Trad Gang

Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: strick9 on January 19, 2023, 02:21:38 PM

Title: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on January 19, 2023, 02:21:38 PM
I live right beside and have hunted the Francis Marion National Forest located near Charleston SC for going on 35 years. I am interested in maybe helping sponsor a traditional Hog hunt.

We are absolutely over run with them which bothers me immensely as they create a huge nutritional sink and behavior disruption to our Turkey and Deer. At least they are delicious this time of year! 

There are a couple of campgrounds nearby as well and I can point the attendees into the hot zones.  There is an open weapon season that runs March 6-11th. A SC hunting license and WMA permit would be required. No I am not asking for a payment of any kind. Just thought it would be good fellowship for a good cause and some good eats.

I will gauge the interest but if you are dead serious and want to come out shoot me a pm and I will provide directions to campground etc.

David
Title: Re: Public land Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Kelly on January 19, 2023, 02:30:04 PM
Yes, what are your seasons?
Title: Re: Public land Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on January 19, 2023, 03:54:38 PM
March 6-11th
Title: Re: Public land Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: PhilFloyd on January 19, 2023, 03:57:36 PM
Yep
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: MCNSC on January 19, 2023, 07:13:17 PM
I would definitely be interested. Keep us posted on how this shapes up..
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: JohnV on January 19, 2023, 07:22:15 PM
I am interested.  Please send info.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on January 19, 2023, 09:00:00 PM
Location : Francis Marion National Forest, just north of Charleston SC.
Campground: primitive but others around like Buck Hall and KOA. Primitive would be Honey Hill Campground.
Hotels : plenty nearby but will be 100 plus a night.
Dates: March 6-11. It is an open weapon season but I will be hunting trad.
Style: either stand or spot and stalk.
Gear needed: well it is swampy here and we have lots of ankle biters.
License pricing : Non res hunting license 3 day is $40 and and a wma permit $76. No big game permit needed for hogs but please do your own research!! 

Feel free to pm me. I won't gar hole anyone, should be fun weather depending. 
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: rustyspike on January 20, 2023, 06:37:54 AM
That should be a pretty nice hunt. Wish I could join you.

I lived on Hilton Head Island / Bluffton SC for 23 years. Hunted pigs in Estill SC not far from the Savannah river. One day I saw a heard cross a dirt road. I was on my stomach lol. About 100 yards.

Bring rain gear and snake boots. :)

Good Luck,

Rich K.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Squeeze on January 20, 2023, 08:44:00 AM
I would definitely be interested. Keep us posted for any changes.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Michael Guran on January 20, 2023, 09:57:26 AM
Definitely interested.  Thanks for getting this organized!
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: 5deer on January 21, 2023, 07:07:34 AM
 :campfire:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: FLS on January 22, 2023, 08:43:15 PM
Following
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Bullchaser1 on January 29, 2023, 11:55:06 AM
I’m interested in coming down. Any recommendations on what type of “snake boots” or footwear. Thanks
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on January 29, 2023, 04:56:42 PM
I wear Muck Full wetland pro snake boots. It really all depends on the weather but our hogs are primarily  in the swampy areas so a good waterproof boot is pretty essential. I look forward to meeting you all!
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: MCNSC on January 29, 2023, 07:49:55 PM
I’d be interested in knowing what folks thoughts are on where to stay. Be nice if some of us could stay in the same area , especially if camping. Plus may need to make reservations. I’m flexible , but Buck Hall looks pretty nice as far as camping goes.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Michael Guran on January 30, 2023, 07:17:04 AM
That’s a good point Mike, especially for those of us coming from out of state…
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on February 13, 2023, 10:23:19 AM
Time is moving fast. So far we have four heading this way.  Room for a couple more I reckon. 

My father and I walked up on a Tatonka just the other day and found a sounder with 50 plus.

Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 03, 2023, 09:13:47 AM
Almost here.  Don't forget an orange hat, waterproof boots ,a thermacell,  bug spray, SC hunting license and wma permit,  light, sharp knife, backpack,  parachord, zip lock bags, GPS or phone and compass, bow, arrows  broadheads.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Kodiak Fan on March 03, 2023, 10:08:44 AM
Can't wait.  The weather looks good for next week. I hope to see my first hog.  JV
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: rastaman on March 03, 2023, 10:36:28 AM
Good luck to you guys!  Can't wait to see some pics and read some stories! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Michael Guran on March 03, 2023, 11:14:08 AM
Yes, I’m really looking forward to it!
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Bullchaser1 on March 03, 2023, 03:50:36 PM
We’ll be down, can’t wait! Hopefully get into some hogs 👍🏻
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 03, 2023, 10:32:02 PM
Weather isn't looking to bad but definitely remember your thermacells! Permethrin spray a good idea as well as the ticks are out. Orange hat required, no hunting on Sunday. Any questions pm me guys. Looking forward to meeting you all! 
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 07, 2023, 12:16:10 AM
Michael Guran had the first sighting and close says he, but forgot his lasso on the big Black and Red boar. The rest of us heard two different sounders and pursued but didn't bring our scuba gear. M Tate, tall as he is got his toes wet. Someone left their glove by the constitution tree.
Title: SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!!! pg 2
Post by: Terry Green on March 07, 2023, 08:53:28 AM
Great, thanks for starting a play by play.... those are always fun!!!

I edited your title so folks would know that the hunt is on....

 :campfire:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 07, 2023, 02:20:01 PM
Thanks Terry,  I'm working but soon heading to meet the Motleys. Report says the Motleys laid eyes uponst anothah feral but no shot loosed.  Someone headed to hopefully recover glove if the vermin didn't make a party of it.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 08, 2023, 12:24:51 AM
Not much to report from the evening hunt. Did hear one sounder way off in the center of the jungle swamp late evening, Full moon and 85* today, cold front moving in, hoping for better movement during the daylight tomorrow. Did find the glove, winning. Funny how trad guys can get along so well and quickly become friends. 
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: rastaman on March 08, 2023, 10:20:09 AM
Good luck to you guys!
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: strick9 on March 08, 2023, 02:52:10 PM
The Ohio German Vandelhausen came off the top rope with a 3yd shot on a true swamp monster this morning, Mike T gave the play by play. Apparently a Cypress knee decided to sacrifice it's life in lieu of loosing a water rooter. So goes it, changing scenery this evening. 
Title: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt is ON!
Post by: Terry Green on March 08, 2023, 03:00:29 PM
 :campfire:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt Interest?
Post by: Bamboozle on March 08, 2023, 10:30:40 PM
 :coffee:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 09, 2023, 12:22:34 AM
Shots fired this evening on a sweet eater by the wise and patient one but alas the humerus got in the way of the bbq. Weather looking fine indeed and movement increasing. 3 days to go. The PA gang due in around 0400.

 Lonesome, On'ry and Mean.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Tim Reese on March 09, 2023, 12:06:53 PM
Oh man!!!!!! This is what I been looking for!!  But just seen this post. If this is done again please keep me posted. A place to camp and hunt hogs is a bucket list for me. My kid is driving now so I’m free to go next time if we can coordinate again In future something. Good luck everyone!! Will be watching the thread for sure
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 10, 2023, 12:20:50 AM
The PA gang pulled in around 0400 and went straight to poking holes and laying them down. Jay got a great sow early this evening. I'll let him fill in the blanks when he catches up on the shut eye. The weather looks rough in the manana but should be a great evening hunt.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: rastaman on March 10, 2023, 09:08:55 AM
Way to go you guys!  Nice porker! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: sman on March 10, 2023, 10:13:45 AM
nice job - hope to see more hitting the dirt
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Michael Guran on March 10, 2023, 10:16:50 AM
Congrats to the PA guys for getting it done!  Had a great time and met some great guys.  Yesterday (my last day) I didn’t see any hogs, but I did see a bald eagle, 3 deer, and this guy.  Thanks again Strick9 for the hospitality and showing us how it’s done!
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Bullchaser1 on March 10, 2023, 10:47:27 AM
Our first time hunting hogs, so this is new to us. I was lucky enough to run into a small group yesterday afternoon. Had them at 5 to 15 yards for a couple minutes, but too thick to shoot. Finally found a small hole to shoot at one about 10 yards. Was quartering towards me, arrow went through in front of shoulder and exited behind opposite shoulder. Only ran about 20 yards and dropped.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Kodiak Fan on March 10, 2023, 05:08:45 PM
What an experience.  Saw my first ever hog as it busted out of its bed at 12 yards!  Saw an angry snake.  Spotted my second hog ever and did a short, rushed stalk only to be busted by its companion.  He apparently didn't like Yankees either.  I now know what a "false charge" is.  That growling vocalization as they come at you is unnerving.

