adam
29-08-05, 08:01 PM
Trad traveling with the man in black
I had the traditional shave before heading away hunting, something that I just do for some unknown reason (IÃ*m so weird I know). I set the alarm for 3am and snuggled up to the blonde woman that warmed my bed, she argues with me that I shouldnÃ*t leave so early. I nodded off dreaming about work not my idea of sweat dreams. Little did I know that my wife Kim had changed the alarm clock to 4.30am, making sure I get a good sleep. Jumping into the Navara 4x4 with a thermos of extra strong coffee and Johnny CashÃ*s greatest hits, I was off. I was taking a big gamble on my chosen destination as I had no idea of what animals would be in the area. It was a thick fog for the mornings drive so I didnÃ*t see much country but it presented some great pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1064.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1074.jpg
I took every back road I could to my planned destination. It was just good to be on the road and listening to the Man in Black. IÃ*d been driving for about five hours east and hadnÃ*t seen any country suitable to goats, it was all clear pastures country. I decided to head north along some remote roads in hope that the country would change. Around lunch time I came into some promising looking country and started to call into some homesteads. Most land owners where more then happy to give me permission to hunt but were doubtful IÃ*d see any feral game as there just wasnÃ*t any in the area. ìThe odd feral cat Adam and thatÃ*s about itî said one old character. Driving down the road continuing on my adventure and this huge tabby cat walks casually along the road. Pulling up around 200 meters on I slip out of the truck and ducked into the sticks with the curve in hand. I was glad he walked onto this side of the road as I had just got permission and the ownerÃ*s number to hunt here. I tryed whistling and squeaking for 5 minutes but the big bugger never showed up. I stalked up the side of the road around 40 meters in side the boundary fence. I caught movement as the feral moggy bolted. I drew back as he was unsure of the danger and stopped. 25 meters out he stopped and I shot, he took off like the flash and my arrow landed were he stood. Back to the truck I went and continued on my journey.
After the first muddy patch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1119.jpg
A big sign read ìnot all weather roadî on the track I needed to take. It was the only road for miles that went north, otherwise IÃ*d have to head back to home and then up. There was one set of 4x4 tracks going through the muddy road. I had done around 100kms up through the mud most of in 4x4 before seeing the 4x4 that had gone in before me. It was the owner for that country IÃ*d traveled through already. He was out having a b.b.q with the family. I said I was heading on north and he laughed at me, ìno ones been up that road for 4 months sonî seems this was very remote out here. I got all the info I could from the owner about feral animals in the area, handful of scrub bulls, brumbies, and the odd further north. I said I was going to continue on the road as this was a scouting trip. He hadnÃ*t been north of the million plus acre property for some time due to bad roads, but since I was heading that way heÃ*d travel it later in the day. He said heÃ*d either be pulling me out of bottomless bog holes or following my tracks to the main road 4hours north. He told me of a good station I could ask for permission up the road. Not long after leaving the owner I spotted one of these scrub bulls in the thick of it. I got the recurve out and a razor sharp 2 blade head and heading into the wind around 150meters from the big bull. My biggest worry besides the size of the bull was the swirling wind. At around 20 meters and already shaking like a leaf the wind swirled and the bull spun around snorting and carrying on. This fella was out for the kill and started circling looking for the danger. Once he started getting out wide the guy that was holding at half draw backed out to the truck and continued on the track. Keen to get one but not by myself hours in the middle of nowhere, Next trip maybe.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1001.jpg
Well after plenty of recovery work on the 4x4 by myself I arrived at the next station, but it was abandoned and there hadnÃ*t been a vehicle in or out for a long time. I few mobs of brumbies could be seen in the clear country of the property. It was a good journey up through the properties even if most had been abandoned and I couldnÃ*t gain permission.
It was starting to get dark as I seen the first goat for the trip. A nanny goat with huge horns for a female, they were around 20inches with curl. I could see on the map that there were a few stations on the road ahead but it was getting too late so I decided to make camp. I pulled off onto a flat on the side of the road and rolled the swag out. Building a good fire and cooking up a feed of lamb cutlets was a pleasure I hadnÃ*t enjoyed for a while now. I looked over a few photos of shingle backs and wild flowers from the day and hit the swag. It was an excellent night as I laid there with the swag open glazing at the stars and watching bats in the trees around camp.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1098.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1103.jpg
Warming up for the days hunt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1022.jpg
I awoke at 4.30am and cooked up some breakfast. Heading off down the road I called into every homestead I could. And after gaining permission to a property I got to have a bit of a hunt. The owners gave me the run down of the place, telling me thereÃ*s not many goats around these days as they round up in this area. She said IÃ*d be lucky to see any billy goats but IÃ*m welcome to try.
