7-17-13

Today I guided Rich and Dennis for pigs. We hit the ground running this morning and worked our way up to the top of the ranch. Within an hour or so we spotted a large group of pigs across the canyon and as we were trying to put a game plan together something spooked them and they took off like a bat out of hell. Off we went in hot pursuit but as we searched we just couldn't turn them up again so we went in search of some others. As we headed further into the ranch we rounded a corner and there stood a group of 7-8 pigs! The guys excited the ranger and it was game on, however, after several shots fired we had nothing to show for ourselves and the guys were pretty bummed out at their shooting or lack there of. We continued to search the hills for our quarry and as we made our way back towards the truck we snuck down the hill to check one last reservoir. As luck would have it there was a large herd of pigs wallowing around the pond. We went into sneak mode keeping the wind in our favor and closed the gap to around 50 yards. After looking over the group of unsuspecting pigs we picked out a couple of good sized meat pigs and the guys each got ready to shoot. As the intended targets turned broadside I gave it the 1,2, 3 count and almost simoultaniously the shots rang out and both pigs dropped in their tracks! As Dennis's pig hit the ground it began to roll down towards the pond, and then stood up and started to swim towards the middle of the lake. It made it about 15 yards from the bank before expireing and then sinking like a rock! I have seen this only one other time but can assure you that when it happens there is no time to get to the pig and the only option is to strip down and go diving! Fortunately I had my trusty apprentice Gavino with me today and he drew the short straw, so he stripped down and dove in to start the search. As he got further and further away from the bank the deeper the water got and before long he was diving to the botton in 12-15 feet of water in search of the pig. After a half hour or so Gavino located the pig and swam it back to the bank, but not before I could snap a picture of him for the blog!! All in all it was a great day afield and the guys ended up with a couple nice sized meat pigs as well as a story that they can tell for years!!!

Casey