Trad Gang

Been thinking about this for a while now and wanted to extend an invatation to some fellow trads to join me in April for some hog hunting at a local wma. 4-5 days of Free range spot and stalk! (No baiting or night hunting allowed)  I hunt it from time to time between hunting at some private property. I get serious about chasing the hogs here after rifle season is over. I'll be taking my camper and a generator and can accommodate 2-3 more guys. If more want to join feel free just gotta bring your own camping gear. It is primitive camping only. There is a pavilion, skinning tree, out house, and a BBQ pit. I've also got a few stands set up over feeders on private property if we get desperate! I've had good success this time of year but I don't want to make any promises. I didnt start hunting trad till last year. It can be difficult at times. Other times it's pretty easy to get into them. Anyways I just wanted to put it out there and see if there is any interest! If so, we can get serious about dates and other details.

Sounds like a good time let me know some dates....

,,,Sam,,,

Very interested.... Dates please

I'm thinking second or third week in April. I can make my work schedule fit either of those weeks.

Possibly. The work schedule will be the deciding factor for me as well

wow.   I truly wish I lived closer.  Sounds like a great opportunity to share a camp with someone else from TG and also get to hunt !  We as a group really should be doing this more often.

ChuckC

To bad Oregon is so darn far from Texas! I'd be there in a heart beat.   :D

Its really just a day away if you drive straight thru! Lol

A LONG day.   Heck, some of Texas is a day away once you GET to Texas !
CHuckC

Touché !   My brother comes down from Sheridan Wy every year for the last 5 years to chase hogs in February. But he cheats, he uses one of them smoke poles! Lol. Anyways, I'll be going no matter what so the invite is open to whoever can!    :campfire:

Where about in etx? I'd be interested..not sure if I can do a whole week but if it included a weekend, I might be down.

I'd like to attend and I bet I could get my buddy Bolong to share the ride.  Just need to know where we will be.

The wma I had in mind is the Old Sabine Bottom WMA. It is between Hawkins and Lindale tx. I picked that one because #1, it is open year around for hogs ( archery only after the general season)
#2, it's the closest to where I live! Lol
We can include the weekend to help with everyone's work schedule.

I'll be watching this. If my days off are in the dates y'all settle on, I might just be able to make it....

I was looking at the calendar for April and I can do the 15th- 19th or the 22nd-26th. That would include the weekend to possible help with people's work schedule. If anyone has any input or suggestions please let me know. Thx, Randy

I will be after turkeys in April , will keep an eye on this though..

,,,Sam,,,

It sounds like a good time to me and I'd love to go.  I can't definitely commit to going this far in advance but I will keep an eye on it and if I can make it happen then I'll let you know.

Thanks for the invite.

Would I be able to participate on the hunt?  The dates would work for me especially the latter.

Monk, come on! I haven't had anyone be able to commit as of yet. I know it's a long ways off yet but if you want to reserve a spot in my camper I'll put your name down. Like I said before I have room for 2-3 guys in my camper and if more want to come they are welcome to bring their own gear. The more the merrier!

I have hunted the old sabine bottoms for hogs for about the last 7 years. Good luck I always seem to find them around the same trails or not at all.  make sure you have a good pair of rubber boots to do a lot of walking in and look out for snakes.

Gabe

I might should add that a non resident 5 day license is $48(does not include deer or turkey) and the APH permitt to hunt the wma's is also $48.

I'm interested and sent you a PM. Thanks for the offer!

Update! Got one committed, still got room!  I went out this evening to take a break from my deer stand and try to get a teaser pic of a hog for y'all. Heard some right before dark and started slipping in on them. Got within 75yrds but couldn't close the deal because they was on one side of a slough and I was on the other!   :banghead:  I knew I couldnt get to them before dark so headed home with my head hung low! Lol

Interesting idea for sure. I'm just a few hours from there, and April is a month with no hog opportunities here.

Keep us posted!

I may be moving to Austin this winter. If so, I might be up for joining ya!

I would be interested in joining in on the action, I will look at my Atlas and see just how far it is from me.

Whoa!!! you are clear over almost on the east border of Texas. I'm in west Texas,but keep us posted.

Less than 2 hours from my house. Besides hogs, Wood County has lots of good fishing too. Looks like I'll be making this one!

After looking over everything and talking to the dept headquarters to make sure there wasn't anything I've overlooked I've set the dates for the 22nd thru the 26th of April.
And I guess a few rules would be in order.
Rule #1.  Traditional Archery Only (that should go without saying)
Rule #2. Respect your fellow man and his property
Rule #3. Have fun!!!! (That IS a requirement)
And I would like for everyone to leave with some meat so if everyone is willing we can devide everything up as equally as possible when we're done. If some can't stay the whole time or comes late then they can take a resonable amount when they go. I will personally donate all my kills if I get any because I already have hog meat and I can come back anytime.
Oh, Mr. O'Shay made a good point. Bring a fishing pole if you like. Might be a good way to pass the time between hunts. There is a place to fish the river but I have no idea how it would be. I've never fished there!

Not done much of this so ballpark idea on cost?

If I was to come what would be the best airport to fly into and rent a car?

Just checked where it is and looks to be between 4-5 hours.  I think I should be able to make it.

I'm interested.  I'll keep on the thread to see what you guys nail down.  I'm coming out of Dallas, so it's close for me.

Monk, as far as cost the licenses will run roughly 100.00, plus whatever you spend to get here and what you want to bring for food and stuff. No fees for camping. Akdd, the closest airport is Tyler tx. And I would be more than happy to pick you up.
I've got 1 spot reserved so if anyone else wants to reserve a spot in my camper just post it here. Got room for 2 more so the first 2 that give a definite "yes" can have those spots. Everybody else bring your gear. I've also got some plans to provide dinner for a couple of nights. I'll keep y'all posted on that as well. Thx, Randy

Sounds like you guys are gonna have a blast, good luck!

I am definitely interested in this. I have always wanted to try hog hunting. I will have to see how the dates fit into my schedule.

QuoteOriginally posted by Trumpkin the Dwarf:
I may be moving to Austin this winter. If so, I might be up for joining ya!

Hey Thumpkin, if you do move to Austin, be sure to look me up. I live just north of Austin. There is a group of guys here who shoot a lot together.

I might be interested too, but have to wait a bit to see what else is on the burner. I would not need any accomodations, as I have a small popup camper.

