Hunting ‘23/‘24: Bag ‘em and Tag ‘em

[686 3449]

Cut some wood to level out the cots,you will sleep better.

Sleep quality is huge for me, so yeah; good tip and definitely will be doing what we can to make things more comfortable. We did a light weight overnight last year and it wasnt great. Sleeping on the ground in 12 degrees in a backpacking tent wasn’t very restful. We have to do what we can to be more comfortable.

[Handcruser 2805]

Sleep quality is huge for me, so yeah; good tip and definitely will be doing what we can to make things more comfortable. We did a light weight overnight last year and it wasnt great. Sleeping on the ground in 12 degrees in a backpacking tent wasn’t very restful. We have to do what we can to be more comfortable.

I’d take a couple of hot ass skanks up there with you. That would help you sleep better.

[686 3449]

Yeah something like this or a Sara Jean Underwood photo shoot after a day of mountain hunting would pretty much be peak L I V I N for me.

[Storm the Field 5294]

Looks like the area near my lease has received a little over 22" of rain this month, not counting today.

The 1.5-acre "watering hole" on the property has been bone dry for at least the last 3 years. I went out there back in mid-April and it actually had probably 2' of standing water from some earlier Spring rains. It's probably neck deep at this point.

One of the older members said there used to be pretty solid dove hunting out there back before the hole dried up. September work weekend trip might have just got a little more interesting. 

[fattyflattie 4639]

6 hours ago, Storm the Field said:

September work weekend trip might have just got a little more interesting. 

Well, until another 9” drops 3 days before dove opener. Like it ALWAYS does. 

[deadshank 24653]

Water, food and time.  Also, a no-lead diet for prospective big bucks until they reach 6.5 years old.  

[686 3449]

Took the 7prc out to the ranch today and went straight to 525 yards. I had calibrated my ballistic calculator at 300 a few weeks ago, so hoped I had a chance of being on. Cold bore shot was on the plate but a little high, next two were better. Then went to 630yards, and put an ok just sub-MOA 6” group on the steel. I actually shot the 630 yard group while talking on the phone to my elk hunting buddy on noise cancelling ear buds, not a problem with the suppressor on. Pretty happy with these results for first attempts at these distances and definitely gives me something to build on.

[Storm the Field 5294]

Making a quick trip up to my lease on Sunday. Gonna go check on the camp house after all the recent storms, do a little weed eating and mowing, and scout locations for the new stand we're bringing out later this month. Also gonna start putting together a project list for a group work weekend come come September. 

 

[fattyflattie 4639]

On 6/7/2024 at 12:14 PM, Storm the Field said:

Making a quick trip up to my lease on Sunday. Gonna go check on the camp house after all the recent storms, do a little weed eating and mowing, and scout locations for the new stand we're bringing out later this month. Also gonna start putting together a project list for a group work weekend come come September. 

 

I need to do this but it is 3rd level of hell hot right now and I’m not sure I would make it.   

[Storm the Field 5294]

31 minutes ago, fattyflattie said:

I need to do this but it is 3rd level of hell hot right now and I’m not sure I would make it.   

Yeah. I probably did a solid 2 hours of weed eating yesterday. Have never been so drenched in sweat. Very much needed though. Grass and weeds around the camp house were about waist high. All that rain last month has the place greener and more overgrown than I've ever seen it.

[RMac5 1551]

Chiggers? 

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4976]

On 6/10/2024 at 7:21 PM, Storm the Field said:

Yeah. I probably did a solid 2 hours of weed eating yesterday. Have never been so drenched in sweat. Very much needed though. Grass and weeds around the camp house were about waist high. All that rain last month has the place greener and more overgrown than I've ever seen it.

[686 3449]

Rokslide is a somewhat useful western hunting website. They do a cold bore challenge every year this time of year, you get one shot to hit a 10” target at your Max Effective Range (must be 400yards+), then you have to do it again a second day. The shots have to be on video as well. No practice shots on shooting days or between. I whiffed last year on my first shot.

I did my first shot today for this years and did ok at 500yards. Ruger Go Wild 7PRC, Sig BDX optics system.

[686 3449]

Got my second cold bore shot in yesterday at my folk’s place, 529 yards. Just got the shot inside the 10” circle. I misjudged the wind a little and after some investigation, noted I was shooting a different lot of Hornady ammo that is giving me consistently higher impacts (more velocity) than what I originally sighted in with. Hornady has acknowledged they had to change powders due to an availability issue, and I should’ve checked a lot numbers before doing this challenge, but lesson learned.

I like the 7PRC cartridge and I’ll be getting dies to do some hand loading and I may try the Federal factory ammo as well.

