The Barta way - Page 2

Hunting Man · #11 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 02:25 PM

I shot T/D recurves for several years till the neck/shoulder problems prevented me from traditional hunting anymore. I first used a Jim Brackenbury bow 64" with a 31" draw @ 64#, there's no way I could shoot that thing again. Sold everything a few years ago, anyway all memories now, good luck hunting the old way and hope you connect!

flexj · #12 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 02:48 PM

Thanks!

Conditions were perfect saturday morning for a spot and stalk bow hunt, so it began:

A cold, damp morning with constant wind about 5-10mph made it suitable for a stalk through the canyon. I took the long way around to keep the wind in my face, so it took about 20 minutes more than usual to get there. I knew there were several spots I wanted to check, so I planned accordingly and took off to the most downwind spot. As soon as I ducked into the woods I heard some steps/rusling in the leaves. It was coming from the area I expected to see deer in, so of course I get excited. I had cleared my stalking trail a few days prior, and that allowed me to sneak in without a sound. When I got ~80 yards away I could see the deer...right there where they are supposed to be. It was perfect, but there were several of them in there. The next 50 yards was slow going. After probably 30 minutes I had closed the gap to 30 yards, but there was a gap in the cover that would surely expose me...so of course it's belly crawl time. I only had about 10 yards to reach the cedar that would hide me enough for the shot. Somehow one of the does saw or heard me and went on alert. The deer bounded off, but only went about 20 yards. They apparently didn't get too good of a look, and the wind was right so they couldn't smell me. I did end up getting to the tree and getting a good look at the deer...two small does and a spike, but they stayed out about 40 yards and on alert. My stalk on these deer was over. That was a close one...I don't think I would have shot any of these deer anyway, but it was good practice for when the right deer is there! After these deer finally left I checked the other places, but no deer there. That was exciting. I finished the day by shooting about 50 arrows into the hay bales. (then digging the bales apart to retrieve the arrow that slid between them)

mywaynow · #13 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 07:51 PM

If your going to do a Tred Barta, your going to have to shoot at anything and everything, miss constantly and generally give bowhunting a bad face.

timberghost · #14 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 08:23 PM

If it were me I would've called it a successful hunt even without taking a deer. I couldn't get that close to a deer for the life of me. Good hunting flex!!!!!!

wmi · #15 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mywaynow

If your going to do a Tred Barta, your going to have to shoot at anything and everything, miss constantly and generally give bowhunting a bad face.

BAD TASTE. You don't kick at a man when he is down. I will leave it at that.

buckfever · #16 (**permalink**) 12-14-2009, 09:12 PM

Sounds like a sweet hunt to me. You have the patience and are working on the stalking skills. Want be long till you bring something home. Like TG said you got closer than most would have.

Hunting Man · #17 (**permalink**) 12-15-2009, 06:00 AM

thats a good stalk. Next time it may go your way.

flexj · #18 (**permalink**) 12-15-2009, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mywaynow

If your going to do a Tred Barta, your going to have to shoot at anything and everything, miss constantly and generally give bowhunting a bad face.

You obviously don't understand traditional archery...(erased a mean comment)

I love the way Tred sticks to his traditional methods. He has taken some very impressive animals with his longbow, and I don't appreciate your comments.

Please go away!

BruceBruce1959 · #19 (**permalink**) 12-15-2009, 09:53 AM

OK guys keep in mind this is a family site and it's ok to agree and disagree whether you like Tred or not.
Before any more is said I think we should reflect on his struggles since he's been struck down by a spinal cord stroke.
Tred himself now speaks differently about his hunts, he no longer brags about the trophy, now he boasts about the journey.
It shouldn't take a life-threatening disease to make us understand and see how valuable each day is,
we have to enjoy our days because our tomorrows are not guaranteed.
Each of us should include Tred and his family in our prayers, after all he is a regular ole' hunter just like the rest of us....

flexj · #20 (**permalink**) 01-07-2010, 02:26 PM

Missed my shot on what was probably my buck of a lifetime. This great buck came by at first light last saturday, and I shot right under him. I had previously ranged the trail at 15 yards in front of me, and I thought he was on that trail...ended up he was about 10 yards further just picking his way through the brush. It is hard to see the trail...especially in first light situations. My bad...just a crappy deal. I moved my stand and dumped about 500 pounds of corn later that day and haven't been back since. This coming weekend is the last chance for the year, so hopefully I will see him or another good buck to take.