Trad Gang
Topic Archives => Memorable Hunts => Topic started by: Brian Halbleib on March 05, 2007, 02:54:00 PM
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Just back home after another incredible time in south Texas. Weather was in the 70s near Laredo where we were hunting and I just got off the plane to 28 degrees and blowing snow back here in PA. Oh well, back to reality...
What a great group of guys we had on this trip and some darn fine hunters. Thanks to everyone who were able to make it, and made it great. We hunted with Pedernal Bowhunts (TG sponsor) and Jerry put us on the critters. OK I'll shut up and get to the pictures...
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/MikeBobjavies.jpg)
The javelina did not disappoint on this trip at all, WOW. Here's Mike Yancey (left) and Bob Hildenbrand getting after a group right away...
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Well I guess I should slow things down a little, I know you guys like to savor these threads. We'll start with a little introduction.
I hunted with Curtis (Littlefeather) in Texas for the first time last year in March. I was instantly hooked and decided right then that this would have to become an annual event. Talk about fun...
So we decided to have The Bowyer's Journal Southern Experience.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Shirtfinalproof.jpg)
The ranch has lodging for 12 but it didn't take long before I was asking Jerry if we could squeeze in a few more. No problem. I wanted to invite all of our friends but 15 was pushing the limits so we had to hold some of the invitations back.
The list changed a little with a few guys backing out but we still ended up 15 strong plus one cameraman on the Laguna Ranch. The participants were:
Curtis Kellar
Mike Yancey
Gary Davis
Reg Darling
John Rook
Bob Hildenbrand
Adam Keiper
Kenny Williams
Dave Lohr
Denny Level
Roger Garrett
Dan Hugelier
Harry Christiansen
Shaun Webb
Jeff the cameraman
and myself of course
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/guys.jpg)
From left to right: John, Curtis, Jeff, Bob, Reg, Harry and Mike.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/BriMike.jpg)
Here's one of me (left) and Mike. Yes the prickly pear cactus looks real pretty but you want to keep your distance. You'll hear all about that I'm sure :eek:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/lodge.jpg)
(left to right) Jeff, Ken, Dave, Harry & Roger
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/porch.jpg)
(left to right) Adam, Gary, Curtis, Shaun, Mike and John
Alright, now that we got the introductions out of the way, we can get to the hunting...
Have to pick up my daughters from school so we'll continue this later
:biglaugh:
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Was the Food Pretty and Good :thumbsup:
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That Laguna ranch will always have a special place in my heart after last years Mod Melt. I love seeing the pictures of the ranch. I'll be back there some day.....
Very much looking forward to more pix and the stories
Thanx Brian
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Adam, looks a bit burnt already..... :scared:
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Looks good, Brian. Glad everyone had a great time. Looking forward to the rest of the pics. Jawge
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Great pics bro.
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very cool, check out yancey's cool hunting clothes....man im jealous already!
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Not only were Yancey's clothes cool, they were authentic, hand made and, most importantly, functional. Those leather leggings repelled those cactus (cacti?) like you would not believe.
Mike Yancey is just an incredible person and hunter. It's always a pleasure spending time with him. He hit this hog late and we picked up the blood trail in the morning.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/BriMikejavie.jpg)
The hog went through a small body of water right after the shot and the trail was interesting to say the least. But we stuck it out and worked our way along on pin drops of blood that were soaked into the dry ground.
We kept at it and Mike eventually spotted the hog up ahead with the arrow still in it. Amazing that the coyotes, bobcats, cougars and other critters didn't get to it first.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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You guy's had a lot of people in your camp, with cool clothes. But where's the Javelina? Just kidding, it looks like you guys had great time. :clapper:
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We're just getting warmed up Redant, don't worry, plenty more to come. Heck, most of the crew isn't even home yet...
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Keep it coming Brian! :thumbsup: These pics are sure bringing back some memories.
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Great, I like this kinda threads, thanks.
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Looking good Mike Y.!!!
Can't wait to see more...I'm sure there was plenty of action with those Javi's...
