Bow Hunting

The Frog Creek Brotherhood tradition began in 1999 when I moved home after separating after 10 years in the Marines. I met Big Brother Bobby across the street and once we started talking about deer hunting, the brotherhood began. Every since, we've been hunting together along Frog Creek in Northern Wisconsin. I've missed a couple seasons due to military obligations; however, I did actually fly home from Germany one year (2009) just to throw down on that nice 9-pointer over there! >

Deer hunting is Wisconsin at the Krouch Cabin is about Family and Tradition....

Early the hunting began with three of us, Bobby, his Uncle Jay and I...the Abbatsford's up the Frog Creek Road and whomever decided to roam through the Washburn County Forest during rifle season. I jumped into a long history of family tradition, Aunt's, Uncle's, Nephew's, etc. hunting public land year after year and I was drawn to the tradition that had been established (it's the Marine in me).

First year. Cold, 3 feet of snow and a fresh blanket every night - PERFECT! What? We camp out in trailers? Are you kidding me? I'm a Jarhead, no problem except I forgot my ear plugs, and thus I learned to snore with the best of 'em! I'll tell you what though, it was chilly sitting in the tree that first morning, but I didn't sit long after a doe ran up the ridge within 10 yards of me and I figured I'd get some meat in the freezer right now! Just as I put the scope on this pretty little doe, I see she looks back to see what else is coming, so I draw down and check what's got her interest. Sure enough, a gorgeous basket 8 pointer is on her trail, so I find an open spot that he'll be coming to, line up the scope and just as he steps in - BAM! He runs 10 yards and falls...there stands the doe, I pull the rifle around to her and as I'm about to drop her too, the buck stands up and grunts! WHOH! The doe runs off and I'm back on the buck ready to toss another 30-30 in him when he falls and passes. Phew! I knew I'd made a good shot, but he was sure to tell the Ms. to get outta dodge. So, rookie sets in, I gut the buck, and proceed to drag this beast out of the woods - 1.5 hours later, I get back to camp, drag it behind the campers and proceed to lighting up a cigar and crack open a beer (tradition remember?). About a half hour later Bobby and Jay show up and ask why the hell I'm at camp drinking and smoking already? I say; "go behind the camper and check it out!" All I hear is "Whoohoo!" Needless to say the hook was set.

As the years pass we only get older and yet our passion for the hunt and the outdoors grows stronger and stronger year after year. Both Bobby and I have children of our own and our oldest sons are the same age. At 12 we brought them to deer camp which was two seasons ago now in 2010, and spent four days hunting for the boys. They both missed bucks on opening day and although they still managed to pull good grades after missing some class time, we opted to not bring them back in 2011. For 2012, we've yet to discuss their fate; however, the plan will be that Bobby and I hunt the opening weekend and the boys can come up the weekend after Thanksgiving. This will ensure they don't miss any school which is priority #1, and as they age and can hunt on their own, it will be a bit easier to get them in and out of the woods.

So, as the 2011 season has come and gone along with the one lung buck that disappeared and Bobby's successful opening day of rifle season near the swamp, (I talked him out of going to the Red Gate - I think he regrets that move) we're better for having learned many things and already are making plans for 2012! The Boys of Frog Creek prepare year round and the Brotherhood carries on!