Libby and I were up bright and early on a Saturday to load the bow-hunting gear into our truck, then on to pick up our hunting buddy Shawn.
While driving to the property we were hunting, we decided on our hunting strategy for the day ahead – a plan evolved – drop Shawn and Libby at the top of the hill, so they could stalk their way down, while I’d have a look around to see if there was anything up high. Afterwards I’d be off back down the track to pick them up at the bottom.
After getting up to the designated spot Shawn and Libby sorted the best route down, then they were off.
I did the same thing, uphill and on the hunt.
After checking a few gullies I found a couple of goats. I snuck in and put an arrow into a billy. He was down in mere seconds, and I was pretty chuffed.
Time then to head back to the truck, and, checking one last spot, I spied a black and tan boar cutting up out of the gully. I had a hunch where he was heading so raced across to cut him off.
I slowly crept across to where I was hoping the boar would pop out and sure enough, he came sneaking into sight.
The boar was sniffing the ground, perhaps tracking a sow. He walked out to the road edge, stopped, then walked back into the bush. He did this three times, slowly working his way closer to me each time.
With an arrow nocked, and waiting on his next move, I could hear him sniffing. As I glanced over, I could see him sneaking through the bush, so I drew back my bow and waited for him to pop out a fourth time.
Finally, the boar crept out, sniffing slowly along the ground as he had earlier – he was no more than 18 metres away as I put the pin on his shoulder. I let out a wee hind call and he stopped in his tracks.
My arrow flew true, straight through the boar’s shoulder. He spun about and took off but too late – he was down and dying within 30 metres.
After retrieving my pig and taking a quick photo at the truck, I realised I had better head off to pick up the other two.
Murphy’s Law, neither of them had seen a thing. They’d both enjoyed their walk though – as had I !
The Fishing Paper & Hunting News is proud to support this new monthly column from the Marlborough BowHunters and hopes that you will enjoy following the journey of this group of bowhunting enthusiasts
