Took my little hog boat for a ride yesterday. I couldn't find anyone to go with me, so I went solo. My wife didn't like it, since a local preacher was lost in the river a few days ago. I've been running the river solo since I was 12 and am extra careful this time of year.
I was hunting an island in the marsh that I have done well on over the years. My buddy went Sat and had a lot of hogs moving in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I only had the first half of the day to hunt. Lots of sign but no hogs standing in it. Here is a rubbing tree that I figure has been used a few years at least.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-1.jpg)
Here are a couple of marsh shots looking back at the island. In the second photo, you can see a trail coming off the island into the marsh.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-2-1.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-3-1.jpg)
Imagine my surprise in finding a "bow" tree way out in the marsh?
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-4.jpg)
After stomping through a briar thicket, I found a killer bedding area. Here are some fresh beds and scat. Good size hog as well.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-6.jpg)
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o203/Apex-Predator/12-15-08-5-1.jpg)
After getting back to the boat, I decided to run a few canals with my trolling motor. Yep, just as I suspected. The hogs were bedded along side the canal. I had several within 10' and couldn't see them throught the saw grass. If the tide wouldn't have been so high, I could have attempted a stalk. The marsh is full of little feeder creeks that can be stepped over when the tide is out. Unfortunately, you can't see them when it's flooded. You can get real wet in a hurry out there. There is always next time.
Looks like fun!! I really need to get out and try this hog thing, looks like you guys have a hoot. Joe
Nice pics Marty....but please keep them no wider than 640 pixels.
Thanks,
Sorry Terry. I was under the impression that photobucket automatically sized them small enough.
Nah Marty...but I sure wish it did!
Always wanted to stomp on of those marshes when I use to go to St Simons....maybe I will get to some day....they do look hoggie don't they?
You wouldn't believe it Terry!
Marty, You're killin' me. It has been around zero for the past week. The bow works fine at that temp, but I don't. Lookin' forward to the warm temps. I haven't finalized the exact dates yet, but should be there around the 12th. I will call when I get there.
John
My photobucket allows automatic resizing. Under the section Upload image Video there is a selection window with multiple options from tiny 100x75 up to full screen. I leave mine set at 640x480 for message board and all photos are reduced to that size using the single or bulk feature.
Apex thanks for the great march adventure.
Marty you have some of the best public land hog hunting I have seen in a while. Looking forward to Feb hunt get together. Terry if you can swing it it will be a blast.