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Hey Guru, thanks it was a great trip. We pilled em up and Brian was'nt kidding on the leather legging, they were great in the brush. I never had one thorn get through the leather, I did get a few in the shirt though. Everybody thought I was crazy till they saw how well it works.
Wait till you hear about the one Brian got with the bow I made for him last year. It was extra nice that I got to see the whole thing happen.
Mike
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Can't wait to see more!
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Man, am I ever jealous!!! I tried to get a hunt set up with Curtis and then Jerry this year, but we couldn't come up with a date that worked for both sides, so I ended up staying at home....working!!!! I hunted with Jerry last year and had a great time. Definitely gonna get back on the list for next year!!!! Brady
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great thread so far!
keep it coming, please.
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Keep it coming. Some day, I'm going back to Texas.
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Had a wonderful time! This was my first hunt for anything other than whitetails. I can safely say I'm hooked on javies!
Lot's of blown stalks for two days. The wind or lack of cover always messed me up. I was within compound range many times but just couldn't get a close shot opportunity. Finally on the last day, with less than two hours to go, I had both the wind and cover in my favor. I was able to shoot two javelina from the same group, one at 15yd and one at 20yd, with my Thunderhorn longbow. I was beyond excited!
I was still smiling when I shoveled off the walks this morning in a chilly 10 degrees. The sunburn blisters on my nose are a constant reminder of the warm temps and great time we had!
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Congrats Beastie,that's awesome!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Brian2.jpg)
Bob spotted a group of javelinas on a sendero (road) as we drove by. We piled out of the truck, grabbed our gear and put together a plan. The wind was wrong so we stood at the end of the sendero to see if it would change directions.
After a few minutes, I decided to circle around to get the wind right, but that meant finding a path through the nasty stuff. And let me tell you, everything that grows out of the ground there will either poke you, sting you or cut you.
I was wearing a pair of leather Russell Moccasins with leather soles so I was able to creep back in there pretty quietly. I had to high step a branch and as I set my front foot down, my head moved forward around a bush and I saw at least 4 javelinas milling around. I couldn't believe I had snuck right in on them and they had no idea I was there, within 15 yards.
I've heard that these critters are pretty tough and seen great shots to the boiler room that had little effect on these critters, but when I saw one take a bite out of the prickly pear we've been avoiding like the plague, I knew EXACTLY how tough they are.
I crouched down, the javies worked their way towards me. Man it's thick in here, c'mon, step into an opening. They seemed to conveniently keep putting bushes, cactus and shrubs in between us, amazing.
Then I heard the barely audible thud of a bow releasing an arrow. Mike Yancey had snuck in from the other end and we converged on them. The herd scattered except for one old male, obviously standing point until the rest of the herd escaped. Two more steps and I would have a shot under 10 yards.
I stood motionless, waiting, wishing and praying for the javie to step into the shooting lane before breaking into full speed. As if my wish was granted, the javie made that very mistake and my osage longbow drove an arrow deep into the goodies. The Wensel Woodsman dropped the animal in it's tracks, and thank goodness. I've tracked through this stuff before and it's no fun.
It was sure special to share the experience with so many close friends. Especially with Mike, who built this bow for me last year and he happened to be right there when it all went down. I took this bow out several times over hunting season but things never worked out to get it bloody. Kind of glad now that it held off like it did. Thanks again Mike!
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Hey Brian the pleasure was all mine and it was extra special to be there when you got to break the bow in. I love it when one of my bows takes game and I thank you again for the chance to be there. You gathered up a good group of guys.
I have some ideas on the big adventure we have been kicking around!
Mike
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Mike and Red...time to start kissin' butt to get on the list for next year:^) Great meeting you. Brian..what else can I say bro...thank you.
I was one of the real lucky guys. John Rook honored Jeff anf Reg and I by riding the whole way down in with us.
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Nice going Brian, Javelina are the best animal in the world to hunt. Talking about everything down there in Texas has a thorn on it, the last 10 years I have hunted in Arizona I have wore quail hunter pants, you can get them in green or brown. :clapper:
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Great thread Brian...last year was amazing at the stories that came out on Trad Gang....there were so many running at one time it was hard to keep up with them all. I've got my work cut out for me archiving them all to the 'Memorable Hunts' forum soon.
