The Big Red Boar part II

The short version of this story is only one sentence; No shot, no sign. He seems to have either left the area or ran into a farmer with his rifle handy. I did get to work on my farmer tan, I must say it's coming along nicely.

About the only excitement came later in the afternoon. I managed to kick up a coyote during the heat of the day. I only caught a glimpse of him as he disappeared into the tall grass. I rushed to go set up where I thought he would come out. I caught sight of him a few times, but was unsure of the exact species of the animal (I would feel really bad if I shot a fawn). He came out of the grass right where I thought he would, about 200 yards away from me. I paused long enough to confirm that is was indeed a coyote, he paused long enough to confirm that I indeed was going to shoot at him. He started running and I started shooting. I fired three rounds at him (Those three 338/06 cases are long gone. I really need to stop dropping those). The first round went over the top of his head and between his ears. He promptly changed direction, I adjusted my lead and shot again. This shot went over his back, my partner said that it was damn close, an inch or less, but a miss is a miss. He changed direction again and picked up the pace. I led him by eight body lengths and figured his distance at 350 to 400 yards. The shot went behind him. One day I will make that shot, and never have a problem with it again. Hindsight tells me that I need to quit shooting at the whole coyote and pick a spot. 'Aim small, miss small'

The Big Red Boar

Several weekends ago I received a call, a large red boar was decimating crops and making a general nuisance of himself about 90 miles south of me. Grudgingly (raise your hand if you believe that), I headed south to see what assistance I could lend to this problem. A few hours of scouting told me where he was bedding down at, where he was eating, where he was wallowing and the routes he took during these events. But he was nowhere to be seen.

Most of the scouting was being done on four wheelers, now most of you know that I am not a huge fan of hunting on quads, but, this hog was causing problems and had to be found. It had recently rained several inches and there was a bit of mud scattered about. This led me to my fateful decision of the day, I left my rifle in the truck. Instead, I loaded my Ruger revolver with some super powerful loads that should put your average boar down. After all, who wants to clean a muddy rifle after a hunt?

We came across some VERY fresh sign in a field that still had quite a bit of last years corn stubble in it. Parking the four wheeler, I walked some brushy stuff along the edge of the field, the tracks were fresh. I knew that at any moment I was going to smell him. My revolver was in my hand, at a low ready, thumb poised like a old west gunfighter, ready to instantly cock the hammer. A glint of movement caught my eye. Almost 100 yards away was this big red boar, making a run for the fence line, and safety.

What is that rule again? Never take a pistol when you can take a rifle? That choice was the only reason I wont be having home made sausage tomorrow morning for breakfast. But, this weekend I will try again, and maybe I will have some tusks to show off, and more importantly, fresh sausage.

Mr Murphy Wins Again

I had planned continuously. I had pored over maps, checked my backpack, I even bought a new tent. What was I planning? Nothing less than an epic backpacking hunt in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Kalifornia. 8,000 plus feet of elevation in a wilderness area loaded with trophy Mule Deer, provided of course, that you were willing to earn them with sore muscles, alot a sweat, salty tears and perhaps even a bit of blood.
The 2010/11 hunting regs were released last week and I called Fish and Game to clarify some issues about my Non-resident status. The bitch professional young lady that answered the phone (Seriously, she did not want to even deal with me. Keep refering me to the new regulation booklet, like that was any clearer. Hello? I called the 'help line' number.), explained to me that if I did not get drawn, they would not be issuing refunds for the tag fees. I knew that getting drawn would be difficult, there was only 400 tags for this zone, but was I willing to give them $250 of my money on a gamble? Probably to only get a preference point in return? The answer, loyal reader, is a resounding 'NO'. For $80 more dollars and less fuel I can drive to Colorado and have a higher chance of success.
Now all I need to do is find a beautiful area of Colorado where I can backpack in and hunt Mule Deer.

Balance

I had a very successful hunting season, I have enough Venison to last a year, I was even able to share with my friends. I made the decision to send the Mule Deer out for a European mount. Carl, as he has been named has returned and has been placed above the computer desk next to Frank, I thought that having a Whitetail and a Mule deer would look good on the shelf. Something is wrong with this display, I can't move the desk, and I dont really want to move the speaker. I will, maybe I need a bear skull to go where the speaker is.


