First hunt of the season (with pictures)

[TxAg]

Today was the first day I've been able to hunt that the weather cooperated. It's about a 45 minute drive to the closest public hunting, and we have a front moving in tonight. I figured the animals would be on the move.

Unfortunately, there is no deer hunting allowed, but there are plenty of hogs to shoot.

Here's what I saw right when I pulled up...

     

   

Might be hard to see, but it was a doe with twins.

[TxAg]

I took that as a good sign and was off in high spirits.

   

[TxAg]

My plan was to walk in and use my new tree seat I built.  

I thought I had the perfect place picked out....but it had been a while and I couldn't quite find the oak mott I was looking for.

I did find a little illegal activity, though. Uh oh!

   

   

       


There is no baiting on this land. And no leaving equipment over night.

This guy had a feeder (full) and corn was on the ground. Also had a red light set up for some night hunting.

I'm sure it's fun, but not worth a ticket. I kept walking.

[TxAg]

Here's another spot that looked promising. Large oaks and lots of trails.

   

[TxAg]

Don't let the pretty picture fool you. It was thick...and tall. I'm ready for a frost to knock some of this stuff down.

 

Cool! Waiting for more!

Bisch

[TxAg]

On the way there, I jumped 3 does. Too bad we can't hunt deer here. They were all over the place today. The last few times I've been here, I didn't even see a deer.

Here's my set up under the oaks. (although this is a hackberry)

   


I forgot my face net. And the camera fell over as it was taking the pic. Go figure.

   

[TxAg]

My first visitor....look close.


   


I had literally just sat down and snapped a couple pictures of the set up. Amazing how quick it happens sometimes.

[TxAg]

Here she is about 10 minutes later.

   

She fed on acorns for about 20 minutes total. Always within 20 yards of me.

[TxAg]

It's true what they say....

If the wind is in your favor, doesn't matter what you smell like.

I came here straight from work. Not a lick of scent precaution. I'm usually a little more cautious than that, though.

[TxAg]

Still sooo pleased with my Arrow Moccasin purchase!


 

[TxAg]

After 1 1/2 hours or so, I got bored. I figured I'd go "exploring".  I won't call it "still hunting" because I was walking way too fast.

I just wanted to see some of the property before it  got dark.

   

[TxAg]

Score!  It was actually a little bigger than it looked.

 

[TxAg]

At this point, I was walking the edge of the field and the wood line. There was a lot of sign (deer and hog) but I wasn't overly worried about it. I'd already had a fun hunt. At this point I was just scouting and exploring for next time.

[TxAg]

Of course, when you least expect it is when the action happens!

 

[Iron Man2]

Well?

[stocker56]

Waiting!    

[TxAg]

The field edge became too thick, so I cut about 30 yards inside the wood line.  It was NOT quiet walking...leaves and twigs everywhere. Like I said, no biggie. I figured my hunt was basically over. I was making my way back to the parking area at this point.

As mentioned earlier, we had a cool front come in this afternoon. The wind had shifted mid walk and was now hitting me on my left side. The field edge was on my right side.

As I'm walking and making noise, I hear a soft grunt and see movement.

Directly to my left (upwind) I see a 100# black boar rise from his bed. He'd been under some thick stuff and obviously heard me coming.

He didn't know what I was but he caught my movement. I had ditched the camo longsleeve and was only wearing a short sleeve olive colored shirt. I'm sure my white face and arms gave me away after he heard my footsteps.

[TxAg]

He trotted off...slowly. I was surprised he didn't bust out of there.  As he made his way out of sight (remember, it's really thick at this point), I made my way to his bedding area. I covered the 20 yards pretty slowly.

I had an arrow nocked, thinking there might be a few of his friends left.

About the time I made it there....here he comes again. Must've been a nice bed!

I guess he never smelled me. Makes since given the wind direction.

[TxAg]

At this point, he's going to intersect me at 5-8 yards. I'm pumped...ready to shoot as soon as he's in a shooting lane.

Well, I wish I was a little more tan. He got about 12 yards from me and saw my white face shining.

He stopped so fast, it looked like a dog on point.

It was all or nothing...even though he was slightly quartering to me (I know, I know)

Despite the angle, I drew and put that arrow exactly where I wanted it. It's surprising thinking back on it.....it just happens so fast. I didn't think about anchoring or anything. Love that feeling.