin. The cat had nothing in the stomach when the biologist looked at it and it weighed 138 pounds. That is a big cat. I wonder how big the cat was that beat it up? Geesh. He told me that I should apply for unit 4A next time. That is the unit on the east side of Highway 85 where the cabins and their ranch is located. I might just take him up on that offer.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1SC0jH8OtE/X7m6hhqqYOI/AAAAAAAASC0/wHn7ivVmumsYtYsHY7km2jm9hBPufyYDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1025645994.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1SC0jH8OtE/X7m6hhqqYOI/AAAAAAAASC0/wHn7ivVmumsYtYsHY7km2jm9hBPufyYDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1025645994.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">After lunch I went out to "Inspiration Point" and took in the view one last time. I knew I wouldn't have time to do it Thursday morning, the day we left. I just couldn't get over everything that you could see. I spotted one muley way off in the distance. The wind had a bite to it this day. I wish it didn't because I could have stayed out there all day. But I went back to the cabin and tilted before the afternoon hunt.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxR3c9PyEt8/X7m61HonqaI/AAAAAAAASDA/A92ttNCVwjMO2ByznzLmSsVJ1dLkeoW_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1112902236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxR3c9PyEt8/X7m61HonqaI/AAAAAAAASDA/A92ttNCVwjMO2ByznzLmSsVJ1dLkeoW_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1112902236.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The wind was out of the same direction but it was a little bit stronger. We thought it was going to suck sitting on top of the hill but after we crossed the six cattle guards and seven culverts the wind had died down when we got to the bottom. The weather was going to be perfect. We met Enslow again and he hopped in the pickup as we made our way into the field. We popped up the blind in the same spot we had the night before. The anticipation was high as usual. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nqHF_40ULA/X7m5K9KThiI/AAAAAAAASCY/Q-EF2gKM92oZFMsPWu2j7j2mTSHELsaRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_1324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9nqHF_40ULA/X7m5K9KThiI/AAAAAAAASCY/Q-EF2gKM92oZFMsPWu2j7j2mTSHELsaRgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1324.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This night there was no Good & Plenty's, Don B decided to switch it up with some different candy for some luck. This night it was some type of taffy. It was not new. I would guess a decade old. But it was tasty. The switched up the candy did not bring any luck though. Nothing came into the field that night. But it didn't matter. Everything about this hunt was awesome. There was no suckage.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">During the day it was decided that we would go to the bar afterwards no matter what happened, to pick up some shitty ass frozen pizza for supper. It was a good thing we did. On the way to the Long X Saloon in Grassy Butte I got a text from Spiek asking me if we wanted to meet up at his cabin or somewhere. I told him where we were headed and he said they would be there shortly. Spiek and Kron, friends of ours from back home, were also hunting in 4C and were staying not too far away at the <a href="http://paradiseridgeresort.com/" target="_blank">Paradise Ridge Resort</a>.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTcxZPbQTNg/X7m7C3fSPAI/AAAAAAAASDE/qnadSvQ-S2Q5MgAbNwJKmRDFWyZWXfcGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG955219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vTcxZPbQTNg/X7m7C3fSPAI/AAAAAAAASDE/qnadSvQ-S2Q5MgAbNwJKmRDFWyZWXfcGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG955219.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we pulled up to the Long X, I noticed right away that there was one big step to get into the saloon. So we looked around for a makeshift ramp but there was none to be found. All of my ramps were back at the cabin. So we opened the door and Enslow said he could lift the front end up and that Don B could push me through. Well I could tell right away this wasn't going to work out so well for the home team. But a friendly patron inside came over and helped Enslow lift the front end up into the bar. Everybody inside was nice. It was good times. We were only going to stay for a couple. Don B held true to his word, but me not so much. The Morgan was flowing like the wines of Capistrano. We were there for only an hour and a half but there always seemed to be two cocktails on my tray. That problem doesn't suck.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FveJF6OKlq4/X7m7TFxtwFI/AAAAAAAASDQ/jswSfV0vZ3sGKP6wKF6ksNLb-YUOBTqkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG955220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FveJF6OKlq4/X7m7TFxtwFI/AAAAAAAASDQ/jswSfV0vZ3sGKP6wKF6ksNLb-YUOBTqkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG955220.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">It wasn't long after I sucked down my first Morgan 7 the boys from back home walked through the door. We had a grand time. They come up to hunt 4C every year. Sometimes they make two trips. They go earlier for bow season and they go during rifle season even if they do not get a rifle tag. I can see why they keep coming back.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imcnbmNuvbI/X7m86iM5beI/AAAAAAAASDc/-6aeIuO74XACaXzg7NXnXsPjHFpe2BWdACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG955222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-imcnbmNuvbI/X7m86iM5beI/AAAAAAAASDc/-6aeIuO74XACaXzg7NXnXsPjHFpe2BWdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG955222.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The boys from back home and some of the bar patrons told me I should stay longer to fill my tag. People I didn't even know were giving me places to hunt on private land. That is awesome. But I knew I had to go home. My body just cannot take that many days in a row of abuse. Even I catch on, sometimes. I thanked everybody for the information and the opportunities to stay and hunt as I tried to make my way out of the bar. I was not sober. But I could still drive my wheelchair good enough to go backwards out the front door. Thankfully we had some help getting lifted down the step.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Long X was a good time. I was glad we stopped. Everybody decided to leave at the same time. Enslow took off to make supper for his landowner buddy. He actually came back up town to try to climb the pterodactyl but he had no luck. The bar was shut down because it was after 10 PM by the governor's order. On the way back to the cabin when we got east of 85 we saw that same whitetail buck. This time he was laying right on the shoulder of the gravel road. He didn't budge. Must've been worn out.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15huNwFuH-Y/X7m-9U9hpwI/AAAAAAAASEM/5-Hg38pVcaI9nsOlpF4iYa2xG9lQWSPdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG_5224.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15huNwFuH-Y/X7m-9U9hpwI/AAAAAAAASEM/5-Hg38pVcaI9nsOlpF4iYa2xG9lQWSPdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5224.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the way the pizza wasn't bad at all. It was Badlands Pizza and it did not suck. We got two different kinds of pizza and made them back at the cabin. In fact my mouth is still burnt from the first couple bites as I am typing this. Who would've ever thought that a bite of 400° molten cheesy pizza would burn your mouth? Good grief. One will never learn.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet again I woke up early. I think it was around 2:30 AM. Dang time change stuff. Around 7 AM we all started getting everything ready to head out. Don B pretty much had the back of the pickup filled up and I got in the chair. There wasn't much left except for the ramps. Enslow came and helped with that before we took off. We thanked Enslow for everything that he did for us. It was a blast. This trip could not have happened without his help. I think it was just a matter of time before I would've pulled the trigger. I could have in fact pulled the trigger that first night but I think I would have regretted that.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98g1N8pcCbY/X7nCIhOxweI/AAAAAAAASFA/GXz6kJ2pqCYCLa-QC_HaSQbDlXj14hqywCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-658511398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98g1N8pcCbY/X7nCIhOxweI/AAAAAAAASFA/GXz6kJ2pqCYCLa-QC_HaSQbDlXj14hqywCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-658511398.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We took off early from the cabin because there was some rain moving in and it was supposed to turn to freezing rain. We got ahead of the front but we drove through some sprinkles north of Bellfield and some sprinkles east of there on the interstate. We stopped in Richardton so I could tilt back. Don B got some more candy for the ride home. A candy bar named Bueno. It didn't suck. The fog rolled in just west of New Salem. It was like pea soup for a while. It got real thick when we drove through Mandan. The fog lifted a little bit but could still not see farther than a half mile for quite a ways. I had to stop again in Steele to tilt back again. It felt good. Ten minutes later we were on the road again. I believe we got to Enderlin to drop off Don B a little after 2 PM. We both thanked him for everything he did for us. In the beginning of this trip I was going to do it with just mom and me. I am very glad that Don B offered to come along. I don't think it would have been possible without him. Thank you Don B. I am indebted. I believe I was home and in bed around 2:45 PM. I still am in bed as it is Saturday as I type this.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffcqgnGsTOQ/X7m9GdfKTSI/AAAAAAAASDg/4w4cAwfAoeE_3Z5lvO_AHSI-sKp7ZWTJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-294015799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ffcqgnGsTOQ/X7m9GdfKTSI/AAAAAAAASDg/4w4cAwfAoeE_3Z5lvO_AHSI-sKp7ZWTJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-294015799.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can't thank everyone enough who made this trip successful. Especially mom. She kind of got wrangled into this whole thing. She wasn't too keen on the idea when I told her about it. But I think she did have fun. I know she really enjoyed the hot tub and the not driving. She would have not liked driving through some of the stuff we did. Especially driving at night, dodging deer left and right.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don B, you are the best. You were my right-hand man throughout the whole trip. Thanks.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Enslow, not many would have done what you did for me. You got me on land, you took off work and you were there through it all. Thanks.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAW4ujpV3iA/X7nCQhvFdvI/AAAAAAAASFE/jS-1t6zSdQ8MS3UcWWwePKQNRCvwSbiBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1153691145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JAW4ujpV3iA/X7nCQhvFdvI/AAAAAAAASFE/jS-1t6zSdQ8MS3UcWWwePKQNRCvwSbiBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1153691145.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I truly hope I can get back there. It was the best trip I have ever been on. Like I have said before, if I do go back I may never come back here.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></span></p></div>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-41880488546199398782020-11-07T07:44:00.004-08:002020-11-07T09:32:56.711-08:002020 Crossbow Buck and stuff.<p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7kLP4Nmxs/X6baB6xpMDI/AAAAAAAARnc/4PzVHTqUMv0ZDRRrHbRfHQQXzoiOWJ-KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s457/good%2Bone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="457" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr7kLP4Nmxs/X6baB6xpMDI/AAAAAAAARnc/4PzVHTqUMv0ZDRRrHbRfHQQXzoiOWJ-KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/good%2Bone.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>This bow season has been pretty quiet for me. Not much action at all except for skinheads. But there have been plenty of those. Which is a good sign. But in the seven sits I have only seen one buck and that was a button buck. The trail cams were full of nice deers but of course the buckaroos were nocturnal jerks. But usually persistence pays off. Even for the lucky boy in the wheelchair… <br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">On November 5 I got into my chair around 3:30 PM to get
ready for the evening hunt. It was my eighth sit of bow season. I put on my
dark camouflage Mossy Oak sweatshirt, my lucky Mossy Oak beenie, my Mossy Oak facemask
while dad attached the Carbon Express Intercept crossbow to my wheelchair. Then
as usual I have him cock the bow and I am ready to head to the blind. The
hunting blind is only 80 yards from my bedroom. That doesn't suck. Very handy.</span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZWffQnnOOw/X6a9XrC1r3I/AAAAAAAARl0/sKG15iUwE7gIhQXYQQux85NPmgd0ZDzsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-707078267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZWffQnnOOw/X6a9XrC1r3I/AAAAAAAARl0/sKG15iUwE7gIhQXYQQux85NPmgd0ZDzsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-707078267.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It was a really slow night. I believe the temperature was
60° when I got into the blind. I didn't know if the warm temperatures were
going to keep the deers from moving during daylight hours or not. But with the
rut to just about start you can never tell what they are going to do. It was
also pretty windy. The wind was around 15 mph coming out of the west, with
higher gusts. This is a perfect wind for where I am sitting. Well any wind from
the west or northwest is perfect because I am south and east of where the deers
usually come from. This is the same spot I have shot my last three bow bucks.
This location is either hit or miss but eventually stuff and things happen
here. Especially during prime time, when the bucks are roaming looking for
standing heat.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">This night was different because there was nary any vermin.
There were no rabbits. There were no squirrels. And there were only a couple
annoying blue jays squawking around to entertain me. As I was waiting for that
golden half-hour when the deer usually move, I decided I would text my sister Shelie.
I sent her a text at 4:43 PM asking her, "How has it been going?" She
responded at 5:11 PM with, "Need to hang with you one of these
nights." Sunset was at 5:09 PM. If something was going to happen it was
going to happen quickly.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was just about
to text her back when I heard some branches breaking to the north of me. I
could tell it was not a squirrel or other vermin. Where the noise was coming
from is kind of a jungle of trees. All of a sudden I saw antlers making their
way through the brush. This buck was making his own trail through the small
saplings of undergrowth below the tall trees. He looked like a 5 x 5 when he
was making his way through. He looked big and I knew if he gave me a shot I was
going to take it. It took him a while to get through the belt but I knew he was
coming directly towards me. When he got out of the belt he was only 10 yards
away. The problem was he was facing me. I wanted to wait for a broadside shot.
He was calm and collected. He wasn't anxious or excited. I knew if I was
patient he would give me a shot. The wind was from the west and he came from
the north, so he had no clue where I was. I was south of him, looking
north/northwest. All of a sudden there was a gust of wind from the west and he
raised his head and looked in that direction. His backend came towards the
south and he was almost perfectly broadside. Just a little bit quartering
towards me. I had him in my scope already waiting for him to make his final
mistake. I aimed right behind his left shoulder and pulled back on the trigger.
The next thing I knew was I saw his back legs kick high in the air and I heard
the crack of the arrow busting through him. As soon as he was hit he ran
directly southwest, which is very rare. Usually they bust straight west or
straight north after they are shot. I listened but I did not hear him crash. I
heard him bust through some old tree growth but I never heard him do the
crappie flop.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL66QWv4LnA/X6a9kC2OCaI/AAAAAAAARl4/jQMntj632y0dsfD9T85Ge6NhoUx45JcOACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-1865863262.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YL66QWv4LnA/X6a9kC2OCaI/AAAAAAAARl4/jQMntj632y0dsfD9T85Ge6NhoUx45JcOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1865863262.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Now the waiting starts. I knew it was a good shot. But
even sometimes if you know it is good shot, stuff and things happen. And
sometimes those stuff and things that happen are not good stuff and things. But
I was pretty confident with the whole scenario that just took place. I try to
follow the arrow when I shoot at a deer but it is pretty hard to follow an arrow
that is flying at 365 feet per second. My Carbon Express Intercept crossbow
makes things happen not slow, especially when your target is only 10 yards
away. Giggity.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">It is so hard to wait. But you need to do that in order
to make sure that the game expires and you do not push it. So I decided to text
my sister back. This is what I said at 5:27 PM, "I was going to respond to
you right away but then a buck came in and I shot it so that's what just
happened. Cross your fingers. That we find it." She responded, "Holy!
I hope so too!"</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aO1o7v3IKHs/X6a9xsSCPSI/AAAAAAAARmA/J7JJFftF5psE1e2lqXnt7lCXMlNV69RdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2016/123561389_10160373694573642_6853283354384742902_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aO1o7v3IKHs/X6a9xsSCPSI/AAAAAAAARmA/J7JJFftF5psE1e2lqXnt7lCXMlNV69RdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/123561389_10160373694573642_6853283354384742902_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">The tall 4 x 4 that came in second.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I next called my mom at the house and asked her if she
could bring out some water because I just shot a buck. She knows if I call during
daylight something is up. I could tell in her voice she was excited. She said,
"Was it big?" I told her to wait about 10 minutes or so. The next
thing I did was I called Don B. He answered with his usual suspicious hello when
I call him when he knows I am bow hunting. I told him what happened and he said
he would call our friend T-rav and head on out. They are my tracking and
gutting crew. Don also told me to have my mom make him a sammich because he
was, "STARVING!" So like a good boy I did what I was asked. So when I
got off the phone with my mom about the food order I heard some more noise to
the north. All of a sudden I could see antlers coming, this time through the
path that goes through the shelter belt to my north. I could tell it was big. Not
small he was. Bigger than the buck I just shot. He came into the same spot
where the other guy was standing. It was the tall 4 x 4 I have had on a couple
different trail cams all year. He is a doozy. He stood in front of me for maybe
30 seconds. Even if I didn't shoot that other one earlier, I still didn't have
a shot at this guy. He was anxious and jittery. He was either looking for a
fight or another f-word. But he was so rutiful, so beautiful. But he strutted
right out of my dreams. I hope he makes it through the season. Because he would
be another shoulder mount.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next thing I knew he walked to the west and I heard
the house door close. Mom was on her way out. All of a sudden I heard another
noise in the trees. The noise was coming from the north again. This time it was
a little basket rack 4 x 4. He was standing in the same exact spot the two
others stood. But his attention was quickly looking straight south towards the
opening where my mom was walking. He wasn't too freaked out but he ran to the
west. It really sucks that my trail cam did not take any pics during all of
this. It is crazy that there were three buckaroos in the same exact spot within
fifteen minutes probably. When she got to the pop-up blind she lifted the front
of the blind and I drove out while I told her the story. She said she heard
that last buck and saw it run away when she was walking up. We then made our
way back to the shop to wait for Don B and T-rav. It wasn't too much longer and
I heard a pickup pull-up. It was them. My dad also pulled up right behind them.
