Jacob Chapman
WKR
My grandpa taught me how to deer hunt- he was there with me (either in stand or on the property) for my first deer ever (muzzy), first buck (muzzy) first bow killed doe & first bow killed buck.
He purchased a 40 acre piece in Iowa in the early 90’s-we constructed 3 permanent wood blinds & spent many countless hours on “the farm” together along with my Dad & brother.
Grandpa was always more of a shotgun hunter, although in his later years did pick up a crossbow (heart surgery precluded him from vertical bows) so that he could come hunting during bow season with me.
He passed away in a car accident this past year & I wanted something to keep with me during my trek to the woods.
I had a custom whitetail & bear hunting pack made for me by Mr. Tom Phillips of Bison Gear packs-I took some of Grandpa’s old coveralls & had Tom sew the back pocket of Grandpa’s coveralls onto the front of the pack-perfectly fits my retractable bow hoist!
I also sent some of the fabric to Mr. Rob Mckibbin of Niche Custom Knives-Rob took the coveralls & turned them into micarta to use as part of the handle to a new hunting knife for me.
This past Sunday was absolutely beautiful here in Central Iowa-little bit wind out of the SE meant I had one good option for my morning sit.
Shortly after sunrise a group of doe walked past giving me a 20 yard shot-she expired within sight in 50 or so yards.
At the shot the deer didn’t really react (have to love a quiet setup) so I quickly got another arrow on the rest & tried for doe #2 of the morning.
Unfortunately I hit an unseen twig, sending my arrow careening off into who knows where & scattering the doe group.
Figured I’d give her a little time, was drinking my coffee & reading that mornings devotion when I see the other mother doe come out of the woods not 12 yards away, leading the 3 yearlings from that group I’d just taken a doe from. This is probably 15 minutes from when I took the second shot that harmed only a small branch.
I had another doe tag in my pocket so figured I’d see if I could push my luck!
Thankfully after a few minutes the doe group starts to feed off & I place a perfect shot at the broadside old doe not 25 yards away.
She takes off over the small rise in the CRP field & darts into the timber. Due to the wind I can’t hear her crash, but I saw good blood immediately & knew I made a good shot with the G5 Deadmeat head-she wouldn’t go far.
Yesterday was the first time I’d successfully taken 2 deer with my bow on Grandpa (now Dad’s) farm & it couldn’t have been a more beautiful morning.
My new Niche knife performed flawlessly, quick soap down & it’s ready to tackle an Iowa buck, still incredibly razor sharp.
God sure blessed me that day, and I’m sure Grandpa was smiling down at me. Really tough not being able to stop by his house to show him the deer, but I know he witnessed the whole thing.
Hug your loved ones & be grateful, I know I sure am!
He purchased a 40 acre piece in Iowa in the early 90’s-we constructed 3 permanent wood blinds & spent many countless hours on “the farm” together along with my Dad & brother.
Grandpa was always more of a shotgun hunter, although in his later years did pick up a crossbow (heart surgery precluded him from vertical bows) so that he could come hunting during bow season with me.
He passed away in a car accident this past year & I wanted something to keep with me during my trek to the woods.
I had a custom whitetail & bear hunting pack made for me by Mr. Tom Phillips of Bison Gear packs-I took some of Grandpa’s old coveralls & had Tom sew the back pocket of Grandpa’s coveralls onto the front of the pack-perfectly fits my retractable bow hoist!
I also sent some of the fabric to Mr. Rob Mckibbin of Niche Custom Knives-Rob took the coveralls & turned them into micarta to use as part of the handle to a new hunting knife for me.
This past Sunday was absolutely beautiful here in Central Iowa-little bit wind out of the SE meant I had one good option for my morning sit.
Shortly after sunrise a group of doe walked past giving me a 20 yard shot-she expired within sight in 50 or so yards.
At the shot the deer didn’t really react (have to love a quiet setup) so I quickly got another arrow on the rest & tried for doe #2 of the morning.
Unfortunately I hit an unseen twig, sending my arrow careening off into who knows where & scattering the doe group.
Figured I’d give her a little time, was drinking my coffee & reading that mornings devotion when I see the other mother doe come out of the woods not 12 yards away, leading the 3 yearlings from that group I’d just taken a doe from. This is probably 15 minutes from when I took the second shot that harmed only a small branch.
I had another doe tag in my pocket so figured I’d see if I could push my luck!
Thankfully after a few minutes the doe group starts to feed off & I place a perfect shot at the broadside old doe not 25 yards away.
She takes off over the small rise in the CRP field & darts into the timber. Due to the wind I can’t hear her crash, but I saw good blood immediately & knew I made a good shot with the G5 Deadmeat head-she wouldn’t go far.
Yesterday was the first time I’d successfully taken 2 deer with my bow on Grandpa (now Dad’s) farm & it couldn’t have been a more beautiful morning.
My new Niche knife performed flawlessly, quick soap down & it’s ready to tackle an Iowa buck, still incredibly razor sharp.
God sure blessed me that day, and I’m sure Grandpa was smiling down at me. Really tough not being able to stop by his house to show him the deer, but I know he witnessed the whole thing.
Hug your loved ones & be grateful, I know I sure am!
