WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA ISSUE 2 - OCT 03 'Old School Series'

WILD BOAR PAGES 1 - 10.qxd

10/22/03

10:55 PM

Page 1

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

DEDICATED TO THE AUSTRALIAN PIG HUNTER 13 HARD-H HITTING STORIES FROM ALL OVER AUSTRALIA

FREE DOWNLOAD BIG GAME AUSTRALIA at www.wildboaraustralia.com

3 ,* ' 2* 6 833/,(6 3LJ 'RJ 6XSSOLHV DUH WKH PDQXIDFWXUHUV GLVWULEXWRUV RI WKHVH &ROODUV WKH VWURQJHVW 'RJ &ROODU \RX KDYH HYHU RZQHG 2U \RXU PRQH\ EDFN )LYH WRQQH EUHDNLQJ VWUDLQ &ROODUV DUH PDGH WR WKH +LJKHVW 6WDQGDUGV )HDWXUHV PP %XFNOHV

Rip Collar $45 Pit Bull Collars $35 Pit Bull Leads $15

PP ' ULQJ PP 6DIHW\ +DUQHVV TRACKING COLLARS 100km range Wildlife Materials Int TITLEY ELECTRONICS

Leg Hole Plate $130

PUPPIES availability ONLINE ONLY

C/Plate with Shoulders $140

Chestplate $95

Blaza Lights Remotes, Handles & Worklights

FDICK KNIFE& SHEATH

$100 SPECIAL

Wide range of Breastplates & Neck Collars, Blaza Lights, Hanging Racks and swags, plus ‘large variety of hunting videos’. Training collars, Flashing Lights and Glow tags, Glow collars, Glow sticks.

BUY COLLARS DIRECT FROM WHOLESALER/ MANUFACTURER. NO MIDDLEMAN

Full Plate $140

www.pigdogsupplies.com PO Box E381 EAST ORANGE Post Office 2800

;1/+0) #9

Also available: Glow tags $10/pair Rechargable.

Ph: 02 6365 8432

3,* '2* 6833/,(6 32 %R[ ( (DVW 2UDQJH 3RVW 2IILFH

Credit Card Orders Nationwide

Call Les 02 6365 8432

Wyoming Saw 7ZR KHDW WUHDWHG VDZ EODGHV DUH LQFOXGHG [ ERQH EODGH DQG [ ZRRG EODGH &DQ EH DVVHPEOHG LQ VHFRQGV )XOO IUDPH KROGV WKH EODGHV WDXW DQG PDNHV VDZLQJ PRUH HIILFLHQW WKDQ ORRVHHQG EODGHV 6WDLQOHVV VWHHO IUDPH DQG GLH FDVW DOXPLQLXP KDQGOH

REPLACEMENT BLADES AVAILABLE

For more information visit the website at: www.pigdogsupplies.com PRODUCT

CODE

Wyoming Saw in Leather Case Replacement Wood Blade Replacement Bone Blade Hacksaw Blade

WSL RB-4 RB-3 RB-5

PRICE INC GST

$130.00 $12.00 $12.00 $12.00

1971 e c n i s sted Field te in the USA

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

THIS ISSUE OF CONTENTS INSIDE WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Editor/Publisher: Vic Attard Art Director:Jacque Attard Contributing Writers: Bruce & Sharon Carroll, Ted Mitchell, R.B, Kevin Salta, Peter Morris.

Advertising Enquiries: Contact Vic Attard Mobile: 0401 014 592 Email: wildboar@easynet.net.au Mailing Address: PO Box 10126 Mt Pleasant MACKAY QLD 4740.

ACN: 091403851 ABN:15091403851 No picture or any part of the contents of this publication may be scanned or reproduced in any way without prior written consent from the publisher.

Pig hunting is a dangerous sport, Wild Boar Australia accepts no responsibility for any damage and/or injury suffered by readers.

Further, the editor/publisher accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of statements or opinions expressed by freelance writers.

Printed by Graphic Impressions Distributed by RDS

4 EDITORIAL 6 BOAR TALES 8 HUNTERS TROPHIES FIREARMS 13 ROSSI COMPETITION Your pigging adventures!

Great Photo’s of the one’s that didn’t get away.

Your chance to win a .44 Magnum lever action.

14 TUFF TIMES 18 BLOODLINES WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA 28 PHOTO COMPETITION 30 CAPING IN THE FIELD 32 PIG DOGS 38 CANINIE D.C.M. 48 HUNTING GEAR 50 F@#KIN’ BOGGED STITCHES 52 SIX FOR RUSTY 69 FIELD TEST 72 ARCHERS CORNER 74 THE FREAK

by R.B

Rhodesian Ridgeback

Headmount up for grabs!!!

How to cape out your trophy Boar.

Muscle of the Pack

One hunter’s experience with a crippling dog disease

Pig Trolley

& other road capers.

by Ted Mitchell

Tracking Collars

Photo’s from Australian Archers

by Kevin Salta

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

3

From Wild Boar Australia...

7KDQNV

A big thank-you goes out to everybody who phoned, emailed and wrote to us showing great support for our first issue. It has totally knocked me off my feet to have such a great response from our readers. I have received phone calls from all over Australia from hunters ringing to say they love the mag. Thanks again to you guys. Well here's our second edition, and you will see the quality of photos and stories that have been sent in are great. A lot of top photos with big pigs taken from different parts of Australia. It is good to see these stories

4

from all the states of Australia so that we can all see the variety of terrain and conditions we hunt pigs in.

There are two top competitions this issue, first, the Rossi Firearm Competition with a .44 Magnum Lever Action up for grabs (more details on page13) and secondly, our Photo Competition which will see the winner take away a headmount from Thompson Taxidermy (details page 28).

A big thanks also goes out to Pig Dog Supplies and Tusk Proof Protective Accessories for donating great prizes for this issue. Hunting goes

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

way back in our family, and I was addicted to pighunting from the first trip my father took me on, when I was only a kid. Now 33 years old, watching the dogs bail off the ute and taking off into the scrub to hunt about, still gets the adrenalin flowing at 100%. Each to their own, and I don't knock what anybody else does in their life, but I've tried a lot of things in life and there's nothing like pighunting. So once again, from me and the hounds...

...Thanks Vic Attard

BOAR TALES +,*+ &28175<

BOARS

Win Collar So we have seen quite a few pic-

clearings turned to timber and the

control as I thought). By this time we

tures and stories of the pigs up

land got rougher, hopefully producing

were stuffed, so onto another camp-

Queensland way, which is the

the same sort of pig. Tiny flew off with

site to relive today and anticipate

reason why I thought I’d share a

a ‘Yelp’ and ten minutes later all hell

tomorrow. Sunday morning we were

story or two about the boars

broke loose, Tiny was a big boy so to

heading home but were in a good

down south.

Pigs that are tough-

hear him getting a hiding meant we

area and couldn’t resist hunting out.

ened by the cold and harsh sur-

better let all the dogs out and move it.

Not far along, Tiny flew off and we

roundings of the mountains.

This

It took me about five minutes to reach

watched him work the open plains

took place a few years back (a fitter

him, and to witness one very unhappy

until he disappeared into the timber.

and younger me) decided to set off

boar walking off, dragging four capa-

After waiting a while I went for a wan-

Friday arvo.

The warmer weather

ble dogs behind him. He ended up

der and discovered some impressive

was starting, so I thought a trip to the

leaving a few marks on the canines

digging which had been done recent-

cooler mountains might end up with

but nothing to worry about. It wasn’t

ly.

a few. We decided to camp and get

until lunch when the dogs hit the next

peared, after two hours and no bark,

a good night sleep and rise early

one, Tiny was having a good one and

then in the distance I heard a bark

while the mist still covered the plains,

found his a good distance away.

then a steady bail MILES away. After

so sleeping in until 8am was not a

Before we had trackers or the money

what seemed an eternity of running,

good start! Quickly we organized the

to buy them, many a hunt I would

we found Tiny and the dogs fighting a

dogs onto the bonnet to hunt.

We

have to camp out hungry and tired

big white boar with black spots.

hadn’t gone far when Tiny (my mas-

and wait for that dog to return.

Luckily they had him in an eroded

tiff/ dane/ bloodhound) and Sam (my

Anyway, the other dogs got there

ditch, so it was easy for me to grab.

Bully/ staffy) left. Within minutes Sam

before me and had it under control,

We were all buggered and Sam

started to bark as did Tiny, turning up

with examination we discovered

resembled a pin cushion, so we

a small one (from Sam) and a big sow

another decent boar and though not

called it a day, a weekend, a good

from Tiny, I mean a pigs a pig but

as big as the first or last boars, he

moutain trip

thats not what this story is about. We

managed to add a few more marks to

loaded them up again and drove, the

the dogs (they must not have been in

-MITCH JANKULOSKI QUEANBEYAN NSW

6

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Being impressed slowly disap-

BOAR OF A LIFETIME 'Look at that', pointed Greg.

There in the shallows of a small lagoon was a monstrous big boar. He was just mooching along, driving his head under the water looking for fresh water mussels and any succulent edible bulbs and tubers he could find. The boar looked like a warthog with its massive tusks flashing in the sunlight as he raised his head from the murky depths to eat the treasures he had gleaned from below. He kept his head under water for so long at times, you would swear he could breath

through his arse. Using the times when his head was under water to sneak closer, I slowly but surely closed the gap to about 30 metres. All this time, Greg was filming with the video camera. Readying myself for the shot, my heart was beating that hard I thought for sure he would feel the vibrations. As the boars head drove under the water once more, I squeezed the trigger n my Excalibur Exomag crossbow. A Wasp tipped shaft sped unerringly on its way, entering behind the massive boars short rib and

driving on into its heart. It took nearly a full second before the boar knew something was wrong. Then he surged out from the water to make a vain run of only twenty-yards before piling up on the bank. I was rapt. This is the sort of trophy that you only dream of and it was mine. To make things even sweeter, Greg had it all on film. His tusks measured out to 31 Douglas points, which was the biggest set of tusks in over 30 years of hunting that I had collected.-TED MITCHELL, FLINDERS VIEW, QLD

Win Cap

BOAR TALES

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

7

"XQWHUV.URSKLHV M. Curtis

Win Collar

D.Sealey

R. Van der Veen

Don & Robbie NSW G.Bandes NT

S. Hudson

8

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Freddo NQ

Mark S.A

Russell & Jake

Win Collar

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Ralph S.A

9

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV

Ephran

G. Story NEBO

Win Shirt W. Cabin

Jade & Mark J. Brown VIC

10

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

S. Dowinton NT

:LQ .QLIH

D. Wilkie WA

D. Craigie NQ

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

11

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV

Darcy & Corey NSW

R. Pitt NQ

N.Wilkie WA

S. Hayden

Daryl Darr, 78 years old and still loving pig hunting. This is his 98 kg dressed boar caught with his Rotty X. - QLD.

+817,1* &211(&7,21 HUNTING CONNECTIONS HAS TEAMED UP WITH

CAMPBELLTOWN DISPOSALS & FIREARMS 6KRS 6SRWOLJKW 3OD]D 4XHHQ 6W &DPSEHOOWRZQ 1 6 :

WE SELL EVERYTHING FOR THE HUNTER AND HIS DOG CHECK OUT OUR HUGE RANGE OF KNIVES HUNTING CLOTHES ARCHERY SUPPLIES AMMUNITION & COMPONENTS SWAGS/SLEEPING BAGS BREASTPLATES, HARNESSES, COLLARS & LEADS DOG VITAMINS, SUPPLEMENTS & MEDICAL KITS STAPLE GUNS & ALL VET SUPPLIES TO LOOK AFTER YOUR MATE.

BIGGEST RANGE OF TRACKING COLLARS, REMOTE TRAINERS, GPS, CATTLE PRODDERS etc.

MAIL ORDER: (02) 4262 2853 SHOP: (02) 4628 3522 or CALL PETER MOBILE: 0405 247 149

HUNTING DOG HOTLINE Advertise dogs ADVERTISE FOR $5.50 / MONTH NOW INCORPORATED WITH

www.boardogs.com.au jago02@ozemail.com.au

EMAIL:

12

ATTENTION ALL HUNTERS If you think your video footage has got what it takes to be on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aussie Backyard Huntersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; video, Vol 1, THEN GIVE US A CALL For more information call

Hunting Connection Ph: (02) 4262 2853

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

:,1 :,1 :,1

.44 Magnum Stainless Lever Action Firearm.

