Last Saturday the little lady was catching up with a few of her friends for the day. Never letting an opportunity go by, I phoned Vic to see if he wanted to come down and look for a pig. His wife was going to same party and replied, "I'll be at your place by midday".
As we drove to the property I reassured Vic the intermittent rain showers was a good thing, but the wind might stuff our plans. Upon arriving it was evident that a fair amount of rain had fallen. A number of wind blown showers made for some interesting driving and walking conditions. The rain at times was almost horizontal!
We traversed a couple of gully systems that have seen pig activity in the past, taking refuge under large trees during the brief showers. Some old rooting was present with the turned over grass yellow in colour. But there was nothing indicating activity on the day.
Relocating onto another more open part of the property, as we approached the fringe country another wind blown shower came through. As we sheltered from the elements under a huge gum, a menal Fallow Buck walked out from behind some blackberry only 70m from us. He was a beautiful looking animal approximately 3-4yo. He maintained the same walking pace and course possibly looking for an estrous Doe. Vic was awe inspired by the sight. Unfortunately my camera was in the daypack.
With another break in the rain we dropped back down the gully towards the creek. I was surprised the rain hadn't brought out game in the quiet zones as all the usual suspects were out in mass. We were back at the 4WD as the light was failing. As we drove along the track near the creek, Vic point over to the other side, "is that a wombat?" Looking through the Steiners I could clearly see a pig rooting by a timber pile approximately 160m away on the creek's far side. Then another pig came out, followed by another, and another, etc.
Vic stopped, retrieved and reloaded his 6.5x55mm. I got out and actioned the 7mm-08. Vic fired and a 100gr Sierra HP connected with that emphatic WHOP! On the report there was an explosion of pigs scattering, fifteen plus of all sizes. A 140gr Woodleigh PP from the 7mm-08 drilled a spotted pig which ran ~50m before rolling over. Vic and I fired again each missing our respective targets which were now hard to see in the low light and getting out to 300m. Jumping back in the 4WD we went along the creek to catch up with half the mob. I was able to drop another black pig at ~80m before the mob disappeared into the scrub.
Using the headlights we were able to retrieve the two black pigs; a young sow and boar, but were unable to find the spotted pig. They were no monsters, but looked tender - the backstraps were taken, the rain started again and we headed home.
100gr Sierra HP from 6.5x55mm (~160m)
140gr Woodleigh PP from 7mm-08 (~80m)