Hey!!!!!
See this pic..........
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/MikeBobjavies.jpg)
I've been there before....I took this pic...look familiar?
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/tx06jcstalk.jpg)
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Good Stuff ! Heading to Freer Texas next week for some javie chasing.
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Brian the Javilina's head looks odd. what's up?
Was he so old he was going bald?
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Great story and pic Brian...congrats!! :clapper:
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Glad to hear you guys had a great hunt and a safe return home :campfire:
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Good stuff fellas. Congrats Mike and Brian. :thumbsup:
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Brian lots of blood there. What head did you use? Any rabbits shot? Snakes?
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Thanks guys. There's plenty more coming. Last I heard we had a total of 11 javies, one hog and a pile of rabbits. If they don't stop by soon, I'll start posting pics and they can fill in the blanks later...
Doug, I used a Wensel Woodsman on that javie. Dropped him in his tracks. Curtis said it looked like he had some kind of big growths or warts on his head. He was a very old dude, extremely gray. I didn't see one snake and don't remember hearing anyone else seeing any. It was still a little chilly at night (chilly in Texas terms).
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Never mind I just re-read the story.(Wensel Woodsman) :knothead:
Samuel (my boy) says good job! :clapper:
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Good stuff Brian and Mike. Looking forward to more pics. I'll be seeing Curtis next month...can't wait.
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One of the guys said javelina reminded him of his exwife. Brian's might remind him of her mother! LOL
I was anxious to smell the odor put off by javelina. I have been reading about these critters for years but there is no way to accurately describe an odor. Well, on my first stalk I apparently ticked one off. He was chattering his teeth and putting off the offensive odor. I soon found out if you can smell them, the wind is right and they can't smell you.
They've got a face only a mother could love, they stink, a bad attitude, and a mouth full of nasty teeth. Perfect stickbow prey!
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Originally posted by Red Beastmaster:
they stink, a bad attitude, and a mouth full of nasty teeth. Perfect stickbow prey!
Jeez you forgot all about the fleas :biglaugh:
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Well, you saw Mike and Bob putting a stalk on some javies at the start of this thread. Here's the outcome of one of Bob's:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Bobjavie.jpg)
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Congrats Bob! :thumbsup:
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Brian, glad you had a great time down here. South Texas holds a charm all to its own, and well deserved. Congrats on your groups trophies. -Zano
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Adam Keiper (AK in PA) is known around PA for some of his famous "doubles" on deer back home here. Well, south Texas would be no different. Adam makes some of the finest selfbows I have ever seen.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/AdamBri.jpg)
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Adam and I have hunted pheasants together and I can attest to his fine shooting skills on winged creatures as well :)
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Man!...Looks like some killin was going on down in TX! Way to go fellas! Keep the pics and stories coming! :thumbsup:
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Real nice thread! Thanks for taking the time to share with all.
You guy's are very lucky to share a great hunt and time!
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Ken "Hank" Williams made a great shot on this javie after crawling on his hands and knees to get into position.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Ken.jpg)
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Congrats Adam and Ken!!!
Dang I wanna get back down to hunt them buggers :pray:
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nice stuff Brian, glsd to see ole bob out having fun with you again. He probably enjoys himself when Roy isn't around to hide something on him..LOL....Mac~
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It was a great time. Hunting javelina is like enrolling in Game Stalking 101. Lots of opportunities to spot animals, sneak up on them, blow it, get another opportunity, try again, and finally make it happen.
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You are right about that Reg. I had more action in one weekend than I've had in a lifetime of hunting.
Adam and I are of kindred spirit. We are both groundhog hunting fanatics. We noticed the relation between sneaking down a hayfield edge for sod poodles and stalking javies along a sendero. Both are pretty exciting, and if the stalk is blown, no problem, another opportunity is right around the corner.