Puma Carbine 20 inch Stainless - 10 round capacity

STORY COMPETITION SEND IN YOUR BOAR TALE/ MAIN STORY TO WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA AND YOU WILL GO IN THE RUNNING TO WIN A .44 MAGNUM FROM ROSSI FIREARMS. COMPETITION DETAILS: When you send a Boar Tale or Main Story to Wild Boar Australia, you receive an entry into the Rossi Firearms Gun Competition. For each Boar Tale sent you recieve one entry, and for each Main Story sent you recieve three entries into the competition. All Boar Tales/ Main Stories must be recieved before the 1st of September 2004. Competition closes 5:00pm 1st September 2004.

The winner will be announced in the November 2004 issue. All tales/stories receive the relative entries into the competition, regardless of being, or not being, published in Wild Boar Australia Magazine.

3528'/< 6321625(' %<

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: THE WINNER MUST BE OVER EIGHTEEN YEARS OF AGE AND SUITABLY LICENSED AS PER STATE GUN REQUIREMENTS. THE PRIZE ON OFFER MUST BE TAKEN AND NOT REDEEMED FOR CASH.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

13

:LQ .QLIH

7 78 8 )) )) 0( (6 6 77,,0

The past twelve months of drought had taken its toll on everything, making things tough.

Pig numbers were down, but the boys & their hounds still managed to take some worthy hogs. Story by RB. We had driven all night, and all morning to get to our destination. Arriving at 6am we were all stuffed from the long drive. The morning was still cool so we found a bit of energy and thought we would go for a quick run to nail some hogs. Then we would sleep later. For the past four years, we have been hunting this area over the easter break, managing to score anywhere from 60 to 90 pigs over the four days. The pigs in this area range from 35-65kg dressed. Not massive, but good in numbers. Mature older boars sport good ivory for their size. The country we hunt is flat with a few boar drains along with dense channel country to medium thick scrub.We had 9 dogs on this trip 2 being young dogs of 10 months old. We wanted to put as much work as we could into the pups. A good trip could make these dogs so much more advanced. Dogs we had were boxer/bully, wolfhound/cross, dane/mastiff and ridgeback. The area had been in bad drought for the last twelve months so we were not too sure what to expect. We collared up the four dogs and drove to the nearest channel, we hadn't travelled far when we saw two sows wallowing away. The dogs took off, splitting up, with some quick running, dodging and weaving, they pulled up both pigs. The sows were in fair condition, 38 and 52kg dressed. Returning to the car, we pushed on, we drove another six kilometres with nothing. Our energy levels were low so we returned to camp, made up a feed and then crashed out for a

few hours. It was late afternoon, so we set the spotlight up and swapped the dogs around, ready for the nights hunt. We ate early as we knew we would not return until late. We hunted from 6pm to 9pm and came up with nothing, the dogs not even looking keen once. Compared to previous hunts, we would have hit three to four mobs by now. Hunting the flats, Richie spun the spotlight around to pick up two pigs grazing on the grass flats. The dogs bolted from the ute, heading towards the pigs. The pigs stood there dazed, Egypt, locked onto a mature sow while the second pig gave the other dog the slip. We swung the car around letting out Dozer to lend a hand. The pig made its way to the scrub with the two dogs close behind. We pulled up at the tree line listening for the dogs. We could hear them working hard, trailing the pig, ten minutes passed by when sounds of the dogs told of their success. The pig was a young boar of around 48kg dressed. Our spirits had been revived. We finished the night off takeing four more pigs. Next mornings hunt saw us bag only two more pigs, which we had worked hard for.

It was only day two, but we knew that numbers were going to be down this year. That afternoon, Steve and I decided to drive down to the river for a quick wash before the nights hunt. With Max (Boxer/Bully) on the back. Near the river, Max was sniffing the air hard, I told Steve to slow down, Max bailed off hunting about. Checking the ground Steve found a track

Main Picture: Steve and Max with boar caught on the way to the river.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

15

of a good- sized pig, which had crossed the road.

Max's nose was hard to the ground in hot pursuit.

We followed close behind, and looking through the scrub ahead, I spotted where the scent was coming from. It was a boar of good-size, for this area. Max came in from the rear, smashing into the boar. The boar spun and gave Max the flick and the chase was on. They didn't travel far when the boar decided to take Maxwell on. We were right there to see the action. Comparing the two, the boar towered over Max, although a small dog, Max shows plenty of heart. This was going to be a good match. Dog and Boar 'tuffed' it out, with dust and sticks flying. Max grabbed an ear, as Steve went in to grab a leg the

16

boar spotted him and quickly gave the dog the flick. The boar then charged at Steve.

Max was back in there again, locking on.

Steve swiftly grabbed the boar, tipping and finishing him off. The boar was in prime condition for this area, around 62 kg dressed weight. He had thick shoulder pads, which acted like armour plating. After some quick photos, we had our bath. That night turned out to be our best nights hunt, taking four loner boars and 2 sows. Night three, it was around 10:00 pm, when we were hunting the channel country. It was very dense, ideal for pigs but hard work for the dogs. Max, Koota and LuLu were hunting hard from the Ute. For the last hundred metres, they had been sniffing hard on a scent. Our excitement was building minute by minute, hoping they would bail off. Moments later, the three dogs disappeared into the thick bush. We grabbed our torches, went in a short distance, and listened. We could hear the dogs hunting their way around the dense undergrowth. All went silent, waiting, waiting, waiting...then roars of deep grunting and bellows. A good fight was breaking out, one of the dogs had found a boar, but the hog blew the dog, and went crashing through the undergrowth. The dogs hunted hard reaching the boar and they went for it again. We made our way to the battle. We could not see pig or dog, but just in front of us, a dense shrub was shaking like hell, from the battle going on underneath. Breaking branches off and making a clearing, I stuck my torch in to see what was going on. The dogs had an old tusky boar secured within two feet. Wayne made his way in from the other side, grabbing the legs and walking

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

the boar out. He tied the boar up and then checked his ivory. They were of excellent size and chip free. Next morning we hunted the boar drain, this area was easy hunting and proved a fruitful mornings hunt.

Travelling along the edge we could see the wallows, and rub marks on the trees that the pigs had done. The dogs bailed off running ahead of the Ute, to our suprise, being only 6am and still cool, a boar was bedded down on the other side. He propped to his feet and ran straight into the water and turning to fight the dogs. It was quickly over, with the dogs locking on and making a swift job to dispatch. On inspection, this 52kg boar had a 2 inch layer of mud encrusted on his shoulders, it would take a high powered gun to blast through this armour. We used an experienced dog and two young dogs to continue working the drain. This was excellent work for the young dogs as we tallied up another five pigs. The trip had quickly come to an end. We had tallied up 27 pigs.

Down in numbers, but the 15 boars we caught had excellent ivory and plenty of fight for the dogs. However, its what you make of the trip that counts. Time away with your mates while catching a few hogs every day with the added thrills and spills of the hunt. Then spinning some yarns over a few Rums while enjoying the aussie landscape. See ya next Easter.

:,/' %2$5

$8675$/,$ WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

17

$.11& .+0'5 RHODESIAN RIDGEBACK The Rhodesian Ridgeback dates back to the early 1800's, known then as the /LRQ 'RJ. To cut it short, in 1920, there were many types of Lion Dog and a meeting was held in 1922 to set about standardizing the breed and getting it recognized. The best attributes of five dogs were combined which resulted in what we see today, the Rhodesian Ridgeback.

The well-built dog was never used to attack and pull down lions, this was only a myth, but

18

they acted as a true hound, tracking big game, barking and keeping the game at bay. Its sheer size and brut strength offered protection if it were to attacked. They are strongly muscled around the neck and shoulder area, making for a powerful dog. They stand at a good height and the males have a good blockhead. Cross this dog in the purebred form over a good bitch, and you will come up with some well-proportioned dogs for pig hunting.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

The RR is not a common breed in pigdogs, like your mastiffs and stag etc, but its out there and I am surprised that they are not used more often. I have used the Rhodesian Ridgeback over the years crossed with the mastiff, boxer, and the staghound, once I used a male purebred RR for pig hunting, which worked well. I have used all different breeds of dogs in pigging, and have worked out after some time which areas certain breeds shine in. One of the main characteristics I have always noticed in using the Ridgeback, is they have plenty of heart. By this I mean, when getting knocked around hard, they won't back down.

An example, Bruiser, a ž Ridgeback, I owned years ago weighing around 42 kg who was a good dog on pigs, and hunted well by himself as well as with other dogs. I hunted the cane a lot, and a few times he'd caught big old stinkers by himself which gave him a lot of trouble. For one dog on an old wise pig is a hard effort especially in the cane, but he showed plenty of heart and came up trumps in the end. Another time hunting the cane, all the dogs split off in different directions, Bruiser found a good boar by

himself. I got there and things did not look good.

The cane was all knocked over making it hard for the dog to move around. He was a big boar and was just over powering the dog.

They went at it for awhile and I could see the dog was really getting knocked up and getting punished hard by the boar. I didn't want to lose this big fella, but at the same time, I didn't want to lose a good dog. He was just too big and powerful for this one dog. I could tell he'd had enough, so I called him away. He backed away from the pig, you could see he was exhausted. The boar stood there for awhile then turned to walk off. Just as the boar did this, Bruiser flew in behind and lugged on. They both spun and I quickly grabbed a leg and tipped the boar. We had him. He showed a lot of guts on this battle. The boar went 114kg. I have used a lot of different dogs and there is a difference between mad

dog and a dog that shows plenty of heart and guts. If you're new to pig hunting, I would fully recommend the Rhodesian Ridgeback as a pigdog. I own five pigdogs at present and only one has RR in him. I'm not saying they are the only dogs you should ever have.

I believe there is no one dominant or best breed in pig hunting, there are many top hunting

breeds out there.

Some hunters will try to say they have the ultimate breed for a pig dog, when they have only tried one or two different breeds.

There are a lot of good hunting dogs out there, and for pig hunting, the Rhodesian Ridgeback is one of them.

Good Hunting.

BY

PETER MORRIS, CAIRNS.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

SUBSCRIPTION 2004

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION $21.00 This subscription will commence with the next issue March 2004

%,* ,668(6 LQ

Name:_________________________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________ Please find enclosed my cheque or money order for $_________, or please debit $________ to my: Bankcard Mastercard Visa.

Card Number:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Expiry Date:_ _/ _ _ . Card Holders Name:__________________________________________ Signature:__________________________________Contact Ph:_________________________ Post this Subscription form with payment to : W ILD B OAR A USTRALIA S UBSCRIPTIONS , PO BOX 10126, Mt Pleasant, QLD 4740.

U

U

U

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

19

%RDU 7DOHV

SIX MONTH BOAR Friday night, late, about 3am and one of those nights that is as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Black asâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The blackness pierced by the steady arc of a spotlight, only the sounds of a slow moving Toyota four wheel drive and the heavy panting of four dogs on the tray. Deacon and Chloe, unchained, eagerly sniffing the air for that telltale scent of pigs. From past experience the whiff didn't have to be that strong for these two to spring into action. Beau and Judy tethered on short chains, were to be used as backups on a bad boar or dropped on other pigs if a mob was found. So far success was on our side. Testimony of this were the six pigs already hanging on the back, cleaned and ready for delivery to the wild game chiller the following morning. These pigs, two boars about 65kgs, the other four somewhere between 25kgs and 50kgs were caught on a combination of an old Lucerne crop and a young oat crop.

