[MViehweg]

in reply to: Doug Borland Article #22397

Got a text from Yote earlier today. They are heading in on 8/7. Yote promises to carry an extra load of Doug’s sheep. Should make it easier on the 2 old guys. 20 miles is 20 miles even if it’s downhill!

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Opinions – What would you guys do? #61441

Wilderness hunts can bring out the very worst in an individual. They don’t tend to be character builders, but certainly reveal true character. I would suggest if you do go to the location together to plan on hunting your seperate ways otherwise you will be greatly disappointed in the outcome. Also, don’t be surprised to get little or no help once an animal goes hooves up. In fact, I would plan on that being the case.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Doug Borland Article #61431

Don, how about as a little tribute of that simple trek? Everyone, who read the article, throw on a 75# pack this weekend and do 1/2 of the march of 20 miles for round numbers. Sounds like a nice little workout. HA! I have told Dick that you couldn’t get 99% of the people in this world to do the round trip with a 75# (or more)pack even if the holy grail itself was at the end of the trail. Let alone the alone the simple possibility of unspoiled wilderness and white sheep upon completion. Just a truly awesome tale….BTW spoke with Doug this PM and he is pumped for the return…

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Doug Borland Article #59737

David Petersen wrote: Welcome to the site, Kyle. Indeed, Doug is the genuine article, a real hunter with real ethics. I’d like to see more of him in the magazine. dave

Doug Borland is a special man and bowhunter. His ethics and code of conduct stand out no matter the situation in the field (truly one of a kind). When I wrote his profile for TBM a year or so ago, my greatest fear was not doing him justice. Thank goodness for the editorial abilities of Don. Seems to take a little prodding to bring out from under his rock to pen an article. I have always enjoyed his writing. However, I think we all agree the sheep article needed to be written and written well given the unique circumstances: re-living the hunt Jay and Doug pioneered 30 yrs. prior, the difficulty of the wilderness access, the spiritual connection, father/son hunt, equipment used.

Yes, Dick was using an osage takedown self-bow and scored on a MT goat in September with the same bow.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Wood Arrows, single bevels and EFOC #36077

Ed, are the Forgewoods recent vintage or the old ones from Bill Sweetland?

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Donating meat? #42789

It seems to me the donation of wild game was conceived with good intentions. I have always felt a bit conflicted by the notion of donating through the state run program. However, I remember donating meat to the villagers in McGrath, AK after taking a moose on the Moose John back in 94. As I remember, we split the meat in 1/2 with me and the fella I floated with taking our portion and the other 1/2 going to villagers. They indicated at the time most hunters gave them all their meat.

When hunting out of state, I have always felt a responsibilty to bring back as much meat is allowed by the airlines in coolers then shipping back my gear via parcel post. Obviously, it would be much easier to simply give it all away than having to arrange shipment. Somewhere along the line, we have lost our moral compass when it comes to wild game meat when the trophy value of wild meat should be as great as the horns on their heads. I’m sure we all know of hunters who do their very best to make sure their responsibility ends with the killing of the animal whether that means giving the meat away to a program or letting the meat go bad. The eating of the meat should provides great nutritional value and spiritual sustenance.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: 2 Blade Blood Trails? #10157

I’ve tried 3 blade heads such as the Snuffer and Woodsman over the years with good results. However, I have went back to a 2 blade for good after considering more often than not animals never seem to go very far with a 2 blade hit. They are certainly easier to initially sharpen along with maintaining an edge in the field. Shot location will always be the greatest factor in the quality of a blood trail.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: Growing Antlers? #26336

Man, this one is tough to disagree with…Many parts of the north and south have been infested with baiting/food plots. It just plain doesn’t look right or pass the smell test for many people, myself inclueded.

Do I prefer to shoot a decent buck or bull to a 1.5 year old? Sure, but just as much enjoy a perfect shot made on a doe. I have never joined an organization with a record book due to the many abuses normally accompanied by record keeping.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: I never thought it would happen! #26322

Good for you! I don’t get out a great deal of Sundays myself due to attending mass on Sunday mornings….Fortunately, I am self-employed and can get out during the week a couple of times…Given the current economy self-unemployed is more accurate. Our local archery club has always held thier events on Sundays. So, I either go at 11:00 or Saturday night.

[MViehweg]

in reply to: grouse and squirrels #12540

TJ,

Hope you had a good time in Denver! Thought I might weigh in on squirrels as I have taken close to 100 fox squirrels over the years and learned from the likes of Jerry Pierce and Pat Cebuhar. As you know, those two were the real deal when it came to waylaying squirrels (Pat shot 45+ one season back in the mid 90s). So, when they discussed what works and doesn’t I tended to listen.

Sqirrels are a bundle of sinew and muscle. I recommend nothing less than broadheads and regular fletching to consistenly make a quick/clean kill. Now, the problem is cost when shooting arrows up into trees. I was lucky enough to buy 1000 Bodkin 2nds from Whiffen Archery for .25 cents a piece back 15 years ago. Not only does a broadhead kill quickly, but there is much less damage to the meat due to the clean cut vs. bruising from a blunt. Or you can you can do as Jerry did and make your own custom point with glued on injector blades on a field point. For pure bowhunting enjoyment, squirrels are hard to beat.

Mark

[MViehweg]

in reply to: who was your mentor? #63356

My father introduced me to the outdoors at a very early age. His passions were fishing and duck hunting which he did at every opportunity. Certainly, it would have been easier for him to go by himself instead of having a youngster tagging along, but he always had my brother or I by his side. When my brother and I became teenagers, he joined us on the trapline. Thanks Dad!

Bowhunting was learning from many mistakes and reading everything I could get my hands on….some good, some bad.
I would also give credit to the likes of Jay Massey, Doug Borland, Jerry Pierce, Pat Cebuhar and Jim Ellis for sharing a common bowhunting ethic.

[Author]

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