Mixed Game

February can be hot, and this one was no exception; however, the game wasn’t likely to turn up in my backyard, so it was time to get after ‘em. As these things happen, my mate Jay asked if I’d take him along. He had never hunted before; which presented a couple of challenges, I decided to contact good friends Debbie and Jim from Havago Safaris.

Help for hunter

They specialise in helping first time hunters, so that was sorted. Soon enough, it was time to hit the road and we arrived at the front gate of their hunting property. Introducing Jay to the team, we put our gear away and then headed to the rifle range, to give him some practice time before a full weekend of hunting.

Saturday morning rolled around, and we were out the door a little after 6am in search of pigs. The property, like the entire region, was in the grips of a drought and so any concentration of water would likely mean game. After scoping out a couple of likely dams, we closed on one of the better watering holes. Pulling up about 500 metres away, Pete, our guide, led off with Jay right behind him. We covered the ground quickly, though slowed right down for the last 100 metres or so. Taking it easy through the wooded cover, the slight wind was very much in our favour, so the guys moved up nice and close, while I hung back a little with camera at the ready, and Scout rifle slung over my shoulder.

Pigs!

Pete knows his stuff and up front was a good-sized mob of pigs. In whispered tones he set up the shooting sticks and got Jay ready. Watching him handle the Ruger Ranch Rifle, it was obviously a very good choice, as its compact size made things just a little bit easier for an obviously nervous new hunter. Both Pete and Jay were focusing on a small Boar; however, with the other pigs so close, the shot had to be a good one. Finally, the boar obliged, presenting a clear shot and Jay taking his time fired, firmly striking it.

It took off at a hell of a pace, and I could see Jay was unsure if he’d hit the mark. To the more experienced eye, the shot was right on the money and, after a burst of speed, the boar gave out, collapsed and was done. While the rest of the mob scattered to all points of the compass, I spotted a big, ugly Boar retreating into the deep timber and thought to myself I’d like to see him again. As the bush fell silent, Pete instructed Jay to secure the rifle before heading over to the downed animal. On inspection, the shot had indeed been a good one, so we offered our congratulations, took some photos, and got the boar ready for loading up on the truck. With the pigs well and truly gone, we turned our attention to the goats.

The search was a little tougher and it seemed that we were always just behind them. So, we decided to head towards the fence line and try and get in front on them. We then followed the clear-cut track and, after about 10 minutes, spotted two smaller mobs of goats slowly joining up. We were still a little behind, so had to go for it. Moving parallel with the now converging mobs, our intent was to get in front of them on the other side of a stand of timber. Arriving, it was a good choice, as we had a great shooting lane and plenty of cover. Reaching for the sticks, Pete got Jay ready and we waited for a good meat animal to present itself. When the chance came, Jay fired, landing a neck shot that dropped it on the spot.

Want one

Waiting for the mob to move off we then reclaimed the goat and loaded it up for transportation to the cold room. As it was just after 12pm, we then headed back for a feed. Over lunch, Jay asked about the many trophies adorning the walls. Red, Fallow, Rusa, Goat and Buffalo were on display and leaning over he mentioned, I’d like one of those for the family home!

With that said, our afternoon became all about Fallow Deer. A little after 2pm we began getting ready and, about an hour later, we had boots on the ground and were actively looking. Our first encounter were Red hinds, in some very thick cover. The afternoon light made them simply large shapes in the shadows and, as we watched them move off, the dappled light only occasionally provides some colour and definition. Next, we spotted a few more around a dam.

Tempted

Then, over to our right, four big Red Stags showed themselves. Honestly, they were magnificent, big, heavy bodied Reds with quality head gear. While a fenced property, Jim told us to be very quiet, as they could easily clear the fence and disappear into the surrounding land if spooked. At about 250 metres, one of them pulled up and presented a fantastic broadside. The rack was first class and I watched him through my binoculars for some time. While they weren’t our target species, boy was I tempted.

Around 5pm we spotted our quarry, bedded down in the long grass, the palmated antlers lit by the afternoon light reminded me of shark fins breaking the surface. The trouble was, they were effectively in an open field, and very close to a boundary fence. The decision was made and Jim, followed very closely by Jay began a single file walk on a slight angle towards the deer, while Pete and I stayed behind to watch.

The long grass

With less than a hundred metres to go, five Fallow stood up. Jim carefully set up the sticks, while Jay got ready to make the shot. The report of the rifle filled the afternoon air and all five bolted, however one was moving very slowly. A quick second shot rang out and it disappeared amongst the long grass.

As Jim and Jay headed towards the downed Fallow, Pete headed back for the truck, while I cut across the paddock. Meeting up, it was handshakes all round, followed by photos, laughs.

Back at the homestead, Jim and Pete prepped the Fallow for a trip to the taxidermist. On their return, we had drinks, during which the Fallow stalk was retold about 30 different times; so, in essence, it was a typical night after a successful hunt. Getting ready the next morning, Jay seemed entirely happy with his hunting experience. I, on the other hand, was keen to find that ugly boar. Making straight for the dam, as luck would have it, he was back, but so were a few Red Deer hanging about and I got barked. Worse still, that old Boar took notice and began to move. I then watched him head off towards the same heavy timber as the previous day and he didn’t look like he was thinking about changing his mind.

Window of opportunity

Then, for some reason, he stopped. Turning a little, he presented a very finely angled quartering shot. You don’t often get a second chance, so I lined up and fired. The shot was good and down he went in a cloud of dust. Amazingly, while most of the other pigs bolted, a big sow then went over and gave him a bite! He twitched at that, causing the sow to spin around and get after the other fleeing pigs.

Approaching, I checked for signs of life, however it was all over, and I had my Boar. Heading back to the homestead, I decided to try my luck again, this time along the dry creek bed. While it held no water, there was still plenty of shade, and pigs often make day beds in the cooler creek bed sand. Its real walk up hunting, full of shadows, blind corners, and plenty of cover. When you bump a pig, it’s often at very close range, so I was carrying my shotgun. To make it even more interesting, sometimes when you bump them, they run away, sometimes they run at you.

Close and personal

My gun is a Lanber 12 gauge and I doubt it was intended to shoot flying pigs; however, it has proven its worth doing just that on a number of occasions. Coming to a creek line junction, I caught a flash of movement at about 10 yards. It was a sow and, bringing up the gun, I aimed and let rip with the top barrel, delivering a clean shoulder shot. As quick as it started, it was all over and we had another pig for the freezer. I little while later, we were back at the homestead, where we made our goodbyes, loaded our gear, along with plenty of game meat and started the drive home, planning our next trip along the way.