So we made our way back to the scene.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmHfqWs5PE/X6a9_fxL8CI/AAAAAAAARmI/sMwOSx-KzeY2PQrRlGMrHzDt0VznaukLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2688/MFDC5449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2688" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OmHfqWs5PE/X6a9_fxL8CI/AAAAAAAARmI/sMwOSx-KzeY2PQrRlGMrHzDt0VznaukLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/MFDC5449.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">On the way to the scene Don B munched on one of the ham sammiches
that Deb thankfully made. He even let T-rav have one. When we got back to the
crime scene I reenacted what the buck did. We looked around for blood on the
spot where he was shot. There was nothing. Then they both looked for my arrow
in the trees behind where he was standing. There was no luck. We wanted to see
if there was a good blood on the arrow. Could not find the arrow. So we decided
to look for blood in the direction where he ran. There was no blood where he
ran either. My heart dropped. That is a sucky feeling. Then Don B made a plan
that T-rav would follow where the buck ran to, he would circle around and see
if the buck came out the other side of the trees. It wasn't more than a couple
minutes later and Don B yelled, "Here he is!" I was relieved. Because
it is never a sure thing.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgomvmeMGFo/X6a-IOox2mI/AAAAAAAARmQ/bS7M4dCHcncmefJgqUgdJLsTsANVHafYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/Snapchat-499440388.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="302" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgomvmeMGFo/X6a-IOox2mI/AAAAAAAARmQ/bS7M4dCHcncmefJgqUgdJLsTsANVHafYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-499440388.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Picture taken at 5:57 PM.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I was making my way down the path Don B said, "He
is a good buck!" I was getting excited as I made my way to him and there
was no ground shrinkage when I finally spotted him. He was a 5 x 4. Evidently I
counted wrong in the excitement earlier. His neck was all swolled up and he
stunk. He was definitely in rut. We decided to pull him back to the opening
where he was shot to take some pictures. They both grabbed a side of the antlers
and drug him the short distance. T-rav said as we were making our way, "I
would not have passed up this buck. Congrats buddy."</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQlw35KrIEY/X6a-TZm6QpI/AAAAAAAARmY/I6AoUImXcaIE-c9EqDwSgugE96iRbJvSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s302/Snapchat-607910477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kQlw35KrIEY/X6a-TZm6QpI/AAAAAAAARmY/I6AoUImXcaIE-c9EqDwSgugE96iRbJvSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Snapchat-607910477.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">From where he tipped over from where he was shot was
probably 25 yards. That is good stuff. I think I've only had two other deer that
traveled less distance after getting shot. The weird thing about this guy was
that there was very little blood anywhere. It would have been a hard track if
he made it farther but good thing my Muzzy Trocar 100 grain broadheads did a
lot of internal damage. The arrow was not in him and it was a clean pass
through, through both lungs and part of the liver. The inside of him was a
pool. No wonder he did not make it very far. I saved the heart and liver so I
can eat like a king. But before we gutted him we took some pictures. They even
turned out pretty good. Well how could they not with the three of us…</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-jUr0ZPWE/X6a-elU4J_I/AAAAAAAARmg/h0UfsQD0wn47laddfnZUIpwhnrmfxG6GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG954410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MA-jUr0ZPWE/X6a-elU4J_I/AAAAAAAARmg/h0UfsQD0wn47laddfnZUIpwhnrmfxG6GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG954410.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">After they got him gutted, my dad came out with the
Bobcat and they put him in the bucket. That worked pretty slick. Thought about
hanging him in the shop overnight but with the warm temperatures I decided to
bring him to the meat locker in town. Dad drove the Bobcat towards my pickup
and he lifted the bucket perfectly so we could slide the buck right into the pickup
box. I told the boys after we get the deer to the locker we are going to hit
the Spare Time for celebratory libations and to raise a little hell. They
agreed after I twisted their arms. On the way to town I called Kevin, the owner
of <a href="http://www.maplevalleymeats.com/" target="_blank">Maple Valley Meats</a> to tell him what the plan was. He told me congrats and to
send him pics. I also called Sarah to tell her the good news. Plus I had a
conversation with Uncle Joe.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmTX-n1VRMY/X6a-lj3dAyI/AAAAAAAARmo/mgdSZF183WEA4LtSBbubvv2lky0-AumnACLcBGAsYHQ/s568/IMG954407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmTX-n1VRMY/X6a-lj3dAyI/AAAAAAAARmo/mgdSZF183WEA4LtSBbubvv2lky0-AumnACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG954407.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Once we got to the locker it didn't take long for dad to
get everything done. Easy peasy. It pays to know people. Good people. After
that we walked over to the Spare Time and met mom. I ordered the first round of drinks and
pretty soon my sister Shelie and her husband Brad were there. Also Tito and Mr.
French showed up. Mikey and Randi were also part of the celebration. The rounds
were plenty and often. It was a good time. There was a lot of stuff and things
that were talked about. But I knew I got in the chair at 3:30 PM and I didn't
want to stay out too late. I try to keep my chair time below eight hours a day.
Plus it was a school night for the other people that are not retired. I believe
we got home around 11 PM. By this time I was starving and needed something to
eat. I didn't get an earlier sammich. But I got a huge bowl of chicken tortilla
soup that did not suck. I then proceeded to go to bed. Some might call it
passing out. To each their own.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNPzzF1i_Qc/X6a-vFKWcPI/AAAAAAAARmw/1GJIlernC7k5MeeoVKSluX2fFZgw21ScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s457/good%2Bone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="457" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNPzzF1i_Qc/X6a-vFKWcPI/AAAAAAAARmw/1GJIlernC7k5MeeoVKSluX2fFZgw21ScgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/good%2Bone.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I didn't hunt that much this bow season but the hunts
that I did do were good stuff. I have hunted some prime land on the Red River
and Sheyenne River, plus my home base. Thanks everyone who made these hunts possible.
I want to thank everyone who helps me do what I love to do. Without all of you
I don't know what I would do. You know who you are. Thank you.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Soon the freezer will be full of perfect, tasty deer meat
and every time I take a bite I will remember. I will remember this hunt. Every
hunt has a story and every story becomes a memory. I love these memories. It is
what I live for.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Next up is a North Dakota mule deer buck tag in unit 4C.
Stay tuned…</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span> </p><br /><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-2095449694513787582020-11-03T07:44:00.000-08:002020-11-03T07:44:24.790-08:00If I were able bodied and stuff…<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRBEI_kANBY/X6F4bTK5ASI/AAAAAAAARcI/soTJQt3j6x0Wj3XKYbwDTkCNzd-vU4A2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/7040888-Jessi-Kirby-Quote-Little-things-become-big-things-when-your-body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oRBEI_kANBY/X6F4bTK5ASI/AAAAAAAARcI/soTJQt3j6x0Wj3XKYbwDTkCNzd-vU4A2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/7040888-Jessi-Kirby-Quote-Little-things-become-big-things-when-your-body.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">If I were able bodied I would take it for granted…<br />If I were able bodied I wonder what I would be doing.<br />If I were able bodied I wonder if I would still be the same. <br />If I were able bodied I could do anything. <br />If I were able bodied I wonder where I would be. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I wouldn't disappoint myself. <br />If I were able bodied I wonder who would be next to me. <br />If I were able bodied I would probably be up to no good. <br />If I were able bodied I wonder if I would I be your friend? <br />If I were able bodied I would not be writing this. <br />If I were able bodied I would feel different. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I would take time for you. <br />If I were able bodied I wouldn't be the same. <br />If I were able bodied I would have less regrets. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I would not waste it. <br />If I were able bodied I wouldn't be as emotional. <br />If I were able bodied I don't know what I would do. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I wouldn't disappoint you. <br />If I were able bodied I wonder if you would be my friend? <br />If I were able bodied I wouldn't think this way. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I would accomplish more. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I knew what I had. <br />If I were able bodied I would know what I could do. <br />If I were able bodied I wonder if I would still be here. <br />If I were able bodied I couldn't be the same. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I wouldn't suck. <br />If I were able bodied I hope I wouldn't take it for granted… <br /><br />Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p></div><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-55838511082063784592020-10-25T18:14:00.006-07:002020-11-03T07:54:24.634-08:00Great Grandpa Waldie.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="923" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2OIVTQaVKY/X5YbOiGdjaI/AAAAAAAARQk/EjKM-kaOlv4b__D-QshM_zyCIzT3CC9FgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/240466_10150300050728642_2375174_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Great Grandpa with a northern from the James.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is a conglomeration of I believe two different obituaries for my Great Grandpa Waldie. One obituary came from a newspaper and the other from a town Centennial book. For those of you who do not know, he would be my mom's grandpa on her mother's side. My Grandma Gladys Schmitz's dad. From what I hear he was quite a character. He had some unique sayings and thoughts. He would have been neat to know but he passed before I was born.<br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Arthur John Waldie (1891 - 1971)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Art a native of LaMoure county was born in Sheridan
Township on March 15, 1891. He attended schools in Sheridan Township and the
Agricultural College in Fargo, N.D. His parents were John and Jennie Waldie.
Art married Mary Larson on May 19, 1910. Mary was the daughter of Knute and Andrena
Larson and she was born at Eagle Bend, Iowa on April 3, 1888. She went to
school at Mona, Iowa. Art and Mary lived in Dickey where they ran the livery
stable until 1912. They farmed in the Dickey, Marion area until 1939. Art later
worked in a logging camp in Kalispell, Mont., and at Boeing Aircraft in
Washington. They returned to Dickey and Art was custodian at the Dickey School.
They retired in Enderlin in 1959.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Art and Mary have 3 children: ERVIN of Miles City, Mont.;
GLADYS of Enderlin, N.D.; and DORIS of Hartley, Iowa. Art passed away March 30,
1971 and Mary on August 12, 1970.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Dorothy Tangney Berg, "Art loved horses and animals.
As a child we all loved to visit at his farm. He married Mary and they had 3
children. Mary was older than Art but she made a wonderful wife for him. We
gave Art a Boston Terrier puppy that our male had fathered. Art always had that
dog in his truck with him. They lived on a farm out of Dickey once and then
later lived near Enderlin near their daughter, Gladys, and family. He loved his
Grandchildren."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Glenn Verner Dill Jr. wrote in 1990, "He ran a
livery stable in Dickey till 1912; farmed Dickey-Marion area till 1939; worked
in logging camp in Kalispell; worked at Boeing Aircraft in Washington; and
finally was custodian at Dickey school until retiring to Enderlin in
1959."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Arthur J. Waldie, 80, of Enderlin died in a car truck
crash near Marion, N. Dak. on March 30. Funeral services were held April 1 at
Enderlin with interment in the Enderlin cemetery.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The couple farmed in the Dickey, Marion area for many
years, retiring in 1959. They moved to Enderlin to live near a daughter, Mrs.
Erv. (Gladys) Schmitz.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umQr1LnkJac/X5YcOSW473I/AAAAAAAARQs/cGsOHsmhx_chiXbqdq8eVTvafeFMSO5QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/240466_10150300050733642_2904383_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1427" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umQr1LnkJac/X5YcOSW473I/AAAAAAAARQs/cGsOHsmhx_chiXbqdq8eVTvafeFMSO5QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/240466_10150300050733642_2904383_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">Running the line in Dickey County.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Waldies celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary
last June at the Schmitz home. Art Waldie was well known for his interest in
conservation and wildlife preservation for many years.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mrs. Waldie died August 12, 1970. Surviving are a son and
two daughters Ervin Waldie, Miles City, Mont., Mrs. Ervin (Gladys) Schmitz,
Enderlin; and Mrs. Verner (Doris) Christie, Hartley, IA; two sisters Mrs. Wm.
(Helen) Tangney, McAllen, Texas; and Mrs. Jack (Georgia) Bush, Hudson, Wisc.;
11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">He was preceeded in death by his parents and a brother,
Clayte Waldie.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The above information was taken from the link below.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Waldie-27">https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Waldie-27</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Working on some Lindemann stuff and things for the next blog entry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p><br /></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-26244855273644057082020-10-10T16:48:00.005-07:002020-10-11T16:54:05.012-07:00New wheelchair and stuff.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk3rlzQp8Lk/X4JBsVY5wBI/AAAAAAAAQxM/JPNwy466iWQJ0f5YriJyvBrBGDRNFj2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/Altru-Performance-Center.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tk3rlzQp8Lk/X4JBsVY5wBI/AAAAAAAAQxM/JPNwy466iWQJ0f5YriJyvBrBGDRNFj2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Altru-Performance-Center.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">A couple years ago I was getting a new backrest put on my
wheelchair and Don the Occupational Therapist asked, "How old is your
chair?" I really had no clue. So they looked it up and they found out it
was purchased in 2001. I could not believe how old it was. They also could not
believe how old it was. They were going to give me an award for the oldest
chair to come through the door.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The reason why I never got a new chair was because there
was really nothing wrong with the one that I had. Like I said I had to put a
new backrest on it but that had nothing to do with the actual mechanics or the
motor of the chair. Also over the years I have gotten new seat cushions to help
with pressure and stuff but my chair was still the same old chair. The only
thing I have ever had wrong with the chair was the wiring got a little brittle
in one spot where they would get kinked. But my brother-in-law Brad rewired it
and it was better than when it was new.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Another reason why I like my wheelchair is because I have
made quite a few modifications to it. The two biggest modifications were of
course related to hunting/fishing. Priorities. My crossbow mount attaches to
one of the wheelchair canes. The canes are the posts that come up behind my
back that have handles on them. My rifle mount is attached underneath my seat
and has been customized to fit that particular chair. Also my fishing pole
holder attaches to the same rifle mount. It would be hard to give up these
things or to modify them on the new chair. I would rather stick with the old
chair and be able to hunt then get an upgrade.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I was getting the new backrest put on the chair the therapist
said that I really should be looking into getting a new one just in case
something goes wrong with this one. He said it is good to have a backup because
most chairs do not last as long as the one that you have. So this spring I
decided to pull the trigger and order a new wheelchair. I guess insurance will
pay for a new one about every five years. So I was long overdue. For 19 years
my wheelchair did me good and we did a lot of stuff and things together.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaoCEWKn1NI/X4JDWdeUSsI/AAAAAAAAQxw/HnoY4vqx-SEY8Y4-qhAPQ2oQBQ1n0ZvcACLcBGAsYHQ/s498/tenor.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="344" data-original-width="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaoCEWKn1NI/X4JDWdeUSsI/AAAAAAAAQxw/HnoY4vqx-SEY8Y4-qhAPQ2oQBQ1n0ZvcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tenor.gif" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The problem with ordering a new chair was I needed to
make sure that the frame and base was the same exact size as my old chair. I
needed this to be exact because my pickup was built around my wheelchair. I was
a little leery about ordering something and then finding out when I got it that
it would not fit in my customized pickup. That would suck. But then I thought
to myself if it didn't fit I would just sell it on the black market and make
some cash.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ordering process started on May 27 for the new chair.
