New year, same story !!
I parked the truck out on the prairie and grabbed my bow and quiver. The wind was out of the north so I stuck my nose in it and started walking..
I reached a creek and kept traveling upwind walking the creek bank. There were woods on the other side and prairie on my side. I was looking for fresh pig sign, something I hadn't been able to locate lately.
I'd gone maybe a mile and a half when I saw some real fresh sign 150 yards up the creek, PIGS!
I kept my pace up until I was within a hundred yards then I slowed down. At 75 I pulled an arrow out of my quiver and snapped it on the bowstring.
There were a dozen or so on the other creek bank but then I saw a lone boar on my side. He was nosing around in some brairs. I tried to get real sneaky and close the distance. When I was within 40 yars I was sure I could hit him if he turned and gave me decent angle.
Every so often he would look up and see me and the stare down would occur. I eased forward a few steps then he turned and walked straight away. After going another 20 or 30 yards he stopped and started rooting at something. Again I closed the distance and reached a spot where I was ready to take the shot if offered. And he moved away AGAIN.
I kept on his tail and he stopped and started rooting in a small patch of green brair, just what I needed! He had his head buried in this patch of vines and I was able to sneak within about 25 yards. A small bunch of vines was screening his vitals but I could seen them well and knew the weeds and berry vines wouldn't deter my arrow as he was just a foot behind them.
The 63 pound yew bow came to full attention and the arrow was away. The pig let out a short squeal and trotted away. I was pretty sure I had a good hit but he didn't falter as he trotted towards the rest of the pigs.
I watched as he crossed the creek then saw him lay down on the opposite bank. Ah, just a bit of patience my friend. A couple of minutes later he got up and walk into the woods line, this worried me. Maybe he wasn't as sick as I first thought.
Maybe ten minutes passed and I started sneaking towards the last place I saw him. I was loosing light and wanted to try to get another arrow into him if possible. I probably took me another ten minutes to close in on where I was hoping he was. I was slipping along one step then another and scanning inside the darkening woods. Finally I saw him, he was laying on his side about 20 yards in. He was facing away and I started to stick another arrow in his flank then and there. I watched for a bit and saw no movement. Wanting a better angle I slowy started side stepping opening up a more broadside view of him. Again I was tempted to shoot the second arrow but I just couldn't see any sign of life so taking a bit of a gamble I closed in on him. Ten yards, then five, then three ---- he was dead! The 185 grain Grizzly had taken him a couple of inches to the rear of where I would have prefered but it proved deadly anyway. I found the bloodied arrow about ten yards beyond where he had been standing, it didn't seem to slow down much as it went through him.
(http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/jpbdas/IMG_05461024x768_zpsc3d29762.jpg) (http://s88.photobucket.com/user/jpbdas/media/IMG_05461024x768_zpsc3d29762.jpg.html)
Another nice one, Pat!
Congrats,
Bisch
The hogslayer is back at it! Way to go pat!
Mr. Stone Cold strikes again!
Good job Pat keep on putting the bacon down
WOW Pat, you are certainly the BACON man. Congrats on another nice pig.
Tony
Awesome! Congrats on another great hunt Pat!
Always love these posts! Way to go!!!
Good hunt Pat!!!!
Good hunt Pat!!!!
Congrats Pat!
That's too cool. Great stalking . :thumbsup:
That seems like a BIG hog to me! How do they taste? I never had wild hog.....
Congrats Pat! Thats a good one!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Good shooting Pat. I'm headed to your State on the 1st of Feb.
Nice shooting. I am heading to GA next week for 5 days of pig hunting. Can't wait! Hope to have a few pics to share.
Great!
Really nice storytelling, too!
Another great story and shot from the "Pig Master"! Thanks Pat!
Nice one Pat!
Great job Pat!! Darn nice pig. Was it in GA??
Love your stories Pat.....they seem to have a 'successful' hint to them :)
Fun read! Thank You
Pat's the MAN! :notworthy: Great story and great hog.
Jon :campfire:
Starting the year off right!
When I grow up I want to be like Pat!
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
:thumbsup:
Man that would make a great full body mount. I would put it in the den
Good shooting Pat!!RC
That is a fine hawg! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations, Pat!
You are the baconator Pat. :notworthy:
Congrats Pat!
Well told Pat :campfire: Felt like I was with you on the hunt :archer2:
Congrats Pat! Love your stories!
Big pig, congrats!
Ok ok. You post a pic of yourself and a pig about once a week....
HOWS ABOUT A SMILE ONCE IN A WHILE!!!
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl:
Mr. Pat,
I always enjoy your pictures and stories. I have just given up on the big hogs with my bow. It seems the little ones are much easier for me. Maybe I need to get a high pound bow just for the big ones... Keep up the good work :)
Ben
Great story, great write up, great big hog.