Post by: LBOW on February 06, 2009, 09:20:00 PM
Post by: zipper bowss on February 07, 2009, 08:00:00 AM
Post by: Bob Walker on February 07, 2009, 09:41:00 AM
Don't know what kind of cell coverage there'll be down there but we'll try to keep ya'll up to date, if possible.
Post by: Mike Gerardi on February 07, 2009, 02:35:00 PM
Post by: Cherokee Scout on February 07, 2009, 04:44:00 PM
Post by: 4runr on February 07, 2009, 04:55:00 PM
Can't wait to start hearing stories and seein pics. :bigsmyl:
Post by: hogdancer on February 07, 2009, 05:12:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on February 07, 2009, 05:29:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on February 07, 2009, 06:47:00 PM
Post by: LBOW on February 08, 2009, 09:10:00 PM
Post by: Cherokee Scout on February 09, 2009, 08:41:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on February 09, 2009, 09:09:00 AM
Post by: Herdbull on February 09, 2009, 09:25:00 AM
Post by: LBOW on February 10, 2009, 07:30:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 10, 2009, 07:38:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 11, 2009, 09:47:00 AM
Him and Doug were "dug in" like ticks in Vance's camper....said the wind was gusting up to around 70mph!
Wasn't sure how the tent guys were making out, they were all in their cars, but there was gear scattered all over the place....
Doug, Thought it was letting up as we were talking.. :pray:
I'm gonna see if I can get a hold of them soon....
Post by: Herdbull on February 11, 2009, 10:49:00 AM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 11, 2009, 04:13:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 11, 2009, 04:41:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on February 11, 2009, 04:45:00 PM
Post by: vermonster13 on February 11, 2009, 04:50:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 11, 2009, 07:18:00 PM
Just got a text from Vance,he's calling soon...his last word was.....PIGS!
Post by: LBOW on February 11, 2009, 07:25:00 PM
Post by: Terry Green on February 11, 2009, 07:50:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on February 11, 2009, 08:51:00 PM
Post by: Mike Gerardi on February 12, 2009, 07:50:00 PM
Post by: ksbowman on February 12, 2009, 08:16:00 PM
Post by: stringstretcher on February 12, 2009, 09:13:00 PM
Post by: Greyfox54 on February 12, 2009, 11:10:00 PM
Post by: cjones on February 13, 2009, 12:31:00 AM
Post by: Kevin Bahr on February 13, 2009, 01:55:00 AM
Post by: killinstuff on February 13, 2009, 06:15:00 AM
CJ
Post by: Guru on February 13, 2009, 06:27:00 AM
I know he started week two off with the first Javi! I think a hog or two also.
I talked to Vance and JC yesterday for a bit. I'm not going to ruin anything for their storytelling. But they are seeing plenty of game and some critters are gettin' dead.
This is a brand new ranch they're hunting, so there's been a bit of a learning curve figuring out the place.....
Post by: Bullfrog 1 on February 13, 2009, 07:13:00 AM
Post by: hogdancer on February 13, 2009, 09:35:00 AM
Post by: Guru on February 13, 2009, 11:21:00 AM
Post by: d. ward on February 13, 2009, 01:31:00 PM
Post by: wollybear on February 13, 2009, 01:38:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 13, 2009, 07:28:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on February 13, 2009, 08:10:00 PM
Post by: FerretWYO on February 13, 2009, 08:38:00 PM
Post by: jonsimoneau on February 13, 2009, 09:53:00 PM
Post by: hogdancer on February 13, 2009, 10:07:00 PM
Post by: hogdancer on February 13, 2009, 10:26:00 PM
Post by: jonsimoneau on February 13, 2009, 10:30:00 PM
Post by: Froggy on February 13, 2009, 10:43:00 PM
Post by: Shinken on February 13, 2009, 10:46:00 PM
Nice shootin'!
Shinken
Post by: Big Ed on February 14, 2009, 12:52:00 AM
Post by: Guru on February 14, 2009, 07:23:00 AM
Guys I had the pleasure of meeting and hunting with Thomas(hogdancer) at the Solana hunt this year. He's as fine a hunter as I've ever been around. One of those guys that you just know you'd luv to spend a lot of time around, but because of everything going on at the hunt,just doesn't happen.
But the best part is he's even a finer fella to "just be around".
Thomas is the "real deal"....
Post by: DW on February 14, 2009, 08:50:00 AM
Post by: Chris Surtees on February 14, 2009, 09:03:00 AM
Post by: d. ward on February 14, 2009, 10:09:00 AM
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 14, 2009, 11:18:00 AM
I think we need to start a Thomas “Hogdancer” Burns Fan Club, I know I’d jump at an opportunity to join!
He’s an outstanding gentleman that is wise beyond his years, a pleasure to be around, and a wild game killing machine beyond compare.
Post by: hogdancer on February 14, 2009, 12:14:00 PM
Take care
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 14, 2009, 01:54:00 PM
Post by: RightTrailWrongTime on February 14, 2009, 02:49:00 PM
Post by: Bob Walker on February 14, 2009, 09:42:00 PM
Too tired to go into detail right now but there will be stories to tell! This should hold you over until the stories begin.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v381/Muddiver/PigGig09026.jpg)
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 14, 2009, 10:23:00 PM
Post by: d. ward on February 15, 2009, 08:19:00 AM
Post by: Guru on February 15, 2009, 08:39:00 AM
Post by: Curveman on February 15, 2009, 08:58:00 AM
Thomas was also just a relaxed, down to earth, modest, fun guy and I consider hunting with him and Kevin Shea (another fine gentleman, equally humble and joy to hunt with) the highlight of the week.
Oh, I think by Wednesday "we" had taken two hogs and 4 javelinas out of 25 guys. Tom had taken a hog and a javelina on the same afternoon and had already shot the one I told you about. Barry Wensel had killed a javelina and a hog. Kevin a javelina. These javelinas are a CHALLENGE and these guys know how! :notworthy:
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on February 15, 2009, 02:13:00 PM
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on February 15, 2009, 02:14:00 PM
Post by: Herdbull on February 15, 2009, 02:45:00 PM
Post by: Guru on February 15, 2009, 02:51:00 PM
Post by: Curveman on February 15, 2009, 03:37:00 PM
Yes, your book made it down and just about everyone was buying it and signing each others copies! :)
I confess I have only read a smidgen as I mostly slept on the plane, but what I read so far is excellent!
Steve
Post by: Marty on February 15, 2009, 04:28:00 PM
Post by: Curveman on February 15, 2009, 04:53:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 15, 2009, 05:18:00 PM
Post by: FerretWYO on February 15, 2009, 05:48:00 PM
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on February 15, 2009, 05:55:00 PM
It's really sad. A year ago, Thomas would've given up one of his toes to go with us on that PBS Mulie hunt in Utah. Now, he acts like he doesn't even know us......
Post by: Bob Walker on February 15, 2009, 05:59:00 PM
I got a few toes that I could spare :bigsmyl:
Post by: hogdancer on February 15, 2009, 06:35:00 PM
Randy I would have really liked for you to have been on this hunt, would have been fun.
I got in touch with a replacement for me on the mule deer hunt, got to watch out though he's killed more hogs than..... well you know the story.
Post by: Marty on February 15, 2009, 08:03:00 PM
Thomas has 6 toes on his other left foot, so that wasn't really a big deal to give one up now was it?
Post by: Herdbull on February 15, 2009, 08:10:00 PM
Post by: hill boy on February 15, 2009, 08:13:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 15, 2009, 09:25:00 PM
I don't have a lot of photos to post -- I spent too much time laughing, eating, or both, to get the camera out very much. This was easily one of the best hunts I've ever been on. Yep, the animals were there, but more importantly, so were a bunch of my favorite people. If you notice in the following pics, everybody's smiling. If they don't have big smiles at the moment the camera clicked, they were just resting their cheeks for a second.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200914.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200913.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200912.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200910.jpg)
Okay, so Vance wasn't smiling here, but he's in formal attire. Nobody smiles much when they're all dressed up. ;) ;)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20099.jpg)
Post by: jonsimoneau on February 15, 2009, 09:35:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 15, 2009, 09:56:00 PM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20093.jpg)
No one came out unscathed. If you hunted, you got poked, clawed, stuck, or scratched. And when you were chasing a wounded animal, you endured all of the above. Here's proof.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200923.jpg)
A little ointment and Charlie's ready for round 2.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20091_2.jpg)
Many of us borrowed JC's tweezers to pull thorns. He had another trick, too -- duct tape. Slap a strip of that over the thorns, yank it off, and the thorns were gone. 'Course, your hair was, too, but it was worth it (partly to get the thorns out, but also for the entertainment value). :readit:
Then there were these guys. One pasture held three bulls: this fellow, a black angus, and another longhorn with some of the most impressive horns I've seen. He was very shy, though, and I followed him around in the mesquite thickets for 15 minutes without getting a good photo. Then it finally dawned on me just how stupid it was to chase three unfriendly bulls in that stuff. I was asking to be turned into toe jam after they finished doing other unpleasant things that I don't want to think about. :eek:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20091_1.jpg)
Post by: Grant Young on February 15, 2009, 10:18:00 PM
Post by: Killdeer on February 15, 2009, 10:23:00 PM
Where's Joe? :readit:
Don't tell me you made him stay home and miss all the carnage! (Oh, and Charlie's arm doesn't look any worse than mine when I run into a patch of full mailboxes while delivering razorcards.)
Great pictures as usual, Woody. Your skills blow mine clean out of the water.
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Post by: hormoan on February 15, 2009, 10:29:00 PM
Post by: tippit on February 15, 2009, 10:33:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09011.jpg)
The camaraderie in camp was special too :scared:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09045.jpg)
Of course there was no lack of Great Food.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09048.jpg)
Sadly all Great Adventures have to come to an end...Doc
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09054.jpg)
Post by: knife river on February 15, 2009, 10:46:00 PM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20094.jpg)
I won't spoil the successful hunters' stories, but everybody has a lot to tell. I spent most of my time with JC and it was a treat every minute. He's a gifted storyteller and I'll wait for him to hopefully recount some of our experiences with hogs. I'll say this much, though: JC is one of the best shots with a bow I've had the pleasure to witness. But no one, not even someone with JC's enormous talent, can be accurate when giggling at the antics of a sounder of fat little comedians. One of them is the luckiest hog alive. :D
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20092.jpg)
JC and I witnessed some things that, honestly, if I heard someone else describe them, I'd think they were spinning a yarn. And if I'd seen them by myself, I'd hesitate to talk about them: who would possibly believe this stuff? But he and I sat 50 yards apart and for 1 1/2 hours watched hogs do things that flat-out amazed us. The only things we didn't see was a sow give birth or a boar sprout wings and fly loop-dee-loops over the pond. We saw everything else, though, and this was the place. We never named it, surprisingly, although Hog Nirvana would have been fitting. And we never loosed an arrow at a hog there: again, there are some very, very fortunate hams on the hoof on the Chaparossa Ranch.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20093_1.jpg)
JC and I were joined by Robtattoo for two days. He's another hunting partner that's damn near impossible to beat. While JC and I soaked up info about life in England, Rob used all of his senses to learn about south Texas hogs.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20094_1.jpg)
Maybe JC can post the video, but let's just say that Rob definitely has the inside scoop on poop. :biglaugh:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200931.jpg)
Post by: hormoan on February 15, 2009, 11:03:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 15, 2009, 11:31:00 PM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20091.jpg)
To get a feel for the place, get somebody to stab your ankles with knitting needles while you wipe your face with 220 grit sandpaper. And pour a double handful of powdery dirt in your ears, too. GGG
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig200916.jpg)
The bottom line for my week: I went with these.
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20091_3.jpg)
And came home with this:
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/PigGig20091_4.jpg)
The glass point is still out there. I looked for the hog off and on for three days. After talking to guys with more experience, I think the hog will live, a lot wiser and somewhat sorer for the experience. As much as I regret losing the animal, I'd take the shot again, but aim an inch or two lower. Even I can't miss at 5 feet, but stout bones on a grown hog can stop a heavy arrow -- especially one that's still in big-time paradox. I hope that some hunter down the road will bone out his trophy and find a real surprise. :thumbsup:
Post by: Guru on February 16, 2009, 06:43:00 AM
Post by: d. ward on February 16, 2009, 08:03:00 AM
Who is the camo clad cowboy standing right between Gene & Barry ? is that one of those guy's son ? He looks just like them same height same weight ? bd
Post by: Terry Green on February 16, 2009, 09:46:00 AM
Post by: Kingwouldbe on February 16, 2009, 10:10:00 AM
Post by: Guru on February 16, 2009, 10:13:00 AM
The Gene and Barry "butthead" pic is priceless :biglaugh:
Post by: Gary Kellar on February 16, 2009, 10:18:00 AM
Post by: Curveman on February 16, 2009, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: tippit on February 16, 2009, 11:11:00 AM
Post by: Jeff D. Holchin on February 16, 2009, 02:04:00 PM
Can we get by with a car at the ranch for hunts 1/4? How about a moped? :( Cash flow is a little low right now....
Can't wait to get to Texas!
Jeff
Post by: Curveman on February 16, 2009, 02:27:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 16, 2009, 03:54:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 16, 2009, 04:03:00 PM
I'm HOME....Got in bout 8:30 evening last. Doug and Barney,are hauling their share of TX sand home I hope, Mr Campbell still has to pound out about 6/8 hr and Barney about 4...Their gettin closer.
Thank You fellas one and all for the the GREAT TIME! :help:
Post by: tippit on February 16, 2009, 05:04:00 PM
I came with 50# right on the nose but in San Antonio it was 58# :scared: Steve was over weight leaving Boston but they let it go without an extra charge. It would have been $50 extra per bag!!!! I could just see a twinkle in the ticket counter guy's eyes. That is until I pulled out my spare small duffel that I always pack for an extra carry on.
The eyes changed dramatically...the ticket counter guy was crying and Steve had a smile on his face as I handed him my bandanna to dry his eyes :bigsmyl: Course after a week of sand storms that bandanna wasn't exactly sanitary...sorry Steve :eek: Doc
Post by: Curveman on February 16, 2009, 05:25:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 16, 2009, 05:32:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Iron Bull:You're lucky you didn't get the "surprise" box that somebody else carried home...
In addition to the Memories we all are coming home with, I personally bought back at least 50 lbs of Texas Dust-N-Sand.
:jumper:
Post by: Whip on February 16, 2009, 05:49:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 16, 2009, 06:20:00 PM
Post by: Herdbull on February 16, 2009, 07:53:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 16, 2009, 08:10:00 PM
Post by: knife river on February 16, 2009, 08:13:00 PM
Would the packback be a little lighter if I said it was all Doug's idea??? :D
Post by: Barney on February 16, 2009, 08:26:00 PM
Post by: BowHuntingFool on February 16, 2009, 09:10:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by knife river:
Whip, we didn't intend it for you. We thought those bins were Vance's. But when you picked them up and packed it straight into your trailer, JC and I looked at each other and said, "That'll work!" :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Post by: tippit on February 16, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on February 16, 2009, 09:32:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 16, 2009, 11:17:00 PM
quote:
Originally posted by knife river:
Whip, we didn't intend it for you. We thought those bins were Vance's. But when you picked them up and packed it straight into your trailer, JC and I looked at each other and said, "That'll work!" :saywhat:
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Post by: Biggie Hoffman on February 17, 2009, 06:40:00 AM
Post by: smiley on February 17, 2009, 07:10:00 AM
Post by: Tom Phillips on February 17, 2009, 08:25:00 AM
There was a ton of game there I had quite a few stalks on Javies & a couple doz hogs crossed paths ,but things did not work out could not close the deal and I had some CLOSE encounters.