Jeanne at Altru told me that the new chair would probably come in three or four
months. She was about right on because the chair came in sometime in September
and I made an appointment to get fitted for the chair September 16.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK6k8YC4xag/X4JB8MV4WbI/AAAAAAAAQxU/wCjT_lifzKov1cyEETz6HAruODZmSBS9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s474/OIP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="474" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RK6k8YC4xag/X4JB8MV4WbI/AAAAAAAAQxU/wCjT_lifzKov1cyEETz6HAruODZmSBS9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/OIP.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I worked with <a href="https://www.altru.org/find-a-location/location-profile/?id=209" target="_blank">Altru Performance Center</a> in Grand Forks
because they're the best at what they do. I do not deal with Scamford's
Healthcare Accessories in Fargo anymore unless I absolutely have to. They suck.
<a href="https://www.yorhom.org/" target="_blank">Altru's Yorhom Medical Essentials</a> in Grand Forks are much better to work with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The people at Altru Performance Center in Grand Forks are awesome to work
with. <a href="https://www.altru.org/find-a-physician-provider/detail/janeloscheider/" target="_blank">Jane the Occupational Therapist Extraordinaire</a>, Jeanne the Assistive
Technology Practitioner Genius and Luke the Wheelchair Technician Magician are
top-notch. I went back up there September 16 to get my chair adjusted. Jane
made sure everything fit right and was going to work for me. She even made some
adaptations so I could turn the chair on and off. She also got me in and out of
the chair a couple times while they were making adjustments to the new
wheelchair. Luke put the new bolt on the bottom of my wheelchair that slides
into the wheelchair locking device in my pickup. He made all of the adjustments
and swapped the stuff and things I needed from the old chair onto the new
chair. Luke also unrolled my Roll-o-Ramp and drove my old chair into the back
of the pickup. Plus he tied everything down and made sure everything was secure
before we left Grand Forks and headed home.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRqNfNAcEAg/X4JCD_7uyuI/AAAAAAAAQxY/lxEjbuXYxFg7GtnZgmC-MMe0YBsZw_aXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-1383327072.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRqNfNAcEAg/X4JCD_7uyuI/AAAAAAAAQxY/lxEjbuXYxFg7GtnZgmC-MMe0YBsZw_aXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1383327072.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The ride home sucked. I didn’t like the new chair right away.
It didn't feel right. I was in pain. My body did not like it. Especially after
the two hour ride home from Grand Forks. I went to bed right when I got home
and didn't get up the next day. I wanted to go back to my old chair. I was being
Mr. Negative. I don't like being negative. It sucks. But like Sarah said,
"It is going to take time." She was right, my body was used to the
old chair. After almost 20 years it is hard to get used to something that
quick.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vBq3FnE4wI/X4JHlKizvqI/AAAAAAAAQyE/8C6IIczIvsI-Xv_44KizyYzKh9v5RgOVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-1884333404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_vBq3FnE4wI/X4JHlKizvqI/AAAAAAAAQyE/8C6IIczIvsI-Xv_44KizyYzKh9v5RgOVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1884333404.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">OT Jane even checked in with me a couple days later to
see how I was feeling with the new chair. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the message she sent me, "This is Jane (the
OT) – I wanted to check-in and see how you are doing since we made those
changes a couple days ago?</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">How is your
back?</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Pain?" I really appreciated
that. I told her that I was not feeling very comfortable in the chair and she told
me to keep track of all of the things that were bothering me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">So I made a list of things I needed changed for the next
time I went to Altru. I needed them to cut out some of my shell that forms the
backrest. I needed them to move the wheelchair canes forward because it felt
like I was slouching. Also needed them to figure out the display screen that
has the clock and other stuff on it. I also needed to figure out why I was
getting a red spot on my right thigh since switching to the new chair. The
sound from the electronics was also too loud and I needed that to be lowered.
After two hours or so at my appointment on September 29 they made everything
right. It now feels comfortable and just like how I felt before but now in a
new chair. The only thing that is really different about the new chair is the electronics and the new fancy shiny rims. They are a little too fancy for me. But I think I will be able to rub off the shininess in short time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxpyuNcbmZjJIaECHXE9QIkMWIQ7LeyJyePMQ_EeGVwxjKxodHbUDFb84FEQkjvWdAnZUcfrnKaqdW6GR9mrw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Don B and I racing. He did well for an able-bodied fellow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;">With the new chair been pretty much similar to the old
chair it was easy to adapt my fishing and hunting mounts. I was worried about
nothing. The crossbow mount was as easy as to taking it off the old chair and
bolting it on the new one. The rifle mount was another story. It would attach to
the new chair but we needed to do a lot more modifications. Cutting, fitting
and modifying. The new chair has a lot more electronics and we needed to make
everything fit around them. But after some meeting of the minds with my dad,
Don B and T-rav, everything came together perfectly. I have been hunting with
the crossbow and shooting rifle with the new chair and everything works slick.
Giggity…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMhyqVUHzaY/X4OR82vgJnI/AAAAAAAAQ00/Wi-sv9U7EgIdmNoy2JvBuJeCIND-N9s1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-1715303606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iMhyqVUHzaY/X4OR82vgJnI/AAAAAAAAQ00/Wi-sv9U7EgIdmNoy2JvBuJeCIND-N9s1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1715303606.jpg" /></a></div></span></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can't thank the people I worked with at Altru
Performance Center enough. They made everything easy and they made the
transition to the new chair work as smoothly as it could. They made the
four-hour round-trip well worth it, three times. Service like that is hard to
find and when you find it you better use it because it doesn't come around that
often. Thank you Jane, Jeanne and Luke.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWf7f1ettjk/X4OakJrbfmI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/WuW9Fo6nBNw5YJLzbQBgipdQAFSK6KnxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-353455541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWf7f1ettjk/X4OakJrbfmI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/WuW9Fo6nBNw5YJLzbQBgipdQAFSK6KnxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-353455541.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Just me giving rides on the new chair doing stuff and things I do.</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-90426014773707231042020-10-04T08:34:00.004-07:002020-10-05T15:21:38.276-07:00A Hell of a Twisted Hunt.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxFeA17r3g/X3nlpkBzTXI/AAAAAAAAQn8/W_7A-do97YE6Jvh5tJeH0lPDn_W-2IKbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/IMG_1418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TnxFeA17r3g/X3nlpkBzTXI/AAAAAAAAQn8/W_7A-do97YE6Jvh5tJeH0lPDn_W-2IKbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1418.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Sometime this summer a friend of mine, Dave sent me a
text and was wondering if I would want to do a hunt with him as him as my
guide. Dave was predicting that the annual Twist of Fate hunt would be canceled
due to the Rona virus. I told him I would definitely be interested as long as I
wasn't taking the hunt away from someone who doesn't get the opportunity as
much as I do. I can pretty much go out and hunt any day I want. That doesn't
suck. He told me it would be just me and another disabled hunter that would
take part. He was also going to invite a couple other guides to help out. With
that, I accepted his offer.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">You see we have been talking about hunting together ever
since we met. I think that was back in 98 when he guided another hunter while
we were at the first UFFDA hunt in North Dakota. We kind of hit it off right
away. Ever since then, whenever we would run into each other we would say,
"One of these days we are going to do a hunt together." Well this
year everything seemed to line up and it happened.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I really had no idea what his grand plan was but if you
know Dave, his mind is always working on something. It is usually something
neat. But I digress. I texted him the day before the hunt just to ask him what
he all had planned. He told me everything is going great and things got a
little bigger than he first planned. He said things just snowballed and
everything fell into place.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I said, on the drawing board Dave was just going to
have myself and another hunter take part in the hunt. But then one of his
fellow guides and friends heard what he was doing, they wanted to join up with
him. In the end there were six guides and four hunters. Dave said, "It's gonna be a twisted hunt full of twisted people!" That's good stuff.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfnsnMPcxz0/X3npDQ5Q2OI/AAAAAAAAQpU/Fgm1v8JfyqA6pCAzMoIAIpaegLDHAPrhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Resized_20200925_084232.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IfnsnMPcxz0/X3npDQ5Q2OI/AAAAAAAAQpU/Fgm1v8JfyqA6pCAzMoIAIpaegLDHAPrhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Resized_20200925_084232.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A little bit of the famous bacon from Maple Valley Meats from Enderlin.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />They lined up a place for us to base out of, the Kindred
Wildlife Club clubhouse. This place does not suck. The clubhouse is equipped
with a full kitchen, restrooms and plenty of room to sit and eat or just hang
out. Their range is something to be proud of. They also lined up wall tents in
case someone needed a place to stay, which one hunter took advantage of. A
couple hunters brought campers and I went home every night. Landowners were
also contacted and prime hunting spots were available and prepped for
wheelchair access in case it was needed. Donations also started rolling in. A
local landowner donated money to pay for the bow tags. Ribeyes and burger were
donated by a local farmer and local rancher. Bacon was donated by Maple Valley
Meats. There were also other donations of food that was just awesome.
Everything was provided for three meals a day. People are awesome.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I thought we were just going to get together and do a
couple nights of hunting together. I had no clue how this thing had snowballed.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The hunt took place during the same weekend as the annual
Twist of Fate hunt takes place. It is always the last full weekend in
September. This year's dates were September 24-26. But there would be no
morning hunts during this elongated weekend. Dave texted the day before,
"We are gonna feed ya and have a full line of refreshments! How does
campfires and whitetail bucks sound?"</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymQ2aZrngJ-GoLPEtRpwx2cW_vg5Uzn32ID8_w2t6VDjAyeGMKf43cotP_qliXWpLIQtUJWh0-6JMQ48wdWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />About a week before the hunt I texted Dave on how far a
shot should I practice for. He told me inside of 20. So I went and practiced
one afternoon. After a couple shots my Carbon Express Intercept crossbow was
dialed in with broadheads. I told him I was good to go. And he replied back,
"We're gonna whackem and stackem!"</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0HpCR2i0jc/X3nl1hm2a0I/AAAAAAAAQoA/gIuQd8bwGpkJU3m9HYQwVh5Nw8-e1qKjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/IMG_3845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="432" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h0HpCR2i0jc/X3nl1hm2a0I/AAAAAAAAQoA/gIuQd8bwGpkJU3m9HYQwVh5Nw8-e1qKjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3845.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />For a couple weeks before the hunt we were sharing trail
cam pictures of buckaroos. He had a couple doozies picked out for me on the
land I was going to be on. I like doozies. But the best part about this was I
was going to be hunting on stuff I had never been on before. I have written
about this before but I just love hunting new territories. I don't care where
it is or how many animals there are. It's like getting a new perspective on
life every new parcel you explore.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I also talked to Dave the day before the hunt just ask
him about what time I should be down there and what time we were going to get
in to the blinds. He told me we would leave camp around 4 PM to try and get set
up at least by 4:30 PM. But I should get there earlier if I could. But there
was no pressure because this is going to be my hunt. He told me that many
times. "No pressure. We are here to have a good time," he would say.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I explained to him that I am only supposed to be in the
chair about seven hours at a time. Again he explained that this is your hunt.
So I decided I would roll into camp around three the day the hunt started. When
I got down to the clubhouse which I had never been to before, there were some
familiar faces. I had known the guides for many years. They were Bruce, TJ,
Jeremy, Dylan, Matt and Dave. I also recognized the hunters. I had never hunted
with them but had seen them at the Twist of Fate banquets where I tend to blow some
money and overindulge in libations. The hunters turned out to be Pat, Matt, Tom
and I.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFgMDifjHCo/X3nmAWxmKeI/AAAAAAAAQoI/LhVuH-8FB_scgHBYUNv8YisoW5TLyU1pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-1128473578.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JFgMDifjHCo/X3nmAWxmKeI/AAAAAAAAQoI/LhVuH-8FB_scgHBYUNv8YisoW5TLyU1pQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1128473578.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />After little bit of BS'ing. We actually started talking
about hunting. I asked Dave where we were going and he said he had a perfect
place picked out for the wind that was blowing that night. He said he had nine
different places ready to hunt for different wind directions. Preparedness
doesn't suck. Dave told me we were headed to Spike's land. I had actually
hunted on his land but not in the same spot. It is a bow hunter's nirvana. A
lot of big deers have been taken on this property. I was happy in all of my facial
region and other regions.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Spike's land wasn't too far away from the camp so we took
off around 4 PM. When we got to the spot, things were little different than the
last time I was there. I believe I hunted there last in maybe 2002. We first
stopped by the new house because Spike wanted me to use his Ozonics while I was
hunting on his land. That was very gracious and I was excited to use one. I
have heard about them but had never had the opportunity to hunt with one. To
the novice, they are supposed to take away human scent.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I will just say this land is southwest of Kindred. It is
right along the Sheyenne River and there is quite the aroma from the local plant
life. It is quite intoxicating actually. When we pulled up to the hunting spot
there were three blinds. There were two pop-up blinds facing each other about
30 yards apart. They were placed this way for hunting in different winds. There
was also another permanent blind a little farther away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDLvpXmuHt8/X3nmdxCeBrI/AAAAAAAAQoU/EdDFsKsNM8MxzS_RVAocEmp6RZKyjLtTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-446883493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDLvpXmuHt8/X3nmdxCeBrI/AAAAAAAAQoU/EdDFsKsNM8MxzS_RVAocEmp6RZKyjLtTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-446883493.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />That first night I was in the pop-up blind facing to the
east. Before getting in the blind I explained to my guides TJ, Dylan and Dave
how to use the detachable hand crank on my crossbow to cock the bow. They caught
on quick and within no time I was backing into the blind. Then the Ozonics and
the Thermacell were turned on. Next an arrow was placed on the rail of my
crossbow and the safety was clicked off. And with that they said good luck and
I was left by myself. In my happy place. In the hunting blind by all by myself.
I looked down at my phone and it was 4:30 PM. Perfect.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I believe there was a southeast wind that night and it
was warm. It was actually toasty inside the blind. If I could sweat, I probably
would have been sweating that evening. I believe the temperature hit 80° that
day.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxtGsDz2rZQ/X3nnHlodpgI/AAAAAAAAQoo/_Cc4AbPrgmU0sZ9fPCU6PVsyHn75cXv9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-1909033659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xxtGsDz2rZQ/X3nnHlodpgI/AAAAAAAAQoo/_Cc4AbPrgmU0sZ9fPCU6PVsyHn75cXv9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1909033659.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />It didn't take long for the woods to settle down. In this
time I got my bearings. I looked around and made some mental notes of how far I
could shoot to the left and right without hitting anything on the windows. I
also made some mental notes of how far the yardage was in front of me.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The blinds were in kind of an oxbow on the Sheyenne.
There were trees along the river but I was in a big open area in the middle of
the winding river. The field that I was in was tall grass with mowed paths
going in several directions. The grass was probably 6 feet tall in most parts.
