Our road trip for a little get together started in Nashville when Joe picked me up at the airport (flight from Boston). This would be our 2nd TN Classic. Last years TN Classic was the adventure that lead to the Bama Twister knives for ST Judes. This years adventure held a few surprises too...taking us through three states and visiting numerous Trad Gangers.
I'll leave it there to see if Whip, the TN Classic gang, Don & Skyler, or some Bacon boys find this post...tippit
No holding back. Lets hear it!
I'm just a couple of days into being back home and haven't had a chance to download pictures. Still playing catch up here but will try to get back and help fill in a couple of details.
I can say that I did bring back a few souvenirs. ;)
Of course we found it....been looking foward to this thread even before the Adventure started. We have several pics that we will post when the thread gets to them. It is gonna be a good one!
Are you guys talking about the TN. Classic at Twin Oaks? I was there and would have sure loved to met you guys?
Jeff did you make some meat with "My last one".??
Is this Thelma and Louise part II. Looken forward to hearing the adventure.
:campfire:
I know some stuff :D But I'm not saying a word....not yet! :bigsmyl:
Benjy
I know I am waiting,heard a little but want more details. :campfire:
It was a pleasure sharing a campfire with tippit and whip. I'm looking forward to the hog hunting stories!
:bigsmyl:
Two of my favorite Trad Gangers!! Bet you guys had a blast!
FOUND IT!!! Just wish I could post pics!! :banghead:
P.S. How far down the road did the "peach-cobbler" make it!!?? ;)
C'mon boys and spill your guts!
ARRGGHHHH!!! :banghead: :banghead: :banghead:
I just pulled pictures off the card in my camera and am missing everything from the TN Classic up through the first half of the South Carolina hog hunt. I know they were there once because I scanned through them on the camera during the last night of the hunt.
Jeff, if you have pictures to post I'll try to add some color commentary as you go....
Well you are all probably looking for "blood trails"...if you attend the TN Classic you'll get to see a lots from the guys & gals scraping yellow wood into bows, pounding rocks into hunting arrow points, and hammering steel into all sorts of sharp instruments.
Last year Joe & I had so much fun, we vowed to return. Food, friends, and a little liquid apple pie made the evenings delightful around the fire pit :)
If you like making you're own equipment for bowhunting, the TN Classic is the Graduate School to leaned the trade secrets!
Pappy and his crew are tireless workers to make everything tick like a Swiss watch...tippit
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63558%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C96%3B32%3Cnu0mrj)
Kenny 4runner, Skyler, and Adam
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63592%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C95632%3Cnu0mrj)
Joe waiting in line (Saturday night food feast)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63569%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C97832%3Cnu0mrj)
James and Rebecca Parker with kids. I have purchased a number of Rebecca's beautiful quill knife sheaths in the past. It was so nice to meet her (plus add a few more to my colection).
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3A8%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C8%3C432%3Cnu0mrj)
James is incredibly skilled in knapping and bow building. His Asian horse bows take a year to make and they shoot flatter and further than any high tech coumpound bow! I purchased one of his bamboo backed osage glue ups to try my hand at making a bow. I've made a few osage selfbows but never a glued up bow.
Once he realised I was the veterinarian who kept buying Rebecca's sheaths. We made a swap...some heartworm meds for their dogs and a flint point like the one he was wearing around his neck for me. It took him less than an hour to knap it out...Perfect!
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63582%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C93432%3Cnu0mrj)
For me, this trip was like just another chapter in a long drawn out spring. I had just returned from hunting turkeys in Nebraska, and within a matter of three days found myself back behind the wheel with the truck pointed south.
Last year was my first Tennessee Classic at Twin Oaks, and I knew I had to return. I timed my arrival so that I could pick Jeff up at the airport and we headed out to set up camp. I wish I had pictures for you Stringstretcher - I'm sure you would have recognized the camp set up along the road on the upper camping area.
If you have never been to the TN Classic it really is an event to add to your bucket list. Do it yourself project abound. Selfbow building, flint knapping occupy center stage. There also was a good assortment of vendors, and I scored a nice Bear Green Stripe takedown and also ordered a pair of custom handmade moccasins.