Still have to unpack and take my large Cabela's bag to car wash to get the sand out !!
It was really nice to meet some new Trad Gangers Smiley,Woodie,Rob Tattoo,Denny,Doug Campbell,Kevin Shea to name a few along with the 4 Frenchmen.
Post by: robtattoo on February 17, 2009, 08:34:00 AM
Managed to drag my battered, sandblasted, burnt & tattered carcass back home last night.
What a week!
Had the time of my life, yet again, thanks to all 'a y'all (See Joe, picked some up offa ya!)
Really great to meet back up with some great friends & get the opprtunity to make a few more.
Lemme get my thoughts, bones & pictures in order & I'll be back with a few stories.....
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 17, 2009, 10:37:00 AM
Made it home yesterday evening about 7:30, left TX Sat morning 9:00ish, 35ish hours of windshield time. Good thing I had such great traveling companions, thanks Vance and Barney! Now got a ton of stuff to try and get done before leaving for NY on Fri. Life is hard in Montana ;)
Meeting new and old friends made the trip, nobody could ask for a better bunch to hang out with for a week. You can bet I'll be doing everything in my power to make it again next year! Thanks everybody!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: IB on February 17, 2009, 12:22:00 PM
Glad Yer home Safe and Sound, Quite an EVENT (http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/mechbull-2.gif)
Post by: Guru on February 17, 2009, 12:34:00 PM
But y'all are killin' me with the lack of stories and pix :pray:
I understand, believe me....but you're still killin' me... :(
Post by: Nakohe on February 17, 2009, 05:28:00 PM
Post by: kevin shea on February 17, 2009, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: Wiley Coyote on February 17, 2009, 07:41:00 PM
Post by: Wiley Coyote on February 17, 2009, 07:44:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 17, 2009, 07:51:00 PM
I am leaving again for a few days but will try to post a little before I go.
For me, any hunt starts the moment I leave my driveway. Smiley and I headed out early Friday morning and headed south to pick up Charlie. After an unplanned side trip nearly to Chicago, we pulled into his home around 1 and were promptly stuffed full with chili, sandwiches, and homemade pie by his lovely bride Billie. We had a long drive ahead of us yet, and already I needed a nap!
The rest of the drive to Texas was a real treat with Charlie taking charge of the story telling duties. Heck, I would have driven all the way down just to listen to them all! I don't think we ever had the radio on or a CD in the player all the way down and back!
I'll go try to work on some pictures for the rest of the story........
Post by: hill boy on February 17, 2009, 07:51:00 PM
Post by: Barney on February 17, 2009, 08:44:00 PM
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on February 17, 2009, 09:06:00 PM
Mike, I am not so patiently waiting to see yours!! LOL Tighten Up Dude!
Post by: Curveman on February 17, 2009, 09:37:00 PM
To the many who have not met Kevin, I am sure that all of us on the pig gig will attest to the fact of what a truly nice guy he is and a fine hunter! It was my privilege to both tent and hunt with him for the week and I enjoyed every moment! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 17, 2009, 09:50:00 PM
I'll admit to jabbering a little more than usual as the excitement of finally getting underway was really on me... OK! So I was excited all the way to the ranch. At least my partners were patient listeners.
We met at a motel Saturday and once situated got our butts over to Woody Blackwells place where we were greeted with a cold drink and hot food... some great smoked brisket, turkey and the best creamed corn I've ever had.
It was hard to get a word in edgewise even with guys stuffing their faces full of the great grub.
We'd assemble the following morning for the trip to La Pryor and make a pit stop at the WalMart and the feed store in Uvalde on the way.
I'll give the other guys a shot at filling in as I go and besides, I don't have a ton of pictures to show.
I'd loaned my camera to the wife a while back and it came back to me broken. Fortunately she got one of her own for Christmas.
My new camera was on order but didn't arrive in time for the trip so I had to humble myself and borrow Billie's if I wanted a camera for the trip.
With the admonition to "be careful with it", I bit my tongue and determined to return it in pristine condition.
Considering the extremelyl dusty conditions at the ranch I kept the camera in it's soft case, wrapped in a bandana, stashed in a polar fleece cap in the bottom of my pack for most of the trip.
I'll get rolling with my portion of this tale in the morning.
:readit:
Post by: Missouri CK on February 17, 2009, 09:54:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 17, 2009, 09:54:00 PM
I appreciated it immensely even if I did have "Cowboy" position in the truck and couldn't curb my smart mouth.... "HEY!! Hurry up! I'm thirsty!"
:D
Post by: Curveman on February 17, 2009, 10:11:00 PM
The flight flew by (as neither of us had slept much the night before; we were soon zonked out on the plane; Jeff being fortunately able to take his hearing aid out)! :goldtooth: ) that immediately puts everyone at ease with a warm welcome that never quits!
Woody very generously opened up his home to us for dinner Saturday night (I should say “museum” for we were all awestruck when he displayed his work of knapped broadheads)! Flashes went off everywhere as folks hurriedly took pictures). The tribe continued to gather there with new arrivals every hour. The fun had begun!
Post by: hogdancer on February 17, 2009, 10:55:00 PM
I wish I could have spent more time with our brothers to the north, the Canadians were some fine folks for sure, I hope they make it again !
Post by: Curveman on February 17, 2009, 11:31:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 18, 2009, 12:04:00 AM
For those of you who don't know of Kevin..He wears strange pants and his hair parts in the middle :goldtooth:
A real blessing to have you around Brother.
Post by: Kevin Bahr on February 18, 2009, 01:00:00 AM
Post by: tippit on February 18, 2009, 07:09:00 AM
Post by: Kevin Bahr on February 18, 2009, 09:22:00 AM
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 18, 2009, 10:20:00 AM
That armadillo was the only thing I was able to get besides alot of good times with some great people!! We were practicing catch and release hunting that afternoon. Someone laid down the challenge when they said there was no way to grab a live diller and hold on... I crawled up on this one as he was nosing around a big rock, my only fear was him jumping straight up and smacking me under the chin when I grabbed him ;)
Like I said it was a long but great trip down with Vance and Barney, couldn't ask for two better traveling companions. I spent most of my time looking for a good hog but did take the time out to miss a couple of javies one afternoon ;) I think the only problem was we nailed the full moon dead center and the hogs seemed to be mostly nocturnal. Gene had trail cams out where he was hunting and was getting 800-1200 pictures a night with most of em between 1 and 4 AM. I hunted an area above a dandy pond which smelled and looked like a barn yard but the pigs just weren't moving in the daylight. Saw a couple of incredible whitetails, one that was without a doubt a Booner, would've loved to find the sheds off him...
As you all know these hunts aren't all about killing critters, hanging out with great guys made this trip enjoyable from the start. I got to shake the very talented hand of one of my idols. Woody is not only a great knapper but a great guy also, hope to get to call him Friend for many years to come. Seeing great old friends like JC, Doc, Charlie, and meeting several more that'll be old friends next trip was what it's all about.
Thanks a bunch everybody for contributing to another fun hunt!! :clapper: :clapper:
Post by: Nakohe on February 18, 2009, 11:58:00 AM
Post by: fatman on February 18, 2009, 12:50:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 18, 2009, 02:33:00 PM
Finally, a question for you guys just returning. Was each group assigned specific areas/pastures this time or were you free to roam in specific pastures?? Just curious, because three years ago we were basically roaming with the idea of looking out for the other guy. I know some good spots down there and need to make plans;^)!
Post by: robtattoo on February 18, 2009, 02:35:00 PM
I had a great stalk on a cottontail whilst trying to hunt up some javies. I'd worked my way to the top of a rise, along a 3/4 mile stretch of road without seeing hide nor hair of anything porcine. The bunny made the unfortunate mistake of hopping away from me, prsenting me with an 'interesting' shot.....30yds, downhill with only it's butt & back of his head as a target.
Lord only knows how, but I managed to place a .38 special Blunt right between his ears. He never took another step! I doubt if I'll ever make a shot like it again (Although I really, really hope I can!)
The main draw of hunts like this, for me, is the cameraderie, campfire, storytelling (Yes, and BS-ing) & company during the lunch & evenings. Where else in the world can you sit with a sandwich in one hand, ice cold Tecate in the other & watch Woody knapping perfect stone points whilst listening to Gene, Barry, Charlie et al wax lyrical about their previous exploits? I seem to learn so very much from just being around these guys, it's kinda mindblowing.
Oh, and speaking of blowing.......
Grant Young & I had a little evening adventure of our own! On Tuesday night (As I'm sure you're aware) Tornados ripped through North Texas & Oklahoma. Well, we caught a lot of the tail & side winds throwing 70-80MPH gales through our area for a steady 5 or 6 hours. During this time, we realised that Woody & JC had not returned to camp. Grant & I (being of slightly less than sound mind) volunteered to drive out into the brush & try & locate them. The mesquite did an admirable job ofacting like a windbreak & when we found them, they really didn't know just how bad things were in camp. We convoyed up with Grant & I leading off (JC asking the fatal question " Y'all know where you're going, right?") Obviously we knew where we were going! (The cheek of the man!) 3 hours later, having missed a turn, Grant & I had to admit to not having a bloody clue where we were! (JC & Woodrow had made it back to camp, just fine. The swines) We weren't even sure if we were still in Texas! Low on gas, although not on beer, we soldiered valiantly on and returned to camp some 3-1/2 hours behind the guys we'd gone out to look for! Oh the shame! Oh the indignity! Oh the applause when we got back into Whip's Tipi :D :D Doug & Whip between them had knocked up a batch of buffalo & elk burgers for all in attendance & all who remained in camp (Some of the less adventurous...OK....smarter guys had opted to take a motel for the night) sat around in the Tipi telling tall tales, stuffing ourselves sick with burgers & corn chips, washed down with cold beer & excellent Single Malts. It was one of those 'once-in-a-lifetime-Brothers-in-adversity' nights that builds solid & lasting friendships. Brilliant. just brilliant!
Post by: IB on February 18, 2009, 02:37:00 PM
Post by: Nakohe on February 18, 2009, 02:43:00 PM
Post by: rabbitman on February 18, 2009, 02:48:00 PM
Gary...we could roam but we watched for signs of other hunters....corned sendaros. If you happened onto one we just drove on through and looks at other areas. Of course, we had the whole 80,000 acres to work with....finding a new road was fairly simple. My partner and I usually drove 13 miles from camp to the area we hunted all week.
Post by: hill boy on February 18, 2009, 04:09:00 PM
Post by: E. Texas HillBilly on February 18, 2009, 05:02:00 PM
-Hillbilly
Post by: zipper bowss on February 18, 2009, 05:18:00 PM
BIll
Post by: knife river on February 18, 2009, 05:22:00 PM
Soon I had a lot of company on the road. There were three whitetails behind me picking corn up out of my footprints. They knew I was there and watched me carefully, but the allure of free corn was worth the risk. In front of me were two more whitetails and even at a great distance -- maybe 250 yards -- I could see that one of them was a dandy 5x5. My eyes are pretty good, but to be able to count tines on a buck that far away means he was carrying some impressive headgear. At one point a bobcat crossed the road. He paused halfway across, looked at me, and faded across the road.
There was a lot of traffic on this little road, but no pigs or javies. And the pigs to the south were still raising hell in the thick stuff. The sun was hitting the horizon and I needed to make something happen. I noticed a fence line running south from my road with a good trail beside it. That might be my way to get on those pigs.
I headed south, hustling fast to get close to the noise. I couldn't get in front of them, though, because of the wind. I hoped that some might head my direction as they moved toward the distant stock tank where JC was sitting. Didn't happen, though, they continued south, where I heard lots of screaming, fighting, and the screeching of fenceline as hogs pushed their way through. Not much to do but stand and listen, filing this info away for the next night. Just as it got dusky, hogs started moving through the calf-high grass across the fence.
Most things appear larger in the dark, especially when they're critters that can bite. These hogs were no exception. The first several looked fully grown -- 100 to 150 pounds -- accompanied by flocks of footballs. Then the big boys appeared. They dwarfed everything else in the field. I told my eyes they were lying: those can't be 300 pound hogs (or bigger). Perhaps they were VW buses that hippies had decorated with ears and tails... No way can there be that many hogs of that size in one field... I watched, mouth open in disbelief, until it was pitch dark. I slipped back to the north on the quiet trail along the fenceline.
I ducked through the big gap in the fence and stood on the east-west road where I'd seen the deer and the bobcat. Who was out now in the dark? I dug my SureFire out of my pants pocket and shined to the west. More deer. Was the big buck still down the road to the east? He was gone, but a 100 pound black hog was scarfing corn out of the road 150 yards away. He didn't seem to be bothered at all by the light...
A glass-tipped cane arrow came out of the otter skin quiver as I started his direction. I needed to keep one eye on the hog and one eye on the noisy rocks, but now the hog was feeding my direction and closing fast. I stood on the right hand tire ruts and he fed on the other side of the narrow track where JC had trickled corn out the window. He was coming nearly head-on or quartering hard at me -- no real shot. I had to wait until he turned broadside -- IF he'd turn broadside.
A year earlier I'd killed a hog at night by balancing my flashlight sideways on my head. Not exactly orthodox, but it worked then. Now it looked like time to try it again. At 25 yards, I put the little light on my head and started to raise my bow. My hand and parts of the bow were in the edges of the beam and the hog looked up. We both froze and thought for a minute: his desire for corn outweighed his concerns and he resumed his feeding walk toward me, never turning broadside.
I couldn't believe it... How close would this hog come without ever offering a shot? I stared hard at the base of his neck, wondering if the 740 grain arrow would penetrate into the vitals. I didn't know the anatomy well enough, but figured it was a low-percentage shot and waited. I didn't have long to wait. In seconds, the hog was standing broadside, just the width of tire tracks away. I started to draw the Moab, leaning over to aim down at the hog's exposed shoulder. No longer balanced, the light started sliding off my head. I quickly pulled the bow string back and released the arrow, not sure that I'd hit anchor, but at less than five feet, even I could hit a hog. The arrows slammed home with a loud "thwack," only penetrating five or six inches. It squealed loudly once and spun into the tall grass. I picked up the light and watched it run twenty yards to a small rise where it turned in two tight circles before disappearing into the cactus and mesquite thickets.
I marked the shooting spot in the road with broken branches, one of them pointing in the direction the hog ran. Then I headed down the little road to the west to walk north on the big road to where JC had parked the truck. Far in the distance I saw tail lights headed away and figured that he'd already made a circuit around the big square looking for me. When I walked the 3/4 mile to the corner I decided to stand and wait, enjoying the cool night as the adrenaline rush gradually faded. It was another mile to the truck, but thought JC would be along shortly.