So deer could sneak around pretty easily without getting seen.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I was facing east around 5:15 PM the first deer of the
night came from my right which is to the south. It was a yearling doe. I was
surprised there was deer out that early seeing how warm it was. It was sunny
and 75° at this time. Not ideal for deer movement. But this land is so prime
evidently the deer don't care about the temperature. She milled around for a
while and took off the same way she came in. At 5:45 PM, rambunctious twins
came bouncing in, followed by their mother who had her mouth open and tongue
stretched out. She was panting hard. She was old and it was easy to tell by her
Roman nose. They sampled on some sugar beets for a while until something to the
north spooked her and they took off to where they came from. Those old ones are
tough to trick. But she wasn't looking at me, something in the trees was
bothering her. She actually blew a couple times as she and her young ones ran
away.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">At this time I was glad I had remembered to bring my
Thermacell because I could tell the bugs were bothering the deer. Their ears
were twitching and their tails were too. Their legs were constantly moving or
shaking to try and get the bugs off. But there was nary a bug inside the pop-up
blind. Thank goodness.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">At 6:30 PM a yearling doe came in from the south just
like the others. She came directly in and munched on some sugar beets. She
didn't stay long. I learned right away that most of the deer, actually I
believe all of them came running in. I needed to pay attention constantly
because in a matter of seconds they were right in front of you.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As I was sitting in the blind I noticed something making
noise every time there would be a gust of wind. I was looking around the inside
of the blind to figure out what it was so we could get rid of it in case I sat
here again or in case someone else was going to sit here. Finally I noticed
something spinning and it looked like the ass end of a price tag. The little
square and that is usually on the inside of clothing. Anyway I could see that
thing spinning every time there was a gust. This didn't get me busted but it
was kind of annoying. I think maybe the old doe got spooked by it though. But I
wanted her gone anyway. Old does suck.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> </o:p>At 6:40 PM I heard some footprints behind me. All of a
sudden a doe came from the direction I was not anticipating. She came directly
downwind from me. Maybe those Ozonics do work. Usually animals do not come from
downwind. They usually bust you or you do not even see them. As this doe was
standing in front of me I thought to myself If Mr. Big does come, I am going to
need to wait for the perfect shot because it is too warm to screw up the shot.
You would not want to leave a deer laying all night and try to find it in the
morning with temperatures in the 70s. The meat would be spoiled and I'm sure
the coyotes would be full. So I took this time to aiming on the deer that would
come in. Getting ready for a possible killing shot. That's using the old
kidney…</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Around 7 PM I had two deer come in. There was one from
the north and one from the south. They were both does. They both met in the
middle and sampled the local table fare until there was some noise from the
south. At 7:20 PM another old doe came trotting in. She stayed until about 7:45
PM. Legal shooting hours were done at 7:50 PM that night. Nothing else came in
after she left. There was a total of nine deer and they were all within 10
yards. That does not suck.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">So I texted the boys and they came and got me. They asked
if I had seen anything and I explained that there were nine does/fawns that came
in. They were surprised no bucks had come in but it was only hunt number one. I
then asked if anyone else got lucky and Dave told me there is a 4 x 4 that was
hit and it should be in camp when we get there. On our way out the landowner,
Spike was standing outside. I told him what I had seen that night and he was
also surprised that no bucks came in. He was watching on his SpyPoint trail cam
that sends pictures in real-time to his phone. I thanked him for the
opportunity to hunt on his land and with a smile he said, "I was more than
welcome." So with that we headed back to the clubhouse.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hoFHiI5LIc/X3noIHGlqGI/AAAAAAAAQo0/mQaA4_SGTvYbPF1_UNxZnMPen1Sp9NolgCLcBGAsYHQ/s768/IMG951434001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0hoFHiI5LIc/X3noIHGlqGI/AAAAAAAAQo0/mQaA4_SGTvYbPF1_UNxZnMPen1Sp9NolgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG951434001.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />When we got back to camp the 4 x 4 was just getting
strung up in a tree in front of the clubhouse. It was a nice deer. I decided to
go by the clubhouse and tilt back for a while. I am supposed to tilt back for
ten minutes every hour but it's kind of hard to do when you are hunting.
Sometimes I cheat, sue me. I am the only one that is going to have to pay for
it in the end. But some things are worth doing. You can't quit living your life
just because you're in a chair. That's my theory anyway. But I digress.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9QQl9ClKok/X3noSDEF3EI/AAAAAAAAQo4/5joQmpwapEcqLNX5-jkZjiFH4F-4rgPjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1082/Snapchat-1766045186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1082" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o9QQl9ClKok/X3noSDEF3EI/AAAAAAAAQo4/5joQmpwapEcqLNX5-jkZjiFH4F-4rgPjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-1766045186.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />While I was
tilting I had mom make me a cocktail. I was thirsty. I was also tired. It
didn't take long for the guys to butcher the deer and they were ready to put
some pizza on the Traeger. But by that time I was beat. I had one more cocktail
made for the ride home and we were out of there. It takes about a half-hour to
get back home and by the time I was in bed it was around 11 PM. So that was
over eight hours in the chair that day and I was beat. I slept hard.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When I woke up it was Friday. I am always thankful when I
wake up. Good times. I decided that day I would wait a little longer to get to
camp so I could partake in the evening festivities more. I decided to get in
the chair around 3 PM and take off for the camp. This would give me about a
half-hour there before we would have to take off for the evening hunt. When mom
and I got there the guys already had a plan for the three other hunters who
still had tags. The plan for me was to head east, almost to Minnesota. I would
be sitting along the Red River. I was excited because this is another new
territory for me.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azzMbLSbTjg/X3nofybLdwI/AAAAAAAAQpA/2SxeEGe4f180l4FgxIq_g-0WPe8qOY5OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-294918482.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-azzMbLSbTjg/X3nofybLdwI/AAAAAAAAQpA/2SxeEGe4f180l4FgxIq_g-0WPe8qOY5OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-294918482.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />When we got to the spot I was going to be hunting you
could just tell this was deer territory. It was right along the banks of the
Red River. There were plenty of trees probably about 100 yards of trees that
went west from the bank. Where I was hunting was an old abandoned farmstead. It
looked like you could set up anywhere and you would have a good opportunity at
filling your tag. The pictures of deer that I had seen from this particular
place were awesome. We went by the farmstead and made our way in my pickup on a
narrow trail through the trees. All of a sudden there was an opening amongst
all of the tall old trees. Then I noticed a pop-up blind tucked in some bushes.
The back of the blind was towards the river and I was facing directly west. The
bedding area was to my right, the north. To my west was a wall of trees. To the
south was where we came, which was to my left as I backed into the blind. This
night, I barely had to explain how to cock my bow. In no time they were wishing
me luck and there they were, gone. I was back by myself, in my element. My
happy place.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As soon as they were gone I looked down at my phone and
it said 4:35 PM. It was perfect time for a perfect set up. We had a north wind
and the deer would come from the north. To the north was an old riverbed which
the deer were now using for their bedding area. Everything about this felt
perfect. There were birds and squirrels moving everywhere. They kept me
entertained. The opening in front of me was probably 30 yards around. There was
some well-placed nourishment right in the middle. As I always do I figured out
where I could shoot and how far I could shoot right and left.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The anticipation was high and before I knew it, it was 6
PM and I could hear a deer blowing to the north. It sounded a long ways off.
There is no way that this deer could have busted me. It was directly upwind
from where I was. I believe it blew four or five times and each time it did I
could tell it was getting farther away. I have no idea what spooked it.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">At 6:35 PM I could make out a silhouette in the bedding
area. Every once in a while I swear I could see eyes of the deer looking
around. I thought for sure this was going to be a buck and he was going to walk
out right in front of me. But after about five minutes of seeing the silhouette,
it was gone.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">All of a sudden something caught my eye and I was looking
directly east as a Robin was making a kamikaze run right for the window of the
blind. Right at the last second he pulled up on the rudder and landed on one of
the support beams of the blind. I thought for sure he was coming directly
inside. That would have been entertaining. Just as I was collecting my thoughts
there was a loud squawking noise behind me. It kind of spooked me right away.
You never know what is in those woods. It made a squawking noise again and
again. I couldn't think of what would make that type of noise and then I
remembered that the river was right behind me. Instead of Bigfoot bellering, I
bet it was probably a Blue Heron. That probably makes more sense.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7efnccrSESc/X3noyhLFfJI/AAAAAAAAQpM/asQO4iwgtNY74plDr4spM38pEHvvPkusACLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-466136140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7efnccrSESc/X3noyhLFfJI/AAAAAAAAQpM/asQO4iwgtNY74plDr4spM38pEHvvPkusACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-466136140.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />As I was further to the east this night and I was
surrounded by trees it got dark earlier than it did the day before. I texted
Dave at 7:49 PM that I was ready. He must've texted me right at the same time
because I got a message that said, "Are you ready to come out?" About
five minutes later I got another text that said, "Well…" I giggled to
myself because I knew what happened. I replied I was ready and within about
five minutes I could see headlights making their way towards me. It was dark.
Dark as the ace of spades. When Dave got out of the vehicle he checked the bait
pile first and noticed that there were some tracks in it. He asked, "Did
you see anything?" I said, "Nothing." He then explained that he
saw some tracks in the bait and I said, "There could have been something
in the last 10 minutes but it was too dark to see." We would have to check
the camera to figure that out. Dave was able to check the camera a couple days
later and it was a small fawn that came in when it was dark. Everyone was
surprised that nothing came in. I was too. But it didn't matter. It was a grand
night.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">When we got back to the camp we learned that nobody else
had gotten anything either. So the guides started up the oil in the fryers to
have a fish fry. While the fish were frying I was tilting back and listening to
the other guys tell their stories of the night's hunt. It doesn't get any
better than that. A couple landowners also showed up. The land I was on that
night was their land. I have known Ryan and Heather for quite a few years but never
knew they owned this parcel of land. I thanked them for the opportunity as we
filled our faces with fried potatoes and fried fish. That night we stayed a
little longer and made it home around midnight. It was another eight hours in
the chair. But well worth it.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I woke up again, this time it was Saturday. Winning. Last
day of the hunt. Like the day before I decided to get in the chair at 3 PM and
make my way over to the camp. The only difference was that today it was
raining. It was raining pretty much constantly but every once in a while it was
pretty hard. It was decided that I would go to the same place I was on Thursday
night because we all agreed it was just a matter of time before the bucks would
come in. So we headed over to Spike's land and he met us in front of his house
before we went by and headed to the blind. He told us we should probably sit in
the east blind that is facing west. With the rain the wind was unpredictable.
He also said he was going to grab a bucket of corn to add to the sugar beets.
We grabbed the bucket and Spike told me good luck. I said thanks and we were on
our way.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnjHMS1dmec/X3nqLS1BIhI/AAAAAAAAQpk/AFoHlhBDN6crrgSliEIv5iSM711D53--QCLcBGAsYHQ/s625/Snapchat-123932152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dnjHMS1dmec/X3nqLS1BIhI/AAAAAAAAQpk/AFoHlhBDN6crrgSliEIv5iSM711D53--QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-123932152.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />We pulled the pickup as close as we could to the blind
and we all got out. The rain was coming down good. TJ and Dylan untied the
blind from the tiedowns and lifted up one side so I could back in. Once I was
inside they got my crossbow cocked, locked and ready to rock. TJ hooked up the
Ozonics while Dave was outside dumping corn. It was a well-oiled machine. In no
time they were driving off in my pickup and I was all alone, again. I love it.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">As they pulled away I looked at my phone and it said 4:20
PM. That's when I remembered that Dave told me to rub a voodoo doll for good
luck before the hunt. Stuff and things were rubbed. So the set up was just the
opposite as the first night's hunt. I was facing west, I was looking right at
the pop-up blind I was sitting in on Thursday night. To my left, the south was
where most of the deer came from that first night. Unlike the first night,
tonight I could see probably 300 yards in front of me towards the farmyard.
Behind me was a little opening, some trees and then the Sheyenne River.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw4z1XbebICDMW9rF63Lsk-uGg9cQcf5fQ1LQ9jLGF-3RUeTMuX0tk6lslLoE1tBkc-775I4qPV6DXRDAvIWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />For the next hour and a half there was no movement. The
only sound I could hear was the rain on the roof of the pop-up blind. Every
once in a while there was a gust of wind that would hit me in the face. That is
a good thing when you're hunting. Around 5:50 PM two does came in from my left
side. They came directly to the bait and had a little supper. They were in
front of me for probably twenty minutes or so. Right after they left around
6:20 PM the rain finally quit. A little after that the sun came out and it was
one of those nights when you knew something was going to happen. It was
perfect. As soon as the sun came out a big old doe came out with her twins.
They were little buckaroos. I could see their hair was parting where eventually
antlers would be grown. Right at this time the wind also died down to nothing.
Dead calm.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Also during this time when the sun came out and the rain
quit there was about 15 gunshots. I figured maybe it was duck hunters. But it
was hard to tell if it was from a shotgun or rifle. It was echoing so much. I
later learned that it could have been a neighbor practicing his long-distance
shooting. It didn't matter much though because the deer were not bothered by it
at all. They didn't even flinch.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">At 7 PM a yearling doe came in all by herself. She was
there for a while until we both heard some blowing to the north. The wind was
in my face at this time so again I had no idea what that deer was bothered by
to the north. The blowing made the yearling in front of me turn tail and run
back to the south. About ten minutes after that another solo skinhead made her
way to the bait. She fed and fed and fed. It was pure gluttony. But
entertaining to watch. Her stomach was finally full and she waddled off to the
south. At 7:45 PM a doe with twins came in directly from the west. I think they
would have stayed there all night but I got a text that 7:49 PM from Dave
saying, "You ready to come out?" I replied, "Sure. Doe with
twins in front of me." In no time I could see the headlights from my
pickup bouncing over the pocket gopher mounds headed my way. The doe and twins
finally put their heads up and ran back into the trees.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIw37GjR2YM/X3nq9TWGkgI/AAAAAAAAQps/Sr5FEeTm2AksKLhk_QwNfEVuk5CXqiAGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-476227694.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIw37GjR2YM/X3nq9TWGkgI/AAAAAAAAQps/Sr5FEeTm2AksKLhk_QwNfEVuk5CXqiAGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-476227694.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />When the guys got out of the pickup they asked what I saw
and I replied, "13 does." That is crazy to have that many deer in
front of you within 10 yards and they have no clue you're there. It is also
crazy that I did not see one buck. But that doesn't matter. I had over 12 hours
in the blind in three days and it was pure awesomeness seeing 22 deer up close.
It's not about killing. It's about nature, friends, camaraderie, togetherness,
good times and no suckage.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the guys reached in the blind and grabbed the
arrow from the crossbow rail, lifted the blind and I drove out. Next like the
nights before they put in my decocking arrow and I shot it into the ground.