Having already hunted two properties we saved what we thought was the best to last. This property was 12,000 acres, a mixed cropping and grazing enterprise. My hunting partner Warren worked on this particular property and had noticed the tracks of a good boar at a couple of the watering points. Not far from the water were three paddocks of sorghum each around 500 acres and we were sure this is where we would find this particular boar. Closing in on the first paddock, expectations were high that we would finish the night with a good hog. As we got closer we were both watching the dogs expecting them to jump at any minute. Through the gate and half a kilometer into the paddock not a sign. "Ah well", still a lot of crop to go. About three quarters of the way through crop number one we came across a pig pad. We both went over to where the pigs were coming under the fence and there in the soft soil were the tracks of a boar that would weigh at least 90kgs. Still no reaction at all from the dogs, while we were looking at the tracks they inspected the crop but showed no interest at all. We continued on, at the bottom of the paddock, another pad, this time with the big boar's track leaving the crop. Because there was no scent we agreed that the boar must have been coming in before dark or very early on in the night. OK, two can play this game, or so we thought. Over the next 6 months we tried everything possible to outsmart this boar. Many times he may have been in the vicinity but we caught other pigs and probably scared him off. We hunted two or three nights in a row at different times, returning up to 4 times some nights but still no luck. Gave it a rest for a week or so, still success eluded us. He was still there; we could see his tracks in the soft soil of the crop. We even followed the pad at least 5 kilo-

20

meters back into the scrub, but he must have been travelling a long way. We were now out to prove a point, we can catch this bloody pig, and he's not that smart. Another Friday night about 8pm, not a full moon, but getting close. We decided to park the vehicle about five k's from the paddock, walk through the scrub and pick his pad up approximately three k's out from the crop and then follow it back towards the crop. The theory being that if he was leaving via the pad he would run into us. Or, if he were going into the crop the dogs would pick his scent up. We had all fingers and toes crossed that any other pigs in the area were having a night off crop raiding. The walk to the pad was uneventful; the dogs were hunting off for ten to fifteen minutes at a time. Warren had Judy on a lead, she tended to hunt out too far and would just lug, no barking and very difficult to locate without tracking collars. Once we reached the pad we had a break for about ten minutes and continued on. The dogs showed a little bit of interest on the pad, looked like old scent by the way they were carrying on.We couldn't see any tracks due to the hard nature of the soil in the scrub.

About two k's along the pad the two hunting dogs, Deacon and Chloe had been gone for about 10 minutes. Beau was with them, this usually meant he could smell boar; he rarely showed any interest in sows when walking, unless they were right under his nose. Judy was getting very agitated and it was

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

all Warren could do to keep her under control. Excitement was an understatement, would it be THE BOAR. We continued on at a faster pace but were restricted by the thick scrub, running in 100 metre stretches and then listening over labored breathing for a sound, any sound would do.

Another ten minutes dragged by, still nothing, had they missed him? And then it happened, about 500 yards ahead the battle erupted. It sounded as though the three dogs hit him at once so he probably didn't run. He was probably just standing in some thick stuff waiting for the dogs to go past, but

they didn't. I have seen old boars do this quite often. Warren let Judy go and we took off, by the sound of things he knew how to dish it out. We ran as fast as we could through the scrub but it seemed to take ages to get there.

Nothing like running through thick scrub in the middle of the night, a good way to lose an eye. When we arrived, the dogs had things under control. After six months of hunting this old warrior we finally had him, a funny feeling, basically all over with the blink of an eye. It seemed disappointing that the highlight of pursuing this cagey old hog would end in a matter of

minutes. It wasn't the same for the next couple of months when hunting this particular property knowing that the big boar was gone. But we both new there would be more, just a matter of time. A bit of trivia, he weighed 101kgs at the chiller. He wasn't a long pig but extremely solid, and as we say "fat and shiny" from copious amounts of free sorghum.

Both Warren and I estimated him to weigh about 85kgs when we caught him. We were pleasantly surprised.

- IAN COLLEY, INVERELL.

+2*6 21 7+( 581 An instant after chambering a round in the .308 Browning Lever Action, the red dot found its target, a large black boar. As the creature contentedly slept in its wallow, under the shade of the over hanging creek bank. Paul and I moved cautiously closer.

Suddenly sensing danger, the boar sprung from the shallows and headed across the murky water at speed. The dry crust of mud that exploded on the boars shoulder indicated my quick shot had hit a little high. Showing no sign of injury the boar accelerated through the deeper water and was two strides up the eroded bank when Paul's 45/70 Marlin Lever Action levelled it. After the mandatory photo session we continued following the creek line. There was a heap of sign, but no hogs so we decided to return to the vehicle. The unseen hog exploded out of the water and was up and over the creek bank before the rifles had even

been shouldered. As the solid boar ploughed a track through the waist high cane grass, flattening everything in its path., Paul and I fired. The boar took two solid hits, dropped to its knees in mid stride, and with its own momentum somersaulted into the dirt. We headed back to the Suzuki, happy with our WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

efforts, Paul was keen to talk about the merits of the Tasco Red Dot scope, fitted to his 45/70, "Top bit of gear, certainly makes a difference, should have got one ages ago". "I told you they were tops six month ago when you borrowed that one off me".

- G.HALL NT

21

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV

S.Dowinton

M.Ewart

J.Coe NSW

Russell & Peter

S.Kovacevic VIC

K.Dolbel

22

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

:LQ &ROODU

Doug ACT

Rob Gargett

R. Thorpe

:LQ 6KLUW S.Hudson

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

23

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV M.Deguara

T.Gargett

J.Ritchie

D.Easdown

Popeye

24

P.Patsalou

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Tony ACT

R.Thorpe

:LQ 0HGLFDO .LW

J.Lynton FNQ

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

25

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV

Mitch ACT

R.Vander Veen

W.Cabin

R.Lockie

G.Bandes NT

26

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

R.Pitt

ALL PHOTO S ARE RETURNED AFTER USE.

P. Salou P.Vella

THE ULTIMATE BREAST PLATE BREASTPLATE INNOVATORS NOT IMITATORS Breastplates are made of new fire hose TUSK PROOF BREASPLATES ARE RECOGNISED BY THE BLACK PIG LOGO STAMPED ON THE FRONT OF THE PLATES Free V.I.P membership.

Become a life member of Tusk Proof, you will not only receive your free numbered key ring, but you will receive 10% discount after your first breast plate, & future breast plates ordered. z Custom

made breast plates made to fit your dog. neck collars, dog leads, dog socks, knife sharpeners, sticking knives, boning knives, skin staplers. z Medical Kits for dogs in bumbags. z Over 40 medical supplies on hand. z Breast plates are 95% tusk proof. z Breast plates are made by accredited pig chasers Bruce & Sharon Carroll. z Our quality service and back up is second to none. z Embroided and screen printed poloshirts, caps and beanies, with the tusk proof logo. z Wide

Tusk Proof Protective Accessories is your one stop hunting shop.

EXPERTS IN THE HUNTING INDUSTRY For a free brochure on all of our products contact:

TUSK PROOF PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES

All enquiries to Bruce and Sharon Carroll PO Box 165, Nerang Qld 4211 Phone/Fax: (07) 5533 1424 or Mobile: 0412 355 774 www.tuskproof.com.au Email: tuskprof@joynet.com.au

!

N I W

HEADMOUNT FROM THOMPSON TAXODERMY

3+272 &203(7,7,21 WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

IS GIVING YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN A HEADMOUNT WOR TH $700

SEND IN YOUR BEST PIG HUNTING PHOT O & YOU CAN BE IN THE RUNNING FOR THIS GREAT PRIZE. COMPETITION STARTS FROM OCTOBER 2003 ISSUE AND CLOSES 1ST SEPTEMBER 2004.

HOW IT WILL BE JUDGED: Five Photos from each of the next Three Issues of Wild Boar Australia (Ocotober 2003, March 2004 and July 2004) will be selected by the editor. The selected Photos will be given to a panel of Four Judges for scoring. Each Photo will be given a score out of ten by each Judge, then the scores will be tallied. The Photo with the Highest Score Wins. There will be only one winner. No entries accepted after 5:00pm , 1st September 2004.

THE WINNER WILL BE NOTIFIED BY MAIL/PHONE AND WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE NOVEMBER 2004 ISSUE.

ALL PHOTOS FROM HUNTERS TROPHIES, BOAR TALES AND MAIN STORIES ARE INCLUDED IN COMPETITION. 7R HQVXUH WKH UHWXUQ RI DOO SKRWRV SOHDVH VXSSO\ D VHOI DGGUHVVHG HQYHORSH

(',7256 6(/(&7,21 )25 ,668(

Page 45 Page 74

Page 14

Page 25

28

Page 11 WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

+817,1* &211(&7,21

BREASTPLATES

HUNTING DOG SCHOOL Breaking in your pup/dog on pigs, with ute finders, in the mountain of the Western Flats.

We also have Professional trainers teaching hounds and pointers on Samba, Rusa, Fallow and Reds.

PROBLEM DOGS Problem dogs are no longer.

We will stock proof your dogs against any distractions; Roos, Wombats, stock fighting etc.

NO LOST DOGS We offer tracking systems that are the best in the business. 28 km in the mountains, to ensure your dog comes home everytime.

TOURS Hunting Connection have Safari Tours (Dogs, Guns, Bows etc) and Dog Training Tours which include stock proofing.

+817,1* &211(&7,21 Contact Peter Mobile: 0405 247 149 Shop: (02) 4628 3522 M/Order: (02) 4262 2853 jago02@ozemail.com.au

Made from Leather, Kevlar, Firehose Other Style Available Ring for Brochure

Call Rod Ph: 03 5721 7098 Mobile: 0409 939 239 Also Available from M ACKAY S HOOTERS S UPPLIES

TRADING POST

Have something to sell...advertise for free in the Trading Post.

Send details to PO BOX 10126 Mt Pleasant MACKAY 4740 (Not for commercial use) PUPS FOR SALE

PUPS FOR SALE

Boxer, Cattle, Dane, Mastiff X 5 male, 3 female, 8 weeks old. $50 each.

Parents & Grandparents work well. Hunt off back of a ute. Find, Bail, Hold. Ph: Bernie 0438712640 anytime.(07)49785144 after 6pm. Sharon 0419169694 (Daytime).

11 pups born 29/07/03, Staffy/ Bull Terrier cross Mastiff/ Wolfhound/ Bull Arab. Parents work off ute very good. $100 each. Ph. 0407 159 194 or (07) 54 638 370. QLD.

PUPS FOR SALE 2 X Male pups, Bull Arab/ Mastiff cross Bull Arab, 6 mths old, working very good. $150 each. Ph. 0407 159 194 or (07) 54 638 370 QLD.

PUPS FOR SALE Dogue de Bordeaux/ Bull dog Pups born 8 July.

Ph:Neil (07) 49357202

TOYOTA LANDCRUISER 1993 A/C, Snorkle,Dual Tanks,Dual Batteries, H/Duty springs (extra leaves),4Wheel Disc Brakes, PTO winch,Tow Bar, Bull Bar, Side Rails, Driving Lights, 16” wide wheels, Dunlop grandtrek tyres, dash mat, UHF, Cass/ Rad, Shooting Rests,Rifle Carry, Steel Rack, 42 Carcass capacity, lifting slide, 40 ltr water, s/s tyre cover, removable petition, s/s knife canester, soap dispenser, hopper choppers, gutting lights, Blaza Roof Mount Handle, 9” spot light. All VGC. $28 000.

Ph.07 46530125 or 0429015014.

Goondiwindi area. Sth East Qld.

TRX 350, 2001 Model.

WANTED

Good condition, $5000. Ph. 0407 159 194 or (07) 54 638 370. QLD.

Great Dane X English Bull Terrier Breeder. Call 0417 407 917.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

29

FIELD CARE

OF NON HORNED TROPHY HEADS A RT I C L E B Y J O H N K R E U G E R O F T R U L I F E TA X O D E R M Y

TOO

MANY WOULD BE TROPHY HEADS ARE

RUINED BY INCORRECT FIELD CARE .

IT

IS VERY

DISAPPOINTING TO GO TO A LOT OF TROUBLE

( AND EXPENSE ) TO COLLECT A TROPHY, CAPE IT OUT ( SKINNING IT OUT ) AND FREEZE IT, ONLY TO BE TOLD BY THE TAXIDERMIST, " S ORRY BUT YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THIS OR THAT, ETC ...C AN ' T DO THE JOB , OR CAN â&#x20AC;&#x2122; T DO A GOOD LOOKING MOUNT." The most common mistake is to cut the head off the body too short and/or cut the throat to bleed. Here are some points to remember when you come across (usually unexpectedly) a head you want to have mounted.

Supposing you've bagged a good boar and want the head. If possible, take 2 to 4 photos at different angles. If the animal is still alive, a .22 in the forehead is OK. Otherwise a heart shot or stab the heart in the armpit.

DO NOT CUT THE THROAT LENGTHWAYS TO BLEED. When the animal is dead, cut the

head off close to the shoulders and STRAIGHT down. Do not cut down toward the jaw, in fact some taxidermists would like to see this cut made behind the shoulder, about the third rib, and down and around the upper part of the front legs. I like this cut with deer and goats, but find it not necessary with pigs, dingoes, foxes, etc. To make a smaller parcel, you can run a sharp blade just under the skin of the cut off head. Using a sawing motion, in about 10cm, and down right around the neck and throat, until you can fold the skin back over the head. Keep doing this until you get to the back of the head where you can cut off the neck and put it on ice or freezer. Wrap first in plastic or towel, etc. You can go further if you like: when you reach the base of the ears you will see a bulb like tissue, cut through this close to the bone, do the same with the other ear. Just leave here and pay attention to the lips. With a

30

sharp pointed knife, run the tip of the knife around the inside of the lips. About 2cm in from the hairline, right around top and bottom. The bottom is easy. The top cut to the nose, but leave it at this point. Go back to the neck. Pull the skin over the head while skinning around until you come to the eyes.

