Hi there
What a magnificent summer its been !....yeah right. Had two trips out cancelled due to high winds and rain in Marlborough over last month or so.
Ross did get away for a couple of days around Xmas for a hoozle up on the thar before the helicopters gave that area a smashing. They saw quite a few animals and managed a couple of reasonable heads without nailing any record breakers. They were also driven out by heavy rain !
The dog pack is slowly being rebuilt after the shocking year we had with stock issues. Something thats never occurred before, but to lose 4 dogs in 6 months was a real shock and has taken some getting over. Things seem to be back on track and the mutts are beginning to gel together well. Fingers crossed.
I finally made the decision to blow a few bucks and get a second hand compound bow as a new challenge. I picked it up in late January and have been eagerly anticipating that first trip out. Unfortunately, as mentioned earlier, the weather has been a pain in the proverbial and knocked us back on both the days we set aside for a hunt.
I made contact with Peter at New Zealand Archery Products (NZAP) in Nelson, and he was more than happy to the new toy the once over for me. Wifey, grandson and I travelled over for the day and met up with Peter as arranged. An hour later and the bow was tuned and shooting like a dream. A new sight and a few other little absolute necessities later, and I was ready to go. Peter knows his stuff backwards and upside down if anyone ever needs any advice ! Just for the record, the bow is a Mathew Mission X3 compound. An older bow but in excellent condition and I seem to be well matched with it.
The little highlight was watching young Hunter (grandson) stare in awe at a man test firing a new bow at the indoor range........maybe a little bowhunter in the making perhaps.
I've been murdering a few homemade targets when I get the chance without too many wayward arrows, no doubt it will be a different story when something 'live' is staring back at me !!
Stoney Creek have bought out a limited edition of the the 3/4 sleeve pig hunters jacket. I have an original of one of these, and as I've said many times before - its still the first bit of kit in the bag. I thoroughly recommend them to anyone, ....even if you don't hunt much they are great for the footy sidelines, outdoor work, fishing, or even the pub !. I've always just washed mine as normal and its still in great condition. Contact Kerry at the Adventure Shop website and I'm sure he will assist in hooking you up.
My knee continues to be a real problem. I have been doing some light biking which seems ok, but everytime I do a hard walk, or even light jog, the damn thing blows up on me. Cartilage ? I'm guessing it going to be the doctor before long.
Anyway, all for now. Good hunting and stay safe !
BJH