Post by: hormoan on February 14, 2008, 03:13:00 PM
I had not even left last years Texas Sweat hunt. And was dreading leaving, and waiting another year for the next. If ya don't wear your sunblock ya end up looking like this :D My buddy Robtatto!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/DSC00100.jpg)
The friendships ya make
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/DSC00123.jpg)
This Sunday we get to camp, the hunt begins MONDAY YeeeeHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!! Lord Willing :pray:
Post by: Gatekeeper on February 14, 2008, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on February 14, 2008, 03:17:00 PM
Post by: MW on February 14, 2008, 03:32:00 PM
You bringing socks?
Post by: Tim Fishell on February 14, 2008, 03:34:00 PM
Post by: whitebuffalo on February 14, 2008, 03:36:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on February 14, 2008, 03:38:00 PM
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 14, 2008, 04:10:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 14, 2008, 04:17:00 PM
Well the eastern route is definitely out of the question and the southern route is still closed. I sure hope all these arras don't spoil fore we get there. :scared: :scared: (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/smileyblowinghands.gif)
Post by: hormoan on February 14, 2008, 04:27:00 PM
Post by: Irish on February 14, 2008, 04:38:00 PM
Texas, here we come!!!!!!
Post by: IB on February 14, 2008, 04:48:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on February 14, 2008, 04:50:00 PM
Hide the hogs, I'm coming to re-claim the Colonies! :goldtooth:
Post by: robtattoo on February 14, 2008, 04:52:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Iron Bull:I'll hoist one to that mate!
TO TX. SWEAT-08 (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/13_4_9.gif)
Post by: Terry Green on February 14, 2008, 04:54:00 PM
I'll be thinking about ya'll and awaiting the stories.
Post by: Guru on February 14, 2008, 06:44:00 PM
Post by: Jwilliam on February 14, 2008, 06:50:00 PM
Bill
Post by: IB on February 14, 2008, 07:07:00 PM
WHEW....was that brilliant or what??? (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/smileycutesthighfive.gif)
Curt can Cade come PLAY....PLEASE :goldtooth:
Post by: Tique on February 14, 2008, 07:24:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on February 14, 2008, 07:26:00 PM
Post by: Budog56 on February 14, 2008, 07:31:00 PM
Post by: robslifts on February 14, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 14, 2008, 09:57:00 PM
We'll miss all the vets that couldn't make it this year but we look forward to all the new friendships we'll be making.
Really hoped John (KCtreeman) Norris could make it but we're real glad to hear that he's making a total and rapid recovery. Take care of yourself John and we look forward to seeing you again on the next one.
POP
Post by: Guru on February 14, 2008, 10:18:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 14, 2008, 11:35:00 PM
Giddy up ol' pickup truck - we're outa here tomorrow! :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :campfire:
Post by: Guru on February 15, 2008, 05:15:00 AM
Good Luck to all and please travel safe and sound!
Can't wait for the stories,pix, and maybe some video!!!!
Post by: tradtusker on February 15, 2008, 05:21:00 AM
Post by: 4runr on February 15, 2008, 06:15:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 15, 2008, 07:44:00 AM
As we gather for the hunt in the spirit of true brotherhood, I'm sure that our thoughts will be not only of the hunt, but of our friends here at Trad Gang.
We'll do our best to stay safe and have fun. You all do the same.
Until the stories start... Hasty lumbago!
:wavey:
Post by: tippit on February 15, 2008, 07:55:00 AM
Everyone have a safe trip and I'll be waiting on the curb in Odessa...Doc
Post by: Whip on February 15, 2008, 08:47:00 AM
Doc, Did you say lobsters? :cool:
See you Sunday! :campfire:
Post by: MW on February 15, 2008, 09:36:00 AM
Post by: IB on February 15, 2008, 09:45:00 AM
Post by: Irish on February 15, 2008, 11:18:00 AM
Post by: Ol Man on February 15, 2008, 11:45:00 AM
Post by: Chris Surtees on February 15, 2008, 12:36:00 PM
Post by: Caddo on February 15, 2008, 04:35:00 PM
Either way, can't wait! Gotta go pack! :goldtooth:
LD
Post by: mp on February 19, 2008, 12:27:00 PM
Post by: JC on February 19, 2008, 02:06:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on February 19, 2008, 03:04:00 PM
Two hogs killed already as pf this AM...Mitch Walker and Kevin Smith got bacon. Not sure what all else is happening...gonna try back now.
Post by: JC on February 19, 2008, 03:31:00 PM
Post by: AnointedArcher on February 19, 2008, 03:43:00 PM
Post by: MW on February 19, 2008, 05:21:00 PM
I'm with Vance and Charlie and we just left DQ to go back and hunt. Too hot here.
Post by: Nakohe on February 19, 2008, 05:28:00 PM
Post by: steadman on February 19, 2008, 05:49:00 PM
Post by: MW on February 19, 2008, 06:03:00 PM
No thank you! Just put on sun block.
Mitch
Post by: Greyfox54 on February 19, 2008, 07:43:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on February 19, 2008, 08:25:00 PM
Here's a couple of pics I got from Mitch's phone...
Knapping....
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/knap.jpg)
Kevin Smith's hog......
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/kevinhog.jpg)
Post by: Budog56 on February 19, 2008, 10:21:00 PM
Post by: LEOPARD on February 20, 2008, 05:53:00 AM
Post by: Rob DiStefano on February 20, 2008, 08:15:00 AM
Go get'em guys!!!
Post by: Bob Walker on February 20, 2008, 10:26:00 AM
Post by: Tim Fishell on February 20, 2008, 10:29:00 AM
Post by: vermonster13 on February 20, 2008, 09:18:00 PM
Post by: benzy on February 21, 2008, 03:41:00 PM
Brent :thumbsup: Congrats.
Post by: steadman on February 21, 2008, 05:24:00 PM
Post by: Barney on February 21, 2008, 09:49:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 21, 2008, 09:55:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on February 21, 2008, 10:03:00 PM
Chris
Post by: Guru on February 22, 2008, 05:23:00 AM
I gotta call someone today....
Post by: Terry Green on February 22, 2008, 08:59:00 AM
Maybe they are too busy :) :) :)
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on February 22, 2008, 01:01:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on February 22, 2008, 02:37:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/terry/photo.jpg)
Post by: Terry Green on February 22, 2008, 03:31:00 PM
Andy got two Javies, Son of TX got a hog and Missoura Sherpa also got a hog.
The last evening is upon them, and Charlie and Vance are setting up an ambush now....
They are going to have a big gathering around the fire tonight for story telling.
I'd love to be there....
Post by: Cody Roiter on February 22, 2008, 03:58:00 PM
Cody
Post by: MW on February 22, 2008, 05:08:00 PM
Good times continue and the stories are growing.
The was a brush fire and we think Stinson was involved!
Post by: steadman on February 22, 2008, 08:33:00 PM
Post by: Budog56 on February 23, 2008, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: MW on February 24, 2008, 12:52:00 AM
We are almost to Co.
Post by: LEOPARD on February 24, 2008, 03:03:00 AM
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 09:34:00 AM
Stinson has material for the feral hog chapter of a new book, "The Eradication of a Species". Should be an entertaining tale. (http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/P1020422.jpg)
We had a great view of the total lunar eclipse and had some excitment with the brush fire and a near alien abduction of Hunt It. Picture below is typical scenery where I hunted, smoke rising from the brushfire on the horizon.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/S7300042.jpg)
It wasn't a good week to be a pig in west Texas.
This was my first trip to west Texas and I wish I had some scenery pictures to show for it but there are none. Plenty of pictures but we sure as HELLO didn't go there for the scenery. Looks the same everywhere you look. I am baffled at how proud Texans are of their state because I drove through several hundred miles of the armpit of the United States on my way to the Sweat. If it were not for the Sweet crude oil there I think West Texas would make a good Nuclear Fuel dump. No country for old men but they do have a bunch of wild hogs there.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing camp and hunting with this bunch and wish I had gone years ago.
Pictures to come when I catch up on my sleep deficit.
Post by: Guru on February 24, 2008, 09:47:00 AM
"armpit of the united states"....not even close!
Post by: Nakohe on February 24, 2008, 10:03:00 AM
I grew up out there in Odessa and it can be nasty when the wind blows the Monohans sand hills in, but to me the smell of crude and pump jacks on the horrizon are memories of a fond childhood roaming around the mesquite hunting rabbits and quail.
