Shannon, one of NIOA’s most seasoned hunters, recently embarked on a memorable two-day hunting trip to Texas, Queensland - a town known for its rich history and expansive farming properties. This time, the trip was special; Shannon brought along his young son, Benji, to introduce him to the tradition of hunting and strengthen their father-son bond.

Setting out in the early hours, they arrived at an old friend’s property around 11:00am. After setting up camp and having a light lunch, the duo decided to explore the vast property before their night-time hunt. Their drive around the area quickly proved fruitful as they stumbled upon a mob of feral goats just 300 metres from their campsite. Shannon guided Benji through the process of stalking the goats and after a careful 30-minute approach, they found themselves within shooting distance. Benji took a precise shot, bringing down a large white billy with Shannon’s guidance. The success continued as they managed to take down a couple more goats from the mob for meat.

The real thrill came with the night-time hunt. Equipped with thermal gear, Shannon and Benji set out to hunt hares, foxes and pigs. Despite some challenging visibility, their night was marked by spotting a mob of pigs in the crops. The outcome? A boar, a piglet and a significant hit on another larger boar. Although the latter escaped to a neighboring property, they watched it fall not far from the boundary. They also bagged a few hares and a fox before calling it a night.

The next day brought an unexpected twist. On their way back home, Shannon decided to check a waterhole where he had previously seen a lone lamb. To his surprise, a full herd of sheep had gathered, thanks to one of the farmer’s dogs who had escaped and herded them during the night. As Shannon watched, a pig suddenly streaked out from under his feet and in the distance, he spotted another mob of goats resting away from the sheep. Seizing the opportunity, Shannon stealthily approached the goats, spotting an old black billy. After returning to the car to grab his rifle and with Benji engrossed in his phone, Shannon managed to sneak back up on the mob and make a perfect shot on the billy, dropping him on the spot.

The trip wasn’t without its challenges. Shannon’s second battery drained early, compromising their fridge and necessitating an unplanned run to pick up ice for the esky. Additionally, the unexpected haul of four large goats required Shannon to convert his hunting storage box into a makeshift cooler.

Despite the hurdles, the trip was a resounding success, filled with hunting triumphs and valuable lessons. For Shannon, it wasn’t just about the hunt - it was about creating lasting memories with Benji. As they made their way back home, Shannon looked forward to many more such adventures with his son.