Bisch

Bisch, it would be great to have you join us. I look forward to making new friends and picking up some good advice from some seasond trad hunters!   :thumbsup:

Ttt, I'll bump this every week or so till we get there. only got one definite yes so there's still room!

Hey monk...where are you in illinois? I am interested in this hunt and maybe we could car pool?  Would mKe the trip easier. What type of weather is average at that time?

The temps in April here in east tx average in the 70's and usually get some rain then too. Waterproof, snake proof boots and thermacells are recommended!

I am definitely interested in this. At this time I am thinking that I can make these dates fit into my work schedule. But I will not be able to commit for sure until after the first f the year.

I very well may be interested, but work schedule will be changing between now and then so can't commit just yet. If nothing else maybe I could make it out for a day trip. Will be watching for this after the first of the year...As far as the APH permit, can it be obtained on short notice? I've always just hunted Corp of Engineer land, so I've never needed one.

Yes, the APH permit can be purchased just like a license and they will print it out for you at time of purchase.

Man this sucks! (For me that is)   :(

Look forward to seeing how this plays out and the actual hunt stories.   :thumbsup:

Good luck guys!!

90% sure I'm coming and it sounds like I may be bringing friends. This could be so fun. Really looking forward to this. Maybe turn into an annual event.

I now have 2 committed to stay in my camper! If everything goes good id be willing to do this annually!

Update, my camper is now full. There is plenty of room for other campers. I think we could probably get at least 10-15 campers or tents between the two campsites wich are a couple hundred yrds apart.

ttt

ttt

:campfire:    :archer:

Been wanting to do a hog hunt. If wifes medical stuff comes out then Ill be coming. There are two other guys near my place that are interested also.Is there a good population of hogs there?

We've got our fair share of hogs here in east tx. I've had good success here in the past (not with trad equipment). Didn't start trad till last fall. The unit is 5,727 acres. Last year at that time I very seldom saw anyone else hog hunting. There's a few locals that do hunt from time to time but they usually don't get to far from the easy to get to spots( which can be productive because of lack of hunting pressure after gun season). Some days you can find em pretty easy, other days you can walk your dang legs off with no results. Then you bump a group in the dark a hundred yrds from the truck!     :banghead:    Happens quite often!!  I've still got a score to settle with a black and white hog I shot there last year with my self bow. Shot was high and I exhausted all my resources but never found him. Saw him 4 times in the several weeks following that day but couldn't ever close the deal. I could still see the scar left by my arrow. I passed several shots on others in his group to try to take him. Thought that would be a pretty awesome come back story. But it never came together and I stoped going when the weather turned hot. So I got dibs!!! Lol . Free range, no baiting or night hunting so it can be a challenge but all the more rewarding!

Good luck all!! I'll be watching for your hunt thread!

crittergetter,

I am interested.  Are you camping in the WMA or private land.  I would be bringing a tent and cot.   I am just down the road from you.

Jeff

Here is the unit map.

 (http://i1139.photobucket.com/albums/n559/jeffbschulz/Scan0001_zpsbd9028b8.jpg) (http://s1139.photobucket.com/user/jeffbschulz/media/Scan0001_zpsbd9028b8.jpg.html)

Dragonheart, I'll be camping on site at the first of the two camp sites in the middle. There is a pavilion, skinning tree, and BBQ pit. Plenty of access trails in every direction. I haven't checked out the campsite by the river but I doubt we will need it.

Im one of those that has to put in for vacation a year in advance...but I did that yesterday and im am  locked in!!

Yeah I'm in.

I'll be there.  Been a long time since I've done any camping, but it should be a hoot.  Besides, hanging out with other TRAD guys has got to be great.

C'mon guys, lets go.

Nalajr

Hi Randy,
whats the deal with out of country fellas. i am a south african living in canada, not a canadian citizen, but am a permanent resident.
cheers
wayne

Fujimo, I'm really not sure, but I will check on it and let ya know asap!

Ok, I called the dept headquarters and they gave me some info. Out of country visitors can still purchase a non resident license. If you don't have a Social security number you can use your passport. You do need your hunters ed if born after 1971. If you don't have it you can take the course online or pay a one time deferral for 10.00. Other than that your good to go!

I'll just add this to what crittergetter said above, if you get a Hunters Ed Deferral, you MUST be accompanied at all times by someone who has Hunters Ed.

Bisch

I might do this one,,  I have to fly from Mass so where's the closest airport?

also I'll be sleeping outside but curious what the temps and how bad are the bugs, snakes that time of year.

and if I do end up going can I mail someone my bows, arrows, and most of camping gear before I leave because it will be easier at the airport with just a carry on.

Sounds fun I'm in please keep me in the loop.

Closest airport is in Tyler tx about 30 min or so. I can arrange to pick up anyone that flies in. Temps average in the mid 70's in April. And the bugs and snakes will be out in full force! As far as shiping gear I'm sure arrangements can be made. As we get closer Shoot me a pm if need be.

ok, so born in 1968, and have my hunters ed type programme here from Canada- its called the C.O.R.E. programme???! will that help?

not sure if he posts here but I have Jacques Bonin who may go with me on this but its too soon to slam the fist down it may be a month prior before we say here we come,,,, curious if anyone else from New England is interested maybe fly in together.  

also wondering about getting the meat back is there anyone in that part of Texas that can ship dry ice next day?

Tajue17, I'll check on it for you!

thanks the local guides might know too I will try to PM huntress at Shiloh ranch and see what they do.

Extremely interested! Just getting back into trad shooting and this would be perfect as I do not have anywhere to hunt in Texas and would enjoy a good adventure with some fellow trad shooters.

Only thing that might hold me back is work schedule, but I should be able to make it. Coming from Dallas, if anyone else is I would be willing to try to work out a carpool situation. Let me know!

I will probably only be able to hunt Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Try to arrive Thursday night.     :thumbsup:

Sorry it took me so long to get back on this. I checked on the shiping with dry ice and from what I can tell you can ship dry ice thru both ups and USPS with some minor labeling restrictions. And Fujimo, you should be good!
On another note my wife who is an EXCELLENT cook (according to my waistline) has agreed to cook her famous elk chili for our dinner one night. I'm trying to get her to throw in a couple of her coconut cream pies too. But I warn you, they will make your tongue beat your brains out if your not careful!  I'm also pretty sure my father in law is going to help me fry fish one night as well. Other than that your on your own!!

