On a Sunday night late in April, nature and technology cooperate for an extremely rare flawless hunt.
I approach the marshy area where I have a small hanging feeder, hog tube and regular game camera set up.
Wind strong in my face, no moonlight, 60% humidity and the frogs so loud it sounds like my neighbor was mowing the lawn next door.
Scan with the Flir PS 24 to the far side of the marsh, about 85 yards away. Two deer on the far right, and a couple of raccoons dinking around at the shallows for frogs and corn shrapnel.
After only 10 minutes, a very hoggy blob appears coming through the thicket about 30 yards past the marsh.
Up with the Pulsar Recon 55R 5x NV monocular (highly recommended, and, of course, now discontinued) for confirmation. Mossberg 4x4 in .270 on the Triggerstick tripod.
Through the Photon XT 4.6, he stops near the coons to sniff the breeze...one last time.
He actually roars when the Nosler Partition 130 grain enters his heart and separates. Takes two steps and is gone. He tapes out at 210; tusks are worn down to mere nubs from the damage he's inflicted on my Hill Country over the years.
Wind in my face, stars above. The frogs are back in full swing. I'd like to think they're saying "thank you".
A day will certainly come when I'm no longer able to hunt. I hope that I will still be able remember this night.
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