Ghost of the Desert

[techman]

I have been pursuing the Desert Ghost (Javelina) for the past 7 years. I have been hunting with the same group for all of those seven years. We have been hunting in the same area in Az. for those seven years also. Well seven years and 0 Javie Tags filled. But, could this the 8th year be different. Would this year be my year to fill that tag?
On Jan. 1st 2005 I found myself parking in a location that the year before one of the members in our group filled their tag. I was there at sun up and walked about 2 miles back in away from the road. As the sun reached higher I continued to glass.
Nothing!” I did see couple of Whitetail Does, but no Javies. The afternoon of the first day, I hunted a ravine that came up from a water hole down in the flats. Well I got some exercise and that was about it.
On the second day I tried a spot that is down in the flats. This area surrounds a wash that has tall grass and a few trees. As I walked up the first finger from where we parked the Jeep my hunting partner told me he was going to go up to the top of the finger, I decided to stay about half way up the finger. I had my wife with me and we started walking into the wind. I started to see Javies sign as soon as we reached the second finger that comes up from the valley of the wash. I was making my way across to the third finger and I noticed my hunting partner crouch down. I looked ahead and spotted a Javie feeding down hill about 100 yards away. There were some small mesquite trees that I could use for cover. I used the trees to cover some ground and as the trees were no more I was still about 70 yards from that Javie. I looked to the right and I spotted 5 Javies in the tall grass rooting. I had to range find them 3 times as I was shaking so bad I could not get a reading(Buck Fever). I picked out one at 32yrds eased out to the side of the tree and sent the arrow on its way. The arrow hit its mark perfectly going through the Javie. The Javie bolted and ran under a tree to my left. Well as long as the Javier was standing I did not want to take any chances so I stuck another arrow into the side of the Javier as it was turning to leave. The Javier ran about 25 yards and went down for the count. Later I realized that the second arrow was not necessary as the first arrow had hit lings and the Javie would expire anyway.
So 2005 is off to a great start so far. I finally got my Javie, but what made it better was that I was able to harvest the Desert Ghost with my Wife by my side watching the whole series of events unfold.

[larrysogla]

Awesome story!!! What a way to start 2005. It was an arrow, but from the suspense filled 7 dry years, when it finally hit the Javie, it sounded like a loud BANG!!! Congratulations!!! Do you eat those Javies?? What recipe?? God Bless. larrysogla.

[MEF]

Congrats on getting your javelina! Speedy little guys, aren't they?! They make great looking trophies too. Hopefully yours will taste better than the one I got a few years ago, it was very strong and tough as a boot! Mike

[bighorn67]

Congrats on the Javie success. Great writeup too.

I chased after them last year and found them difficult to come across as well.

Dave

[oneclearshot]

Nice goin' Tech....and good "write-up" on the details,too! And as for that second arrow....better to have been safe, than sorry! Sides'...a little extra tenderizer won't hurt nuthin' ! :-) Boy! Eight years...that's some wait...you surely must be a patient fella? My hat's off to ya' for keepin' at it like ya' did!

[HOGHUNTER714]

Nice going and with a bow to boot. A big congrat's you

[Mel Carter]

That's cool, way to go. Glad to hear your persistance finally paid off.

[Piker]

congrats, and thanks for sharing. that's awesome that you've kept up the efforts, and seen some well deserved fruition!!

[superduty]

I know what it is like to have the wife with you. It's a wonderful thing exspecially when you get the chance to see her do it for her first time. Congrats to you and I hope the rest of your buddies get to fill their tags this year also.

[Mr.Redneck]

Congrats!!!! A nice chance to say Persistance doe pay!!!! Great write-up, made me feel like I was getting out there and ready to shoot one!!!!

Doug

[Kim]

Good job Techman, that indeed shows dedication, persistence, and patience. That calls for celebration . What was the time when you put the arrow in em? Did your buddy get an chance at one?
I'll be heading to AZ tomorrow nite and try my luck down by Tucson, can't wait.