I got my Texas snake boots comin in the mail. We dont need em up this way but they are waterproof and I can use that. Theres two of us coming and probably a third. Were gonna come down early (Sunday or Monday)and get a feel for it and hopefully give a hog report as guys come in. (We never hardly ever lie). Anybody who plays bluegrass gospel music please bring your instruments as we be jammin some.

QuoteOriginally posted by Wallydog:
Anybody who plays bluegrass gospel music please bring your instruments as we be jammin some.

What??  whoohoo!  This is worth a trip rite thare! Bluegrass mando, guitar, and bass player here!

Well thats way cool then! Im a Scruggs style banjo player (loosely defined)and my pard is a guitar man. Hope you can sing and know a few tunes Mark!

I'm all for good music in camp but if I hear the first note of Duelling Banjos the recurve is gonna get traded in for a Glock!    ;)

LMBO!!! Darren, we still on for Saturday?

Yessir Randy! Gotta get the jump on all these hardcore Yankee killers coming down (in 10 days I'll have been in TX a year - does that qualify me as a good 'old boy ). Honestly this WMA is as close to me as any so I'm looking forward to learning it and helping the other guys a bit in April.

One thing we need to talk about though. I think we should put a size limit on the rattlesnakes and cottonmouths we kill. I propose that if the snake wont feed at least 5 guys back at camp, we gotta pass on it. There's plenty of bigguns over 5'. We don't need to kill the babies.    :scared:    :laughing:

Don't forget the copperheads! They can be mean as a, well, a snake!!    :laughing:

Ah man I no like snakes...I just assume kill um all...but will pass if need be...but in all honesty how bad can I expect the snakes to be...do mm I need gaiters or will high boots be ok?

I've been fortunate enough to not run into a snake while hunting on this particular wma. Hogs are pretty hard on the snakes but I usually hunt close to water so you would think there would be snakes around. So I'm always on the lookout! I just wear tall snake proof boots during warm weather.

We gonna get a regular post until the hunt just to keep abreast of things and hunters. Anyway to use this forum to get acquainted before arrival?

Sounds good Monk. Me and Darren ( Hackbow) are meeting up this Saturday to pull an all day hunt and see if we can gang up on em!!  We'll post a report!!

I'll do some recon and possibly be able to slide up from San Antonio in April.  Coordinating two work schedules is a challenge, so we'll see.  Have longbow will travel.

Took a little hike with Darren   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/CE51278B-FA96-403A-ABB6-7641DDBB3FF1_zpsp3bksbjh.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/CE51278B-FA96-403A-ABB6-7641DDBB3FF1_zpsp3bksbjh.jpg.html) and my bro inlaw today on the wma. No animals we're harmed during our outing! But after 7.28 miles I came to the conclusion that there is to much hunting pressure and the hogs are strictly nocturnal! We did bump 5 deer but always to far and on the run to do any good. I did find a ton of beds like this one! That bow is 64" ntn.   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/06D61405-0F68-455F-9FD2-1ECDB5106425_zpsx5mnuik7.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/06D61405-0F68-455F-9FD2-1ECDB5106425_zpsx5mnuik7.jpg.html)  gonna go back in a couple weeks after deer season is over and see what's up!

"Took a little hike..."

More accurately, "Was subjected to a forced march...". I'm awake at this unholy hour because my legs are cramping.  What Randy didn't say in his post is that those 7.28 miles were 1) in rain 50% of the time, 2) on 2 track trails that were rutted and filled with boot-sucking mud or 3) across expanses of grass and weed choked river bottom where said grass is thick, laid flat, soaked from the rain and wrapped around one's ankles with every step.

In other words, we spent a great day outdoors!

Saw plenty of sign. I heard one squeal with 15-20 minutes of light left, but didn't have a good opportunity to get downwind. I talked with a couple of guys who spend a lot of time deer hunting there (last truck in parking area Randy - they walked up as I was pulling out) and they manage to kill a bunch of hogs each season while set up on deer. They agreed with Randy that after the pressure from deer hunting wanes, the hogs will get a little less skittish.

It's gonna be a great time guys!

Ttt, gonna take another look next week. Deer season is over for adults so I'm sure the hunting presser is Way down and the weather has turned colder. So hopefully the little piggies are coming out early looking for some groceries! I kindof like being the big bad wolf!! Ha ha
Darren, you up for it?

Lets see some LDP's.  
 :thumbsup:

Randy;
I usually hunt Granger WMA a couple times a year, this is only a couple hours further North. As for accomodations I'll just need a couple trees @13' apart for my hammock.  Looking at the map I can probably cut up around Austin or over from Waco or Hillsboro.  Maybe even make a pre-trip !!!!!  (I need to be real nice to Momma)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++
There is a post for Granger Ranger Xtreme Hunt 27 Feb-1 Mar that all are invited to as well.  PhD level hog hunting due to heavy pressure but a blast.  The thread has details.
  :thumbsup:

Cool deal! I'll check it out. Don't know for sure if I can make it but you never know!!

Randy, let me know when you're going and I'll try to make it. I was thinking this cold weather might have them moving a bit more.

Git em in a pen for us Yankees if you dont mind.

After the insanity of GRXH, I'll be ready for some hog chasing.  Have the dates blocked out.
  :thumbsup:

I am sure that I am going to be coming down. I plan on flying into Tyler and renting a car. Probably arrive in Tyler on the 22nd.For camping I have 2 options to bring for a tent. Option #1 is a Black Diamand MegaMid Floorless shelter(easier to pack ~1 Lb), Option 2 is a 3 man Eureka backpacking tent( 8 Lbs). My concern with the MegaMid would be that the bugs can come in. Never been camping in Texas so I do not know if the bugs are a concern there. Any insight would be welcomed.

Bugs are always a concern but never really a big issue! I hear the bugs can be terrible in AK at times so im sure you can handell tx! Lol. I don't mind picking you up if it would help but I also understand if you want to have your own transportation. I have a tent also if it will help with keeping your luggage down! Just let me know.

Ok people, I know its still 3 months away but I'd like to start getting a head count. So if everyone that is planning on coming would send me a PM I'll put a list of names together. I'm sure theres enough room between the 3 spots to camp but just wanna try to keep a head count. Thx, Randy!