The stars were wonderful to see. They looked full and ripe, like I could reach up and pick a handful. There were the Seven Sisters, the "V" of Taurus, and Orion the Hunter. I wondered how many great hunts he'd watched from his perch in the sky. Off to the northwest, there was a low black crescent of night clouds. I stood there about twenty minutes, picking out the few constellations I could remember and listening to the nightbirds.
Finally ready to walk more, I headed north to find JC, eager to get on the hog's trail. That low black crescent in the sky was climbing higher -- must be a front coming in. It rapidly spread across the sky, black and menacing, eating the stars as it grew. When it was almost overhead, I heard freight trains in the sky. Instantly, all the trees doubled over from the weight of the wind. Sand scoured my face and arms. I pulled my shirt over my face, leaving just a peephole to see through. Leaning hard into the wind, I felt my way up the road. The flashlight was nearly useless: the dust was so thick that I couldn't see more than ten feet. A couple eternities came and went before I saw the truck's lights. One second they'd seem bright and the next they were nearly hidden in all the soil blowing by. JC was relieved to see me -- he'd had hard choices to make: let me find my way back or drive around, possibly missing me. He made the right call by staying put.
We quickly talked about all that had happened and drove back to where I shot the hog. We spent an hour looking for sign, but under those hard conditions we couldn't find anything. I didn't think there would be much (if any) blood from that shot angle, so I spent a lot of time looking at places where the hog might have doubled back to lie in a protected spot. Nothing. Reluctantly, we headed back to camp with a plan to look hard the next morning.
We did look hard. And for the next few days I kept an eye on ravens and vultures, hoping a kettle of them might show where the hog had died. I never found it, though, and after talking with JC, I tend to think that the glass point hit the part of the spine that dips lows between the front shoulders. If anything, the top of one lung was hit, but nothing more. Maybe one day another hunter will be boning out a nice fat black hog and find a sharp surprise buried deep in the backstrap.
There are more stories that I'd love JC to share. Some are hilarious and some are amazing. Good stuff to come! :readit: :wavey:
Post by: Killdeer on February 18, 2009, 07:05:00 PM
That's better! :D
Well told, Woody. I may just give up writing if I can follow you around and carry your pencils. Looking at the stars this morning, I felt just the same as Orion and I peered at one another. A little less cataclysmic out this way, though. And I was wondering if you were carrying an otterskin quiver.
Now, if we can get the rest of those sluggish penpushers into action, and see some schematics, the mutinous multitude here just may be content to stand down for a bit.
Killdeer :biglaugh:
Post by: hormoan on February 18, 2009, 07:25:00 PM
Post by: Curveman on February 18, 2009, 08:14:00 PM
I would have left him to search for the next day but we were destined to leave before dawn so after what seemed an interminable pause, I elected to track him that day. I went to meet Tippit at our scheduled time and he readily agreed to help me recover it through the thick, prickly brush. It was not to be. I was left with mixed emotions-sadness and disappointment over an unfortunate result, but admittedly some elation as I was able to draw oh so near and make a shot on a very fast and elusive animal! I was not alone. Folks in camp were remarkably open over their foibles and failures on the prairie. You can do that amongst friends.
The last night: There was this large, graying, javelina that had plagued me over 4 tortuous stalks. He would freeze in prolonged, protective, vigilance while the rest of his cronies continued feeding into the wind. I’d tried waiting him out. I’d tried to loop past his gaze through needled terrain to no avail while he protected his drove. Finally, on our last night and to my amazement, he began trotting towards me while I was yet downwind of him! I was partially obscured by some tall grass and his lower position on the sloped, bumpy trail. I hugged the earth more tightly. I’d planned to take him as he cleared some shrub but as he did so he turned abruptly toward me only to stop 8 FEET away! Predator and prey in a level eye-lock! His mouth actually seemed to gape open as mine did before he snorted and sprinted off in a blink! When I came to :biglaugh: I proceeded to stalk to within 20 yards of some small j’s that remained partially hidden. Comparatively, they were about the size of large guinea pigs but I’d learned there is always a good chase where there be javelina!
Never having hunted javies before I can only gush over how much fun they are to pursue! I am almost glad that you cannot chase the critters year round up here as I fear I would accomplish little else! Yet it is the generosity and spirit of our gang that lingers most. I’ll be back, God willing and I pray all these guys are too!
Join us!
Steve
Post by: tippit on February 18, 2009, 09:25:00 PM
This year I was even more excited to get to camp as I had just purchased the same Panther Pyramid tent that Whip was bringing for our weeks stay. The tent being 13 feet high and 15X15 feet square, I had no clue as how to erect it. It actually went up fairly easily with just one pole in the middle and all the sides staked down. A very comfortable shelter for Whip, Charlie, and myself. As a side note, you don't have to worry about an alarm clock with Whip in command. Each morning Charlie and I would be awakened to the hiss of the propane stove & coffee perking. I know a little decadent but OOOhhh want a nice way to start the day...thanks Joe!
Skipping ahead to Tuesday night, the tent proved it's metal. The sand storm kicked up right at dark with winds upward of 60-70 mph. Rob, Grant, and I were some of the first arrivals. You couldn't see much let alone hardly breathe. I pull my bandanna over my face just like I remembered Roy Rogers or Clint Eastwood doing. When I finally made it to the tent the front door flap was wide open letting sand fill the tent. The only thing I could think to do was to hold my body against it on the inside. The wind was blowing so hard I couldn't tie the flaps down so I just hung on to it and blocked the opening. I'm not the skinniest guy in camp at 225 pounds...the wind would actually throw me into the tent. The longer I held the door closed and watched the entire tent quaking like an aspen, the more I wondered how bright I was to be hanging on to a Great White Sail :scared: Finally Whip and Charlie showed up and we secured the tent to the wind.
The tent held quite well...providing shelter and allowing Whip to cook up Doug's buffalo & elk burgers to feed the 14 or so guys all huddled inside.
The wind seemed to die down around 11pm but kicked back up with the same force around 1am. All you could do was pull covers over your head to try and keep sand out of eyes and mouth. A very long night! Doc
The pictures aren't grainy due to the camera..it's all the sand in the air.
Whip cooking
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09020.jpg)
Doug & Charlie
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09016.jpg)
Me, JC, & Bull Vance
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09022.jpg)
Woody after being rescued
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09021.jpg)
The tent the following morning. There had been a large sun awning on front which the wind took.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09037.jpg)
Post by: snakewood3 on February 18, 2009, 10:48:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on February 18, 2009, 11:03:00 PM
Post by: Kevin Bahr on February 19, 2009, 02:55:00 AM
Post by: just_a_hunter on February 19, 2009, 03:24:00 AM
That is a knee slapper if I've ever heard one! Thanks for the laugh!
Thanks to everybody for sharing!
Todd
Post by: Guru on February 19, 2009, 06:11:00 AM
Hopefully there's a lot more coming with pix :pray:
Post by: tippit on February 19, 2009, 06:36:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Pig%20Gig%2009/PigGig09049.jpg)
Post by: knife river on February 19, 2009, 07:57:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 19, 2009, 08:15:00 AM
While the gathering at Woodie's house gathered momentum Rob "Robtattoo"Peel wandered over my way.
Extending a beefy fist full of something he said in his delightful brogue, "I made this knife and I want you to have it."
Wow!! You could have knocked me over with a pin.
I've watched Rob's evolution as a knifesmith with great interest over the years and what he held before me was a true treasure.
Hand forged and ground, slabbed with English yew pinned to the tang with Rob's distinctive rivets, with a razor keen edge, it is a thing of beauty.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09Robnsknife.jpg)
Thanks buddy!! :wavey:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 19, 2009, 08:23:00 AM
A brief run down of rules and directions interupted set up.
The brothers Wensel had asked if some of us would like to take a short ride and look around. Without much fanfare we were soon winding out of camp in a long convoy.
I don't think anyone stayed in camp.
It would be a non hunting jaunt for most as five day permits weren't effective until the morrow.
A few of us had annual permits in our pockets from previous hunts so we were designated shooters.
Though with the long line of vehicles, their noise and the billowing cloud of dust that enveloped our column there was little likelyhood of any shooting action.
Post by: Gatekeeper on February 19, 2009, 08:30:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 19, 2009, 08:46:00 AM
We were pretty sure that many if not all of the others would follow Gene and Barry to the end of the ranch road (some 20ish miles distant)if that's where they led we figured sign was sign and it was all good.
Soon we were cruising remote sendero's and leaving "incentive" for hogs and Javi's in those places that looked enviting.
Looking back on the hunt and how we approached it, the consensus was that we should have laid down a heavier stream of corn the first day or two.
Give the hogs and Javi's plenty in the hopes that they'd return believing there was the likelyhood of more.
As it was we barely trickled the corn. That worked alright. We just figured to refine our process.
After scouting enough territory to keep us busy when we returned in the morning we headed back to camp to finish set up and enjoy a refreshment and our brothers.
Post by: Jim Jackson on February 19, 2009, 09:41:00 AM
Post by: knife river on February 19, 2009, 01:09:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Doug Campbell:No one should believe this stuff. Doug Campbell is not to be trusted! He'll offer you a delicious piece of buffalo tongue when it's actually chocolate fudge. That just ain't right!!! :readit: :help:
I got to shake the very talented hand of one of my idols. Woody is not only a great knapper but a great guy also, hope to get to call him Friend for many years to come.
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 19, 2009, 06:40:00 PM
You ever inspired me to break a rock today, first time in six months or so. Just reminded me how talented I wasn't ;) Thanks Buddy
Post by: tippit on February 19, 2009, 07:07:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 19, 2009, 07:51:00 PM
It wasn't long before we found what we were looking for. The diminuative tracks of javelina dotted the dust on one of our senderos.
The corn had been cleaned up everywhere we had spread it, but most the the guilty parties were the prolific deer that seemed to bust from the brush as we passed by, vacuuming up the corn almost as fast as we could lay it down.
There was little action that first morning, but we did spot a distant javi or two as I recall.
Lunch time found us back in camp discussing and expanding the plan.
It seems that everyone had had some kind of action or other. Stories were flying fast and furious as we wolfed down sandwiches and readied our gear for the afternoon.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 19, 2009, 08:10:00 PM
As often is the case on these ranches, the tank had a leak in it and a substantial puddle of water formed a semi circle around it's back side.
The tiny tracks of the most recent visitors overlapped the blunt rounded spoor of hogs and the water showed a chocolate milk brown from recent activity. It would be a place for me to start.
I soon had set up my Double Bull against the nearby fence line under the overhanging limbs of one of the mesquite that wove in and out of the barbed wire barrier.
For while I thought I was going to melt down in that camo pop up, but soon had the screens adjusted to allow a nice breeze to enter my hide.
This spot would work, of that I had no doubt, but the first day passed slowly into night with no sign of pig or javi. Only regular visits by the red cardinal like birds that I can never remember the name of and a host of doves who cleaned them selves in the cool water.
Day two was pretty much a repeat of the first with the exception that I tucked into my blind after our morning sendero check and passing on lunch stayed for the entire day.
Joe, always the thoughtful one, brought me a sandwich and cold drink when he and Wayne returned in the afternoon.
Wayne would post on a sendero a mile from me while Joe wandered off to parts unknown. Once again the day passed with only birdlife to keep me occupied.
I took the time to touch up the edge of every bladed instrument in my pack, quiver and pockets. Heck, I even gave myself a manicure with my broadhead file.
Soon I was waiting for my ride, watching the pale blue daylight turn to pink and finally as the sun dipped silently below the western horizon the light of the full moon glowed bright and yellow to the east.
Post by: Whip on February 19, 2009, 09:01:00 PM
I think it was the second morning of actual hunting, and we were making the rounds. Driving sendaros adding corn where the deer, javi's and hogs had vacuumed the roads clean, and hoping to catch a straggler still out.
We drove in on one of our spots from the first evening's scouting trip and arrived at the end of it without seeing a thing. Turning the truck around we headed back toward the Pipeline road. "What's that balck spot up ahead, another deer?" Seems the deer thought the sound of the truck passing was a dinner bell, and it was common to see them on the road shortly after we passed. But this spot was different. It was a javi!
The javi eased into the brush and I dropped Charlie and Smiley off, as I continued on ahead with the truck. Often times the animals will just move off a bit and filter back out when they think the danger has passed.
On down the road a bit I was paying more attention to my rear view mirror than what was ahead. At least I was until I noticed a mass of black a couple hundred yards in front of me! A whole herd of javelina were in the road with snouts in the dust.
I slipped from the rig, and crawled under the fence to get the wind more in my favor. The cover on this side was sparse, and it wasn't long before I ran out of options. All I could do was hope they would come to me. I tucked behind a scrawny little bush and hoped it might be enough to break my outline. I was very, very wrong....
The leader of the pack was a large boar. He didn't even seem to be concerned with the corn. It was more like he was the advance scout for the rest of the herd. Long tusks protruded upwards from his jowls, and as he came broadside at 15 yards I could see another unique feature. In addition to the normal collar around the neck, he sported a broad blond stripe just behind the shoulders. Javi's are not necessarily known for their beauty, but this guy was stunning!
Another few steps would provide a perfect shot, but just about then he realized that the scrawny bush had a massive hunk of something hiding behind it. A sharp snort and he turned to run, taking the rest of his compardres with him.
But I now had a goal. Blondie would be the focus of my attention for the rest of the trip....
Post by: Ray Hammond on February 19, 2009, 09:06:00 PM
Post by: hill boy on February 19, 2009, 09:21:00 PM
Post by: Whip on February 19, 2009, 11:47:00 PM
Eventually a group of javi's were on the road and we made our move to get in position. I left Charlie with one group while I worked ahead to another, but before they got close to my ambush position the whole group filtered off into the brush.
I eased to the edge of the road trying to figure my next move, and Charlie snuck along the edge to catch up with me. Suddenly the javi's came back to the road, led by Blondie! But we were caught flat footed, and were busted before we had a chance.
Blodie sounded the alarm again, and the herd scattered, but Charlie and I were right behind them. We each moved to cover openings in the brush, and within seconds had javi's trying to work their way through us. As one tried to slip through to my left I tried to slip an arrow into his shoulder.
At the shot I could see I had maybe 12" of penetration, and he bolted for cover. I gave him a little time, and eased forward to where I had last seen him. A rustle of branches and my arrow clacking as he went told me my shot hadn't been as good as I had hoped, and I backed out to give him more time.
With less than an hour of daylight remaining I moved back in, and jumped the javi again. It didn't seem like he was moving very well, and I made a snap desicion to try to get another arrow in him. But we were in a hell hole of a tangle of brush, and try as I might I couldn't manuver into position for a finishing shot. He moved forward from one thicket to the next, and I was always just a split second too late. I did manage a snap shot as he ran at one point, and another time caught him in the open but with no arrow on the string.
Ulimately, I had made the worng choice. I should have just backed out and waited until morning. But now I had a real problem. With no landmarks to go by, and focusing so hard on following the animal, I wasn't sure where I was. To compound matters I had left my pack with compass and GPS back at my chair. I was on my own.
