The Branson Bowbash
 

DAY 1 of 5

"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step."

We woke up in the dark of dawn to begin our trip of 1000 miles. Actually it's a 1200 mile journey. Our destination; Branson, Missouri. My husband Jim and I were going to the third annual Branson Tails 'n' Scales Bowbash .

We didn't just take a single step.... we took several. In fact all we needed to do was to hook the truck up to the boat. Then we discovered an important part of the saying that is usually left out.

"The journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step... but you won't get far if the truck won't start." Hahahahahaa!!!



This was a thankfully unusual occurance for my truck. I've run that puppy out of gas before but otherwise it has been trouble-free. But there it sat. No turning over, no starter click, just some relay clicking. Batteries were switched around (the truck has two in it) A battery charger was attached... nothing. Tried different keys. I did everything short of whacking on the starter.

Sigh... I called the dealership. They sent a tow truck.


Hours went by. The dealership told me I needed a new battery. Okie-dokie, I noticed one of them was leaking. They called back. It's not the battery. Okie-dokie.
They called again. It was the starter. The friendly service guy told me......... to carry a hammer and occasionally whack the starter when the truck won't start. Or, he told me, I could pay $438.00 to replace the starter. [:o]

How much to have the Chevy dealership tell you to whack your $30K vehicle with a hammer?? $226.00




Okay, really it's 40.00 for the diagnosis. $95.00 for a battery and $82.00 to tow it 4 miles. (4 miles!!) They did wash the truck for free.
;)

Eventually, I got my truck back... but it was too late to leave, I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow.

Look how sad my puppy is... She wants to leave.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Sorry to hear about all the troubles you guys are having.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

What about the end of the story where you come into the office to get some work done??



PS - Shoulda bought a Ford.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Thanks Deadeye. BTW, how's your friend doing? Is he still in the hospital?

Justin, is that how the story ends? Dang, I hate sad endings...


DAY 2

Another morning and this time the truck starts just fine. Maybe it just wanted to be washed?

Have hammer..... will travel. :D


Boat's hooked up and we hit the road.


I wish I had exciting Illinois countryside photos.... but we are talking Illinois.
There were some cool windmills....


Cheap gas. (compared to Chicagoland gas prices)


We also saw close to a hundred squads drive by. They were from all over so there must have been some sort of special police event in the Springfield area. Even tho' they were just traveling along it did make my driving a bit more paranoid. (not that I would ever disobey any speed limit or other law... (hehehheheheheh))
As the squads from different cities passed us, Jim and I played 'name-the-infraction-that-you-were-pulled-over-for-by-that-jurisdiction'. As in: "There's a West Dundee cop, got pulled over at 3am for no license plates lights by them" "Schaumburg, yep, was pulled over for by them for expired tags and once because the cop wanted to buy my truck."
Hey, I'm telling you.... It's a long, boring drive from one end of IL to the other.

... we're almost there...
Woo hoo... we arrived in the Show Me State
(Sorry about the dead bug smears.)



Now we just had to travel to the far corner of Missouri.... sigh... [&o]

No sooner than we got into St. Louis we hit traffic. It's almost like home.


Once we were rolling, I kept entertained by reading billboards and counting roadkilled armadillos. (Meramec Caverns had the corner on the billboard market.)
This billboard reminded me of HNIJustin for some reason... ;)


Circe the wonder dog liked the rest areas... look she's singing.


Finally, ten hours later, we reached Branson.
The other salty dogs were pacing about, waiting to hit the water. We drove the one block from the resort to the boat launch.
The boat still floats..

The generator and lights still work..


So off we went, chasing carp until 1am.

:)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

well at least something finally went right for you. let us know how it goes or went.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Thanks Hunter06FlKy.

Day 3 and 4

The water was calm and clear and we got lots of shooting in.
We packed in the boat and went back to the resort, took a shower and slept.

I woke up when the turkey hunters came back in. Lots of turkeys were around but none were bagged by the group today.

(from left to right. Jim, Marty, Chris, Kevin and Nick)


After many cups of coffee we were off to the lake again.

