To see this new listing please click this link- Raptor Archery Bowhunt (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=48&t=000425)
Thanks for looking! CK
worth another run at the top.
ttt
Thanks guys!
Ted is planning on bringing his flint knapping tools and some bow building tools as well. He'll be doing inpromptu show and tell on his techniques and giving question and answer to those interested. I've hunted with Ted a couple of times now and have enjoyed his company! Hope to see some of you guys here at this event. CK
ttt
Thanks Doc! Why don't you throw that old beat-up beautiful longbow in the plane and come over for this hunt! I'd love to sit for a fire-side chat for a change. Bring Cher too! CK
TTT! Sounds like a blast! Shawn
Heck Ed we could even find an old beat up one here to loan you if you didnt want to bring yours.
This will be a great time at a great time of the year to get out of the blowing snow.
Looking forward to that Javie salad Curtis!
Who knows, I might (or might not) be Stateside then. Heading back the end of October, but my old amigo, Jim Scarborough, is going in for knee replacements soon afterwards. Main reason for going back is that Jim lives alone, way out from town, with no close neighbors, and needs someone to look after him for a bit after the surgery ... however he does have a tad of hunting on his property too!
Would love to come over if I can, but I'll just have to see how things go!
Ed
ttt
If I weren't already booked, I'd sure love to be around that fire at night...some purdy good story tellin' to be had :scared:
I just sent in a deposit for this hunt, can't wait for January to get here now.
Great Jeff , look forward to sharing the fire with you .
No worries Jeff , you and I will share more in the future, maybe time for me to go back to AK and drag you and Tom along
Guess I should have said Jeff and Doc , two different Jeffs here.
Wow wish I had the Money to make that hunt...
Would love to see you there Sal, start saving you pennies.
Yep, we've got a few months left before the hunt. It's only $110 per day for camping with water and electricity availabe. This will be a fun gathering for sure! CK
Ted, I hope I can make it. You & CK are 2 trad member I really would like to hunt with...Hell I want to hunt with every member I can, but seeing CK shooting up them big Tejas Frogs & the help you give with the stuff I order, puts you both in the top 5 who I really want to hunt with.
Thank you sir! It;s an honor! Ted can be ok sometime too. :goldtooth:
Watch it Curtis,
Thank you as well Salvatore, hope you can make it.
This is sure to be a good time had by all and a nice time of year to go to Texas.
this does sound like a blast. I've dying to meet other tradgangers since....well since...the beginning :) (see...my member #) maybe this'll be a great opportunity for that....have'ta start buttering up my darling wife
(ps I just watched the frog and bunny segment of the DVD last night and loved it!....) made me feel like a kid just watching it.
gotta love tradgang tip no. 1 "if you don't live in a state were you can hunt hogs....MOVE!"
Marc, I didn't know it at the time, but I bounced the idea off of my wife right around the time she was planning on buying some Garth Brooks tickets. I wondered why she said yes so easy.
Lets get this back up to the top. That Odessa thread with the Javelinas and hogs has me wanting January to get here sooner rather than later.
Now I know what I need to be carrying into the woods for Kansas deer, but what extra gear am I gonna need to bring for this Texas hunt? I imagine this is a thorny area, right?
From the looks of all the pigs Curtis is running into you might want to bring a few extra arrows.
Wish I could join you, Ted, but I'll be in MD trying to help my younger boy get his first deer.
We've still got some room and we still have a big chunk of realestate to hunt. :D CK
How about a hunting update Curtis, stories?
The property simply lies idle when I'm not there. It's a seven hour drive for me to go to the ranch we'll be hunting. No-one has hunted since my last trip and it won't be hunted till December 4th. Till then I'm chasing a monster whitetail in the southern end of the state. More updates as they happen. CK
Bringing it back up , looks like 5 of us lucky bowhunters so far will be heading down to Texas to chase piggys with Curtis.
Come on January.
Good luck Ted, man I wish I could hang around after the b-day hunt but I have to get back to the in-laws or else.
Whats all this bout hog huntin? I thought this was the Ted Fry hunt?? Curtis, I's thought you said you was gonna give him some that ichity crotch (ask Ted) stuff an a half hour head start?
Ted, I hope old lightening is up to the task! And you can handle a flight to Texas from Portland sitting next to me!
Mr. Kellar, could you please send me your address so I can get a deposit in the mail. Booked my ticket tonight. YEEEEEHAAAAAAA!!!!!!