The story would be almost as long as my walk, but the short version is that I came very close to spending an uncomfortable night in the bush. I was foolish to be so illprepared, and will not make that mistake again.
It was my night of poor choices. Poor shot selection. Poor tracking decisions. Unprepared to be in the bush. And wrong decisions on which way to go. But I did make it out just as it was getting too dark to see, and was happy when I finally made it back to my hunting partners.
Post by: knife river on February 20, 2009, 12:00:00 AM
I told him that I'd be pretty tickled just to get a good look at one. After moving to Texas 18 months ago, I'd had one glimpse: as soon as I realized it was a javelina, it was gone. One of my biggest goals for this hunt was to see some, but if I could stalk one, that'd be even better. And if I could put an arrow in one, well that'd be better than gravy on ice cream!
Thursday morning, JC and I corned a few choice spots for hogs and then decided to look for javies. A couple guys had generously shared some info with us and invited us to look at their areas. They'd seen dozens of javies and had multiple stalks. So to the south end of the ranch we went.
We came around a little curve in the road and there stood Steve Tottingham. He said it was a primo area and had several close calls already. He suggested we drive down the road a bit and have a look.
Sure enough, we topped the next little rise and there stood a big boar javie in the middle of the road! We glassed him for a minute before backing the truck over the rise out of sight. JC turned to me and said, "There's your javie. Go get him. But that shirt of yours won't work. It's too close to white and he'll nail you at thirty yards. Take mine." And with that, he peeled off his camo Sitka shirt and handed it to me.
Now there are lots of generous souls who enjoy seeing their friends' success. But it's another big step from that to literally giving the shirt off your back to help your partner succeed.
I didn't get that boar. Never saw him again after he stepped off the road into the cactus thickets, so after returning the borrowed shirt, JC and I drove a couple other roads that were bordered by flats of prickly pear. It wasn't long before we spotted dark shapes moving in the road at a distance: four, perhaps five, javies.
Once again, JC pushed his shirt at me and encouraged me to have at them. As soon as I stepped away from the truck, I realized the wind was completely wrong -- it was blowing directly to them. The stalk would be over before it even started.
We quickly decided to try something that had worked on Monday with hogs: I would stand on the truck's running board while JC drove past the animals. Then with the wind in my favor, I'd step off and slip-hunt back to where they'd been on the road.
Nice plan, but the javies weren't having it. They never came back to the road even after a thirty minute wait. So it goes with hunts. Some are momentary sizzles of hot hope while others are burned in our memory like lightning strikes. This little hunt, such as it was, was memorable in that it gave me a couple minutes to watch javelina do their javelina things. But the most valuable thing I took away from it was the selfless gesture of a friend.
And that pisses me off. Now I'm gonna have to be nice to the bugger next time we hunt together. :wavey: :thumbsup:
Post by: DesertDude on February 20, 2009, 01:39:00 AM
Post by: JC on February 20, 2009, 07:39:00 AM
I too have a life-store of memories from this hunt; absolutely incredible time. The primary joy was simply the time spent with so many old and new friends. If you have never been on a hunt like this, trust me...it will literally change your life. From the moment on after you enjoy cameraderie like this, you will forever be searching for another excuse to join together.
As others have said, the hunting was spectacular! The killing was a little slow ;) , but I can only fault my ineptitude and the literal winds of chance.
That said, soon as this hectic week is behind me, I'll post some pics and comments to add to the already fine stories here.
Post by: Grant Young on February 20, 2009, 09:31:00 AM
Post by: knife river on February 20, 2009, 10:44:00 AM
Post by: Whip on February 20, 2009, 11:03:00 AM
It's been four years since my first Trad Gang group hunt, and they just keep getting better. The friendships made will last a lifetime (I hope) and I look forward to the next time we can do it all again.
As always, we all wish for good hunting, but are more than satisfied just to have been a part of a group like this.
I did have some exciting hunting, but I think the memories that will burn brightest are the "Night of The Wind", the early morning coffee sessions before heading out, and the evening meals we shared. Listening to the stories of others, and belly busting laughs. Those are the things that really made this hunt so special.
Post by: Whip on February 20, 2009, 11:53:00 AM
I had thought of javi's as more daytime animals, but the full moon seemed to keep them from coming out as early as normally expected. Just at dark a group fed out on my end of the road, and I stalked to close the distance.
Finally broadside at 10 yards, my shot looked true, and the javi tore off into the brush. But as often seems to be the case, blood sign was nil. I made a short ground search in the area it had run and saw something move in the cactus ahead of me. I couldn't be sure it was the animal I hit, so I made the decision to back out and wait for morning.
My poor experience from the previous night caused me to be extra cautious, but me fears proved unfounded. The following morning I found my prize laying within 40 yards of the original shot. I must have been very close the night before, but the thick brush hid her well.
I was relived to make the recovery, and especially please when butchering yeilded sweet unspoiled meat. What a relief!
Post by: JC on February 20, 2009, 12:24:00 PM
Post by: Grant Young on February 20, 2009, 03:20:00 PM
Post by: Sean Davis on February 20, 2009, 11:22:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 21, 2009, 08:22:00 AM
:D
"I eased to the edge of the road trying to figure my next move, and Charlie snuck along the edge to catch up with me. Suddenly the javi's came back to the road, led by Blondie! But we were caught flat footed, and were busted before we had a chance."
When I left Joe the action was not long in coming. The javelina I was moving on drifted into the brush before I had gotten in range, so I moved into the brush with them.
The thing about javi's is that when they drift off into the prickly stuff, or even when they are spooked away from the open, they often don't go far before settling down and milling around.
They find great comfort and security off in the brush.
So it was that I found my quarry a mere 30 yards off the sendero. As so often happens with the little musk hogs, an unseen javi moved close as I stalked another.
Caught off guard for this close encounter I moved slowly to turn my body for the shot.
With little to no cover between us I'd just have to take my chances and attempt the shot.
With arrow pointed at the javi's shoulder, I slowly drew my Sunbear, but before even reaching my face with my drawing hand, the little beggar spotted the movement.
I snatched the string on back to anchor and released, but even as the string was slipping off my finger tips, the javi whirled and my arrow passed harmlessly alongside him.
POOP!!! :banghead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 21, 2009, 08:34:00 AM
Slipping along the edge of the sendero I closed the distance, careful not to expose myself to anything Joe might have been working on.
We were possibly ten yards apart with me still on the side of the sendero hugging the brush when the javi's appeared ahead of us.
I thought for a second that I might still have time to "disappear" into the brush, but just as quickly realized that would be impossible.
I just had time to do a quarter turn facing a mesquite and covering my face with my gloved hand willed myself to be invisible.
It looked like it might work as I peeked from between the splayed fingers of my right hand.
The javelina boar that strode confidently toward us was magnificent.
He was large and remarkably had a blond band running around his midsection in addition the the normal collar.
His shoulders in front of the normal band were light blond. I'd never seen a javelina like him before and probably never will again.
Just as I thought he'd be giving Joe a shot I saw the hairs on his back stiffen slightly. DANG! I knew this encounter was about to end and so it did.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 21, 2009, 08:42:00 AM
I saw Joe draw his bow out of the corner of my eye as I carefully watched another javi that stood behind a screen of brush to my right front.
The soft thump of Joe's RER longbow didn't even register alarm in the javi I was watching.
It took a minute but finally it moved into more open cover. I saw a shot opening and though the javi was some 20 yards distant, I felt confident.
I sent a white fletched messenger spinning his way.
At the last instant the carbon shaft clipped a small branch of mesquite and passed harmlessly under the javi.
DANG,DANG, DOUBLE DANG, POOP!!! :knothead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 21, 2009, 08:50:00 AM
From that point on I was unaware of his dilemma. I returned to my seat to watch and wait.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGigSenderospotting.jpg)
It was quiet for a little while, but it didn't take long for the ever present deer to reappear.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09deerinsendero.jpg)
Post by: hill boy on February 21, 2009, 09:42:00 AM
Those pics make me home sick :thumbsup:
Post by: Curveman on February 21, 2009, 11:32:00 AM
In fact, let's everybody go to Quebec in June! We'll just work Tommy and his crew like stolen mules to set up more stands! Joe and Doc can bring some tepees...you in Diablo?! :biglaugh:
Post by: robtattoo on February 21, 2009, 12:03:00 PM
Post by: Gatekeeper on February 21, 2009, 09:33:00 PM
If we have cell phone service I will try to keep local guys up to date on our adventures so they can relay our time at the gig to everyone on Trad Gang.
Post by: fatman on February 21, 2009, 09:45:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 21, 2009, 09:57:00 PM
:bigsmyl:
Post by: Curveman on February 21, 2009, 11:07:00 PM
Post by: killinstuff on February 22, 2009, 06:59:00 AM
Post by: doug77 on February 22, 2009, 08:33:00 AM
doug77
Post by: Whip on February 22, 2009, 07:14:00 PM
The last night of hunting found Charlie, Smiley, and I back at our familiar spot. We had a hot spot nailed down, and were determined to ride it until the end.
Charlie took the northwest end of the road (I was pretty good with my sense of direction by now :rolleyes: ) and Smiley guarded the southeast, leaving me to roam the middle ground.
As was becoming the pattern here, action was slow to start with, but once it got rolling was hot and heavy. First was a group of hogs down Charlies way. They were filtering in my direction, and I eased that way to make the trip shorter for them.
Eventually they turned and headed off, and by then there were javis out down toward Smiley, so I headed back in that direction. And for the rest of the evening that is the way it went. Always getting close, but never getting quite close enough.
Just as dusk settled in Charlie and I made a pincher move on a group of javi's between us, but once again they filtered off before either of us could lose a shaft. Charlie walked the road toward me to rendezvous, and just then I noticed a new group out on the road behind me.
With daylight quickly fading, I double timed in their direction. As I got closer I was able to use paths through the brush to maneuver into position in front of them. The wind was good, and I found a thick prickly pear clump behind which to make my stand.
I could hardly believe my eyes when Blondie was leading the pack. Could it happen at the last minute? No sooneer had the thought registered in my brain than he turned and filtered into the brush in front of me. I watched as he passed through an opening at 20 yards, but it happened fast, and no shot was presented.
The rest of the group followed behind, and one of them ambled my way. It wasn't Blondie, but it would certainly do. As it stopped in an opening at 10 yards I brought the string to my cheek and the arrow was away. Right over his back! Dang!!!!! :banghead:
And then I noticed yet another of the little stink pigs headed straight for me. At less than 8 feet I tried to move my bow, but when he caught the movement he bolted through the opening. And then he stopped and looked back at me - in exactly the same spot his buddy had vacated upon my miss just seconds ago!
The arrow was on its way before I could think about it. The hit appeared to be back further than I would like, but with the sharp quartering away angle I hoped it would do the job. Not being quite sure, I elected to mark my spot with toilet paper and back out. I didn't even walk up to where he stood.
We returned to camp and enjoyed one last huge meal with the rest of our camp mates. The last night of a hunt like this is always bittersweet. We were having the time of our lives, but in the back of our minds we knew it was nearing the end.
I rounded up a posse to help with the search for the javi, and armed with lights we spread out at the scene. Blood sign was nil, but scent in the air was strong. Very Strong! Following noses instead of blood spor, in a matter of minutes they had him. Although it had only been a couple of hours though, we weren't quite fast enough. Coyotes had already found him, and had a front quarter nearly eaten.
Put out by being chased off from his evening meal, the coyote yipped and barked from back in the brush. JC yipped right back at him and as the domanant predators of this night we claimed stake to the rest of it.
Back at camp as I skinned him out I found the rest of the meat to be clean and untainted, and it was quickly bagged and put on ice. How cool is that? To be able to literally share a meal with a true predator of the wild! I don't mind a bit!
Post by: Whip on February 22, 2009, 07:19:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009009-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009016-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009017-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009015-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009033-1.jpg)
Post by: Whip on February 22, 2009, 07:21:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009047-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009040-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009041-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009050-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009065-2.jpg)
Post by: Whip on February 22, 2009, 07:23:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009067-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009078-1.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009022c.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009017C.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009016C.jpg)
Post by: hormoan on February 22, 2009, 07:35:00 PM
Post by: Curveman on February 22, 2009, 07:37:00 PM
(http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j2/stevet_01/IMG_0116-1.jpg)
Post by: Whip on February 22, 2009, 07:52:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009057.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009054.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009066.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigGig2009065.jpg)
Post by: IB on February 22, 2009, 08:23:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_CampO_B_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_CampO_C_e.JPG)
Post by: IB on February 22, 2009, 08:28:00 PM
Post by: Curveman on February 22, 2009, 08:42:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 22, 2009, 08:53:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_Whip_n2_e.JPG)
Post by: IB on February 22, 2009, 09:00:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_Woodrowatwork_e.JPG)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_Woodrowatwork_B_e.JPG)
Post by: Barney on February 22, 2009, 09:07:00 PM
Post by: IB on February 22, 2009, 09:46:00 PM
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_WoddyPoint_StJudesTippet_Shell_e.JPG)
Post by: knife river on February 22, 2009, 09:52:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 23, 2009, 06:49:00 AM
As I said before, the days kinda ran together as good times often do. Good meals, good friends and good hunting meld and speed by us way too quickly.
If I could have access to a time machine I'd have gotten in it on the last day and returned to the first day over and over. Alas, I must commit it to memory and a few written words.
One of my vigils on dead hog road (there was a partially eatin pig half way down the sendero), was particularly long and uneventful. I took a little time to play with my camera and got these shots.
Self portrait...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09selfportrait.jpg)
Back in the winter I sent "Curly" off to Oregon to have his grip checkered. A little pricey, but worth it in the end I guess... I'm very happy with the workmanship and feel.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09checkering.jpg)
This doe showed little fear of me and often fed within 15 yards although she knew quite well I was there... don't know what the heck was going on with her neck.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09scruffydoe1.jpg)
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09scruffydoe2.jpg)
Armadillo it's not just for breakfast anymore...
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09armadillo.jpg)
Post by: Charlie Lamb on February 23, 2009, 07:00:00 AM
It was a welcome distraction from the constant neck craning, watching up and down the sendero.
I snapped this photo as he plinked his way back down the sendero to his post at the "tower of doom"... it's where he climbed up for the view and left his bow at the bottom only to have javies walk within a few feet of it.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09Smileynswalk.jpg)
Here's a couple of the local flora... they are not your friends! This one in particular would get you. It often grows amongst the camoflaging limbs of a green spineless shrub that almost has an evergreen appearance. I got stuck a couple of times brushing against what I thought5 was a harmless plant.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09sneakycactus.jpg)
I didn't see many of these, but they are pretty obvious in there armament.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09littlebarrelcactus.jpg)
And finally the ever present prickly pear cactus. Get to cozy with this one and you'll pay for days.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGig09fulldraw.jpg)
Post by: paleFace on February 23, 2009, 09:24:00 AM
Post by: Curveman on February 23, 2009, 11:32:00 AM
Post by: knife river on February 23, 2009, 11:51:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Iron Bull:Vance, that top bead must be the size of a watermelon!!! That bear-rib knife was in the 7 - 8" range, wasn't it? Everything looks small compared to that 5 pound hunk of glass!