As Guru said not even close to being the armpit of the US
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 10:29:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_1.jpg)
Mel (Irish) and I were yakking away when I saw this boar standing behind us on the road! We both put stalks on him from separate directions -- a pincer movement -- but neither of us got a shot. The hog wasn't happy about leaving the well-corned road.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_10.jpg)
Pops and Curtis. They worked their tails off to make this an incredible hunt. Many, many thanks to you guys, as well as Charlie, Shaun, and all the rest.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_6.jpg)
Both of these points were used on hogs. The bottom one was used twice in one day: two dead hogs.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_2.jpg)
And here's one of them. It's the result of a tag team hunt with Mel. Easily one of my favorite ever hunts.
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on February 24, 2008, 10:33:00 AM
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 10:37:00 AM
There's a video of us trying to shoot the group photos. Emphasis on "trying." :jumper:
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 10:39:00 AM
My apologies if any of you are truly offended. I have been to 35 states and have not seen the west coast, Alaska, Hawaii, New England, La. and Ms. which are some of our countries most beautiful places. I have a pretty good feel for the rest of the country. The stench of oil, rusty abandoned tanks, acres of old pump jacks, pipelines laying on the ground all through the brush country, and blowing trash all along interstate 20 from the Monohans to Fort Worth isn't appealing to me in any way and I will stand by my opinion of it. Of all the places I have been that country is the last place I would want to live. There is a peaceful solitude there but I find solitude in a lot of places that appeal to me more. I will not be the one to crowd anyone out of there.
Post by: bayoulongbowman on February 24, 2008, 10:41:00 AM
Post by: Irish on February 24, 2008, 11:13:00 AM
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 11:14:00 AM
As you can expect there were some practical jokers in the group. This is the camp pet snake.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/S7300038.jpg)
We were lucky to enjoy a few tunes. Kevin provided the live entertainment several times during the week. Talented young man.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/S7300041.jpg)
Plenty of time spent around camp enjoying the company of others.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/S7300013.jpg)
First night before the Sweat. Woody crafted a bunch of nice points during the week.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/S7300019.jpg)
I spent most of the week hunting with Robert Holloway. I enjoyed his company and had a great week hunting with him. This is his first hog bowkill. Nice pig to break the ice with. We saw a giant of a hog our first night on the waterhole. He needs to tell that story.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/pig.jpg)
This is my first bowkill pig. I have killed a lot of critters and find hog hunting to be a lot of fun. I sharpened my winter rusty archery skills and killed a big jackrabbit the first day which made its way to the dinner table. BBQ jackrabbit is really pretty good. I wounded another pig. RobTattoo and Robert helped me track the next morning. We found little pools of blood where it had stopped to stand a couple of times but never did recover the pig. I thought there was a surprising number of unrecovered pigs. The coyotes got a bonus this week. I got to stalk Javelina's two days but didn't get to loose an arrow. It is dry and crunchy land we hunt and hard to stalk on a quiet evening hunt. If they aren't going to cooperate and walk into your setup you aren't going to have much luck with Javies.
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 11:51:00 AM
This picture of the waterhole is taken from the vantage point of where the coyote and big boar came in first night. RobTattoo and I sat this hole the last night as well. Rob was sitting in a blind in the corner wher the blue arrow points. He was only about 15 yards from a concrete tank marked by the grey arrow. I was sitting on the mud bank along the waters edge depicted by the yellow arrow. After the sun went down and before the full moon came up a big pig came to visit. He was eating corn between Rob and the concrete tank. He was slobbering and slurping in the tank. I could hear him from where I was sitting. Unfortunately for Rob it was as dark as the inside of a cow and he couldn't shoot. I was praying for the moon to rise before the boar cleaned up the corn. After the hog drank I heard the barbed wire fence screech as the boar stretched the wire as he crawled under. In a few minutes the boar was standing just feet from my head (red arrow). The wind was blowing his scent over me and he was rank. I could only see a large dark form in the darkness and I was praying he didn't come down to the water because I wouldn't have anywhere to go but into the pond if he became aggressive and came down to the water with me. I was set up for a shot across the pond and could not get my bow up to shoot through the mesquite shrub along the bank by my head. I was thankful when the boar wandered off into the western blackness of night. When the moonlight allowed me to see he wasn't lying in wait for me we called it a night. No pig on the meatpole but plenty of excitement to end a great hunt.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/bigpig.jpg)
This is the vantage point view where Robert shot at the huge boar in the moonlight our first night out. Looked as big as a volkswagon at 12 yards.
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 12:11:00 PM
Dave getting ready to put some fire to this tub of moose steaks. He knows how to do marinated moose steak very well. Enjoyed by all.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c324/nucduke/mitch.jpg)
I love my little piggy, I will hold it, and squeeze it and pat it on the head, and kiss it and stroke it .... I think Mitch was one of the first to bring a pig to the meat pole.
Post by: twosheds on February 24, 2008, 12:32:00 PM
Post by: LEOPARD on February 24, 2008, 01:29:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on February 24, 2008, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on February 24, 2008, 02:47:00 PM
I think your assessment of Texas is pretty harsh. Knife Rivers’ pictures look great. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and whatever Texas lacks in scenery it makes up for in game animals. Your eye "glasses" seem half empty to me.
As far as the un-recovered animals that is an unfortunate reality of hog hunting. My limited experience (two sweat hunts) indicates that most guys aren't used to hunting an animal whose guts are positioned in the normal kill zone. I've messed up a shot on a javi' and a hog because I just didn't squeeze it in tight enough to the shoulder blade and hit them too low. Midwestern deer hunting seems easy compared to hogs and javi's. Breaking the shoulder on a javi is nearly a must if you’re going to recover them. That's what makes hunting these animals, in this terrain so challenging to a lot of us. For that reason alone Texas is a beautiful winter get away.
Chris
Post by: Guru on February 24, 2008, 02:53:00 PM
Well said Chris :notworthy:
Post by: Littlefeather on February 24, 2008, 04:32:00 PM
Unfortunately I didn't get crazy with a camera this year. I mostly kept a video camera running and managed to get over 3 hours of TXS08 captured. Also got some great hog and javelina footage including two of my own over-the-shoulder, self filmed, impact shots on hogs. One was with a Woody Blackwell stone point(it didn't bounce off). :D
Of all the Texas Sweat hunts that Charlie and I have ever hosted, this was by far the best. I can't thank everyone enough for coming. It makes us proud to see so many guys travel so far to hang out and shoot sticks and strings. Cool beyond words!!!! Gotta get some rest now. I've gotta hit the road again in the early morning to pick up another load of camp gear and head right back out on another adventure. Keep those pics coming! It was a great honor to have all you guys attend. I hope to see you guys again in another camp somewhere along the line. CK
Post by: Missouri Sherpa on February 24, 2008, 05:01:00 PM
Seems to be a lot of you people that are sensitive about my observations of Texas and need to lighten up a wee bit. I think I made an accurate description about the only part of Texas I have seen. I didn't make it up. I know there are prettier parts of Texas, at least I hope there are, (probably most of Texas) and I do appreciate the game we hunted there which is somewhat of a redeeming feature but it doesn't change what I saw. I understand the oil patch is a messy business and it has created an environmental situation that looks like a giant salvage yard. This trip to Texas surely shortened up the winter for me, I enjoyed the trip, I enjoyed the company, the fellowship, the food etc. I know there are other parts of the country that have trash problems, urban blight etc but I challenge you to describe a similar sized area anywhere else in the United States that is less attractive. The arid deserts of Az, NM, Nv,and Utah are similar but more scenic with mountains, without the smell, extensive rusting oil infrastructure, and without all the trash blowing along the Interstate roadways. The "physical beauty" of this part of Texas made an impression on me. Putting a spin on the looks of the place by saying it has its own beauty, and great game in my mind is like polishing a turd. You can buff at it all your life and when your done you will still have a polished turd. Reality is harsh isn't it? ;) I will return to Texas to hunt again some winter day, but it won't be because I think west Texas is a pretty place.
Post by: Kevin Smith on February 24, 2008, 05:07:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on February 24, 2008, 05:48:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on February 24, 2008, 05:49:00 PM
A few teasers; The musician had to kill the first hog. Charlie got a B&C pocket gopher. I got to clean a hog with a corner tang flint knife after watching it being made by our world class knapper (Kife River). Andy put the S&S on not one but two separate javies. Vance ate food.
And there's LOTS more to come...
Post by: Kingwouldbe on February 24, 2008, 07:23:00 PM
Quote
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_6.jpg)WOW !!!!!! Nice, vary nice.
Both of these points were used on hogs. The bottom one was used twice in one day: two dead hogs.
[/QB]
Could you say those hogs where STONED.
:clapper:
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 07:28:00 PM
There were four boars in the first bunch I saw. They were big. Looked like badly-upholstered loveseats. Curtis was kinda skeptical at first -- he didn't think there were hogs THAT big on the place, but a few nights later, he traded insults in the moonlight with one that probably went 300 pounds. Picture this: Curtis was armed with "Sweet Spot" (a pick axe handle) and was swapping challenges with a belligerent boar on the other side of a tiny pond. For a minute, it looked like the hog was going to come over and sort things out... :scared:
A lot of things happened by moonlight. On Wednesday I was sitting close to a spill pond next to a windmill. Just as the sun dropped under the horizon, pigs started arriving. The four big boars showed up first, and just as they did the night before, they kept heading north. No shot. About 14 others arrived soon, though, and they were hungry for hors d'ouevres (corn and stagnant water). The corn was on the other side of a hog fence: to get to it, they had to pass in front of me to crawl single-file through a gap in the fence. They knew something was wrong, but they wanted the corn, and they weren't completely certain what I was. By then it was getting dark, but the full moon was rising fast. Seven of them made it through the gap in the fence -- I was waiting for a nice, brown bristly boar that was hanging back. He was smart and ornery. I'd left my pack under a mesquite tree. Twice he went to my pack and shoved it around and then stepped back out in clear view at about 40 yards. He grumbled and growled and blew and blew. Man, did he ever want that corn, but to get to it he had to come within 14 yards of me and turn broadside to skinny through the fence-gap...
He wouldn't do it. He finally left and the others rushed through the gap to gobble corn with the first bunch. I turned my attention to them. The biggest one was about a 90 pound black sow, but they were all over the place, jostling for position. So much corn, so little time...
The moon was almost two handwidth's over the horizon, but there wasn't much light. In fact it seemed to be getting darker, so I broke out a flashlight. What would the hogs do if I turned it on? Amazingly, nothing. No reaction at all... So, with the flashlight balanced sideways on my head, I squatted a bit to shoot between the fence wires. When the biggest sow was standing still and clear of the scrum, I sent a flint-tipped arrow her way. Bad hit. The fletching disappeared low in her hams. She screamed bloody murder and whole mob galloped through an open gate on the far side of the pond. I heard the snap of a cedar shaft.
I climbed up on the fence and sat for a few minutes. Calm down, think back through the shot, look for a blood trail, find the arrow... And look at the moon. It's a lunar eclipse -- no wonder it's dark.
After about ten minutes, I heard hog grunts -- they were coming back and the injured hog was limping hard behind them. I tried to get close enough for another arrow, but it didn't happen. When they left again, they didn't return. I found the business end of the broken arrow, looked at the pools of blood on the ground, and drove back to camp.
Curtis did his damndest to find the hog, but the blood trail quickly dropped to nothing. The tracks in the powdery sand crossed and recrossed like a bowl of spaghetti. There were a thousand directions the hog could have gone and a million mesquite bushes to lay under. I firmly believe Curtis could track a moth through a thunderstorm, but this chore stumped him.
I stumbled across the leftovers on Friday. Coyotes had eaten everything but the yellow fletching. The 265 grain stone point had cracked the left rear femur and exited the off-side leaving eight inches of shaft inside the hog. The stone point had done a good job. I wish I'd done my job better and put it in the right place.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_17.jpg)
Post by: Kingwouldbe on February 24, 2008, 07:40:00 PM
Knife, A tip of my camo hat to you Sir.
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 08:26:00 PM
Back at camp, I resharpened the stone point (raw Knife River flint from North Dakota) and mounted it on a new shaft. Back to the water hole at the windmill. This time I was glad to have Mel's company. I hoped he would have some luck tonight.
Mel and I stood at a metal gate and chatted for a while until I finally noticed a nice boar standing behind us! Where the heck did he come from??? He was due west of us and the wind was ideal: Mel did a loop to the south and I looped north, both converging on the boar at about the same time. In a perfect world, one of would have bumped the boar to the other guy, but this hog got lucky. He heard or winded one of us and moved further to the west. He disappeared in the endless scrub.
Not a problem. There were six hogs feeding toward us from the other direction on the same road! It was getting dark and the sky was overcast -- no help from the moon tonight. Maybe the flashlight trick would work again.
Mel and I threw a quick plan together and ducked behind some mesquite. We didn't have long to wait for the hogs to feed our way. Mel hadn't had many shot opportunities this week so I wanted him to have the first go. As the hogs cleared the scrub Mel said he was ready and I turned on the light. The hogs squealed and exploded back down the road! I felt bad -- I'd just cost Mel a chance at a good hog.
But within a minute we heard the hogs returning -- they couldn't have been too spooked by the light! When Mel said he was ready, I shone the light on the biggest one. Mel shot purely by instinct -- he couldn't even see his arrow on the bow. We heard the thump of an arrow. No sound from the pig, though. Usually they make a lot of noise when they're hit. This was confusing. There were a lot of pig noises all around us, but in the distance there was one that sounded more like distress than alarm...
Some of the pigs ran ahead and joined some others milling around on the other side of the metal gate. This was the same metal gate where we'd stood and chatted just 45 minutes earlier! Now it was my turn. We slid up to the fence and looked the hogs over through our binos. I picked out a high-backed bristly one and waited for it. When it cleared the group, Mel hit the light. The hogs ignored the light, but I was blinded -- the edge of the beam was reflecting off the galvanized pipe fence. Mel stretched his arm higher and higher until I could see again. Like Mel, I couldn't see my arrow, so I drew my bow a couple times until things felt "right." When the arrow entered the circle of light, the chartreuse fletching glowed like a tracer round arcing toward the hog. A spine hit dropped it in its tracks. That was the second hog that day with that same stone point. A second arrow in the heart ended things quick.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_3.jpg)
After the short drag to the gate, we went to look for signs of Mel's hog. Mel found the arrow laying in the road. It was covered with pale blood and smelled like a gut shot. We headed into the scrub to look for sign, both of us on major trails in the direction of the "distress" call we'd heard earlier. Less than forty yards in I spotted Mel's hog on the back side of a mesquite bush. His arrow had clipped the big artery that runs under the spine.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_4.jpg)
It was a great night. Two good hogs, cleanly killed with a tag team effort on the last night of a wonderful hunt. Good friends and wonderful memories. Doesn't get much better than that.
Post by: hormoan on February 24, 2008, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 08:30:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Kingwouldbe:Yessir, that's exactly what it is. I made a few after reading Dr Ashby's research. They "screw" their way through a foam target. Seem to do well on hogs. You want to try one on your west coast monsters?
No way!!! A single beveled stone broadhead.
Post by: hormoan on February 24, 2008, 08:38:00 PM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on February 24, 2008, 08:57:00 PM
What a great hunt. I say that despite not seeing a single live pig all week, and despite agreeing with Mo Sherpa on West Texas scenery. The place was full of good folks, but rust, sand and oil stink just ain't my thing.
Thanks to Whip for the ride down and back. A fine gentleman to share the highway with. Thanks a TON to Curtis and Gary for working far too hard to make the whole hunt go. Also, a salute for Andy and Rob for braving the dangers of international air transport to be with us in Texas.
Stories will unfold here over the next week or so. This year I am an observer, and I look forward to hearing them again as much as the rest of you do hearing them for the first time.
Post by: Kingwouldbe on February 24, 2008, 09:32:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by knife river:That would be a BIG YES, whats a would-be hunter got to do to get his hands on a few.
QuoteOriginally posted by Kingwouldbe:Yessir, that's exactly what it is. I made a few after reading Dr Ashby's research. They "screw" their way through a foam target. Seem to do well on hogs. You want to try one on your west coast monsters? [/b]
No way!!! A single beveled stone broadhead.
I tried some knapping a decade ago, no opposing thumbs, after I was done with the knapping it still looked like just a rock.lol :knothead:
Post by: Son of Texas on February 24, 2008, 09:39:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 24, 2008, 10:09:00 PM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_7.jpg)
Robert "Robtattoo" Peel and his intricate sleeve.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_9.jpg)
Andy "Tradrusker" Ivy
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_14.jpg)
John "I'm moving to Odessa!" Berger, AKA "Missouri Sherpa
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_15.jpg)
Shaun Webb, who gets my vote for philosopher king!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_13.jpg)
Joe "Whip" Lasch with his cool camp
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_8.jpg)
Jeff "Tippit" Springer
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_16.jpg)
Vance "Iron Bull" Brewer, Doc Tippit, and Andy
Post by: hormoan on February 24, 2008, 10:59:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/DSC00400.jpg)
Off to the land of TOTO we venture, lucky no witches or tornados. We blown down into a home in Lenexa KS, Mel Rileys place aka Irish. The gentleman on the right is Mel. The other gentleman is John Norris aka kctreeman. Our prayers had been answered for John, he had a light stroke month or so ago. And to see him about and able to visit was a treat!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/DSC00402.jpg)
It is great to see him doing well, and we wish a speedy recovery. :thumbsup:
Dave brought a couple Moose Pies for dinner at Mels, and they where great!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/DSC00401.jpg)
We will continue our journey into the land of red sunsets tomorrow. Sweet dreams.
Post by: Whip on February 24, 2008, 11:22:00 PM
I think part of what made this one so special was that the ranch was large enough to accomodate everyone in one group this year, and the social time in camp was outstanding! One of my goals going into this trip was to spend more time in camp and less time hunting. Mission accomplished!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010614.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010617-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010666.jpg)
The shooting line, as usual, was a popular gathering place.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010670.jpg)
Post by: Whip on February 24, 2008, 11:44:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010595.jpg)
Waiting in the moonlight one night for the hogs that never showed, I was captivated by the slow disapperance of the moon.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010634.jpg)
The area we spent most of our time in consisted of rolling sand dunes. The grasses struggle for their lives in a harsh terrain.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010584-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyTheBowhunterMagazine023.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyTheBowhunterMagazine025.jpg)
I had my very first self bow almost completed shortly before this trip. A week before leaving a package arrived at my door with a pair of Woody's beauties tucked inside. They gave me the motivation I needed to get the bow finished up, and I decided that I would carry them for the week. Shooting a self bow was a whole new experience for me, and I needed to set a pretty strict limit on my shot selection, but the equipment felt wonderful to carry on the hunt.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010592.jpg)
Post by: el cazador on February 25, 2008, 01:04:00 AM
For those that didn't like the "several hundred miles" of our great state that they saw, y'all come back and try it again. We're almost a thousand miles wide and a thousand miles tall, covering over 260,000 square miles of land. Our elevations go from 0 at the coast to almost 9,000' at the Guadalupe Peak. We have over 600 miles of coastline to enjoy. The motto of our over 22 million residents is "friendship". It might not all be, but I'm sure there's some "God's Country" in our great state. I'm sure because I've seen it and live in it.
Texan... darn right I am! And PROUD of it!
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on February 25, 2008, 05:14:00 AM
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 08:10:00 AM
Post by: Whip on February 25, 2008, 08:28:00 AM
Day two found me tucked into a bush within shooting distance of a water tank and the freshly corned road. It wasn't long before the action began. 10 little piggies, along with their Momma, a dry sow, and a boar, came in for a drink.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010600.jpg)
They were on the wrong side of the tank for me, and after a good drink moved quickly out to the road and fed away from me.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010602.jpg)
As they fed out of sight I didn't lose hope. I knew the end of the section we had corned was just up around the bend, and guessed they would be back soon. I was right. Eventually they were back, but took a long time rooting around in an area just out of my sight off the road.
Eventually, the whole group came running back in to water a second time, but again on the wrong side of the tank. This time as the left however they went the right way on the road. The boar passed me at 8 yards, and I came to full draw. But he would not stop, and I let him go. As he hit the road he stopped behind a bush. No shot again. Finally he cleared the bush and stopped again, this time in the open and perfectly broadside. I pulled back, concentrated on my spot, and then watched in horror as the stone point hit him right between the eyes!
It all happened so fast I still don't completely understand it, but sometime between when my brain said let go, and the time the arrow got there, he had swung 90 degrees. I had been very patient waiting for the right shot, and swear he was broadside and looking away as I released. But in that instant things changed, and the result was a bad hit.
The arrow stayed in until he ran under a bush, and I heard a sharp crack as the arrow and the head broke off. Pigs have a thick skull, and I'm fairly sure all he ended up with was a bad headache. Never the less, I was very disappointed with my performance.
Post by: IB on February 25, 2008, 10:00:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 10:31:00 AM
Post by: robtattoo on February 25, 2008, 10:41:00 AM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
I was one of the other 'hunting unfortunates' that didn't manage to see game this past week & guess what?......I couldn't care less! This was one of the very best weeks of my life (so far) It was just a sheer pleasure to share camp with so many great guys, friends from last year & friendships made anew.
I'll unpack & download all my photos a little later.
Highlights of the week for me were; watching Woody knapping almost continuously, hunting for 2 straight days with Vance & Charlie (something I dearly wished to do last year, but never got around to) Listening to Dave's accounts of the many, many bizzarre things that happened to him on an almost hourly basis (that guy really, really needs a biographer to follow him around! :D ) getting sunburnt in February (unheard of tells ya!) Every night around the fire, the look on everyone's faces when Andy told them all what they'd just eaten, talking blades with Doc, listening to Kev crooning all night long (that man's got some real talent!) Robert's comment when asked if he was happy about recovering his first ever hog, picking up the selfbow that Shaun made for me (& discovering that all my carbons flew flawlessly from it! :eek: ) seeing Andy get his two Javies (actually, seeing everyone taking game!) those stunning West Texas sunsets. I could go on for hours, but I'll leave the tale telling to those with more exciting tales to tell.......
Back in a bit with the pics!
Final note; A HUGE 'Thank You' to Curtis, Charlie & Pop for all their hard work in organising & running this wonderful hunt. Ireally cannot explain the gratitude I feel toward you three guys for making this & last year's possible for me to attend & how welcome you've all made me feel for the past week. Be assured (warned?) I will be back for round three next year, like it or not! :D
Post by: LV2HUNT on February 25, 2008, 10:49:00 AM
Thanks for sharing all the memories guys, great stories one and all :thumbsup: .
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 11:06:00 AM
I had the good fortune to be at the Wight ranch for an extended stay from the start of the Boyers Journal hunt till the end of the Texas Sweat - 18 days! Thanks Curtis for letting me help out and hang around. I hunted with the gang from the Journal and then worked corning sendaros, scouting and facilitating another group of mostly wheelie guys in between trad events. One TG member hunted the in between hunt and took the best pig with a recurve. Way to go Kyle Allen!!!
Right after the Journal gang headed home, I took a nice javie with my first home made glass bow. The bow is a walnut and osage cloned from 1955 Bear limb design.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08047.jpg)
Curtis, Pops, Charlie and Kevin arrived early to get set up. Damn it was good to see Gary (Pops "don't call me Mr Keller") again. There was the usual handshakes and hugs and catching up then the bows came out and got passed around and shot. Here the venerable Mr Lamb tries out one I brought along.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08075.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 11:13:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08076.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 11:26:00 AM
"So easy a cave man could do it." Says Woody as he chips away
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08083.jpg)
This was a Steiner Bock beer bottle after he got done with it
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08084.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 11:44:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08090.jpg)
That first night's gathering on the porch was a welcome return to the comraderie of traditional archers. A week before I had quickly burned out on the compound gangs' "hold my beer and watch this" mentality and their whinning had me thinking of the "There's no crying in baseball" line from the movie. Anyway, it was so good to be home.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08096.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 11:53:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08107.jpg)
I went with Jason and Kevin the first day. We ran into this group of javies and I played guide (watched from my armchair with bino's) as they stalked. All was proceeding to plan until an oil company "gauger" had to make a living by driving down this stretch a few minutes too soon. Oh well, there was a new fire in Jason and Kevin's eyes from the close encounter.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08115.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 12:05:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08122.jpg)
Mitch claimed the next hog as pictured ealier in MO Sherpa's post. It was not real big, but well taken and you can see there were lots of smiles.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08124.jpg)
For those who think size does matter, I showed him how to set up for a proper "Chuck Adams" trophy shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08125.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 12:33:00 PM
but here is a quick look at the place I had primed up for "Hunt it".
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08129.jpg)
This windmill had a cement tank with overflow pond and some BIG pig sign... that's not a mini lighter.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08137.jpg)
OK, one more short one...
I spent a day chasing javies with an osage self bow and stone point. Taking a little stinker with a stone has been on my list. Well, no luck and I finshed the day at this tank watching for some hogs spotted earlier in my stay. I was watching from a couple hundred yards away using the "let them come in and then stalk" plan. About 6:35 PM I see an angus cow with a pig's head trot down to the tank. After rubbing my eyes and doing a double take I figure out this is the largest feral hog I have ever seen and he has just fallen into my trap. Little did I know, but a sounder of piggies had cleaned up my corn at the pond earlier. The giant hog popped back out of my trap and headed into the brush.
Plan B: hurry into the brush ahead of where I predict this boar will go and lay in wait. It almost worked. I cut a well used pig trail and stopped to scan the area. Out of the corner of my eye I catch a twitching pig tail. Turns out this all black monster has a white tail that stands up and flags. He is headed towards me cross wind and I ease down behind a minimal bare mesquite bush. I survey my chances; 10 feet from the trail, 53# osage stick with cedar arrow and obsidian point. Well, at least the point is a good one. Thanks Woody - 175 grn LW single bevel pure art.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08192.jpg)
He does not follow the trail and cuts behind me catching my scent at less than 5 yards. It was almost a relief as he woofed and sped away. From my kneeling hide out I had to look UP to see his head! The adrenalin rush was worth the whole trip.
More later
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 12:39:00 PM
we had a great group of guys, many of which i look up to in the world of tradtional archery.
I dont think i could even list all the things we got up to, and there is'nt one thing i could pick out as the highlight of the trip theres more like 10
:D :banghead: we got bedded up and had a quike visit to Cabelas and Mark hornes place wich was cool we got to the ranch.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08023.jpg)
Shaun shooting one of his beautifull osage self bows as everyone shot a few arrows and checked there gear over.
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 12:45:00 PM
Late the second night Mel and i set up for some predator calling but had no luck bringing anything in
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08035.jpg)
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 12:56:00 PM
We had the honour of having Kevin Smith with us, bringing the camp fire atmosphere alive with his great music, keeping it trad by playing the guitar with a peice of flint picked up from Woody's knapping blanket, good luck with the next album bro :thumbsup:
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 01:57:00 PM
latter that afternoon he showed up again i desided this time to stalk in for a shot rather than trying to set up in front of him, as i closed the distance to 20m i nearly got busted by a second havi that showed up futher down the road, luckly he passed me but right when i thought i had them, one stoped and bedded down broadside at 20m he had me pinned on the edje of the road i tryed the slightest movement to get into a better shooting position but it got his attention and it took about 5mins of sitting dead still for him to loose interest in me.
Whilst this was happening the second havi had looped around thru the bush and came out about 8m in front of me on the road he stood there for a while opening and closing his jaws he then turned and started to walk down the road past me but at about 5m without hesitation all his hair flarred up and he started walking strait at me :scared: at 3m i decided he was close enough for my liking and i started to draw, at the movement he bolted i got a running shot off but missed thru his legs, wow i was pumping and thought i had blown my chance i nocked another arrows and followed him into the bush i closed into 20m before he turned back to look at me with his hair still raised i could hear him snapping his teath to my surprise he turned and i knew he was comming back for another look, i hit full draw as he stoped in a clearing at about 18m and the arrow was gone smashing thru his shoulders, he went 30m and died. For a small animal i thought it they where dam exciting to hunt and hoped for another chance. This was my first animal taken with a longbow.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08053.jpg)
Post by: Tim Fishell on February 25, 2008, 02:02:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 25, 2008, 02:42:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/TXS08047.jpg)
Well it was not him burning out hogs, as he was upwind of the fire. He had the nice fox hole long side a overflow pond. His vision was not geared for far. But anything come to the water hole was in trouble. Well OK least in range!! And shot at! He has a great story to tell from that day.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/TXS08055.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 25, 2008, 02:45:00 PM
Andy figured out the javelina all right. Notice shot placement right in the "collor" from 18m (20 yards for us yanks).
Post by: Chris Surtees on February 25, 2008, 02:56:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 25, 2008, 02:56:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 03:02:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 03:14:00 PM
Post by: tradtusker on February 25, 2008, 03:39:00 PM
Dave and i had a great laugh on all our hunts together and where some of the highlights of my trip,
ill wait for Dave before i go into to much detail, but we had a blast the night with the pigs dogs, il never forget when after rambling thru the bush full speed on the off roader we jumped of into a frenzy of pigs and dogs everywhere there must have been 20-25 pigs the noise was increadible and we both stoped looked over at each other :eek: and Dave says "holly %$*, they want us to waid in there and start sticking pigs"
after we finished cleaning the pigs Dave had got i managed to run down a small pig and catch it, which had us bent over in stiches laughing when we put into Whips Tipi.
i could only imagine what hell would have broken loose when one of them half asleep grabed hold of the little sucker :knothead: :thumbsup:
Post by: slayer1 on February 25, 2008, 03:49:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 04:20:00 PM
Day three started a little slower as we were now aware that the early, cool hours of the morning had shown little activity. Shawn was taking me to a spot where he had been hunting prior to our arrival. We headed off around 10am, once there the road was covered with hog tracks and I was feeling that this area would be much more productive than area we had spent day one and two in. Shawn and I made several blinds in the area. My blind was dug out at below ground level and at water level in a watering hole. I settled into the blind at about 1130 or so for the rest of the day. Shortly before dark the sounds of hogs approaching were heard. As I redied myself a group of five or six hogs dropped down into the water hole. It wasn't long before I selected a hog and let fly. A perfect shot, produced a dead hog that was down within site of the blind 15yrds. I ran out and moved him away from the water hole and jumped back into my blind. Not long after a larger group arrived and I lined up on the largest hog in the bunch. This hog was standing exactly where the smaller one had stood a half hour earlier. On release, it was somewhat embarrasing to see that I had just missed a big hog standing where I killed the small hog earlier. Thats hunting! I was very happy to have arrowed my first wild hog of the hunt and headed back to find Shawn. After the picture taking we headed back to camp.
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 05:01:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 05:26:00 PM
30 seconds later it was gone and the water level had dropped about 8". After putting my blind back together and wiping the dust out of my eyes and ears, I decided my spot was probably not going to produce in the 1/2 hour remaining of lite. I proceeded back towards the truck and took up watch on a grassy stretch of road that we had been corning as well. Within minutes hogs were spotted on the road. A big bunch, all shapes and sizes. A group of the smaller ones fed ahead of the group and were soon in range. I started shootin and after the dust settled I had four hogs down. The big group was still a 100 yards or so away and I collected up a few arras and ran to stalk the big group. It was pretty much last shooting light when I caught up to the main group. Several minutes and several arras later I had two more hogs down. Not bad for just about bein sucked up and sprayed over Texas all within the last 45 minutes or so! I gathered up all the bacon and headed back to camp. After the story tellin it was hog cleaning time, a couple hours of it. A big thanks to Andy and Shawn for helpin or I'd still be there! The cold Corrona's were good that night.
Post by: Terry Green on February 25, 2008, 06:30:00 PM
Congrats to you all, and I'll enjoy my 1st cup of java with ya in the AM....keep it coming...
Really nice seeing that pic of Gary and Curtis together. Howdie guys. ;)
Post by: vermonster13 on February 25, 2008, 06:32:00 PM
Post by: LEOPARD on February 25, 2008, 06:41:00 PM
Post by: Kevin Smith on February 25, 2008, 07:36:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 25, 2008, 08:43:00 PM
To take a first ever traditional animal on a first ever Trad Gang group hunt - man, it just doesn't get any better than that! We all shared his joy, and it was great to witness!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010647.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010642.jpg)
Post by: hunt it on February 25, 2008, 08:58:00 PM
Post by: tippit on February 25, 2008, 09:09:00 PM
If I can figure how to get a dvd clip into photobucket, I have a cute video of them trying to get water at the tank I was sitting. Plus a dvd/audio of Kevin singing at our nightly campfire...this guy is a talent waiting to be discovered beyond Texas!
My goal going into my 3rd Sweat was to spend more time with my fellow trad gangers. With the cold mornings and not much hunting til around four in the afternoon, that was accomplished. Just a great gathering of new & old friends.
The one difference this year was trying to get everyone at one hunt. That worked nicely except around dinner when the bunk house guys eat inside and the campers were outside. Being a camper thanks to the gracious invite to share Whip's camp with Joe & Brent...what a camp it was! I got to be a camper with just my airline bags as Whip provided everything needed!
I can't speak for the the bunk house meals but the campers had planned out a menu each night...Moose steaks for everyone, Shrimp gumbo with sausage, Venison chops, Enchilada soup & burritos, Venison stroganoff, etc! Plus plenty of Tecate, Red wine, Champagne...kinda the West Texas Ritz!
There's always time to tag some animals in the future but I'm very happy to have spent a week with some of the greatest hunting partners I could imagine...Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2008/TXSweat009.jpg)
Whip (tent mate & hunting partner) in front of the ever present oil rigs.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2008/TXSweat002.jpg)
Bowyer Supreme...Mr Sunbear!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2008/TXSweat057.jpg)
Vance in back of his truck with 4 good tires!