Hey 69, after 9/11 they don't allow folks like you on airplanes with sharp objects, so pack your blunts. You won't need broadheads anyway, you will be too busy packing this old mans HOG(S).....
email me for the address please. Good to have you aboard! We're gonna stick some pigs!
cacjck@yahoo.com
Hey there Biglegmax, Can't believe you didn't take "Gutshot" as a user name based on your typical performance out at the range! :) , And I will be proud to help you pack out a pig, But you are in luck! From what I understand it won't be like hunting on the mountain out back. In that low topography Texas country a Codger like you can probably even walk a half mile without getting winded!
Thanks for the reply Curtis, I'll send you an e-mail in a few. Really getting excited for this trip!!
Hey Vik, you must have dug your way out of the snow this morning. I wanted to let you know "gutshot" was my first choice, but you can't always get what you want. As you know, taking a DAS bow to a 3d shoot, doesn't mean you end up with a better score than a guy shooting a selfbow(right Ted?).
I'm with you, this is going to be a hoot of a hunt. I just wanted to let you know my plane reservations are made, and I promise to let you shoot at least one animal. I know you have young kids, and too many "Foam" sandwiches can't be good for them....
Bigleg, I'm gonna tell ya straight up. I did some figuring and the numbers just don't add. Theodore spent WAY to much time fishing arrows out of the brush at the Dalles shoot. He can talk up his score all day but there was no way he outshot me with that snakeskinned fencepost!
We are gonna have one fine time down south my friend!
Facts are facts brother Sean . Zac kept score.
The truth hurts I know but the truth will set you free.
Like I told you earlier I didnt need to win the whole contest as long as I whopped you! Ha!
Sure looking forward to spending a few days with you guys in Texas.
You guys better pack some ear plugs. I've spent a few nights trying to sleep in the same room as Ted. Or maybe that was me. I know Irish thought it was pretty noisey.
The more that gets exposed here could easy convince Curtis that 95 square miles might NOT be enough real estate for this group. A few more guys could temper things nicely, I'm sure there is room. By the way "snakeskinned fencepost" now that is funny!
Now John both Mel and I know that was you making all that rucuss, may as well just fess up , no way to get out of that one.Yes I have to admit the " Snakeskin fencepost "comment was kinda funny Sean.
Who snores? :confused:
I musta been elsewhere. :D
Four days till we head to Texas! Swung by Ted's yesterday after skiing 2 ft of fresh pow pow up on Hood. The new take down "Talon" bamboo bow he's made for this hunt is a work of art. Wait till you guys see the custon "torched" artwork on the limbs! Told him I was gonna stick some limbsavers on the bow when he wasn't looking, that's when he took me out back to fire a few cedars into Will. That thing is wisper quiet out of the box without anything on the string! Guess he figured he needed to shoot something that the Javis can't outrun (as opposed to his 100 fps selfbow) :)
I stopped by Ted's the other day also, the "Talon " was not finished, but looked great on the bench. The "torched" art work was not installed, are you sure Ted hasn't been roasting marshmallows in the shop again?
Sean, I have a math problem, figured you being an engineer and all could help me out. My son tells me there is a jack rabbit in Texas that is the second fastest critter in this country, right behind a pronghorn. I guess they can hit 60mph for short bursts. My question is if I'm shooting 150fps, how much do I have to lead them? Would you mind converting that to car lengths, preferrably Ford Pintos, I can look out in my yard and get a much better visual...thanks in advance...Doug
Hmmmm Gutshot, Sounds like an undergraduate calculus problem! If you anti-differentiate (take the integral) of velocity you will get distance. I'll tell ya what, After I give you old guys a lesson on stickin pecary, we can open a bottle of good scotch and break out the blackboard! Bring sharp boradheads and your sliderule!!!
Oh boy its getting close now , sure will be nice to leave all this snow and flooding to see the sun. Yeah Sean skiing has been great 12 feet of snow in 18 days, Mt Hood is buried.
Just so all know what sean is talking about in code I thought I would translate for you.
First off Will is the bighorn sheep target we have behind the store ( we fire at will).
Then the part about shooting something that goes faster , well thats just jealousy for getting his %$#^ kicked at the last 3d shoot, shooting his DAS bow and me shooting trusty old lightning ( osage/sinew). All joking aside guys , sure am looking forward to spending time with you on this hunt , were going to have a ball.
Spoke to Curtis and he had good things to say about the Rowan boys , but I dont want to steal their story telling fun. Thanks also on the kind words about the new bow ,Pics will follow.
well Ted, we left you a few to hunt. You all should have a blast.
1 day till Texas with my Oregon brothers!!!
