Another Tejon hog

[grtwythunter]

I was able to get my son a pig tag with my Explorer pass this year hoping to help him get his first big game animal. We have been on hogs almost every trip, but he was trying to hold out for an odd colored hog or a monster. He's had a few chances at spotted hogs, but I didn't feel comfortable about the shot and made him pass on a few.

After joining Jesse's gang at the Ham Slam last weekend, he had a full blown case of hog fever. Saturday morning we headed into an area we had seen hogs the previous weekend with hopes they would be back. After glassing a few hours and only spotting one cow elk we decided to try elsewhere. As we were pulling into an area I know holds alot of hogs, I spotted one feeding in the clearing. We bailed out and moved in a bit closer but just couldn't close the distance anymore because of the terrain. I glassed for piglets and Cody set up for the shot. I knew up front and warned him that it would be hell to get it out, but he was set on this hog. I told him to aim mid chest, behind the shoulder and take the shot when he got settled. I watched through the binoculars for what seemed like an eternity before his .270 barked. I heard a loud thump, followed by a squeal. The hog dashed for cover then cut back across the clearing. As he hit the edge of the brush, we saw him start the death flop. Cody and I made a mad dash for the spot and when we arrived were greeted by a very good blood trail heading straight down the canyon. Moving slowly we followed the trail. As we hit the bottom of the canyon I spotted his snout sticking out from behind a tree. We high fived and rushed down to find a really neat little hog.

Cody got a lesson in gutting(he's watched me quite a few times)and did a really good job. Then he got a real lesson in Tejon hell-holes. It was probably only 300 yards to the road, but up about a 45 degree incline and absolutely no traction. We were able to use rope and my truck for the last 100 yards or so which made things a bit easier.

I was curious about the distance of the shot so on the way out we stopped and ranged it at 276 yards. I let out a little smirk and knew that he had made a pretty dam'n good shot. We've spent alot of time at the range over the past few years and it paid off. I couldn't be prouder. He hit the scales today at 81lbs

 

[grtwythunter]

Breaking in his Buck knife

 

[switch]

Way to go! Nice looking pig. I'll be out there at Tejon with a buddy this week looking for pigs. That's a memory your son will have forever.

 

[grtwythunter]

Before we started gutting Cody hollered "look a baby deer". I turned about expecting there to be one standing behind me. There wasn't. After thinking the boy was hallucinating I looked down and these two little furballs were watching all the commotion but never moved an inch. We did our best to leave the area undisturbed and when we hiked back down to get out gear they were gone.

 

[Rancho Loco]

Just awesome.

Congrats to Cody, and to you.

 

[Ironwood]

Congratulation to both of you. Your son for getting that hog and you for having that son!

 

[DEERSLAM]

Awesome! Congrats to the young man and you too Dad

 

[THE ROMAN ARCHER]

congrats on the wild pig Cody! good story and photo's, thanks for sharing GW...........tra

 

[SDHNTR]

Really Cool! That is a heck of a shot. Congrats to the young man and Pops.

 

[el_vaquero]

That's awesome! Congrats to both...sounds like a good time and he'll remember those moments for a lifetime.

 

[One Track]

Cody:

Congrats on a great hog! It was nice meeting you at the JHO Ham Slam. I could tell right away that you were born with that killer instinct, just like your dad. Great photo. Congrats again.

Brent

 

[Brettski]

great pictures, they dont look more than a day old!

 

[beastslayer]

Extend my congratulations to Cody and the equally elated and proud Dad!

 

[SacFireJT]

Great job!

Nice to meet you the other day at the ranch.

 

[Q2Dude]

Congratulations Cody! Nice meeting you the other day. Great hog!
Cool pics of the fawns. We saw a fresh one yesterday too.

 

[joe90605]

Congrats Cody and Scott!!! Looks like the waiting and patience paid off!

Joe

 

[Speckmisser]

When Scott and Cody pulled up to the Vaquero cabin Saturday afternoon, I could tell by the looks on both faces that something good had happened. Scott got out of the truck sweated up and filthy, and even as he told me I knew they'd whacked one.

Congrats again, Cody, on your first big-game animal. You've got a great teacher, but you just proved that you're an equally great student! Way to go on the skinning job as well!

Scott, congrats again to you as well. I know how hard you worked to get that boy where he is today. Would love to see more fathers take that much initiative (and well-deserved pride) in their kids.

 

[smack_a_deer]

Sweet!!!!

 

[chirohunter]

Great Pig Cody!! Good shooting too! It was good meeting you and your Dad last weekend. I know what great exitement you had, since my first pig was was downed just last week at the Tejon POR. Congrats!!

 

[greyghost10]

You both must be very proud. Congrats. I am hopefully going to get my son his first big game animal(a pig) there next year. Enjoyed your story and pics. I never saw a baby deer in the wild before . Totally awesome.