Here you will see a near white skin over the eyes, which you will have to cut across up and down (vertical). Take care here. Stick your pointing finger in the eyelid from the outside, and you will be able to feel where to cut. Be careful not to cut your fingertip.

Once you are through the white-eye cover tissue, you can see where you are going.

Same with the other eye. Just before the eyes, the skin is soft and attached to the bone. Just take a bit more care when loosening the skin from the bone. Continue towards the mouth. On the side of the back of the mouth, cut through this tissue and check to look at where to cut from the outside, where you will meet the already cut lips. Continue cutting to the nose, loosen off the bottom jaws first, then cut straight through the nose cartilage downwards and remove skin from skull. Ice down or freeze.

Skull can be left out in a bag if you are short of room in your esky, otherwise freeze it also.

I have been a Taxidermist since 1955. I learned from my late father who was a Museum Taxidermist. I've tried to keep up to date with the latest methods and materials.

I've mounted over 1000 pig heads, birds and fish. As I am reaching retirement age I try to do less so I've put together a DO IT YOURSELF PIG HEAD MOUNTING KIT DGYHUtised in this issue of Wild Boar Australia. Any questions regarding Taxidermy, Tanning and Fish Mounts I will gladly try to answer.

JOHN A. A. KREUGER 'TRULIFE TAXODERMY' (07) 47888295 PO Box 2 THURINGOWA, TOWNSVILLE 4817.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

CLASSY K9 COMPANY

TRACKERS GALORE! :LOGOLIH 0DWHULDOV ,QW

3UHVHQWLQJ 'RJV RI ([FHOOHQFH

\HDUV H[SHULHQFH EUHHGLQJ DQG WUDLQLQJ GRJV ZLWK WHPSHUDPHQW DQG DELOLW\

TITLEY ELECTRONICS

THESE ARE NOT TOYS THESE ARE THE REAL DEAL! CHOOSE FROM OVER TEN DIFFERENT MODELS OF SINGLE COLLAR OR DUAL ARIEL COLLAR UNITS. CHOOSE FROM OVER TEN DIFFERENT MODEL RECEIVERS. WE STOCK THE ONLY SYSTEMS THAT REALLY WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS. UPTO 4-14 MILES IN RUGGED TERRAIN & UPTO 100KM BY AIR. FREQUENCY CHANGING, SERVICING & REPAIRS CUSTOM MADE UNITS AVAILABLE .

A Radio Unit helps an owner find a dog after a hunt. It saves time, fuel, money and worry by helpng to locate a valuable animal, a receiver to pick up the collar’s signal, and a Yogi 3-element handheld antenna to directionalise and magnify that signal. Dog owners get the benefit of Wildlife Materials’ 30 year manufacturing experience for wildlife research.

3XSV IURP

www.australiasbestbodyguards.com

3+21(

TRULIFE TAXIDERMY

PO Box 2 - Thuringowa Central- Townsville 4817

MOUNT YOUR OWN BOAR HEAD!!!

Complying with AUSTRALIAN COMMUNICATION AUTHORITY For more information contact HUNTING CONNECTION

MAIL ORDER: (02)4262 2853 SHOP: (02) 4628 3522 MOBILE: PETER 0405 247 149 jago02@ozemail.com.au www.huntingconnection.com.au STORE OPEN IN CAMPBELLTOWN N.S.W.

YOU CAN DO IT WITH MY

D.I.Y KIT EASY TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS COMES COMPLETE WITH TONGUE, MOUTH TEMPLATE, MUSEUM QUALITY GLASS EYES & CHEMICALS ALL FOR JUST

$95 Free post in QLD - Other States add $6.00 extra Payment to TRULIFE TAXIDERMY PO Box 2 Thuringowa Central, 4817.

Phone/FAX: (07) 47888 295 Ask for JOHN

MOTORBIKE & TOYOTA SEATCOVERS Seatcovers for AG, Trail Bikes & Quads $25 plus $5 postage.

Seatcovers for Toyota Landcruisers, Hilux 4X4 and Holden Rodeo Designed for farm & work utes. $75 plus $8 postage.

Seatcovers are made from Australian made stretch denim Hardwearing and fully washable.

OUTBACK SEATCOVERS Ph: 07 4665 3588 Fax: 07 4669 4257

Great Pig Knife Dist. by POWABEAM P/L

Model 90057 RRP $79.00 Available at your local Gun Store Now

Blade Length 19cm Handle Length 12cm

Molybdenum Vandium 440 S/S Extreme Hardened Blade - Virtually Indestructable.

Comes with Leather Sheath.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

PIG

DOGS

Muscle of the Pack Boxer/Wolfhound Arab

Dane Bullly

Wolfhound Cross

32

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Wolfhound Cross

Bull Arab

Wolfhound

Greyhound/Pit

Wolfhound/ Dane/ Mastiff.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

33

Dane/ Stag/ Arab.

Full sister to bitch on opposite page.

Bully/Collie

Dane/ Arab

34

Dane/Stag/Arab

Mastiff/Cattle Rotty/Bully

Wolfhound/Mastiff/Dane

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

35

WILD BO

AUSTRA AUSTRAL

MEN’S COTTON SHIRTS Black

$29 P O S TA G E INC.

TOP QUALITY Men’s Shirts 100% Cotton 190 grms OUR GUARANTEE If your not 100% satisfied with the quality of our shirts, then return them within seven days for your full money back.

White

Royal Blue

EMBRIODED $ 2 2 CAP

P O S TA G E INC.

Red

STICKERS

Large glossy 16cmx 16cm

$4

P O S TA G E INC.

36

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

OAR GEAR LIA ORDER FORM

Name:______________________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________P/Code:__________ Phone:_________________________ Yes, I would like to order the following Wild Boar Merchandise, MENS COTTON SHIRTS Sizes available S,M, L,XL, XXL BLACK BLUE WHITE Sizes Sizes Sizes Qty: Qty: Qty: CAP One size fits all. Qty:

STICKER 16cm x 16cm

RED Sizes Qty: Qty:

Included is a Cheque/Money Order for $_________. or Please Charge $_____________to my Credit Card.

VISA MASTERCARD BANKCARD Card No._ _ _ _ ____ ____ ____ Expiry Date: _ _ / _ _ _ _ Card Holders Name:________________________________________________ Signature:_________________________________________________ Please make Cheques and Money Orders out to WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA and send to: WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA PO BOX 10126 MT PLEASANT MACKAY 4740.

PLEASE ALLOW 14 DAYS FROM PAYMENT FOR DELIVERY.

MISSED OUT??? NOW AVAILABLE!!!

ISSUE ONE OF 7KHLUVW ) WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA CALL 0401 014 592 TO O R D E R YOUR COPY

(Only while stocks last) WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

37

This article describes some of the breed-specific manifestations of

CANINE D.C.M DILATED CARDIOMYPOPATHY and discusses the evidence for a genetic aetiology.It also highlights the need for early diagnosis of the asymptomatic stages of the condition (occult D.C.M), which, if undetected, can lead to sudden death or congestive heart failure.

In this story I will endeaver to enlighten you on a crippling disease called (D.C.M)Dilated Cardiomyopathy which bought hogans life to an end at the age of seven.Canine dilated cardiomyopathy (D.C.M) is a condition characterised by impaired myocardial contractility and progressive dilatation of the left, right four chambers of the heart, without proportionate compensatory myocardial hypertrophy. The condition has to date, been considered an idiopathic disease of unknown aetiology, although there is evidence that there might be a genetic basis to the disease in many dog breeds. CLINICAL SIGNS: The progression of the disease and the clinical manifestations vary from breed to breed. From the results of the clinical examination, and other investigations, the serveity of the heart disease may be classified according to the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) System of Heart Failure Classifcation (ISACHC 1995). This system is preferred to the formerly used New York Heart Association (NYHA) Classification, which relies on the degree of exercise tolerence.

This can be difficult to assess in dogs receiving varible amounts of exercise. DCM involes elevated filling pressures, which eventually result in the onset of clinical signs, associated with left, right or biventricular congestive heart failure.

Cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular ectopy, may intervene at any stage, but are more prevalent in certain breeds. The disease is insidious on onset, with slow progression over several years in most cases. Screening may help to detect occult DCM. Diagnosis of DCM relies on careful exclusion of other congenital or acquired heart disease, which may result in myocardial failure, as well as vascular, pulmonary parenchymal or metabolic diseases which, can cause similar signs. GIANT BREEDS:Giant breeds tend to have a relatively slow progressive form of DCM although there are variations within breeds. In the UK, Brownlie and Cobb (1999) studied Irish Wolfhounds for over 12 years. In this breed, article fibrillation at a relatively normal heart rate (often less than 90 to 100 bpm) usually precedes the development of echocardiographic evidence of the disease by several years. It should be noted that, at this slow rate cursory auscultation of such patients might result in the arrhythmia. Other conduction disturbances, such as first degree atrioventricular block or left anterior fascicular block, may also be evident on an electrocardiogram. In the UK, Great Danes with DCM have a high incidence of ventricular ectopy. Paroxysmal or sustained ventricular tachycardia may result in syncopal episodes or sudden death. These arrhythmias may precede the development of the classical ech ocardiographic changes of DCM or any clinial or radiographic evidence of congestive heart failure. In other large or giant breeds, such as Newfoundlands, St Bernards, deerhounds, old English sheep dogs, golden retrievers, labador retievers and German shephard dogs, the disease tends to have a slower progressive course, eventaually causing congeative heart failure, which is often biventricular. Atrial fibrillation in these breeds is usually associated with the presence of clinical signs and classical evidence of DCM on echcardiography, where left

38

Hogan the Harlequin Great Dane will not only be remembered as the Bonnie Pet Food Dog, also the first dog allowed at the world hunting safari expo held in Sydney, to list just a few of his acheivments. The mountain country of the Mudgee District of N.S.W is where this dog will never be forgotten.

or biatrial enlarge ment has resulted in arrhythmia. Syncopal episodes or sudden cardiac death are less commonly reported.

DIAGNOSIS: A diagnosis of DCM may be suspected in an animal of a predisposed breed showing signs of congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and soft heart murmurs or gallops on auscultation. There is no sex predisposition in canine DCM although, in most breeds, males may be affected at an earlier age, with a faster progressive course. It must be emphasised, however. ThatDCM may not be clinically evident during the early or occult stages of the disease. Dogs without any clinical abnormalities detected may be at increased risk when undergoing anaesthesia or surgery. While dianosis of DCM requires exclusion of other possible causes of congestive heart failure, the disease is usually not difficult to confirm once the patient is symptomatic. Ancillary investigations required include radiography, eletrocardiography, clinical pathology and echocardiography. Diagnosis is much more problematic in dogs in the preclinical, occult stages of the disease. In these cases, diagnosis remains controversial, as there appears to be a large grey area in the evolution from normality to overt disease. PROGNOSIS:DCM is a slowly progressive disease, which ultimately tends to be fatal despite optimal treatment. Prospective screening of the dogs at risk of developing DCM identfies dogs with occult DCM in older age groups, and these dogs may die of concomitant conditions without the DCM becoming clinically relevent. In general, dogs with a younger age of onset of echocardiographic abnormalities or clinical evidence of DCM more rapidly progressive course. Although most sudies do not confirm breed to be an independent prognostic indicator, most veterinary cardiologistive heart failure, poor prognostic indcators include the presence of pleural effusion and pulmonary oedena (Monnet and others 1995). SUMMARY: Canine DCM is slowly progressive disease with insidious which has a prolonged preclinical occult phase. Familial prevalence and breed predispositions are strongly supportive of a genetic aetiolgy in many breeds. Breeds or owners concered about the possibility of screening of at-risk family members. Early identification of such dogs with regular monitoring and treatment, as required, should prevent the sudden decompensation into severe congestive heart failure. However the slow progression from normality to obvious disease means that interpretation of echocardiographic abnormalities is difficult without serial evauations.