Dave
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On the first afternoon, I hooked up with Harry Christiansen, Reg Darling, and Roger Garrett. We had a grand time stillhunting through South Texas brush country. Harry and Reg paused long enough for me to snap this photo as dusk approached.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007030a.jpg)
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We spotted some javies and split up for a group stalk. We barely got within coyote range and the javies spooked. About 10 minutes later, I heard them grunting the bush. With a flurry of arm signals, we fanned out and moved in after them. In total, I saw about 2 dozen javelinas trying to sneak single file out the back door. I closed the gap to 20 yards on many of them, but there was always a cactus or bush between us. Finally, I manuevered within range of one in the open. He saw me though, and on release, he turned and ran clear of my arrow. I would not have believed a pig-like creature could move so fast had I not seen it for myself. Fast devils, I tell you. Fast! Not even this rabbit moved so quick.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007026a.jpg)
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When we first arrived in Texas, the endless miles of flat cactus and mesquite country didn't impress me in the same way as my home scenic Appalacian vistas. My first excursion into this new and strange terrain was met with a painful introduction to South Texas flora. If it grows in South Texas, it WILL either prick or stick you. (It's not until you've been there, that you can you understand that subtle distinction.) After a couple of hours, however, the terrain began to grow on me. Strongly. The brush country has a deep, but subtle beauty that isn't easily noticed at 55 mph. You have to get out and get in it to feel it and appreciate it.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007077a.jpg)
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The next morning, we awoke to find a Rio Grande gobbler roosted 150 yards from camp. As our group of groggy-eyed hunters filtered out the door, none could resist resist giving a few mouth clucks. I think we all felt pretty good when we each excited the turkey into gobbling. Then Jeff walked out the door and gave the gobbler an insincere, "Here turkey, turkey, turkey!" When the Tom erupted, he brought a roar of laughter from our group and a hammer down on our egos! :knothead:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007038a.jpg)
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John Rook amazed me. Blindness has not stopped him from being a successful bowhunter. I couldn't help but to barrage him with questions on how me makes selfbows. With Gary Davis' instruction, this extraordinary man also twisted a flemish bowstring, which Gary used the next day. I believe he killed a pair of rabbits with it. I thoroughly enjoyed his company.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007032a.jpg)
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The rabbits proved to be frequent fun. I snapped a photo Reg pestering them along one of the many miles of senderos.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007050a.jpg)
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Dave Lohr and I had the pleasure of bloodtrailing this javelina killed by Dan Hugelier. We enthusiastically trailed the javie for 50 or 60 yards, where Dan spotted it laying 15 yards away in an impenetrable tangle of thorny brush and cactus. At that point, I promptly volunteered to hold Dan's bow. ;) Dan emergered from the thicket with the javelina, leaving a blood trail of his own that rivaled that of the javelina. Congrats Dan!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v81/AKinPA/Texas%20March%202007/TexasMarch2007082a.jpg)
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Great stuff guys,keep it coming!
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Thanks for posting those Adam, I missed most of that. Like Terry said, with such a large group and things going on everywhere, it was hard to keep up with all the happenings.
Just finished up the semi-finished DVD edit tonight. Can't believe I got a good hours worth of footage after chopping and splicing. Wife and I watched the semi-finished version tonight. Not bad for our first time filming and editing. Will post some clips when I get a chance.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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:campfire:
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Im glad you all enjoyed yourselves, after hosting the last two "Texas Sweat" hunts and the moderator hunt, I can say that no other group (Tradgang) takes in the whole hunting experrience like you all do....again im glad you all had a great time and the front gate is always open for you guys...
Jerryg
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Good stuff guys! :thumbsup: Looking forward to seeing those clips Brian. :campfire:
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Yesterday morning I put a javelina hind quarter in the crock pot. Added lots of minced garlic and some sage, powdered ginger, soy sauce, crushed red peppers, and black pepper. A couple of hours later I added red potatoes, fresh mushrooms, carrots and onions. Shortly after that I added some red wine (just used what was on hand and already opened--an organic cabernet sauvignon)a little more soy sauce and a teaspoon of concentrated lemon juice. Delicious--don't let anyone try to tell you javelina isn't good eating.