One of the Bowbash flotilla, that's Chris C. and his son Nick. Note the steep terrain and all the rocks. (We dulled a lot of arrow points.) Their boat is proof that you don't need a jon boat to get the job done.


Jim and Circe the carp-licker on our boat. Note Jim's near perfect Capt'n Morgan stance. :)


It was breezy and the carp had the mud so stirred up that they were hard to see.
We did get a few carp but my fish of the day was this longnosed gar. According to my very in-accurate scale, it weighed 17lbs 10oz. It sure felt heavy.
I'll also have you know that after this picture was taken, the gar cut me up with it's teeth and smacked me upside the head and broke my glasses.
Fair is fair I guess. ;)


We went back to the resort ate dinner and told fish stories.


Here's Joe and Chris R. posing with one of the carp they boated that day.


Before we knew it... it was time to go out on the lake again.

Joe rigged up a nifty little 12volt light system to go along the handheld spotlight he was using. He wired up three small halogen bulbs on a piece of sheet metal. It was actually quite brite. (not like our 2600 watts of light powered by our generator.. but still very bright and much cheaper) :)


We took Chris C. and Nick on our boat that night. I videoed them shooting at carp, hitting some carp and missing many, many carp. Eventually I had to put the camera down and start shooting too. We took well over 200lbs of carp that evening. We had to call it a night, lest we sink the boat.

The carp that were iced down so they could be filleted in the morning.


The carp that weren't iced down. The biggest one I shot is a tad over 16lbs. Jim also got a 16lber.


I wasn't kidding about filleting those carp...
Here's Marty working on a bugle mouth. People from all over the marina came to take pictures of the carp and Marty. :)


Chris C. de-boned the carp fillets... which is no small task. Then he marinated it in his secret sauce... which I will reveal for a small fee. ;)

While this was going on, the resident marina carp watched and were non-plussed. I contributed to their deliquency by feeding them some sliced turkey. (I ate a salad while the guys cleaned the carp.. heh heh)


Back at the resort...
Nick was in charge of breading the fish.


Kevin got roped into breading the mushrooms... and I still wasn't helping. :D


I did help eat the carp tho'. It's really quite good. MMmmm.. Even the people from the deli across the street worked up the courage to try it... and then were amazed at how good it was.

Group photo time. (not everybody was around for the photo) Check out the spiffy HuntingNet hats and shirts.
From the left... Kevin, Mike, Marty, Me, Joe, Nick, Chris.


Suddenly it was night time again.
This time we took out Mike and his father-in-law Ramazan. Neither Mike or Ramazan had tried night bowfishing before. In fact Ramazan is from Turkey and had never even shot a bow before. They said they'd just try it for an hour and then come back.....
Three hours later...

They were totally into it. It was great to watch how excited they got each time they saw a carp. In fact I think we'd still be out there if not for the fact that the carp went to deep water around midnight.

Joe shot a 18lb carp that night and won the big carp contest. His prize was a retriever reel and bowfishing arrow set-up from AMS. Great job Joe!

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Day 5

The guys from Florida went out after turkeys again in the wee morning hours.

For the rest of us... it was time to go home. :(

We did hit the Basspro Headquarters which wasn't too far away.


We also stopped at some other shops along the way. Ooooh... knives... [8D]

Chicago cutlery knives only 2.50 each!

Back in my home state.




Final thoughts

The trip started on a rough note, but ended up being more fun than I could have hoped for. Turkeys were taken earlier, but not while I was there. Next year the Bowbash will be moved up at least a week so that the turkeys won't be as call shy as they were in this last week of the season.

I'll be hunting those wily birds next year along with bowfishing again.

Thanks to Mike and his wife Handan for putting up with this group. We enjoyed the hospitality they gave us and we returned the favor by not tossing any carpcasses into thier dumpster. ;)

I encourage all HuntingNet users to try and make this event next year. (Free HNI hat and Shirt!!) :D It's worth the drive. Bring the whole family. There's a ton of stuff to do in the Branson area.