Ted look for ya up skiing today!
Happy 2008!!!!
Their hunt officially begins today, Jan. 3rd, and it sounds like they're all eager to "get it on".
Although the temperatures have been lower than we like, they're supposed to be back up into the low 80's by Saturday! Now that should really spoil those old boys that had to crawl out of many feet of snow to get to Texas. Sure would like to see'em running hogs and javis through that brush in their shorts and t-shirts!!
POP
Any word in on this wayward bunch :confused: :confused:
Any update from this gang?
Curtis called a couple days ago and said they've really been into the Javies and having a great time.
Some of them should be showing up soon.
Looking forward to reading about there escapades...or is that "escapes" :rolleyes:
I talked to CK yesterday and he said things were really jumping. All but one of the nine guys on the hunt had already had multiple shot oppotunities and there were several javi's and one hog on the ground already. One of the guys had woken up in a bunch of javi's, shot his quiver empty (5 arrows)without hitting anything, picked them all up and shot-out again, and was still shooting when last seen!!
Too bad Mule Deer season has already closed because Ted Fry was on a "Trophy Buck" at less than seven yards. He was hunting from a custom made west Texas hunting blind more commonly called a pumping unit or pump jack. Sure would like to see a picture of that one, specially if it was running!!
Sounds like the weather has been cooperating well as they were all hunting in short sleeve shirts and they had turned all the heaters off in the house. Ahhh. . . Yankees/Snowbirds!!
Just got back last night about midnight. We had a great time and the weather was awesome! My buddy John and I got a javelina the first day. Although we were allowed two, I passed up several more shots on javelinas since Curtis says they reproduce so slowly. I was holding out for a big pig. That big pig never showed up while I was there but there was plenty of sign. I had a beautiful coyote in front of me at about 8 yards but I did not even draw on him because I knew he would bust me. You would not believe the number of quail down there. I had several within spitting distance and had a covey come into a water hole and several of the birds passed within 3-4 inches of my right foot.
My dad is the one who had a bunch of misses but he finally got his javelina on the third day. Up until a few weeks ago, he hadn't shot a trad bow in over 30 years but I think he may be hooked. I don't know if he will put the wheels down completely yet but I am working on him.
Did I mention the weather was awesome? 40-60 at night and up to the 80's in the afternoons. And I didn't get any pictures, but the sunset on the third night alone was worth the trip.
As many of you know I am new to trad archery and I have never hunted for pigs or javelinas before. I learned a lot about both while down there and will definitely be back again.
One of the things I will do differently next time is socialize more though! I hit it pretty hard and usually stayed out all day so I hit the cot early each night. Next time I want to hang out more with the other guys, swap more stories and learn some other ways of doing things.
jbb, sounds like you had a great time. Curtis is certainly one to gather a bunch of knowledge from on the hogs and javies. Glad to ehar that you and your father were able to gather game.
I was amazed at the amount of quail myself.
How was the FOOD :goldtooth:
looking forward to the pics, sounds like its been a blast! :thumbsup:
Great trip gang! I enjoyed all the participants of the Ted Fry/Raptor Archery Annual Hunt. Only one hunter didn't get a shot on this hunt. It was a great time with electricity filling camp each evening. The weather the last few days was incredible and the game cooperative.
I did get some really good video of several very close range stalks. Ted and I never really hunted side by side till this trip and we found that we click pretty well and work in unison in those final few yards. I think we have at least two stalks where we are videoing javelinas inside of ten yards. Got 4 javelina inside of about 6-7 yards with Ted inbetween me and the javelinas. Great video that I hope you guys will see on one of the upcoming Tradgang Videos. Now, if Ted ever learns to shoot those critters are gonna be in deep trouble. :goldtooth: Sorry Ted, just couldn't help it!
All hunters were very ethical and courteous towards each other and the the camp cook. Glad everyone had as much fun as me. I just wish folks would take more time to take pictures. I've only got a couple hours of video. no pics. See you guys next year if not before. Can't wait to do it all again! CK
Yep thats right , fun had by all , just getting in and will post more as time goes on .
We got as Curtis said some great video , tough to hunt with him right in your back pocket. boy did we have a blast.
Trust me Gary , I made sure that west Texas tree stand (oil pump) was in no way going to start going up and down before I climbed in , might be something to think about in the future , everytime it went up you could see all the way to Mexico, then you could wait to go back down for a better double lung angle.
I cant say enough about how Curtis works hard to insure that all have a good enjoyable hunt, he puts every ounce of energy into his task at hand, his cooking is pretty good as well as you know Vance.
