Juniors javelina success! Video added.

[Joe Kauffman]

My son was fortunate enough to draw a 20C juniors hunt this year and what a hunt it was. We've prospected and hunted this unit in the past and were both excited and confident about this being a fun and successful trip. With the truck loaded with 3 days worth of gear, we headed out Friday morning about 5am in order to get to our hunting spot before daylight. By 7:15 we were perched on a high ridge waiting for the sun to warm things up and glassing the slopes we could see for any signs of movement.

 

By 7:30 the sun had began to cast long shadows on the sloping ridge 500 yards in front of us. I pulled up my binoculars to start weeding through the shadows and my eyes landed on 2 javelina feeding at the base of a Prickly Pear patch. I whispered to Garrett that we had pigs already and he couldn't hardly believe me until he had his binoculars focused on the herd that had quickly grown to 4 adults and 1 yearling. After another 10 minutes or so of glassing and planning our stalk we began the hike down the ridge.

 

The slope where the javelina were feeding was relatively flat which made it nice for keeping an eye on the herd, but the massive amounts of small brush and Prickly Pear made for an interesting stalk. I let Garrett lead the way for most of the stalk, adding guidance to his path and explaining the essential things in stalking game such as keeping the wind in your face & anticipating their next move. But as with any big game hunting, even preparing for everything isn't always enough.

 

About 15 minutes into the stalk we just about blew the whole operation when I realized that the yearling that we had lost site of had broken away from the herd and now stood 30 yards in front of our path. Another couple of steps or one loud rock kick or twig snap and she no doubt would have spooked and alarmed the rest of the herd. We both knelt down quietly laughing to ourselves while getting some good video footage of the young javelina tearing apart a Prickly Pear cactus.

 

After 10 minutes or so the youngster began to move back towards the herd which allowed us to continue on with the stalk. Picking our way through the thickets, we finally were within 150 yards of several good sized javelina. We decided that the fun in this challenge would be to try and continue on to close the gap to less than 80 yards where he would then take the shot. Garrett understood that this could mean blowing the whole operation, but the fun and excitement of the actual hunt was what he wanted and knew that getting a shot at one was just a bonus.

 

We continued the stalk until we were roughly 75 yards from 2 javelina that were broadside feeding on the roots of some small brush. He whispered that he wanted the one on the left because of it's great salt & pepper coloring and the dominant collar it had. I told him the choice was up to him and to go ahead and take the shot when he was ready. Luckily I was able to get the camera on REC (even though the excitement had me shaking like a leaf) and was able to get the shot & recovery on film. He made an excellent heart shot & with one last burst of energy the javelina lunged about 10 yards into a thicket and expired.

 

Here's a few shots of the proud hunter with his latest trophy.

 

Joe Kauffman

 

Thanks again for the memories bud! You've quickly grown into a hunter that will become a mentor for many youth in the future.

 

Dad

 

[azryan]

thanks for sharing the story. congrats

[willhunt4coues]

Great pig. Congrats.

[ac guy]

Nicely done. Did you stop by the junior camp? They had a great camp this year and there were plenty of successful hunters.

[.270]

good job. after you made him gut it did he wanna quit huntin'? i like to see photos of grinnin' kids. 'specially when there's a dead animal in it. Lark.

[Coach]

Awesome! Congrats to Garrett!

[HC1]

Congrats to you!

[Brademan]

congrats garrett on getting your pig its a nice one

[COOSEFAN]

Congrats guys and great story! JIM>

[azcouesandelk]

Way to go Garrett! You are becoming one fine hunter. Keep up the good work and enjoy every minute in the field with your pops.

[tjhunt2]

Thanks for the story and congratulations to your son on a great looking pig. I love the pictures.

 

TJ

[GTT]

Way to go Garrett & Joe! Nothin' like huntin' with your kids.... Bret

[HC2]

Congrats!!!

[Joe Kauffman]

We didn't get a chance to stop by the juniors camp this year. We were hunting quite a ways from there and Garrett was pretty anxious to get home & show Mom and Sister.

 

Quit huntin' after the gutting? Heck no..He's very adimant about doing everything himself (still needs some guidance up inside so he doesn't end up wacking off a finger). Heck, I almost took it personal when he skinned it by himself . He finally let his Sister help when he hit the neck area.

[Coues 'n' Sheep]

 

 

Congrats on the piggy!!!