Here's what it ended up looking like next to the St. Jude's Tippit/Shell...Knife and Sheath........ :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/vance/09_PG_WoddyPoint_StJudesTippet_Shell_e.JPG)
Post by: IB on February 23, 2009, 01:37:00 PM
(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d171/IronBull_/Smileys/Bug.gif)
Post by: knife river on February 23, 2009, 02:12:00 PM
Post by: killinstuff on February 23, 2009, 07:11:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on February 23, 2009, 07:19:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on February 23, 2009, 09:57:00 PM
from what we were told they did some trapping back in October and the biologist survey done after the trapping only produced 61 hogs on 10,000 plus acres. about 1 hog per 83 acres. not very good odds. they also said there were only a few javi's on the ranch, but we saw more of them than hogs and they were off limits.
we did get in on a little jack rabbit hunting at night around camp. i think we ended up with 4 or 5 rabbits.
any way that's why it's called hunting and not killing. still had a good time and it was nice catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
looking forward to next year already!
Post by: Missouri CK on February 23, 2009, 10:06:00 PM
Chris
Post by: Curveman on February 23, 2009, 10:08:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on February 23, 2009, 10:14:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 23, 2009, 11:34:00 PM
Post by: paleFace on February 24, 2009, 08:45:00 AM
Any way give the brothers a little ribbing :knothead: for the week 3 crew. tell em we are really bad mouthing them. :bigsmyl: that ought to get em stirred up and telling some good stories.
tell Gene you heard he was trying just about anything to lure in one of those pigs. that you heard he even resorted to drinking in the blind as well as filling it up with corn. :biglaugh:
Post by: IndianaBowman on February 24, 2009, 12:34:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on February 25, 2009, 01:04:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on February 25, 2009, 06:03:00 AM
Mr Lash, Did you find any souvineers from the last Texas trip?
Great to see Doug out.
That Woody is an awesome artist.
JC,s cookin? Oh man, Scary!!! Joe's favorite saying any time he sees a critter-"Them's good eatin". :thumbsup: Come see me sometime. CK
Post by: Whip on February 25, 2009, 07:29:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Littlefeather:As a matter of fact I did Curtis! They are very special souvenirs indeed! In thanks I have plans to bring some special Wisconsin souvenirs for you the next time we get together! :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Mr Lash, Did you find any souvenirs from the last Texas trip?
:biglaugh: :biglaugh:
It seems I brought some more souvenirs back with me again this year. I guess that makes me a collector! :rolleyes:
Post by: Littlefeather on February 25, 2009, 08:09:00 AM
Post by: Doug Campbell on February 25, 2009, 11:12:00 AM
Joe brought two or three coolers full of cheese I think, it a wonder the whole camp wasn't "plugged up" :D Great stuff Joe, thanks!
Gene and Barry had some pretty stiff compitition in the camp jokester dept with JC and Woody, never a dull momment... ;)
Post by: Littlefeather on February 25, 2009, 11:42:00 AM
Post by: IB on February 25, 2009, 11:48:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on February 25, 2009, 02:06:00 PM
Post by: Wiley Coyote on March 01, 2009, 09:53:00 AM
Post by: LEOPARD on March 01, 2009, 10:23:00 AM
Post by: fatman on March 01, 2009, 09:11:00 PM
"I can tell by your hat you ain't from around here...."
:bigsmyl:
Post by: ksbowman on March 01, 2009, 09:30:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on March 02, 2009, 04:08:00 AM
Post by: Guru on March 02, 2009, 08:27:00 AM
Post by: fatman on March 02, 2009, 09:04:00 AM
I missed a shot Thursday night; definitely will practice my "Night shooting" before the next trip. Also, the pigs were "on" to the night hunting thing pretty quick and didn't put up with the light too well.
Gatekeeper had a little more action, I'll let him tell the tale....
Anchorman (Lonnie) shot a pig Thursday evening and KISS (Bill) got it on video....
:campfire:
Post by: fatman on March 02, 2009, 04:36:00 PM
(overheard)
"You feel bad, don't you? Don't let it bother you, you're just not good enough..." :banghead:
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 03, 2009, 08:54:00 AM
I have one little jewel that I overlooked from my Pig Gig experience. I'm the proud owner of a Jeff "Tippet" Springer knife.
The pictures don't do it justice and it's quite unique... para chord grip with finger grip forged into the handle.
It's a great knife and razor sharp.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/charlie/PigGigTippitparaknife.jpg)
Post by: Littlefeather on March 03, 2009, 08:56:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 03, 2009, 09:05:00 AM
Post by: Littlefeather on March 03, 2009, 09:07:00 AM
Post by: Guru on March 03, 2009, 10:04:00 AM
Post by: tippit on March 03, 2009, 02:02:00 PM
Post by: robtattoo on March 03, 2009, 02:22:00 PM
Wrong ear Charlie! :biglaugh:
Post by: smiley on March 03, 2009, 09:46:00 PM
cousine on the way home (http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/waynehoffman/pigig002.jpg)
(http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd45/waynehoffman/pigig001.jpg)
:biglaugh:
Post by: Whip on March 03, 2009, 10:55:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 04, 2009, 09:27:00 AM
2/22/09
This adventure, like all adventures, began on the road. My travel and hunting partners for the trip were Ben Saye (ksbowman) and Kevin Symes (Fatman). Our destination is the fourth week 2009 Wensel Pig Gig at the Vinson Ranch. Travel time was estimated to be 9.5 hours from Paola, Kansas where we connected to Ben’s trailer and head for Texas.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/BenSleeping.jpg)
Wakeup time for me was 01:00. Shower, gear check and on the road by 02:00 to pick-up Kevin by 03:20. By 03:30 we were at Ben’s and at 03:45 we were Texas bound. The trip was an uneventful easy drive. After buying tags, food and corn we arrived at the ranch around 3:00. We pulled into the ranch and met the Wensel boys setup our camp and then headed out with Barry and Gene to see the boundaries of our hunting area.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/SettingupCamp.jpg)
The trip back to our hunting area was a little surreal. As if the boys had radioed ahead and said “okay release the game animals.” The road out of camp had turkey strutting to the south, deer pouring out of the brush and into the wheat fields and in the wheat field about .5 mile out of camp stood a sounder of the quarry that we were in pursuit of….HOGS! Big hogs! Hot Damn this is going to be fun!
Our hunting ground lay at the end of the long gavel road northeast of where we camped and, although I never checked the trip meter, I would guess it was a good two miles by road before we entered our hunting area. Our hunting area is known as the Macon Pasture and the north end of Fort Davis. Total acreage to be shared by four hunters was roughly…get this…3000 acres!
After the drive through and brief instructions of where we were on the map the Wensel’s cut us loose. The first order of business…corn some the roads and see what gets hit the hardest by the next day and drive as may off shoot roads as possible before dark to get a feel for the place. To say the least I was very pleased with our parcel of land.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/CorningtheRoads.jpg)
We jumped out frequently to look at different terrain features, checked watering holes for wallows and to look for pig travel routes. It was at one of the watering holes that I was introduced to the lesson that casually brushing against vegetation in Texas is not a wise thing to do. OUCH! What the hell was that! Oh…Cactus the plant that keeps on giving. I’m sure glad that wasn’t any taller.
This ranch was exactly as it was described on the Brothers of the Bow web site. Rolling terrain, some cactus, mesquite and calf high grass with lots and lots of places for pigs to hide. What this part of the world was missing is water which was going to make stalking challenging but it meant waterholes were going to be a magnet for wildlife….
Post by: BMN on March 04, 2009, 09:38:00 AM
Can't wait for the stories. :campfire:
Post by: Guru on March 04, 2009, 09:52:00 AM
Post by: Angus on March 04, 2009, 10:20:00 AM
Post by: fatman on March 04, 2009, 10:41:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on March 04, 2009, 11:57:00 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Whip:
Big mistake. You already had way too much gas. :scared: Hope you shared that vertical smile of yours with the other guys too... :D
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 04, 2009, 12:10:00 PM
This would be another day of exploration of the area and preparing our plan of attack. The three of us jump out at the far north end of the main road in the Macon pasture and proceed into the bush on foot. With a south wind Ben and I headed east while Kevin heads west.
Right off Ben and I see evidence of pigs. 40 yards off the road we find a good size old dried up wallow that lay at the base of the dam of a dried up pond. We continue heading east on a well worn beaten down game trail. Scat litters the trail and thin thread like trails connect into this main artery. Up ahead to the north reveals why this is such a hot spot…a corn feeder. The feeder sits outside the fence line on what appears to be public land running next to the road. Further investigation reveals no corn on the ground and none on head of the feeder. The scat on the trail is also, although shiny, rock hard and dry. This may have been a hot spot at one time but it has been void of action for quite a while.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/BenandMe.jpg)
We preceded east walking slowly, glassing distant patches of prickly pear, shady areas and any place that we thought would appeal to a pig. But our outing revealed zero pigs. There was plenty of evidence that pigs had been in the area but the majority of the sign was old. Ben did find a well use rub so I had him pose near it. Doesn’t he look happy?
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/BenandtheRub.jpg)
We arrive back at the truck a few hours later to find Kevin shooting at prickly pears. We had taken walkie talkies and prearranged to contact each other at 12:30 but my seven mile range walkie talkies only seem to work as Ben said when we could see each other.
Time to check the corned roads, set out game cameras and make plans for the evening hunt. The main road didn’t show much sign in the way of pig action but a couple of the side roads had fresh pig tracks on them and the corn had been vacuumed up. Since the area was so dry we figured our best chance for action on the cameras would be the watering holes. One camera was set on the northeast side of the Fish Camp pond. This pond at one time, and it will be again when they get rain, must have been a large a fairly deep pond but now it is a mere skeleton of what the waterline shows it could be. The northeast end of the pond had an old wallow so this is where we positioned the camera and poured out the corn.
The other watering hole was west of the Fish Camp by about .125 of a mile, if that far. We started calling this the Molasses Pond because the rancher had filled up a molasses tank and molasses was leaking out of the tank and running down a hill.
This too was at one time a decent size pond but at this time it was a mere shadow of its self. The Molasses Pond had fairly fresh wallow signs and lots of old wallow signs. On the north and there was a beaten down well worn groove in the ground that the hogs had been using. So we setup the camera on the north end and laid out two corn lines leading to our corn pile that lay in front of the camera. The north end along the edge of the brush is where I wanted to be when the sun ended its workday on our side of the world, but for now we would only setup our reconnaissance device and head back to camp for lunch.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/CameraSetup.jpg)
Around 5:30 I found myself back at the north end of the Molasses Pond trying to pick out the best spot to ambush a pig. Never having done this kind of hunting before I wasn’t sure of the best way to get the upper hand on these beasts. I milled about for a few minutes walking into the bush about 5 yards looking for a good place to put my back against without getting too close to the trail I thought the pigs might be using. Of course I knew I needed the wind in my face. So with the north northeast wind I was limited to the west / southwest side of the trail. I eventually settled on a spot where the ground was a little higher then the pig trail and the spot held a shallow depression where I placed my three legged chair. This spot put me 17 yards west of the pig trail that was cutout in the ground in front of me. This spot provide plenty of cover. To the north of me was a mesquite tree, to northeast some other kind of thorny bush and behind me a large tall patch of prickly pear. Sounds cozy doesn’t it? Time to settle in and prepare myself for some pig action, the time now was about 5:40.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/Map1.jpg)
I set up my stool, slip out of my pack and had plans of putting on my Gillie suit but before I make too much movement I think to myself “you should look around to make sure nothing is coming.” I look to the northeast and…. A holy smokes….there’s a pig standing at the edge of the thick brush on the trail I was just standing on a few minutes ago! The pig is twenty yards away at best. I was told “don’t worry you will hear the pigs coming long before you see them.” Ha…I laugh at that! My bow is leaning against a tree, within reach thank goodness, but without an arrow nocked. To say I was rattled is an under statement! I slowly slid my hand over and picked up the bow and ease an arrow from the quiver and at the same time the pigs are on the move. Coming from the Mid West I use to seeing un-startled deer move slowly along as they move from bedding area to their food or water source but these little twerps move like ants. They point their little torpedo bodies in the direction they want to go and get with. There are eight in this sounder. Two are gray and black and the rest are black. All the pigs appear to be in the 80lb to 120lb range. They all move out of the bush and into the open and cluster around on a flat spot next to the trail. There is the thorny bush to my northeast between us and we are now separated by only 15 yards. My adrenaline peak meter was pegged my heart was about explode out of my chest and I still needed to get and arrow nocked!
I looked down and proceed to move slowly to get an arrow on the string while at the same time trying to watch the pigs and predict their next move. Then all of a sudden the largest gray and black pig, I named him The Joker because he had big black clown lip markings, lets out a growl! “That doesn’t sound good” I think to myself. When The Joker made this growl he pointed himself right at me and gave me a hard stare! At the same time all the other pigs started to jostle around as if they were about to take off but they weren’t sure which direction they should run. The stare down lasted for 10 or 15 seconds but seemed a lot longer. Then one of the black pigs started trotting down the trail. Show-time!
I watch as one by one the pigs fall into line and head down the trail. I point my vision to the lead pig and ready my bow. I start tracking the lead pig with my bow pull the string back, anchor and release… Thump is the sound I hear from my 56”, 55# Centaur longbow and I see the 650 gain 31.5” white fletched Carbon Express 250 arrow sail across the drainage on line with the lead pig’s vitals and in a flash the STOS tipped arrow smacks solidly into the bank behind the pig. Dang-it… I shot high! The arrow passed just an inch over the pigs shoulder. Crap…Crap…double CRAP! I practice at this range all the time what gives?
Meanwhile, the other pigs scatter some going east the rest head north but the lead pig, the one I shot at, went southwest. At this point my head is spinning trying to figure out what went wrong while at the same time trying to keep track of all the pigs.
I hold my position hoping the scattered pigs will regroup and come back. As I sit I replay the whole scenario in my head and then it hit me…”you idiot” I think to myself “you didn’t pick a spot!” Sad, sad, sad…
As I sit kicking myself I hear a grunt! What…the lead pig is still hanging around and it’s down wind of me. Peeking over the mound of prickly pear I see the black pig trotting to the south, out of range and moving further and further away I sit and contemplate my options. Having no experience hunting these animals I wasn’t sure what to do. Breaking away from my post would put me in the open and may give away my position while staying put may bring another shot. What to do… what to do.
The pig slips down to the east side of the pond and disappears from my line of site. I am torn at this point. The aggressive voice in my head is screaming “MOVE! Use the rocks and other features in the area to conceal your movement and close the distance on that pig! Get behind the large rocks that are about 70 yards out!” The conservative voice is telling me to “hold my position. The pig may return to the last spot it was with its sounder, besides I will be up wind if I start advancing on the pig.” I elected to try and beat the pig’s nose by staying put.