The information for this story was kindly supplied by Dr Bruce M c Kay of Vetinary Specialist Services of Underwood Q.L.D. Bruce was also the vet that had diagnosied Hogans symptoms.

Over the last 12 months of Hogan life, his hunting trips and regular daily exercise, we had noticed he was stopping half way and having too catch his breath, this was definitely not normal. And after Hogan was layed to rest in March 2003 the peices of the puzzle had finally been put together. Hogan will never be forgotten, the smiles on childrens faces the endless hunting trips, his popularity and personality know matter where his destination was, in our minds he will always be remembered as the great one. Story by Bruce & Sharon Carroll.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

#AN= <9QK AF L@=

1RUWKHUQ 7HUULWRU\

Shane Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donell spent five days hunting & shooting 42 boars using a .270 ruger.

:LQ 6KLUW

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

39

BOAR TALES

ACE

BOAR TALES

BOAR TALES

BOAR TALES

PIG DOG I N T R A I N I N G

For a fifteen-year-old boy who can't get enough of hog hunting, a pig dog must meet the following criteria. A big box head, humongous feet, stand three foot tall, be able to eat a side of beef in one sitting and then deposit it all over the lawn an hour later in piles the size of Ian Thorpe's feet. I personally have always been happy with our two Jack Russell's, Peggy and Nip when it comes to chasing hogs. You'd never find a gutsier pair of little dogs, they're brilliant workers, good company and don't take up much space in the 4WD or on the front of the quad. Up until recently they've been quite happy to locate hogs and bark, but after numerous hunts witnessing bigger pig dogs in action, Nip has thrown caution to the wind and has started making every effort to hang.

Which isn't such a great idea considering the size and

40

BOAR TALES

aggression shown by some of the boars chased locally. So with Nip's safety in mind and after months of "Dad, can we get a proper pig dog?" and me replying," There is nothing wrong with the two we have."

I've finally given in. That's where Ace, a Harlequin Dane/ Bull Arab/ Wirehaired pointer, comes in. Ace's first trip out bush was to a friend's property not far from home. We had covered less than a mile when a solid tan and black hog was sighted as it lay in a freshly churned wallow at the far end of a small narrow dam taking refuge from the heat. Ace wasn't bothered, but the two campaign seasoned veterans immediately went into action; instinctively, taking the advantage of higher, dry ground. The boar had no thought of tactics and relied totally on size and brute force. What the dogs lost in size, weight and height they

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

made up for with agility, speed, combat experience and volume (they never stop barking). As the protagonists stood their ground with no thought of compromise, I moved to a safer firing position. Ace appeared happy to sit, watch and listen to the commotion showing very little reaction. That was until I raised the Browning Lever Action .308 to my shoulder, took aim, and fired. Boom!

That got her attention and her big feet moving, now all we have to do is work on the direction. As Matt chased after Ace, I dragged the fallen hog from the water for a few photographs. Ace may have been a little gun shy, but camera shy she isn't.... Typical woman.

Another top afternoon spent chasing hogs with Matt, two tenacious pocket rockets and Ace; pig dog in trainingGARY HALL, KATHERINE, NT.

BOAR TALES

BOAR TALES

BOAR TALES

BIG SQUEALER

BOAR TALES

BOAR TALES

mering across the paddock. Phil and Shane's dogs were onto the scent of another pig but in another direction. I left the Cruiser and started running after my dogs.

Next thing I heard a pig squealing and thought it sounded small. The dogs must have caught a tail ender. It took about ten minutes for me to get close to the action.

Amongst the thick timber, I heard the snort of a big boar. Sure enough, a big boar was smashing my dogs against the trees. I circled in behind the boar and quickly dispatched him. I checked the dogs, no damage and because it was raining, they didn't over heat. A 80kg boar squealing like a porker, but I suppose if I had my big dog Sarge hanging off my ear I would be squealing too. We picked up two more good boars that weekend. A 74kg and a 65kg, good pigs for the St George area.-

Drought had knocked the pig numbers down and size as well. The last time I went pigging in the St George area, I only got six weighers with the biggest being 38kg. I had two mates, Phil and Shane, who were very keen for a pigging trip, as three months had passed since our last trip. You never know if you never go, things change. When we arrived at the property we couldn't believe it, it was raining. Luckily, it wasn't heavy enough to stop us from hunting. We headed straight for the Feedlot, a good spot to nail a pig. As we headed up to there, I turned the Cruiser headlights off. When we got there, Bang, I hit the spotlight, it gets them every time.

Twenty-five pigs bolted straight through the cattle and out the back of the Feedlot. A good move by the hogs, as they had blown off the dogs. As my dogs came RUSSELL KEIDGE, BLACKSTONE, QLD. out they picked up the scent and went ham-

:LQ .QLIH

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

41

:LQ &ROODU

"X Q W H U V .U R S K L H V

G.Bandes, NT. Note the large rip in the boars shoulder from fighting with another boar

Tom NSW

G.Williams NT

A.Ferre

Matt & Greg

Leon & Brian

42

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

B.Morris

C.Kelly

:LQ &ROODU

R.Lockie

Paul

W.Lohmann

B.Parker WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

43

C. Farrell

C.Kelly

D.Miller

:LQ 6KLUW

J. Agius

S.Kovacevic

J.Nightingale

44

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

:LQ 6SRWOLJKW

K.Klidaris This monster was shot on the Daly River NT

S.Hudson Tyson

A.Zacchini A.Zacchini

Spike

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

45

C.Farrell

:LQ &ROODU

M.Cabrall

Charlie NSW

M.Watson

Tom’s TARPS PROTECT YOUR VALUABLE PIG DOGS FROM INJURY WITH A BACON BOUNCER PROTECTIVE CHESTPLATE from TOM’S TARPS FULL CHESTPLATES, NECK COLLARS & CUT DOWN VERSION CHESTPLATES

Beau

Flexible, Breathable Fabric Adjustable & easy to fit Q Fluoro Markers sewn into Collar to assist location of your animal Q Weather Resistant Lightweight Materials Q Comfortable design allowing for ease of stride when running Q Already proven in the field Q Small investment that soon pays for itself.

Q Q

Also Available:

GRUBBY BUM CANVAS SEATCOVERS

Suit most makes of vehicles. Available Colours Blue, Green, Beige, Grey or Brown

ALL WEATHER, ALL TERRAIN ULTRA TOUGH KIT BAGS

PH: (07) 4671 2634 Fax: (07) 4671 3196 Brendan & Matthew

46

9 Boodle Street, Goondiwindi QLD 4390 email: tarps@bigpond.com.au web: www.tomstarps.com.au

ACCESSORIES Gear for the Hunter

TUSK PROOF DOG REPAIR KIT A Handy item, a Dog Repair Kit from Bruce & Sharon at Tusk Proof Protective Accessories.

The Kit includes 1x Luco Clip Handle, 2 x 35 Staple Cartridges, 3 x Saline Solution (Single Use) and 1 x Staple Remover. You also get a ‘Bum Bag’ which all the items fit easily and lightly into, for carrying on you while hunting. All items mentioned with the Bum Bag sells for $140 which includes postage and handling. Its a neat

kit to help you out in the field if your dog is injured, allowing you to do the basic first aid until you get your mate to the Vet. For more information contact: Bruce or Sharon TUSK PROOF PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES Phone: (07)55331424 Mobile: 0412 355 774 PO Box 165 NERANG QLD 4211

WYOMING SAW

3LJ 'RJ 6XSSOLHV 3LW %XOO &ROODU These pit bull collars come with a money back guarantee, if it’s not the strongest dog collar you have ever owned you can send it back. You can count on the Pit Bull Collar , and you will get years out of them. The collar pictured is holding a

Pit Bull Collar

car engine and is doing it easy. The strapping collar is made from safety harness which can hold over 5 tonne.We’ve all done it, gone through heaps of collars, even the leather ones.

I have also seen a view dogs with stains around the neck after wearing a chain for a dog collar. When all else has failed to hold or last, get yourself a dog collar that is stronger than a chain.The Pit Bull Collar is guaranteed not to be the weakest link in the chain.

Comes in black and other colours. To get one, measure your dogs neck in centimetres, with a floppy tape and send $35 to: PIG DOG SUPPLIES PO BOX E381 EASTORANGE POST OFFICE. or Phone LES on

(02) 6365 8432

If there was a saw made specifically for cutting out boar jaws, then the Wyoming Saw from Hatch-it would have to be it.

Firstly, its built tough and quickly breaks down to fit neatly into a leather case which can be thrown into your hunting bag or ute. The Wyoming Saw comes with two types of blades, one fine tooth and one coarse tooth blade. Remember cutting jaws out with the old hacksaw, taking forever and going nowhere.

The Wyoming Saw makes a tough job EASY! The Wyoming Saw with leather case sells for $130.

For more details, Call Les on (02) 6365 8432 or contact ‘Hatch-it’ at PO BOX 108, Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand.

6KRRWHUV 6XSSOLHV MACKAY

Ph/Fax: (07) 4951 1634 email:mackayshooter@hotmail.com 166 Shakespeare St MACKAY QLD 4740.

SHOTGUNS RIFLES PISTOLS ARCHERY KNIVES SWORDS TORCHES AND SPOTLIGHTS

HUNTING GEAR

#

,

" % '

GET IN AND BUILD YOURSELF A HOG TROLLEY, NO MORE BUSTING YOUR BACK DRAGGING DEAD WEIGHT AROUND. THE TROLLEY IS SIMPLE TO MAKE AND ONCE YOU USE IT, YOU'LL WISH YOU BUILT IT YEARS AGO.

You all know what happens when your out pigging and you catch pigs that you can't get to with your 4WD, you have to drag them backâ&#x20AC;¦nothing worse! Even dragging a 50 kg pig for only 50 metres is tiring.

I'm not a big bloke and if I go hunting by myself and catch a big fella, hauling an 80kg pig can be draining. Sure enough you get it back, but your legs are burning and your all puffed out.

Dragging a pig is DEAD WEIGHT. This pig trolley is light weight, inexpensive to make, and sits

Right: Angle Iron used for axle section, with standard wheel barrow sized wheel.

Left: Pigs can be laid horizontally as shown here, or vertically with the heavy end of pig at base of trolley.

48

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

flat on top of the pig rack, out of the way, until your ready to use it. You will be surprised at some of the terrain this trolley will go.

Gullies are no problems, if you have two people you can tie a rope at the base of the trolley and have one man pull while the other just holds the trolley and walks it through. The pig can be laid horizontally across the base of the trolley, or vertically with the head/chest towards the wheel. Having the heavy end of the pig at the base of the trolley makes pushing easier.

m 1100m

300mm

650mm

PIG TROLLEY SPECIFICATIONS: z Pipe is 25mm diameter by 3mm thick. z Wheel with steel bearings, not nylon bearings. z Chain section is to be welded to pipe frame to create a carry section with plastic tubing around the chain to stop rattling.

Above: Dimensions of trolley.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE YOUR PIG HUNTING INVENTIONS SEND IN THE PHOTOS AND SPECIFICATIONS TO WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA MAGAZINE

HAS GIVEN AWAY THESE PRIZES FOR ISSUE 2...

Sponsored by Tuskproof Protective Accessories

MEDICAL KIT

2 FURY KNIVES 10 SHIRTS & 2 CAPS 1 FDICK KNIFE

...SO GET YOUR PHOTOS AND STORIES IN FOR THE NEXT ISSUE.

Sponsored by PigDog Supplies

10 PIT BULL COLLARS

Sponsored by PigDog Supplies

1 POWABEAM SPOTLIGHT

49

f

D

@#KIN’ BOGGE and other road capers.

Yep! Your F@#kin’ Bogged!!!

50

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

6KZ 6VKVEJGU HQT 5WUV[ %< 7(' 0,7&+(//

Rolling through the gates of the property, just as the weak glow from the morning sun was filtering through the shade line, Kevin and Brenton checked the stubble for those tell tale black shapes. "There!" Kev said, pointing to what looked like a big black shadow moving across the paddock in the weak light.

Six or seven pigs were bolting for the fence and the safety of the scrub. Kev hopped onto the back of the cruiser and Brenton floored it, trying to close the gap a bit. The pigs ran straight down the fence line looking for their bolt hole.