David took us to hog hunting school within minutes of us first meeting.  His knowledge, energy and passion for hog hunting is off the charts.  Thanks, David, for all your hard work.  The three Trad Gangers (all Michaels) I met and hunted with were great guys.  This seems to be the norm, as I had the same experience in Laredo.  Sneaking through a swamp with a recurve is something I can't wait to do again.  JV
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Michael Guran on March 10, 2023, 05:59:37 PM
I just heard from MCNSC—he won’t be able to post until Sunday. We all had a great time and we’re looking forward to planning some more hunts. 
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Bullchaser1 on March 10, 2023, 07:40:20 PM
Brother Mark missed a pig at 27 yards this afternoon. Starting to zone in on some, hopefully have more action tomorrow! Looks like good weather for our final day. Had tenderloin from my pig over the fire last night, good stuff!
 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Bullchaser1 on March 11, 2023, 08:18:27 PM
Wind was tough this morning, but settled down before dark. I got into a group right before dark and missed a hog trotting through the swamp grass at about 20 yards. Swing and a miss! We had an awesome experience, David was great pointing us in the right direction. Also had some other stickbow brothers in camp giving us some great woodsmanship tips. That’s what it’s all about!
Jay
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: MCNSC on March 11, 2023, 08:27:14 PM
Just got in , had to stop by for my granddaughters birthday before coming home.
Anyway, I had a great trip, great group of guys to hunt with. Always nice to hang around like minded folks. Thanks to David for his invitation to come down. He had put in a lot of time and effort to find good places with lots of hog sign. And then to share that work an knowledge with a group of complete strangers says a lot about the man. I learned a lot , walked a lot and just enjoyed being in the swamp in the spring , it was something I needed.
 I saw one group of pigs I honestly didn’t count them all , 4 were good eating size hogs and the rest were smaller pigs. I did get a shot and it was the oddest thing I’ve seen. Shot was probably around 8 yards the arrow was tipped with a Zwickey Delta 4 blade. Shot looked good although probably slightly forward. The arrow pretty much appeared to bounce off the pig. My first thought was it hit the offside shoulder and came back out as soon as it started to run. My second thought was
“ you idiot you shot the practice arrow “ my practice arrow has a field point with a winged washer behind it. That arrow was still safely stored in my Quiver so at least I hadn’t made that mistake. The arrow had a few drops of blood on the head and some on the nock and 1 hair about half way up the shaft. the next day I did notice blood on the feathers. I only
trailed the hog maybe 20 yards and lost the trail, nothing. We had decided that I
hit the near side shoulder and somehow blood had got on the nock.
 What bothered me was there was no crack or noise of hitting bone also the broadhead was not bent or damaged. When I got home I checked the shaft with peroxide and it looks like I got about 14 inches of penetration. Probably hit in front of the vitals and hit the offside shoulder.
 David had shown us this place, there looked to be acres of hog rooting, I’ve hunted hogs some and never saw anywhere near the sign that was in that place.
 
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: MCNSC on March 11, 2023, 08:33:12 PM
A few random pictures, camp on the inner coastal waterway, and swamp in the spring.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 11, 2023, 11:37:03 PM
It was great meeting all of you! Great folks all the way around. 

That's very odd. I went back in there today MC and walked that whole block with my girlfriend. Didn't see any vultures or other sign.  GF missed a 200 plus sow with a 308 at about 55. She was straight up shook and just couldn't get calmed down. Walked up on about 20 , don't think her adrenaline backed down until about 5 minutes ago. 

Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: MCNSC on March 12, 2023, 09:39:00 AM
srtict9, I’m still puzzled over it , woke up this morning around 3am with that still running through my mind. Looked like a good shot but obviously wasn’t so good.
Title: Re: March 6-11th Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Red Beastmaster on March 12, 2023, 03:36:53 PM
Sounds like a great time.

Did you all camp together? Where at?

This was the first time in a dozen years our group from PA did not go to hog camp. Just too many things gone wrong recently. We always went to Wild Things  and then tried Tuckahoe WMA in GA last year. We (8 of us) all camped together and had a good time. Lots of fun with a group.
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: MCNSC on March 12, 2023, 07:42:27 PM
Another picture. I came across this blind in the woods. If you look closely there is a screw in step screwed into one of the logs. When I first saw the structure I thought someone had been camping there  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Mint on March 12, 2023, 08:40:12 PM
Thanks for posting everyone, congrats!
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 12, 2023, 10:16:53 PM
We have had a ton of squatter style campers some more destitute than others. No telling on your shot bro, they are super tough critters , that blood on your shaft makes me wonder what happened as well. If you know where that hut was send me a pin when you get a second brother.
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: huskyarcher on March 13, 2023, 09:20:11 AM
Cool to run into this hunt by happenstance this weekend! Dad and I headed down on recommendation from a local friend and low and behold this hunt was camped in the same campground! Gorgeous area. Got into pigs pretty quick and dad was lucky enough to take a good sized calico sow, she had just busted me drawing on her 30-40lb (my favorite) compadres and made the mistake of exiting past dad. He actually mouth grunted her in. Good to meet Mr. Strickland and the PA boys, great folks and it was pretty easy to tell they know how to get it done. Should be a video of our couple of days in the swamp coming out before too long.



Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 13, 2023, 08:15:59 PM
Husky, it was great meeting you guys as well. That is awesome your Dad got one!!!
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: Tim Reese on March 14, 2023, 03:21:54 PM
I have a question. Are regular ol lacrosse grange swamp
Boots fine or are you guys running snake boots down there.
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: huskyarcher on March 14, 2023, 08:20:04 PM
I have a question. Are regular ol lacrosse grange swamp
Boots fine or are you guys running snake boots down there.

 I’ve seen several rattlers and moccasins over the years in the swamps but never had them do anything but head the other way, so I’ve always just worn regular rubber boots. I have a hard time believing fangs could make it through a typical boot—but then again a bite would cost a pretty penny to fix at the ER, so the extra heat and weight may be worth it for you. Lacrosse Alpha Burly Classics are my go-to, however!
Title: Re: Public land SC Lowcountry Hog Hunt IS ON!
Post by: strick9 on March 15, 2023, 01:03:37 AM
I have a question. Are regular ol lacrosse grange swamp
Boots fine or are you guys running snake boots down there.

No telling how many venomous snakes I have seen over the years here but it is in the hundreds. The copper heads and Water moccasins aren't  so bad venom wise but our cane brakes aka Timber rattlers can do some daggum serious damage.

 An Er bill is 50k or more with antivenom, a good pair of snake boots maybe 200. My buddy got popped years ago and I have worn snake boots ever since. I think the Lacrosse might stop some but several years back I did a test that told me that I didn't want to flirt with maybe and might. Pinch a light sewing needle twixt thumb and index and pop into the top of your boot and see what happens.