County Line Carl:



Frank the Fighter:

Four Wheelers as Hunting Tools

I recently had the opportunity to try something I had never done before. Use a four wheeler in the pursuit and apprehension (I'm dropping into cop talk again, sorry) of game. "Wow, you sure can cover alot of ground", was my initial thought. My final thought after getting home was, "Wow, there sure is dirt everywhere." Am I going to run out and spend $10,000 on a new four wheeler? Nope. Will I borrow somebody else's? Hell yes!
Living in Texas has done wonders for my conservative mindset. One of the things that Texas does not seriously regulate is the use of vehicles for hunting, especially on private land. This is why you see vehicles specifically built for this purpose. They also can include large spotlights for the pursuit of varmints and feral hogs at night. Why I do not personally care for hunting from vehicles, many do and it does have it's place.
I figure in two days I saw five or six coyotes from the four wheeler, I can safely say that's double the number I would have seen without that mobility. The ability to quickly cover ground is awesome, and can allow you to get into position alot faster. On the other hand, two days of my rifle in a gun rack on the front of a four wheeler was not kind. I had to completely disassemble the rifle and remove the dust from every part of that weapon. My pistol was the same way, it spent the time on me in a Safariland drop thigh holster. I had to completely disassemble it as well. I am happy to report that I did fire the pistol on Sunday prior to cleaning and it functioned perfectly, even if it was full of dirt and dust.
I believe that they are an effective tool that can make hunting more productive and enjoyable. Like any other tool, they can be used improperly and abused. They can also be used in a unethical manner, which could lead to bad press for sportsman everywhere. Like a rifle, a four wheeler has no will of its own. You control how and where it is used and wether it is used for good or evil. So use your tools righteously, and lets stay safe and have fun out there!

My Texas Mule Deer

This is Carl.

Stories about this trip will be forthcoming, right after he is safely in the freezer, not to mention the rest of the story on the whitetail that I found the weekend before.
I also would like to apologize for the crappy pictures, it was a little hectic that day and I didn't get any good ones.

Preperation Pays Profusely

Without further ado, I would like to introduce Harvey the Heavy Deer.

Early Saturday morning I had seen two does hastily leaving the meadow and heading up into the canyon. Naturally, I wasn't in the proper position to get a shot off. I had seen plenty of sign down in the meadow coming off of the river. I just didn't know what time of day the deer were moving. I decided to work my way around to the other side of the little plateau that I was sitting on and too watch the trail that the does had followed. My hunch paid off as I saw sunlight glinting off of antler as a medium sized ten point trotted down the same trail that the does had been on.

My heart fluttered as I made the decision to take the shot, the distance appeared to be about 300 yards. I set my binoculars aside and picked up my rifle, smartly cambering a round as I shouldered the rifle. I smoothly tracked him through the scope, waiting for him to pause. Fate would not have it so I decided to intervene and let out a small, "Bleet". He stopped, ans of course my shot was obstructed by a large Mesquite tree. Time was measured in heart beats as I waited for him to step out from behind the tree. One step, and than two and he was clear. I settled the cross hairs and squeezed the trigger. I recovered from the recoil in time to see him collapse in the grass.

I thanked the Great Spirit for blessing my hunt, and thanked this beautiful creature for providing nourishment to my family and I. But now the real work begins.

1 1/2 miles from the deer to the truck. Through the thickest, nastiest brush you have ever seen, not to mention the river crossing. The emotional satisfaction of having to earn your deer thru physical and mental exertion makes the memories sweeter and more fulfilling.

Deer Season Prep, Part 4

Mental Preparation

By the time you read this, I should be deep in a canyon, surrounded by red rocks and mesquite trees. The mental preparation for this trip began long ago. What would I need to pack? What rifle would I use? Where would I go? These are all very important. Most importantly is the mindset that will get us to our final goal. The taking of a life, any life, is almost religious in nature. It is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. This magnificent animal will provide sustenance to my family throughout the year, and it's sacrifice will not be forgotten. Heavenly Father placed beasts upon this Earth to serve man, that does not give man the right to abuse these resources. It is my responsibility as a sportsman to insure that I make a clean kill, to insure that nothing is wasted, and to manage what I take wisely, so that others may follow in my path.