When they were close enough, Brenton pulled the cruiser up in a dust churning stop and Kev let the dogs go. There was a fairly good boar amongst them, but as Murphy would dictate, he was first through the fence. They don't get bigger without getting smarter. Just as they were about to disappear into the scrub, the dogs hit them. The three dogs, Bundy, Jess and Rusty, hit a pig each and held fast until the boys could get through the fence and administer the fatal thrust. Not finding any more grunters on the stubble they decided to walk the creek, which harboured a profusion of lime bush. With the dogs hunting out front and sides, the boys were just mooching along when a big lime bush started to shake and quiver, before a virtual explosion of pigs burst forth. Bundy had been nosing round the far side of the bush and now a big sow ran straight at Kev and the other two dogs. Kev had a bit of a worried look on his face as the sow kept coming straight for him, only turning at the last possible instance. Rusty and Jess just did what all good pig hunting dogs do and nailed her before she had gone twenty feet past. Kev raced in and stuck her. Meanwhile, Bundy was hot on the tail of a pretty good boar. "Hook'im up" yelled Brenton as he endeavoured to stay within sight.

Would you believe? That as the boar ran into a big lime bush, a fair sized sow ran out from the other side right under Bundy's nose virtually. And yes, he grabbed it instead. Brenton reckoned that the boar was smarter than they gave him credit for. He reckoned that he knew that sow was hid-

KEV WITH THE TUSKY LITTLE BOAR

ing in that bush and used her as a scapegoat to save his bacon. It was starting to warm up considerably and the dogs were starting to feel the heat. They had a fair walk to get back to the truck, so we turned and headed back on a different tack, so as to cover a bit more country they hadn't traversed before.

The walk back was uneventful, a fox and a few roos being the only game they saw. After making sure that the dogs had adequate water and something to eat.The boys had a welcome cold drink and a quick feed before rolling their swags out in the shade for a bit of a nap. Bloody flies and mosquitoes, the buggers tried to carry them away. There's a lot to be said for mossies nets on your swags. Waking, feeling fit and energetic...not! The boys listlessly rolled their swags and set about getting their gear together. How come that when you sleep at night, you wake up feeling refreshed and great, but

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

when you sleep during the day, you wake up feeling like shit? At least the dogs were jumping and wagging their tails, raring to go. Pottering around the bush tracks, they drove past a couple of mobs of suckers before seeing anything worth putting the dogs on. The wind was starting to pick up and the dust was a real pain in the arse. It just happened to want to blow the way they were going and each time they stopped, a great cloud of dust would engulf them.

Spotting a couple of fair sized pigs bolting for the scrub, Brenton pulled the truck up and sooled the dogs out as the dust came billowing along. These were two lucky pigs as they made it to the safety of the thick scrub and after awhile the three dogs came loping back. No disappointment showing on their faces.

They just hopped up onto the back and were ready for action again.

Unfortunately there was no more action that afternoon. Brenton suggested that they drop over to the neighbours place and spotlight the full head sorghum he had in. First up, they checked the edges of the crop for any well used pads, noticing that there were quite a few, they headed to a downwind spot to wait awhile. Giving the pigs time to come and settle in. Depending on how much pressure has been put on them, the pigs are liable to come in at any time.

Places like this particular spot had been hit pretty hard by shooters and doggers, so it was more likely the pigs would come in late. Not too many spots in close where you can get them just on dark, as constant hunting pressure has turned

BRENTON WITH THE BIG BOAR

most into nocturnal munchers. Coming to the first likely spot where a heap of pads headed into the pig out cafe, black shapes could be seen moving about. As Brenton pulled the cruiser to a halt, the dogs bailed out and into the sorghum. It was great to watch the pink, blue and green glow's of the cyalume sticks heading straight towards the black shapes. Soon they could see a pinkish blue glow going round and round in one spot while a green glow was bouncing up and down. The squealing could be faintly heard coming in with the wind, which was really howling now. Moving in fast Brenton and Kev stuck the two pigs which were a fair sized sow and a small boar.

Getting them to the truck, they were soon off again. Suddenly, there he was. The sort of pig they were hoping to find. As the dogs bailed out and set off into the sorghum, the boar ran straight out to the netting boundary fence. The big boar hit the fence and bounced back, then proceeded to run further down the road. This time he hit his bolt hole and took off across the tall grassed paddock. The dogs

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

BRENTON WITH ANOTHER GOOD PIG, RUSTY & BUNDY

had a bit of bother finding the hole as the fence was too high to jump like they usually do. Finally after what seemed an eternity, they were through and off hot on his scent. By this time the boar was out of sight and the boys knew they were in for a long chase, as even they could smell the overpowering stench of big boar. There was no way the dogs would pull out of this chase. Watching the glow sticks zig zagging across the paddock until they went out of sight. The boys were glad that they always fitted them to the dog's collars to make finding them easier.Stopping and listening for that tell tale yip! , all that could be heard was the howling of the wind. All of a sudden they saw a green glow stick bouncing up and down and thought Jess must have him on her own. Then next minute Jess was there, it had just been Jess jumping through the tall grass. Starting to worry a bit now as they couldn't hear a bloody thing other than the wind, they moved faster. All of a sudden Jess took off and headed straight out, it was then they caught sight of a pinkish blue glow. As they got closer, the green glow joined with the others and they could see the pink blue and green glows going around and around in circles. Only when they were twenty feet away could they hear the grunting and woofing of the massive boar as he fought for his life. Seeing Rusty bleeding, Brenton tipped the boar while Kev drove his blade deep into the old boars vitals, ending the brutes life.

Dragging the boar back to the track where the Toyota was happily chugging away with lights blaring, was a mammoth task. Although they were lucky that Brenton had been in such a hurry

he had left the truck running with all lights on, as they had a beacon to home in on.

The boar would dress around 55 to 60 kg's, so it was quite a drag.

After getting the dog first-aid kit out, Doctor Brenton, skilfully inserted six staples closing the gash on Rusty, after nurse Kev, had first cleansed the wound of any dirt and debris.

They then washed up, sterilising their throats with some Four x Gold sterilising solution.

Deciding to call it a night they bedded down right where they were, as any place is a good place when you're dog tired.

Sleeping in a bit, as the sun was nearly up when they went down. They headed to another spot to walk a part of the river that they had found hogs on before. Walking along the bank of the nearly dry river, there was not much sign. They were thinking that they wouldn't see much around this spot. And they were right.They didn't. Driving further along the river what should be standing on the side of the track waiting to cross the road?, but a mean looking boar, he was an ugly looking bugger. As Kev and the dogs bailed off the Ute, the boar ran right at them, veering off at the last moment and into the thick bush. Bad move, the dogs had him in a flash. He wasn't overly big, but what he lacked in size, he more than made up for with his massive hooks and tenacious courage.

The battle was fast and furious before Kev tipped him and Brenton used his knife. He sure had a fine set of dentures for a small boar, as the photo shows. Locking Rusty in the crate to stop him from bailing out again they continued on, picking up one smaller boar before it was time to head out. Reflecting on the trip, it was a fairly successful one, with quite a few good pigs caught and two good sets of hooks to display. Once again the usefulness of the glow sticks has shown through and anyone hunting at night should invest in some for their dogs.

-TED MITCHELL, FLINDERS VIEW, QLD.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

VIDEO REVIEW

GREAT GIFT FOR THE HUNTER

LIFEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S A BOAR 3 Here's a great Christmas present to buy the hunter, a pig hunting video from Life's a Boar.

Their newest video out /LIH V D %RDU , is by far the best video Brendan & Jason have produced.

The steadiness of photography will put a rest to viewers concerns on 'shaky videos'. The boys have got their filming down to a fine art, especially considering the hard environment in which they chase dogs and hogs. The hunting is a little different to our style, as they use three to four bail dogs, which bail up pigs until the hunter comes in to finish off the quarry with a gun. You can expect to see some close-up action, with /LIH V D %RDU showing plenty of pigs being taken, which include some big boars. The Video shows how well their bail dogs have been trained. On one occasion, three dogs have a

hog bailed down in a valley with the hunters more than 100 metres away. They decide to leave the pig for another day and then call the dogs off by whistling out, to which the dogs listen and return to their hunters. This style of hunting, and including the awesome terrain and scenery, will impress most hunters.

Another scene will have you in stitches from laughter. When a Dutch man, accompanying Brendan on a hunt, decides to go in and grab a bailed up pig by the ears...you will have to see the video to find out what happens next. , JLYH /LIH V D %RDU WKH WKXPEV XS 6R DGG LW WR \RXU ;PDV OLVW

FRONT COVER OF LIFES A BOAR 3 VIDEO WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

PIG PIG DOGS

Boxer/Mastiff

Muscle of the Pack

Pitbull/ Arab

Great Dane/Mastiff/Boxer x Bull Arab

Staghound/Mastiff

58

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Boxer/Wolfhound Arab

Wolfhound/Mastiff

Boxer/ Mastiff

Bull Mastiff Cross

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

59

Stafhound/ Arab Staghound/Boxer

Boxer/Mastiff

Bull Arab

60

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

www.boardogs.com

S e l l o r b u y p u p s & w o rki n g D o g s o n l i n e, add your own photos or just looking for some gear, it’s all here.

Check out the photo’s and join a discussion forum or live chat, share your successful/unsuccessful hunts with the world, or just have a look...

GIVE w w w . b o a r d o g s . c o m a go, WHAT THE HELL!!!

BOAR TALES

0( 7+( %2< I was out side getting everything ready to go away, when the phone rang, it was my mate ringing to let me know he couldn't go with me. I sat there for a while thinking of who to call, as everyone had there own plans. I thought of going by myself, when my five-yearold son Adam asked if him and mum could come with me, with no other option ,I said 'yes'.

They got some clothes together and we were on our way, it was about an eight-hour trip, my boy lasted about 30 minutes and didn't wake up until we turned onto the track heading in. I gave my wife a crash course in driving so I could spot light on the back. Before now, she had never driven my truck or a manual for that matter. I jumped up with my dogs Axle and B.J. We drove for about 5 minutes when I spotted a good black and white boar trotting away in the distance. I called out to my wife to go, and she

did a hundred miles an hour, we were on him in seconds. I was calling to my wife to stop, but she couldn't hear me, even the boar had enough, he stopped and tried to hold his ground but not for long, the dogs hit hard.

I stuck him, but couldn't lift him onto the Ute, I had to get my boy to hold one leg while I jumped up and pulled him up, he would have gone 80 kgs.

We drove along some more and ended up with four more average sized pigs from 40 kgs to 60 kgs. About 5:30 am we parked the Ute, my wife slept across the bench seat while my boy and I got in my swag. I couldn't sleep, so I got up and let the dogs out of the crate.

My boy woke up and asked to come. We started walking and it wasn't long before we heard grunting, the dogs had another one. I picked my boy up and started running, when I heard a lot of commotion not far in front. Maybe 10 to 15 pigs came running towards us. When we reached the dogs we could see they had another good boar about 70 kgs, before we walked back, the dogs got another small pig. When we got back my wife was sound asleep, so my boy laid down. I walked WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

the other way, not even a hundred meters when the dogs really started going crazy, running through the lignum and yelping. Then I heard what all the fuss was about, it sounded like they hooked onto a bear.

As I ran in, I could see they had him alright, but the boar looked straight at me and tried to have a go with me as well. I wanted him alive, so I got behind him and tipped him on his side. I called for my boy about ten times before I heard him call back. I asked him to bring me the hog tie and he yelled back "No way!" I had to beg him to the point were I was going to stick the pig. When I heard my boy just in front of me. He threw the buckles to me, and I strapped him and dragged him out. So I could pick him up after. We drove home later that day, tired and happy to have done so well. When we got back, I told my mate how good it was and he wanted to go the next weekend.

-STEVEKOVACEVIC,MELTON, VIC.

BACK FROM THE DEAD

The phone rings at home and once :LQ answered by me, I 6KLUW was listening to a concerned farmer's plea to get this big boar out of his cane. The cane farm is only a five minute drive out of Ingham.