The pig fulfils its need for water and starts trotting north in my direction. Is this really going to work? I set patiently with an arrow nocked and my eyes glued to the pigs every move. The pig makes its way up to the northern edge of the pond’s water line and rummages around awhile and then turns east trotting towards and eventually by the very rock that my aggressive voice was telling to get behind. Rats! There it goes in to the brush and out of sight.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/PointingtoPig.jpg)
I remained in the same spot until dark hoping other pigs would scamper by but tonight wasn’t meant to be the night for me to make a kill. Making my way down to retrieve my arrow I again made the mistake of casually brushing against another one of Texas’s finest…ooooohhh that hurts…
Post by: PV on March 04, 2009, 12:58:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on March 04, 2009, 01:34:00 PM
Chris
Post by: shortstroke 91 on March 04, 2009, 02:56:00 PM
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Seems like I've been there myself.
Post by: Whip on March 04, 2009, 05:37:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 04, 2009, 08:30:00 PM
:wavey: :thumbsup:
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 04, 2009, 10:18:00 PM
I get a little long winded but what I write goes into my journal so when I read about my past hunts years down the road I hope my words will jog my memory of those days and bring a smile to my face. Besides, I love reading the stories that are shared on this site and hope to give back some of the joy I get from reading about other member’s adventures.
Yep Charlie, I’m hooked! :bigsmyl:
Post by: Guru on March 05, 2009, 06:40:00 AM
Post by: Whip on March 05, 2009, 09:42:00 AM
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 05, 2009, 09:44:00 AM
Wakeup was 05:00 and we were in field at first shooting light. On this morning Ben and I were hunting the north end of the Fort Davis Pasture. Ben was hunting the east side and I hunted the west side of the main road running through the pasture. The part of the pasture on the west side of the road is about (I’m guessing here) 300 yards deep east to west. West of this pasture (Fort Davis) is the Rough Pasture. Out of respect to anyone hunting that pasture I stayed at least 75 yards away from the fence line.
The terrain for this area has some gradual inclines with quite a few cuts or arroyo running through the landscape. Other features are the ever present mesquite and prickly pear. On the north end is the only water feature for this pasture and the cattle traffic shows this to be the only watering hole. The grass on the north end of the pasture is pounded flat and there are trails going in all directions from all the cattle using this area. This makes for easy and quiet stalking but I am skeptical whether I will see anything with as much cattle activity that has been in this part of the pasture.
The plan is to meet back up with Ben and Kevin at 09:30 on the main road. My initial thought, after seeing all the cattle signs, was 09:30 isn’t going to get here fast enough. Regardless of the conditions I figured I’d make the best of the situation. I still hunted my way through the pasture. Take a few steps, look, glass, listen and repeat. Within minutes of starting out coyotes broke out in song southwest of my position and they were close. Hmmm I thought “I wonder what pigs think of coyotes?”
The morning was uneventful so I parked myself, after about and hour and a half of still hunting, against a tree along the edge of arroyo. The vantage point was decent and I found the surroundings peaceful. Minutes later the song dogs started back up. Hmmm I wonder if I can call in a yote? “Ah what the hell” so I broke out the rabbit in distress call and gave a few blasts in their direction but it was to no avail the dogs weren’t interested.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/Me1.jpg)
After 20 minutes of sitting and glassing I continued still hunting to the south. As I stood in the shadow of a tree I looked to the west and lo and behold there stood a bobcat 40 yards away looking back at me. “Ha…how cool is that” I thought. For fun I kept moving towards him to see how close he would let me get. The answer to that is 35 yards.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/Bobcat.jpg)
The time at that point was around 08:45. The wind is out of the south and the south southwest and blowing around 10 or 15 mph. I continue hunting my way south and ahead of me I hear the repetitive popping of the natural gas powered oil pumping rigs. The popping is just loud enough that it is distracting and I found it difficult to pick out other sounds in the area. Around 09:05 I hear leaves rustling to the east northeast. Holding my position I glass over the area but see nothing moving. The sound reminds me of a squirrel on the forest floor but I hadn’t seen a squirrel the whole time that I had been in Texas so I figured the sound was being made by and armadillo or turkey.
Trying to keep my form small I crouched down and moved out into the open meadow and peeked over a small knoll to see down into a small grove of trees that are growing in a low lying area next to an arroyo. In that grove stood a large black hog rooting around in the middle of the tree grove. Holy Smokes! Just when I am about to through in the towel for this area I came across the largest pig that I had seen up to that point!
Checking the wind again I slipped down the northwest side of the knoll while being very aware of where I placed my feet. At that point I found the noise of the oil pumps to be a blessing. Ever so slowly I eased my way down into and through the arroyo.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/SecondDaysHunt1.jpg)
The grass in the arroyo is broken over and semi compressed which makes for a silent approach. I check the wind again…perfect it’s in my favor and I could see the pig but I had to stay low because I was out in the open. I continued my advance very slowly closing the gap to 25 yards but there was still a lot of thick vegetation growing in the grove separating the pig and me. Another wind check shows that I still have a green light. I was on the north northwest side of the tree groove standing in the arroyo which put me about four feet lower than the pig. I advanced another five yards…
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/SecondDaysHunt2.jpg)
the wind blew and all hell broke loose! The small grove of trees exploded with pork action!
The pig I had been stalking busted out of the grove and vanished in the bush to the south and to my surprise five other pigs sprang up out of the under growth! Wow! Two pigs stayed in the grove behind thick brush, two ran out to the south southwest edge just far enough to poke their noses out of the brush but kept their bodies hidden and the last one a red and black sow ran completely out into the open and stood 15 or less yards from me! What dumb blind luck! All of these pigs were 175+ pounds! Had I known there was a sounder there I would have rethought my approach but at the time the single black pig was the only pig I knew about and the wind for that pig was perfect. Now what? The balls in their court now my recon mission is all but over. I need them to go back to a relaxed state so at that point the waiting game was on.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/SecondDaysHunt3.jpg)
The red hog stood with her butt facing me. Because of my position, standing down in the arroyo, I was almost brown eye level with her, sort of speak. I was standing straight up at that point with my bow readied and tension being applied to the string with a split fingered grip. I was ready! My focus was concentrated on the level of her vitals area. All I needed was for her to turn to the west, her right, to give me a quartering away or broadside shot opportunity. The stand off seemed like an eternity. I watched her as she looked left and right and saw her ears move around as she scanned the area looking and listening for the threat that had spooked her sounder. She had no idea that I was standing behind her! The pigs were silent not a peep was coming from any of them. Then as quickly as the hogs had come into view the sounder exploded for the second time and vanished into the brush to the south without offering me a clean shot. Dang that was fun!
Further investigation revealed that the wind was blowing hard enough that an eddy affect had been created on the side of the grove where I had advanced to, which pulled my scent into the trees and alerted the hogs. Another lesson learned. A short time later I hear the sound of the diesel truck coming down the road. My ride was on its way.
Evening Hunt
The evening hunt was an uneventful hunt but I’ll describe it anyway. I sat wearing a Gillie suit at the top lip of an arroyo along the northeast corner of the Macon pasture. This was one of the furthest places on our parcel of ground away from the main road so I figured it would be a place the hogs may find as a secure area.
Ben and I scouted this place our first day out and the area I picked had a lot of game trails coming from the south and heading to the wheat field to the north. After studying the area a little more I realized the animals were following the shallow draw that drops down from the south and ended at the arroyo and most of those trails converged at a single crossing point at the arroyo. North of that arroyo crossing was a well worn depression under the fence separating the Macon Pasture from the wheat field.
The dry arroyo snakes it way from the east to the west and ends at a ¼ acre pond that is about a ¼ mile from where I choose to setup. Of course like all the ponds this one is a lot smaller then it would be had the area be receiving average rainfall. I chose not to hunt the water hole because the cattle stay pretty close to it most of the day and I’m not sure if the pigs would intermingle with the cattle.
The wind for that night was fickle. When I setup I had southwest 10 MPH wind in my in my face. At the edge of the arroyo, where I setup, there was a mesquite tree that I used to breakup my form from the opposite side of the arroyo and a couple of mesquite trees behind me that would increase the breakup affect. The trail that I hunted was 15 yards to my right. Any animal crossing the arroyo would have to climb up the 10’ bank of the arroyo and that would block their view of my draw.
To bad I did’nt get to test this theory. Remember why I didn’t want to hunt the waterhole? Guess who came to visit about and hour before dusk? Yep…cows. And remember the SW wind? Well it turned into a west…no wait a northwest…no wait a north…northeast…north…northwest…west…northwest…okay I concede.
On the way out to pick up Ben and Kevin I came across a pig on the main road of the Macon Pasture and by design there happen to be a one million candle powered spotlight lying on the seat beside me. As I slowly drove up to the hog it nonchalantly stepped off the road and when I hit it with the light it went about its routine as if I wasn’t there. Hmmm…interesting.
When I picked up Ben and Kevin I told them “hey there is a pig north of here walking around on the road and it could care less about the truck being close to it.” “Do you want to try a get it?” Ben eagerly accepted the challenge so off we went. I’ll let Ben pick up this part of the story since he was the man on the ground.
Ben you're up!
Post by: fatman on March 05, 2009, 11:49:00 AM
you got a real knack for the written word :D
Post by: BMN on March 05, 2009, 05:50:00 PM
Ben, we're waiting.
Post by: ksbowman on March 05, 2009, 08:52:00 PM
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 05, 2009, 10:15:00 PM
This morning was very slow. No action to speak of. I hunted the far northern most square of the Macon pasture. I tried this area because nobody had been in the area since our arrival and the previous evening deer were pouring out of this part of the pasture and into the wheat field that was to my north. So I had to investigate the area for pigs but I found very few signs of pigs in the area. This day turned out to be one of the hottest days of the trip. The reported temperature was 96F. The evening hunt was a repeat of the morning. Nothing was moving. When we got back to camp most the people were reporting the same thing. “We didn’t see anything.”
I had decided earlier that day that I was going to do a night hunt on this evening. When I say night hunt I mean hunt in the dark. Ha ha ha…only in Texas.
Ben was gun-ho earlier in the day about joining me for the night hunt but his eye lids seemed to follow the sinking of the sun so I was on my own. Before heading out I practiced in camp. There is an art to this, a guy just doesn’t go out and start night hunting with out some practice. So between 8:00 and 9:00 I set in camp with a headlamp on and practiced shooting my bow in the dark with the aid of a headlamp.
I shot at distances of 10, 15, 20, 25 and if I put myself in the neighbors’ camp 30 yards. Piece of cake this is doable. The trick was to get the light angled to the side of my bow arm and pointed to where I looked. Too far to the left, for me, would light up the bow and hide the target too far to the right would put the target in darkness. Thump, thump thump. I was hitting right where I looked. “I can do this” I reassured myself.
At 9:45 I said goodnight to the guys and head out. My destination was the north end of the Fish Camp pond. I parked on the main road and walked into the camp under the cover of darkness. When I got to the fence crossing on the northwest side of the pond I clicked on my light. Well, well, well hello little piggy. There near the corn stood a raccoon and an 80 to a 100 pound black pig. It scurried when I hit it with the light but the coon stayed. I continued my walk into the area in the dark and set myself up next to a 3.5’ tall, cutoff, multi branched trunk near the edge of the northwest water line. I set on the south side of the trunk facing northeast. 20 yards to my east was a fresh wallow, 15 yards to my northeast was scattered corn and 40 yards away is where I saw the pig standing.
The wind was out of the north northeast and the night sky only shares its space with the twinkling stars. For the week of the 22nd was a new moon. I got setup, arrow nocked and setback comfortable in my chair. It was 10:00.
At 10:05 I hear, what seemed like, loud crunching. I reach up turn on my light and there stands a pig 40 yards away and it is not alarmed by the light. Undoubtedly this was the same pig that I saw while standing at the fence line. I click off the light and I wonder to myself “what can I get away with on this type of hunt?” I ease over pick up my bow, stand, click on the light and click off the light. Same reaction from the pig… I can hear the pig eating. I gently advance 5 yards, click on, look, click off. No change. Hmmm… Slowly advancing 5 more yards and repeat with the same results. Interesting…. 5 more yards and I can feel the rush start to run through my body. Pulse quickens, breathing increases the hunting high is on! Click on, look, click off. The pig stands 25 yards from me broadside, eating and relaxed. I tell myself I want to close in 5 more yards before shooting. I slip over the soft semi moist soil of the pond bed along the water’s edge another 5 yards. At this point I can see the outline of the pig’s body against the lighter colored ground behind it. I can tell it is in the same position from my spot 5 yards back. I reach up click on my headlamp and start to slide my hand down to my bow (I had to use my bow hand to turn on the headlamp because I can’t feel or operate the button on the light with my string hand, the glove is too thick) my right hand reaches my bow and I slowly bring the bow into shooting position. Then I hear SQUAWK and the pig disappears into the darkness. Ha ha ha… I sure didn’t make plans for that! A little shore bird was sitting a few feet from me and my movement caused it to send out and alarm call. Another lesson learned and back to the chair.
10:45 I expect a hand to come through the computer screen and slap me for this one. Sitting in the pitch blackness, my eyes have adjusted to the mono hue landscape that surrounds me and the slightest of sounds are amplified. I sit admiring the stars and noticing their movement across the night sky. From the northeast a torpedo shaped form appears to float inches above the ground and headed my way. Hear we go!
I slowly reached over and pick up my bow with the arrow already nocked. The torpedo form of course is a pig. The pig quietly slips into the area of scattered corn 15 yards from where I sat. I gave it a few minutes, maybe two minutes, to get comfortable in the area. I could hear it breathing, moving around and the corn crunching in its mouth. I am excited but my emotions are in check. “This is a slam dunk shot you can do this” I mentally tell myself.
Reaching up I click on the light and look at the pig. The pig was startled by the sudden light, it had no idea I was there, and it retreats into the darkness. Clicking off the light my eyes readjust to the night and I can see the pig return. Again I wait to let pig settle in. Then I click on the light again and the pig continues with its feast. Sliding my bow hand down to my bow and hooking my fingers around my string, while seated, I raise the bow and draw the string to my anchor point aim a couple inches above where the front leg connects to the body and relaxed my string hand. Thump…went my longbow and sparks flash under the pigs armpit and the pig disappears harmlessly into the night. Siiiiiigh…. Yep I dropped my bow arm. A 15 YARD SHOT ON THE GROUND AND I MISSED…AGAIN! I wonder if I would be any good at knitting.
11:20 off to the southeast I hear activity and I know its hogs. These are the first hogs I have heard coming in noisily. Lots of grunts and a couple of squeals came from this sounder. They came in for a drink and I light them up with 120 lumens flashlight. There were six total and they all look to be around 80# except for one and I guessed it to be 120#. The sounder is around 70 yards away. Without the aid of the flashlight I cannot see them. So I remain content to sit and listen to their little hooves shuffling on the ground, the snorts, grunts and squeals they make as they go about their night activities. Trying to put a night stalk on them would be pointless. Approaching them from the west along the pond dam would be my only option and that area was full of mesquite trees and cactus and any other approach would put me up wind. So waiting them out and hoping they would move to me was my best option.
