Ryan's Piggy Down!!

[John O]

I was able to have a great time this past weekend chasing pigs with my boys. Since my older son Jake had already killed one in a previous year, the boys agreed that Ryan would have first shot. We had two days to hunt, and we were fortunate enough to have my good friend Scott make the long drive in to help us out. On day one I spotted a herd of 10 pigs about 600 yards across from us feeding on a ridge. We figured with the wind, we could skirt the hill below them and be in perfect position for a shot. Just as we got to where we needed to be, the wind completely shifted and they winded us and ran off. My boys were a little disappointed, however Scott was able to locate another small herd about a mile in the opposite direction, so we headed over to where he had seen them last. We were able to locate them below us for a short while before they sneaked off, and we never saw them again. On the second morning we were able to locate a herd feeding on a hillside up in a canyon about a mile out. As we moved to get to a better vantage point, they fed down into a thicket in the bottom, and we figured they had bedded. Scott stayed back to keep an eye on things while we hiked up the draw next to the thicket, and then up into position above were we thought they might be. I got the boys set up on their bi-pods, in case the pigs spooked. After chucking a couple of rocks and doing some lousy squealing noises, they finally stirred and came out of their bed. They held up in a shadow below us, and I was able to get Ryan on them in no time. This is just before he was about to shoot.

 

 

I reminded him to only move the tip of his finger as he pulled the trigger, and told him to shoot when he was ready. Ryan made a perfect shot just behind the shoulder at 160 yards, and the pig dropped in his tracks. I went over to Jake and got him on the rest of the group as they ran out of the area, but they kept moving and wouldn't hold up for him to get a shot. Finally, one straggler stopped briefly and he took the shot, but just missed. They disappeared back into the thicket, not providing another opportunity. Ryan was very excited to get his first ever javelina, and although Jake missed he was very happy for his little brother. I feel blessed to have shared some special time with my boys, and am proud of them for hanging in there until we could get it done. A big thanks to Scott for his friendship and willingness to give up some of his time to help my boys have a successful hunt. Their smiles say it all.

 

 

[stanley]

Outstanding John! Sounds like you all had a great time!

 

Congrats to Ryan!

S.

 

[bonecollector]

Congrats to Ryan, way to shoot.

[CouesWhitetail]

That's some great family time! Congratulations!

[standman]

Nothing like seeing those big grins on the young hunters! Congrats!

 

Brian

 

[Apatkelley]

Good job Ryan, that's a great looking pig. John, maybe Jake didn't really miss. He might have decided he didn't really want to shoot one of those stinky little dudes. Then he'd have to touch it!!

[John O]

Good job Ryan, that's a great looking pig. John, maybe Jake didn't really miss. He might have decided he didn't really want to shoot one of those stinky little dudes. Then he'd have to touch it!!

 

I got 2 lbs ready for you man. Your going to love it!!!

[pig slayer]

good job ryan.

[coues7]

Congrats Ryan and John. What a great experience.

[tjhunt2]

Way to go Ryan. That is a great looking pig and to be able to share the hunt with your bother and Dad just makes it that much better for the memory bank. Thanks Dad for posting and congratulations to the whole family on a successful harvest.

 

TJ