Just wondered how they were doing. Anybody heard?
I talked to Barry "Buckster" last night, while he was sitting in the airport waiting for his flight. I will leave the story telling to the guys that were there, but sounds like some animals made it onto the meatpole and a good time was had. Barry did say that the weather was cold, but with us being in the deep freeze right now here in Iowa and another winter storm on the way tonight and tommorrow, I thought the weather there sounded pretty nice! LOL!
I'm sure some of the guys we be along soon to tell the stories.
I hear You on the weather change Lefty. Just started snowing within the hour. Weatherdork calling for 3-6 inches by morning with 25 mph winds and 25-30 below windchill. And then it's going to get cold. LOL . -13 to -20 for Thursday night and Friday night.
I know that's not cold for some places but the lowest cold temp. we've had since they've been keeping records in the Kansas City area is -23 according to the Weatherman.
Guys, the hunt was great as to be expected hunting with Curtis.
Yes, it was COLD, as we were getting nighly temps in the teens and having to shake the frost off the tents in the morning. It was such a pleasure to be hunting with a great camp of fellow trad archers from LA, VA, OR, & OK. :thumbsup:
Buckster sounds like a great hunt for all.Curtis puts on a great hunt there.Sandy and I go next month,looking forword to it.
Nice going gents. Looks like you had a great ol time.Curtis puts on a great hunt.
Awesome! Good job guys! Can't wait to give it a go myself! Only a few more weeks!
Mark,
Y'all will have a blast. I talked to Sandy today and placed my deposit for your school, also anxious to try out some of the Sasquach heads!
Man, what a great hunt! I wish I could go again next week. Thanks to Curtis and everyone in camp – Barry (Buckster), Dustin (Toehead), Paul (BlacktailBowhunter), Mack, and Craig!
Curtis is the real deal when it comes to hogs and javelina! Even though you can visibly see that Curtis is still in pain from his recent accident, you can also see a boyish-enthusiasm and drive for the hunt. His knowledge and ability to read sign is incredible – kind of reminds you of native African trackers. My advice it to pay attention when Curtis speaks.
For Louisiana boys it was indeed cold and windy! We left Louisiana around 4am on 12/30 and drove to Ozona, TX where we spent the night. The next morning we drove the final hours to the ranch and quickly made camp before heading out for an afternoon hunt. There were plenty of javelina in the area and many shot opportunities. My brother and son both killed two javelina and I killed one after hitting my first one a little too far back. Javelina don't keep still and are tough critters. My son's second one required four arrows, a shovel, and a machete.
Again, thanks to the guys in camp. It was a pleasure and I would really enjoy sharing a camp with you again someday...
Here are a few photos. I'll try to post a few more later.........
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0591.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0568.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0572.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0517.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0526.jpg)
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0541.jpg)
Mark
Congratulations on a great hunt guys. Barry, don't feel bad about one getting away. I know that feeling and so do a number of others who were on the Solana Ranch hunt with me.
The fall gray Predator camo looks perfect for that area.
Allan
Less than 3 weeks away!
Great pics guys, by the way! Looks like a great time!
That is such a wicked photo, the one with the javi trotting past the hunter! Well-done!
Great photos,I can't wait,we're leaving next Sat.morning(16th) for the long drive to Odessa from snowy WV, should be about a 24hr drive just in town long enough to pick up a few things an an get a nights rest then head to the ranch on the 18th.We'll see ya there Lefty...Bill
boy i like that windmill stand.... great pics
Nice shots and congrats to all the participants and especially those who connected.
Great pictures! No better time to be had than a javi hunt in Texas! Glad to hear that Curtis is up and functional :thumbsup:
AAHHHHH!!!!! 15 days and a wake up. I guess I can start packing, now.
Great pics and keep the reports coming.
Bill, you can have the windmill stand, I have a healthy respect for gravity!!! ;)
I think my clock is slow!
Looks like a great hunt and sure brought back memories of mine. Glad to hear that Curtis is getting along.
Here are a few more pictures from our trip......
