So, I better give an explanation intro to this story.
Some time back, I was helping moderate a bowhunting forum in New Zealand. It was for any type of bow. there was a little bit of agro between the trad guys, and the wheelies, and in my efforts to moderate I thought I should give this traditional bowhunting a crack so I knew what i was talking about.
Its not a huge pastime in NZ, and there was not much in the way of bows, or help, so I just bought the first decent longbow that came up second hand. A 75lb monster that took me some time to even learn to draw, let alone shoot.
I got to an acceptable level with it, but along the way found that trad was what pushed my buttons and slowly I parted from my wheelie gear. It turned out that even before, I'd kind of been simplifying my gear anyway, this was just a natural progression.
At the same time I found this site and just through reading, sorted out many issues and became convinced that I was overbowed. If I wished to improve, I needed to lighten up a bit and improve my form. So a few months back I ordered A Toelke Whip from Dan, which he duly built and sent my way.
It arrived yesterday. What can I say that hash't already been said about these bows? Its just fantastic! I should have spent some time practicing, but like a boy with a new toy, i could not help myself, and after work tonight, went for a hunt.
This story is for all those on this site who have inadvertently, and unknowingly got me to this stage just by posting knowledge for us all to pick through.
cheers everyone
I got to the bush edge about 5.30 And started to scan. Maybe 20 miniutes later and a pig appeared. Boy, it got me going! It looked to be around 140lb and was definitely a boar.
For once I stopped and thought instead of starting on in. I knew I had to get close.
I waited 10 minutes to gauge where he was heading and once that was certain, cut down wind and well ahead until I was within 70 yards, which given his position was as close as I could get. I lay down and took off my gumboots and my quiver, as it makes a bit of noise. Then drew 3 arrows from it, placed one on the string and held the other two in my bowhand at an angle.
Soon he moved on and into a small hollow with a patch of scrub and a swamp. I ducked around and cautiously made my way up. I could not beleive my luck, he was facing away from me up a small alley between some tree fern, and a patch of ink weed. I fair raced up behind the tree fern, slowing at about 20 meters, and then crept forward. His head and shoulder blade were in the ink weed. I kept closing in, only the swamp between us now until I dared go no further. The distance is less than 10 meters, I will check tomorrow, i'm unsure exactly, He was dead on away. I stepped to the right a few steps until I had a small window, then decided I could not hang around here any longer. I drew back, let my subconscious take over, and released.
Damn! I thought. the arrow looked to hit far back. The boar started a small bit, then stepped forward a meter and was gone in the ink weed......I dropped one arrow to the ground, and nocked the other and got ready....... After that one step, I heard nothing for a few seconds, then a couple of sticks broke. I waited, and waited. A minute went by, then two long breaths. I knew that sound. I moved forward and around the scrub, to come in from the top side. There he was, dead no more than a body length from where the arrow had hit him. I could not believe it. First arrow in anger from the new bow and that was the result. The arrow had penetrated 24 odd inches and taken his heart from his lungs.
I promise pics tomorrow guys, first light I will be up there.
Great story. Congrats. Can't wait for pics.
Great story, thanks for sharing.
Great story Craig. :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing your story.....waiting on the pics..Congrats on the Boar.
Way to go! Trad hunting is an awesome experience and I bet you are hooked for good now!
Congrats on the pig and can't wait to see the pics.
Bisch
:bigsmyl:
Congratulations!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:clapper: Great story! Congrats. Now let's see some photos!
:clapper: Great hunting story!
Right, just found out that my camera dosn't have a self timer, so guess that saves you guys from seeing my ugly mug. But here go's.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/shankspony_photos/IMG_0803_zps80708a27.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/shankspony_photos/media/IMG_0803_zps80708a27.jpg.html)
Way to go!!!Great story. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Wonderful beast! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice story, beautiful bow and a big pig! Congratulations!! :thumbsup:
Very nice - congrats! :clapper:
WaHooooo! Nice going! :thumbsup:
Well done Shanks, and congrats on the new bow.
That is OUTSTANDING!!!!! Congrats!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Great shooting, and nice bow :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Whips are great bows, nice going.
Awesome!! And with a Toelke bow! Double awesome!!!
Great stuff Shanks!!! Like a boss, all the best mate.
Great story & pic. I enjoyed both. Thanks for showing.
Great story, thanks for sharing.
Cheers guys. Hope to put up a few more reports with this bow over the next year.
Good looking porker, and an awesome start for your LB! Check the recipe forum for some great ideas to prepare your prize
Thanks Ray, will do. Though this pig is already destined to be spit roasted. A company that has provided me with great on farm service this year is having a function, so I've given it to them as a way of saying , thanks for the help.
nice one mate nice Bow as well :clapper:
:archer:
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great story and hog thanks!
nice way to start with a new bow , bravo !!
Good Job
Your hooked FOREVER!!
Great Hog, Great Story. Thanks for sharing!
Very nice! Thanks for sharing a good hunting story.
Man I'm liking this bow.
Had this guy run past me tonight and he didn't get far. Great having a bow that gives confidence.
(http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll56/shankspony_photos/IMG_0807_zpsdfec3f35.jpg) (http://s285.photobucket.com/user/shankspony_photos/media/IMG_0807_zpsdfec3f35.jpg.html)
Wow Craig, you're on a roll now. Well done! :clapper:
Cool stuff. :thumbsup: