Thread: Good start to 2022

A mate and I had a rough plan for a hunt early in the new year so after a bit back and forward on timing we agreed to head off Sunday night. Plan was to camp at the road end and hunt the next couple of days in spot we had been meaning to get back to.

So after great feed of beef and lamb ribs and a quick zero check we where off. We arrived at the road end around 10:30pm much to the displeasure of a couple who where cuddled up in there tent. Didn't catch up with them in the morning but pretty sure they would have been even less impressed as we where packed up and hit the trail at 5am.

Pretty uneventfull 4 hour bush bash in and we managed to beat most of the days heat but arriving at the river was a welcome sight and a chance for good drink, feed and a quick wash. My dog Spud certainly enjoyed the river as it had been about an hour since the last stream.



We headed up a river for a bit and found a nice camp site to settle into. It was starting to get pretty warm and i wasn't keen on heading into the bush so a few brews, naps and another good wash got us through to the evening.

The wind had been up and down the river all day but by evening it had settled to nice down stream breeze and as soon as we set off Spud started winding so I knew there was something up ahead. We came to the first bend in the river and Spud was definitely onto something and lead us into the bush on the bend. We crept through and as we came out the other side there she was just on the other side of river. Spud went to full point, took my time, front on shot with head down, 30m bang flop no more than a 150m from camp.



I set about cutting it up while my mate carried on up river hoping that the shot hadn't spooked everything.

Took my time to bone out, cool and let Spud have a good feed.



130gr ttsx did the job which I found just touching the back leg


Anyway threw the meat in my pack and headed back to camp. As I was making the last crossing I look up to see my mate coming down the river with a set of hind quarters over his shoulders. I didn't hear the shot but he reckons no more than half a k up the river. So two happy hunters with a deer each we settled down for a brew and feed while Spud got a well deserved kip.



Not up to early the next day but again we wanted to beat the heat and headed off at 6 with heavy packs. Again a pretty uneventfull walk out except for a close encounter with a spiker. We didn't beat the heat though and it was stinking hot by the time we reached the car.

Anyway two happy hunters, Spuds getting the idea, full freezers and a good start to 2022.

Beautiful place. Very good hunting Congratulations on the meat. Thanks for sharing

Those 130’s certainly retain their weight and can travel some distance in an animal.
Looks like a mint spot.

Originally Posted by craigc

Those 130’s certainly retain their weight and can travel some distance in an animal.
Looks like a mint spot.

They have worked really well for me over the last 4 years. This is actually they first one I have recovered as all have passed through but they do plenty of damage on the way. Nothing has moved more than 10m once hit by one of these in the right spot.

Nice looking spot you got there, and a great start to 2022. Well Done.

Thanks for sharing.

Good dog.

Enjoyed the write up, thanks. Doesn’t look like you had a problem with blow flies?

We went for a fast walk along our local river tracks a couple of days ago, we had the stream breeze in but it packed up on the way out. Far out it was hot in the sun, real burny weather. Not my idea of fun to be honest, far prefer the cooler weather.

Well done and worth the effort, enjoy the prime venison.

Originally Posted by Flyblown

Good dog.

Enjoyed the write up, thanks. Doesn’t look like you had a problem with blow flies?

We went for a fast walk along our local river tracks a couple of days ago, we had the stream breeze in but it packed up on the way out. Far out it was hot in the sun, real burny weather. Not my idea of fun to be honest, far prefer the cooler weather.

No, we gutted the first one then moved the carcass maybe 10 M away. most flies went to the guts.

for my one the front were jelly from the 243 so i just took back steaks and rear legs. not many flies on mine either.

they got pretty cool in the morning when we hung them near the river

great stuff,its primo when the dog does their thing and you manage to seal the deal. enjoy that venni. thanks for posting.Im guessing .308???

The 110g Barnes in 308 go well ,little recoil also.

Nice clean butchering there.

Originally Posted by Tikka7mm08

Nice clean butchering there.

Ditto and nice work.

Nice looking dog you have there!...

It would be good to hook up and get out on a hunt together sometime!

Originally Posted by Kudu

Nice looking dog you have there!...

It would be good to hook up and get out on a hunt together sometime!

Good gene's you reckon.

Yep keen on that mate will be in touch.