Then TJ unattached the crossbow and its mount from my wheelchair. TJ then loaded
the crossbow in the backseat of my pickup and him and Dylan hopped on the
tailgate while Dave jumped in the driver seat as I was getting the batwing door
shut on my side. We were a well-oiled machine indeed. On our way out of the
field and into the yard, landowner Spike was waiting for us. He asked me what I
saw and I told him 13 skinheads and he laughed. He was amazed that there were
no bucks running around with that many females. But I guess they all turned
nocturnal. It's hard to figure a buck. Bucks only need a couple things and this
time of year they can do the things they need by themselves. Sounds like a good
Clintism…</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">The guys then jumped in their Yukon and mom jumped in my
pickup like we did the two nights before. In no time we were back at the camp
and we learned that one of the other hunters had shot a doe. They were not sure
of the shot so they decided to let it lay for a while. It was decided that we
would have supper and then they would go track it.</span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-4rMWx8gcQ/X3nwMZ181DI/AAAAAAAAQqQ/DsCxvbomfxEfD0N1slJu5GO9gyaVQgz2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s576/Snapchat-376494314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="307" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2-4rMWx8gcQ/X3nwMZ181DI/AAAAAAAAQqQ/DsCxvbomfxEfD0N1slJu5GO9gyaVQgz2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Snapchat-376494314.jpg" /></a></div><br />Next the Traeger was fired up and the perfect ribeyes
were waiting their fate. It was going to be a feast with potato salad, baked
beans and sweetcorn as the sides. Of course I cleaned my plate like a good boy in
record time. The gentlemen who donated the ribeyes was there also this night,
so I thanked him for the generous, delicious gift. They did not suck. The
supper was perfect, the location was awesome and the company was great.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">We didn't stay long after supper because the guides
wanted to go find that doe before the coyotes got to her. I thanked all of them
for everything they did for this awesome three-day hunt. It could not have been
more perfect.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">By the way, they did find that doe so the hunters went two
out of four, for filling their tags over the weekend. 50% is pretty dang good
for any hunter on a three-day hunt, disabled or not. Also, I was picky and was
waiting for Mr. Big to fill my freezer.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">I can't thank everyone who made this twisted hunt possible enough. You all don't suck.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></p>Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-20739145511938862932020-07-06T08:09:00.000-07:002020-07-07T06:27:19.189-07:00I wish could…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL3FFA_ASPE/XwM9B13ZmrI/AAAAAAAAOuk/o2fAq1gSQ4UecUwkvNRR8S-BcqM-GWxVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/time-quote-time-isnt-the-main-thing-its-the-only-thing-5900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL3FFA_ASPE/XwM9B13ZmrI/AAAAAAAAOuk/o2fAq1gSQ4UecUwkvNRR8S-BcqM-GWxVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/time-quote-time-isnt-the-main-thing-its-the-only-thing-5900.jpg" width="304" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could do it over again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could squeeze your hand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could help you with that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could fix fence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could go when I want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could mow the lawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could do my part.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish I could do it by myself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could go where I want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could do the dishes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could open the door for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could weed the garden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could fix that for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could be a better person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could know what I have.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could forget things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could have served.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could be there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could have no regrets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could fulfill my promises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could do anything for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could not do dumb stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could work cattle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could push in your chair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could go anywhere, anytime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could not have boundaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could squeeze you tight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could turn back time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could listen more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish I could not think this way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wish could do so much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is not a pity party it's just what I wish I could do
to make other people's lives easier. But as the old saying goes, "You can
wish in one hand, shit in the other. See which one gets filled first."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, Clint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-44167146476705568902020-06-25T12:48:00.000-07:002020-06-25T12:55:42.022-07:00Evolution of a Bow Hunter: Part 4.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzR2sLhjwpY/XvT9ritds5I/AAAAAAAAOhM/CgVsq3cDu3kYKjr576NxHHMKLVkkkyf_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/34579_474331208641_5505464_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzR2sLhjwpY/XvT9ritds5I/AAAAAAAAOhM/CgVsq3cDu3kYKjr576NxHHMKLVkkkyf_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/34579_474331208641_5505464_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The year of disappointment would be the title of
2009.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But I guess there was some good
that came out of it when I look back.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It
started in the spring when I was looking for new arrows for my crossbow.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Evidently Barnett and other manufacturers
decided not to make 16 inch arrows anymore. My Barnett crossbow only shoots 16
inch.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had about six left from last
year but after a summer of shooting 3-D targets down at the tree farm you
eventually lose some.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Especially when
shooting at the antelope that was at 55 yards.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3LekXvcXms/XvT8MkZGqHI/AAAAAAAAOg0/BtLmbmSIWUwgHNahP2SvPy1TTvkS2SYaACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/3-D%2Bshooting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m3LekXvcXms/XvT8MkZGqHI/AAAAAAAAOg0/BtLmbmSIWUwgHNahP2SvPy1TTvkS2SYaACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/3-D%2Bshooting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting 3-D targets at the tree farm.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After searching the internets for people who make custom
crossbow bolts/arrows, I finally found a guy in West Virginia who makes stuff
for my things. His web site looked
pretty legit and was reasonably priced.
The only problem was that he is used to making 20 inch instead of 16
inch. It is more complicated than just
cutting 4 inches off. I found out you
need to check the balance of the arrow.
It is literally rocket science, not kidding. So he had me send him an arrow that I liked
and he would match it. I believe it only
took a couple of weeks and they were in the mail. They were the best arrows I've ever shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozyF-D-M44o/XvT79a_-AHI/AAAAAAAAOgw/ROYwH4cMhXAID7pB3ND8lDWU0GUWymlxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/arrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="227" data-original-width="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ozyF-D-M44o/XvT79a_-AHI/AAAAAAAAOgw/ROYwH4cMhXAID7pB3ND8lDWU0GUWymlxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/arrows.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The arrows came the Thursday before bow season
started. Not much time to practice and
get used to them, but I managed to shoot them so I was comfortable out to 40
yards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first Saturday of the season that year my friend
Lucas shot a 4x4 in velvet down in the Kathryn Valley. Lucas had been seeing a
lot of big deer down there on his trail camera.
And I mean a lot, there was a couple of 5 x 5's and numerous 4x4's. So we decided I should try it out. After I obtained permission to hunt down
there we decided to check it out and see how bad it would be for me to get down
there. It is right along the Spring
Creek that comes from Clausen Springs and runs into the Sheyenne River. Of course the spot we wanted to hunt was not
close to the road. It was probably 200
yards downhill through two rock ravines and a bean field. Getting down there wasn't bad, it was the
getting back up the hill. Sometimes
gravity sucks. The hunt was pretty uneventful.
We only had a couple of basket bucks and some does come by. But this is when the adventure started. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was darker than the ace of spades and of course we did
not bring our flashlights. They were in
the shaggin wagon 200 yards away. About
halfway through the bean field my chair started to give out. I would go for about 10 feet then it was just
die. So he got behind me and
pushed. It doesn't really work very well
trying to push something uphill especially when myself and the chair weigh
around 400 pounds. After about a
half-hour of this, we decided to drive the van down to us. The only problem is tractors are about the
only things that go down and up this sidehill.
Just like me, the shaggin wagon came down easy but going up was another
story. We eventually did make it as I am
here to tell the story, after giving her the onion a couple times going across
the rock ravines. I'm sure the bottom of
the van was nice and shiny after that little episode. Geesh. I never hunted
there again. In fact, Don B and I baited down there another time and my
wheelchair overheated again going up the hill and he had to push. That was the
last straw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A couple years before this one, around my main hunting spot
the deer numbers had been down a bit.
But this year they seemed to be on the rebound. My new trail cam was getting quite a few
pictures every day. Surprisingly also
some big ones, at least they were big for me.
Most of the big ones were a half-mile away in another shelterbelt. A friend of mine had a trail cam in there and
he was getting a lot of good bucks coming in.
Eventually he shot a 4 x 5 out of Herman's belt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I probably sat around 20 times north of the house and saw
deer every time. But nothing to get too
excited about early in the season. For
some reason around here they are nocturnal most of the time. The belt I hunt in is what you call a travel
corridor. This should be good for
bowhunting but not so good when they come around in the dark. Especially the bucks, most of them on the
trail camera were coming by around midnight.
I've decided that the only good time to hunt around here is during the
rut when the bucks are looking for love in all the wrong places. They tend to let down their guard when their
twigs and berries get the best of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now comes the first disappointing part of my hunting
season. Cody wanted me to hunt on a spot
he has been hunting all fall because there were big bucks. And when he says there are big bucks, you can
guarantee that they are big. He had been
getting pictures of three big 4x4's and one monster 5 x 5. All four of these deer would be a trophy for
anyone bowhunting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I finally decided to go over there and try it out a
couple of days before rifle season.
Looking back on it now I should've been there all season long. The only problem is getting in and out of the
spot, which is about 10 miles away from the house. I believe I was there on the Tuesday night
for the first time, just three days before rifle season. Cody helped set me up that first night in a
little tree grove above the Maple River and right beside a soybean field and
corn field. Just like clockwork the bucks started coming out about a half hour
before sunset. For some reason the bucks
were still in their bachelor group. Usually this close to rut they are on their
own by now. The three 4x4's came out in front me around 100 yards and started
making their way towards me. When they
were in shooting range I noticed Mr. Big bringing up the rear. He was big, probably the biggest I have ever
seen while hunting. The only problem was
that now I had eight eyes looking around and it was only a matter of time
before one of them got spooked. After
about 15 minutes one of the 4x4's noticed that I shouldn't be there and started
to stomp and snort, which is never good.
Then in a blink of an eye all I could see was white flags running
away. But at least I knew they were there
and decided to go back the next day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The
next day I got there a little earlier just to make sure I didn't spook anything
out on the way in.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This night there were
some does that came by early and got chased away by some turks.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I saw the turkeys go up to roost, which
is one of the loudest things you can hear in the woods.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are not the most graceful flyers.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After all of the commotion I saw the biggest
of the 4x4's coming right towards me.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He
was only about 20 yards away and didn't notice me so I decided to wait to see
if Mr. Big would show.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He never did
though and it was starting to get dark.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a little conversation I had in my head about whether I should
shoot him or not I decided I would take the shot.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I based it on rifle season starting in a
couple of days and the spot gets hit pretty hard.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The only problem was he was quartering
towards me and that is not the shot you want to take but I did anyway.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My arrow went into his front right shoulder
and angled back to his left rib cage.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When he turned away and ran I could see my fletching sticking out and it
looked like there was about 8 inches of the arrow in him.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a gut feeling right away that this
wasn't going to turn out good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8H0vDA-TvE/XvT7arWOurI/AAAAAAAAOgo/ja_Lg4ElyyUbuIUOm52o8Ag-hSpeN8dRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/544218_10152409494423642_394665684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8H0vDA-TvE/XvT7arWOurI/AAAAAAAAOgo/ja_Lg4ElyyUbuIUOm52o8Ag-hSpeN8dRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/544218_10152409494423642_394665684_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After
about an hour Cody and his dad Keith came out to help look for the deer with my
dad. They searched for about two hours
that night. There would be a good blood
trail for a while and that it would disappear.
Then they would find it again and it would disappear again. We decided to back out and come back in the
morning. The next morning Keith, Trauty
and Tito went back to pick up the blood trail in the daylight. They tracked for a couple of hours and
noticed that he crossed the river. They
drove around to the other side and found the arrow, which had blood about
halfway up. They noticed a couple of the blood puddles, hunks of tissue that
looked like parts of lung. There was
also bubbles in the blood which is always a good sign, but evidently not this
time. The last speck of blood they found
was in the middle of a bean field about a half-mile away from where I shot
him. But we did not give up. That afternoon Tito went back out with a dog
and tried to pick up the scent again, but even this did not work. There is no worse feeling for a bow hunter
then not being able to find your deer that you have shot. I was sick about it for about, well hell I'm
still sick about it. I even punished
myself, I did not go bow hunting for the rest of the season. The buck was found
the next spring by Cody and some friends coincidentally just north of The Springs.
Evidently he doubled back and died within 100 yards of where I was sitting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like
I said before this was the year of disappointment and here comes the doozy of
them all. All fall I've been working on
a rifle mount that adapts to my chair.
Finally in September we got it dialed in pretty good. With help from Don B. who made the trigger
after collaboration of minds <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2018/05/story-of-trigger-and-stuff.html" target="_blank">(story of trigger)</a>. There was also a lot of
trigger time with the old Ruger .22 with Tito, just to help get used to
shooting a rifle. Earlier that summer I
bought a Remington Model 7400 .243 Semi-Automatic rifle for
deer/coyote/antelope. It took quite a
while to get the hang of shooting a rifle because I hadn't done it for a
while. We also had trouble with the
rifle not grouping. After quite a bit of
trial and error we found out it was the rings on the scope. But we got it dialed in a week into rifle
season. For some reason I was busy the
second weekend of rifle season so I only had three days to hunt. And wouldn't you know it, I only needed one
day to screw something up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RkB1hpP1-c/XvT8yq6dP4I/AAAAAAAAOhE/pbGco1kLPLgewrcx1qsOrZjvNYyvTAGcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/rifle%2Bmount%2Bon%2Bchair.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0RkB1hpP1-c/XvT8yq6dP4I/AAAAAAAAOhE/pbGco1kLPLgewrcx1qsOrZjvNYyvTAGcACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/rifle%2Bmount%2Bon%2Bchair.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shooting the 243 with the new adaptive trigger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
knew there were bucks around the farm so I decided to hunt right here instead
of going anywhere else. I had my mom set
me up the first night. For where I set
up the longest shot should be around 150 yards.
It is in between two shelter belts with a field in between, that year it
was soybeans. I was only sitting for
about half an hour when I first saw the does starting to come out of the belt
and starting to feed. I believe there
were around 11 of them. All of a sudden
I noticed some commotion in the belt and it had to be a buck. It was real quiet that night and there was no
wind. Pretty soon I could hear him
grunting and rubbing down some trees.
Then he appeared out of the belt with his head held high. He was a big 5 x 5 with bright white antlers. I can still see him when I close my
eyes. Anyway I got lined up on him and
pulled the trigger and nothing happened.
I was perplexed. Just the day
before I shot around 10 times and the trigger worked every time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The buck was chasing some does and getting closer around
120 yards. This was when he gave me
another shot, so I pulled back on the trigger again and nothing happened. At this time I was starting to get pissed. I started looking over the rifle and trigger
and it seemed like everything was good, but evidently not. He went back into the belt and I was cussing
myself wondering what the heck was going on.
Then he came out and gave me another shot around 100 yards. I took my time and pulled back on the trigger
and nothing happened again. Don't they
say bad things come in threes? By this
time it was getting dark so I decided to go back to the house. I called up Don B. and he came out to check
out the rifle. He gave it a good
cleaning and the only thing we could figure was that the action did not shut
all the way for some reason. I went out
the next two days with Ham hoping the buck would come back but he never
did. I only saw one deer the next two
days and that was on Sunday about 30 seconds before legal shooting hours were
over and of course it was a doe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I
need to backtrack a little. In the fall
of 2009 I went hunting out west for the first time, chasing speed goats a.k.a.
antelope a.k.a. pronghorn. Friends of
mine had been putting in for rifle tags in a unit down by New England for the
last five or so years. They had been
asking me for a while if I wanted to go out with them, but I wanted to wait
until I knew I had my rifle set up working.
It didn't matter though because I did not draw a tag but at least it
gave me motivation to get the rifle mount working. My friends usually make it a bow hunt that
turns into a rifle hunt. They usually bow hunt the last two or three days of
the bow season and then switch to rifle for that season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe my mom and I got out there the Tuesday before
rifle season. A couple guys got there
earlier and did some scouting in the area.
That night we all met up in New England and talked strategy. During the scouting they found a couple herds
that numbered around 30 animals. When we
figured out where they were located, we invited over a couple of the local
landowners for supper in the trailer house that my friends had been
renting. The two guys that help us get
on land, look forward to the group coming out there every year just for the
meals and good times. I believe we had a
paddlefish fry the first night, reuben sandwiches the second night, lasagna the
third night and I do not recall the other nights. Those guys get a kick out of my friends, they
can't believe that they actually want to try to shoot an antelope with a
bow. Anyway, during the meal we found
out that we could get on the land where the antelope were. We decided that I would set up in a portable
blind in an alfalfa field that still had round bales in the field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next afternoon I drove down from Dickinson where I
was staying and met the guys at the field.
I believe I was set up by 3 p.m. and decided that I would sit by myself
with a decoy placed at about 30 yards away.
It was a pretty nice day to start out.
It was around 50° with a little wind out of the northwest. After sitting for about a half hour I could
see one herd to the southwest. They were
in between me and a big butte in the distance.
They were around 300 yards away.
I could tell they could see the decoy but they had no interest at
all. There was another group to the
east, this was a group of just three antelope. Probably all bucks. They were
across the road from where I was sitting and seemed to meander around
aimlessly. They never came in
either. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hunting pronghorn is a total different ballgame compared
to what I was used to hunting, whitetail. Especially when there is a lot of
moisture around and they don't need to congregate at waterholes. They can go
anywhere when it is wet, like it was that year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The coolest thing that I saw was when the pheasants
started flying in to the alfalfa. There
were probably 20 bales in the field and every bale had at least two pheasants
on it. I'd never seen that many pheasants in one area in my life. I could have shot a couple roosters that
walked right in front of me. I tried to
put a count on them but I had to give up after losing count four or five times.