The morning awaits a bowhunter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1045.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1012.jpg
I decided to try my luck hunting along a rocky outcrop on the station. IÃ*d done a bit of leg work and climbing to reach the top but it was well worth it once I spotted a mob of goats. I spent around 1 hour or more trying to get a look at a billy in the back of the mob. The wind was all wrong to be able to get to him. He was laid up in some thick timber and nannys and kids kept him off limits as they feed between us. The only opportunity that presented itself was crawling under a 2foot tunnel in some thick country to his western side. I wouldnÃ*t fit under the bushes with the back quiver so I just took 2 arrows with me and belly crawled towards the billy. I felt like a real predator peering at the goats feeding from the under bush. A few goats fed past at 5meters or less so I waited hoping that the billy would feed past with them. But after 5 minutes of waiting he never showed up, obviously heÃ*d broken away from the mob. I crawled out from under the bushes and stalked to where I last seen the billy, there not 20 meters away was the curly horned billy. He was an amazing sight to see, perched up on his hind legs he feed from the leaves of a tree. I wasnÃ*t going to be able to make any more ground as I was bordering the clear country and there was many eyes scouting the area out. IÃ*d been shooting perfect from this distance over the last two weeks so I felt confident of a humane kill from here. I put to much thought into the draw as I drew back and wasnÃ*t concentrating on the animal so much. As soon as I released I knew it was a miss. I said to myself ìyou need to kick that habit budî. I knocked the other arrow while keeping my eyes on the billy, something Id be practicing over the last few weeks seeing how quick I can knock an arrow without looking. The billy stood down from his tree and was covered by thick bushes. I had the bow at ready by my side as IÃ*d also practiced (Hill style). The billy walked out at 30 meters a distance I was also farmiler with. I drew back not thinking about the shot only concentrating on the spot I wanted to hit. My fingers got to there release point and the arrow made its point, hitting the goat perfect. He didnÃ*t go more then 20 meters before the game was up. I was pretty satisfied with my harvest and the first animal I have taken with this bow. I decided to head on home after that as I had 6 hours ahead of me yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1080.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1011.jpg
A trip to remember.
Adam Greentree
I had the traditional shave before heading away hunting, something that I just do for some unknown reason (IÃ*m so weird I know). I set the alarm for 3am and snuggled up to the blonde woman that warmed my bed, she argues with me that I shouldnÃ*t leave so early. I nodded off dreaming about work not my idea of sweat dreams. Little did I know that my wife Kim had changed the alarm clock to 4.30am, making sure I get a good sleep. Jumping into the Navara 4x4 with a thermos of extra strong coffee and Johnny CashÃ*s greatest hits, I was off. I was taking a big gamble on my chosen destination as I had no idea of what animals would be in the area. It was a thick fog for the mornings drive so I didnÃ*t see much country but it presented some great pictures.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1059.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1064.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1073.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1074.jpg
I took every back road I could to my planned destination. It was just good to be on the road and listening to the Man in Black. IÃ*d been driving for about five hours east and hadnÃ*t seen any country suitable to goats, it was all clear pastures country. I decided to head north along some remote roads in hope that the country would change. Around lunch time I came into some promising looking country and started to call into some homesteads. Most land owners where more then happy to give me permission to hunt but were doubtful IÃ*d see any feral game as there just wasnÃ*t any in the area. ìThe odd feral cat Adam and thatÃ*s about itî said one old character. Driving down the road continuing on my adventure and this huge tabby cat walks casually along the road. Pulling up around 200 meters on I slip out of the truck and ducked into the sticks with the curve in hand. I was glad he walked onto this side of the road as I had just got permission and the ownerÃ*s number to hunt here. I tryed whistling and squeaking for 5 minutes but the big bugger never showed up. I stalked up the side of the road around 40 meters in side the boundary fence. I caught movement as the feral moggy bolted. I drew back as he was unsure of the danger and stopped. 25 meters out he stopped and I shot, he took off like the flash and my arrow landed were he stood. Back to the truck I went and continued on my journey.
After the first muddy patch.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1119.jpg
A big sign read ìnot all weather roadî on the track I needed to take. It was the only road for miles that went north, otherwise IÃ*d have to head back to home and then up. There was one set of 4x4 tracks going through the muddy road. I had done around 100kms up through the mud most of in 4x4 before seeing the 4x4 that had gone in before me. It was the owner for that country IÃ*d traveled through already. He was out having a b.b.q with the family. I said I was heading on north and he laughed at me, ìno ones been up that road for 4 months sonî seems this was very remote out here. I got all the info I could from the owner about feral animals in the area, handful of scrub bulls, brumbies, and the odd further north. I said I was going to continue on the road as this was a scouting trip. He hadnÃ*t been north of the million plus acre property for some time due to bad roads, but since I was heading that way heÃ*d travel it later in the day. He said heÃ*d either be pulling me out of bottomless bog holes or following my tracks to the main road 4hours north. He told me of a good station I could ask for permission up the road. Not long after leaving the owner I spotted one of these scrub bulls in the thick of it. I got the recurve out and a razor sharp 2 blade head and heading into the wind around 150meters from the big bull. My biggest worry besides the size of the bull was the swirling wind. At around 20 meters and already shaking like a leaf the wind swirled and the bull spun around snorting and carrying on. This fella was out for the kill and started circling looking for the danger. Once he started getting out wide the guy that was holding at half draw backed out to the truck and continued on the track. Keen to get one but not by myself hours in the middle of nowhere, Next trip maybe.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1006.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1001.jpg
Well after plenty of recovery work on the 4x4 by myself I arrived at the next station, but it was abandoned and there hadnÃ*t been a vehicle in or out for a long time. I few mobs of brumbies could be seen in the clear country of the property. It was a good journey up through the properties even if most had been abandoned and I couldnÃ*t gain permission.
It was starting to get dark as I seen the first goat for the trip. A nanny goat with huge horns for a female, they were around 20inches with curl. I could see on the map that there were a few stations on the road ahead but it was getting too late so I decided to make camp. I pulled off onto a flat on the side of the road and rolled the swag out. Building a good fire and cooking up a feed of lamb cutlets was a pleasure I hadnÃ*t enjoyed for a while now. I looked over a few photos of shingle backs and wild flowers from the day and hit the swag. It was an excellent night as I laid there with the swag open glazing at the stars and watching bats in the trees around camp.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1098.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1105.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1103.jpg
Warming up for the days hunt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1022.jpg
I awoke at 4.30am and cooked up some breakfast. Heading off down the road I called into every homestead I could. And after gaining permission to a property I got to have a bit of a hunt. The owners gave me the run down of the place, telling me thereÃ*s not many goats around these days as they round up in this area. She said IÃ*d be lucky to see any billy goats but IÃ*m welcome to try.
The morning awaits a bowhunter.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1045.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1012.jpg
I decided to try my luck hunting along a rocky outcrop on the station. IÃ*d done a bit of leg work and climbing to reach the top but it was well worth it once I spotted a mob of goats. I spent around 1 hour or more trying to get a look at a billy in the back of the mob. The wind was all wrong to be able to get to him. He was laid up in some thick timber and nannys and kids kept him off limits as they feed between us. The only opportunity that presented itself was crawling under a 2foot tunnel in some thick country to his western side. I wouldnÃ*t fit under the bushes with the back quiver so I just took 2 arrows with me and belly crawled towards the billy. I felt like a real predator peering at the goats feeding from the under bush. A few goats fed past at 5meters or less so I waited hoping that the billy would feed past with them. But after 5 minutes of waiting he never showed up, obviously heÃ*d broken away from the mob. I crawled out from under the bushes and stalked to where I last seen the billy, there not 20 meters away was the curly horned billy. He was an amazing sight to see, perched up on his hind legs he feed from the leaves of a tree. I wasnÃ*t going to be able to make any more ground as I was bordering the clear country and there was many eyes scouting the area out. IÃ*d been shooting perfect from this distance over the last two weeks so I felt confident of a humane kill from here. I put to much thought into the draw as I drew back and wasnÃ*t concentrating on the animal so much. As soon as I released I knew it was a miss. I said to myself ìyou need to kick that habit budî. I knocked the other arrow while keeping my eyes on the billy, something Id be practicing over the last few weeks seeing how quick I can knock an arrow without looking. The billy stood down from his tree and was covered by thick bushes. I had the bow at ready by my side as IÃ*d also practiced (Hill style). The billy walked out at 30 meters a distance I was also farmiler with. I drew back not thinking about the shot only concentrating on the spot I wanted to hit. My fingers got to there release point and the arrow made its point, hitting the goat perfect. He didnÃ*t go more then 20 meters before the game was up. I was pretty satisfied with my harvest and the first animal I have taken with this bow. I decided to head on home after that as I had 6 hours ahead of me yet.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1095.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1080.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/bowhunting/westernaustralia-east1011.jpg
A trip to remember.
Adam Greentree