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Thanks again Jerry. I'll get a copy of the DVD to you as soon as it's finished.
Bon appetite Reg!
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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Adam; Glad those Grizzlies worked out for you.
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This one kinda fizzled out...no more pix???
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Here ya go Curt, a few more pics. I just got back from some time in Texas and the Journal hunt was a big part of my travel plans. I got in on this through the St Judes auction last summer, a bargain and a good cause!
As someone mentioned early in this thread, the Texas brush country / desert looks barren and plain at first glance, but it grows on you fast and the subtle beauty is soon obvious.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07114.jpg)
You cannot convince a newbie to not touch the prickly pear cactus, there is only one way to learn.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07116.jpg)
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Gary teaching John to make a string into the wee hours of the morning.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07087.jpg)
John was into the home made wine during the string lessons and may have been feeling a little "rough" the next morning.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07089.jpg)
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Gary Davis and I headed out the second morning and got into some rabbits. His first bunny he aimed for the middle with a judo and we were fortunate to make the retrieve. I advised he try head shots.
The stalk...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07100.jpg)
The draw...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07102.jpg)
The result...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07099.jpg)
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Hogs and javies are great fun to hunt. Here's Bob and Mike with some fine meat.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TX07104.jpg)
All too short. I could have stayed there a week and stayed up all night and still not had a chance to visit with all the folks or chase all the critters. Next year...
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Thanx Shaun...any more bud?
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Great pics looks like you folks had a great time!
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Here's Reg Darling with the fruits of one of his stalks:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Regsmall.jpg)
And here's The Bowyer's Journal™ Master Chef columnist, Dan Hugelier, with his results:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/Danjaviesmall.jpg)
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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We got to witness a lunar eclipse after a breathtaking sunset.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/halbleib/glassing.jpg)
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)
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You know...when Gary came down to hunt with us boys in TN last fall, I thought he looked familiar. After looking at the pic with the rabbit, it all made sense....He is a dead ringer for Popeye!
See you at the expo in a couple weeks,Gary. No Spinach for you!
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cool pics yall had fun ...all I know is every living bush or plant in that part of Texas has stickers or thorns...but that looks like a good hunt... :wavey:
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If anyone could help out I would appreciate it. In addition to Brians professional DVD, we made a home made jobbie and edited it with Studio 9. I need help in reaching the following people from the hunt:
Gary Davis
Roger Garrett
Harry Christensen
If anyone has their email or mailing address I would appreciate it. And if anyone not able to make it would like a copy, drop me a line with your mailing address to [email protected]
DVD is 75 minutes but could have used some editing.
Thanks Ken
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Great story and pics guys! Lots of that looks familiar...I sure do have many fond memories on that ranch. Good to see the javies are still there in force.
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I had such a great time and am very thankful to have been able to attend and meet such a great group of folks. Hopefully, I will be able to make it back for next year.
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Kenny,
I hope you got my message. In case you didn't.....THANK YOU for the DVD! Great job!
I found it hard to fully explain to the folks at home just what it was like there. The stalks, the impossible brush, the critters, etc. And best of all, you were there on my successful hunt and captured the whole thing! The DVD is nice to show the family. I couldn't be happier! For someone to forsake their own hunting so they could film others is really something. :)
I bleached my javelina skulls yesterday. What a job! Took me over 7hrs, but they turned out great. Didn't gag much either! LOL
One of mine was apparently shot with a gun at some time. I found the front upper teeth were broken and the bone chipped. The bullet's brass jacket was imbedded in the snout cartiledge.
Thanks again, Dave
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Dave, yep got the message and the thanks you gave is why I forego hunting to do the filming. It was my pleasure and I'm glad you liked it. If you noticed I had some editing issues with the audio in the last segment. I'm just learning though, that was my first one.
Sounds more like the javie pick up the brass and was trying to eat it and it lodged in it's jaw if you did find the brass jacket.
Now, when do we start on the PA hogs in Somerset????!!!!!
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You got mail Kenny!
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com (http://www.bowyersjournal.com)