I look a lot smarter than I really am.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uua8t-Z8Qhc/XvT5XxttAQI/AAAAAAAAOgU/UsyWBE8lUuAeh22yawrhSj-KHAVNmoFmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/antelope%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uua8t-Z8Qhc/XvT5XxttAQI/AAAAAAAAOgU/UsyWBE8lUuAeh22yawrhSj-KHAVNmoFmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/antelope%2B2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pop-up blind I was in.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Around 6:30 the weather started to change from sunny to
cloudy with a cold rain. The light
breeze turned into a gale force wind and now was coming out of the southwest,
directly into my face. Every once in a
while there would be a big gust of wind that would spit dirt in my facial
region. During one of these gusts one
side of the pop-up blind caved in. That
was really handy. Good times. So I backed my chair into that corner to help
support the wall so the whole thing did not collapse on me. By then I knew my hunt for the night was
pretty much over. The antelope had vanished. I don't remember how long I had to
wait for the other guys to come and pick me up, but it was long enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I later learned that when the rain started the guys
decided to go in for some grub in a warm bar in Bowman I believe. You see, they
figured I wouldn't want to quit just because of a little weather. I ain't no
quitter. They were right. But warm food and a cocktail sounded good when I got
loaded into the shaggin wagon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HotGHtRNThI/XvT5gKu0jMI/AAAAAAAAOgY/uthrTYKkbiYqXPeOGlD3QfgNhNWd0S5jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/antelope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HotGHtRNThI/XvT5gKu0jMI/AAAAAAAAOgY/uthrTYKkbiYqXPeOGlD3QfgNhNWd0S5jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/antelope.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin, myself, Lucas and Kevin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe that night was the first night of snow in the
state. Just some flurries but just some
is too much. After the meal and a couple games of poker I went back to
Dickinson, looked at the forecast for the next couple days and it was not
good. I woke up the next morning and the
wind was out of the west at 20 mph, gusting over 40. The big American flag out my window looked
like it had been starched. I decided I
wasn't going to hunt that day. Hopefully
the next day would be better. The other
guys didn't do much hunting either that day.
They ended up in Bowman. And
there's only about one thing you can do in Bowman. The next day was even worse than the day
before. I didn't go out hunting again on
the trip. I had to leave on Thursday and
didn't really want to bow hunt during rifle season. Nobody got one with their bow that week. But they were five for five in filling their
rifle tags. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All in all it was a great trip and I hope to get back
there again with a rifle tag. I for sure got the itch to hunt the wide open
spaces of western North Dakota during that hunt. Pronghorn are just neat
critters and their meat is some of the best table fare there is. It doesn't
suck. Please do yourself a favor, take care of the meat immediately and cook it
medium rare.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That brings me to the 2010 spring turkey season. Don B. and I both drew tags and decided that we
would try and hunt together. I don't
believe he had ever been turkey hunting with a bow before. I had one tag a couple years before but never
filled it. Before the season started a
friend of ours Barry, who did some camera work for a local hunting show called,
"Wildlife Pursuit," asked me if they could try and film my hunt. I was all for it. We just needed to figure out the time and
place and we would give it a whirl. Don
B. and I drove around out in the sand hills along the Sheyenne River on a couple
scouting trips and spotted quite a few gobblers. We decided on a spot that we knew we could
get permission and just needed to line it up with Barry the camera dude.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was in the middle of the week when everyone's
schedules lined up. We burned out of
Enderlin around 3 p.m. to meet Barry. On
our way down to the hunting spot Barry called us and said get down here in a
hurry they are already gobbling. So we
gave it the onion. When we got down
there the turks were "bugling" (inside joke) in every direction. Barry had all of his camera equipment set up
when we got there. When I was getting
out of the van he came running over and said put this on. It was a Wildlife Pursuit hat. He filmed me getting my crossbow attached to
my chair and getting into the blind. Now
we needed to figure out how to fit three guys and two cameras in one blind.
This was happening while turkeys were bugling all over. After we figured everything out we started to
call. Actually Don B. was our designated
caller. He knows how to lure in the ladies. It is more like seducing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After about four minutes of calling we heard a couple of
gobblers bugling that were starting to head our way. The two toms were headed right towards our
decoys which consisted of a couple of hens and one jake that was riding a
hen. They were coming in directly to our
left and my only shot was straight in front of us. They got so close that we could hear them
walking in the dry grass beside us. We
could even hear them puff themselves up.
The only way we could see them was through the viewfinder on the
camera. They were only a couple feet
away. They hadn't gobbled for a while
but we could still hear them walking around but they would not go in front of
the blind to the decoys. I just told
myself that they are going to gobble pretty soon and to not jump or get
startled. Kind of like when a rooster
gets up at your feet while walking through tall CRP. I didn't want to look like a fool in front of
the camera because one of the video cameras was fixed on me the whole time. All
of a sudden wouldn't you know it, they both bugled at the same time, both of my
arms went up and my head snapped back.
Then we all got the giggles but the turks did not seem to mind. After little while they started to go back
from where they came from. Don tried seducing them again, they would answer but
they would not turn around.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We didn't have to wait long for some more turks to come
by. This time it was three jakes. Barry asked me while we were getting set up
what I wanted to shoot, a tom or a jake.
I said whatever strolls by. The
three jakes didn't take long to come into the decoys. They actually circled the decoys. The only problem was when I had a shot Barry
could not see because of the diagonal frame on the blind. And when he could see them I could not get a
shot. I was holding on the biggest bird
waiting for Barry to give me the OK.
Finally he gave me the go-ahead and I shot and I missed. I shot low.
It looked like I might have shot one of the legs. They flew away giving us some time to cock
the crossbow again. After some
discussion on how the heck I missed the shot we decided to keep calling. It did not take long to get a response. This time there were three different big
toms. We played with them for quite a
while but they would not come in either.
By this time it was getting pretty dark and Don B. decided he had enough
time to try and spot and stalk before the daylight ran out. He never got a shot at them but when he and
Barry were going through the trees they spooked up about 100 deer and 15 to 20
turkeys. That was quite a sight to see.
There was game running everywhere. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5Y6Md9AdL4/XvT3-dcV5YI/AAAAAAAAOgI/GGordTwYKJUJyTX00jlLqEp0cris8uCdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Don%2BTurkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5Y6Md9AdL4/XvT3-dcV5YI/AAAAAAAAOgI/GGordTwYKJUJyTX00jlLqEp0cris8uCdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Don%2BTurkey.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But the hunt was not over yet. When Don B. was on his way back to the
shaggin wagon he saw a couple jakes and thought maybe one was the one that I
wounded. One of them ran and the other
just stood there so he decided to take a shot with his bow. It was a 55 yard shot but we practice that
distance all of the time. After he let
the arrow go he heard a big crack and he thought he must've missed. He went down to check his arrow and the big
crack was when it hit a dried out log.
But when he grabbed the arrow he felt blood and then he noticed some
feathers strewn around. Anyway, his
spring turkey hunting was over but it was for a good reason. He cleaned up my
miss. Thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I went out a couple more times by myself. Those times I was hunting along the Maple River
east of Enderlin. I always saw or at
least heard some birds but nothing ever came in. I think I educated quite a few birds that
spring. The last day of the season we
drove around east of Anslem in the sand hills but we did not see a single
bird. So turkey tag soup was on the menu
for 2010. Turkeys and me do not get along.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0tMV1YqrgQ/XvT27VKX1yI/AAAAAAAAOfw/achwsBLCkxM6zfTgjRneb76R6Jg4kc-NACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/my%2Bfishing%2Brig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m0tMV1YqrgQ/XvT27VKX1yI/AAAAAAAAOfw/achwsBLCkxM6zfTgjRneb76R6Jg4kc-NACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/my%2Bfishing%2Brig.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The summer of 2010 was filled with many shenanigans as
usual. There was a lot of baseball, shooting 3-D targets and a little
fishing. I hadn't been fishing for at
least a couple years. There were a lot
of different reasons why. The main
reason was most of my buddies that I used to go fishing with had now moved on
with their lives and just don't have the time.
The biggest reason why I hadn't is because since I had gotten my last
wheelchair, I hadn't gotten around rigging up the new fishing rod holder to the
chair. But after some friendly
persuasion from Big J a.k.a. bullheadmaster, I started working on it. I drew up some plans that I thought might
work and gave them to Don B. to engineer the holder. A couple of days later it was done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB3aWclGm0s/XvT3FPoP59I/AAAAAAAAOf0/fsb-DOlV9Y4oYl2ep7L_UlfH9z2jitl_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/242140_10150311921458642_3263665_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB3aWclGm0s/XvT3FPoP59I/AAAAAAAAOf0/fsb-DOlV9Y4oYl2ep7L_UlfH9z2jitl_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/242140_10150311921458642_3263665_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These fishes were taken in the Minnesota gill hole.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I only went out a couple of times fishing over the
summer. I planned on doing a lot more
but there always seemed to be something going on or somewhere I needed to be
for that to happen. The first time I
tried my new rod holder out was at the Casselton Reservoir with Big J. We met there one fine afternoon and decided
to give it a whirl. The fishing rig
worked really well. I even got to show
him how I do my patented double hook set.
We caught quite a few fish that day, nothing huge but it didn't matter,
all that I cared was that I was fishing again.
I even caught a good buzz that day. We met some of the locals and ended
up at Bowtech's garage, Jason is his name. That was neat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG7ZBcX4PcM/XvT3dmzHwRI/AAAAAAAAOgA/Dn3FD0o8EkUGMHXIkFCjvQ6S0l6UOYlIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/286076_10150396061403642_3881311_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DG7ZBcX4PcM/XvT3dmzHwRI/AAAAAAAAOgA/Dn3FD0o8EkUGMHXIkFCjvQ6S0l6UOYlIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/286076_10150396061403642_3881311_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the from 2nd Annual Fishingbuddy Bullhead tournament.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The second time I went fishing during that summer was for
the First Annual Fishingbuddy Bullhead Tournament. It was held on a Sunday afternoon at the
Sheyenne Diversion in West Fargo. There were
about a dozen fishingbuddy members that showed up. The fishing wasn't that good but the company
and friendships made were worth battling the 90° heat and 30 mile an hour
winds. The night before Tyler a.k.a. moosehunter09, his wife and I pre-fished
at O'Kelly's. There was karaoke. I dropped the mic like it was hot. Stuff and things
happened. I am not saying, but I am saying this could be why I almost
overheated and stroked out on the shores of the Sheyenne.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of my adventures after this blog entry are in my
blog somewhere. I might add a couple more stories to this but then again, maybe
not so much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></div>
<br />Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-4454418128734290652020-06-15T09:31:00.000-07:002020-06-16T14:15:04.245-07:00Evolution of a Bow Hunter: Part 3.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asw6SBhPbfM/Xueiz8g8M2I/AAAAAAAAOSU/I524lGrGqys39Dw8v8o2c0ieZ-Ic1i0zACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/200439_4721108641_4842_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-asw6SBhPbfM/Xueiz8g8M2I/AAAAAAAAOSU/I524lGrGqys39Dw8v8o2c0ieZ-Ic1i0zACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/200439_4721108641_4842_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next year I set my sights higher and decided that I
was going to shoot a buck no matter what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That season I did most of my hunting around the farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were quite a few deer around and quite
a few bucks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That year a friend of mine
also gave me one of his old trail cameras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This was a high tech flash kind that used a 6 V battery. Looking back at
those old trail cam pics and you certainly appreciate how technology has
advanced. Geesh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That summer while waiting for hunting season I got the
opportunity to work for the FM RedHawks. For those of you who do not know they
are a minor league baseball team based in Fargo, North Dakota. I'm not sure how
I got the gig. Someone must've given someone my name and I got a call one day
for an interview. I remember being as nervous as a dog shitting tacks because
the interview was with the general manager. But he was as cool as the other
side of the pillow. There was nothing to be nervous about. The interview about
my education and background lasted about ten minutes. The next twenty minutes
was a discussion about baseball, Minnesota Twins and RedHawks. Good stuff. I
remember it was raining that day so he had me watch the radar and make a
judgment call to pull the tarp or not. I said, "Play ball!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe I went to most of the home games that summer.
Or at least three quarters of the home games. A lot of travel time and a lot of
in the chair time. But it was a great time. I did that for two summers. I
suppose I should tell you what I did for them. I would interview players and
coaches and write up some stories to put in their game day programs. I would
sit up in the press box and soak it all in while drinking free Mountain Dew. I
had conversations with legendary Los Angeles Dodger Maury Wills. I was living
the dream.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe that fall I went bow hunting around 30 times
and I believe I saw deer every time. I used to keep track of these type of things.
I was mostly just hunting north of the house or on an abandoned farmyard
southwest about 2 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While hunting
that year I had many firsts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first
thing that I saw that I had never seen before was a droptine buck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at the old farmyard southwest of our
farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wasn't that big but the two
other bachelors he was with were enormous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A friend of mine got one of them and he is on his wall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night I encountered them I had a chance
to shoot all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem was
the farmyard is right next to a road, within 20 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And wouldn't you it, right when they were
coming into range a vehicle had to drive by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hunted in that spot for the next two weeks and never saw them again.
Jerks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During those two weeks I also saw for the first time
while hunting with a bow, a coyote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
remember there were a couple of does in front of me and all of a sudden they
started looking at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I could tell
they were not looking at me, it was something behind me. After a while I noticed
to my side, within 15 yards Mr. Wile E. Coyote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Talk about an adrenaline rush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
knew he wasn't going to attack me but still seeing a predator that close is
pretty neat. He circled around me until he got a good whiff and he was off like
a prom dress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That fall I also hunted in another shelter belt to the northeast
which I call Herman's belt. This brings me to my last of my firsts. Earlier
that summer while watching the outdoor channel I saw a guy using a <a href="https://plegicoutdoorsman.blogspot.com/2015/04/hands-free-easy-to-use-grunt-call.html" target="_blank">grunt tube</a>
that would work for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is like any
other grunt tube, but it has a long tube attached to it, so I had it mounted on
my crossbow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that fall I learned a
lot about grunting. I learned when you should start, how long and how
loud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really depends on the
situation, the time of season, the number of deer around and if you can do it
without being detected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That year I probably
scared more deer away grunting than I actually attracted, but I guess that is
how you learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first time I ever had
a buck grunt back at me was in Herman's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were deer a couple of hundred yards away in a cornfield that I was
trying to bring in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden
behind me within 5 yards I heard a buck grunt at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It scared the crap out of me because I didn't
expect it behind me and he was so close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I jumped when I heard it and of course the little buckaroo hightailed it
down the belt going about 40 mph.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later that year, I believe it was the end of October I
was hunting north of the house quite a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had seen a couple of bucks on the trail cam, nothing to brag about but
they were out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In that belt I was
hunting there was also quite a few rubs and scrapes, always a good sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The night I shot my first buck, I remember it
like yesterday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was set up next to a
couple </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">trails that intersected in the shelterbelt 80 yards from my bedroom and
I was set up right in front of a fresh rub. This night I was not set up in a
pop-up blind, I just had camouflaged burlap wrapped around me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was quite a
few does eating in the bean field to the north of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it wouldn't be long and they would be
going for a drink at the artesian well that was behind me to the south about
150 yards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All of a sudden they started
working their way towards me, about 13 does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You might think it is good to have that many deer around but it is just
the opposite when you are sitting on the ground.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too many eyes, especially the older does that
tend to bust you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But that night they
were more concerned about the twitterpated buck behind them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the skinheads filed by me I could hear a buck
to my left grunting and snorting with his head on the ground trailing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was at a pretty good trot and before I
knew it he went by my shooting lane by about 10 yards to the east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I gave a little grunt and he popped his
head up, spun around to the west, walked slowly towards my shooting lane and then
he poked his head in the belt looking straight south. He was aiming right at me
so all I had was his chest to shoot at, probably under 12 yards. Not a great
shot to take but over the summer I had practiced that shot numerous times on
3-D targets. So with that confidence I decided to let him have it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I saw it enter right above his sternum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He jumped back and started running across the
combined soybean field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He stopped at
about 30 yards and I could tell he was struggling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It looked like he was coughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he went on his death run for only about
another 30 yards and tipped over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I waited about half an hour and called up my mom on the
cell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she got out there she was
pretty pumped up and she wanted to track him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I told her to wait, I would call up my friend Lucas to help find him and
field dress him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But while I was calling
him up she had already found the buck. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we were gutting him we could not find the
arrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked through everything and
could not find it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thought for sure
it would be stuck in him because it wasn't going to make it all away through
the other end, that's for sure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also I
remember when we were taking pictures with him he was the smelliest buck I had
ever smelt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was really into the rut, he
was really twitterpated. After the pictures we brought him to the meat locker
and had a couple of celebratory cocktails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day I went back out to try to find the arrow and
it was lying right where he stopped, when it looked like he was coughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, he wasn't the biggest buck but he was
my first and I will always remember that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is on my wall as we speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thanks to Don B, he did the European mount for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next year's hunting season was pretty slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There wasn't much for deer out in my
territory for some reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So that year
I did a lot of hunting down on the tree farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe I hunted just about every inch of the tree farm that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got to know the place pretty well. I got to
know the habits of the deer and could probably name most of them because I saw
them so often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That year I had a couple disappointments down on the tree
farm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember one time I grunted a
buck across the alfalfa field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
coming right into me but that is when my ride decided to pick me up a little
early. He was a doozy. I passed up quite a few shots down there that year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I remember it was quite cold also that
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in January I decided to give it
a whirl again. I think it was the last weekend. This time I brought my mom and
her camera which had video. That was high-tech then. It was so cold we decided
to hunt from the small tower which also had the feeder in front of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew it would only be a matter of time
before the deer were going to check out the feeder and it didn't take
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There had to be around 15 deer
mingling around in front of it so I decided to take the biggest doe I could
see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was about a 30 yard shot and she
ran about 100 yards and tipped over in the old riverbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a very exciting story but it is the first
time that I caught a hunt on video.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Earlier that spring I also got my first turkey tag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really didn't get into turkey hunting that
much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't know why but turkeys don't
turn my crank, but it is still fun to get out of the house and into the woods.
