New Hunting Recurve

        I recently purchased a Shakespeare Kaibab hunting bow from someone on Craigslist. I had been wanting a bow for about two years (perhaps longer - I can't remember), but I just never came across the right one until a few weeks ago. It was a bit more expensive than I would have liked, but from the information I came across online, this bow is very rare and people hang on to them because they're so good. Thus, I was willing to pay a bit extra to get one of my own. :)

        It was made in the 70s, so it qualifies as vintage; I like that! It can be used to hunt larger game, since it has a 50+ draw weight, which is good 'cause I want to hunt deer. Another plus is that it came with five broadhead arrows, camo bow sleeves, and a glove. The glove was a size large, but I just moved the Velcro and it fits now. Here's a picture of the bow itself:

        These are practice arrows that I bought, since I can't use the broadheads for that purpose. I had them fitted at an archery store, but I think I'll need new ones soon since my arm is going to get stronger. I haven't done archery for a long time, but the guy who fitted me at the store said that I was able to pull the 50+ draw back much farther than he would have ever expected me to. He had to check on the bow again to make sure he read the draw weight right!

        The glove and armguard:

         I went with my brother to where he shoots his recurve at our neighbors' house; he has a straw bale set up with a target. I soon found out that my bow is far to strong for that, though. My arrows got lodged in the board behind and it was a nightmare to try to get them out without snapping them. A while back, a friend from church who owns a house in our town gave us permission to set up a target on his land, up in a clearing they don't really use. I'm going to get a few straw bales and put them back to back - then I can just walk the mile down there and shoot whenever I want.
        I love my bow! It is so strong; I was amazed at how fast those arrows flew, even when I didn't pull it back as far as I can! I'm really looking forward to eventually going deer hunting with it! :)
        What are your thoughts on archery? Have you ever bow hunted? Recurve? Compound (I know that's what almost all people use for hunting, especially large game)?

Blessings,

Reyna

Turkey!

        I mentioned in my stalking turkeys post that my brother had gotten his hunting license and was planning to take advantage of it this spring. Well, a week ago, he did. I know, it's pretty shameful that it has been so long and I haven't posted about it yet, but better late than never. As I mentioned before, my dear friend Kayla was visiting, and after we went walking (up on the very turkey hunting hill, actually), we came home and went up to my bedroom to chat. All of a sudden, I hear my mom call up the stairs, "Do you want to come see the turkey?" I can't tell you just how quickly I came tearing down those stairs and out the door to the truck. You probably don't want to know. This is what I saw when I hopped up on the tire and peeked over the edge into the bed:

        Since my mom didn't really want to have anything to do with it, or even see it before it was ready to go in the brine, we took it down to the neighbors' house to prepare it. It was actually the first time I had had a part in processing any sort of animal - please don't think I'm insane when I say that I had simply too much fun helping my brother with it. I'm only mostly partially crazy. I'll spare you most of the details, because I'm guessing some won't really appreciate it if I show you all of the pictures Kayla and I took on my camera.

         It was a good thing we had Kayla here, because my brother couldn't find the lungs. Kayla ended up sticking her arm in the turkey and pulling them out. ;)

        When we brought it inside, my brother found a sack inside the bird that was filled with berries. And you see that think draped over the edge of the sink? Yeah, that's a lizard. It was also inside.

         Turkey in the brine:

        Done cooking! The dark meat was very tough, but the white meat was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I'm thinking I can stew up the legs with some taters and onions and they'll be tasty, though.

        We can get two more turkeys this spring season - I'm looking forward to it!

Blessings,

Reyna