Best of all was the chance to share camp with a bunch of really good friends. We ate like kings (or like pigs, depending on your point of view)
The shooting courses are exceptional. Pappy and his crew really know how to put on an event.
A many of you know one of my major passions is blacksmithing/bladesmithing. I can't resist talking with other blacksmiths to pick up new ideas. There were two different smiths there this year and they had some great set ups. I particularly love the portable stand the one fellow made.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63578%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C95%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp733%3C9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C96532%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3B9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C98732%3Cnu0mrj)
Stiks-n-Strings & his family were camped right next to us. Kris brought Joe & I Osage staves to hack away at. Plus we did a little trading...I'm sure I got the better of that deal :)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C9%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C99232%3Cnu0mrj)
Robtattoo shooting..I can almost remember when I could pull a heavy bow back like that...well maybe.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63557%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C94832%3Cnu0mrj)
Ethan shooting one of Jame Parker's Hornbows
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63587%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A99%3C99632%3Cnu0mrj)
This is really great. Keep it coming!
:thumbsup:
I gotta make that shoot!
Disappointed to hear about drug dealing going on, though.
Doc, Doc, Doc ... :thumbsup:
That stave I got from Sticks is a beautiful piece of wood. I did whittle it down a little bit while I was there, but the bow making area was reserved for those who had registered for the selfbow challenge. There were so many things to do and see at the Classic that I didn't want to spend my whole weekend working on it, so I brought it home to be used as a summer project.
I've built a couple of osage bows in the past, but my plan for this one is to make a much longer bow better suited to my long arms. It has just the right amount of character from a couple of easy knots and some snaking curves that it should make a wonderful bow.
Thanks again Kris!
:coffee:
Rebecca Parker's sheaths. I happened to have a few blades with me (surprise-surprise) that had matching Lacewood handles. They looked so nice all covered up with her quill work. How could I resist :rolleyes:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/IMG_2904.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Knives/IMG_2906.jpg)
James Parker's "drug deal" knapped flint head. I'm blown away when someone can walk off with a rock and return in an hour with perfection. We were in the sticks at Twin Oaks so I'm sure he couldn't have gotten to Walmart in that time frame :)
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp635%3C5%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A%3A5884832%3Cnu0mrj)
Looks like a great trip so far.
Molly & I are closing the Aiken farm for the summer and headed to Boston in the morning with three horses. I'll have to let Whip takes us down the road to Alabama...tippit
Great post and pics :thumbsup: THANKS for sharing :archer2:
Thanks for sharing, great shoot, pictures and looking forward to hearing about your hunt.
Joe, sorry to hear about the loss of pictures, sounds like a bad media card. :thumbsup:
We're all packed and read to roll in the morning. Sitting down with a beer in the SC heat...this Yankee errr Red Sox isn't cut out for heat this early in the year :)
Back to the story:
After the TN Classic, we headed for Alabama to do a night of bowfishing with Don, Skyler, Robtattoo, and Jack Guard. Severe thunderstorms in the area keep us grounded to the Wilson Bed & Dinner. What a dinner it was with the great cooking from Tammy along with the help of Miss Chloe Beth!
The next morning after breakfast with Don & Jack, we headed to our little horse farm in Aiken. We are only an hour from the Bacon Strip on the Savannah River. This would be our primative camp for the next 4 days.
Well I know it was my loss for not getting to meet you guys. I was camping in the lower level and did not venture to the upper level. Maybe next year.
James's composite bows are nothing short of amazing! He insisted I shoot the 50 yard target instead of the 10. The first shot hit the 2X6 supporting the tin roof over the bail! I swear arrow didn't start dropping till just before it hit!
Jeff, you and Joe have been one of best (in a long line I might add) additions to "our camp up on the hill" at the twin oakes shoot! Already looking forward to next year!
I really regret that we couldn't go bowfishing but the storms were bad...We had a great time anyway just hanging out and talking, watching Jack shoot all of Tippits bows. Tammy, Chloe Beth and Michael prepared a wonderful feast. We also had an awesome Knife show with Tippit blades.... (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0002.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0002.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0005.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0006.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0007.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0008.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0010.jpg)
(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0001.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0011.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0012.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0013.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0014.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0017.jpg) (http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k209/rickybob_2006/2012--everything/DSC_0020.jpg)
I had bowfished with the Wilson's for the past couple of years and was really looking forward to this leg of our trip. First things first though, and when Tammy is cooking and Don is grilling you'd do well to be at the front of the line. But after eating far more than I should have we checked the local weather radar and it didn't look good.