Turkeys are jerks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe the next year I did not get anything while
hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm pretty sure that might've
been the year I was in the hospital for a couple of months in the fall. Not
very good timing on my part, hunting seasons is priority. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I should've wrote this next part of my story right when
it happened, or at least jotted down some notes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is when I think I thought of this story
below titled, "14 Years."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn't have to do anything with hunting, but you will see for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote it when I got out of the hospital.
(This is when my blogging started.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14 years</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> I am a first timer at this blogging
stuff so here it goes. A couple weeks
ago I met someone and they asked me what my story was. Of course they started out asking how I ended
up in a wheelchair. I told them the
shortened, abbreviated story because of course I was in a bar. Anyway when I got done with my history they
asked when it happened to me and I said when I was around 15 years old. Then they asked me how old I was and I told
them 28 year’s old. Then they told me
something that I did not realize, “So you have spent half of your life in and
half of your life out of a chair.” My
response was, “I guess.” The bar patron
then asked me how has your life been different?
And that is why I am writing this blog.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> My first answer to that question is
my life is very different. Besides the
obvious differences of living a life in a chair there are countless ways that
my life is different behind the scenes.
Which most people cannot even fathom.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Then I became to realize that, how
do I know that my life is different now than it could be. There is a lot of hypothetical crap that
could’ve happened either way. I could’ve
been a millionaire but I can still be a millionaire. I could’ve been a famous baseball analyst but
I can still be a famous baseball analyst.
I could've had my own hunting show but I think I still could have my own
hunting show. The easiest answer I think to that question is I would still be
me. So it is hard to think of how your
life could have been different. Try it
sometime, pick out a point in your life and make a decision that changes your
life from that point on. Do you think your life would be different or would it
be the same?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Another reason why I’m writing this
blog is because I was wondering how many people I have met because I am in a
wheelchair. There are hundreds of people
I have met that I know I would have not met otherwise. Most of the people on Facebook, doctors/nurses
and friends I met at college. Most of the
people I have met these last 14 years have become some of my best friends. Not to knock all the people that I have known
all my life but you know what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The third reason why I am writing this
is that I want to thank everyone who has supported me these last 14 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">People who don’t know me, like that barfly
always ask me, "How do I do it, how do I live my life?" There are a
lot of reasons why I “do it”, live my life as normal as can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The first reason is because I do not
know any other way to live my life. I
have been in hospitals numerous times and always see patients who feel sorry
for themselves and I would hate myself if I would ever do that. I can’t stand people who feel sorry for
themselves and I do not want anyone to feel sorry for me. That might seem a little cynical but that is
how I feel. I lived in an apartment with
many people with different disabilities and they would never go out of their
rooms. If I did that I would go more nuts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The second reason is because of all
of the support I have gotten from my family and friends. You do not know how much that means to
me. Without all of you these last 14
years these could have been the worst 14 years of my life, but I believe they
have been the best 14 years of my life.
Thanks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> That is some pretty serious, deep
stuff I just wrote. It all started when
a local idiot in one of my favorite bars asked me a simple question. Because as most of you know I am a loser
magnet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Peace
and chicken grease, Clint.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now back to the hunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The year after my hiatus from hunting there was again not much for deer
in my neck of the woods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I hunted a
lot down on the tree farm again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In my
years of hunting down there I started to notice some areas that seem to get
more buck activity than others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The spot
that I now hunt down there most the time is called, "Clint's
spot."<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is on the south side of
the farm in some tall pines alongside a dirt path. A pinch point. It doesn't look
like a good spot, but every time I sit there there's always something coming or
going onto the big field.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in
between the bedding area and feeding area. It is a perfect spot to ambush them
while they transition between eating and sleeping. Another good thing about sitting
there is the farthest shot would be 15 yards. Nice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That year I also started doing morning hunts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I should've started doing this earlier in my
career because there is something about hunting in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not know what it is, maybe it is just
because it is so quiet most of the time with hunting in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem is I sometimes think you
scare more deer getting into your spot then you would do in an afternoon hunt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEYNp0g646Y/XuekfzFSPRI/AAAAAAAAOSg/n9bxcYRj6rExSBFkTJ7gh8sH4TCwItQaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Luke%2Band%2BI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEYNp0g646Y/XuekfzFSPRI/AAAAAAAAOSg/n9bxcYRj6rExSBFkTJ7gh8sH4TCwItQaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Luke%2Band%2BI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That year like most years down on the tree farm I had a
lot of encounters with bucks but somehow I was always in the wrong spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided to hit my spot because I knew
some type of deer would eventually come by that I wanted to pull the trigger on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The day I shot my second buck I was in my
spot pretty early in the afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
day before, right in front of me in the swamp, I watched four bucks size each
other up for about 45 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All they
did was walk around stiff legged and strut their stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a chance to shoot one of them but they
would not come in all the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
about 3 yards away from being skewered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I believe all of them were 4x4's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway back to the day after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hadn't been sitting there long when a doe and two fawns walked by within 10
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As soon as they left I noticed
some movement to my right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
little 3 x 3 basket buck that had a limp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He came right down the path and stood in front of me eating some
well-placed crabapples for about 10 minutes and I noticed he was still favoring
his front leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I decided to shoot
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway he was so close, around 7
yards that I shot a little too high but I knew I hit him hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He turned and ran through the swamp and I
heard him crash about 30 yards away but could not see him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I called up my tracker a.k.a. mom and she
was on the scene within 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because I shot him high there was no blood trail so it was going to be a
tough track.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But she was determined to
find him and went on her way just tracking his actual hoof tracks through the
fallen leaves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought she might need
some help so I called up Lucas and he was there in no time. But by the time he got
there wouldn't you know it, mom had already found him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He does not have a big rack by any means but
he was a big bodied deer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kevin the
landowner, my sister Shelie and my dad also came down to help celebrate. The
Morgan was flowing. It didn't suck.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-4kGhhmRlg/Xuekw9uduVI/AAAAAAAAOSo/kckrI5PujCY2EeD6z_ZzQBmJRTLXlmgOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2008%2Bnumber%2Btwo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_-4kGhhmRlg/Xuekw9uduVI/AAAAAAAAOSo/kckrI5PujCY2EeD6z_ZzQBmJRTLXlmgOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2008%2Bnumber%2Btwo.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lucas and Kevin my gut guys.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Over Thanksgiving in 2008 my cousin Stephanie and my
friend Jeremy decided to schedule their wedding and tie the knot in Las Vegas.
I knew I wasn't going to miss this. Flying there was out of the question
because of my electric wheelchair so I decided to make the 22 hour road trip
down there. The decision was easy, but I knew the road trip was going to suck.
This was because I was supposed to only be in the chair six hours at a time.
But I was going to stretch a little bit. Clint style. So this meant I would
have to stay over three nights on the way down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first night my dad, mom and I drove a little over six
hours and stopped at Spearfish, South Dakota. The next day we drove through the
Black Hills a little bit on our way through Casper and down to Rawlins, Wyoming
where we stayed the second night. I had never been in this area of the country
so it was awesome. I love that area. Seeing antelope and mule deer did not
suck. Plus counting the miles of fence line between roads was quite amazing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iwb84QLVCA/XuegjRBMSBI/AAAAAAAAORI/kaAx-OJsXCkURU1eo-B5QsoFZaC1zU-egCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50297538641_5155_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--iwb84QLVCA/XuegjRBMSBI/AAAAAAAAORI/kaAx-OJsXCkURU1eo-B5QsoFZaC1zU-egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50297538641_5155_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Driving from Rawlins through Green River and turning
south before getting to Salt Lake City was an awesome stretch of scenery. I had
really never seen mountains before. Even though it was foggy going through Park
City driving towards Provo the falling rock signs on one side of the highway and
the reservoir on the other side was awesomely nerve-racking. Our next stop
would be in Fillmore, Utah and this day was Thanksgiving. I believe I had a
lettuce salad with water at the motel. We learned that there were no alcohol
sales on holidays in that state. Geesh. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2_m8kyqD28/Xuegw5MEkMI/AAAAAAAAORM/11QR3rRRHi8rLvIP-KoDTzLW0VZN3MGHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50302568641_6802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2_m8kyqD28/Xuegw5MEkMI/AAAAAAAAORM/11QR3rRRHi8rLvIP-KoDTzLW0VZN3MGHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50302568641_6802_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next day we were headed towards Vegas
through some pretty cool territory. The steep upgrades through the rocky cliffs
south of St. George are neat. The semis were probably going 15 mph uphill. We
were flying by them in the shaggin wagon.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4iVB4aeQA/XuenMceLOyI/AAAAAAAAOS8/UokR7UYcNFQYESoqeu7Vt1lyYppzb3CdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50297598641_8000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4iVB4aeQA/XuenMceLOyI/AAAAAAAAOS8/UokR7UYcNFQYESoqeu7Vt1lyYppzb3CdACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50297598641_8000_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Myself with Stephanie & Jeremy at the Trio.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The desert was pretty much just the desert until you can
start to see the tall buildings in Las Vegas. It was a sight to be seen. I bet
it is really something to see it at night. But this was about midafternoon when
we pulled into the Excalibur Casino. The first thing I needed to when I got
there was to eat. And for some reason I was craving a big Mac. Wouldn't you
know it they had the McDonald's right in the casino. After that I ventured down
to the bar area and surprisingly found all of my relatives and friends. We
later named this bar the Trio. This was the gathering spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrIFgeAov3Y/Xuen2DIcxoI/AAAAAAAAOTI/NECgtKVdKqQNB4uFMQjikzpkipon-gAowCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/FB_IMG_1592161474123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="465" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrIFgeAov3Y/Xuen2DIcxoI/AAAAAAAAOTI/NECgtKVdKqQNB4uFMQjikzpkipon-gAowCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/FB_IMG_1592161474123.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Some of the Enderlin boys on the rooftop reception.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe I took a little nap before getting up for that Friday
evening. It was a good thing. Because we did stuff and things until late in the
evening/morning. I don't remember what time the wedding was on Saturday but
most people looked a little bedraggled. Including myself. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkNvxHSHhyE/XuehZ2EcMhI/AAAAAAAAORs/c82QqCc3_Gc8S-yDKEviu9vdXIote3lmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1892_53670413641_7404_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkNvxHSHhyE/XuehZ2EcMhI/AAAAAAAAORs/c82QqCc3_Gc8S-yDKEviu9vdXIote3lmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1892_53670413641_7404_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After one day in Vegas.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the wedding
they had the reception on a rooftop and that was good times. I should backtrack
a little. I started feeling poorly on the way down to Vegas, actually right
before we left but I didn't tell anyone. Like I had stuff in my lungs. Probably
pneumonia. But I wasn't going to pass up this trip. Anyway, during the
reception I started hacking on something and good thing the groom was right
behind me. He slapped me on the back and I finally got something moving. Thank
you Swany.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dx2YFWkIqU/XuehDDTklAI/AAAAAAAAORc/ORBgb_eIizMeLqPi7rPNrK_fvkdDEI98ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50297643641_409_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9dx2YFWkIqU/XuehDDTklAI/AAAAAAAAORc/ORBgb_eIizMeLqPi7rPNrK_fvkdDEI98ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50297643641_409_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After the reception we decided to head back to the
Excalibur. One good thing about Las Vegas is a lot of their taxis are
wheelchair accessible. But this does not mean they are the safest things. They
do not strap you in. Or at least this crazy bastage taxi driver did not. As he
was slamming on the gas and brakes as my head was banging the back window. I
was laughing my head off with my parents and sister Shelie in the seat in front
of me. Good times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rst0Tz4eG-c/XuehK5idtWI/AAAAAAAAORk/pgEprD4UIsk6biaybPYwFyjLwDgE2PnHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1892_53670423641_7968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rst0Tz4eG-c/XuehK5idtWI/AAAAAAAAORk/pgEprD4UIsk6biaybPYwFyjLwDgE2PnHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1892_53670423641_7968_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once we got back to the casino I believe Cody and I
decided to blow our life savings on the slot machines. We even tried poker for
a while but with no luck. Even though we did have one lady of the night offer
some luck to us. We declined. That was entertaining.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe most of the people took off for back home the
next day which was Sunday. I believe we took it easy that Sunday or didn't hit
it as hard and took off on Monday. I was beat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrVaVAVS4uo/Xuehg0RKhZI/AAAAAAAAOR0/WYEAo3yE6NE5dsrf2Qu3MJuFpCgCSt02wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50302598641_8164_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SrVaVAVS4uo/Xuehg0RKhZI/AAAAAAAAOR0/WYEAo3yE6NE5dsrf2Qu3MJuFpCgCSt02wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50302598641_8164_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On the way home we decided to take a different route.
Going north into Utah we decided to go east on interstate I 70 towards Denver.
The first day we made it all the way to Richfield, Utah. This was by far my
favorite area of the trip. This was like prime elk and mule deer territory. I
can see myself living there easily. The next day we woke up and headed east on
the interstate through the desolate territory before the Rockies. We needed a
little rest stop so we stopped at Ghost Rock historical site. This is where I
knew I was sick. I was hacking up not good stuff. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EBfggUWP7A/Xuehp0aIBuI/AAAAAAAAOR8/_pg-yDTo6xQS1fpj40D2LZL7ZnySn-gDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50302633641_9597_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6EBfggUWP7A/Xuehp0aIBuI/AAAAAAAAOR8/_pg-yDTo6xQS1fpj40D2LZL7ZnySn-gDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50302633641_9597_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is me trying to breathe at Ghost Rock.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we were getting east of Green River, Utah we could see
behind us a storm brewing. As we got further into Colorado we found a local
radio station and they said to hunker down if traveling. We made it to the exit
of Vail when it started to snow. We found a motel and decided to wait out the
storm. I kind of felt like Lloyd Christmas except I didn't have a motorbike I
had the shaggin wagon and a motorized cart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNACfnY-p0/Xueh0ySTodI/AAAAAAAAOSE/6U8_ZLYYcaEj09YWRNYnc2kzInH8HVZfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/655_50302668641_1357_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DNACfnY-p0/Xueh0ySTodI/AAAAAAAAOSE/6U8_ZLYYcaEj09YWRNYnc2kzInH8HVZfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/655_50302668641_1357_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we woke up the next day the interstate was not in
good condition. The warning signs were up to chain up your vehicles. Of course
we did not have chains but we were from North Dakota and could handle a little
compacted snow. It was slow going heading down the interstate towards Denver. I
think it took an hour extra. When we could see Denver dad exhaled and said some
expletives as he finally took his hands off of the steering wheel. White knuckles
happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Getting more windshield washer fluid at Breckenridge exit. Making sure this stuff is rated for below freezing. The stuff we got in Utah gelled up going through the pass. It got a little nippy…</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We drove through Denver and all the way to North Platte,
Nebraska. I believe we only stopped once for lunch. Once we got to North Platte
I needed to get to lay down while they went out for supper and had some
cocktails. The next day we headed straight north towards Pierre, South Dakota
and on to Aberdeen. Somewhere in between there we decided to head all the way
home. It was going to be a long day but I knew I wasn't going to get up for
least three or four days when I got home. My body needed rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Holy shinto that was quite the trip. I don't think I
could handle it again. I'm sure I could but I wouldn't want to, I don't think.
