Trad Gang
Trad Gang Highlights => Highlights 2010 => Topic started by: gregg dudley on January 09, 2010, 08:23:00 PM
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Just got in two days driving---Teaser for now. Story later. There is a lot more red on that arrow than shows up in the picture.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052145.jpg)
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Greg,
Nice to briefly meet you, will look forward to more pics of your hunt. I am sure ya'll had a great hunt!
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:thumbsup: This is gonna be good. I'm headed to 7th Age a week from Wed. with My Son and Son-in-law.
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Gregg, I sure hope that is Reed's Arrow.....Looking foward to this tale..Don and Sky
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I know the outcome from a text, but I sure look forward to the whole story!! Congrats again!
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I have been looking forward to this
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:thumbsup:
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Like the looks of this one!!!
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:campfire: :coffee:
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:bigsmyl:
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This one looks like its headed in a good direction :thumbsup:
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so the black swamp had some outdoor time?
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tap,tap,tap.......
Out with it already Gregg.....
nocams
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I recognize that face - ya'll arrived as we were packing up to leave. Congratulations and I look forward to the rest of the story.
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Humm? Did someone shoot something? :goldtooth:
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It was nice to meet you guys too.
Yes, Gerardo, Reed had his Black Swamp outside! ;)
Pictures uploading now...
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I picked Reed up in Austin on January 4 after the Solana hunt and we headed west toward Crane. I flipped the ipod on to some previously selected Texas music and let Gary P. Nunn and Guy Clark tell him about the area we were travelling through. We passed through Johnsonville and stopped for a few pictures.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1042106.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1042109.jpg)
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We stayed for the night in McCamey, Texas and ate the best tacos that I have ever eaten at a little mom and pop restaurant by the hotel. The next morning we went grocery shopping and then headed out up to Crane and out to the ranch.
This is what the weather looked like when we arrived.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1042112-1.jpg)
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:bigsmyl: :thumbsup:
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We met Curtis and the other hunters in camp, most of whom were leaving that day or the next. Then we set up camp.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052117.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052120.jpg)
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The idea was for the building to block the wind...Right! Two nights later a sand storm would blow in that would have gusts well over 50 mph and would blow 8-10 pounds of dirt under our rain fly and into our tent. The next morning when we crawled out of the sleeping bags this is what we saw:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1062264.jpg)
Dirt covered every thing!
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After camp was set up, Curtis drove us around and showed us a spot to hunt for the evening and talked about how he hunted the property. It was good information and we listened and took it all in. The property is covered with mesquite and different varieties of cactus.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1062216.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052209.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1072277.jpg)
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It is a working cattle ranch and also has a lot of oil or gas mining taking place.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1062225.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052201.jpg)
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Have to go to Walmart. I'll finish this afternoon...
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(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/GregReed.JPG)
I can't really explain it but when I see a father show up with a young hunter in tow I get really excited. It does me good to know I'm going to get to live once again through his newfound experiences. There is no excitment greater than seeing a young hunter take his first game. I think I get more excited than they do. I remember how I felt when I took my first. Good stuff!!!! CK
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:thumbsup:
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keep it coming
CK fast recovery's my friend!
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Good stuff right here!
Todd
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Can't wait for the rest of this to develop! Father and Son hunting(of course daughter could be inserted too)....just don't get any better than that!!! :thumbsup:
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Where were we?
Oh yeah! We were about to start hunting!
We had a little time to spare before our first hunt so Reed spent it trying to kill a blue quail around camp.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052123.jpg)
This proved a fruitless activity, but consumed nearly every idle moment of his time for the next three days.
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Curtis knows his area like the back of his hand and had really set Reed up for the first night. The sign looked great, but the blind was a real dump.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052135.jpg)
We had sat in the blind for nearly an hour when Reed said, "What is that smell?"
I quickly denied responsibility and then looked past him and whispered, "Javelina!"
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This is heading for a great story. Reed man I spent a week trying to get on of those darn quail in arizona. They are tough to hit aren't they.
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I like that blind though it has a certian style.
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Yeah, man! It is a great blind. Curtis calls it, "The Dump."
The javelina was 10 yards behind Reed when I spied it. Soon we were surrounded by 8 or 10 feeding javies and we slowly moved to get into position.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052142.jpg)
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Reed was toting his Treadway Black Swamp which is 41# @28. He had practiced with it faithfully and he and I were both confident that he was prepared for the opportunity that eventually presented itself.
The javelina that were in front of us met my criteria for a shot which means that they were breathing, broadside, and within 10 yards of us. I spent the first 5 minutes telling Reed to take his time and then the next 5 minutes trying to get him to shoot one of the animals in front of us.
Apparently, Reed was pickier than I was. He had spotted a larger animal coming up the side of the blind and had decided it was the one he wanted. I watched as he moved the bow into position and started to draw. Something wasn't right and he let the tension off of the string. I watched the same process unfold again. I was worried that we were going to get busted, but the third time was the charm.
I did not see the shot, but watched as the javelina took off behind the blind and crashed into the brush. There were three crashes in the same general area and then it was quiet. We waited 15 minutes and then recovered the arrow which had passed through the animal and eased back to camp to wait for Curtis.
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When Curtis got back to camp he examined the arrow which was covered with blood and said, "Let's go find him!"
And we did! Less than 45 yards from the place it was shot the javelina was piled up in the mesquite.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052180.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052169.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1052187.jpg)
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Over the next couple of days we saw a monster mule deer buck, hogs, and javelinas. We had some opportunities on hogs that didn't come to fruition and I blew a stalk on some javies that we saw in the road. We experienced a wide array of weather and enjoyed fine fellowship with the guys in the camp.
It was especially fine to meet Curtis. He is as advertised and more. He took great care to put Reed on good opportunities for which I am very appreciative. Some of the other guys in camp took animals but I will let them tell their own stories.
The last day presented us some novel weather. Here are some pictures of what we woke up to on the last morning:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1072313-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1072318.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1072323.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1082329.jpg)
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OUTSTANDING!!!!! :thumbsup: :clapper:
That pic over Reed's shoulder has got to be one of the coolest pics I have seen!!
Congrats to Reed for a fine trophy and a quick clean kill!!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1072324.jpg)
That is the most interesting rock that I have ever seen!
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Ain't that dandy!!!!!!!!
:jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper: :jumper:
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As always it is hard to leave good company. As it turned out we would meet more nice people. We made 996 miles the first day and stopped in Mobile, Alabama for the night. We looked forward to getting home early on Saturday, but fate had other plans.
Near Tallahassee we broke down. The wheel bearing went out in the front left tire.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1082332.jpg)
This nice lady at Campbell's Automotive in Midway provided Reed with great conversation while the truck was fixed. Two new hubs, two hours and $625 later we were on our way.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v611/dudleyg/P1092334.jpg)
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:thumbsup: :clapper: Thanks for sharing Gregg and Congrats Reed! I wish you had called because we left the front door open and the porch light on.
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We had a great time. I would like to thank Curtis for offering the hunt up on St. Jude's and for being such a great host. I would also like to thank Terry and Tradgang for offering a site where events like this seem to come together with amazing regularity. Reed and I had an adventure that we will never forget.
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Thanks. Larry! I couldn't drive a mile past Mobile.
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Congratulations Reed on an awesome adventure! I bet Dad was fired up too...Great pics. :clapper:
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Awesome! Congrats on the Javi Reed!
Thanks for sharing your TX adventure with us Gregg!
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Thanks, guys! Jeff it was great meeting and hunting with you at Solana.
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Congratulations Reed!!!
Job well done, Guess it's looking like the old man needs to start paying more attention to you. He might learn a thing or two! :thumbsup:
Keep up the good work, and once again Congratulations on a fine hunt!
Hal :archer:
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Man, That's just as cool as it gets!!!Two trophies in one trip! :readit: After seeing Reed's trophy at the tire repair shop I'm thinking about burning up a wheel bearing myself. :eek:
Seriously, I want to thank Terry and Rob for their part in offering up the hunt as much as 7th Age Bowhunting did. I'm just very happy and honored to have had a small part in Reed's first big game kill. Thank you guys for bidding on the hunt. I'm just happy that the whole event was a win win situation for all involved, especially St Judes kids... :thumbsup:
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Gregg and Reed
Congrats on an excellent adventure together , these are the moments that always stay in your mind, the long drive , the talk and the hunting way to go!!!!!
:thumbsup:
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Reed, well done! Looks like your patience and shot placement with a pass through could be a lesson for all of us.
See you in a few weeks CK - you done good too!
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Congratulations Reed! i know you are a proud Dad Gregg, and thanks for sharing the pictures and story.
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Reed says thanks, guys!
Curtis, if you have more pics to post I would love to see them. My hero shots aren't all that great and I know you got a few with that Nikon.
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Way to go Reed!! Nothing better than a great Father and Son story. Sure do read a lot of these on TradGang. :bigsmyl:
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Congrats! Nothing beats a father/son hunt!
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My favorites.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Reedkill1.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Reedkill2.JPG)
The long road home.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/SnowRoad.JPG)
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Reed my friend Congratulations. Gregg if you are anything like my Dad you are probaly more excited than he is. So AWESOME>>>>----->
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Reed I have not had the pleasure of meeting you yet, but I have met you're father. You are in great hands. Congratulations on a fine shot and a great first trad kill. Gregg... Ya done good!
Michael
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Congrats. That looked like a tough trip with the conditions but looks like you guys had a great time. Are those javis any good to eat?
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Gregg - Ethan and I just got done reading the thread. Great story and pics! It is so cool that Reed was able to get his first trad kill on a St. Jude hunt after helping Ethan get his at your place.
Reed - WAY TO GO! I expect we'll start seeing the hog killin' threads on a regular basis from now on. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Gregg and Reed -- way to go guys. There is nothing more rewarding than hunting with your son. The times I have been with my boy in the fields in search of game and sometimes shooting it when we find it are the best memories I have. It is no wonder that all of us prize this heritage so highly. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful, close experience with the rest of us through the stories and pictures. I appreciate Curtis for his part too. I really enjoyed spending time with you, Gregg, at Solana and hope to see you there again next year. Reed is lucky to have you for his dad!
Allan
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Threads like this are by far my farovite thing about these sites. Congrats to the young man on a great kill, and congrats to Greg for such a fine son. And yes, Curtis is "the man" when it comes to hunting hogs and javies. The education along is worth the trip. Bringing home meat is just a bonus. :thumbsup:
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Man, What can you say about that....incredible all around!!
I can't believe how Reed has grown since I met both of you, and now he's killed his first Javi! Too cool!
I can't help but think ahead and put myself and Cade into hunts like these and think how cool it'll be someday!
Reed, Congrats little brother..you've got a fine man's footsteps to walk in!
Greg, be proud brother, you're doing a wonderful job being a "Dad"!
Curtis, you rock bro!
Awesome thread!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Great story & pics,that's a beautiful animal Reed,well done.Thanks for sharing.
Leland
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That is awesome Reed and just as awesome is you getting him out there Gregg.
Congrats to both of you and good luck in the future.
Paul
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Way to go Reed ! Gregg, the best pic is the one of you and Reed standing in the road together. A hunt and memory both of you will never forget. Man has he grown ! Reed, how tall is ya now bud ?
nocams
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Thanks for the kind words guys! It was a real pleasure just to be a part of the story. :thumbsup: CK
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Congrats Reed :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Greg, it was a pleasure to finally meet you and next time we hunt together I'll have some little gold packages for us ;)
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That is so cool! You can see the fire in that kids eyes. I can tell he really had a great time!
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OUTSTANDING!!
Congrats Reed!
Well done Dad!
Curtis, you're a fortunate man being able to have the part you play in these situations. Good on you for doing what you do.
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What a great story to open up first thing this morning! Great job Reed, Gregg and CK, thanks for sharing with us!! Looking forward to seeing lots more hunting adventures from the Dudley Camp. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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Thanks for sharing this great story Gregg! :thumbsup: No doubt memories were made that you and your son will remember forever.
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Guys, Reed is overwhelmed by the positive statements and well wishes. Thanks for supporting his accomplishment and experience.
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Jimmy, Reed is about 5'10 and wears a size 13 men's shoe. Not many other 12 year olds that big. Fortunately for me he is a pretty good kid. :D
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Great story, thanks for sharing. Congrats!
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Congratulations again Reed! It was a pleasure to meet you and your Dad. Great shot on that javi and good job of hanging in there in less than favorable weather condtions during your hunt.
Great pics Gregg! I know how proud you are of that young man. :clapper:
-Mac
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Way to go REED! That's a great shot for sure. Really enjoyed the pics.
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Way to go Reed! :saywhat:
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:clapper:
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awesome. great story :clapper:
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Nice Job!!! :thumbsup: Gotta love those Treadway bows. :biglaugh:
Bill
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Thanks guys!
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Looks like a good..no......GREAT time!
That's my neck of the woods! That snow was no fun at all with the wind.
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Gregg, Congrats to you and Reed. Need to bring him to the Solana trip next year!
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Congrats to Reed! Gregg, you did a great recap that makes us feel like we are right there with y'all.
Congrats again to both of y'all,
Bisch
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that looks like a great time!!! Me, my Dad, and my twin brother are headed to Ray Hammond's place in SC for some great hog hunting in march.
nice bow too!
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Would love to bring Reed to Solana, Wayne. That is why I bought a lotto ticket this week! Glad you enjoyed the story guys. Good luck at Ray's, Luke!
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It doesn't get any better, congrats to all! :thumbsup:
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:clapper: :clapper:
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Well done Reed! That smile tells it all. Headed down soon for a week with Curtis, it does not get any better. 32 hr drive for me and well worth it.
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Well done Reed! That's fantastic! ;)
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:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
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Reed says thanks again, guys, for all of the congratulatory comments! A month later he is still on cloud nine. :thumbsup:
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Nice work Reed! Looks like you need to help your Dad on the patience to bag a Javie :D
These threads are very cool for all of us. It is fun to see people we've met separately (Greg/Reed and Curtis) meet one another. Love it!
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Congrats!!!
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I was remembering this hunt a lot this week as we had the St Jude's auction excitement. It is amazing what this site and the auction do for putting folks together for wonderful experiences. It is getting close to the time that this trophy should be coming back from the taxidermist! Reed's anticipation of that is almost as great as his anticipation of the hunt! LOL!
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Great thread and better hunt.. Thanks Gregg for the link..
John III
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This javelina hunt is one I've been looking into for my father and I...looks like a blast!
PM sent.
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WoW great pics,...sounds like fantastic trip..
he will be talking about it for the next 25 years..
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Great story!! Congats to all.