A line of storms was bearing down with another line on the way behind it. We didn't want to get caught on the water with lightning in the air, so there really was no question - calling off the fishing expedition was the prudent thing to do.
The flip side though was that it allowed us even more time to visit. If we had been on the water we would have been split into two boats, so hanging back worked out just fine.
One Trad Ganger that has been on my bucket list to meet for quite some time now has been Jack Guard, and it was really a treat that he was able to be there with his son during our visit. Jack is everything I expected, and more. And he can really shoot a bow!
While just hanging out and visiting might seem like it is not very exciting to those reading this thread, the reality is that evening was one of the highlights of the trip.
The next morning it was back on the road as Jeff and I headed east to his winter home in Aiken South Carolina. This would serve as our base of operations for a few days of hog hunting on the Bacon Strip, a SC lease that Jeff is a part of.
Jeff and his wife Molly built this home as a winter retreat where Molly works with horses. Jeff is nearing full retirement and will be spending winters there with her full time starting next year. Jeff isn't quite sure what he will do with all his time during retirement, so I have been retained as his hunting consultant and have promised to show him the ropes. ;) :thumbsup:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/SouthCarolina2012-006.jpg)
This is the shop Jeff built to house the Black Bear Forge which will be producing many Tippit blades in the future.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/SouthCarolina2012-008-1.jpg)
Benjy came down to join in on the hog hunt. As a South Carolina resident he could help show a couple of Yankees how it is done.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/Untitled.jpg)
Hogs are governed by their stomach, and the plan would be to play to that weakness with a mixture of corn and Benjy's "Wild Beast Attractant"
A good portion of the property had been recently logged, and that eliminated a number of previously hot stand sites. But there were plenty more, so we had mulitiple options. As we rode out on the ATV's to look things over the first afternoon we spotted two hogs under a feeder. We stopped a good distance back and I was pushed up front in stalking mode.
I eased up along the side of the road using cover when I could. The hogs were busy rooting for leftover corn, and I advanced when their backs were turned. I was able to work my way behind a small berm just downwind of the hogs and eased to within 15 yards.
As the bigger of the two presented a quartering away view I drew back and watched my arrow hit directly where I was looking. Penetration was poor though, and the hog crashed off into the thick swamp with my arrow in tow.
We gave it over an hour, and returned to see what we could find. As it turned out, we found nothing. No blood. No Arrow. No hog. Replaying it in my mind I think maybe I misjudged the quartering angle and shot a bit too far forward. It may also have been somewhat high.
I've often read here to shoot them low and forward, and the mid body hit combined with a quartering angle likely resulted in a non-lethal hit.
Looking forward to seeing & hearing more of this. What a great time it sounds like!
Good folks and what looks like some really good food too!!
Off to our evening stands we went. Hog sign was everywhere, and our hopes were still high. A stand called the Racetrack had been productive in the past, and I was happy when Jeff and Benjy suggested I try it.
I hadn't been settled for more than 10 minutes when the first visitor arrived. But rather than the hogs I was hoping for it turned out to be the first in a long parade of racoons. The little corn scavanging rascals were in and out all night to the point I couldn't keep track of how many I saw. I know at one point there were eight of them below me. Some would leave and others return, and they made for an entertaining evening.
Just as darkness was closing in I noticed the racoons below me all looking off to the north, and then they turned and left as a group. As if on cue, a group of hogs came trotting right in to replace them.
There were four in total, with the biggest being a sow, followed by a slightly smaller boar, and two of maybe 25 pounds. I would be happy with either of the two larger animals, and waited for a shot to develop.
The boar turned broadside and I started my draw, but he quickly turned away. At the same time the bigger sow presented a quartering angle, and I quickly shifted my focus to her. The arrow was gone and the next thing I knew the hogs erupted into flight.
Jeff had given me a couple of lighted nocks to try on my arrows, and with the near darkness that is all I could see heading off through the trees. Before it got out of sight the little red dot slowed and then stopped. My hog was down!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/IMAG0087.jpg)
The big Silver Flame broadhead had entered high with the steep downward shot and angled down into the vitals.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/IMAG0088.jpg)
awesome!!
Finally blood from a swine! Keep the pics coming!
Great trip and story!
Sounds like a good hunt.
Those lighted nocks are kind of neat aint they? Specialy with with a color blind tracker .
I think I came out pretty good on the trade Doc :D
After all I been wanting one of them famous Tippit knives for a good while know
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-6718-1336464832797.jpg)
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-2642-1337275617608.jpg)
That sheath has got to have some mojo LOL
Here's a few pics of some of the character in the stave Joe took home. Look forward to seeing it on the bowyers bench.
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-4104-1337275390774.jpg)
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-2289-1337275317283.jpg)
heres a few more pics I had from the classic
Doc, Pat Brennan, James Parker and myself
Talk about a motley crue lol
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-6527-1336464860433.jpg)
Here's a good one of Tomi
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh24/krischris123004/photobucket-5048-1336464694521.jpg)
Was at the awards ceromony and want to say congrats to Skyler for winning a fine plaque as well. He was gone and I think Larry picked it up for him.
Enjoyed sharing camp with Whip and Doc and the rest of the gang and it was good to see Rob as well.
Looking forward to next year!
Congrats Joe!! :thumbsup:
Congrats on the nice hog, Joe. Should be some good eating!
Awesome thread! Congrats on the hog, Whip! :thumbsup:
:bigsmyl:
On the second night I elected to hunt from the ground. We had corned a good stretch of road and the sign showed that hogs had found it.
The weather forecast called for a chance of thunderstorms, but Jeff assured me that they were in the middle of a major drought and that although storms might be in the area they were unlikely to affect our hunt. No need to consider weather forecasting as a second career Jeff.
The rain did subside though, and it turned out to be a nice evening toward the end. I saw a few hogs, and got close on one small one, but that was it for me. Jeff had better luck - I'll let him tell the story when he settles back in Massachusetts.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/SouthCarolina2012-013.jpg)
Thursday would be our last day of hunting on the lease. Prior to leaving on this trip I had only been home for three days after returning from turkey hunting in Nebraska. It was time to head for Wisconsin and reacquaint with my wife.
Larry Surtees had driven down from Kentucky to hunt with us and he reported that when he checked the stands earlier that day Skyler's stand had been hit sometime during the night.
Benjy had to return home, but we had a good replacement to take his place. Julian Tinsdale (Duckbutt) jumped at the chance to skip work and join us at the Bacon Strip. He is a smart man!
The racetrack had shown the best action of the week so we put Julian there. Jeff pulled the old man card and took Rob's stand since it presented a shorter walk. I would give Skyler's a try.
It was still relatively early and I was sitting back just enjoying the sounds and smells when a fast shuffling in the leaves behind me got my attention.
Five little hogs trotted straight in to the corn that was scattered below and started making pigs of themselves. But they weren't alone. Six more hung back in the palmettos behind me. The wind was blowing directly at them, and I'm sure they caught a whiff of something they didn't like.
Of the six stragglers, one big old boar was definitely the boss. He was huge! I don't have a lot of experience in field judging hogs, but I had seen pictures of one Jeff had shot earlier this spring that pushed 250#. I felt that the boss behind me was every bit of that - maybe more. And three of his buddies were not far behind on the scale.
This was a bachelor group, and they hadn't got so large by being stupid. After a few minutes of nosing around they turned and retreated the way they had come, and slowly walked away. Not spooked, but they weren't coming in either.
For the next 45 minutes I watched these little guys filling their faces.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/SouthCarolina2012-001.jpg)
Eventually the little guys left, and I settled back down. About a half hour before dark I saw movement out in front of me. Some thing very big and very black was cautiously headed my way. Bear!?!???
No, it was the big boar hog from earlier, and he was back along with the rest of his buddies. I stood slowly in anticipation of the action to come. But for the next 25 minutes they stood and smelled, and watched, retreated, and advanced. And stood still for long minutes at a time just watching the area.
Finally a raccoon came in and started to feed, and that seemed to convince the hogs that all was well. The largest of the bunch came in first, and as soon as he dropped his head to feed the rest charged in to join in the party.