Jeff , we too would have loved to see you guys a bit more in the evening but understand , thats one of the problems of these hunts , not enough time to enjoy fellow bowhunters in camp, your just plain tuckered out after hunting all day , a little food , a little beverage and boom , out go the lights. Glad your father connected with his recurve and good to see your buddy out with a longbow.
I did get loads of pictures on my 35 MM camera as the digital was dead, as soon as I get them in I will post some pictures.
As Gary said to bad Mule deer season was closed allready , I had a beauty of a buck very very close, I just sat there and watched him chassing two does around and he came within 10 yards several times . What a blessing to sit and watch the show under a blazing west Texas sunset.
The first fun Curtis and I had while filming was with a nice Javelina we spotted working his way down toward us feeding on the very meager corn trail we layed out for him, by corning lightly we could keep the Javelina moving one way or the other rather than having them stay in one place , this also made it one of my favorite ways to hunt , spot and stalk. The trick was keeping the wind in your favor and not making to much noise when the wind wasnt blowing as there was lots of tall dry grass due to the rains they have had in west Texas this season.
Movement is a key factor when getting in to close range with these little guys, one miss judged movement and the shows over.
We worked our way closer and closer as the Javelina occupied by the corn offerings, another thing to watch for when stalking in this country is thorns, yes and plenty of them, if it doesnt sting you , bite you or stick you its most likely a rock.
We got behind a large mesquite bush that was the last cover we had , the rest had to be done by the Javelina, every time I tried to get more advantage I would run into a dead end.
There was a small shooting lane to my right that the Javelina would cross if all went right , the wind was from him to us , perfect, I turned to see where Curtis was and looked right into the lens of a camera, I was so intent on the quarry I had not heard him behind me.
Suddenly I noticed the nose of the Javelina entering the lane for my intended shot, all of a sudden for no reason other than it wasnt his day to die he turned and walked off into the brush, Curtis and I were left there with mouths agape and a look of bewilderment.
Why that Javelina did what he did we will never know, I have heard it said that bowhunting is mostly doing the right thing when the animal does the wrong , well this was not that case as we did it right and so did the Javelina.
The next day was even better but that will have to wait.
Did I do that right Charlie? Leave them hanging, isn't that how you are supposed to do it?
Perfect Ted!! I'm watchin. :thumbsup: :campfire:
Any pictures???
Bill
Yeah Ted post some pics. LOL. We had a great time with Curtis when we were there too. Curtis is #1 in my book and I will be going back in the near future. Waiting on the rest of the story. :campfire: :archer: :coffee:
I really am ashamed that I didn't take any pictures down there. I have way more $$ invested in photo gear than I do in archery gear. My buddy John managed a few though.
This is what the terrain mostly looked like:
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0543.jpg)
It all looks the same from the road but when you get out and walk across it, it is amazing how different it is.
Here is a closeup of some of the vegetation. I managed to get a little too close to several of the thorns down there. I even had a big one penetrate the sole of my boot and go about a quarter inch into my foot!
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0563.jpg)
My group saw javelinas during every hunt. Most of the time we just watched them, it was really cool to see how they react to each other. You would think that the biggest would be the boss, but that wasn't always the case. Sometimes a smaller one would be dominant and run the larger one away from the food.
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0554.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0556.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0559.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0547.jpg)
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0552.jpg)
I wish I had taken some pictures, but I'm terrible about that, and probably couldn't figure out how to post them anyway. I'm not very good at the story telling either so I will leave that up to Ted and others.
First I wanted to say thanks to Curtis for the great hunt. He goes out of his way to make everything right. Those little Javies are fun to hunt and I would recommend it to anyone. You noticed I called them Little, I am sure Bill and I saw at least one that went a hundred pounds or more, right Bill? ( one of those little yellow faces should be here)
I am new to this Trad business, butt was introduced to a new tool, apparatice, I'm not sure exactly what you would call it, that looked pretty impressive. Ted being the original Trad man, was not real cooperitive about sharing his vast knowledge using this device. He rarely would let it out of his sight. I am hoping he will come forward and share his experience, possibly do a video, and build along. I think this thing could be crafted from Osage, or an elk antler. It would fit nicely in your fanny-pack, or rear- pocket and would make you a real traditional bow hunter.....
Looking forward to your story Ted.
Thanks to all the guys on the hunt, I had a blast...Doug
On the third day, my dad connected with a javelina. This was the first animal he took with traditional gear in about 30 years. When we got back to camp he was like a little kid, reliving the shot as he described it to us. He said this hunt was the best Christmas present he had ever received and he made John and I promise that we would all go back next year.
