This is the time of year that bowhunters like to get after the hogs, and PBSers are no different. We just had one group of bowhunters return from a hunt at Wild Things in SC, while another group of adventurous PBSers just finished a horseback pack-in trip in the rugged mountains of SW TX for hogs and javies. Click on my link below, then "cyber campfire" and check out the threas - awesome photos are included.
PBSer John Vargo will be hosting several groups of bowhunters for hogs and javies at the Spikebox Ranch in TX very soon, and I am hosting about 15 PBSers next week in coastal GA for hogs. If you are a PBS member, you are automatically invited to these and many more membership hunts! For some of them, you have to be quick on the draw, as spots are limited and they fill up fast. Here are a few photos from my past GA membership hog hunts..
The sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular at my spot.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0497_zpsk9ppj2p0.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0497_zpsk9ppj2p0.jpg.html)
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0470_zps77b8cb78.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0470_zps77b8cb78.jpg.html)
The first year there was a learning experience and the camp meat pole was sparse - one squirrel does not go very far with a camp full of hungry bowhunters...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/P1150510_zpsibaaw6po.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/P1150510_zpsibaaw6po.jpg.html)
As I mentioned, it sure was a learning experience hunting tidal rivers right at the ocean...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/notagoodsight_zpse30d5bbc.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/notagoodsight_zpse30d5bbc.jpg.html)
But we stuck with it and have it figured out now...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0524_zpsaf32146d.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0524_zpsaf32146d.jpg.html)
More than a few TradGangers have attended this hunt..
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0531_zps1836c6a9.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0531_zps1836c6a9.jpg.html)
Weather doesn't always cooperate, but these TradGangers didn't care...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1509_zpswlynxciz.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1509_zpswlynxciz.jpg.html)
OK, that's enough rain...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1502_zpsilznj1tb.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1502_zpsilznj1tb.jpg.html)
This might be the best part of these hunts, well besides putting an arrow thru a hog...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0541_zps5a831c30.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0541_zps5a831c30.jpg.html)
Pancakes and elk chops for breakfast - yum!
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_0656_zps16009884.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_0656_zps16009884.jpg.html)
Great pics. Lookin' good Tim!
Hoping there is more to come here.
I really hope to attend one of these PBS group hunts one day!
That looks like a fun time! I love hog hunting!
Congrats,
Bisch
Been a member since I first picked up a bow 26 years ago.
Plan on trying to attend one of these hunts but work has been crazy the past year.
I was on horseback hunt in the Davis Mountains of Texas. So beautiful there, rugged canyons, you'd think you were someplace else!
Can't wait to get down to GA next wednesday. Bringing a quiver full of bad intentions.
Stay away from strange dogs, at least until after this hunt, Dalton.....
I've only seen one in the wild and was lucky enough to kill it. It was actually a deer hunt but a nice boar showed up (guest in TX).
I can't believe I have to miss your hunt next week Jeff. The FBI seems to think their training is more important then my hunting plans.
That's a bummer Brad, what are they thinking? I mean, we're talking hog hunting here! Serious business!
Counting down the days. Jeff puts on a great hunt.
Jeff W
The PBSers are a hog killing crew. Good luck, and we are looking forward to the updates.
It is wonderful to see a great adventure unfold.
Not a thrill seeker, however having hogs grunting, squeeling and fighting next to you on the ground at night is most exhilerating.
Looking forward to my next opportunity.
Brad, your piglet on Snake Island will miss the ear scratches...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1511_zpswsosd8ud.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1511_zpswsosd8ud.jpg.html)
Nor will you be able to help Logan find a B&C piece of driftwood...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1510_zpsogf2sffq.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1510_zpsogf2sffq.jpg.html)
Here's a boatload of soggy TradGangers...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1505_zpsntqeecdk.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1505_zpsntqeecdk.jpg.html)
Tim got his boat stuck once or twice...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1499_zps2rc9v9sj.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1499_zps2rc9v9sj.jpg.html)
Seeing this nearby when you're stalking a hog, will get the heart pumping...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1487_zpsskhuvknp.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1487_zpsskhuvknp.jpg.html)
Well done guys! :clapper:
If I were younger, I'd be sloshing through that mud with you guys. Have fun!
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0482_zpspcl8wfn1.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0482_zpspcl8wfn1.jpg.html)
It will good see all you PBS er"s again , the. camo taxi is ready, were packing this morning, ready to get off the mountain.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0481_zpsjaq8marj.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0481_zpsjaq8marj.jpg.html)
large alligators
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0483_zpst2xperit.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0483_zpst2xperit.jpg.html)
Live catches
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0484_zpsmocx3oex.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0484_zpsmocx3oex.jpg.html)
Anyone who has been hog hunting loves hog hunting ....great thread
I wish I had the time to get down there again this year!! I had a ton of fun two years ago!!
Looks like a great time!!
Excuse me...anyone who has been hog hunting and don't' like it has a serious problem. :biglaugh:
Couldn't agree with ya more Mr. Terry, and the ones who never have gone ya don't know what your missing.
I'll be taking my daughter hog hunting first week of March can't wait this will be her second time, last spring break she got her first bow kill ever- hog hunting, old 45lb Browning w/ cedar arrow wensel three blade hog only went 50 yards, loved it.
:clapper:
Just returned from hosting the week-long PBS membership hog hunt in coastal Georgia. You could say that it was successful, in more ways than one. I will only post pics of my hogs - hopefully the other successful TradGangers will post pics of their hogs...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1943%202_zps4d36ov5d.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1943%202_zps4d36ov5d.jpg.html)
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0599_zpskwmtwgqf.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0599_zpskwmtwgqf.jpg.html)
Double team with Bill Dunn
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0600_zpsiirpbj1m.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0600_zpsiirpbj1m.jpg.html)
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0601_zpsguwysdmw.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0601_zpsguwysdmw.jpg.html)
four of us dragging a big one
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b301/TimAntoine/IMG_0598_zpsx6lgwts0.jpg) (http://s22.photobucket.com/user/TimAntoine/media/IMG_0598_zpsx6lgwts0.jpg.html)
Jeff Walton with his first
One day the gang could hear some hogs fighting on a nearby island for hours, so I suspected that there was a sow in heat there with boars fighting over her. I was correct - one Tradganger got after them early in the afternoon and I got on their trail towards the end of the day. It was tricky because it was a part of the island I didn't know and the tide was going out, so I was worried about getting my boat stranded. I followed the sounds of grunting, fighting and squealing for an hour before I caught them in the open. I spotted them right as the sun set and immediately decided that the three boars were too big to handle by myself, now 1/2 mile from the boat. The boars were jumbos all around 300 pounds. As I watched them and the hot sow, I noticed a much smaller pig feeding my way and estimated it at around 50 pounds - perfect to shoot and carry over my shoulder back to the boat. I drew and shot, and was surprised when I found him - it was a 125 lb boar! My first case of reverse ground shrinkage, and at just the wrong time. I had to quickly quarter him, get the game bags into my pack and find my boat before dark. The boat was half out of the water by then, but I was able to get it floating again and run back to camp as the daylight faded. He looked small compared to the three jumbos!
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1938_zpss2i5dqbx.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1938_zpss2i5dqbx.jpg.html)
OK I lied, here's another Tranganger and his "camp hog"; recognize him?
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1935_zps2osqubeb.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1935_zps2osqubeb.jpg.html)
Is there a fee for the hunts? Or, just have to be a member?
Great pics.
You just have to be a member and buy the proper license for this one. They are several PBS hunt all over the country.
I will let Jeff Holchin chime in on this one.
There is much information to be gained by being a member. I am hunting moose in AK with another PBS member this fall and several PBS 'ers have helped us along the way.
Tim is correct, no additional fees for any PBS member hunts, you just have to be a member and pay attention when the hunts are announced. There are limited spots and they go fast sometimes. For this particular hunt, it costs about $100 in licenses for a 3-day hunt plus your transportation cost to Savannah. A boat is required to hunt these islands, so you either have to own a boat or team up with a PBSer with a boat. The connections you can make in the PBS coulkd result in numerous hunt opportunities - all of my bowhunts this year will be because of my PBS connections. If you count Javalina as a hog, there have already been five PBS member hunts so far this year (in AZ, TX, SC and GA), and there will be numerous member hunts this spring, summer and fall for animals all over the country.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_1940_zpsepvwhhks.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_1940_zpsepvwhhks.jpg.html)
This was a last-hour pig for me - on the final day I dropped off some hunters and went back to a spot that another member had checked earlier in the day. I spotted some fresh pig tracks that came out of the needle grass, then went back in, on a trail that was decent. I slowly followed the tracks and happened to hear some hogs feeding ahead. I slowly worked into my comfortable shooting range (5 yards) and made a good shot. As my pig died, I could have shot another one that was the same size, but knew that I would have my hands full with this one.
These links are the video's Tracy did of the second hog. There is 3 of them because they are short cell phone video's. I'm always amazed at the quality of video a phone will take.
www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448616130119/?type=3&theater (http://www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448616130119/?type=3&theater)
www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448742796773/?type=3&theater (http://www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448742796773/?type=3&theater)
www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448659463448/?type=3&theater (http://www.facebook.com/grizzlybroadheads/videos/pcb.873582799450034/873448659463448/?type=3&theater)
That looked like an awesome hunt! What was your setup on the hunt Bill?
Wow, cool pics! That looks like lots of fun!
Correction: six PBS membership hog hunts so far this year, counting the one going on right now at the Spikebox ranch in TX
QuoteOriginally posted by Buckeye1977:
That looked like an awesome hunt! What was your setup on the hunt Bill?
56"48#@28" The bow has a prototype riser with Z4 limbs. Arrows were carbon 600 grains. Some had Grizzly's(single bevel) others had Bruin (our new double bevel). I even had an Instinct (our 3 blade) in there!
QuoteOriginally posted by Jeff D. Holchin:
Correction: six PBS membership hog hunts so far this year, counting the one going on right now at the Spikebox ranch in TX
Does that include the Hog hunt that was at the Spike Box the week before this one?
The PBSers are passionate about hunting. :bigsmyl:
Bill, looked like you had complete pass through? I'm curious because I'm gonna hunt some hogs for first time next year and have a similar setup but only draw 26.5". Also my arrows now are about 500 grains with 3 blade vpa but I'm looking to bump up weight and maybe switch to a two blade.
QuoteOriginally posted by Buckeye1977:
I'm looking to bump up weight and maybe switch to a two blade.
You simply cannot go wrong with either of those two options. Why not kill 2 birds with one stone, and use one of Bill's 2 blade heads in a heavier weight than you are currently shooting? It would be a win/win for you, and your setup.
Had a heck of a time. As soon as i get some free time this weekend ill get up some pics and maybe some video of a couple of kill shots. This one will go down as top 3 hunts ive ever been on!
Nick, The hog in the video above was probably 100# give or take. I did get a complete pass through on that one. The giant hog that Tim and I both shot. I did not have a complete pass through but I did have 2 holes with both arrows. Those were quartering away shots. The broadhead was poking out between the front legs on both shots.
Bill
QuoteOriginally posted by Mike Vines:
You simply cannot go wrong with either of those two options. Why not kill 2 birds with one stone, and use one of Bill's 2 blade heads in a heavier weight than you are currently shooting? It would be a win/win for you, and your setup. [/QB]
Mike, you read my mind! That's exactly what I've been reading up on just need to get my setup adjusted and give Bill a call.
QuoteOriginally posted by zipper bowss:
Nick, The hog in the video above was probably 100# give or take. I did get a complete pass through on that one. The giant hog that Tim and I both shot. I did not have a complete pass through but I did have 2 holes with both arrows. Those were quartering away shots. The broadhead was poking out between the front legs on both shots.
Bill
2 holes is at least what I'm hoping for. I'm gonna be giving you a call soon on the broadheads. Congrats on the hunt and nice pigs to boot!
Hey, Nick. If you are new to hog hunting have a look at this. http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=148811 As I'm sure you know shot placement is as important or maybe more so than your set up. Study the vitals on the dismantled hogs. It may be an eye opener to a whitetail hunter. If you have any questions feel free to give me a call. You know how to reach me.
Bill
This threw is motivating me to join the PBS! Thanks for posting this!
Thanks Bill
It was another grat hunt. Here is a video I put together.
https://youtu.be/ROeH3XRWVyU
Good job on the video deerhunter_w.....
That is an awesome hunt! How were the "bugs" since the weather hasn't really been very cold this winter?
Randy, we did have some issues with skeeters and no-see-ums. But the 20 mph NE winds on Saturday blew them away, which was nice, but the 2 ft waves on the big river made boating a bit challenging!
Here are some pics that i took. Still working on putting videos together.
The Swine Master himself
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170204_180624_zps8bn6b7ps.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170204_180624_zps8bn6b7ps.jpg.html)
Real fresh crab legs made by Tim
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_122447_zpsl6vlvtaq.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_122447_zpsl6vlvtaq.jpg.html)
Bill Dunn skinning the monster sow him and Tim double teamed. I would say that Bill was the deadliest guy on the trip, but i think it had more to do with Tracy honestly :D Seriously though, when the Dunns pulled out, all the hogs in GA sighed a big sigh of relief!
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_102625_zpsy4lm5idp.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_102625_zpsy4lm5idp.jpg.html)
Group shot with most of us in it. Just take into account that my pig (on the left) was just shy of 150lbs, and youll really get a feel for how big that sow was! (just shy as in 110lbs shy of 150lbs lol.)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_100837_zps59c87wvn.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_100837_zps59c87wvn.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_100748_zpsjeat83h1.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_100748_zpsjeat83h1.jpg.html)
It was hard to get that sucker out of that mud.
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_100339_zpsyb2jmpc2.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_100339_zpsyb2jmpc2.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170202_095811_zpspkx4gnn7.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170202_095811_zpspkx4gnn7.jpg.html)
I think this was the first straight on shot ive ever taken. But being well inside 10 yards and 50lbs at best, i felt comfortable with it. Shot went just by the jaw, front to back. According to the Gopro footage it expired in about 8 seconds and went about 1 yard. Best kind to eat!
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/Snapchat-163808123077274500_zpslah90pmj.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/Snapchat-163808123077274500_zpslah90pmj.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170201_151133_zpsixloalhm.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170201_151133_zpsixloalhm.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170201_151127_zpsn57vrjzi.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170201_151127_zpsn57vrjzi.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170201_145255_zpsf5l1li2x.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170201_145255_zpsf5l1li2x.jpg.html)
(http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb428/huskyarcher/20170201_142830_zpstamjedvu.jpg) (http://s1205.photobucket.com/user/huskyarcher/media/20170201_142830_zpstamjedvu.jpg.html)
A big shout out to Holchin for putting together a great hunt. I really enjoyed it. Thats the second hunt ive went on with him, and im not sure you will find a deadlier dude. I look forward to many more hunts in the future with not only Jeff but also all the other fine PBSers i met this week!
Is it time to head back down yet?!
Do y'all know of any jobs hiring in this area? I'm going to have to move that way! That looked like FUN!!!
Congrats guys. Pbs is a fine org.
Looks like there is a good possiblility we may be headed back down next weekend. Hopefully we can add some more hero shots.
Good luck guys! I wish I could join you but Tracy and I leave for TX 2 weeks from today. I have to keep after these bows and broadheads! Dang bills ruin everything. :D
Bill, I notice that you are taking your pig spotter with you; good move! That means you will probably get something now.
I did some more field testing of the 200 grain Bruins with 75 grain inserts last week. This hog only went 6" after impact.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_2044_zpskocj0orc.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_2044_zpskocj0orc.jpg.html)
This one made it about 10-15 yards but bled profusely and was dead on its feet...
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_2072_zpsxhda3ald.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_2072_zpsxhda3ald.jpg.html)
It was a brief but productive hunt. I am sold on these Grizzly Bruins! Hoping to use them on turkey, deer, bear, elk and moose this year if my plans come together.
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f182/JeffHolchin/IMG_2079_zpstfuvxuvb.jpg) (http://s47.photobucket.com/user/JeffHolchin/media/IMG_2079_zpstfuvxuvb.jpg.html)
and though Jeff wont do it...I will for him. He is one of the hardest working and most committed free hunt organizers around...he goes above and beyond in helping this become a successful hunt no matter your definition of that result.
I have been three times and missed two times and have loved it every time. It is by no means your normal pig hunt. The terrain is challenging to say the least with the tall grass, wind and pluff mud and marsh mix. Hip boots, weather for any climate, and a good sense of direction is paramont but recommend you use a compass or at least GPS to keep bearings. Spot and stalking wild hots is very rewarding even if no shots fired.
Here is my last pig...old boar...and again Jeff was there to help recover and drag the thing out which is no small feet in that mud alone.
Thanks for all the hard work and dedication Jeff.
Jeff dropping me off to hunt an island alone
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408765297.jpg)
Taking final shot at less than 6 feet
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408765298.jpg)
Checking the hog after the shot
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408765307.jpg)
after the shot
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408763522.jpg)
a muddy mess is common for these hunts
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408765281.jpg)
business end
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408763521.jpg)
field dressed and washed off at camp
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408744382.jpg)
he was turned into bratwurst and sweet italian sausage...here is the head.
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/409639935.jpg)
best part...eating and telling stories around a warm fire.
(http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL285/1460516/24043253/408765308.jpg)