08 Archery Javelina

OK I will join the party.

I battled rain and brutal cold temps on opening day this year. We set up camp in the rain and even debated scratching the whole hunt. But, we figured we are already out here, we might as well stay. After a couple hours in the tent, the rain let up and we headed out. We glassed for a while and the rain started again so we headed back to camp. Another hour or so in the tent and the rain stopped again. We headed back out to a spot that has always done well. I never hunt this spot unless it's a last resort. I know it always has pigs, but once they get shot at, they leave the area for a week or two, so I try to never hunt them unless I absolutely have to. Well, the rain dictated that if I was going to kill, I needed to hunt those pigs. As soon as we got there, my buddy saw one walk out from one of the few trees in this canyon. The stalk was on!! I knew they were taking shelter under this tree and that they were going to head straight to the bottom of this canyon since the rain stopped. I also knew that the bottom of this canyon was so thick that you can't even walk across the bottom, even though it's only 10 feet or so across.

I made my way around the mouth of the canyon, since it was the only way to get across to the other side. I was able to pick them up as they headed down. They were on the move , though, and I knew if I didn't start running, they would beat me to the bottom. So, I waited for them to get out of sight and I took off!! I popped up over the finger ridge and saw two of the four head into the bottom. Then, another one stepped into view. I drew and she actually stopped for a split second. Now time to range her. I guessed 30 yards and let the arrow fly. I hit her perfectly right behind the shoulder.

In all the years I have been pig hunting, I have never been successful during bad weather until this year. I learned alot on this trip. I learned to never give up, even though you think that everything that is happening is dictating to you that you should stop hunting.

Here are a pic of my big sow.