Home-sweet-home for 5 days
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0605.jpg)
Shoot the plastic-bird
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0597.jpg)
Brock and Barry playing in the sand
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0607.jpg)
Dustin (the hog-hauler) just happy he found his arrows
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0604.jpg)
Paul making plans
(http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o181/Drumstick63/IMG_0609.jpg)
I also have a picture of Brock's second javelina that we recovered from a hole in the ground. I haven't posted the picture because it is a little bit graphic and I'm not sure of the rules on graphic pictures. It is a neat and educational photo though.......
Mark
Those are some great pics! I can't wait!!
Mark, thanks for posting the pics.
This was an awesome time with good company.
Being new to trad, I realize just how hard it is to harvest with trad gear.
With a compound this would not even be a hunt.
Being so close to the animals and having several shot opportunities took me back to the early days when Oregon had plentiful deer opportunities and I was a new compound hunter.
It would have been nice to come back with a javi, but the experience and comraderie alone was worth the trip and I plan to go back as soon as possible.
I told Curtis I haven't had that much fun hunting in years.
Thanks for the memories guys.
Paul
You can't ask for much more out of a hunt. I'm fletching arrows for this hunt as I type.
Barry/Dustin/Paul...here is a report from Craig and Mac. I shot a javi the last evening and Mac shot at a javi but missed.. Mac and I went back the next morning to track and find my javi. Had a good blood trail for 150 yrds. We also found a place where the javi had layed down and bleed out. A short distance further we found a pile of fur and a broken arrow and then no more blood. We went back to camp and got Curtis who proceeded to put on a tracking clinic. Looking at tracks Curtis was able to determine that coyotes had chased javi from its resting spot. Curtis then found another large pile of fur and bones. The coyotes had a very good dinner that night. Great hunt! Enjoyed hunting and sharing the camp with you guys. Also thanks for the tips on where the javis were....
Is there anything that you guys didn't bring that you would have now?
I'd like to hear what you brought that you didn't need and what would have been good to have.
How did CK hold up... I hope He's doing better now.. I know how cold weather feels when You have been hurt real bad like he has...
Sal, it sounds like they are going to have to tie CK down to keep him from doing his Superman thing!!!! But I'm the same way so I cant say much. Guys like that you just cant hold back.
14 days and a wake up and I'm headed southwest.
Jim,
We brought entirely too much! :knothead:
We drove over from Louisiana and pulled a small trailer which encouraged us to take everything but the kitchen sink. The next time we will scale WAY back as the extra stuff was just in the way. I probably used less than 20% of the clothes I brought. My advice and tentative quicklist for next time (modify to your needs)......
Tent Gear
tent, poles, ground cloth, sand stakes, rope, doormat, hammer, wool blankets, sleeping mattresses and pump, sleeping bags, pillow, lantern or flashlight, portable heaters, extension cord, camp chairs
Hunt Gear
bows, quivers, javi arrows with 3-blade broadheads, hog arrows with 2-blade broadheads, small game arrows, broadhead file and stone and sharpener, armguard, tabs, gloves, backpack, gps and compass, binoculars, hunting stool, knives, limb saw or pruner, shovel, machete, flashlight, camera
Clothes
wool hunting clothes (pants, vests, jackets, pullovers, hats), silk longjohns, wool longjohns, snake boots, wool socks, gloves, snake chaps, warm weather hunting clothes in the event the weather changes, street clothes
Medical
medicines, tweezers, bandaids, liquid bandaid, chapstick, sunscreen, dry skin lotion
Other
food, icechests, sunglasses, leatherman, weather radio, cell phone chargers, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, toilet paper, towels, cash
This still looks like too much stuff so I may need to scale back from here.
Others with more experience can probably give you a better list.....
Mark
Ok thanks, that gives me a good start.
Hi Mark,about this portable heater an extension cord,was this for the tent?I was going to take a small propane heater but I like the idea of electric if it's close by,and what did you guys do about cooking? Did you take a camp stove or anything like that? I'm packing now an it seems like we a lot also... Thanks Bill
We actually had two portable electric heaters and a Coleman propane heater in the tent. The Coleman was only used for short periods while we were awake. Your ability to use electric heaters will depend on the load being used by others. We did have to get up and reset the breaker a couple of times when it tripped. Curtis mentioned that he uses an electric blanket so that might be a good idea. Remember, being from Louisiana we ain't acclimated to cold weather like some of you northern guys!