They continue with their actions for ten minutes. I flashed the light on them a couple more times for location reference. Then, while sitting in the darkness, I could hear one that sounded louder then the rest. Patiently I waited and before long I could make out the shape of a pig against the reflective surface of the pond. There was a sliver of land on the east side of the pond that jetted out into the pond and the pig was using that area to try and get down wind of me. Smaaart….
I lit the pig up with a quick flash of my headlamp and it scampered back to the east. The black mud coated pig was about 35 or 40 yards away at that time. The pig moved to the north a little further skirting the edge of the waterline by about 10’. By that time I had my bow in hand and the biological hunting rush was on. The pig had closed the gap to 25 yards I could see its silhouette against the lighter colored soil background. Its approach was cautious but I think at that time it was smelling the corn which was 35+ yards up wind from it. I click my head lamp on and the pig froze for a second and then it started trotting north to the corn. By that time one hand was on my bow and the other on the string. If the pig continued on its course it would give me a 20yd broadside shot.
I raised my bow put tension on the string and started tracking the pig with the bow. The image of the hunt still burns fresh in my memory! As the pig starts to line up broadside to me I begin to draw the bow and focus on its vitals. Five more yards and the pot belly porker will be 20 yards broadside to me. 5, 4, 3 I have the bow drawn to three quarter draw and then the pig makes a low loud guttural UUUUUHHHHH sound while at the same time spinning to the southeast and breaking into a flat out run and continuing to make the UUUUUHHHH, UUUUUHHH sound as it leaves the Fish Camp Pond. All I could do was laugh. I’m not sure if the pig caught me moving or maybe smelled my scent on the arrow that stuck in the ground near the corn. Whatever the case I’m convinced that UUUUHHHH in pig talk means RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! Because seconds later I set all alone at the waterline of the Fish Camp Pond.
That was the end of the action for that night and I stopped hunting at 01:00 because wake for the morning hunt was 05:00.
Post by: fatman on March 05, 2009, 10:40:00 PM
Post by: Shaun on March 05, 2009, 11:55:00 PM
Post by: Dave Bulla on March 06, 2009, 03:16:00 AM
Keep at it Tom. That night hunting sounds like a hoot.
Post by: BMN on March 06, 2009, 09:27:00 AM
More please :coffee:
Post by: Guru on March 06, 2009, 10:34:00 AM
This is the rig I used to shoot a hog in the dark of pre-dawn on the first morning of the Solana Ranch hunt this past Jan.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09016.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09015.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Solana%20II/Solana09051.jpg)
It's just a modified headlamp.I think about 75 lumen and shoots a nice concentrated beam. I shot this hog at about 17yds and the light is real good out to about 20yds. That's about as far as I'd shoot in the dark anyway.
Also have a red lens for it, but I shot this one with the plain white light....it shines wherever your bow is pointed. Nice too because you can turn it on and lower it slowly...
Post by: fatman on March 06, 2009, 10:45:00 AM
I've talked to a couple of Texans since my return, and there's definitely an art/science to night hunting that many of us don't experience until our first trip down there. As Tom said, a little practice beforehand defintely helps....
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 06, 2009, 12:09:00 PM
I do realize that some people may frown on this type of hunting (not you guys commenting) but our purpose for being on the ranch was to thin out the pig population and in Texas hog hunting can go on 24/7.
The daylight hog activity was very spotty at best. When we would get back to camp one of the first things to be done was look at the meat pole and the second was start asking if the other hunters were seeing anything. One of the guys in the camp next to us hadn’t seen a hog, pig or piglet the whole time he was there until Friday night when he went night hunting.
This ranch had been hunted two weeks prior to our hunt and with Hogdancer roaming the grounds the word must have gotten out that guys carrying sticks with strings on them are dangerous. Another factor that may have contributed to the shy pigs may have been the helicopter kill that the conservation department conducted on one of neighboring ranches the week before we arrived for our hunt. We got this information from the owner of the ranch. He said that the conservation department shot 120 something pigs on the neighboring ranch.
Curt,
I like your setup. That would be a lot better than the headlamp. What I found to be the drawback to the headlamp was the after the shot affect. My bow would pass in front of the light beam and hide the flight of the arrow for just a brief second. I didn’t like that affect.
My headlamp is 25 lumens at it’s brightest setting and it lit up the area really good. I kept a 120 lumens hand held light in my jacket pocket to light a pig up and follow it after the shot. That light is like a sunbeam but its burn time is fairly short. The Wensel’s light is very impressive.
Glad you’re enjoying the story. I told the Wensel boys that I want to be on the list for the Trad Gang hunt next year. I hope we can meet some day.
Tom
Post by: Chris Surtees on March 06, 2009, 12:27:00 PM
Great story fella's keep it comin'
CS
Post by: Jim Jackson on March 07, 2009, 10:01:00 AM
A
Post by: anchorman on March 08, 2009, 08:46:00 PM
Post by: fatman on March 08, 2009, 08:51:00 PM
got any hero shots? :readit:
BTW, what's the new name on your bow?......
Post by: anchorman on March 08, 2009, 09:14:00 PM
Post by: ksbowman on March 08, 2009, 09:53:00 PM
Post by: fatman on March 08, 2009, 11:18:00 PM
Camp started stirring an hour or so before dawn made its first little peek, and Tom was up making coffee, though Ben and I had heard his diesel roll in to the campground well after midnight. Tom was grinning like the cat that ate the canary, and he kept saying, "That was SO much fun!" As we stood around sippin' our morning Joe, we made the decision to spend that night posted over waterholes in the dark....
My morning hunt went pretty much as the previous three; in other words, no pigs sighted. This was the third day of temps in the 90's and winds from the south. It was easy to see why the pigs were laying low during the day, searching out the shade of the live oaks for its precious relief from the Texas sun.....
Since we had agreed that the focus of the day's hunt would be nighttime, we decided that a trip in to town for ice and a meal was in order. After a quick stop at the grocery for the ice, we proceeded to visit every eatin' establishment in Albany, TX - only to find out that EVERYTHING shuts down at 2:00. Dairy Queen would have to do. Not all bad, as we ordered up chocolate dip cones for the ride back to the ranch....
Once back to camp, we tried to search out some scarce shade while we rested for the night's festivities. Lonnie and Bill stopped by, cold beverages were consumed, shade was chased, and we generally passed a relaxing afternoon telling tales and swapping lies as the big orange Texas sun arched slowly towards the west. As we sat stewing in our own juices, there was a sudden shift of the wind, accompanied by a slight drop in temperature. The south wind had pivoted around into a cool northwest breeze. This change in the weather gave us renewed hope that game would be on the move tonight, and the direction was perfect for our selected stand sites....
We had planned on arriving on our stands about an hour before dusk. Water bottles were filled, a few snacks were packed, and a few last-minute arrows were launched at the target. Now, Tom had spent some time the previous evening after supper shooting in the dark; we would not have this luxury, and would have to adjust our headlamps once the sun went down. We slowly drove out to "our" pasture, where Tom and Ben dropped me out in the Fort Davis section, and they continued on to the Fish Camp....
The previous day, I had discovered a small winter wheat field in the Fort Davis spread, and had set up an ambush spot along two areas where animals had been passing under the fence. We had "corned" our spots earlier this day, so that all we'd have to do was slip in beforehand. I set up my stool, trimmed a few branches for shooting lanes, and settled in to watch the evening develop. Numerous deer slid cautiously under the barbed wire boundary of the wheat field and began to feed. Across the way, I spied a couple of black forms, which I supposed were pigs....but I had left my binoculars in the truck (what good would they be in the dark? :scared: , it's just that it's unfamiliar territory in which to operate. Gradually, my eyes adjusted to the darkness, my ears tuned in to the music of the night, and I believe that smell even sharpens. About 30 minutes after full dark, the night went dead calm....I could hear a rustling in the trees building from a great distance, and suddenly there was a breath on the back of my neck, followed by a healthy eastern breeze; So much for the wheat field, the wind was all wrong...
Fortunately, I had a backup. The Fort Davis Tank was only 3/4 of a mile up the fenceline, and I had placed a corn pile near the upper end. The east wind would be perfect, blowing directly from the target area to my hiding place in a small grove of live oaks.
By this time, I was fairly acclimated to the darkness, and I really didn't want to break the spell or disturb any game along the way. I decided that I could navigate to the Tank without the aid of artificial light; all I needed to do was follow the fence to the pond dam, and the trees would guide me to my ambush spot. The new moon offered little aid, but I was able to stroll quietly down a two-track that followed the boundary of the pasture. My only fear was stumbling in the dark and taking a swan dive into a prickly pear patch, so I picked my way gingerly along until I could see the tank dam looming as a dark form in front of me. As I began to slowly slip around the west side of the dam, I thought I heard a familiar sound. I stopped, cocked an ear in the direction of the tank, and zeroed in on the noise....it was grunting! Pigs grunting! Hot damn!
I slowly dropped my pack and chair off my shoulders and slipped an arrow out of the quiver and on to the string. My heart was pounding, my breath was shallow, and I forced myself to slow down as I slipped around the end of the dam. I could see black forms scurrying in the darkness and heard splashing in the shallows. As I raised up and turned on my Fenix light, I could count four, maybe five pigs running away from the beam's shine, to the north of the pond. Damn, I blew it! :knothead: Quickly, I went back for my gear, found the fenceline, and followed it out to the small grove of live oaks that would provide me cover. No sooner had I reached my "blind" than I began to hear the sounds of a pig feeding out in front of me. I again dropped my gear, nocked an arrow, and switched on my headlamp. The black pig looked up at the powerful star in it's evening sky, and shuffled quickly away from the scattered grain. I quickly shut off the light and waited. In less than a minute, I could hear the pig's feeding sounds and I could make out the black, football shape in the night. I slowly reached up and once again turned on the light...this time, my quary continued to feed contentedly on the corn, and slowly turned broadside, with his head down....THIS WAS IT!
My bow arm pushed toward the target; my split fingers tightened around the string as my back muscles flexed, bringing the arrow silently back across the shelf. As my eyes burned a hole in the spot behind the pig's shoulder, my right hand came back smoothly until the middle finger touched the corner of my mouth.....
Unfortunately, a lot of things began to happen at this point, and not all of them good....when I hit anchor, the green light went off in my head, triggering the release of the arrow. That's not bad; however, the second I hit anchor, my bow arm also brought my bow into the beam of light from my flashlight. The light reflected off the belly of the bow, straight back, searing all of those "lumens" in to the depths of my right eye socket. The sparks that jumped out of the rocky Texas soil underneath my target indicated that the shock of the reflection had caused me to drop my bow arm and shoot low. This time, Porky was not going to come back....I heard him grunting off in to the blackness, taking his friends with him......
Post by: ksbowman on March 08, 2009, 11:29:00 PM
Post by: fatman on March 08, 2009, 11:49:00 PM
Once again, I tried settling in to the rhythmn of the night. Racoons came and went at the pond's edge. I heard a flock of sandhill cranes circling in the darkness. And once again, some huffing, and then a grunt.....
Over my left shoulder, I spied a couple of black forms moving slowly through the pale grass. I slowly nocked an arrow and twisted in my chair...if things worked as planned, I could have a 20 yard shot down the fenceline. I had moved the headlamp to the LEFT side of my head, eliminating one of my potential problems. In the darkness, the grunting intensified, as the two black forms moved closer and closer to the fence. Finally, the lead pig began to cross under the fence.....
However, when I hit the lights, the lead "Pig" became a whole flock of little black football-shaped piglets....and they weren't liking the illumination! Pigs squealed and squirmed, back under the fence, following momma off in to the night....something told me they wouldn't be back....
Once again, I settled back to enjoy the evening. The clouds had cleared, and the stars were shining more brightly than you ever see in town. The east breeze was a nice break from the sweltering heat we'd had the last couple of days. In time, I began to doze a little....
...only to be roused by the sound of corn being eaten. I quickly picked up my bow, and turned my headlamp toward the grain; there was a small doe eating, and she immediately dashed out of sight when the light came on. I switched the lamp off, and in about two minutes her sounds were again in front of me. I turned on the light, and again she fled. Off with the light. In about a minute, she was back, and when the lights came on for a third time, she settled in to eat. I sat and watched her chew and crunch for the next 15 minutes....
When she had eaten her fill, she slowly walked off, her white tail twitching slowly, until I lost sight of it in the darkness. I decided I'd had enough fun for the evening, and began to gather my things. I had a half mile hike to the Fish Camp, and it was a beautiful night for a stroll....
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 09, 2009, 07:51:00 AM
Post by: Randy Morin on March 09, 2009, 08:46:00 AM
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 09, 2009, 09:37:00 AM
Wake up was 05:00 I got to bed at 01:30 that morning but I awake eager to tell my stories of the adventures in the dark. Ben was the first face I saw and I proceed to tell him “Man you have got to go out and do a night hunt that ***t is a gas!” He probably only heard blah, blah, blah, blah, blah…. I was so pumped up and was rambling words out a mile a minute. I’m sure the things I was telling him sound unbelievable. You can get away with so much…eating, standing up, stretching, turning the light on and off, stalking pigs…there seems to be no limit to what a person can get away with. Just don’t get up wind of them. “Ahuh…ahuh…yeah… I’ll have to try that tonight.” Ben replies (these may not have been his exact words I am using a little artistic freedom here to tell a story) Poor Ben only wanted to get some coffee and have a chance to wake up and I am assaulting him with my over the top eagerness. I continue with “Yeah, yeah I am definitely going back out again tonight because that is where the action is the pigs have gone nocturnal and they don’t care that you are 15 yards from them! I stalked one, I shot at one and I had six other come in…its crazy man!” They jump around a little bit when I initially turn the light on them and after that they could careless!” A short time later Kevin stumbles out of the tent. “So you saw pigs last night?” he says. Oh man! And then I proceed to attack him with my stories.
After some coffee and a quick bite to eat we are on the road to our hunting grounds. I still hunted the east side on the Macon pasture about middle ways from its north and south ends that morning. The area that I got into was dominated by mesquite tress and calf high grass. This area had very few prickly pears growing which is a good thing when trying to still hunt an area. The reason for that is hidden under the grass, in areas with prickly pear, are dead dried prickly pear plants and when they are stepped on they sound like a bunch of potato chips crunching under foot. When in an area with a lot of prickly pears we found the best way to move through the area was on game trails. Without any game trails it was a crap shoot when it came to moving quietly.
I choose this area because the night before, while standing on an oil tank battery catwalk, I heard pig squeals coming from this area. The wind was coming from the southwest at around 10 or 15 MPH and I moved east and southeast. The morning was already warming up and all indications were pointing to another hot day.
I still hunted for a couple hours without seeing any wildlife moving. At one point a coyote added his barks and howls to the sound of the wind blowing through the trees. He wasn’t far away but I never caught his movement. I eventually came across a spot that just appealed to me. There was a mesquite tree that angled just right to make a good backrest. I removed my pack and sweater sat in the grass and relaxed with by back against the tree and glassed my surroundings. I set against the tree soaking up the morning sun for about 30 minutes and then slung the pack back on and continued my hunt.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/Me2.jpg)
Around 10:30 I crossed a two track road, not a gravel road more like a mowed path with tire tracks in it, into another part of the Macon Pasture and started cross hunting the wind. A short time later I hear a grunt and up from the opposite side of a tall prickly pear patch springs a very large black hog! I was about 30 yards on the upwind side of its bed. Its bed lay under the canopy of several mesquite trees and the prickly pear patch was on its upwind side. The cactus patch was tall enough that I could not see it lying in the bed.
This hog was BIG! I would guess its back to be around 32” tall. This is close to being a riding hog. Ben saw a hog the day before that fit this hog’s description just east of where I was hunting and he tried to put a stalk on the hog but was unable to close the distance on it. He will have to fill you in on that hunt I wasn’t there.
I watched this big beast, through my binoculars, run about 70 yards to the northeast and then it slowed to a walk. I got myself back onto the two track road and ran north trying to get ahead of this hog. I stopped twice to glass the hog’s location and verify that I wasn’t spooking it. Everything looked good. It had turned to the north and was still walking. I ran another 50 yards north, which put the hog out of my sight, and then turned 90 degrees and jogged to the east trying to be aware of where I stepped so as not to make any loud noises. I jogged to the east about 120 yards. I wanted to get downwind of the hog and get a little further east of it incase it had turned east from the last time I saw it.
The terrain is fairly flat lots and lots of mesquite trees, calf high dry grass, knee / thigh high dried brush and a few prickly pears. As long as I avoided the dried brush and watch for dried prickly pears I could move through the environment fairly quietly. I initially stayed low and glassed the area where I expected the hog to be. Nothing… I begin slowly and cautiously moving south while frequently glassing the area. Still nothing… I think to myself “The hog should be in this general area by now at the pace it was moving when I last saw it.” I glassed to the northwest, west, southwest and south…and see no sign of the hog. I change my direction and move east watching for movement in the distance and still find no sign of movement. I hunted that hog for 40 minutes and walked away from the area baffled. How in the hell did I loose a 300#+ black hog in a light tan colored environment? Another lesson learned never take your eyes off the pig skin. I should have got down wind but kept him in my sights.
That was all the action for the morning and the wait was on for the evening and night hunt.
Evening and Night Hunt
The day was another hot day. I didn’t hear what the temperature was but I guess it was in the low to mid 90’s. I hunted along side Ben at the Fish Camp Pond for this evening. I reassured him that once the pigs start coming in you won’t be sleepy.
We started hunting around 6:00. The sun was still up so we parked ourselves along the weedy edge of the pond on the west side. When we walked in we scared two deer from the east side of the pond and ducks took off from the ponds surface. During the magic hour of dusk the two deer that ran away when we arrived had returned. The smaller of the two never did settle down but the larger deer eventually came into the corn to feed. Ben and I set silently watching the two go about their desire to forage on the free meal before them while at the same time suppressing the warnings from their sixth sense and fighting off their desire to flee. Also while sitting there the little shore bird the screwed up my first hunt the night before had returned. I looked at Ben and whispered “we have to make sure that little SOB is gone before we start our night hunt.”
Before things got too dark Ben and I moved into position. I sat in the same spot as the night before and Ben 25 yards to my north. We came into the area that morning to set a place up for him to sit and hoped that the wind would be in our favor. Ben set in front of a couple of large limestone rocks with wood stacked on top of them. From my vantage point his form disappeared. His hunting spot put him 15 or 20 yards northwest of corn that has been scattered in the area for several days. The wind was perfect we had a light northeast breeze. The temperature was also very pleasant.
The sun went down and the waiting game began. First order of business was to line the headlamp up on my head. I positioned the light, draw my bow and check the cast of the light beam. This took about three tries before I was satisfied with the alignment.
Around 8:40 or sometime around then a dark form works its way in from the northeast. Here comes a pig! The pig crosses right by Ben about 15 or 20 yards away. I think he said he heard in coming in or saw in coming in. I’m not sure he will have to describe that story from his perspective. Anyway, one of us, I’m not sure which one, lit the pig up and the pig scampered back into the darkness. He came back in a couple more times and Ben put his light on him but I think he was having problems with the alignment. Regardless no shot was taken and the pig left the area.
Later, around 9:05 another pig came into the area. This pig came in from the east if I remember correctly and it stopped about 30 yards out. We let it get comfortable in the area and then lit it up. The pig danced around a little so I shut the light off. A few seconds later I lit it up again and this time it stood still continuing to eat standing broadside to me. This was a black 80 to a 100 pound pig. I kept the light pointed directly at the pig while sitting on my three legged stool. My confidence level was high, I shoot at this distance and further all the time with my buddy Chris Kinslow, I picked a spot behind the pigs front leg, aim, draw the string with my split fingered grip, anchor to the corner of my mouth and relaxed my string hand… My string hand remained next to my face (I use a dead release) and my bow arm remained solid. It all felt good! Thump goes my 56” 55# Centaur longbow. The bow rocks and the top limb crossed in front of the headlamp beam which temporarily hides the arrow’s flight from my sight. I quickly realign the light beam onto the pig and heard thud. I hit it and the hit to me looks good! The arrow hit behind the front leg maybe a little high but it looks solidly placed in the vitals. The pig was silent after the hit and it took two steps forward and then three steps backwards. When it took the three steps backwards a voice in my head said “dead pig!” The 31.5”, 650 grain (total weight) Carbon Express, Heritage 250, white crested and white fletched arrow, fitted with a STOS two blade broadhead was buried solidly in the pig.
By this time I have my handheld 120 lumens flashlight pointed right on the pig and every move he made was clear. The pig started forward again and turned left (north) and ran hard for about 40 yards, stumbled, and turned right (east) this time, carrying the arrow with it. The pig ran 50 or 60 more yards up a hill and at the top on the hill it paused and stumbled again. The pig then went over the hill and we heard it crash through the brush. I was on cloud nine. The time was 9:10.
I walk over to Ben with a big smile on my face. First thing I hear from Ben is “That was a long $%*@&^# shot!” “Yeah I know but it felt good I hit him soild” I reply. We quietly discuss the shot placement Ben thought it might be back a bit too far but I felt it was a good hit.
We agree to return to our posts and give the pig some time before taking up the trail. About 45 minutes late a sounder of six pigs comes in from the north. Their approach was slow and they followed the same north south line that the pig I shot had run out on. We could see and hear the sounder although we never lit them up. They would not commit to the area. They remained in the general area where the pig I shot was standing. They were quiet except for the air they were blowing out their noses. They eventually slipped out of the area as quietly as they had come in. Later analysis reveled that the pigs were sniffing the blood that lay on the ground at the hit sight.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigHit.jpg)
This is approximately where the arrow hit
The Blood Trail
10:40 Ben and I agree that we should start tracking the shot pig. The evening temperature was warm and we didn’t want the meat to spoil. It had been an hour and a half since the shot. We start at the top of the hill where we last saw the pig and began the search for blood and mark that spot and all significant waypoints along the trail.
The terrain we are tracking through is a mix of calf high dried grass, prickly pears and mesquite trees but mostly we are tracking through dried grass. The grass proves to be the hardest to track through but Ben turns out to be an experienced and an excellent tracker. He can spot a pin head blood droplet from 10 feet away. The blood is light but I am confident that we are going to find a pig. 25 or 30 yards from where we last saw the pig on the hill top Ben found the arrow. When I see the arrow my confidences increases even more.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/PigArrow.jpg)
The arrow has had the tip end broken off. There is 3.25” of the arrow shaft missing along with a 3.5” STOS broadhead. The shaft of the arrow is also heavily coated with blood 8” up. The rest of the arrow is also covered in blood and all three of the fletch have been laid flat with blood. This told us that the arrow had been pushed all the way through the pig. Totaling up the length of the broadhead, the length of the broken shaft and the length of the heavily blood coated end of the bloody arrow there was a grand total of 14.75” of penetration. Mt initial thought at the hit site was 8” or 10” of penetration. The other 5” to 7” most have occurred as the pig was bumping into things as it ran. The arrow did not feel greasy or tacky and the arrow didn’t have the rancid smell of gut or intestine. On the same note we were not seeing bubbles in the blood. The blood we were seeing was bright red.
The search for blood continued and the progress at times was slow and then we would get big leaps forward where there was a lot of blood. The pig very rarely stayed on a trail. When it did we moved along quite quickly and then the pig would move off trail and our progress was slowed substantially. At one point going up a hill there was blood on both sides on the trail. At other times we were lucky to find a couple of drops. We tracked the pig for two hours that night and decided to pick up the trail in the morning.
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 09, 2009, 09:42:00 AM
In the morning there was no hunting for us. My hunting buddies elected to help track the pig. Thank you guys that was kind.
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/LookingForBlood.jpg)
The results were much the same as the night before. At times good blood sign and other times very little. We put in another two hours of tracking and very little of it was done on a trail. At two thirds of a mile we came across a place where the pig had rooted up the ground and rolled. Ben said “I bet if you look in that pile you’ll find blood.” Sure enough there was blood mixed with dirt, leaves and grass. The pig had plugged the wound shut. Three yards from the roll area Ben found one loose blade of grass with only a hint of blood on it and from that point on the trail went dry.
What an emotional roller coaster ride, from the high of a confident hit to the low of not recovering my prey. Very disappointing…
The temperature for this day was a 30 degree swing from the day before. The high was to be in the mid 60’s. Ben and I were going to hunt the Fish Camp Pond one more night and the night was his he had first opportunity.
The evening began much the same as the night before except colder. The deer fed before us and we moved into our same positions right before dark. The wind was perfect although the wind a little strong for such a cool night. It was blowing from the northeast like it has done for the last three nights but the sky for this night was cloudy and the temp was in the high 30’s or low 40’s.
The night was very unproductive. Deer kept coming into the site blowing an alarm snort and then running out. I heard pigs a couple of times but they stayed well out of sight in the bush. Ben and I were convinced that with the deer blowing an alarm every hour the pigs were hearing that and not coming in. Although around 9:30 I scanned the bright to the east a saw a 100 / 120# black pig east of where Ben was setup. We waited for this pig to commit and come into the site but it never did.
Around 10:00 I asked Ben if he was okay with wrapping it up and he happily accepted the offer. We were both cold to the bone and it was hard to stay out in the cold when there was no action.
We drove to the head of a side road where I parked the truck and decided to walk the road into Kevin’s hunting spot rather than drive in so I wouldn’t spook any pigs that he might be hunting. I also left my bow in the truck….dumb move! I walked the road under the cover of darkness and when I thought I was close to the pond that Kevin was hunting I turned on my head lamp. Well guess what? Standing in front of me on the road 25 yards away was a black 80# pig! I clicked off the light and slowly backed about 20 yards out of the area and before leaving I turned the light on again to see if the pig was still there and it was. So I turned to the truck and started running flashing my head lamp trying to get Ben’s attention. Of course Ben has no clue what my flashing light signal means. So he jumps out of the truck’s passenger seat and into the driver’s seat thinking I want him to drive down. I make to the truck and tell him “grab your bow there is a pig in the road.” We stalk our way back to where the pig was standing but unfortunately the pig didn’t want to play the game and was gone by the time we got back to the area.
We signal Kevin with a few flashes of the light and he crawls from the bush and we head back to camp. The last night on the ranch and we would be going home pig less.
Many thanks to the Gene and Barry for arranging these hunts, I had a great time and hope to participate in another hunt next year. I would also like to thank my hunting partners Ben and Kevin. It was a good hunt and I hope we can do it again sometime.
Adios until next time!
The end
(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc168/Gatekeeper100/Pig%20Gig%202009/GroupPicture.jpg)
Post by: BMN on March 09, 2009, 12:39:00 PM
Post by: anchorman on March 09, 2009, 05:48:00 PM
Post by: fatman on March 09, 2009, 11:05:00 PM
Post by: anchorman on March 10, 2009, 12:30:00 AM
But all I can say is, I hope we get good enough
Post by: fatman on March 10, 2009, 09:45:00 AM
Post by: fatman on March 10, 2009, 09:04:00 PM
:campfire:
Post by: Missouri CK on March 10, 2009, 10:05:00 PM
Chris
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on March 10, 2009, 10:20:00 PM
Tracy
Post by: BMOELLER on March 10, 2009, 11:03:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on March 11, 2009, 12:02:00 PM
Post by: Gene Wensel on March 11, 2009, 10:08:00 PM
Post by: Cody Roiter on March 11, 2009, 10:42:00 PM
Cody
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 12:22:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/chap2.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/Chap3.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/Chap4.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/Chap6.jpg)
Gene, that pond was an amazing spot. I think JC and I may have seen that hog with the big tusks.
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 12:24:00 AM
This isn't a trick question -- I don't have hero shots of that hog on a scale. Just genuinely curious.
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 12:30:00 AM
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/Chap7.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/chap8.jpg)
(http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c360/krf123/chap9.jpg)
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 12, 2009, 08:30:00 AM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on March 12, 2009, 09:01:00 AM
Nice big pig. :jumper: :jumper:
Post by: Barry Wensel on March 12, 2009, 10:53:00 AM
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 11:39:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Barry Wensel:I think you're on to something. When JC, Rob, and I sat that pond the last night, only one hog came in and it was BIIGGGG. It walked OVER the corn and went straight to the water, where it drank and quickly wallowed, then left the same way it came. It never fed. It wasn't spooked at all -- just needed to cool off -- and disappeared back to the south into the thick stuff. Like big, mature whitetail bucks, the big boars might also be night runners.
Especially for the big boars. I'm thinking this was also attributed to the extreme dry conditions. I think the night air being somewhat cooler there might have been more moisture from condensation on the vegetation. Just a theory though. BW
Post by: IB on March 12, 2009, 11:42:00 AM
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 01:04:00 PM
Post by: anchorman on March 12, 2009, 02:39:00 PM
This is Lonnie and I was there for the 4th hunt. Just wanted to let you know that I had a great time even tho conditions were less than ideal. It was still fun. Looking forward to it again next year. I know from this year I am going to be doing some night shooting with a flashlight tho.....Glad to hear you guys made it back safely. I'll try and be good enough or at least stay that way.lol
Post by: ratgunner on March 12, 2009, 02:46:00 PM
Post by: Guru on March 12, 2009, 03:03:00 PM
Perfect shot!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IMG_0870.jpg)
Dinner time....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IMG_0609.jpg)
Impressive!
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IMG_0461.jpg)
Oreo.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000139.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000128.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000113.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000091.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000068.jpg)
Post by: Guru on March 12, 2009, 03:08:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/IM000024.jpg)
2 spotted hogs....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC09990.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC09973.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC09336.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC09333.jpg)
This hog seems to have a cross on it....not sure who killed it though.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC00953.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC00958.jpg)
Post by: Guru on March 12, 2009, 03:11:00 PM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC009643.jpg)
Uncle G....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/Guru39/Wensel%20pix/DSC00975.jpg)
Can't wait till next year!!!
Post by: Gatekeeper on March 12, 2009, 03:34:00 PM
Post by: hogdancer on March 12, 2009, 03:41:00 PM
Post by: knife river on March 12, 2009, 04:11:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on March 12, 2009, 04:18:00 PM
Post by: jonsimoneau on March 13, 2009, 02:04:00 PM
Post by: Gary Logsdon on March 13, 2009, 07:35:00 PM