Oh, and I never did need to use the hammer. The truck has been starting just fine. I tell you, nothing brings out the Ford and Mopar guys like a Chevy on a flat bed. Enjoy that picture while you can.... because the rest of the time you'll just be trying to catch up.

heh heh heh

Christine A.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

That was a great story and pictures. I had problems getting the link working but when does this event usual take place? I couldn't make you any promises that i could go next coming time but I know i would definetly love to go someday (plus i can get cool shirt and hat of it too). Even though i'm stuck in CA, i never mind driving cross-country since i have done it once before. Keep me posted on it please :)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

great stuff. i would really like to get into bowfishing but i can't find any carp or gar around my area. i about wish gators were legal in florida because i could've had a good 4.5 ft. gator and posibally a 6 foot one. but anyhow.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Great story Christine.

Wish I could have been there this year. I WILL try to make it next year!!!!!!

And Red Hawk: I drove from Ca. last time. Trust me; FLY!!! ;)

It's a great trip, but I'd rather spend my time there with these people than driving.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Yeah i might just do that too lol

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

RedHawk, we had a blast. I usually bring a couple extra bowfishing bows for those who either can't bring theirs or don't have one. Just show up and have fun. Just don't count on a lot of sleep. Several days were bowfishing till 2:00 am, then up at 4:00 am to hunt turkey, then bowfish that night again. But it's not about the hunting or fishing. It's about getting together with friends and being hassled by Christine, and making new friends. The boys from Florida had never met any of us - even on-line - but now I'm going down there in March to hunt with them. Life don't get no better than when with family and friends who hunt.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Hunter06FlKy, two of the guys there were from Florida. They shoot a lot of tilapia. Maybe there's a place by you were you can find those fish.

I'm thinking of heading down to FL in March with Fishhunter to shoot some wild pigs and tilapia. (stuff that's easier to clean than carp) ;)

Fishhunter, the winner of the quote of the trip goes to Joe. I was holding the flashlight while he cleaned a fish... I started doing the wandering beam of light thing and then when he gave me 'that look', I said.. "You know, I'm not happy unless I'm being a pain in the arse." Without missing a beat, Joe replied "Well then, you must be the happiest person in the world."

Bwhaahaahahahaaha!



Red Hawk, the next Bowbash will probably be held around the end of April. We'll be advertising it a bit more than we did this one. I'll get you more details as the event draws closer. It really is a blast.

We are also having the HuntingNet/Benefit4Kids 3D archery shoot and Pig Roast here in Northern IL on August 27th, 2005. I know it's a long way for a 3D shoot.. but it's something to think about. :)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Keep in mind that it's not JUST a 3-D Shoot, there will also be celebrity appearances from Todd Graf and yours truely.

Remember to bring your sharpies, we will be signing autographs. ;)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Both events sound really cool and i'll definetly go whenever i can. Sad to say I won't be able to make it to the 3D shoot this year. As for the bowfish event of next year, its very possible. And thank you for getting me more details as time gets closer to it. I actually did have a quick question in regards of becoming a mordator in the youth sections..I posted a ''poll' there if you like to check it out lol

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

sounds like a lot of Fun, wow Ive seen Christine with her bow, but with the hammer it is down right scary:-)

Dale

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Hey, What was your route on the way down? You may have went right by me!

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Hmm.. It was mostly I55 through IL. [72 to 47 to 38 to 39 to 55 to 70 to 270 to 44 to 65 to 465 or something like that) :)

You should have waved. [8D]

See that bow I'm using???

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Ahh...I see. You were a good 45 miles or so, I think, as the crow flies, from me. I live on highway 106, if you know where that is.

I seen that, What is that? I was thinking maybe a Phantom, but to me the pylons (the things the cams attach to, for the non oneida shooters) look too big, so Im gonna go with either a Strike Eagle or a Screaming Eagle. I thought you got an Osprey?

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

It's a T-III. An older and heavier Oneida, but it sure does kabob those carp nicely.

I'd like to get an Osprey but I'm a lefty and it's an extra $100.00 to the lefty version. :( Maybe I'll talk Oneida into sponsoring me. heh heh heh. :D

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Ahh...I forgot about that one! My brother in law as one of them. Nice bows. They aint that much older, just a 97 model.