I beat the hell out of my body but it was well worth it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I believe I only rested one day and I decided I needed to
get to the clinic and check out my lung problem. I got into the Enderlin clinic
and my doctor told me after she listened to my lungs, "You do know that
they have clinics in Vegas don't you? You dumb head!" I'm pretty sure most
of you know who I'm talking about. She is the best. Anyway she ordered some
antibiotics or some type of medication for my pneumonia and also gave me a
nebulizer with medication. She told me to keep my door closed with a humidifier
going and rest, plus don't do anything stupid for least three days. Ha ha. Good
stuff. Glad I lived through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Part 4 coming soon…</span></div>
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<br />Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1370240674043097823.post-79026142849785877642020-06-08T10:07:00.001-07:002020-06-11T14:12:20.332-07:00Evolution of a Bow Hunter: Part 2.<div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next thing I remember was staring at the ceiling in the hospital bed, but that was a month later. I remember a couple of things in the hospital after waking up but it is pretty blurry still. I had a breathing tube going down my throat so I could not talk. I really didn’t realize what was going on until the second month in the hospital. All I knew was that I could not move my legs and I could not move my hands and fingers. <br /><br /> I don’t really remember talking to any doctors until one day they said they are going to have a conference and they wanted family members to be there. I’m sure everyone knew a lot more than I did and they all knew what my diagnosis was going to be. I remember being wheeled into a conference room and most of my aunts and uncles were there along with my parents and sisters. That is when the doctors finally told me or I finally realized that I would be paralyzed for the rest of my life. They also told me that I would be ready to go home the next week. I remember being in shock that they were going to let me go home because I was not “fixed.” I suppose I was too young and naive to realize that there is no fixing paralysis. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> I got home that March and it was hard to realize what had happened and how everything had changed so quickly. While I was in the hospital my parents had to remodel the house in order to make it wheelchair accessible. Everything from that point on was different and would never be the same. Or so I thought. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> I didn’t go back to high school that year or at least go to school. I finished my sophomore classes that summer with help from a tutor. That summer I did not do too much because I didn’t think I could do too much. Before school started in the fall for my junior year I received my electric wheelchair which helped in my recovery in many ways. It is hard to explain how dependent you are on someone else when you have a manual wheelchair. The electric wheelchair let me be somewhat independent. It also let me do what I like to do most and that is to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. Even though I didn’t go too far, at least I could imagine doing things and going places by myself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> Going back to high school was great. I was scared people were going to treat me differently and feel sorry for me. I’m sure there was some of that but for the most part your friends are still your friends no matter what. They treated me like I was the same old Clint. I didn’t do much in high school that year or my senior year. In fact, I did just enough to get by to graduate. I didn't really do any extracurricular activities. My high school was very accommodating though. They changed my classes around moving them to the lower floors. They also added a medieval wheelchair elevator that was kind of scary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> I believe the thing that got me most back into enjoying life again was after my high school graduation. This is when my friend Kondo asked me to help him coach the Enderlin Babe Ruth baseball team. As most of you know I live and die baseball. Coaching seemed to get me out of my shell and made me realize that I can do stuff and things I wanted to, with some limitations. </span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Just getting out and being with friends was another turning point in my recovery. Kondo was a big part of this. And so were the players. They didn’t look at me as someone in a wheelchair, they looked at me as someone who could help them with their baseball fundamentals and someone who could lighten the mood with some good old Babe Ruth baseball humor. Some of you will know what I mean, especially the ones who were coached by Kondo.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />That fall in 1997 I decided to go to North Dakota State University to further my education. I had no clue what I was going to go into. I was actually thinking of agricultural economics. But I knew I wasn't too fond of math and science. Luckily for me I took a mass communication class for an elective and I really liked. The best part about it was it was mostly group projects. Actually, the best part about mass communication is the ratio of women to men. It is like 70/30. As a red blooded American male, that doesn't suck. That first year of college was quick. Amazingly, I even passed everything. I could tell you stories from that year but they are not going in here. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> Now back to the hunting. In the summer of 1998 I received a phone call from Delmere McLean, who was a member of U.F.F.D.A. (United Federation for Disabled Archers). He asked me if I wanted to go on the bow hunt south of Leonard at the 4-H camp. My response was, “I can’t shoot a bow but I would come along and watch.” Delmere quickly and happily responded, “We are going to give you a crossbow and you are going to shoot.” I was kind of skeptical of what he was saying but went along with it. He told me to meet him and his crew at the 4-H camp that summer so I could get my crossbow. My dad and I went down and met the people who were organizing the hunt and they opened my eyes to what was possible. They gave me a Barnett Wildcat crossbow that did not have any adaptive equipment attached to it, but they said they would work with me to get it possible for me to shoot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Sidebar: The awesome group of people who raised all of the money and did everything to get the first UFFDA hunt going in North Dakota eventually became their own organization. This organization is awesome and they have helped many a person like me achieve things they did not think were possible. Twist of Fate does not suck. They host a hunt every September south of Leonard in the beautiful Sandhills. Follow the link for more info: <a href="http://www.twistoffatend.org/index.html" target="_blank">Twist of Fate.</a></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> As soon as we got back home from meeting Delmer and crew, that's when my dad started working on the crossbow and the mount that was going to let me be able to shoot a bow by myself. We had to do quite a bit of manufacturing on our own. A lot of trial and error was done, but actually we got it pretty much perfected. I have used this same set up for almost 20 years. The forearm and the butt stock were removable on this crossbow. That made adapting it a lot easier. This crossbow was also very small and light, especially with everything removed that wasn't needed. Dad welded together a frame that let me shoot the crossbow by myself by the time the hunt came around in September. His welding skills do not suck. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />When I got down to the 4-H camp that September it was quite an eye-opener to see all the people there with different disabilities that were shooting compound bows and crossbows. People with no arms, people with no legs and even one man who was blind who was still enjoying hunting with limitations. This experience really opened my eyes to believe that I was really going to be able to hunt again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> The first day that I went out hunting was on some of Wall’s land west of the 4-H camp. I had Bruce Eggen sitting with me the first time I went out hunting. Just to find out what I needed to help my hunting experience. And it did not take long before we realized that I was going to need something on my crossbow to help aim up, down, right and left. We were set up behind two round bales when a doe and two yearlings came by. I could not get my scope/crosshairs on the doe because I could not aim without moving my chair. For those of you who have never deer hunted before making noise before you shoot usually doesn’t work so well. As the deer left I started to think about what I could add on my crossbow to help in aiming. I should backtrack a little. Up till now my crossbow was fixed solidly on my mount and the mount was solid on my chair. This meant the only way that I could aim was by moving my chair by engaging the motor which made noise, that was for right and left. Up and down movement would have been a crapshoot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />On my way back to the 4-H camp that night I thought about mounting my crossbow on a spotting scope window mount. So after supper I drove up to Scheels and picked one up. The next morning Dad and I were in the shop trying to figure out how to mount a crossbow on the spotting scope window mount. As it turned out it was a lot easier than we thought. We got everything hooked up pretty quickly and it worked pretty slick. That morning before we went back to the 4-H camp I shot a couple times and was amazed at how easy it was considering a month earlier I didn’t think that I could shoot a crossbow at all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />On Saturday during the hunt there is a shoot when all of the hunters draw a target out of a hat and have to try to hit it at 15 yards. This is just to show everyone what different type of equipment everyone uses and how they use it. And the targets are not ordinary targets. They are playing cards, records, balloons and ping-pong balls. Guess what I drew, ping-pong ball. I remember I was nervous as a dog shitting tacks when I had to go up in front of everyone and try to hit this, knowing I had only shot my crossbow couple of times. I remember lining up thinking I should aim low because I had been shooting high. That is when I pulled back on the trigger and the next thing I knew everyone was cheering because I cracked that ping-pong ball dead center. Holy shinto. I was excited. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I didn’t end up getting a deer at the 4-H camp that year but it was memorable anyway. Just meeting all the guides, hunters and volunteers was something I will never forget. Some of those awesome people are still with Twist of Fate to this day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /> After the hunt at the 4-H camp I went out hunting a couple of times during October but with no luck. That was until Halloween. I remember Halloween was on a Sunday that year because my friend Smoothy was going to pick me up to go hunting that day. I remember it was Sunday because Smoothy had to go away for a while starting Monday, but that is another story. It was a perfect Fall day with very little wind. I remember this because while waiting for Smoothy as usual, I was outside thinking he is going to get here too late to be able to get to where we want to go before dark. Just then I saw him coming down the driveway and he asked me if I was ready to go and we were on our way. We decided to go hunting down by Anderson’s a.k.a. Hartford Valley. We got out of the van and were looking for a place to set up in between a cornfield and Maple River. As we were going down the dirt trail we found a hay bale about 10 yards from the cornfield with a small mud puddle in between them. Smoothy said this was going to work perfect. He said the deer would come out of the corn, take a drink out of this mud puddle and you should have a perfect shot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />So he got me all set up and went to a tree stand that was within 50 yards. He figured that was far enough away so that he could smoke a cigert and the deer would not smell him and bust me. It wasn’t 20 minutes later when I heard some rustling in the corn. That is when two yearlings came out and started drinking out of the puddle. They were both too little to shoot, so I just watched them for a little while until their mom came out. She too, just like the others came out of the corn and drank from that puddle just as Smoothy said they would. That is when I lined her up and took the shot. I didn’t know exactly where I hit her, all I knew was there was a bunch of commotion in the corn and it sounded like she was breakdancing which is always a good sign. I waited a little bit and then I started whistling to Smoothy to get his attention. The next thing I knew, he was running toward me with his long legs flailing about asking me if I hit something. I told him that I shot and heard a lot of noise afterwards but did not know if I hit her good. That’s when we started looking around and found some blood on a corn husk. Then just like a bloodhound he disappeared in the corn and only went about 50 yards before he was hollering, “You got her, you got her!” I think he was more excited than I was. That night we shared in the harvest by eating the heart and tenderloins. It was the best tasting deer I ever had... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I cannot explain what I felt like to be back out hunting after everything I had been through. Just being in the outdoors again was worth everything. The main thing it gave me was independence. Not having to rely on anyone or burden anyone to reach a goal was very gratifying. I can pick the place where I want to hunt. I can pick when I want to hunt. I can choose to shoot a deer or let them go. Everything is up to me. Hunting with a bow is all about just you and the outdoors. You learn a lot about yourself and others when you're by yourself with just your thoughts sitting in the trees in the middle of nowhere. I just love it. It doesn't suck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> After harvesting that doe that first year back in the woods, I was a little picky the next couple of years. I think I shot the first one just to prove to myself that I could do it. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not shooting anything the next couple years wasn't because I wasn't hunting, it was more of trying to become a better hunter. Also, of course I was looking for Mr. Big. Those two years I hunted more then I had ever done in the past. I've probably average going out around 30 times each year. I really learned a lot about how to pattern deer. There was a lot of trial and error. The only problem was every one always asked me, "Did you get anything?" "Why haven't you shot anything?" So the next year I decided to do something about it. That fall I was invited down to the 4-H camp again for the Twist of Fate hunt. That is usually the end of September. When I get invited to their hunt I still go out hunting before but would never shoot anything unless it would go on my wall. That year I was teamed up with my guide Less. He is a great guy and a great guide. The guides down there go through a lot of work finding the deer, patterning the deer and setting up blinds. Anyway back to the hunt. The spot I was hunting at that year was about a mile east of the camp on Gordon's land. Gordon is one of the landowners that graciously let us use their property. His property is one of the best I have ever hunted. The spot I was in the first night was kind of what I would call swamp buck territory. It was down in the thick woods along the Sheyenne river bottom. I remember it was really dark because of all the tall trees and thick underbrush. I remember thinking to myself when I got in there that I was in the battle with time because no sunlight was coming in. Shooting with a scope you need at least a little bit of sunlight or moonlight to see the crosshairs. I believe I had two or three does come in right away and then nothing for a couple of hours. Right when I was thinking nothing was going to come out I spotted a little 2 x 3 swamp buck walking right towards my shooting lane. This is when I for some reason decided to yawn. Because of my paralysis, when I yawn my arms move a little. And wouldn't you know it, my arm hit my trigger and my arrow went flying through the trees kind of like the Plink-O game on the Price is Right. So I was stuck there without any killing device and the buck walked right by without a care in the world. When Less came back to pick me up he noticed that my arrow was gone and he asked me what happened. Let's just say everyone back at the camp had a good laugh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> After that little fiasco we decided to move to another spot the next night with a little bit more light and hopefully more action. That day we also rigged up a walkie-talkie to my tray so just in case I had another yawning attack I could call him up and we could cock another arrow. This was a grand idea until it started raining, this will come up later in the story, but I digress. The spot where I was hunting that night was on the sidehill and the deer would be about 10 yards below me, at about a 20 yard shot. I was used to shooting on flat terrain so this was a new experience for me. Anyway it wasn't 15 minutes and it started raining. Not hard but about to get everything wet especially the walkie-talkie. About 15 minutes after that a nice big dry doe came in to the Golden Nugget pile, you baiters will know what I'm talking about. Anyway shooting downhill I was always told to shoot a little lower because there is less gravity pushing down, in simple terms. So I aimed just below her armpit and let it fly. She took off running into the woods, it sounds like about 70 yards away. I could not tell if I hit her or not. It sounded to me that she was just spooked. I really started to doubt myself when I looked down at the spot where I shot and saw my arrow sticking out of the ground and I could not see any blood on it. This is when the walkie-talkie comes into play. I decided to call up Les and have him cock my bow again. But when I tried to hit the intercom button everything started sliding. So I decided to take my frustration out on the little piece of monkey poop and started beating it. During my little tirade I must've hit a button because I could hear him asking if I needed anything. But I could not respond because of the moistness and slippage. So I started beating it again and I heard him say I am coming. It didn't take him long to get to where I was and when he got there he asked me, "You have another yawning attack." We both got a good kick out of that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then I told him I shot at a doe but could not tell if I smoked it or not. So he went down to the spot where my arrow was and it was caked with blood. I thought to myself what a relief. It didn't take him long before he found her. We got all of my stuff ready to go, we headed back to his pickup dragging the deer and we called for my mom who had the shaggin wagon. It was still daylight so we decided to field dress her right there instead of back at camp. When we were looking at the entry and exit wounds we noticed that it was real low and we wondered what I hit. After looking through the organs we noticed that there was a perfect three blade slice right through the middle of the heart. So we saved the heart and brought it back to the camp for the guys to see. When we got back to the camp I told the guys I always hit what I'm aiming at. I had to get back at them for them ribbing the night before. By the way I think I still have the heart in my freezer if you want to see what I was aiming at...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading, Clint.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Part 3 coming soon…</span></div>
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Plegicoutdoorsmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04435833796148827362noreply@blogger.com0