A week ago I shot a fat 5 point whitetail buck- 18 yards through the heart with a Damon Howatt Hi Speed- a bow that was made in 1972 when I was around 4 years old. It’s the 9th whitetail I’ve taken with that vintage bow since I refinished it 9 years ago and with Muzzle loader seasons kicking off all week it was great to put some venison away. Shout out to @Kris Kok for helping me hang it up -and coming out to assist! 👊 Our youngest daughter played 4 competitive hockey games yesterday- went to school all day and still wanted to come help dad out processing the deer. Tradition, heritage, bonding whatever it is- she’s now deeply connected to it all. This is the 4th whitetail she’s skinned herself and helped me put into the freezer. You will notice in my writing books and articles I referenced the process above all else- and frequently mention that hunting relationship I have with my kids. It’s my favorite part of the hunting experience for me now- yes it’s a task butchering but it seals the process for myself and kids as well. Accountability and the end state of hunting. Period.. the smile all says it all for me! Good luck to everyone out there still- and thank you for sharing your journey with traditional gear with our family as well! 🦌 🏹 No sights- No Problem - Grant

Back yard now that no bucks chasing daily

If you remember in August I was not able to recover a bear that I had shot. The shot was a bit quartering away. We looked consecutive days for hours without success. I was devastated. Actually hanging up the bow and reconsidering much of my journey with traditional archery. Those that know me, know that I practice relentlessly. I shoot from treestand, ground blinds. On chairs, off my knees and compete. No shortage of shooting. Most shots are a realistic as I can make them. That’s what hurt the most along with injuring an animal. It took a couple months before picking up any bow again. After a much needed reset, visiting with family and friends I started over for whitetail. I practiced out of a ground blind. Drawing, shooting. Getting the right cant to the bow as the top limb if not perfect will hit the roof. I shot and shot and shot….making sure that wasn’t going to happen. I got up early today. High winds and blowing snow was what Mother Nature had in store for me. I know deer will move in windy weather but very cautiously. As I sat in the blind I received a message from my wife about a large poplar tree that had just fallen in our yard. Fortunately away from the house. As I contemplated packing up, out of the corner of my eye I spot an antlerless deer making its way through the bush towards me. It came in front of the blind giving me a slight quartering away shot. I’d be lying if I’d say the shot on the bear wasn’t on my mind at moment. I drew the bow and settled in just behind the shoulder. As I loosed the arrow the top limb hit the roof ripping a large hole in it. The shot ended up further back than I’d have liked. I set the bow down and put my head in my hands in disbelief. An hour later I got out of the blind. Located the arrow and found good blood. A short track of 30 yards for the recovery. I knelt beside the “button buck” placing my hand on its chest and cried. I was so relieved to have taken this deer. I feel blessed. Sorry for the long post.

I have a good friend that wanted to go to a stocked lake for Brook trout and some grouse hunting. I’m never one to turn that down, plus I wanted to try taking a grouse with my bow. Fishing was amazing. We both caught a decent sized limit with in an hour of arriving. Off we went for grouse. The area we were in the grouse are heavily hunted so are very skittish. I couldn’t get close enough before the birds flushed or ran with my bow. Que my late fathers Cooey .410. Two birds later our day came to an end. I got home early enough to change and head to the blind for a few hours of light to hunt. I stayed until 6:40pm, just after sunset. Fast forward to 9pm when my trail cameras dump photos. I should have turned the trip down (just kidding). It was a day full of does, bucks and bears. Today is the last day for bear. It’s like he knew. He was at the blind as I walked in. Left then returned after I left. Smart bear. Great day all around. Looking forward to getting back to hunting. Tomorrows another day.

Cut my tag this year, this is my second buck. Last year I hot skunked so I'm pretty pumped that it didn't turn into a streak couldn't have done it without the help I've recieved. I used to really look down on social media, and in some ways I still do. I only got into it last year because instagram was the only way I could get a hold of the guy at czechmarkcreations to buy a quiver. But ive really come to see the value in being able to take part in these groups. I knew a couple people before that truck hunted with 270s but now thanks to social media I've been able to chat with knowledgeable bow hunters across the country, met up with some of them at 3d shoots and made some new friends. I have a network now that includes this group to help me learn, and let me share what I know. This buck was earned with help from Grant. Last month you let us ask questions, and I.took your answer to the field and worked it hard for the last month, and here is my reward. Thanks Grant! I couldn't be happier with this prize. Bear super kodiak for those wondering, pulling 53 lbs at 31inch. Magnus stinger 4 blade 125g with 75 grain insert. Clean pass through, double lung. I shot him at 13 meters and he went 55 meters. He was down in under two minutes.