I was expecting the Ruger Go Wild to be pretty “low end” feeling; but honestly I can’t complain about it. Especially at the price point. This will be my elk rig for this year. I may try to install an Acra rail in front of the magazine to direct mount to my tripod, but other than that, it pretty much is what I need, and I feel very confident long range with this setup. I took some shots at 630 yards after my cold bore shot, and was just outside the 10” circle. I think with some ammunition work I can get there.

[Storm the Field 5294]

Spent part of yesterday afternoon partially assembling a feeder for the new stand we're brining out to the lease this coming weekend. From past experience, it's a lot more comfortable to do as much as possible at home than trying to put this thing together out in the field.

https://www.academy.com/p/game-winner®-300-lb-silo-vp-feeder

FYI, we set up this same model at a stand last year and have been happy with it so far. A lot sturdier than other cheap store-brand feeders. Is actual metal, not rubber or plastic, legs aren't feeble, comes with a varmint guard...etc.

All in, after taxes and adding a (not included) solar panel, comes out to about $250. Only big drawback is that assembly takes a little while and gets annoying at times.

Edited June 17 by Storm the Field

[markstanco 12577]

Any of y’all ever been to this place for a dove hunt?

https://www.birddogit.com

Any of y’all ever been to this place for a dove hunt?

https://www.birddogit.com

[markstanco 12577]

Any of y’all ever been to this place for a dove hunt?

https://www.birddogit.com

Any of y’all ever been to this place for a dove hunt?

https://www.birddogit.com

[markstanco 12577]

That’s an imma issue.

That’s an imma issue.

[Storm the Field 5294]

Group of guys headed out to our lease last weekend and got a bunch of work done. Got a brand new stand and feeder set up, fixed and reinforced a year-old stand that got knocked over in high winds, and set up a new feeder at an old but decent stand whose feeder crapped out a while back.

Also set up a couple of cellular game cameras at the new feeders. Have already had some ladies pop by, despite the fact we aren't even feeding yet.

 

[Storm the Field 5294]

60 days until Dove Season. 120 days until Deer Season.

[686 3449]

@solamente73 is in Africa and will hopefully get us an update soon to buoy us through these doldrums. I am going to try and mount an Arca rail on my elk rifle and I may be changing a barrel on my Tikka; will post photos of how those projects go.

I had the ivories from my last year’s bull made into earrings for wife/daughters to wear:

[solamente73 1132]

I am, indeed, in Africa.  Between ridiculous travel issues, Africa’s version of Montezuma’s revenge, major health drama with family back home (and not being able to get a flight home because of previously mentioned ridiculous travel issues), spotty internet access, and generally being exhausted by the pace and physical exertion of hunting 10 species in 10 days across the Eastern Cape and the Karoo, I haven’t been able give the running updates I had planned.  I’ll post a lot here in the coming days/weeks, and I’m going to put something comprehensive together on AfricaHunting.com (and will link to it here) for those interested.

In the mean time, to whet y’all’s appetites:

At Olivewoods/Karoo2Coast about 1.5 hours from Port Elizabeth:

Blesbok was my first African animal.  He was silhouetted on the mountaintop with the sun behind him, and he wouldn’t stop moving.  162 yards off sticks.  

 

Next, we were sizing up 5-6 warthog when this one popped into view.  My PH turned into a giddy little school boy at the sight of him.  140 yards off bipod supported by the Cruiser’s hood.  DRT.  About 250lbs.

I’ll do my best to entertain throughout the “doldrums.”  LOTS more to come…

[686 3449]

Beautiful photos! Nice Blesbok and great Warthog!

[Herbie Hancock 7348]

Lost close to 140 pounds of venison, 4 briskets, 4 racks of ribs and two pork butts. October 1st needs to hurry up and get here.

[HOOKEM4 5037]

Finally got out to the ranch. A bunch of little piggies were at the feeder. I shot one and the little bastard was behind I guess. Hit both in the shoulder. 2 pigs with 1 stone.

Spoiler

 

 

[686 3449]

Got the used tent I bought out today and did a trial assembly. May or may not use it this hunting season, but it’s good to have the option. Might try to do some family camping trips in it as well. Need to decide on a stove at some point.

[686 3449]

It took some work, but I got the 270 barrel off my tikka and swapped to a 6.5CM. Setting this gun up for my daughters: short threaded and fluted barrel, adjustable stock, smooth easy to manipulate action, Arca rail for tripod mounting.