Post by: Whip on February 25, 2008, 09:13:00 PM
Nice camo Jeff!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010620.jpg)
We hadn't been set up for long when 10 little piggies came to drink. I think Jeff has video if he can get it posted. They were back and forth between the water tank and the corn on the road a number of times, and then eventually worked their way close to my set up.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010623.jpg)
They kept me entertained right up until dark, but the bigger hogs from the night before never showed.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010629.jpg)
Post by: tippit on February 25, 2008, 09:20:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2008/TXSweat035.jpg)
Last night hunting with Whip.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/TXS%2008/TXSweat016.jpg)
P&Y piglet water hole!
Post by: Steve O on February 25, 2008, 10:06:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 25, 2008, 11:17:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010649.jpg)
The last night of the hunt was decision time. Where to put all of our chips on one final effort to cash in. Once again, Tippit and I teamed up to surround a small pond and a water tank. We had corned the area the day before, and the sign left over night looked very promissing - everything from javi tracks to a huge set of hog prints. Our confidence in this new set up were high.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyTheBowhunterMagazine016.jpg)
Action came quickly as a group of four pigs came to the pond.
Think quick Jeff!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyTheBowhunterMagazine020.jpg)
They had gotten between us, and with no shots offered, were gone as quickly as they had come. It ws still early, but that was the end of the activity, except for the never ending parade of birds to the water.
We sat until we just couldn't see anymore, and with the moon not scheduled to show for a while, we called the hunt complete. Neither of us had taken an animal, but as we walked down the road we both agreed that the trip was a complete success.
That evening had some great endings for others in camp though. Woody has already told of the success he and Mel had. As a truck would pull up and stop in front of the shed hunters flocked like moths to a flame to hear the stories that were sure to follow.
Mel giving the play by play, with color commentary by Woody:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010673.jpg)
Post by: robtattoo on February 26, 2008, 03:07:00 AM
Woody doing his thang...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08010.jpg)
Kevin, doing his...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08011.jpg)
Jeff Strubberg, threatening everyone with his magic cowboy gun...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08012.jpg)
Andy, lost...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08015.jpg)
My view for the week...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08020.jpg)
AAAAARGH!!! :scared:
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08021.jpg)
Welcome to West Texas...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08022.jpg)
Post by: robtattoo on February 26, 2008, 03:12:00 AM
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08024.jpg)
The Proud Hunter...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08033.jpg)
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08037.jpg)
The REALLY proud hunter...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08041.jpg)
Photo duelling...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08049.jpg)
Woody pile...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08051.jpg)
Post by: robtattoo on February 26, 2008, 03:18:00 AM
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08053.jpg)
My other view for the week...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08058.jpg)
The other Andy, copping zees...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08066.jpg)
End of day welcome...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08076.jpg)
Master & 'Grasshopper'...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08077.jpg)
Master...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08078.jpg)
Grasshopper...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08079.jpg)
Post by: robtattoo on February 26, 2008, 03:22:00 AM
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08081.jpg)
Just checkin'...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08087.jpg)
11 vacant minds :D ...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08088.jpg)
Getting together...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08091.jpg)
Swami Curtis...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08094.jpg)
Them Kellar Boys...
(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y110/robtattoo/TXS08/TXS08100.jpg)
Post by: Guru on February 26, 2008, 05:23:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on February 26, 2008, 08:00:00 AM
Gathering around the meat hooks, where Shaun and Curtis showed me a few tricks about butchering hogs and havi's
Another highlight for the trip for me was hearing about Mel and Woodys last hunt, Mel had hunted realy hard all week and was out at every opertunity, he sure had a big smile of his face when he got back with a nice pig.
Woody proved his stone points by killing 2 pigs in the same day with the same stone point! one of the coolest things iv seen and i was realy happy for him.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08151.jpg)
Mel and Woody telling everyone about there adventure. :thumbsup:
Post by: Littlefeather on February 26, 2008, 08:15:00 AM
Great pics guys! I fell asleep downloading video into my computer last night. I've got some great vid. Now all I need to do is learn how to get it back off the computer and posted. Lots to do before the next hunt. I'll try and download some tonight. Carry-on! CK
Post by: tradtusker on February 26, 2008, 08:33:00 AM
i was hunting alone today and decided to go back to the same place i had shot the first Havi, this time i set up a bit of a brush hide closer to where i had seen them comming out, after getting set up and touching up my snuffers i looked down the road to see 3 havi's zigzaging up and down the road feeding, i checked all my gear and set of for a stalk.
it took me a while to find a place where i thought i could get in quietly, i had one havi within 6m but he was behind some brush and never fed out into a clearing, he turned around and walk 40m back the the other 2. so i had to start again.
By the time i got into shooting range again 2 of the 3 had gone into the bush to bed down so i knew i had to be quike i was about 15m from the last havi when he turned and start to walk into the brush i stood up and squeeked as i put some bend into the limbs hopeing to stop him, he never heard me, i hit full draw and hit him with a solid quatering shot at about 17m.
when the arrow struck he roared and started spining in circles trying to bite the arrow then he dropped in the grass dead.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08083.jpg)
He had a good head on him and i decided to clean out the skull and left it with Curtis to clean it up for me. (http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08139.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 09:55:00 AM
:clapper:
My own list of stories and pics is rather short this year. Seems like I spent more time trailing hunters than trailing game... and that's just fine with me.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:03:00 AM
It was a little different this year what with the hunt happening in February and all. March usually shows a little color as Texas springtime sweeps across the wide open expanses.
Not February! Or at least not February in west Texas.
There wasn't a whole lot of difference in the grays and browns of winter I'd left at home in Missouri and muted grass and brush I found near Odessa.
The only difference I could tell was that Missouri trees are taller and growing closer together. Other than that, gray is gray and brown is brown.
I was happy to be in new and warmer climes with the prospect of up close and personal encounters with the local wildlife. I surely wouldn't be dissappointed in that department.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:13:00 AM
For a variety of reasons the list of hunters has changed from year to year and that's not a bad thing.
I look forward to making new friends and had developed special friendships with several guys that seemed to be returning year after year.
With out a doubt the "Sweat" has drawn what I consider to be the best of the best. The cream of traditional bowhunting.
You may find more successful hunters (if you are into the numbers thing), but you won't find any that are nicer... and this ain't some kind of show. These guys are genuinely nice people.
You may find better shots with traditional equiptment... but you'll look long and hard to come up with only a couple that are slightly better.
You'll defineatley have fits trying to assemble a group with as much talent as this bunch. From the tips of our arrows to the bows in our hands and the knife in the finely crafted sheath at our hips.
We had it all right there.
Post by: hormoan on February 26, 2008, 10:16:00 AM
I’m glad Rob’s photo’s came out so good, mine had too much light on them. I cannot thank Woody enough for the point he made for me. I will use it this fall on one of our whitetails lord willing. The pictures Rob posted is the point Woody made for me. One afternoon after knapping a few hours Woody rose from his work spot and offered it to me. Along with the use of his tools!
I sure hope I did them no harm :eek:
I picked up a piece of his waste material, just had to see what kind of mess I could make of it.
The top white point was my first attempt at knapping a stone point, its not large but it was from waste chips.
Then the black one is my second attempt; I had picked up another piece of waste material, larger in size. I still came up a little small in the size department. As one of my hits went :(
But I continued on, I think I my have the bug to make more. And have plans to make some tools to make more.
A big thank you to Woody for sharing your knowledge, and generosity with us Cave Men. :thumbsup:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:28:00 AM
First morning Vance and I set Mitch Walker off on the trail of pig meat.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Mitchambush.jpg)
He caught on quick and found an ambush spot.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Mitchambush2.jpg)
The results were gratifying... to say the least!
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Mitchhog1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Mitchhogandus.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:35:00 AM
Vance and I spent a lot of time hunting the same ambush spot.
I thought Vance was getting bored for a while. We'd gotten into hogs early on and that "high" is tough to replicate.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vanceambush1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vanceambush2.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:42:00 AM
Heck! All the nights were exciting. With each arriving truck the camp was all abuzz with anticipation of who got what.
Lots of pics of the successful ones... like this photo of Andy and his first Javie.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Andyjavie1.jpg)
Proof that a little thought in setting up a proper "hero" photo pays. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Andyjavie2.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 26, 2008, 10:47:00 AM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancetip2.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancetip.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Vancetip3.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/Meatdraw.jpg)
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:11:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:15:00 PM
The big hog from day 5.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:16:00 PM
Another shot of day 5 hog.