This sounds fun. Just sent you a PM, I'm gonna try and make this work.

I live around Hughes Springs, tx and work weekends in Quitman, tx. Which is close to where you guys are hunting. I Probably won't make it to the hunt but if anyone has any issues/problems while in the area let me know.  Do all I can to help!

We're up to 10 confirmed as of now! Shaping up pretty good!

Also, anyone that loves to bass fish, Lake Fork is just up the road!

Randy... may I respectfully suggest you re-post the dates in your initial post#1 ?  
"I've set the dates for the 22nd thru the 26th of April. "

I have gone back and had to re-find the dates 3 different times myself!    :knothead:    :help:  

I sure hope to go, but just will have to wait closer to ETA to see if the stars line up.

No problem Mark. Sorry for any confusion!

We're up to 12 confirmed, possibly 13!
Me tinks dem wittle piggies r gonna go wee wee wee for the last time!

My 5 day license and Public Hunting Permit arrived today.   :readit:    Starting to get excited!   :campfire:
Jon

Heck yeah!!!!! Counting the days!!!

There are some youtube videos of hog hunting on Old Sabine Bottoms for those who are interested. There is also a report of a man who watched a female bigfoot kill a hog at OSB a few years back. She beat the hog to death according to the hunter....just sayin..lol.

Ttt

I talked to Chris Farrel the site manager today. He said the hog population is good and one hunter has killed nine hogs in the last year. There is no potable water on site so carry in your water. Said there are 3 camp areas. One is dry most all the time but the other two can get wet. Lets hope for dry weather!

Looking forward to meeting some fellow stick bow fellas.

I am in I made my flight reservations and applied for the permits today. Looking forward to meeting the group.

here's a warmup.. ya'll start practicing your stalking, haha..
wished I would have been carrying my tradbow... LOL

 http://youtu.be/_guWd25Vy9s

We're at 13 confirmed with 3-4 possibles!  Mark, your making it look to easy!   :biglaugh:   where was you at? If you came all the way here and didn't say anything I'm gonna get my feelings hurt! Lol

No man...that was Alabama... but we have that here in La too !  I tried to take headcam vids all last year, but never got action when the cam was on, or forgot to turn cam on! LOL

Starting to get DT's after the GRXH so I am really looking forward to this, looks like 35 to Hillsboro and then East.  We had @40 at Granger Ranger Xtreme Hunt and there was some serious frivality.
   :thumbsup:

Making up some special arrows for WMA hunting, orange cresting and fletching.  They are matched for my new longbow.  Have the time blocked out from job number one, number two is in the works.  Mentally I'm all in.
 :thumbsup:

We're getting close! Sorry but I have no scouting to report as of late. Work sucks! I do know that everything is WET right now. The river flooded a couple weeks back. But it looks like we've got some good weather ahead! I'll try to get out next week so I can make a report!

If anyone is coming in early let me know and I'll meet up with you!

I am looking forward to this. I will be getting into Tyler on the 22nd at 9:45 AM.

Tentative plan for the 20th for the two of us. Figured two old geezers need the extra days to home in on hogs and get used to using our walkers on un even terrain...lol. We even drew up a snake target and have been getting purty good head shooting it. I am bringing down a guy who owns an archery shop. If anyone needs something let me know and I bet Jim has it in his shop.

I plan to head up from San Antonio on the morning of 22nd.  Guessing about a five hour drive, hope for less.  Hogs have been moving at Granger a couple hours South of you so activity should be good.

I'll be there the evening of the 21st.

Randy, let's get a solid scouting plan formed next week.  

Guys, there are plenty of hogs there but it has been tough hunting this winter. I was there about 3 weeks ago and was walking through water for a good portion of my time. I'll do my best to help get some good info to share. Really looking forward to meeting everyone.

Ooh if it's slogging through water the whole time, I don't know if I can swing that.  I don't have gear for that type of hunting or walking.  Plus I don't much care for getting into close proximity to where Water Moccasins live and hang out.  I HATE snakes anyway and they scare the water out of me so I am pushing it anyway even on dry land going hog hunting anywhere in East Texas.

Nalajr

I only had to slog because of all the rain and the river flooding. The other times I've hunted it there was plenty of dry ground. Can't speak to the snakes as I only started hunting it last Fall. It wouldn't be the worst thing to get some skins to put on a bow though.     ;)      :scared:

Darren, you forgot to mention that 12 footer we stepped over thinking it was a log! Lol!!!!
I'm down for a scouting trip this week, if it rains I'll be off work. Let's take the boat and go to the power line about 6 miles down river and see what's up!

Looks like texas requires a safety certificate for ATV use on public ground like Old Sabine. Is this right? No sense in us bringing an atv then when we dont have the certificate?

Better let everyone know that the ATV access trail has been closed for more than a year due to it being to "wet" according to the dept headquarters. I found this out after purchasing my sticker. I called them about it and they don't expect it to be open any time soon. To "wet to pick the trail" they said!  The access trail is 1 trail only with designated parking spots that allows you to get back in several miles before you go afoot! But it is CLOSED. What gets me is that there are atv track on EVERY other trail on the property! I assume it's from the employees driving around at their leisure! Or someone who is disabled. ( you can use an atv if you are disabled but you have to register with the dept before hand)
I'll be making a scouting trip along with Darren sometime this week and we'll post what we find.

Details, please.  I have no problem burning calories and wearing out boots.  Might be a good idea to bring a game cart.(?)  Looking forward to this excursion.  

 :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

No details this week. Weather has been awesome! Therefore I had to work 7 straight. Going to try to meet up with Darren on Monday to look things over. If the weather is anything like it was this week it's gonna be great!!  But be forewarned, the Mosquitos are gonna be BAD with all the rain we've had! A game cart is a good idea. Could be some long hauls!!

Randy, working two jobs also cuts into "play time".  I may bring two carts, one will be for rent to the dude that shoots a 200#'er.       :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:      :thumbsup:

Finished up some hog hunting arrows.
(http://i.imgur.com/pJNeB9B.jpg)
Won't be long now!   :campfire:
  :archer2:

Lookin good Jon!
I Met up with Darren and did some scouting/hunting today. Had an awesome afternoon. Will post details tomorrow. To tired and to much for right now!

Good luck to all of y'all guys!

Bisch

Ya'll check out the rules for cleaning/quartering your pig where it falls. Some states are different, our WMA's allow hogs only, but not deer. Small backpack with trash bags will open you up to much longer treks & water carry. Win/win.

Valid point Mark! I can't believe I didn't think of this. You CAN gut, quarter, and or debone your hogs on this WMA. What ever fits your needs!

Good luck, take pics of the small stuff too. You won't regret it.

Ok, here's a run down of the scouting trip. First off when we got there we found the boat ramp silted over from the previous rain and flooding. But me being hard headed and stubborn I decided to employ some old tactics from my duck hunting days.   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/AE45F148-BD44-478A-92B1-4BACC5D78DD1_zps9qgdjlhh.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/AE45F148-BD44-478A-92B1-4BACC5D78DD1_zps9qgdjlhh.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/697224BF-AC8B-4944-9ECD-6D3752627BBE_zpsnzivnx7z.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/697224BF-AC8B-4944-9ECD-6D3752627BBE_zpsnzivnx7z.jpg.html)
We got launched without to much hassle and headed down river. Passed a couple of house boats along the way.  (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/099E6BF8-C426-4019-AB37-0C357EAECA8E_zpsiaf9yivm.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/099E6BF8-C426-4019-AB37-0C357EAECA8E_zpsiaf9yivm.jpg.html)

We kept making our way down river to go check out a big high line. Passed a lot of good fishing holes and saw a few big gar along the way. I didn't think to bring my bow fishing rig.  :banghead:  then as we came to another bend in the river we saw this fine fellow hanging out on a sand bar!   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/B13EAB22-8BB3-460D-99DC-F80C38F71EB1_zpsp5se6r0a.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/B13EAB22-8BB3-460D-99DC-F80C38F71EB1_zpsp5se6r0a.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/A9FFDC34-29F8-42A4-BE76-C41047EC28E9_zpsfbcr5qwj.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/A9FFDC34-29F8-42A4-BE76-C41047EC28E9_zpsfbcr5qwj.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/FE9BC4BA-29B8-4F74-9AFE-0B736A709E6E_zpsacamqlzc.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/FE9BC4BA-29B8-4F74-9AFE-0B736A709E6E_zpsacamqlzc.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/BEF7E591-A453-414F-B9E5-23196BB0EFD8_zpso7bdprgw.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/BEF7E591-A453-414F-B9E5-23196BB0EFD8_zpso7bdprgw.jpg.html)  we estimated him between 6-7 ft.

Made it to the power line and Darren spotted a coyote as I was still getting up the bank. We walked a mile or so down the line and didn't find much fresh sign so we headed back. On the way back up river we stoped and checked another spot of interest and Darren made a new friend!   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/67E9D98F-8C5E-41E8-8DC0-EAC8D69229F4_zpsumq5i3vv.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/67E9D98F-8C5E-41E8-8DC0-EAC8D69229F4_zpsumq5i3vv.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/8E3C9139-EA2E-4EE5-9ABF-E1D0439F4B5B_zpszx7dkaz2.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/8E3C9139-EA2E-4EE5-9ABF-E1D0439F4B5B_zpszx7dkaz2.jpg.html)  no fresh sign there so we kept making our way back up river. To our surprise we found the gator in the exact same spot and got a little video footage. Then found another beauty swimming the river   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/BA9D621B-6DB1-48E3-9ECF-4852F40AB714_zps14usqjew.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/BA9D621B-6DB1-48E3-9ECF-4852F40AB714_zps14usqjew.jpg.html) . Eventually made it back and loaded the boat and drove back out and around to another entry point. Walked in a half mile or so and with about 30 min of light left we walked up on a good sized boar in some thick cover. To thick to get to him without spooking him or him smelling us. We waited patiently as he slowly came toward us and we got a good look at him but no shot. Way to thick and he knew something was up. As he moved off to out right trying to get down wind we parralled him a ways until he moved off into the thicket. So instead of educating him more we slipped out and headed for the truck. A good day!!! But I must be completely honest. About 60-70 percent of the time we were sloshing threw flooded timber and trails up to our ankles and deeper on some spots. And the Mosquitos were TERRIBLE!!! We both forgot our repellant!! There is plenty of dry ground to be hunted but you ARE going to have to get wet at some point! And their is more rain in the forecast! A good pair of rubber boots is highly recommended and well as Mosquito repellant!!! I'm hoping Darren will add more details later!

Great pics CG.... being from La, all of this is very standard fare for free wild chase non-baiting hog hunting. I wouldn't let any of it deter anyone. Do suggest a thermocell unit with backup cartridges and pads, and the hip mount. As usual, just watch the wind. Another note for newbies is watch those bow mounted quivers, any bright fletching can flag skittish hogs, especially on a close draw. I always attach mine behind my back somehow during high hunt times. Bows are always moving, and so is a loaded quiver with bright arrows.

You should post pics of the landscape if you get time, I enjoyed all your others. That boat launch deal is gettin it done! LOL.

Please keep us informed, guys. Pulled my bow against moose at 15 yards yesterday, knowing all too well I can't release my arrows. Shot the hell out of the next stump I came across...
Happy hunting, guys!

Is that a baby copperhead in his hand   :scared:  I know that second one is

Can't here about y'alls journey. And I've gotta say.  Hog huntin is better than deer huntin. And I love deer huntin.

Danny - that is a baby copperhead. It wasn't very happy that I momentarily hindered it's freedom. The colors on both were stunning and maybe one day they'll be big enough to grace the back of a bow. The large one was only about 24" and wouldn't have yielded a whole bow limb. The little one obviously needs a few years. It doesn't show up well in the photo but the little one's tail tip was bright neon yellow. This is the first baby copperhead I've seen, so that may be normal.

Randy pretty well summed up our day but I'll add my impressions. Most of my boat time over the years has been in a canoe, so I was a bit apprehensive when Randy said we could launch the boat without backing the truck down the muddy ramp. I'm no stranger to to redneck ingenuity but always appreciate learning a new skill form others.

I really enjoyed our boat ride on the river. It was muddy, filled with critters and scenery and took me back to my youth when we would walk/float down creeks and drainage ditches to handfish for carp and catfish. Turtles and snakes were always a part of the equation, but we never ran into any gators in IL. I know it is old hat for many, but sharing the same hunting space as gators is just plain cool. East Texas isn't overrun with them, but knowing you can see one will add an extra element of adventure to our outings from now on. It will also make me think a little harder about which holes to jump in to cool off as the weather heats up!

The hog we saw was my first wild hog sighting ever. I've hunted them in GA with Gregg Dudley and Chris Surtees on a St. Jude Hunt and have been on several hunts with Randy and a couple of my own at Old Sabine. I've seen plenty of sign, but just no hogs. I have to tell you that when this guy grunted and snorted at us last night, it was more exciting than playing peek-a-boo with the gator or trying to get the baby copperhead to let me make friends. It was really cool that we didn't bust him out and that he worked at trying to wind us. We grunted, snorted and even squealed just a little bit at him to try to get him within bow range. We're sure it was a boar because at his closest (20-25 yds), I could see the silhouette of the parts that make a hog a boar. He was fairly large and solid black. I raised hogs as a young guy and I'd guess him definitely over 150 and shy of 200. The brush he was in was just too thick to get an arrow through and he wasn't coming any closer to verify what we were. I guess that's how the big ones get that way.

All in all it was a great day! We saw a hog, a gator, a coyote, gar out the wazoo, a swamp rabbit, a couple of copperheads, all kinds of birds and a bazillion mosquitoes. When I told my wife about the day she laughed and said I'd spent the day at the East Texas Zoo. I'm really looking forward to getting together with the guys coming on this hunt and hope we get into some good action. We do need some diligent preparation, however.

MOSQUITOES - were and will be miserable. I am planning on having 2 Thermacells with me and that is NOT to give someone my "spare". I've been going out to the WMA when it was cold and this is my first trip in over a month. Both Randy and I forgot to bring anything to repel those bloodthirsty creatures and they did their best to drain us dry. I am also going to look for a couple of camp solutions as well.

WATER - as Randy said earlier, we will get wet. Plenty of dry spots to hunt, but a lot of wet places to gain access.

POISON IVY - We noticed yesterday that it was really hitting it's stride in a few areas. It doesn't seem to be everywhere though, so probably isn't any worse than anywhere else.

FIRE ANTS - If you haven't been around them, they can be a little intense. Again, not a huge issue if you look where you stop to stand and where you put your tarp or tent. They defend their mounds in a very painful way.

SNAKES - honestly a non-issue. Just like any other locale that has them, just don't blindly stick your hands into unseen places and you'll be fine. We traveled quite a ways yesterday and the only two we saw were the ones in the pictures above.

Can't wait guys and thanks again Randy for getting this hunt organized!

Baby copperheads do have a sulfur colored tip to their tail.  Otherwise look like a miniture big one.
Don't know if I'll bring my 10' canoe or not after the gator sighting.  
Bright fletching should not be an issue since you're wearing blaze orange anyway.
This should be a good time.  Sometimes you just take the shot you're given.  After hunting Granger for years seeing hogs that are not at a gallop will be a treat.

Your not required to wear orange since there isn't any other seasons open on the wma and it's archery only. So it's a personal preference. And there isn't any way on earth I would have tried that shot yesterday! Way to many branches in the way to make it anywhere near ethical! I'm gung-ho not stupid! Lol   :biglaugh:

Hmmm, Granger WMA/PHL requires it all the time.  Cool, I'll bring some along just for Gee Whiz.  Hope to have me orange crested arrows finished.  Need some orange LW feathers.
Yeah, sometimes the shoot just is not there.
Also, make sure to spray my clothes down good.
Need to lean towards having my Big River ready to hunt.

One thing I was surprised by was not seeing any ticks thus far. I think I'll still treat my clothes with permethrin just in case.

Randy, did you happen to get any on you last year while hunting the WMA?

I'm not a participant, but following closely.  Two things prompt my posting.  First off is my appreciation of the photos in the scouting report.  

The other thing was the mention of fletching colors spooking the hogs.  Do they see color?  I'm accustomed to deer and elk that don't seem to have color awareness.  Except for turkeys, I like very bright fletch colors.

Wish I could be there, but it's not in the cards

Monterey, when you're all camo'd up, on the ground stalking wild molested hogs with a super heightened sense of awareness...every bit helps. The bow moves so much as you're moving around.
I drew down slowly on a hog once with his head IN a stumphole, and I swear he still saw the bow move with a quiver a bright white fletches. He bolted to say the least. Last time I did that!  
But that's me....

I have been asked to make a presentation at a conference thru my work and I regret I will not be able to make this hunt.  You fellas go get'em..

My understanding of a hog's vision is that they can see colors  but not in the same way humans do. They are dichromatic while we are trichromatic. They cannot see the depth of color like us or the minor differences.

Like Mark has alluded to, the big factor in bright fetching (which I also like) is that when moving, it is very noticeable because of the contrast.

Sorry to hear that dragonheart. I was hoping to get to meet you and pick your brain on possibly buying some land in your area. Hope we get a chance down the road.

No ticks at all so far. Nock on wood. I know they are here but guess I've been lucky. We do a lot of camping in Oklahoma in the summer and the ticks are terrible! Hogs do see color. Red,blue, and greens. But in different wavelengths like Darren said. That's why you can hunt them with red and green lights. But I can tell you that a mature boar knows when there's a light on. Don't ask me how, they just do!!!!

Movement and scent are the saviour of many a hog.  No ticks is a blessing, got ticks the size of hamsters at Granger.

Great Photos. I will be watching for the hunt stories.

Down to one week left! Anyone getting excited yet?! We will be dealing with some wet conditions. Forecast shows a lot of rain this week and a chance of rain next Tuesday. I'll keep everyone updated as best I can when more of the forcast becomes available.

Were leaving Sat morning. 943 miles so that puts us there on Sunday. We may stay at Tyler State Campground if its too wet at OSB. Randy, PM me your cell number please. Ill call you and you will then you will have my cell number. I sure hope we dont kill all the hogs before ya all arrive. Lol!

It is getting close this should be fun. I will be in Tyler on the morning of the 22nd. Have you got a head count on people attending?

Last I remember it was 13 confirmed. But you never know till everyone shows up!  Poor piggies got it comin!! Lol

I did forget to mention that the portable toilet is gone! It was there for all of deer season and for some time after but when we went scouting it was no longer there. So it's every man for himself! Sorry!

With no potable water or toilets, and all the rain, it sounds like the state park next door is the way to go.  A week without a shower and we will smell worse than the hogs

Looks like the state park is full the 24th and 25th.That is according to the reservations page.

