The Nation's Leading Bowhunting Website
DAY 8 |
|
Australian sunrise A goal of mine was to kill a mature buffalo and when I had a nice one I would only focus on bigger bull since I can shoot more than one. I am also open to the idea of Pat Jr. shooting one too. I think he can do it, so does Mick - especially after he saw Patrick's incredible accuracy with a bow. The only one that wasn't sure was Patrick himself. At first he wanted to see me shoot one and I think it may have spooked him a bit. I don't believe he realized just how massive they are until he saw one up close. If the right bull and the right situation shows up it will be his decision with no pressure from either Mick or I. My son is confident, but he's also very level headed so he won't do anything beyond his abilities. We spent most of today fishing and relaxing at this little slice of paradise. Another goal of mine was to enjoy my time together with my son. So rather than trek all over Australia looking for a 100 incher, we took today off to fish that little spot of paradise - you know, the one with the waterfall. Mick and I took the Land Cruiser while Pat Jr. drove Mick's 4-wheeler behind us. We got to the waterhole early in the morning and before long we were catching fish. This was a dream for a fisherman. It was entirely possible a lure had never hit this water before and the fish reacted just like I anticipated - by hitting every lure we through at them. It was so much fun I barely took a photo. We stayed there a few hours and Pat chose to stay behind to see if he could hook a big Barra. Mick and I took the 4-wheeler out for a quick spin to see if we could find a buffalo. At first we found scrub bulls including one that looked just like a Banteng but he was just a look-a-like. We then spotted some buffalo but nothing I wanted to shoot. As we headed back to the waterfall we spotted a big bull. He was probably in the mid 90's but he was onto us already and ran off before we had time to even think about him. He was nice. We headed back to the waterhole for lunch where Mick cooked the fish we had caught that morning. It was quite a feast! We took a quick nap and were feeling adventurous. So we climbed to the top of the waterfall where a series of pools were formed in the rocks. Pat and Mick stripped down to their boxers and went for a dip. We stayed on top of the cliff for at least 2 hours before climbing back down. I would post photos but I'm pretty sure there are laws about that... It was a slow hunting day but a special one. I am still on the hunt for a 2nd bull but deep down I hope we find a good situation for Pat. Tomorrow we are heading down to explore a new area where Mick saw several big bulls. My son and I are having the time of our lives. Bowhunting Australia is far better than we imagined. The country is beautiful, the animals are plentiful, and the overall atmosphere is relaxing and laid back. I couldn't have picked a better trip to share with my son.
|