'John I'll meet you there', he said, after giving me directions where to go. I decided to go without the dogs and just taking my SAKO 22/250 and my son, David, had his .22 repeater with a small scope on it. When we arrived, we were greeted by our concerned farmer. We met at the phy sized pig David had block of cane, where he had shot. While David was picklast seen this big boar, earlier ing the head and I was getthat morning. I mentioned to ting in close to take a good the farmer we would go for a shot. The boar sprung to his walk and come back that night feet with David hanging on with the dogs. After that, the with all his might screaming 'I farmer said to let him know how thought it was Dead Dad, we go and to keep coming F@#kin' shoot the bastard back until we get him. Then he again!' I threw the camera drove off home. We parked the down and grabbed the .22. car a block away and decided Sliding it in behind the boars to split and walk either side of ear, I pulled the trigger and the paddock. I was only 200 he dropped like a bag of shit. metres down the western side After a few photo's were of the block and I heard a shot taken, both of us still shaking from David's little .22. I then form the experience, David started running as fast as a 45- told me he shot the boar in year-old could, and heard the forehead twice. After a another shot ring out just close inspection with my knife. around the corner. When I Both of the projectiles had only turned the corner. I saw Dave gone past the actual skull bone approaching a good sized pig, by about ten millimetres, only with plenty of caution. Once I'd knocking the boar out. I told got there I told David to lift the David no matter how dead a boar's head up for a couple of pig looks after being shot by a photo's, as this was the first tro- .22, put another behind his ear WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

for good measure. The boar dressed out at 83 kg, and his ivory stuck out four and a half inches. The bottom jaw has been removed and now sits on David's dresser, along side his trophy photo's. JOHN & DAVID LYNTON, INGHAM.

BOAR TALES

"X Q W H U V .U R S K L H V

:LQ 6KLUW

S. Bandes

Tyson & Gav

Brody

C.Gray

S.Clark

M.Cabrall

All photos are RETURNED

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

:LQ 6KLUW

D.Wilkie WA

C.Farrell

A.Payne D.Aquilina

D.Miller

:LQ &ROODU

S. Bandes

“Catch & Release”. During the wet season, all the pigs head for the high country. We found these pigs crossing the Sth Alligator River in the top end. Who said catch & release was only for Barra !

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

"X Q W H U V .U R S K L H V

R.Pitt

:LQ 6KLUW

R.Fredrickson

:LQ &ROODU Spike

T.Kent R.Allen

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

W.Lohmann

A.Haworth

Photo does not show true size, but this is one big old hog.

Charlie NSW Matt

M.Cabrall

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Freddo

L.McCulkin

:LQ &ROODU

C.Farrell

P.Zacchini NT

A.Nielson

M.Cabrall

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

ILHOG G WHVWH

TRACKING COLLARS

THERE's been a revolution in pig chasing. The growth in dogging pigs has brought with it a new approach to the sport that now brings together dogs, hunters and the world of hi-tech. Because of this more and more hunters are investing in more and more products to increase their chances of a successful hunt. Nothing replaces well-trained dogs on productive country but some of the equipment readily available now can stockproof dogs as well as help you find a lost hound.Hunters are now also prepared to pay for good working dogs, access to land and training for the hunter and their dogs. But while this has helped plenty of hunters improve their success rate, it has also cost a lot of hunters a lot of money as some manufacturers and trainers jump on the bandwagon with second-rate gear and advice. So how can inexperienced and experienced hunters alike sort through all the claims? Well, the best information comes from the blokes in the field. Let's talk about tracking collars.Well-known Bull Arab breeder and pro-pigger Brian Neal who has hunted in everything from the Great Divide, to the western NSW plains and the Cape York Peninsula says he wouldn't even hunt today without his US manufactured Wildlife Materials dog tracking sysytem.

"I've been using Wildlife Materials for about 10 years and they have never let me down."I've looked at some others and they just didn't prove to be as useful."People are astounded when they see the difference between Wildlife Materials equipment and most of the others."I haven't lost a dog since I started using tracking gear and it helps you get on to more places. Blokes just thought I was a hi-tech wanker when I started but I knew this was the way things would go."

Brian said he was also aware of the great reputation earnt by Titley gear.Another experienced hunter and dog breeder, Ian Colley, who developed the boardogs.com web site for pig hunters uses the Australian-made Titley tracking equipment and verified it was quality stuff.His line of dogs are all keen finders that can cover a lot of ground and can get lost or catch a big, quiet pig a few ridges over.

"I've compared the Titley to some other well-advertised brands and the Titley far outperforms them."

Ian's been chasing for 30-odd years in all types of country and he has found that there's no excuses with Titley. It works with much the same effectiveness as the highly regarded Wildlife units.Operator of Three Rivers Hunting guided hunts out of Inverell, NSW Ned Makim agrees.

"I was sick of losing finders so I investigated tracking collars. I use Titley gear after trialing various brands. I wouldn't touch anything other than Titley or the Wildlife Materials gear based on my experience in rough country."

Angelo Katsakis and Nick Lalidis, the president and secretary of the Melbourne-based Australian Game Hunters Club wanted to find out about tracking gear themselves so they went on their safari with Peter Jago of Hunting Connection.They wanted to know about tracking collars but they also wanted to find out more about ute-finding and training collars. "We went to Peter Jago because we wanted to be able to show our club members that the sport had reached a new level. A trip to Bingara in New South Wales gave us a look at ute finding, tracking collars and training collars. Peter Jago's Hunting Connection offers hunting trips, dog training and tracking gear that meets all the legal requirements of the Australian Communication Authority. No illegal frequencies. That's important because not all tracking systems transmit on Australian legal frequencies and any hunters found using these frequencies can be fined heavily. And the Titley and Wildlife Materials tracking systems work. As Angelo says: We were speaking to the farmer and we saw pigs run off in the distance. The pigs left the grass and went into a forrested valley. We caught one pig but one of Peter's dogs had gone again and then my bullarab cross got lost. We got back to the car and it was about 25 minutes later and got out the tracking antennae, turned the Titley receiver on and in seconds we had an idea which way the dog was and within about two minutes Peter could say which direction the dog was in and that it wasn't moving. He said we'd

have to go back in and get him. We did and the dog was about two kilometres away with Peter's dog on a bigger pig than the first one we got.

Another time we tracked the dogs for about 4kms and found them on three pigs.

The same goes for the ATS training collars, the ATS training collars are great. A couple of brief sessions with cows and roos and the problems were solved. I have a pitbull that's fairly stubborn. A couple of touches of the button and that was that. The pitbull had wanted to chase everything but after about an hour we caught a pig in the middle of a mob of goats. The pitty didn't even look at the goats. All the dogs were trained not to jump off the ute unless there was a scent of a pig.

As a training system it is incredible. One hour's effort makes up for a week's work. And you get results instantly."And all this was with dogs that were keen to chase everything.

The Australian Game Hunters Club would like to thank Peter for the opportunity to put this equipment to the test. Peter Jago's expertise in this technology also has the potential to save hunters, sometimes, decades of trial and error.

So from an expert's point of view what are a few tips to getting the most out of your investment: Q

Invest in equipment that works & operates on legal frequencies. I can guarantee that is the case with Wildlife Materials & Titley gear.

Q

When using your aerial, always keep it parallel to the ground. If the ground is flat, hold it level. If on a hill, the aerial should be on the same slope as the hill.

Q

If you have one dog out, remember to turn off the collars on the dogs already on the truck. It makes it a lot easier to get a fix on the dogs thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a long way away.

Q

Consider adding a pair of earphones. David Clarke is a good brand & you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know what your set-up is capable of until you have earphones. It makes you much more accurate.

Peter said he had used Wildlife Materials all his hunting life and didn't think there was anything else worthwhile out there until he found Titley. Now he enjoys tailor-making tracking systems for hunters. He can even make sure systems sent to the same district don't work on similar frequencies so there is no bleeding of signal from one system to the next. He also supplies belt transmitters and pendants for hunters so they can be found too. These makes are used by wildlife agencies, law enforcement and health care workers. They're not toys.

CONTACTS: Peter Jago www.huntingconnection.com.au Brian Neal Ph: (02) 4648 4038 Ian Colley www.boardogs.com Ned Makim www.threerivershunting.com.au or Ph: 0412 750 390

S E L A T S E R L A A T O B BOBAROAR TALES COMEBACK BOAR Although I have been hunting since I was a teenager, it has been a few years since I have used dogs to hunt pigs.

Thankfully I have remedied this sad state of affairs and have started to work a couple of dogs recently. Two friends, Glenn and Peter, had come up from down south for the weekend to do some shooting but I had decided that the first night would be a rifle free activity and that the dogs would get a run.

Neither of my companions had hunted with dogs at all. A friend had generously offered the use of his bitch for the weekend as she had worked well with mine in the past. The property that we would be hunting on this night was well known to me and I had seen some good pig tracks amongst the sorghum recently. Driving along a fenceline that split the ripening crop we had ideal conditions with the wind in our faces under a near full moon. It wasn't long before the two dogs picked up a scent and they bailed out into the crop.

Glenn and Peter were

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

wondering what would happen next and it didn't take long before the dogs found their target. Unfortunately the boar didn't like the company and proceeded to vacate the area, with the dogs in hot pursuit. They eventually pulled him up but not before the pig had put a considerable distance between us. We quickly drove around the crop to where the fight was occurring. Running into the crop the spectacle that confronted me was one of dust, dogs and sorghum stalks flying in all directions. Glenn yelled encouragement to the dogs only to have the boar charge him. Both bitches nailed the pig as Glenn made a hasty retreat and I raced in to roll our boar.

Quick work with the knife and it was all over. As the pig kicked his last, I grinned at Glenn and said "Isn't this fun, mate?"

Laughing back he said "The bloody thing wasn't chasing you." As we dressed out the boar I realised that he was the first pig I had rolled for more than fifteen years. He later tipped the scales at 80 kilos.

Not a bad way to make a comeback,I thought.

- RUSSELL COLEMAN, TARA.

Boars on the DRAINS It was a hot Sunday afternoon and my cousin Colleen and I had just finished the last of the work for the week. Colleen and her husband Joe had been running a eighty-thousand hectare sheep property south of Cunnamulla, it was a great block of ground, a fair bit of mulga and box country and the best thing of all is that it is filled with good quality hogs.

After a quick drink we soon found ourselves putting breastplates on dogs and loading gear into the ute ready for the nights run. We set of down our usual track and it wasn't long before two good sized pigs sprung up from the bore drain that we were following.

It didn't take long for the dogs to nail both pigs. Stubbie my wolfhoundcross had a fair hold on a nice stocky sixty-kilogram boar, I quickly tipped the first pig and dispatched it, while Colleen and my other dog Oakey (Bull Arab cross) finished off the sow that went forty kg. Colleen loves pig catching and doesn't mind getting her hands dirty. Travelling along the bore drain we found the pigs were coming into water, we caught another six pigs along that drain and all of them fought hard and gave the dogs a good battle. The dogs were working well and were keen for more action, and that is exactly what they were going to get! After a short discussion we decided to head across to another drain where we had not hunted for some time. We were half across some flat plain country when all of sudden all hell broke loose, out of the tall spear grass ran a mob of forty or so pigs. Colleen and I could not believe our eyes, we were not really looking as we were more interested in what lay ahead at the other drain.

The dogs were going crazy in the cage so it was all hands on deck, it was absolute chaos, there were dogs hitting pigs left right and center.

Colleen was working over time sticking pigs everywhere as the little dog Oakey was holding his own amongst some good hogs. The pigs were just as confused as the dogs not knowing which way to run in the long spear grass. Stubbie was working in his usual manner catching a pig at every opportunity. After the dust had settled

we had bagged another six pigs, not all of them were huge but they were still ranging from thirty to fifty kgs.

After a quick breather and a drink we headed off in search of more pigs totally unaware of what lay ahead at the next drain. Night was quickly approaching as the sun was rapidly dropping to the west .We knew we had to pull our finger out if we wanted to hit the drain in a bit of daylight. I threw the cruiser into top gear as we belted down the smooth sand tracks towards the corner of the drain. All of a sudden Colleen turn to me and said "look at the size of this big bastard". It was a good boar standing about seventy metres away in the middle of a flat paddock with no cover for him to hide. He was caught out in the open and he looked mean as hell and ready for a fight, he didn't run as we slowly moved towards him in the cruiser. We were only about thirty metres away when suddenly he exploded, he came flat out towards us he didn't care about the size of the truck he was just mean and pissed off. The swearing was flying out of Colleens mouth as the boar ran at full steam at her side of the truck. At the last minute he diverted around us all I could see was white ivory hanging out the side off his head I knew he was going to be a good test for the dogs. I quickly let the dogs out . They hit the ground running and it wasn't long before they were gaining on the boar, it seemed like slow motion as Stubbie was first to get hold of the pig, what a site! The big dog was flung into the air like a frizbee as the boar thrashed around trying to do as much damage as he WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

could, Stubb hit the ground with a thud he got up and went straight back in hard and fast and didn't back down at all. The little dog Oakey was trying to a find way in as the boar spun quickly in circles keeping the dogs at bay. Colleen and I sooled the dogs on but they just could not get in. Then suddenly the big dog saw an opening and he was on. Little Oakey went in to lock on like a pair of vice grips. The pig spun and thrashed like there was no tomorrow, but the dogs held fast not giving the pig any chance to escape or do any more damage to them. Colleen and I flew into the battle as I tried to flip the pig I could feel all his strength, he was going to fight all the way to the very end. Colleen grabbed a clump of hair and threw all her weight into it. The boar finally crashed to the deck in a cloud of dust .We stuck him quickly and it was all over. The dogs came out with few hits but nothing too bad. He was not the biggest pig we have caught but he was certainly the meanest by far. We thought we would call it a night after that and decided to return home and tell Joe about our afternoon hunt.