It is not about the kill, that is secondary and anti-climactic. The endorphins that are released into the body when you have made the decision to take an animal are powerful and difficult too control. It is man at his basic form, a hunter, some call it a relic of our distant past. A cruder form of society that has no place today. I challenge them with this, think of your last steak, did that cow suffer more or less than my deer? I already know the answer. Do you? Forgive my wild tangent, back on topic, endorphins. The taking of an animal makes you a predator, very close to the top of the food chain. It puts meat into your hands, protein that will give you life and make you stronger. The deepest part of your subconscious realizes this and dumps chemicals into your body to prepare you for the fight. Senses are heightened, respiration and heart rate go up. Muscles tense as your visual acuity goes up. You become attuned to the slightest sound, the rustle of leaves in the breeze seems louder than before. These are all great for fighting, but we are not fighting, we have to pull a trigger on a rifle.

These things are things that must be overcome to make a clean shot. Your body must be able to relax and focus on the fundamentals of shooting. I have found that mental exercises long before we reach this point allow me to keep my body under control. Almost as if you were mediating, imagine yourself shooting at animals in the field, under many different conditions, in many types of terrain. This allows your mind to follow thru all the steps without the distraction of an adrenaline dump. Every hunter, whether he admits it or not, has seen his cross hairs wildly moving as he tries too settle down and make the shot. Mentally preparing to take the shot ahead of time will make this easier, and allow you to put more meat on the table. To me there is little more satisfying than preparing and serving a meal that I have harvested myself.

Deer Season Prep, Part 3

Gear Prep:
This is the part that most people focus on. You can spend alot of time and effort in the off season trying to find the perfect gear. The simple answer is that just like any shooting sport, find what works for you and stick with it.





Most importantly, your gear has to be tested before the season, and it has to be inspected before use.
If you reload your own ammo, remember to be diligent, you are responsible for making sure you get a 'bang' instead of a 'click'.


I will do a more in depth gear post when I get back, now it's bedtime, and I have an early appointment with the great outdoors.

Deer Season Prep, Part 2

Physical preparation, probably the part that never truly ends, but sometimes you have to make sure your body can handle the strain you are going to impose upon it. If you aren't used to climbing mountains, go climb some. If it has been a while since you humped a pack, throw it on and do a few miles.




Last weekend I decided to do a few miles with a loaded pack on. I didn't max the weight out, I started with about 35 pounds. After two miles I was in good shape, a little soreness in my calves but no worse for wear. It had been a few years since I put a full pack on, luckily my body remembers what it feels like and was able to adjust quickly. I have walked several times this week and have been gradually adding weight. I should be good to go for next weekend. Remember preparation and training are the keys to success, whether it be hunting or any other endeavour.

Deer Season Prep, Part 1

Fall is quickly approaching, Sunday morn found ice upon the sidewalks and windows. The trees have started to drop their leaves, nightfall seems too come faster and a chill hangs in the air. Times like these remind me that it is time to renew my love for the bounty of nature. Time to watch the sunrise over a new and exciting wilderness, a journey more for the soul than the body.

For one reason or another, fate has led me to West Texas, and I plan to spend time this year in the canyons of the Panhandle. If the Great Spirit smiles upon me, my table will be blessed with a nice Mule Deer buck (I'm not picky, I will be happy with a whitetail). The area around here reminds me of reading Loius La'mour novels as a kid. The red ground and green Mesquite strike a interesting contrast of color. I plan on spending three or four days away from the distractions of modern life, no cell phones, no Internets. Just a few bare essentials on my back, to help ensure I find my way back home.

The outdoors have always recharged my batteries, showering me with a peace that I seldom find elsewere. My mind wanders to that day a few weeks from now when I shall pit my skills against nature. But first there is preperation to be done, scouting, gear prep, and most importantly, mental prep.

A few weeks ago I took the first of several scouting trips. The key to scouting is in finding the established deer trails and, if possible, finding the times that the deer are using these trails. Granted, after the opening day of deer season, all bets are off as the outside pressure of hunters will change estblished patterns. I located alot of good sign and saw a few does with fawns, the fawns still has their spots. The sheer numbers of fawns that I saw are a good sign of a healthy deer population, not to mention the bountless energy that they have will bring a smile to even the most stoic, bouncing effortlessly thru the thicket.

Shooting vs. Hunting

Sebastian talks about the burden of breaking into hunting. I have a slightly different perspective.

I grew up hunting, we shot to increase our skill, but only so that we could quickly and cleanly harvest game. We also spent time hiking and practicing other outdoors skills. It wasn't until a few years ago that I started practical pistol shooting. When I started pistol shooting I had enough gear to shoot production class, but getting into limited class wasn't cheap. I believe that I spent about $2000, and that was going cheap. Any new hobby is going to have start up costs. Could you imagine trying to break into golf (I don't want to either)?

My point is this; Shooting and hunting, although they involve firearms, are two different sports. They require separate training and separate gear. They are two different disciplines. Sure there is some crossover, but not much.

The only thing that your average hunter and your average shooter have in common is the use of a projectile weapon. This is a blessing and a curse. I enjoy both pursuits, they satisfy me on different levels. I understand why hunters don't understand shooters and vice versa. Remember one thing, we are all on the same team, and will both suffer if the tools of our hobbies become further regulated and taxed.

My New(est) Muse

Bloggging has been light (obviously). I have even considered asking the wife for a new muse. Upon reflection, and a dash of self preservation, I didn't. The real world has been catching up with me and I have let my blog suffer because of it. But, you don't come hear to listen to me whine.
Do to budget constraints i have had to cancel my California deer/pig hunt. I had planed to hunt some public ground here in Texas, and even had a half-assed plan. Today that all changed. I received some credible intelligence that large deer are to be found at the umppf humpf canyon in the censored State Park. I have also been told that people will be at a minimum because of the amount of walking perilous journey involved in getting there. I smell a death march in my future!

So I will have a few days out in the Texas heat and mosquito's. I also have an invite to go shoot prairie dogs!

Mrs. Sigboy will be very pleased that my new muse has antlers instead of horns.

Scouting Lake Meredith National Park

A few weekends ago, I decided it was time to go scout for some deer. Being new in town has some disadvantages, prime hunting land being one of those. Deciding that a family outing was called for, I killed two birds with one stone. Several friends of mine decided to join us, and we were off!

A short 45 minute drive led us to our destination, a campsite was located, strategically placed away from the other campers. I had my campsite up in about 15 minutes (the beauty of a camper), the tents took a while longer.




I was surprised at the wildlife in the park. Turkeys and deer seemed to be everywhere. My Saturday morning walk turned up about ten deer in the next draw over from camp. I truly wasn't expecting that many animals. The conservation program in the park seems to be exceptionally balanced. I'm definitely tipping my hat to whatever biologist is keeping that going. I even shot a doe that morning (calm down, with the camera).
The kids enjoyed the hiking and camping, we came home with an impressive amount of freshwater shells (I thought I left those at the ocean, oh well). I wanted to spend more time exploring the south end of the lake, unfortunatly we ran out of time. The weather had turned on Saturday night and gave us enough rain to make the tent campers uncomfortable.

Regardless of the weather, a good time was had by all. I got to spend some time out of doors, and Mrs. Sigboy was happy because we were all together, of course, I'm sure that taking the camper had alot to do with her happiness.

I believe that I found a decent spot to hunt this fall, further scouting is required. My only concern will be the number of hunters out there. I may have to death march my way in. My gut tells me that I wont find many hunters off the beaten path.

Tortuous Turkey Tales

Many years ago, while still living in So. Cal. I decided that I wanted to start turkey hunting. I bought books. I went to a seminar put on by a 'professional' turkey hunter. I bought four different turkey loads and two different choke tubes. I scouted for three weeks before hand. I made my wife consider divorce with my constant practice of the turkeys language. I was determined to master it. I clucked and purred like a slutty hen, desperate to attract the biggest, strongest male around. To this day I am not allowed to use a turkey call within 1/4 mile of the house.

Opening day found me rising long before the sun. I loaded my gear into the truck, the dog paced with an excitement only a bird dog knows. My whispered apology was not enough to calm him. He watched me drive away, the disappointment apparent in his stance. I drove for an hour in the darkness. I prepared myself for the hunt, scenarios raced thru my head with all the possible outcomes.

