Posted on: August 27th, 2010 Best of Year One

Today I celebrate my one-year anniversary. I started an archery/bowhunting blog exactly a year ago, which quickly morphed into this website. Since I love quick-hitting recaps, I will give a rundown on the highlights from the past year.

First, and biggest, came from last September when Dad ended a life-long quest to kill a monster elk with his bow. The bull gross scored just over 343” P & Y. With his incredible mass and long, sweeping fronts, this is by far the biggest bull Dad has shot in more than 25 years of elk hunting. (Click here for more details)

 

Last October, Connie Latronica had one of the most exciting bowhunting encounters she will ever experience. Not only did she take her first archery buck, but it was huge. She made quick work of the big California buck and added another impressive animal to the Latronicas’ wall. (Click here for more details)

 

I had been anxious for months to make my second trip to Kansas. And after eight days in the stand, and passing seven bucks, I put an arrow through the chest of a mature 8-pointer. The trip was excellent as me, Dad and Mom all scored on bucks. Thanks again to everyone who made the trip so much fun. (Click here for more details)

After the first of the year, Dad and I headed to Arizona for some sunshine and rutting bucks. By the end of the trip, we had filled all five of our tags with three deer and two javelina. The muley I shot came running in to a call, which was the first time I had ever seen a mule deer do that. And Dad shot another Coues’ buck–his sixth. (Click here for more details)

When spring time rolls around, I spend most of my time with a target bow in hand. However, I always break out the broadheads for opening morning of turkey season. This year, I shot my first Merriam’s in the first few minutes of daylight. I am now only an Osceola short of a turkey grand slam. Guess I need to head to Florida. (Click here for more details)

I didn’t know it when I married her, but my wife, Anne, is an excellent cook. And although she doesn’t hunt, she does a great job cooking the animals I bring home. We started posting some of her recipes and this was one of my favorite. (Click here for more details)

Even though I have been competing in archery shoots since I was a kid, this was the first year I shot in the NFAA Outdoor Nationals in Redding, Calif. It was a lot of fun and even though I finished just out of the money in both the individual and team, I had some invaluable experiences. I can’t wait until next year. (Click here for more details)

Fourth of July weekend, I made the long trek to Northern California and spent a few days hiking and scouting one of the wilderness areas. I went by myself and after tumbling down an ice slope and breaking my internal pack frame, lucky I didn’t break anything bones, I headed back to the trailhead a little wiser and a lot more careful. (Click here for more details)

One of the articles I wrote last year won an “Article of the Year” award for National Bowhunter Magazine. The article was about an event with two dozen special needs kids and young adults who were introduced to archery. I was proud to be a part of the event and thanks to everyone who made the day special. (Click here for more details)

After not drawing my bow during the 2009 California season, I ended a two-year drought with a nice blacktail last week. The mature buck had short, massive antlers (four-inch bases) and a good-sized body. I hope I can punch my other tag before the season is over. (Click here for more details)

Thanks to everyone who has been following my archery writing and a special thanks to those who have sent in articles and photos. Don’t forget, I select a Photo of the Month at the end of each month, and at the end of the year, each winner will have a chance to win archery-related prizes. Keep sending photos and checking in as I will continue to regularly post topics.

Good luck this season!

Filed under: Archery, Deer, Elk, Events, Hunting, Turkey

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