Even though its 100 extra, you really should upgrade to an Osprey if you can afford it right now. Im sure you already know, but make sure you get the Stainless Steel version, and make sure you get the ESC limbs, too. So, I believe it would be an CP Oneida SS Osprey ESC. Sure is alot of acronyms. The Osprey would be lighter, faster, shorter, wont rust, more accurate, and if you leave it out in the sun too long, the outboard limbs wont warp because of the ESC outboards. My uncle has an Osprey. It wasnt Stainless, but it did shoot very NICE.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

I'm thinking about getting an Oneida for my hunting bow. (just to drive HNIJustin nuts) So, I'm going to save up for a new hunting bow instead of shelling out cash for another bowfishing rig. (it's amazing how all of our 'toys' start adding up... ugh) Plus, that bow works great so far.. no sense replacing it right away.

....and I'm already outshooting all my buddies... A lighter bow, and I might outshoot them so bad, they won't play with me anymore... heh heh heh... [8D]

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Bring it on girlfriend! :D

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Like the carp you hit in the head and your arrow just bounced off?:D

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Did you see the so-called point on my arrow? A flat point on a 15lb carp.... I don't care what you're shooting.. it's not gonna happen.


Hey, at least I hit it.. pbbbbttt!! [8D]

(note to self... bring lots more points next year)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

I see a fight a breeeeeeeeeeeeewin ;)


I'll outshoot you both, yeah thats it (nener neeener nener) :D

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Ah, I've already outshot both Bulzeye and Fish.

C'mon out here sometime Red Hawk... I'm always lookin' for the next victim...
;)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Dalebow,

Me scary? I saw you with that knife in TN... [insert theme music to Pyscho here]

:D :D

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lol give me about a 10 fish head start by the way :D

oh, did you get that PM i sent? it was the reply to the one you mentioned about the list

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

And you noticed I stayed in the middle of the boat helping everyone else get their fish in? I believe Jim also got footage of you missing when I ran the trolling motor to give him a break. You also didn't have Marty in your boat trying (ok, not trying, but it seemed like it) to tip you in that first night.

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

I WANT TO GO BOWFISHING NOW!!!

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

You should try it, it is a blast!
As for Hunter06FlKy the freshwater canals offer wonderful bowfishing. I do not know about your area, but in Ft. Myers there is a myriad of Talapia to be killed. They are a challenge, you have to sneak up on them because when they see you they bolt. And on the brighter side they taste very good. :)
Yes I am one of the Floridians that attended this years Bash.
As for Fishhunter and AmanitaVerna looking forward to your visit in March! Plenty of pigs to stick as well as Talapia (which are easier to clean and taste a little bit better than Carp!) Might even try some saltwater fish as well!!!!
To the ones from CA, you are right flying is much better for the distance, that is what we did. Just make sure you have a good hard bowcase the airlines are not exactly gently with them!!!![:@]

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

I've heard about the talapia down there.
I love them grilled or broiled.
Make the most of it. I wish I had them up here in IL.

All we get is stinky carp, fall-apart-buffalo, bony quillbacks, and armored gar.
It's still fun skewering them.

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Yeah i wouldn't doubt that any. Hopefully next time the bowfishing event happens, i'll be living else where (thinking of moving to either Texas or Tennesse, well maybe even to NY if lyssa lets me lol)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Kevin, please e-mail me your's and Marty's phone numbers. I can't find them. I put them in my wallet and now they're gone.

Did you all get into any turkey that last morning?

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Sheesh Fishy, that's bad. They were still in your wallet when I was rummaging around in it. Ha.. laff... snicker... ;)

Kevin, I'm hoping you and/or Marty are going to send me some of that spice you were talking about. :)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Be glad to send you that spice, but I need your address? Be warned you will not want to use any other spice!!!!

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Thank Kev, got the numbers. Ever get a call at 3:00 am?

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Yes, that is why my house phone is at the other end of the house and I turn off my cell phone at night! But you are welcome to call at that time if you like!!!!

Christine I got your ADDY, thanks I will send you 6 lbs. of that spice!!!;)

RE: The Branson Bowbash
 

Tablerock

Guys, tell me what you think of this for next year.

One for Marty

Both these articles are in the latest issue of the Missouri Conservationist.