Back in the saddle

[swampdrummer]

Well, after last weekends hunts detailed here:
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=075819;p=1#000000
I spent the past week practicing pretty hard. Different shots from all different ranges. Sitting, kneeling, back to the target, etc etc. Shot for an hour each evening then did a quick 15 or 20 minute walk thru the woods, stump shooting. I was feeling pretty confident this morning as I headed out.

Started out about the same as last weekend in that there were pigs under the feeder right off. I checked the wind and started to slip in. Things just all fell into place this morning and I was able to get within about 30 yards pretty quickly. Not sure what the difference was but these hogs just weren't paying much attention to what was going on around them! Had one deer off in the woodline that stated blowing and I thought it was all over but the hogs didn't seem to pay any mind and kept wallowing in the mud in front of me.

I had a bunch of shots at around 20 yards but after last weekend I waited on something a little closer and it worked out. A small boar fed towards me and turned sideways at about 12 yards. I don't remember the draw or the release but I for sure saw the arrow hit this time! A bit high and to the right but still in the kill zone for sure..  The hog dropped on the spot!  I knocked another arrow and let fly, just as insurance and broke the spine with that shot. and it was game over...

Now these same hogs last weekend would blow out of there just from an arrow flying in the vicinity. They all stayed around while the hog I hit kicked an screamed for 2 or 3 minutes. The other hogs didn't run until I was within 10 yards of them and even then they were very reluctant.... Could have arrowed another one pretty easily but figured one was enough for the day....Strange behavior.....

Anyways, Heres the picture. Think I have all the required elements. Critter, Check. Bloody arrow, Check. Shrew bow in hand,Check.    :D  
   

One thing different from last weekend ( besides success) I picked up a primos hog grunter and had it along this morning. As I got close during the stalk I would give a few soft grunts on this call.  A couple of the hogs looked my way but quickly went back to feeding.  Not sure if it made any difference or not but I sure don't think it hurt anything.

Thanks to all for the words of encouragement and the PM's I received last week. I was doubting myself and this trad archery  but  feeling a bit better after this morning.  

[bretto]

Thanks for sharing Your story. Congrats on a good hunt. Nice picture. Time to fire up the smoker.

[Toklat1]

Cool, awesome story.  

[Chris Surtees]

[jimmerc]

Yea Man, congrats and thanks for sharing, looks like some fine eats there!!          

[Friends call me Pac]

Way to go.  Really enjoyed the story.

[Son of Texas]

Great job     congrats!!!

[shortstroke 91]

Way to redeem yourself, what a confidence booster a bloody arrow and DRT animal makes.