IA Born Report post Posted February 2, 2020 My 12-year old son has been fortunate enough to get two javelina in the last two years on opening weekend. His first year, he used his 7mm-08 and that hunt was filmed by The Mountain Project. Last year, he used my AR. After two successful pig hunts using modern rifles and quality optics, he decided he wanted a challenge. He asked me if he could use my 1956 H&R M1 Garand. I couldn't tell him no, but I told him he had to carry that 11-pound beast and he needed to be prepared to not fill a tag due to iron sights and needing to get in close, which I know isn't really a big issue with javelina. We took it out a while back to sight it in for the Barnes VOR-TX 150gr TTSX ammo he'd be hunting with and he was center-punching a 12-inch black splatter target at 100 yards. This was after he took one shot at my 12-inch gong and hit one of the bolts that holds it together, rendering it useless for the rest of the session. Opening weekend took forever to find pigs and ended up with a 6-mile round trip hike in the heat with no food, but plenty of water. Long story short, he didn't get a javelina and we both ended up being thankful. I gave him the choice to switch back to his 7-08 to increase his chances, but he said "I'm using the Garand or nothing!" and was willing to eat tag soup all for the challenge of iron sights! Yesterday was beyond epic. It was Garand! After last weekend, Jacob showed amazing perseverance and dedication to his commitment. We took off with our friends again to fill two youth javelina tags. Another friend came along to glass. We found a big herd of javelina by 0750 yesterday morning in a STEEP canyon. A little over two hours later, we were above them and had two boys set up at 74 yards on two broadside pigs. Jacob shot first with a solid hit on the rear javelina and our friend's son shot the front pig seconds later for a great double at 1020, including the other boy's first javelina! The pack put was hot and brutal, but we did it. Of course, Jacob had to affix the bayonet I carried for pics! I asked and its not legal to use a bayonet as a method of take in Arizona. I carried it strictly for pictures and he couldn't wait to put it on the rifle. I can tell you that carrying a quartered javelina and 11-lb (loaded) rifle is not for the meek. The rifle was actually unloaded for the hike out, but a loaded clip doesn't add that much more weight. I'm so stinking proud of Jacob for his perseverance, determination, and commitment to the challenge! A little Beastie Boys made the drive home even more epic! Later last night, after showers and dinner, I walked upstairs to watch a movie with him and found him with his feet in the foot massager! 17 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke-BE Report post Posted February 2, 2020 This is awesome, congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oz31p Report post Posted February 2, 2020 56 minutes ago, IA Born said: My 12-year old son has been fortunate enough to get two javelina in the last two years on opening weekend. His first year, he used his 7mm-08 and that hunt was filmed by The Mountain Project. Last year, he used my AR. After two successful pig hunts using modern rifles and quality optics, he decided he wanted a challenge. He asked me if he could use my 1956 H&R M1 Garand. I couldn't tell him no, but I told him he had to carry that 11-pound beast and he needed to be prepared to not fill a tag due to iron sights and needing to get in close, which I know isn't really a big issue with javelina. We took it out a while back to sight it in for the Barnes VOR-TX 150gr TTSX ammo he'd be hunting with and he was center-punching a 12-inch black splatter target at 100 yards. This was after he took one shot at my 12-inch gong and hit one of the bolts that holds it together, rendering it useless for the rest of the session. Opening weekend took forever to find pigs and ended up with a 6-mile round trip hike in the heat with no food, but plenty of water. Long story short, he didn't get a javelina and we both ended up being thankful. I gave him the choice to switch back to his 7-08 to increase his chances, but he said "I'm using the Garand or nothing!" and was willing to eat tag soup all for the challenge of iron sights! Yesterday was beyond epic. It was Garand! After last weekend, Jacob showed amazing perseverance and dedication to his commitment. We took off with our friends again to fill two youth javelina tags. Another friend came along to glass. We found a big herd of javelina by 0750 yesterday morning in a STEEP canyon. A little over two hours later, we were above them and had two boys set up at 74 yards on two broadside pigs. Jacob shot first with a solid hit on the rear javelina and our friend's son shot the front pig seconds later for a great double at 1020, including the other boy's first javelina! The pack put was hot and brutal, but we did it. Of course, Jacob had to affix the bayonet I carried for pics! I asked and its not legal to use a bayonet as a method of take in Arizona. I carried it strictly for pictures and he couldn't wait to put it on the rifle. I can tell you that carrying a quartered javelina and 11-lb (loaded) rifle is not for the meek. The rifle was actually unloaded for the hike out, but a loaded clip doesn't add that much more weight. I'm so stinking proud of Jacob for his perseverance, determination, and commitment to the challenge! A little Beastie Boys made the drive home even more epic! Later last night, after showers and dinner, I walked upstairs to watch a movie with him and found him with his feet in the foot massager! Good job. i need to get me one of those California flag floor mats. I’d be happy to wipe my feet on that!!! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DCS Report post Posted February 2, 2020 Great story,congrats to the boys and the guides. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Red Dirt Report post Posted February 2, 2020 Sounds like an awesome hunt. He's a tough little man packing that gun around. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted February 2, 2020 That is so freaking cool. He could have been my sons twin when he was that age. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Goldfinger78 Report post Posted February 3, 2020 Really awesome!!! Congratulations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigorange Report post Posted February 3, 2020 Awesome! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoss50 Report post Posted February 3, 2020 I have taken my dads Garand on hunting trips before as a backup rifle for nasty weather or close quarters areas. I have not actually taken an animal with it though. Congratulations to your son. That is awesome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roninflag Report post Posted March 11, 2020 That is so awesome! I would be so proud! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
More D Report post Posted March 12, 2020 Your son is a bad butt I certainly would not hunt with a rifle that weighed about 10% of my own weight! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biglakejake Report post Posted March 12, 2020 those peccary's are tough.....'Fix bayonets!' Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
IA Born Report post Posted March 12, 2020 3 hours ago, More D said: Your son is a bad butt I certainly would not hunt with a rifle that weighed about 10% of my own weight! I never really thought of it that way. He's a skinny little turd, so that rifle is more than 10% of his weight! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