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0546.jpg)
When I think back on this hunt, what stands out most vividly is the number of times we saw game, the tips I picked up from Curtis, Ted and the others, the scenery and the incredible sunsets. Pictures don't do them justice but here is a taste of what we saw:
(http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee299/jbbjws/DSCN0561.jpg)
Those memories will stay with me long after the javelina meat is gone from the freezer. Looking forward to experiencing it again next year.
Great pictures!!! Thanks for sharing.
Bill
jbb,
That pic of your dads javi looks like its still screaming.
Congrats to all of you .
Gil
Sorry guys , like I said my digital died so I was reduced to old fashioned film. That is beig processed to pics as well as dvd right now, as soon as that is finished I will post a few.
Maybe Sean will get in here and post not only some of his stories but photos as well.
Big leg , I think I will let Sean explain the new tool as it was his purchase at the Wallmart in Odessa.
I do feel that you will do fine on a little story telling however so now is a good time to break the ice, how about watching Sean stalk rabbits on the last day? Or even better all 6 of us in the rental van with all our gear.
OK back to the hunting.
Curtis and I had corned a good stretch of an old overgrown road or pipeline that was seldom traveled by anything but hogs and Javies the day before so we were eager to see what that produced,
as we rounded the corner that would give us about a quarter of a mile of west Texas scenery we spotted a group of five or six Javelina feeding about the end of where we could see.
We cut a wide path trying to gain the wind in our face, we could see one of the Javelina's back shining in the hot sun as he moved through the tall grass. Ooops sorry guys gotta get back to work, be back soon.
As I peeked around a small Mesquite bush I caught sight of the band moving to my left , I had to back up and make a wider circle to keep the wind in my favor.
We had moved into an area with small mounds ( Curtis calls them ridges) The Javelina were standing in the bottom of a small gully (canyon in west Texas).
I saw Curtis round the brush catching up to me with camera running , two of the Javelina were having a small squable and were jousting with their tusks, one lost and turned to leave going to the right by himself .
I hurried as best I could to get around him and at one point had to run as fast and quietly as I could in the tall grass.
There he was 25 yards and moving to the right.
I drew my new proto type bamboo takedown Talon that I had made for this trip , anchored and proceded to put an arrow right over his back , Curtis was there with the camera to catch it all
We lauged for a bit then remembered there were still several more just over the ridge.
Man those west Texas Sunsets are something to behold aren't they?
Meanwhile my buddy Sean was hidding out in a ground blind along one of the many dirt pump station roads in the area. (http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x295/photos4work/img199.jpg)
Bill had made a great shot early on taking this nice Javelina, maybe he will get on and tell his story? Bill? Bill are you there?
Back to the Curtis and Ted show.
We started working our way closer to the group of Javies as they milled around in a patch of thick brush, closer and closer.
At one point when we were about 10 yards away one got up and walked outside the brush to look around for what looked like a food quest.
He started our way but decided to join the bunch again under the brush and what little shade it offered.
Tall grass grew all around the perimeter of their little fort out of the sun making a tough job of telling what was where as they moved about.
I worked up more, ever so slowly with the steady wind in my face, checking to see if Curtis was behind me, he was.
The Javelina then decided to bed down , here I was croutched 5 yards from the group with nothing to do but wait for one to stand and give me a clear shot.
Thats when Curtis whispered to me " Hey we have to do something quick , I am running out of disc space on the camera.
With nothing left to decide I stood up hoping that the Javelina would do the same, but no , they decided to rocket out of the brush scattering in all directions, I followed one running to the left, as he stopped with a very small window of what I hoped was my chance for a shot. I drew and released in one smooth action and watched my arrow bury into about a 2" diameter branch just in front of the intended target, AARRGG! Curtis of course got all that on film as well. He also managed to zoom in real close to the arrow and pointed out that I couldnt of killed that tree any better.
Back to camp with the hat of humility, knowing that it wasnt a total failure as we did have a great stalk and shared a great evening together doing what we both love.
(http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x295/photos4work/img225.jpg)
The next day was pretty slow,I sat for awhile at a stand with no morning action other than all the quail that came and went as well as doves and Cedar waxwings.
Another beautiful Texas sunrise with the thumping and squeking oil rigs in the distance, funny each one has a different noise, you can learn to identify which one is running by the sound if you sit long enough. You dont hear them as well in the evening as the winds blows covering the sounds.
This also makes afternoon a better time to spot and stalk.
As luck would have it Curtis and I were once again on the back section of this 650,000 acre ranch trying to move in on another Javelina and get some good film footage as well.
I dont need to tell very many of you out there filming and hunting at the same time is tough, it adds a whole new twist to stalking.
As I closed in on a lone Javelina with Curtis in tow we ran out of cover . This Javie was on edge , he must have seen a bit of movement or just plain was spooked in general. We couldnt get any closer. We quickly decided to change plans with me making a wide half circle around the Javelina coming in down the road and down wind with Curtis trying to push him my way.
I went further than intended and came out way down the road, better safe than sorry was my thought on this.
Curtis saw me cross the dirt road and get on the downwind side of the intended path of the Javelina ,so he started walking toward my stand.
The Javelina could see him and kept him at about 25 yards distance moving forward every time Curtis moved forward. The trick was for Curtis not to push him so hard that he would bolt for cover.
Light was fading quickly and the Javelina was about 35 yards away moving my direction, just hang on he will be here soon I kept telling myself, dont rush it , control your excitement.
There he stood in no time at about 6 -8 yards, he turned slightly quartered away and I knew it was time , quick, draw , shoot and watch the arrow sail about 1/2" over his back.
As I stood the in total amazement with Curtis snickering in the background the Javelina headed to Mexico.
The next day started warmer than any we had seen yet , oh boy today is going to be a scorcher Curtis said as he poured a cup of Coffee , "You Northern boys are going to cook today".
He was right 85 degrees in January is not what any of us from the northern side of Oregon are used to.
I chose to sit at the water tank that I had seen a big beautiful Mule deer buck a couple of days ago with nothing spotted again , the hogs had been there , yes enough to make it look like there had been a convention there not long ago, just not when I was there.
Bill and Scott needed to leave that day so I headed in early to take them to Odessa and their flight out. As I arrived in camp Curtis decided he wanted me out on the other side of the ranch hunting and he would run them to town, he got no argument from me.
I couldnt help but think of all the rib poking I was going to get on our return after shooting so poorly with the new proto type bow, I needed a chance to redeem myself.
Curtis dropped me at the back side of the west of the ranch , turned the truck around and headed back to camp , his last words rang in my ears as he chuckled out of sight " Dont overshoot this time".
No sooner had the dust settled and out popped some Javelina, there they were about a quarter of a mile away and feeding my direction.
Good Stuff guys........looks like you had a blast!
Thanks for sharing!
What a great hunt, looks like a place i'd like to "visit" some day...congrats guys :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
OK , lets see , where were we. Oh yeah settling dust, Javelina feeding my direction.
I had plenty of time to figure out a plan as I had about a quarter of a mile of country to cover before getting close, I took my time in the hot mid day sun. The Javelina were to the west of me and the wind was from the south so I placed myself downwind and tried to keep the sun from effecting my sight. I would have preffered to have the sun at my back thus effecting the sight of the Javelina but that would not happen on this stalk.
There was an oil pump and the pad they are placed on just before the foraging group of Javelina,the pad was wide open offering no cover, I had to get to the other side of this to set up an ambush.
No sooner had I gotten to the other side of the pad I spotted the first of the Javies still feeding and oblivious of my aproach, he paused and in true Javelina fashion tried to figure out what I was and if I was any kind of threat . Good thing he must have seen the way I had been shooting as he went back to feeding knowing I was not a threat.
I drew the bamboo bow , picked a spot low and behind the shoulder, and just before I released heard Curtis in the back ground chuckling " Dont over shoot the next one, Ha Ha Ha".
Well I lowered my bow hand just a bit more and released, I saw the arrow pass throught the Javelina right where I was looking.
He ran a short distance and stood with his back to me, he was having trouble staying on all four legs but still standing. Due to the open country I decided to move up and put another arrow in him.
As I moved forward he spotted me and bolted to the left , paused and came right at me whoofing and snorting all puffed up with his hackles raised. I didnt waste any time getting an arrow headed his way, it buried halfway up in his shoulder and he blew up , circling and snarling then dropped.
It was several minutes before I exhaled and realized what had happened , I had done it , I didnt overshoot , here was my Javelina. I also realized I would get a whole lot less ribbing after this, WHEW! (http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x295/photos4work/img196.jpg)
Which one of them critters is what???????????????????????????? bd
Congratulations Ted!! Great story telling and good shooting! Felt like I was right there with you through the whole trip. Thanks for letting me come along for the ride.
POP
Good tale Ted. Like the look of the new bow too. Glad you managed to controll the bow's tendancy to shoot high. Could not have anything to do with the way I like to look up at release to see my arrow fly thereby runing my form. You would never do that. Fine javelina.
Good story Ted! You certainly didn't shoot over that one. Sure was glad to have been along on all the other stalks. Gotta send that footage to Dad so we can use it in the upcoming 7Th Age Video. See ya soon! CK
Whew, Out of the frying pan and into the fire, back home and back to work! I see the boys have been busy "spinning yarns" on their West Texas hunting experience (while I've been changing diapers and squaring up with the Warden for my extended absence!). What a time had by all! The trip, the camaraderie with my brothers, that pig hunting Wildman Kellar, the hunting, and peace and contemplation in the West Texas desert all summed to an unforgettable time!
As always I find myself disappointed in my photo taking abilities and never take the time to capture all of the action but here are a few......
When Ted worked with Curtis on getting together a winter hunt in Texas I was so excited, the opportunity to chase peccary and pigs with my Oregon buddies just sounded too good to be true, and of course, a brief respite from the endless snow this winter... Here is a photo of my 1971 Landrover in my driveway; yes it's actually under there....
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032059.jpg)
Of course it was snowing like crazy all the way to the airport, But the stars were aligned, Parked at first row in the economy parking, no line at the airline check in (of course the airline carrier next to us had a line that wrapped around itself) and we breezed right through airport security (although the TSA agent looked as though she needed to reach for a motion-discomfort bag as soon as Theodore removed his shoes to send through the scanner).
With this good fortune, (it never works out so smoothly) the only thing that could thwart our efforts was if our bags (and archery tackle) did not make the connecting flight from Dallas to Odessa. As we arrived at the terminal in Dallas, I pointed out a backpack on the tarmac, and noted that some unlikely traveler would be missing his belongings. To say this gave a feeling of foreboding is an understatement.....
Thus the preface for this photo.... Theodore and company in the terminal diligently watching the baggage handlers load our connecting flight to Odessa. Someone is intent on making sure that flame burnished Raptor Talon takedown makes it on the plane!
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032014.jpg)
The trip to the Ranch was relatively uneventful, other than our arranged transportation consisted of a 6 seat minivan. No worries right? Wrong, six guys, six duffle bags and their carry-on baggage, and we hadn't even hit Wal-Mart to beer up and get our groceries. Again the full effect can't be realized without a photo to do it justice but there has to be some kind of a "what do you get when you cram six Pollocks in a minivan" joke....
The ranch is situated in amazing country, and to think they call Montana "Big Sky". The desert is an amazing place and although I didn't encounter my old friend the Arizona Chollo, or jumping cactus, the mesquite and other vegetation has quite capable thorns. Ahhhhh..... The art of moving through the desert, an errant hand, or a mistaken step and you may have introduced yourself to a pleasurable half hour of digging with the tweezers!!! To think of the resilience of critters that inhabit this country is amazing (and I make this observation considering I was there in the cool months).
Here's a photo of Theodore at full draw:
Ted Says: "Hold real still Pilgrim, there's a scorpion on your knee, don't move and I'll take care of him"
Sean Says: "That's fine Theodore, you can shoot 'em but any chance you can put that broadhead away and use a judo?"
Not to say that I don't have utmost confidence in my friend that never misses! (See previous threads) :)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032016.jpg)
It's difficult to see javelina, hog, or rabbit sized animals in this country when you're on the hoof, however finding a good spot for a ground blind and being able to glass long stretches of Sendero (desert road) gives you a chance to see the critters in the open. Definitely bring your binos as the long eye will let you cover longer stretches of the open ground. Here's the kind of setup that worked for me...
Looking Up......
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032035.jpg)
Looking Down....
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032034.jpg)
It was a setup like this where I had my most active day. My good buddy Gutshot (Doug) and I were watching about 3/4 to a mile of road when we caught Javis in the open (in a Sendero). Gutshot was on the far end about a ½ mile away and the critters kept coming in between us. Doug took the first stalk on a group of three over the period of about 45 minutes. Watching the scene unfold before me was absolutely amazing. I'd see Doug out in the brush sneaking and peaking while the Javis slowly moved up the road. I could feel my blood racing as I saw the inevitable intersection of hunter and prey...............
Unfortunately that intersection of an arrow streaming from the brush to meet its mark never materialized. Javelinas are unpredictable little critters, and at the last moment when they appeared to be nearly on top of Doug, they simply veered off into the brush in the most nonchalant manner. Ted and I also experienced this when the duration of a moment changed our luck and at the last instant the animals would just change their minds and move away. Well in this case it resulted with hands and bow in the air in the proverbial posture of "what happened?"
Of course all I could do was smile as I watched my friend through 10x42 vision turn and head back to his stand. Smile you say at a friend's undeveloped opportunity????? No..... Smile as a manifestation of emotion and joy at seeing a good friend with whom I've shot many arrows, transcend mere existence and become the hunter. I can watch all the Bear, Wensel, and Eichler videos in my library, but it's nothing like watching a spot and stalk hunt unfold before me with a buddy in the lead role.
Gutshot Smith, of Mosier Oregon wearing his best "Natural Born Killer" expression... Faithfull Toelke Whip in hand.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032019.jpg)
No better way to "get in the zone" for your opportunity then to watch a buddy get his, but now it was my turn at the batters plate. Same kind of deal, Javis come out, and you do a wide loop into the brush to come out on top of them. I have to say it here; THIS IS SOOOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!!! Personally, there is no better hunting experience for me then spot and stalk. You see the critter, you check the wind, the direction of shadow, you look over the ground, and you come up with your plan to move in. That simple right? Wrong again!
Curtis had filmed Ted on a stalk the previous day where they were out from the critter about 1/3 of a mile and watching this video provided me volumes of information and a quick education on how to get up close. Essentially, move in hard and when you get in close get yourself in a position to let the situation develop. I believe we termed it "balanced aggression". Well I kept repeating this to myself, gave it my best go, and got on the hoof to move in quick until about the last 200 yards. The desert was dry and there were plenty of "potato chips" crunching underfoot, but nevertheless I did my best at finding open and clear footing while crouching down and moving in slowly. At least that's how it played out in my mind. Gutshot was now watching me with his binos and on post hunt appraisal I think he described my stalk as a "water buffalo trying to perform ballet".
Well, it's all on me because I got in close, less than 20 yards easy, and took what I thought was a perfect broadside shot. Curtis told us to hammer the shoulder hard and I saw a post – release explosion of dirt and rock on the far side of the critter. As the javi blew out like a bat outta hell I focused in on his egress route and waited for the brush to stop moving. I was absolutely sure I'd smoked a Stinger tipped AD right through him. You can imagine my dismay when after fishing a bloodless arrow out of the brush I was rewarded with an elf-shoe tipped broadhead and not a lick of positive sign. Well, it was my time for arms and bow in the overhead "what happed" pose, but I'll be dammed if my longbow limbed Dalla didn't actually separate from my grip and land 20 feet away in a mesquite (can't understand how that happened?) :)
Now it was Gutshot's time to smile, ahhhhh the folly of the water buffalo......
Clear evidence of Sean's drowned sorrows over sweet stalks and poor shots can be seen below:
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032052.jpg)
I had other shot opportunities and stalks on additional Javis and rabbits. As I said before, if you are a fan of Spot and Stalk hunting then you absolutely have to try this out. I had a great time and Curtis is one hell of a good guy. If you get chance to hunt with him and I would highly recommend it, you will learn a lot on hunting, archery and DO NOT FORGET to have him demonstrate his classic "you're busted" javelina pose (insert missed photo here). And oh how the man can cook; folks you will be well fed with good food.
The company, evening discussions on the day's activities, the adventure of the day to come, and Ted and Curtis's stories of archery lore and history all combined for an unforgettable traditional archery experience.
Have to share a few dusk and dawn shots of this incredible country, the sunrise and sunsets were unbelievable!
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032025.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032042.jpg)
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032020.jpg)
DAS in the groundblind
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032030.jpg)
Gearing up to move out.
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032018.jpg)
My Dalla longbow at sunrise
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032028.jpg)
In terms of Bigleg's post on Page 5 of the new "Shot Improvement Mechanism" It was suggested that those of us presented with multiple shot opportunities that could not connect would be subjected to this apparatus.
Theodore Says: "You miss again and you have to answer to this"
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032048.jpg)
And, demonstration of proper technique
(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c169/viking69/S5032015.jpg)
Nuff Said,
Viking
Where did you get the LB limbs for the DAS?
They are Samick ILF limbs. Personally, I really like the way they shoot on the Dalaa Riser. I'm pulling ~ 66lbs @ 29.
Great stories Ted!!! :thumbsup: You guys should have posted the BIG photos. As it is I only have to scroll a foot and a half to read a sentence. :D
So sorry Charlie, I dont know why those came out big? Computer savy lacking I guess.
Maybe it was cause I knew old guys would be looking and I wanted to give your eyes a break.