I had been frozen in place and afraid to move a bit. It had been a very intense standoff, and I was starting to cramp. At least I am going to go with that as my excuse for watching my arrow sail harmlessly just over the largest hogs back. :knothead:
Great story and pics guys! :bigsmyl:
Tracy
This keeps getting better and better! Thanks for sharing guys.
Actually, Joe, I've never taken a day off of work for a hog. However, I did take a day off for some long over due handshakes and man hugs.
Some of my favorites...
(http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/Dutch4duck/003.jpg)
You're absolutely right about that one Julian. We travel to hunt, but it's the people that we do it with that really make the trip.
I enjoy hunting as much as the next guy. But I've found myself more and more choosing my trips more on the people I get to share it with than I do the species, quantity of game, etc.
Without good campmates even the best hunting in the world loses some of its luster. This entire trip contained some of the best of the best I have had the pleasure to be around.
It was time for this adventure to come to an end for me. I had been gone long enough, and was ready to head for home. But I had one more thing to do while I was in South Carolina.
Mothers Day was coming, and I needed a gift to take home for Irene. What could I get her that would make a good souvenier of my trip?
How about a Boykin Spaniel, the official South Carolina State Dog? A little detour to Myrtle Beach on the other side of the state and I had my answer.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/IMAG0098.jpg)
Meet Arlo, the newest member of the family.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/Arlo-014.jpg)
Momma had no clue that he was following me home. Her first reaction was NO! You didn't bring a DOG!!!
I thought for a little while there that I might have to build a bigger dog house than originally planned. Within a matter of minutes though her heart melted and all is good in the world again.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/SC%202012/IMAG0109.jpg)
Some outstanding adventures fellas.
It sure is good to see you 2 make the most of your retirement.
4 of the best of TG in that last pic.
dang I type slow.
2 of the best of Comptons with a new baby in the last couple pics
Whip's got a swamp poodle!
:goldtooth:
:clapper:
Sounds like a great trip Joe. You will love that pork.
Sounds like you are mentoring Jeff now for retirement. What kind of truck did you pick out for him?
Jeff seems to get along pretty well with a 737 for his primary hunting rig. :biglaugh:
Great stories guys. Thank you for taking us along. Joe, with that cute little pup and Irenes big heart you had no worries. Ya dun good! :thumbsup:
But really Joe, a 737 for a retirement hunting vehicle. They get terrible milage and they could be a little rough on towing horses :laughing:
Well done story gentleman. It is a pleasure to follow along on these hunts. For those of us that are lucky to chase deer a few days a year, this is inspiring.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Really enjoyed the stories and the pics Joe. Sounds like everyone had a great time. :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
Jeff seems to get along pretty well with a 737 for his primary hunting rig. :biglaugh:
Ya think? :biglaugh:
Great thread guys.
Joe you've done a great job with words and pictures showing what these trips are all about once again.
Thanks for taking us along...
Gotta like stories like that. Thanks for sharing.
Just got back to Boston with the horses in tow. Three flats on the horse trailer...maybe I'll go into tire changing tires as my next career :knothead: I'll post some pictures tomorrow.
Awesome fellas! Congrats to all involved in this epic trip and thanks so much for sharing!
I luv the "Bacon Strip"!!!
Curt, I love the "Bacon Strip" so much I keep leaving stuff at Jeff's house so I have to go back and pick it up the next time he is down here :bigsmyl:
In reality, the "fellowship" is what is best when I go down there. This time I was able to spend time with Jeff, Whip and Larry Surtees. I just missed Duckbutt by a day. The hog hunting is awesome also!
Benjy
Jeff, you sould have called me, I would have come up and changed the tires on the trailer for you!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks for taking us along with you.
Thanks for the stories, pix, & great times. Interested in Rebecca's knife sheaths. Where can I get info? The dog is about the coolest spamiel I've seen in a good while. Much obliged.
Benjy,
Blew tire in SC, PA, and 15 minutes from home. Two had picked up nails. Luckily I carry two spares for both the truck & trailer. Thanks to the smart phone, I looked up a tire store in Carlisle, PA where we were spending the night with the horses. Got two new ones at 7:30 in the morning and started our 2nd day of travel.
Not only did you miss seeing Duckbutt...also some Pound Cake!
We had a surprise when we got to the Bacon Strip. Logging had happened since I was down in March. All the trees were clear cut behind the Sunset and my stand. Both stands were on the ground. The Sunset stand was where my son-in-law saw 75 pigs one night. We knew the pigs were still around but not There!
It had been really dry all winter so we checked out a small water hole about a mile from the river to see if that might present a good stand site. Unfortunately there was another hunter staking it out first!!
The little 6 ft gator was in the mud hole no bigger than a garage in size. He had to have a long walk through the woods to get there. It would have been fun to put up a stand and watch his traditional way of hunting.
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73452%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A7845%3C832%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73438%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A7845%3C932%3Cnu0mrj)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/DSC06701.jpg)
Great thread guys. Sounds like a fun week.
Oh man, lovin every minute guys, one of these days.... :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well that was a good read!! Great pics and stories. More to come?? I'll check back to make sure.
A most-excellent adventure!
Thank you for sharin' with us!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
That sounds like a lot of fun, thanks for sharing the stories and pictures. You'll love your spaniel Joe.
-Jay
Each night I was on stand I had pigs around me. The first night they came in after dark. The 2nd night started with some black clouds but heck this is SC where we hardly ever get rain so no sweat! Oops, there goes my weather job at the local TV station as it rained for about 1/2 hour.
Just after the getting my rain gear off, in come two little pigs and then 5 more 50-125# pigs. OK this is going to be fun since it was still early. As they were munching corn, I heard a tree fall back in the woods and so did they skedaddling out.
The raccoons showed up next. Southern raccoons are marked differently than the one here in MA. They have a small black mask but the rest of the body is tan fur with the ring tail. Northern one are much darker even black in the body. Anyway they are fun to watch. Plus being very helpful as they get very alert before pigs show up.
About an hour before dark, a herd of porkers came in...20 total. Larry had put corn out but most of it was near the road entrance and I was on the back of the feeding area. All I could do was watch them eat, push one another around, squeal, and grunt. It was quite a show that lasted 40 minutes. Just at dark I had a good broadside pig at 15 yard. The hit looked good into the chest. At that point the group scattered every which way.
This is where a lighted nock is so valuable. It is Not an Aid to your Shooting but most importantly and Aid for Recovery especially if you have a hearing impairment to know where to start looking for a escape trial. I saw the pig take off with my arrow. Then I saw the red glow of the nock slow down and go out.
When Joe & Benjy showed up to help track, we didn't find any blood but walked in the direction of my last sighting. About 60 yards out Joe this :goldtooth:
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63547%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A7845%3C%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
This is what it was attached to!
(http://images3a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp73436%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D3789648%3A6%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
Benjy made me a firm believer in Lighted Nocks & Toilet Paper trails on the ground. I won't hunt anymore without either. Even if the nock isn't in the animal, the blood trail usually starts where that arrow feel out. Huge advantage to finding a good starting point. Notice my White Arrow shafts. They show up really well at dusk/dark giving you that last extra 15 minutes to be able to get a shot off! tippit
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Bacon%20Strip/IMG_2895.jpg)
QuoteOriginally posted by tippit:
[qb] This is where a lighted nock is so valuable. It is Not an Aid to your Shooting but most importantly and Aid for Recovery especially if you have a hearing impairment to know where to start looking for a escape trial. I saw the pig take off with my arrow. Then I saw the red glow of the nock slow down and go out.
(http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63547%3Enu%3D32%3A4%3E%3B87%3E672%3EWSNRCG%3D378%3A7845%3C%3A32%3Cnu0mrj)
Benjy made me a firm believer in Lighted Nocks & Toilet Paper trails on the ground. I won't hunt anymore without either. Even if the nock isn't in the animal, the blood trail usually starts where that arrow feel out. Huge advantage to finding a good starting point. Notice my White Arrow shafts. They show up really well at dusk/dark giving you that last extra 15 minutes to be able to get a shot off! tippit
Those lighted nocks are super for color blindness also!! I dont hunt without them :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Doc Springer & WhipLasch strike again !!! What a team.
Great Pics & Story Tellin boys.
:bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: