Tuesday - Thursday was kind of a fast paced whirlwind of hunting as James D and I did our best to get on the Javelina. We had a mix of opportunities that just didn't fall into place. I had my heart set on an equal or larger Javie then I'd gotten for my first. Trust me, this wasn't a hard & fast rule...
But it did turn a few of my encounters into passed shots waiting for a bigger one in the group only to have a smaller one figure something out. There indeed is a ripple effect. Wind, hearing, and upclose eye-sight of movement will take the whole crew back in the brush. I was at full draw more than once only to have it blow up at the last second. On Thursday, the Final afternoon was a prime example. We had started to figure out the Javies on a particular sendero and the wind had been tricky all day. Ambush sights were finicky at best with swirling winds. Eventually, James D and I consulted and figured out a spot that seemed perfect for the wind. Almost perfect........
I tucked a Millenium Swivel seat right into this Cactus hide that I'd cleared. I had 3 shooting windows Left-Center-Right and was very well hidden.
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It took awhile but eventually I could hear the Javelina following the script.
Corn munching was getting louder but I couldn't see them yet. Patience and then they appeared... I'm guessing 8-10 Javies were approaching the Red Zone. I had thrown out a spread of corn in each shooting window so they would mill around. I'm not certain that's the best approach, but it's what I did. The down side is milling invites more eyes than a single file approach. There were at least 2 Big Boars in the bunch and all was good. The smaller ones made there way through and the larger ones were approaching. This was a beautiful setup. I had multiple Javies from 5-15 yards. Finally one of the Big Boars was approaching and going through my Cactus Draw Block. I had to make a slight adjustment in my seat.
Well, that didn't go well at all. A large Squeak from the Seat and the whole group blew up in my face...
It had performed fine til that point but I later learned this seat was a squeaker that I should have cleaned and potentially wetted with spit.
I figured my hunt was over and started the reflection phase
As the sun was setting and it appeared my hunt was over, I noticed three more Javelina coming in. 2 Small, one Large. With a fixed chair, I was ready for battle and the ultimate Rainbow finish... The 2 small came into my setup and I waited for the Large. You know it only takes one precision arrow to close the deal in seconds. The 2 small ones gobbled up the corn at 5-7 yards, and the Larger one was approaching slowly. Once again, at the last possible moment the wind swirled and first the two blew out which led to a hasty retreat of the large one. Game over...
Reflection and gratitude for a wonderful week of "hunting", meeting new friends, and a beautiful closing sunset. Thank you to everyone who made this trip special including the Sponsors
Special thanks to James D for Smoking Ribs & Javie, and letting me tag along...
Special thanks to Larry for the Spirits and take home gift
Special thanks to the Trick Boys for the Interest and Advice, and the HAM!
Special thanks to Terry, Joe, Tony, and Pete for completing the camp comraderie
Final Sunset
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Here's my pack going home. Backpack stuffed to full Zipper Stretch with Binos tucked between the Suspension System, Cooler Bursting with Javelina Meat, and a secret Javelina Skull wrapped in Under Armor / Bubble Wrap / and my week's blue shower towel strapped below. Praise God I made through security and all the way home.
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Well done everyone
And to my friend Pete, El Chingon
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Take care my friends
KAZ
Topic: 2023 Laredo Tusk Roundup ☆ Invasion 1 - Parting Shots pg 8 (Read 16459 times)