Post by: robslifts on February 26, 2008, 01:17:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:18:00 PM
Hog from Day 3.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:25:00 PM
Our leader! The man that has done so much for traditional archery. Countless hours of preparation and hard work for all of us Sweat participants. Thanks Curtis. If there was only one hunt left on earth - this would be it for me. Long Live The Sweat!
Post by: tradtusker on February 26, 2008, 01:33:00 PM
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08149.jpg)
This is the set-up Dave had at the water hole, and proved to be eventfull for the closing days of the hunt, you know the usual, Bush fires, alien abductions and pigs :D
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08120.jpg)
Front veiw.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08122.jpg)
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:52:00 PM
Mitch from Utah.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:53:00 PM
Robert the St. Judes Sweat Hunt winner and a great shot!
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:55:00 PM
Kevin, our entertainment for the week. Thanks Kevin, enjoyed it.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:56:00 PM
Mr. Sun Bear himself.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 01:58:00 PM
The man from Snowy River.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 02:00:00 PM
The Legend in Stone, Mr. Woody working his wonders. Awesome, Awesome talent!
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 02:02:00 PM
BBC Photographer in disguise.
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 02:03:00 PM
Pops, where all Curtis's good looks and charm comes from.
Post by: Littlefeather on February 26, 2008, 02:36:00 PM
This is a pic of my new favorite bow. My friend and brother Charlie Lamb has unwrapped his newest line of bows. This one is mine.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/sunbear.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/sunbearback.JPG)
Thanks Charlie! Don't know what else to say. I'll cherish it forever.
This is just another angle of the camera in ugly ol' Texas.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/uglyoltexas.JPG)
You can't see the trash and rusty iron through these beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Of course the animals are kinda ugly here too. Have a look at these guys.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/javiroad.JPG)
I got an absolute ton of great hunting video here on this ranch. I think I've got more pig and javelina video in the last two months than I have in a lifetime.
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 02:37:00 PM
One of the campfire moments
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08152.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on February 26, 2008, 02:39:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/charlienck.JPG)
One of my favorite guys that I have met over the years, Doc Springer. He's sitting in front of Robtattoo's goat skull from last TXS. (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Springer.JPG)
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 02:56:00 PM
Hunt it did his part to reduce the feral hog poplation on evening with a six pack masacre - not Labatt Blue, but apple in the mouth roasters. Here he points out the entry of a new 300 grn Extreme broadhead. This may be the first field test of this new point.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08148.jpg
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 02:59:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08165.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 03:05:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08172.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 03:07:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08173.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 03:12:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08203.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08206.jpg)
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 03:19:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08220.jpg)
A fine pair of Texas porkers come to the gambrel and Mel and Woody pose for the obligatory hero shot.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/shaunw/TXO8/TXS08222.jpg)
These two hogs were generously offered to me and they now reside in my freezer. The shoulders and a hunk of loin roast are on the Webber grill now. Some preliminary smoking before finishing in the oven (too cold to cook all the way outside Iowa). Thanks Mel and Woody.
Post by: Shaun on February 26, 2008, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: Chris Surtees on February 26, 2008, 03:38:00 PM
Post by: tradtusker on February 26, 2008, 03:50:00 PM
mmm nothing like freshly killed wild meat! looks good Shaun
Post by: hormoan on February 26, 2008, 03:53:00 PM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/TXS08087.jpg)
NONONONO!!!!
Post by: Drew on February 26, 2008, 04:00:00 PM
Hope to see Texas someday!
Might have to go do some stump shooting with Hormoan and check out his pics and hear some stories!
Post by: Littlefeather on February 26, 2008, 04:13:00 PM
As the moon came up in all it's orange glory I found myself easily within 20 yards of the bruiser. Suddenly he change directions and begain to come back toward me. I drew tension on the string as he inched nearer. My heartbeat was ringing in my ears and my breath grew short and erratic. Then as suddenly as the moon had risen it went dark. I looked toward the moon to see how long it would take for the cloud to pass over the moon but suddenly realized that we were in the center of a lunar eclipse, not a cloud in the sky.
I'm not sure how many times in a guys life he'll ever see a lunar eclipse but I can't imagine anything being more memorable than standing within 15 yards of a pig in the moonlight with a bow in hand when it all comes to pass. Nope, I didn't get that pig. I kept thinking that this was about to be the coolest hunt ever and then realized it was no matter if I got the hog at all. No sooner than the thought had drifted from my mind the gentle breeze shifted slightly and the boar was but a fond memory.
I didn't manage any still pics from the eclipse but I know others did. I did manage to get some great video of the pig in the moonlight just as the eclipse reaches it's pentacle. CK
Post by: IB on February 26, 2008, 04:24:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 05:16:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 26, 2008, 05:32:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 26, 2008, 05:34:00 PM
Where's Rob? He still in the loooo?
Post by: hormoan on February 26, 2008, 05:46:00 PM
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on February 26, 2008, 06:19:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 26, 2008, 06:37:00 PM
And no Hormoan, we can leave Mitch out of this one!
Post by: Guru on February 26, 2008, 07:15:00 PM
Post by: juneaulongbow on February 26, 2008, 07:37:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 26, 2008, 08:16:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 26, 2008, 09:10:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010651.jpg)
:bigsmyl:
Post by: hormoan on February 26, 2008, 09:33:00 PM
Post by: MW on February 26, 2008, 09:40:00 PM
Post by: el cazador on February 26, 2008, 09:43:00 PM
Good thing there was a lunar eclipse and we didn't get the full moon!!
Post by: tippit on February 26, 2008, 09:53:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on February 26, 2008, 09:58:00 PM
Post by: Son of Texas on February 26, 2008, 10:03:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on February 26, 2008, 10:04:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 26, 2008, 10:10:00 PM
Post by: sticshooter on February 26, 2008, 10:12:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on February 26, 2008, 10:13:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 26, 2008, 10:43:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 06:42:00 AM
Ok back to the hunt :jumper:
Post by: Missouri CK on February 27, 2008, 08:00:00 AM
Great stuff guys.
Chris
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 08:25:00 AM
Post by: Whip on February 27, 2008, 08:53:00 AM
Anybody have a better one you could send me?
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyTheBowhunterMagazine040-1.jpg)
Post by: Tim Fishell on February 27, 2008, 09:18:00 AM
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 09:38:00 AM
Joe, this is a little better but Vance is still hiding. The witness protection plan I think!
Post by: Jeff Strubberg on February 27, 2008, 10:28:00 AM
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 12:16:00 PM
Post by: benzy on February 27, 2008, 12:56:00 PM
"Shoot Brent in the arse and win the money!"
HAHAHAHAHA
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 01:10:00 PM
Post by: benzy on February 27, 2008, 01:12:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 01:14:00 PM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 27, 2008, 01:15:00 PM
Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Sweat one of the best ever!
POP
Post by: knife river on February 27, 2008, 01:23:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 27, 2008, 01:38:00 PM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_14.jpg)
Joe "Whip" Lasch's camp was enormously appealing because of the old-time feel. It was obviously comfortable, too, for three big guys (and occasionally a piggie). GGG
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_13.jpg)
Breaking camp was a busy, hectic time. Watching Joe was better than a magic show in Vegas. Somehow all this:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_19.jpg)
Went in here:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_12.jpg)
Joe got it done in style, though, leaving us on-lookers amazed and mystified.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_11.jpg)
Andy (the hairy black Andy) had seen it all before. After all, he travels with Vance, and who can compete with that? :thumbsup:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_20.jpg)
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 01:39:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 27, 2008, 01:57:00 PM
I had time to knap one point that wasn't intended to be functional. No doubt that it'd make one nasty hole, though... Not sure if it'd hurt more going in or coming out! I made this for someone who's craftsmanship (both words and wood) I greatly admire. Enjoy, sir!
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_5.jpg)
Post by: robslifts on February 27, 2008, 02:03:00 PM
Post by: robslifts on February 27, 2008, 02:04:00 PM
Post by: Nakohe on February 27, 2008, 02:18:00 PM
Donald
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 02:19:00 PM
Here is a little look at the broadheads I used to kill my hogs. The 300 Extreem (300gr)did a fantastic job on 7 hogs. Pass through shots were achieved on all 7 hogs. This new broadhead is one solid unit that sharpens to a razor with little effort. The other is a 180gr silver flame behind a 100gr brass insert. As well it did a great job on the one hog I used it on.
These are mere mechanical devices compared to Woodys works of art in stone. This post was just lousy timing as I had no intention of it following Woody's. Woody that serated point above is just outa this world. That belongs in a frame for sure.
I used a 75# Morrison Dakota one piece on seven of my hogs and a 64# Morrison Shawnee with Dakota limbs on one other hog.