There is a little building with a stove hooked up to a propane bottle that some used for cooking. Barry actually cooked a nice spaghetti dinner one night which was really good! Also, I saw that someone used a portable stove. Curtis also cooked a javi stew that was quite tasty!
Crane is only about 13 miles away and has a few eateries - Dairy Queen, Sonic, Subway, a couple of cafes, etc. We ate in Crane 4 or 5 times in addition to sandwiches we made at camp.
Mark
Here is a pic of some of the Flora and my Horne T/D Brushbow.
(http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm291/BlacktailBuck/BrushbowonCactusTexasJanuary2009.jpg)
Paul,
Nice bow. What happened to your Blacktail?
QuoteOriginally posted by Jason R. Wesbrock:
Paul,
Nice bow. What happened to your Blacktail?
Jason,
I sold the Blacktail and the Widow and now own 2 T/D Brushbows. I like them better.
Paul
So not too many hogs were seen?
Is this the ranch by Crane/Odesa Tx? If so we will be there April 4 2010. Can't wait, congrats on a great hunt..........
I think it is one and the same.
The ranch we were hunting was west of Crane and was huge - I believe over 50,000 acres. Also, I think Curtis has several ranches in the Crane area.
As for hogs, two guys from Alabama who were targeting hogs both got shots. Only one was successful. We didn't start hunting hogs until our 4th afternoon. Curtis moved us to a different area that was absolutely loaded with hog sign - some scary big he thought might go over 500#. We didn't see any but we didn't put in much time hunting hogs as we spent most of our hunt having way too much fun with javelina.
Mark
glad you all had a good time, good luck to those who are going later in the month. Looking forward to more pic's!!!
It was a sincere pleasure to host a hunt with so many great guys! Thanks to all of you for pulling some weight around camp and afield.
Hogs and javelina are not really overlapping hunting areas except in certain areas. I ask everyone when they enter camp if they want hogs or javelina. Everyone that wanted javelina saw javelina and those who wanted hogs saw hogs.
I took my first hogs since my accident and found new inspiration in getting back afield. I'm still very sore from the tractor accident but I'm well enough to go out every day and find more critters to shoot.
I really need a few days to tend to home/ranch chores and I'll get back to post pics and answer questions. I only have 7 days and I'll be headed back to the ranch.
Congrats to all you guys from hunt #1. It was a sincere pleasure to serve you. :thumbsup: CK
Dustin dragging a hog for almost a mile.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/DUSTINDRAG.JPG)
About 3/4 of a mile into the drag.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/DUSTINTIRED.JPG)
My first pork since the tractor accident.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/BROKEBACKHOG.JPG)
Ron Swartz sent me a couple of single beveled Tusker broadheads to try out. They were "Sharpster" sharp and I felt that a proper test was in order. Straight through the heart and stuck in the vertebra. He dropped in 30 yards. Thanks Ron! The tusker did the job.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/Tuskerheartshot.JPG)
More in a few days.
Great shot Curtis! It was a pleasure to hunt with you and all the Tradgangers that were there this week.
Craig and I really enjoyed the trip and were glad that we switched to the javi area the last day so that we could experience some of the great javi action.
The hogs were definitely there, but seemed to be pretty nocturnal during our first 3 days. But that's humting and I'm sure that many hogs will be taken by you guys that are hunting later in January and February.
Curtis does an amazing job of educating non-experienced javi/hog hunters (like us)and all I can say is listen to his advice and you can't go wrong.
It was good to see the progress he has made since the accident and his will to get game for all the hunters in camp is apparent. Hang in there Curtis and we hope that your recovery is quick and complete.
I have a couple of pictures to post of Craig's "trophy" later.
