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Day 1
Day 2 
Day 3 (posted on 10/12)

 

Live Hunt Details

Hunters
     
Michael Middleton
      Martin Middleton
      Paul Schwander
      Jason Treadaway
      Kavin Vann
      Debi Vann
      Daniel Vann
      T.J. Rodgers
      Team Showboat
      490 Other Hunters!

Location
    
Aransas NWR, Austwell, TX

Dates
     October 7th - 15th

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TexasBowhunter.com Aransas Group Hunt


Day 3

Monday morning produced more wind and more rain, though neither was quite as heavy as the previous couple of days.  Martin, Jason and I got blanked again, and finally gave into the conditions at around 9:45.  We loaded our stands into Martin's pickup and then headed over to the pipeline that Paul was hunting to collect the other Swivel Limb.  On the way in, we discovered what appeared to be drag marks, but because we didn't see any blood, assumed it to be Paul dragging his quadpod out of the brush.  When we came upon his quadpod, on the opposite side of the pipeline from where it was originally set up, but standing nonetheless, our excitement grew figuring that he had arrowed something.  We quickly retrieved the Swivel Limb, and then carefully checked the drag marks on the way out until we positively identified blood; a few drops of fresh, red stuff was on a stem of grass.

When we arrived back at Hoppers, we found Paul and interrogated him about the evidence.  He told us he had seen 22 hogs and several javelina before finally deciding to stick an arrow in one to give to Kavin.  He, and we, were hoping for deer, but it was good to see somebody finally have some success.

Martin and I drove to Victoria to get the part for my pickup.  Actually, we had to break down and get a new compressor, adding significantly to the cost of the hunt!  Upon our return, Kavin was in the cabin, and told us he had arrowed a small five point buck.  Although it was small in size, it was no small achievement!  It was Kavin's first ever deer with his recurve, and he got it on his 40th birthday!  What an awesome accomplishment!  He also told us that Debi had an opportunity to kill a nice ten pointer, which would have been her first with a recurve as well, but unfortunately she was unable to connect.
Somehow I think she will have plenty of opportunity to redeem herself!

Kavin Vann with his first-ever "traditional" buck!

Despite the miserable weather conditions, we really had a great time on this hunt, thanks to having the opportunity to meet many of the fine folks that make TexasBowhunter.com the site that it is!  I appreciate the help that Aransas veterans like Kavin, Debi, Wayne and Tom gave to all the rookies in knowing how and where to hunt.  .  
Also, I'd like to say thanks to Paul and Martin for finding a couple of places for us to hunt before our arrival late Friday night.

We will definitely have a sequel next year, and hopefully will be able to make this an annual event.  At $50 for nine days, I think the Aransas archery hunt is one of the best bowhunting values in the state.  Now, I just have to call Robert at Brush Country Camouflage and have him make me a Brush Country slicker suit in the event we get more rain!