The morning dew had just fallen as I eased out of my truck. I had about a half mile walk to the special meadow I had picked out the week before. It was not large, about 5 acres, surrounded by scrub oaks and filled with fresh spring grass, about six inches tall. A small creek gurgled on the south side, a natural barrier for a hormone charged gobbler. I stopped about 200 yards from my spot, I lifted a crow call to my lips. "kaw, kaw!" rang out loudly. I heard a gobble in the distance. The odds were good today. Perhaps I would be blessed with fresh turkey for dinner.

I eased into position as the sky began to turn pink with the first hint of daylight. I pulled some brush around my position, confident that my camo was complete. I had a stream at my back and an empty meadow before me, I could do no more to perfect my position.

I waited an hour before I started calling. Softly at first, lets face it, who wants the easy stuff? I slowly increased the tempo as the morning wore on. Suddenly I had a response. A gobble in the distance. I stopped calling for what seemed like an eternity, I grabbed my slate and let out one short 'cluck', another gobble, closert this time. I put down my slate and grabbed my mouth call. My shotgun had layed in my lap all morning, a unneeded piece of gear in my tool box. I shifted it closer to my shoulder, the less movement needed the better.

I heard a splash behind me from the stream. My first thought was coyote. I slowly twisted around to look. What greeted me? A fisherman. Fly fisherman to be exact. Splish Splashing his way up the stream with fly rod in hand. Has anybody explained to him that you catch more fish being quiet? Needless to say, that turkey was not heard from again. My only satisfaction being the look on this gentle mans face when I stood up, not five yards from him. I wish that I could say that he fell down in fright, however, he did jump a little bit.

Remember, it's not the meat that you put on the table. It is the soul that is fed by time outdoors. Regardless of my lack of fresh wild turkey, I have always enjoyed the time in pursuit of them. Perhaps it is a fools quest, but one day I may be blessed with fresh turkey for my table.

Frank the Fighter

I sent Frank out to a special training camp, I would almost say they worked the meat right off his bones. As a matter of fact he is all skin and bones.

If you have any doubt why he is called 'Frank the Fighter' look closely at the rack, and you should see the scars in his hide.

'That' Shot

Don't you enjoy it when all of your time and effort pays off? When all the time you spent at the range translates into one perfect shot. I'm not talking about just any shot. I'm speaking of the one that all your buddies will be speaking about for years.

I have had several of those shots, I am not a braggart, most of the time I attribute them to luck. Today I was pondering my first of 'those' shots. I was about 14 years old and we were hunting in Central California. I was taking a break from the big game hunting. I had a little 22 auto pistol and was plinking a ground squirrels about 50 yards away. I really wasn't doing much more than pestering them. The dirt and dust was being kicked up and the squad of squirrels were looking at each other with befuddlement. I was steadily advancing up to about 15 yards. I reloaded my pistol and commenced to terminating the long tailed varmints. Suddenly there was only one remaining. He looked around at his slain partners...and charged. His mouth was agape and a scream of vengeful fury past his lips.

The men all stood behind me, laughing and pointing as the squirrel barreled toward me. I quickly debated my options, do I run in fear? Do I spray and pray? No, I calmly raise the pistol and fire one hastily aimed shot before the beast had opportunity to tip the scales in his favor. I see the bullet impact and lift the fury critter off the ground. He completes one full somersault before he lays there, still and motionless, peacefully asleep, excepting his lack of a head.

I would like to tell you that I was the hero of camp that night, however it would be a lie. The story is still told, so many years later, the squirrel gets further away every year. Some years the animal ends up at the foot of my boot, desperately clawing for it's revenge. The story actually happened how I tell it here and nothing more.

Th point is the shot itself. When you see the path of the bullet in your minds eye and make it happen. To me it is a surreal moment, one that you constantly train for and only seldom makes an appearance.

Condor approved 22lr

Today I read an article at The Firearm Blog about lead free 22lr ammo.
I occasionally hunt in California, I also occasionally hunt in what California calls the 'condor range'. This is an area where only non-toxic ammo is allowed to be used. It is a felony to have lead ammo in your possession and your ammo may be seized by the California Dept of Fish and Game for testing. The reason for this ban is due to the fact that a condor 'may' have died from lead poisoning after ingesting lead fragments from the carcasses of dead animals. I don't personally agree with this assessment, but hey, what do you expect? It's California. Enough lecturing, on with the story.