[fattyflattie 4639]

9 hours ago, 686 said:

It took some work, but I got the 270 barrel off my tikka and swapped to a 6.5CM. Setting this gun up for my daughters: short threaded and fluted barrel, adjustable stock, smooth easy to manipulate action, Arca rail for tripod mounting.

What barrel mfg?

[686 3449]

What barrel mfg?

Used factory take off. If Tikka doesn’t chamber in 7PRC this year I may buy a used magnum action and put a preferred barrel prefit on it. That and a folding carbon stock would be a neat setup.

[fattyflattie 4639]

3 hours ago, 686 said:

Used factory take off. If Tikka doesn’t chamber in 7PRC this year I may buy a used magnum action and put a preferred barrel prefit on it. That and a folding carbon stock would be a neat setup.

Glad you got it off.  I’ve seen a few vids and they can be a bear to get off.  Such a silky smooth action.   I will eventually pick one or two up if I can ever find a good wood guy 

[686 3449]

Yeah it took a 4’ cheater bar to crank down the vice and then on the action wrench as well. I was worried I was going to bend the vice handle. I used Wheeler tools and Wheeler lead shims on the barrel and action and got it done with no marring.

[Armybrat 40847]

Interesting read….hunter kills Kodiak bear with 10mm pistol.

https://www.outkick.com/culture/bear-shot-pistol

[Handcruser 2805]

Interesting read….hunter kills Kodiak bear with 10mm pistol.
https://www.outkick.com/culture/bear-shot-pistol

I would be willing to bet that thing was loaded up with buffalo bore projectiles. 10mm is the fucking bare minimum in bear territory.

[baboso 6056]

On 7/8/2024 at 2:32 PM, Handcruser said:

I would be willing to bet that thing was loaded up with buffalo bore projectiles. 10mm is the fucking bare minimum in bear territory.

If I recall correctly, 10mm is what @mooseoutfront uses for his bear pistol up in Alaska.

[BabaYaga 15298]

On 7/8/2024 at 1:32 PM, Handcruser said:

I would be willing to bet that thing was loaded up with buffalo bore projectiles. 10mm is the fucking bare minimum in bear territory.

This.  Almost all factory 10mm is watered down outside of a few options.  

As a kid I always wanted a "Bren Ten" when reading the Shooters Bible. 

[solamente73 1132]

An update to help with the summer doldrums…

Day 2 of hunting the Eastern Cape of South Africa:  Bushbuck and Kudu

Bushbuck and kudu are two of the four spiral horn antelope sought after in South Africa.  Together with nyala and eland, they complete the Spiral Horn Slam.  I wasn’t going for the slam, per se, but I like spiral horns, and they are a tough hunt.

If you ask a hunter about African plains game, they are most likely to mention kudu as the top prize.  They are large (about elk-size), have magnificent horns and gorgeous hides, and are a very tough quarry as they have exceptional eyesight, hearing, and smell aligned against you.  They are known as the “Grey Ghost of Africa” for their ability to remain elusive by silently disappearing into the African bush (insert joke here).

As it turned out, Day 2 would be about kudu.

If interested, here is how the hunt went down.  Spoilered for longcat, and longcat because I think it’s a pretty cool story.

Spoiler

With blesbok and warthog checked off, Day 2 was spent hunting for two species that could be the most challenging to take – bushbuck and kudu.

We started in a large valley used for cattle ranching; the surrounding rocky hills were covered in incredibly thick vegetation that looked alien compared to anything in North America.  

We hiked along the valley floor hoping to catch a glimpse of bushbuck or kudu foraging on the hillside or taking water in the valley.  Monkeys were basking in the morning sunlight and studying us as we walked below.  As the morning wore on, we decided to climb to the top of the ridge for a better vantage point.  Once up top, we had a great view of the surrounding area.

We began hiking the ridgetops, glassing each valley hoping to see some sign of bushbuck or kudu.  Bushbuck are shy, and kudu are known as the “grey ghosts;" both liked the thick cover prevalent in the area, so it was going to be a real challenge spotting them.  It was slow going, only stirring up a few duikers as we went along.  

Finally, as we approached the upteenth valley, my PH and his tracker suddenly stopped and motioned for me to get down.  On the far side of the valley ahead were four kudu cows.  Unfortunately, the cows spotted us, and one snorted in alarm; the four effortlessly climbed up and over the far ridge, disappearing into the late morning sun.

But where there were cows, there was likely at least one bull, and the behavior of the cows led my PH to think that we had one in the valley below us – we just had to be patient and wait.  So, we waited.

With the sun in our eyes, we watched for movement below.  At last, the bull appeared.  We maneuvered into a decent shooting position, the PH put up the sticks, and I went downscope on the big cape kudu.  The PH ranged him, and he said 175 yards – piece of cake.  The problem?  The damn sun!  I had only a few seconds to make the shot, and I could barely distinguish the grey kudu from the surrounding shadows thanks to the sun glaring through the scope.  “Shoot him!” I heard, though I’m not sure if that was the PH or my inner self.

And then he was gone.  The kudu had paused for only a few seconds while in a gap between bushes, and then “poof.”  

“He’s gone!  He’s gone...” said my PH, and he had me shoulder the rifle while he collapsed the sticks.  “What do you mean he’s gone?” I asked.  “That’s it,” he said matter-of-factly.  “He’s gone.”
We gathered ourselves up to pursue or, at least, move on.  I was astounded that I had only had a few seconds to take a shot on an animal that we’d been looking for all morning.  There was no time to study the animal, admire its rack, or wait for it to get into perfect position for the shot.  Nope – it was shoot as soon as you see it, because it will be gone in seconds.

Our group formed up with the PH in the lead.  I was the fourth man back.  We began our descent into the valley in hopes of picking up the bull’s trail.  We hadn’t gone far when, ahead of the PH, a massive kudu bull popped out of the brush only 25 yards in front of the PH.  I pointed and said, “Bull… 25 yards!”  The PH couldn’t see the bull because of the bush, but the trackers saw it, too.  The PH backed up and began making his way back towards us, getting the shooting sticks ready.  But it was already too late – the bull had disappeared.  

But just a few seconds later, across the valley, a little higher up, yet another kudu bull appeared.  We had stirred up 3 kudu bulls!  The PH took a look, placed the sticks, and said, “take him.”  I placed my rifle and found him in the scope – the sun was still a problem, but this was a better angle.  “152 yards,” the PH told me.”  “I have him,” I replied.  The crosshairs on the bull’s right shoulder, I pulled the trigger.

“Boom.”

“Thwack.”

The “thwack” let me know that the 200gr TA had hit its mark.  Chambering a round for the follow-up, I saw the big bull collapse and roll down about 20 feet from where it had stood.  DRT. 

“Yes, sir!” my PH exclaimed.  The trackers were cheering.  Reflexively, I asked “Is he down?  Do I need to put another one in him?” I had heard rumors about how tough African game could be, and I wanted to be sure.  The PH responded, “He’s done.  Congratulations, sir!”

I was slightly stunned – everything had happened SO fast.  And already on Day 2 of the hunt, I had my East Cape Kudu down.  It was surreal.

I looked at my PH and blurted out, “There were 3 bulls down there?  That’s incredible.”  He replied, “Ha!  No, that was ONE bull – the same one we first saw!”

I was dumbfounded.  I couldn’t believe it.  These were elk-sized animals moving at blinding speed through incredibly thick brush, where one animal could seem as three.  Later I would see kudu running in the open – the only way to describe it is that it’s like watching VY run – a giant frame with a graceful gait that eats up vast lengths of ground with each effortless stride.

We formed up and made our way across the valley and up the far side to where the kudu came to rest.  No ground shrinkage there – it was a big beast.  Blood was everywhere; I must have hit an artery when the bullet went through both shoulders.  We shook hands all around and congratulated each other on a successful team hunt.  We took some photos where he lay, and we began the extraction process.

Kudu can see down the length of their horns – here you look directly into his eye.  It’s a benefit when attacking a rival or otherwise engaged in battle with another bull.  Pretty cool:

The big kudu went down in heavy cover, and it wasn’t going to be easy to get him out.  We radioed for another crew and bakkie (and for them to retrieve our Cruiser, which we had left behind a few kilometers back), and the reinforcements arrived not long thereafter.  Everyone worked together to cut a path through the bush, and it took a team of 7 men to haul the kudu up to the top of the ridge where we could view it in full sunlight and load it into the bakkie.

Thanks to the team effort, the reward:

 

The horns were exactly what I was going for: perfect symmetry, rising almost straight up (as opposed to “V” outward), good length, tips pointed inwards.  The horns would measure 48 inches, which is very good for an Eastern Cape Kudu.  What made this one distinctive were the ivories at the tip of each horn, something not usually seen in kudu, and the horns had been worn smooth over years of use by the old bull.  His teeth were worn, missing, or loose; the PH thought he could be 12-14 years old.

He is a magnificent trophy from an exhilarating and challenging hunt, and the mount will have a well-deserved place of honor in my home.

TL;DR:  The day brought a long hike with spectacular results:  a monster Eastern Cape Kudu bull.  152 yards off sticks in heavy cover, one shot DRT.  48” horns.  Kudu is on the bucket list for many hunters, and this one made mine.  What a truly awesome experience, and the mount will have a place of honor in my home.

[T’Boo Ted Marshall 2732]

Solar panels, timers and batteries are the bane of my existence.

[Herbie Hancock 7348]

Haven’t had any issues with GameWinner setups.

[NotActuallyALonghorn 4976]

On 7/8/2024 at 1:32 PM, Handcruser said:

I would be willing to bet that thing was loaded up with buffalo bore projectiles. 10mm is the fucking bare minimum in bear territory.

 

On 7/10/2024 at 9:02 AM, BabaYaga said:

This.  Almost all factory 10mm is watered down outside of a few options.  

As a kid I always wanted a "Bren Ten" when reading the Shooters Bible. 

According to the data compiled by Ammoland, any handgun has a success rate of something like 98% at deterring bear attacks. In fact, they only found one case where a handgun was used to shoot an attacking bear that was unsuccessful, and it was with a .22.

[Handcruser 2805]

According to the data compiled by Ammoland, any handgun has a success rate of something like 98% at deterring bear attacks. In fact, they only found one case where a handgun was used to shoot an attacking bear that was unsuccessful, and it was with a .22.

I’ve read that report.

If you’re in bear territory carrying anything less than 10mm loaded with buffalo bore - you are an idiot.

[BabaYaga 15298]

Just now, NotActuallyALonghorn said:

 

According to the data compiled by Ammoland, any handgun has a success rate of something like 98% at deterring bear attacks. In fact, they only found one case where a handgun was used to shoot an attacking bear that was unsuccessful, and it was with a .22.

I can see that - I guess it depends upon the situation and the temerity of the bear.  If I'm clearing my holster around a charging bear, I want the biggest amount of kinetic energy and penetration I can have as well as the ability if needed to reload quickly.  Seems on paper a Glock 20 would fit that bill nicely.  Reliable.  Lighter than a metal frame option.  15+1 capacity.  

[Armybrat 40847]

13 minutes ago, Handcruser said:

I’ve read that report.

If you’re in bear territory carrying anything less than 10mm loaded with buffalo bore - you are an idiot.

That’s why I gave one of my sons this Super Blackhawk years ago to carry when he and his kids went camping in New Mexico and Colorado. 
 

 

[Reagan1k 3024]

On 7/10/2024 at 9:02 AM, BabaYaga said:

This.  Almost all factory 10mm is watered down outside of a few options.  

As a kid I always wanted a "Bren Ten" when reading the Shooters Bible. 

You rang......?

 

And yea.....todays 10mm ain't what Norma 1st dropped on the market back then.  But, y'all are correct... Buffalo Bore makes a stinger.

I think the perceived advantage of the 10 right now in bear country in the round count and shootability / getting more shots back on target.  At least that's the concept. 

Once you pass a certain level of penetration, I don't think it's what you hit them with necessarily but where and the more wheres you can hit......the great chance of success. 

That bear the M&P stopped was already leaking from at least two rifle shots when it charged.  That helps - regardless of backup gun caliber.

 

Edited July 15 by Reagan1k

[MalibuSheriff 1090]

Speaking of bear country, here’s dinner plate-sized track along a tributary of Wind River from fishing trip to Wyoming a couple of weeks ago.

 

Fishing in a place where something can and will eat you, hits a little different than out on the Llano or my Oklahoma streams. 

[hookemATL 11735]

16 hours ago, MalibuSheriff said:

out on the Llano

What if like 50 raccoons meld together in a rat king type creature/situation?  Think I’d take the bear over that super boss trash panda. 

[Horn75 193]

What cellular game cameras do ya’ll recommend? Somewhat affordable 

[Da Fino 2783]

13 minutes ago, Horn75 said:

What cellular game cameras do ya’ll recommend? Somewhat affordable 

Tactacam

[cknight 184]

Picked up my first thermal monocular lens on prime day; AGM15-256 I believe. It’s a lower level model but excited to use it looking for hogs at night but mostly to use walking into bow stands at dark and making sure I don’t bump anything. Seems like it might be useful finding dead game in thick cover too

[Horn75 193]

On 7/18/2024 at 4:07 PM, Da Fino said:

Tactacam

Will the camera still function if placed in area with questionable cell service? 

Edited July 23 by Horn75

[Da Fino 2783]

9 hours ago, Horn75 said:

Will the camera still function if placed in area with questionable cell service? 

It depends. There are parts of south Texas that are total att dead zones but great for Verizon. And vice versa. If nothing works well in the area you might be SOL.