No unfortunately it took two and half shoots. They are one tough animal! I have a whole new respect for my chops.
Please keep in mind that this was my first time Boar hunting. With the right shot they will go down right away.
The story of my wild boar hunt in Okachobee, Florida goes something like this….
So we met the guide and he gave me the low down on how dangerous these boars are when you get close to them with a bow. He explains that 9 out of 10 boar charge after the first shot if they know where it came from. So off we go. I jump on the swamp buggy, oh ya I said swamp buggy, which was worth the price of admission in itself.
So they we are riding around glassing through pods of pigs looking for the big one. While chatting with our trusty guide, he kept warning me all day that the pig would charge after my first shot, if he knew where it came from. But not to worry because he would be right by my side with the gun just in case. (What do I know I’m a Canadian the only wild pig I know is the kind that’s been in the fridge too long).
Oh well, there he is, we see him walking all alone heading to a small patch of trees looking for shade. About 2000 yards away. We go all the way around him so the sun is at our backs, but we are too late. The pig and I are approaching the trees at the same time. I jump down off the swamp buggy and make a break for the trees but its too late porky beat me to it. So the guide tells me to get ready. GET DOWN! So there I am down on one knee out in the open field 10 yards from the tree line, Porky is just inside two or three trees back 15 yards max. With my trusty guide right by my side. Ready? The pig sees us! Here he comes. The pig approaches us slowly the perfect broad side shots are covered by the trees. 12 yards 10 yards he’s right at the tree line, the guide whispers in my ear. I squeeze the trigger and DAM the safety’s on… All of a sudden the guide stands up and say’s oh crap the guns on the truck. WHAT!!!! 10 yards 9,8,7,6 the guide yells from the safety of the truck SHOOT, SHOOT so with the safety off I let it go. It’s a head on shot. 5-6 yards max with the pig in full charge. To say the least at this point I have more poo in my pants than my 2 year old. The shot is off I missed the entire chest form 6 yards max. WERE MY EYES CLOSED! I grazed his shoulder all the way back to his rear quarter where my trusty Excalibur stuck. Turning the wild beast sending him running… OK OK at this point we are both running. LOL
I jump back in the buggy and we chase the beast (aka) (The Road Runner) down. Who knew a pig could run so fast. The guide tells me to hit him on the run. (ya right) so we fly by in the truck slam on the breaks and I stand up, the guide starts calling 70 yards 65,60,55,50,45,40 SHOOT! SHOOT! SHOOT! What! Is he crazy? Hit a pig at full speed at forty yards? Who does he think I am Robin Hood?? And why the heck is he plugging his ears? On his advice I let it rip. It’s low and right through its belly 1” up. That’s what I consider the half shot. I don’t even think the boar knew there was a second shot, and yes porky is still running. What’s that you ask? Has he slowed down? HECK NO! He’s running like Ben Johnson with twice the steroids in him. But don’t worry he’s not getting away my trusty guide knows where he's going. We slam down the gas and get to a small tree line. I rise once again and my guide plugs his ears. Here he comes. The beast stops at 17-18 yards and gives up his broad side and wham I let him have it. This time there is no escape my shot is good right in the heart. He falls instantly.
The arrow in the foreground is the first shot that was in his hip.
This was the most exciting fast paced, heart pounding hunting experience I have ever had with a bow. I certainly get my fill of trees sitting here in Caledon. I would highly recommend this to the hunter that’s looking for something a little different. The buggy hunt is something that I will never forget. Luckily I have the whole thing on video. Can’t wait till next year.
Yakman$
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