There is another campground just right down the road as well called Whispering Pines. A day pass is 5 bucks (I think). Worth every cent to feel human again!

Crittergetter,
Do you feel like there will be dry places to tent camp or do you think a person should opt for getting a place in the campground? The lack of facilities does not really bother me as long as I have a dry place to set a tent.

The first camping spot as you pull into the wma usually stays pretty dry, BUT it has been exceptionally wet the last 2 months! It's even raining now and supposed to rain this weekend. As well as chances later next week. There WILL be some wet conditions!! I think It would be a viable option! We know the owner pretty well from camping there a lot last year. I will get in contact with him tomorrow and see how many spots will be available.

Little did I know last November when I planned this that we would have this much rain in April!   :dunno:

Hammock hanging is the way to go.

Just wanted to keep everyone updated on the weather forcast for next week. As of right now there is a chance of rain Thursday- Sunday. Chance are 30-60-60-and 40. Not trying to deter anyone, Just want everyone to be aware!

I won't melt.    ;)

A little rain never hurt anyone.

Looking forward to the 5 hour 27 minute drive.

Ran out to look things over since we had a lot of rain this week. It's definately wet but the camping areas don't look to bad though. And the forcast isn't looking as bad as it was. Still some chances later in the week. Heres a few pics of the area    (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/D3E1660F-4031-4CD3-AC0F-9F2BF8773AAD_zps9ojglkr1.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/D3E1660F-4031-4CD3-AC0F-9F2BF8773AAD_zps9ojglkr1.jpg.html)    (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/C7941A3E-9D8C-4B06-A828-CEE2643F85E3_zpsfckbknsw.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/C7941A3E-9D8C-4B06-A828-CEE2643F85E3_zpsfckbknsw.jpg.html)    (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/B74552D7-D9BC-4DE5-AA81-11C29116E786_zpsitrs9wdy.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/B74552D7-D9BC-4DE5-AA81-11C29116E786_zpsitrs9wdy.jpg.html)    (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/4DD8B667-EBDC-4FBC-B959-ECCDDA186EBF_zpstp0ek4y6.jpg)[/URL[URL=http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/DDE38034-DF81-46A1-8980-809F8EFA71E5_zpsakpi0tiz.jpg.html]  (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/DDE38034-DF81-46A1-8980-809F8EFA71E5_zpsakpi0tiz.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/4DD8B667-EBDC-4FBC-B959-ECCDDA186EBF_zpstp0ek4y6.jpg.html) ]   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/95ED228B-08C6-4C55-AD7A-96342C748941_zpsdhseqqa5.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/95ED228B-08C6-4C55-AD7A-96342C748941_zpsdhseqqa5.jpg.html)

Just so everyone is clear you need a hunting license and an annual public hunting permit. As well as your hunters safety.

And so it begins, Wally and his hunting buddy made it in yesterday and wouldn't you know it, it rained its ever lovin butt off last night! Hope that doesn't set the standard for the rest of the week!

Just got home from shopping after church.  Got all the fixin's for a massive pot of chili. Figured we could eat it Tues or Wed night. It usually takes me 1.5-2 days to make and it is always better after setting for a day.

I will bring some salmon to throw on the grill.

I got to run out and meet with Wally and Jim this afternoon for a few min. Couple of good ole boys! They did some scouting around today and said it's WET!! Lots of standing water! Had about 2" of rain last night. But they seemed in good spirits and are starting to get a game plan together. (Find higher ground) but that can be hard to do with the entire wma being river bottom land. Anyways its going to be a good time with some great folks. Just sad that I can't get there till tomorrow night or Tuesday morning! I will post pics along the way as this progresses along!

Good luck to all of you guys! Can't wait to read the recap.

Bisch

suggestions.. as you get out and about, make the distinction between flooded areas for:

mosquitos: seen many a time here during turkey season where no skeets over flatwater, however on nearby dry land they were horrendous in the grasses/leaf/cover.

Flooded: best swamp hunts have always been during higher water, pushing pigs and concentrating them more. Hearing them move around is much better, all the noise cancels out their hearing, and your movement noise as well. Recall how they move stop move stop move stop, plan your moves accordingly.
I've had them come very close by while trailing and splashing along.

I sure hope ya'll get some action!

Good luck to everyone.

Well Fellas, looks like the group will be one less.  Family commitments have changed and my kitchen pass is no longer valid.  So I will not be making the 5+ hour trek North to be with you.  Hopefully, this will turn into an annual event so I can put it on the radar.
:thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Thanks for the tips Mark. We've had a really wet Spring thus far. We are grateful for the moisture,  but it has made hunting Old Sabine problematic.

Wudstix, sorry you can't make it. Hopefully we'll get another chance to meet up with you soon.

The chili is made, I'm packing the truck and have a few chores to complete before heading out in a few hours. Hope to have multiple reports of hogs assuming room temperature.

Hey Marty I sent you a pm, call when you get to Tyler and head this way

So far Jim and Wally jumped a couple of pigs ,me and Wally had a coyote walk within 15 yrds of us,  I jumped a sow and some piglets, Dan jumped an 8 ft gator and we saw one pissed off crawfish! He was ready for battle so we Gave him a wide path and backed away slowly!! More to come!!

Weather should be good for pig hunting.  Changed oil in truck, got a haircut, rode 27.54 miles on my Hardrock, picked up grand daughter at day care.  Fill me in on the adventure, this old man will be living vicariously.

 :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

:campfire:

Without going into to much detail, so far today there has been multiple sightings and 1 misplaced arrow!

Nice guys, keep the updates coming

They must be busy skinning hogs!

Unfortunately, that is not the case Fred. We've had some opportunities, but with even more rain the hunting has been tough.  A lot of ground is underwater and most of what isn't is very muddy. We are having a great time and look forward to recapping after we get home. It takes too long to upload any pics out here in the boonies, so they will have to wait. We still have a couple days left - back after them in the morning!

Tough is an understatement! It is the toughest hog hunting conditions I have ever experienced. But these guys aren't quiting and i have all the faith in the world they are going to get it done! Jim and Wally saw several at different times and Jim got a shot but didn't connect. Wally got a good look at a 200lb + boar, Jon and Marty saw 5 this morning and almost got a shot off. So we're seeing a few but they are having to work VERY hard at it!