Thanks Mac! The pleasure was all mine! :readit:
Way to hang in there with the hogs. It's frustrating for me when the hogs decide to do something different that I think they will. I do my best to try and stay a step ahead of them in their daily activities. Sometime they change due to weather, pressure, or whatever makes them do what they do. Sorry you guys didn't connect on a bruiser.
It was fun tracking the javelina for you guys. I can't wait to see the hero pics we took of the Pope and Young pile of hair and bone shards. Please come again soon! I really enjoyed you guys! CK
Catching up on this one....Congrats all around.
I got an email a few days ago from Gregg Dudley...I got word on some action from him and his son. :thumbsup:
Sounds like a good time. Congrats to everone.
I'm really getting the bug now after looking at this photos. I need a javelina and a hog on the wall!
Down to 2 weeks for us. Curtis, congrats on your kill, and hope theys many more to come!
Cameron
This is getting tougher to read everyday. Congrats to everyone so far. I can't wait til the 21st!
Sweet looking hogs, I can't wait Curtis......
Curtis, i sent you an email over at your 7th age site. If the weather warms up and you boys need a cooler I have a walk-in about an hour away and we have a couple of blood tracking dogs that are should be available since deer season is mostly done
Thanks for the offer Tracy! I'll certainly keep you in mind if the meat load gets heavy and the air gets warm. We keep chest freezers for meat and turn the temp up. They work fairly well.
Tracking dogs may be a service some guys would use. I'll check your email in a few. I track really well but not like a dog. Maybe we can use you in the future. Thanks for the offer. Appreciate it! CK
Headed your way in one week Curtis. I bought two bags of corn yesterday to bring down and I am starting to put everything together to pack the truck. What time and where do we meet you on Monday? Is there coffee in camp? Barry said that there is a microwave and propane stove to cook on in camp, but I forgot to ask about the coffee.
Really looking forward to getting into camp. Long range forcast looks great!
I'll send you a PM with directions. We have several coffee pots in camp. I'll try and remember to buy more coffee and cups. Yes, we also have a microwave and cook stove. I'll be moving in an oven/stove on Saturday or Sunday of next week. See ya there. CK
Hey Curtis, Is this the same ranch Redant 60/65 (Larry, Beachbowhunter, and I) will be hunting hogs the first week in April?
Yessir, it's the same ranch but you guys will be hunting the opposite end of the ranch from where these guys were hunting. I'm rotating pastures on each hunt so we don't reduce the populations too much. I'm not worried about hogs at all. I hunted 2 days on the section of ranch where you guys will be hunting. I shot hogs both days and would have shot more but I ran out of arrows on day 2. No worries my friend, we got HOGS!!!! REALLY BIG HOGS!!!! CK
Sweet, hope you are feeling better. How's that new bow doing ya? It sure was a looker. I take it we'll be camping in the same area. I just returned from Fredericksberg Texas and brought back 5 deer. I'll bring some back straps and fresh meatloaf. Going to be a blast....
I can't wait to get down there and get after them! I got to get my packing list made today! I have drill today or I'd likely start packing right now. Gotta go do my duty now though. Keep the pics coming guys!
5 deer? Game Hog!!!!!! LOL!
I've been known to eat backstrap.....Once or twice.
That bow is still a tad heavy since I dislocated my shoulder. My rotator is torn and I'm nursing it with light bows till I get through with my hunting season. Sometime after April I'll look at getting the shoulder fixed. Right now I'm fixing things by shooting lighter bows. The Morrison will gather dust till the shoulder mends. I hate that because I really wanted to put that bow through some meat trials but she's just going to have to wait. CK
Great lookin' Hog Curtis!!!
I'm really gettin' the itch now, all this cold weather we been having and lookin' at these pics. Can't wait till February, really looking forward to meeting you. It's great your doing so much better after your tractor rodeo, just don't overdo it.
Tater
Thanks Pat! He's actually kinda small compared to what I generally see. I'll take em any way I can get um'! Here's what it looked like the morning I went out to track hogs shot the night before. This is directly out the gate of the ranch.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/SnowRoad.JPG)
I think most of the hunters saw a few of these.
(http://www.tradgang.com/upload/ck/GiantMulie.JPG)
HOLY SMOKES!! Do you do Mule deer hunts too?
I can't speak for Curtiss but there's no way I'd put my reputation on the line with those things. Out here there all over if your after whitetail, or javelina or even jackrabbits. I tell you those things know to the minute when mule deer season opens.
Congratulations to all the successful hunters! It was nice to meet you all although briefly. Curtis, helping you recover your first hog after your accident was a special moment for Reed and me. That is a milestone right there! Congratulations again!
You guys that are hunting this property are in for a treat. We saw some giant beasts on our trip. Good luck!
12 days and a wake up!!! This is killin me, I gotta find a way to get the clock to move faster.
Congrats CK on Porkie.
Jim, don't lose focus my brother, Javvies and Piggies, leave the "Elk" until another time! Or was that a Mulie? Was big enough for an Elk. Or maybe a moose, you know a moose with thin antlers! My sister was bitten by a moose once, nasty biters them moose........... Any Monty Python fans out there?
:bigsmyl:
Yep every moose I've seen in Texas was a biting thin antlered bugger.
Always watch your back!!
Mike
Gonna have to get some Moose repellent!
Good pictures and some good stories. I can't wait to get down there.
Curtis, will you be sending directions by PM?
Phil
Is there a need for a gambrel in camp?
From the pics I think CK has several on the meat pole, but ya never know.
Got it covered! We have three gambrels. You just need to put something on it. I'll take the pics. :readit: :bigsmyl:
ROFL!!!!
I'm getting thinsg ready to go and there are a couple of things I forgot to ask Curtis
1. Will corn be available for purchase at the ranch?
2. I have a couple of pop-up blinds, would it be worthwhile to bring them?
Phil
Finally getting a chance to post a few pictures from our 1-5 January hunt with Curtis.
Craig and I switched to hunting javelina the last afternoon of our hunt and as I said before we both got into them and both had shots. Mine was a clean miss when the javie made my move to draw on him and bolted as I shot. Craig made a hit but thought the shot might have been a bit back so he marked the start of the blood trail, backed out and decided to let him lay overnight.
Curtis said that was a good decision as coyotes don't normally eat dead or wounded javies.
The next morning Craig and I followed a fairly sparse blood trail for about 100yds and found this spot where he laid down and appeared to lose a lot more blood.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0765.jpg)
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0770.jpg)
From there the blood trail was a lot heavier and it appeared that the javie was running again? We then found hair and what later turned out to be part of the stomach contents and the broken GT arrow. Then we lost the blood trail altogether and decided that I would go back to camp for help from Curtis while Craig stayed there to try to figure it out.
When Curtis and I returned, it didn't take him long to read the sign and tell us that coyotes had gotten the wounded javie up and that they were able to take him down and had, in fact, eaten him.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0774.jpg)
Curtis then found the scene of a major struggle among the coyotes over the carcass and these were the only remains.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0778.jpg)
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0779.jpg)
Curtis and Craig posed for this pic of Craig's "trophy" and then we continued a search for the head or hide but were unable to find either.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0781.jpg)
Watching Curtis in action while tracking the javie was worth the trip and seeing him fling that Texas Throwing Stick at a jackrabbit as we walked back to the truck was quite a "watch this" moment. The jackrabbit was unharmed, but Curtis was wincing in pain as he twisted his injured back and shoulder with the effort.
It was a great trip and we hope to return to hunt the javies again soon in the West Texas terrain.
(http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff165/1MacDaddy/IMG_0783.jpg)
Good to see Curtis still smart enough to carry Sweet Spot ( baseball bat) Hard to do the "Javie shuffle" without something to swing.
Just got back from hunting with Curtis. Had a great time hunting with folks from W. Virginia, Ohio, Iowa, and Kansas. Good guys all. My buddy shot 3 feral hogs and I got into javis once without taking a shot. Maybe I should have shot him between the eyes at 5 yds - only shot I had. :knothead: All in all a fun time except for 1 day of 50+ m.p.h. winds and a hellacious sandstorm. If you go, listen to Curtis, do what he says, and you'll probably have some sucess.
Lippe