Finally got this guy after 3 weeks of trying to put the sneak on him.
I managed to stalk up to 10 yards to him, thank you concealing brush, before he spotted me and started running back to the woodline. I was able to get the bow up and a quick shot off, CRACK! Hit him right in the head!
At first I was pretty amazed with myself, chest was starting to swell, as well as my ego. Next thing I see is this thing running towards me! I couldn't believe it, I'm shooting with 36o grains up front, a head shot, and this things still running at me.
Second arrow out of the pocket and a hit on the spine right below his head and lights out.
I've always heard how tough the whistle pigs are, but I've never had any problem planting on until today. Thought I was going to have to fix bayonets!
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff314/keithstotts/DSCN0933.jpg)
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff314/keithstotts/DSCN0934.jpg)
Anyway, the Groundhog season has officially started for me!
Now if I can just keep them out of my garden...
Keith
Way to go Keith - one moving target shot and one self defense shot - congrats!
I had a similar experience this evening - finally getting a shot at a garden raider that was making a home under the front deck. You are right when you say they are tough critters. But now I am with you - groundhog season has officially started.
I was suprised I was able to get as close to him as I did considering my camo...
Keith
thems any good fer eatin'?
Sorry mods, can you edit the title to "with pics"?
Thanks,
Keith
Keith - That's the old "casual predator" camo, They think you are out for a stroll. Fools 'em most of the time.
Chris O - I've eaten them some and they can be o.k. with proper field care and prep. A little on the greasy side when dressing and skinning. I don't use too many of them myself anymore but there are three turkey vultures enjoying the one I shot right now.
Congrats! But I think you'd be better off using BH's for woodchucks bud
Congrats on the Chuck!
Nice shootin
yew,them things deserve broadheads,and sometimes it takes two of them on a big one.as for eating,if fixed right they are the "BEST" of the wild game to eat in my opinion.
I had been using the G5 SMG head on the ones I shot last year and never had a problem planting them where they were standing.
This year since I have gone to a more FOC arrow I might have to come up with soemthing tht will work as well.
I'm not the best at sharpening broadheads so I have a problem with using the ones that I do manage to get sharp on groundhogs.
Guess I better get my sharpening skills touched up, then go after them with the real deal.
As for eating them, I've heard some people like them, but the meat is rather greasy, I personally haven't ever tried any.
Casual predator camo, that's a good one Duane, might have to use that from now on.
Keith
The other day- I ran into a good yellow bellied marmot spot; they are the out west ground hogs; except we call them 'rock chucks'.
I used to be an avid groundhog hunter; and man it was fun to put the stalk on the rock chuck!
Ground hog hunting is really a great hunt! If your stalking ;or sitting in a chair next to a den or whatever- its an accomplishment to get one!
That woodchuck in the picture is not a mature chuck; they get way bigger; and when you do get a shot at a BIG one - I think Guru is right; you need a broadhead. I have shot with identical setups for ground hogs; deer; elk and bear; and the groundhogs are denser or something; because I don't recall a pass through on a big woodchuck; but I have had pass throughs on elk and deer and elk on a regular basis.
I use a 'mill ba$tard' file; a 10 or 12 inch; and keep mind of keeping each side of my broadheads on the same angle. Its worth getting good at; and I got good woodchuck hunting!!
You miss; sharpen the head up- and keep hunting.
Congrats on the shot and kill ! I really highly rate these critters for difficulty of hunting and killing !!!
( and anti hunting vegetarians will often WANT you to kill the sprout eaters !!)
:D
if you don't eat them; I bet you can find someone that will :)
Good shooting Keith!
I got my first one of the season the other day. He should have ducked one more time. :)
And just when I was feeling like a killing machine, I proceded to miss two yesterday. Groundhogs sure keep you humble.
There is nothing more fun than hunting sod poodles with a stickbow!
Nice shooting :thumbsup: Curt is right about the broadheads for chucks, they are tough critters.
Way to hang in there :thumbsup:
" thought I was going to have to fix bayonets "
Now thats funny, I don't care who you are! Biff
Congrats on the whistle pig! They can be a lot of fun to hunt!
GREAT looking bow too! Who's it by, if you don't mind me asking!
Thanks Dave, the bow is a Bamboo Caribou made by Alaska Penninsula 55@28. I love this bow, but haven't been able to get any more ino on the company that made it. I did see one on the auction sight on time but it was 70#@26, bit to short for me.
Here's a pic with the skinn eze.
(http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff314/keithstotts/DSCN0926.jpg)
I would love to find another one.
Keith
She's a beauty! I think the bows were made by Mike Carrol. His partner/buddy, Gary Olsen has a web site bowhuntingvideos.net that you maybe able to get in contact with him to check with Mike.
Email me at dkt@virginia.edu so we can discuss a possible 2nd bow for ya.
DAVID