The area where I hunt is overpopulated by ground squirrels. We hunt in the morning and shoot squirrels all day. It's great fun, some of my best childhood memories involve shooting these pesky creatures. We use 22's, and alot of ammo. I mean alot, 200 rounds a day is not uncommon. Believe me, when you are trying to shoot a hamster sized creature at 300 yards with a rimfire rifle, you don't exactly make every shot.
I was planning on pig hunting there last year and knowing that I would not be able to take my 22lr, I was distraught. Whats a boy to do? I know, go buy a new rifle! Always a great idea. So, I did. I bought a Marlin 22 Mag and some 'green' ammo.
Much to my dismay, I did not make it. Now I have a rifle that is redundant due to the lead free 22lr ammo that is soon to be available.
I don't agree with the lead free ammo deal being able to save Mother Nature from a bad case of lead poisoning. I am happy though that manufacturers are willing to spend the time and money researching things that will keep the Peoples Republik of Kalifornia happy.

Survivorman is a 'Fudd'

My good friend at SD outdoors recently did a post about how he now carries more gear in the field with him( I take only partial responsibility). His post also covers how surviorman went into the field unprepared and has tarnished the reputation of hunters everywhere.

I think this is a slight exaggeration, however I do know hunters that are not prepared when they head to the hills.

I firmly believe that if you are going more than 23 1/2 feet from your truck, you need to be ready to spend the night out under the stars. No, you do not need a 50 pound backpack with a sleeping bag and a tent.

This is a glimpse of what I carry in my day pack when I elk hunt in the Rocky mountains. This is not my hunting gear, this is my 'just in case' gear. It includes:

Poncho-used to repel the elements or to make a shelter.

5/16 Heavy duty rope(25 ft)

50 ft of 550 parachute cord

Charmin To Go-for when you gotta go.

Sewing Kit

Small easily packable pistol-why carry one rifle when you can carry a rifle and a pistol.

Hunting mini kit-did I just link to myself? That's cheesy.

Canteen, Canteen cup and Cookstove-isn't it obvious?

Packable bone/wood saw-No, it's not to amputate your leg.

Tent stakes-used for tie downs or shelter.

Multitool-doesn't matter what kind, mine is a Gerber.

First aid kit-So you don't have to amputate your leg.

Snacks-VERY important, figure foods that give you 100 calories per ounce or more

Flashlight.

Main meal-This is for when you get stuck on top of the mountain, a hot meal can do wonders for morale.

Fuel Tablets-So that you can have that hot meal.

This is only a glimpse of my pack. Do not forget the fire making equipment, at least two different ways to make fire! Well thought out gear does not make you a mall ninja, yes your buddies may make fun of you, but be strong, you can take it. Having all this gear doesn't do you a bit of good if you don't know how to us it. Practice with it, use it in and out of the field.

Don't forget a knife, I consider mine, and I carry two sturdy fixed blade knives to be part of my hunting gear. Remember, they are as important as your rifle.

Finally, don't forget your brain. This is the most important tool of all.

South Dakota Deer Hunt part 2

It's hunting not harvesting!

I must say that other than the full moon screwing with the deer movement, it was an excellent trip.

We stayed at the Prarie Creek lodge for $35 per night per night, per person. It was clean, had a full kitchen and laundry room. The added bonus was the hot tub. It was very nice after a 800 mile drive.

The weather was warm, that made for mud. Does anybody know the good things about mud? Yeah, I don't either.

The deer were moving about all night long. It made for hard hunting. I did however get a shot at filling my second tag. I had traded the high power rifle for my very first rifle. A Thompson Center Contender in 357 Maximum. As a brief aside, I have never killed anything bigger than a rabbit with this rifle. It has a maximum effective range of 150 yards. The key word is 'Stalk'. I saw plenty of deer between 163 and 242 yards. I did see a decent 3x3 at 140 yards. I attempted to get closer, but to no avail, we always saw each other at the same time and he disappeared into the trees. As the sky was turning red with the setting sun, I spotted a doe to the West. I fiqured the range to be just over 150 yards. I was standing. I leaned my off side against a fence post and rested the crosshairs high on her back> I squeezed the trigger and the rifle bucked against my shoulder. The rifle settled back down and int the sights I saw something almost shocking. The deer was just standing there. I reloaded and she was gone. It was not to be. I spent a half an hour looking for blood when I checked the range it was 113 yards. I shot over the top. That's why they call it hunting not harvesting.