Post by: hormoan on February 27, 2008, 02:49:00 PM
Post by: tradtusker on February 27, 2008, 03:07:00 PM
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08092.jpg)
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 03:16:00 PM
Joe, here is the cropped version. The file is noe 1800k down from 2700k. It is still however much better than the 74k version. Your photo shop should beable to look at both and tell you which way to go.
Post by: tradtusker on February 27, 2008, 03:22:00 PM
It is made from Imperial Jasper.
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08126.jpg)
Woody is one of the most Genuine guys iv met, and has a strong passion for his Craft.
Thank you for the Point Woody i hope i can put it to good use in Namibia.
I carried the point with me for the last day and it made for a great ending to my First hunt in Texas
(http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h101/tradtusker/TexasSweat08145.jpg)
Post by: MW on February 27, 2008, 03:58:00 PM
I enjoyed the bunny outing as well. I enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to hunting together again. You are always welcome and most certainly have a place to hang you hat here in Utah.
Mitch
Woody has spoiled us all. His craftmanship is only put done by his humble attitude. I suspect there may be a few people breaking rock as a result of him.
Post by: Lewis Brookshire III on February 27, 2008, 04:07:00 PM
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 04:38:00 PM
Guys, I am in the process of making a photo disk for the 2008 Sweat. I have downloaded all the pictures posted here so far plus all the one's I took along with others that people have sent me. I will start a post under the TXS08 Forum and if you have any pictures you wish to share or ones not everyone should see just post them there. I'll give it a week and download them. Once I have them all I will ask for everyone's address and send you each a copy. there is over 200 pictures on the disk so far. I can photoshop or crop anything you send.
Post by: MW on February 27, 2008, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: Son of Texas on February 27, 2008, 04:56:00 PM
Post by: tippit on February 27, 2008, 05:37:00 PM
Anyway I wanted to see what kind of job it would do on that boar with the thick shields from the shoulders all the way down it's sides. He gutted, cut the ribs, and completely skinned it without touching it up. I also knew that Dave uses his equipment so there was no babying of the blade. When I got home it only took a few strokes on my Gatco system to bring it right back to shaving sharpness.
Since it seemed to pass the "hunt it" test, I cut the para-cord handle off and will re-handle with some old weathered bone that Shaun found for me on the ranch. Then it will be placed on this years St Judes Auction. Couldn't ask for a better R&D testing department...thanks Dave! Doc
Before Dave got to it. The para-cord wasn't as nice looking after the job!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/TXSweatSkinner001.jpg)
Post by: herb haines on February 27, 2008, 06:58:00 PM
beautiful pics and lots of smiling faces , lover the knapped heads and always like to see an artist at work .
now is see picks of Javies and piggies and talk of jack rabbits and gophers and a deer pic but was there any real game and i mean "bunnies" desert cottontails ? love those little guys --- herb
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 07:12:00 PM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 27, 2008, 07:14:00 PM
I had the opportunity to watch both Shaun and Brent make flakes for awhile and I'm sure they'll both become budding knappers. Go ahead Brent, show us your head . . . oops, arrowhead.
Here's some more Pic's:
Charlie set-up his camp in a secluded corner of the barn and slept in his tent/cot, or cot/tent, whichever you want to call it.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P012ts.jpg)
I'd be mad too if I had to wear a PINK Camo cap!!
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P019cs.jpg)
Larry (Caddo) Dix and Robert (Son of Texas) Holloway (foreground) admire a selection of Tippit's cutlery and Rob's European Skull mount while in the background Jason (Jason in Bama) Henderson (Left) and Kevin Smith worry about something. I had the priviledge of hunting with Jason and his dad Paul about a year ago and found them to be some of the most tenatious hunters I've ever known. Paul is the finest example of the "Fine Southern Gentleman" you'll ever find. Jason isn't bad himself.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P020s.jpg)
Jason had brought a mounted rattlesnake for self-defense if the "joking-around" got too serious. Be glad you didn't stick a piggy in his bedroll!! It drifted from one location to another all over camp and someone was always getting a shot of adrenline regardless of how many times they'd already seen it.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P044cs.jpg)
Moonrise over the front gate.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P052s.jpg)
Post by: hunt it on February 27, 2008, 07:17:00 PM
That blade did an awesome job and the para cord handle was second to none for a good solid grip. No slippage at all. Thanks for the chance to field test it for you. :thumbsup:
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 27, 2008, 07:50:00 PM
Another picture of Andy's second javelina. I think he was the only one to "fill-out" on his javelina limit.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P063s.jpg)
Kevin Smith (back left) and Jason Henderson confer with Charlie on hunting strategy. Kevin had already taken a hog and Jason had been in hot pursuit of a VW Bus he'd spotted on several occasions.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P064s.jpg)
Rob (Robtattoo) Peel with Vance's Andy. They got REAL close over the course of the week and Andy was always smiling!
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P070s.jpg)
Rob with two Andys.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P071s.jpg)
I think the only reason Vance (Iron Bull) brings his Camper is so he'll always be able to spend some time in his kitchen.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P072cs.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 27, 2008, 08:30:00 PM
It's on the desk beside me now where I can reach out and handle it... it's an impulse that fires each time I look over at the point.
Thanks for the kind words and bravo my friend. :notworthy:
Post by: Whip on February 27, 2008, 11:48:00 PM
I hope to frame this for the St. Jude's Auction, and I want to make sure everyone thinks it's good enough to bid on.
Post by: LUCKY MAN on February 27, 2008, 11:57:00 PM
Post by: tradtusker on February 28, 2008, 12:18:00 AM
Post by: Mike Burch on February 28, 2008, 01:04:00 AM
Post by: Whip on February 28, 2008, 07:59:00 AM
Thanks!
Post by: hormoan on February 28, 2008, 08:55:00 AM
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/TXS08078.jpg)
He offered up his seat one afternoon, these I made from his scrap piece's. The top one was my first attempt at it. The lower one my second, I was getting a little tired doing the second one. It requires a lot of hand stength to hold the pieces while knapping. Great work out for your hands though!
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l101/GUNSMITHAMMO/TXS08/TXS08079.jpg)
Post by: vermonster13 on February 28, 2008, 08:58:00 AM
Post by: knife river on February 28, 2008, 09:26:00 AM
Post by: hormoan on February 28, 2008, 09:50:00 AM
Shaun did give me a couple clues, when I got stonestumped :eek:
Post by: Tim Fishell on February 28, 2008, 09:52:00 AM
Post by: JC on February 28, 2008, 10:35:00 AM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 28, 2008, 10:44:00 AM
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P079s.jpg)
Doc John Berger tells Curtis and others how it all happened.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P134s.jpg)
Post by: herb haines on February 28, 2008, 01:18:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 28, 2008, 07:58:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on February 28, 2008, 08:18:00 PM
Thanks again, and I know you all will cherish the hunt for a lifetime.
Post by: bayoulongbowman on February 28, 2008, 08:29:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 28, 2008, 08:30:00 PM
Here's a pic from a few miles SE of our hunting area. I see a ringtail (coatimundi), grey fox, and coyote, and possibly one of the smaller foxes. Interesting mix of species.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_25.jpg)
I saw a couple mockingbirds. I'm used to seeing them in suburban environments, so to see "wild" mockers was different. Other guys were lucky enough to see barn owls and burrowing owls. I saw several redtails and northern harriers. It was a treat to see desert birds like the phainopepla, the cardinal's dry-country cousin.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_22.jpg)
There were oak trees in the sandhills, but they were only waist high. The acorns were bigger than the end of my thumb. Very peculiar.
Sandburrs were EVERYWHERE and got into EVERYTHING. I found one in a loaf of bread. How it got past the twist tie I'll never know.
The night show alone was worth the drive. Several guys mentioned the lunar eclipse -- it was spectacular. It carried special significance to encounter it while hunting. On other nights the billions of stars looked close enough to grab a handful. I was lucky enough to see one vivid meteorite sweep across the sky.
All in all, a great experience. Glad to have been part of it.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/TXSweat081_24.jpg)
Post by: hormoan on February 28, 2008, 08:58:00 PM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 28, 2008, 09:36:00 PM
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P080ccs.jpg)
Charlie took the biggest Gopher of the hunt with his "fresh-out-of-the-box" Sunbear bow. He said he liked it so much (the bow) he thought he'd keep this one.
(http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/gkellar/P013ces.jpg)
Post by: bayoulongbowman on February 28, 2008, 09:39:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 29, 2008, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 01, 2008, 10:11:00 AM
Hi Pop! Glad to see you and CK up to your old tricks.
Norb