Well, I have been away for too long but the time hasn’t been uneventful! I have been hunting a bit on the Navy Base down here, unfortunately, it is bow and black powder only... It isn’t what I prefer, but it is nice getting off work, driving 1/4 of a mile, getting the bow out and walking 400 yards to my stand!! I missed doe at 20 yards because I tried to force a shot... I hit a leaf that I didn’t see with the arow and the shot when about 1in over her back. Oh well, I think that is 100% better than just wounding her!!!. However, I have been lucky enough to shoot two pigs out of my bow stand! (I can black powder hunt on the base but I would have to walk a LOT further. The base is having problems because of the pig population and they have been asking for help! So, I have been helping!! LOL)

Over Christmas leave I didn’t hunt much but I was doing quite a big of target practice. AND, I got to ride with a Texas Game Warden again. Life is good and I have a good chance of obtaining one of these positions when I get out of the Navy. I just need to keep doing my homework.

While at my parents I not only did more target practice, but I was trying to make converts as well! My Dad has been shooting TC’s For 40 Years, just mostly in carbines. He does own short barrels in 7-30 and 357 Mag, he just doesn’t use them as much. I took quite a few toys and let them shoot whatever they wanted. My Dad really liked my 375 Win and 257 Rob set ups. My nephew however, preferred the wheel gun! (He takes more after you James!) I work him up slowly on the rounds starting with 44sp, 44mag’s, and then the big boys! He had a blast. He even said he was going to save for one!!!!! I have created a monster! (An evil diabolic laugh... ) Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

My Dad showing my Nephew the ropes...


My Nephew shooting my SRH 44

My Dad shooting my 257 Rob AI (You can't have this one back Bug...)


When I got back off leave I had a friend hook me up with another opportunity. There is another base down here that has a lot of game and isn’t hunted much. It is easy to have a 4-5 hundred yard shot there as well. In fact, there is a pip line that is 2200 yards long. I usually take my wife’s 30-06 Rem 700 CDL SF and my 257 Rob. If a shot presents itself under 200 I grab the shortgun, over 200 the long. I shot a 400 pound boar at 350 yards with the 30-06 3 weeks ago and sense it was DRT, I think I made the right choice for “me.” However, I was able to take a doe and a nice hog with the 257 Rob. That brings my total to 2 with a rifle, 2 with a bow, and 2 with a handgun... Which came to over 300 pounds of meat in the freezer! I can live with that!

Take care and God bless

Duane