- GLEN WALLIS, QLD.

BOAR TALES BOAR TALES BOAR TALES

A&251(5 rchers

N. Thompson NSW

Win Shirt

H.Morris

M. Shearim NSW

C. Rose GULF

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

N.Thompson C.YORK

C.Hervert NSW

H.Morris

C.Rose GULF

L.Rose GULF

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

Win Cap

Clint with a tusky boar.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

THE T HE F FREAK REAK

When four mates decide to go Bowhunting in the Cape, anything can happen, & usually does. Beginning with botched airline tickets & hunting gear lost in transit, to one of the hunting crew crushing three fingers between an oxy acetylene cylinder and a concrete floor. But who would have thought that the dramas that unfolded would lead us to...the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Freakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Finally we were going hunting.

It wasn't long before we were into the action, we were travelling out to a creek and the number of pigs we were seeing on the way out blew me away. We arrived at a spot where there was an old carcass that had been well and truly worked over and to our surprise the pigs were still there fighting over what little was left.

Mark was up first and with borrowed bow and camo we were off.

We stalked into 20 meters and Mark took a shot at a good boar hitting it a little high but it looked ok we thought. That was until we failed to find him in the scrub after he made a quick dash for the cover. We put it down to the first shot jitters and not having our own bows.Well that was our excuse and we were sticking to it! My turn next and a sleeping boar on the edge of a water hole was the quarry. I made it to about 20 meters and nocked an arrow. I turned to Mark to make sure he had the video rolling and once I got the nod I drew back, took aim and my arrow was on it's way.

"Whack" was the sound as the arrow punched through the shoulder of the big fella, he burst out of his bed only to collapse 15 meters

away. After a heap of photos and video the jaw was removed and we were off again. The hooks later measured out at 24 6/8 DP, just under trophy class but a good boar for the first of the trip. We finally felt like the monkey was off our back and we could at last get down to the nitty gritty. We headed off to a huge swamp covered with bird life and water plants and all around the edges there were brumbies and wild cattle feeding.

We started to walk around the edge when all of a sudden we saw a dingo ambling along straight towards us. All we had to do was stand there and let him come in, at around 15 meters Mark slipped an arrow through him and he took a bolt. Just then all hell broke loose, a mob of pigs was cruising along the tree line and saw the dingo so they charged in and started attacking the dying dog. It was like something out of a Hitchcock movie, squealing pigs hitting this dog from all directions, I've never seen anything like it in my life.

These pigs up north are mean.

While all this was going on I had the video rolling and I'm still amazed when I look at that footage now. Mark wasn't mucking around, he was on to a real

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

swamp monster and took advantage of the moment sinking an arrow into that beast tight behind the shoulder. He was off and so was the rest of the mob when they realized something was up. We needed a few minutes to gather our senses, the old heart was pounding, and I reckon if we had any blood on us we were goners as well. And it wasn't even lunchtime on the first day!!! We waited for an hour or so before trailing Marks boar and we took a GPS mark of the last spot we saw him and continued on around the swamp. We realized if we went to far it would be too dark to follow up Marks boar so after a failed stalk on a boar out in the middle of the swamp I scraped off the mud, put my boots on and we were hot on the trail. Walking about 40 meters apart we headed off in the direction we last saw him. Marks arrow didn't pass through so there was no blood trail but looking at the video we knew it was a top shot and he wasn't going far. Sure enough we found him and what a cracker of a boar he was. More photos and out with the jaw. He later measured out at 28 6/8 DP, Marks best to date and with a borrowed bow, Thanks Brett.

a

A couple more tusky boars were taken during the day and we saw plenty to keep our mouths watering until tomorrow. What a first day, all the woes of getting here were almost forgotten until we arrived back in camp and saw our old mate Clint back from hospital with a heavily bandaged hand. " Mate how are you gonna draw your bow with that hand like that.

Maybe you'll be doing all the video work then." I quipped. " I'll be right mate" was the reply. The next day saw Clint head out to meet Brett who was camped at another part of the property where he was filming his new videos "Huge Hogs of Australia's North". I'll let Clint tell you in his own words how his hand stood up to the pressureâ&#x20AC;Ś Not wishing to break a good partnership I left the boys together and went solo. I was taken to a couple of swamps that unfortunately didn't produce any hogs.

My guide Foley, and I then walked to a nearby waterhole that was lined with freshwater mangroves.

The mangroves and hogs seem to go hand in hand. Sure enough we weren't to be disappointed. A nice boar was snoozing at the waters edge on the other side of the swamp. The breeze made it impossible for me to sneak around to get a close shot. I got as close as I could get but was still 40meters from the boar. As I came to full draw the realization of how

difficult this was going to be with broken fingers became painfully obvious.

The sight pin danced all over the boar's chest as I wrestled with the bow. The arrow was suddenly on its way and I watched in horror as the arrow strayed away from the vitals. Horror then gave way to surprise as the arrow completely missing the chest, slammed the hog just behind the ear taking out the brain. The big fella didn't move an inch. He was a damn good hog too. Wait till the boys see these hooks. The next day found us on another dry creek bed looking for any sign of water. It was hot, damn hot, about 40 degrees and it wasn't long before we on again, but this time it would be different, we had our own gear and nothing was going to stop us. We spotted

top looking boar, ivory was evident sticking out of his gob and we were still 50 meters away. He was bedded in tight under a low tree on the other side of the creek. Mark slipped down the bank and made his way toward the weary hog.

About 30 meters out I motioned Mark to stop, he hadn't realized it but he had spooked a scrub turkey and the sleeping boar had stood up in his bed. A couple of minutes passed and the hog laid back down, I gave Mark the signal to move on in and at 10 meters he let an arrow go right into the boars vitals. The boar stood up in its bed and then just dropped straight back down in the same spot where it had been sleeping. Top shot, that's the way we like it. A couple of ripper boars were taken that day as well and Clint and Brett were cleaning up some top quality boars at the other end of the property. The next day I will never forget. Clint had left Brett and Lisa and had come back to hunt with me while Mark went to the big swamp. We spotted this big boar walking along and I moved in to 20 meters shooting him as he was walking away, he spun around and the shot looked good. Clint said it was a heart shot on the video so we let him run for

The author with another good boar.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

a while before following up. Clint took off towards a dam to check it out while I followed up my boar.

He had crossed the creek and made it to the scrub on the other side. So I thought I would wait a little longer in the creek bed, keeping to the bottom of the creek to cover my scent, there was a very good blood trail as well so I wasn't worried. That's when I saw him.

He was walking along the creek bed digging under the leaves for any thing that was edible. He was still about 60 or 70 meters away and I could see his tusks like a big white mass on one side. I couldn't tell from that distance what I would later find out. I took a GPS mark on the spot where I was following my other boar and climbed back out of the creek. I moved quickly down toward the boar out wide and moved back into the top of the creek bank only to find I was still 40 meters short so out I went again, this time I was right on and

The author with the first boar of the trip. moving very slowly toward the edge of the bank. It was like walking on cornflakes, the wind and dry leaves are your two worst enemies when your bow hunting. He was only 20 meters away but at a sharp angle down, there were trees overhanging the bank and my only chance of a shot was through a small triangular window between some branches. I came to full draw and waited till he stepped into my line of fire, he was standing broadside but I was high so I had to get my arrow into the right spot or I would miss the vitals. I released and the arrow made the distance in a split second. The boar dropped on the spot and expired. I didn't even go down the creek bank until after I went back and got Ned the guide to come out to do the video and take some photos.

When we got down to the boar we both couldn't believe our eyes, we were looking at, "THE FREAK" I looked at Ned and Ned looked at me, we were gobsmacked. I said, " You ever seen anything like that

mate", a stunned "Nope" was the reply. This hog had 4 tusks one was broken off at the base but still in the jaw, it was one weird looking porker that's for sure. He wasn't huge in the body but he would have had a bit of age on him. He sure made up for it in the dental department. After more photos and video we removed the head and were on our way back to the car. To say there were plenty of surprised looks back at camp would be an understatement.

Some great hunting went on for a couple more days including a tricky stalk on a good boar feeding on a dried up old carcass at the end of a long billabong. Brett had whacked a top boar on the same spot a few days earlier so I thought it might be worth another look. Sure enough there he was as expected, so in I went. It wasn't going to be as easy as I thought, the fickle wind and lack of cover adding to the degree of difficulty.

Every time he lowered his head to scrape the ground for any last remains I stole another few steps.

At around 30 meters I had gone as close as I was going to get. I waited for what seemed like an eternity for a good shot opportunity when all of a

Mark with his dingo bashing boar.

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

sudden he turned quartering on to me. I came to full draw and released. The boar, not knowing what was going on bolted for the cover and we set off after him a few minutes later. It wasn't long before we caught up and I dispatched another arrow to finish the job. With the photos done and the video work complete we cut out the jaw and checked the GPS to find the car. It was right on dark and the GPS told us we still had 4 clicks walk ahead of us. Out came the mini maglights and away we went. Good old Mark is known as the Snake Charmer because of his uncanny ability to find a snake every time we go hunting and sure enough we nearly walked on a King Brown on the way back. We boiled the jaws when we got back to camp and they measured a respectable 26 6/8 DP. Well as expected the curse hit us again, the camp generator decided it didn't want to play the game anymore and died. DISASTER. The crew had to pack all the food into fridges and eskys and haul it all the way back to the main house where we were to make camp for

the last couple of days. This meant we had to hunt in area we hadn't been before but as it turned out no one had ever been in this area except a couple of blokes before us. It was a great spot and over the next couple of days a few more tusky boars were taken.

Just when we thought it was all over, we were driving to the airport and saw a boar, which had been hit by a vehicle, slowing down to take a look we noticed some serious ivory sticking out. We couldn't believe it "Even the road kill goes

trophy class up here". When we arrived back at the airport it was deserted. They were resurfacing the runway and moved the airport to the air force base 30 minutes away. Cursed right to the death. Fortunately we made it just on time. All in all it was a great trip and one I will never forget, despite the run of bad luck. Four guys all with the bow took more than 25boar trophy class or better in six days.

I can't wait to get back to the Cape! STORY BY KEL SALTA.

Top: The author with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FREAKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Left:Check out those dentures.

Below: Tusk boiled out.

WANTED

Get paid $$$ for your Stories Win prizes for your Photos

"XQWHUV .URSKLHV

Send us your Piggin’ Photos and you could win one of the many prizes on offer in each issue.

BOAR TALES

(approx 400 - 600 words)

If your Boar Tale is published you will receive $$$ for your story and also receive a Wild Boar Australia Shirt.

M AIN S TORIES (approx 1000 to 1500 words) If your Main Story is published you will receive $$$, plus a swag and a Wild Boar Australia Shirt. Supply as many photos as possible to compliment your main story.

ALL PHOTO’S PUBLISHED IN HUNTER’S TROPHIES, BOAR TALES AND MAIN STORIES GO INTO THE RUNNING TO WIN PRIZES ON OFFER FOR EACH ISSUE. HUNTERS TROPHIES

Wild Boar Australia PO BOX 10126 MT PLEASANT MACKAY 4740

BOAR TALES

Wild Boar Australia PO BOX 10126 MT PLEASANT MACKAY 4740

MAIN STORY

Wild Boar Australia PO BOX 10126 MT PLEASANT MACKAY 4740

Wild Boar Australia is looking for stories from all over Australia. We are chasing stories from the floodplains of the Northern Territory, the Grain Crops of Central QLD, the Marsh Lands of NSW to the mountain boars of the Great Dividing Range.

S HOW OTHER PIG HUNTERS THE DIFFERENT TERRAIN THAT YOU HUNT IN .

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA

WILD BOAR AUSTRALIA Next Issue in Newsagencies MARCH 2004.

With following Issues JULY 2004 NOVEMBER 2004.

ZLOGERDU#HDV\QHW QHW DX