I you got half the rain we got last night in SA the hogs are treading water, and you guys are sleeping in trees.

Just got back home to Illinois last night from Texas. Its 942 miles but who's counting. Jim's mother in law passed away while we were on the road home and so we thought it best to drive straight through. She knew the Lord and it was not unexpected and so the great circle of life continues.
 We arrived in Texas on Saturday afternoon and set about to getting the million and one things done that camping and licenses entails. Finally got groceries and headed to OSB WMA.
 I have to admit at being shocked at the amount of water we found. I know its a "bottoms" but dang! The wettest spring in 20 yrs. was the verdict from the locals. The campground wasn't bad wet and there is a nice outbuilding with a gravel floor on site. The building had the makings of a nice shelter from the elements. They even had a very cool winch rig with meat pole right there also.
  It wasn't until Sunday that we finally got out the archery equipment and took a few practice shots before heading out.

It didn't take long for the extent of the flooding to sink in. The ATV trails were closed and that was probably a good idea. They were by then actually like the Canals of Venice. They were under water and wading in ankle to knee high water was the reality. We picked an area and set off.
 I have to admit that I was optimistic that we would find some high ground and then hunt the edges of that while watching the wind. While there was some high spots they weren't large enough to be of use in that plan. For the next 3 days we hunted hard until Jim finally jumped 2 bedded pigs. They were in some thicker stuff and no shot was presented even though he was within 10 yds. They moved off and never did figure out where Jim was. Looking back now Id have to say that the hogs had probably moved off to drier ground. We just didn't know where that was.

Hope you guys didn't get the hail, wind and rain we go last night.  Tore about half the leaves of the live oak in the back yard, though the bedroom window was gonna come in and I'd wake up soaked in bed.  Have not seen this much hail damage in many years.  Hope the hogs are coorperating and you have some blood on your knives.  LDP's please.
 :campfire:

Day four found us in a whole different section of OSB thanks to previous scouting by Randy Madden who lives in the area. This is a newer growth area that butts up to a power line clear cut. All of us went there and split up to systematically cover the area. BINGO! Hog sign bigtime! It was pretty cool to smell them while keeping the wind in your face and sneaking thru the swamp. Trails and rooting and hog sign everywhere. My hunting partner Jim Pessina of Indian Creek Archery bumped up 3 pigs and took a running shot at 25 yds. Jim is a better than average shot so this wasn't too much of a stretch for him. The arrow sailed just over the hogs back. Of course I explained to him to shoot lower so that wouldn't happen. He must have been impressed with my knowledge as he couldn't speak and only shook his head slowly. It was a very tough day and it got up to about 85. I had forgot my water and downed 4 bottles after getting back to the truck.But we were ON Em!

I think I need to give credit where it is due here. Randy Madden suggested this hunt and I must say that Randy and his wife Christy did an outstanding job helping and organizing this endeavor. Every aspect of this hunt would have been a lot more difficult without them both stepping up. A fajita dinner and all the trimmings was cooked entirely by them both for 7 hungry hunters plus their 3 beautiful daughters. Good people and great Texas hospitality.

Getting antsy about pics.

 :campfire:

Randy took a bunch of pics. Ill bet he's waiting until he has time for a long download time.

I'm back! And I'm fixin to take a dang nap! Had some great action the last couple of days. Not gonna go into to much detail cause I would rather the guys tell their own stories. Wally is right. It's going to take a little while to get my pics loaded and I promise I'll tell my adventure from my point of view with lots of pics.

Just made it home last night. All I can say is what a great bunch of guys.
Here is the group. L-R Wally, Jim, Dan, Darren, Jon, Randy,Marty

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4230116_zpsl6zrlvhi.jpg)[/URL]

I had to leave Saturday mid-afternoon and have been running since. It has taken me a while to get all the pics from phone to Photobucket. I think i may have been the only one to not see a hog, so I'll let pictures tell most of the story from my perspective. I will say that like all group hunts I've been on, this was a blast and the guys were great. As we were sharing about past hunts, I realized through Trad Gang I've been on group hunts for deer, rabbits, squirrels, elk and now hogs. Between these group hunts and the St. Jude auction, I've been blessed to hunt in 7 different states. TG has been an awesome resource for making friends and exploring hunting opportunities across the country. Thanks to all who have been a part of that!

First of all, we ate well. I brought some chili that took me 2 days to cook.

  (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/20150420_121954_resized_zps4ojslumn.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/20150420_121954_resized_zps4ojslumn.jpg.html)

Marty brought some Copper river salmon that he and his family caught. He grilled some for us along with potatoes and onions. We added some chicken-of-the-woods (sulphur shelf) mushrooms I'd found in the swamp. Marty also treated us to some different flavored smoked salmon. I was too busy eating that to think about taking a pic.

    (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/salmondinner_zpsgeormwrm.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/salmondinner_zpsgeormwrm.jpg.html)

Also no pics of Jon's excellent breakfast of bacon, pancakes and eggs from his own chickens or Kristie's incredible fajita dinner. Thanks!!!

Wally, please pass along my condolences to Jim and his family for their loss. But I know they are also celebrating a new body and eternal life for their loved one. I really enjoyed getting to know you guys and Dan since I grew up in IL and we have trod some of the same ground.

Here is Jim and Wally doing a little pickin' and grinnin' while we sang along to some good gospel and bluegrass tunes.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/pickingrinnin_zpss1d1ibcd.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/pickingrinnin_zpss1d1ibcd.jpg.html)

I cannot thank Randy enough for putting this together.
The campsite was great.

[ (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4220105_zps7lrodnsu.jpg)[/URL]

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4220106_zpsorveunyq.jpg)[/URL]

Even though the entire WMA has been wet for a couple months, there were still a few "dry-ish" spots where we found some good sign.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/hog%20sign2_zpszcz81cac.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/hog%20sign2_zpszcz81cac.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/hog%20sign1_zpsxhnu04uf.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/hog%20sign1_zpsxhnu04uf.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/hog%20sign_zps9t48b1qx.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/hog%20sign_zps9t48b1qx.jpg.html)

Hunting a swamp can be difficult. Finding the beauty of God's creation in one is very easy.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/treebark2_zps1kmkwrre.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/treebark2_zps1kmkwrre.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/treebark1_zpsypcz19t2.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/treebark1_zpsypcz19t2.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/swamp3_zpsr6lwyquj.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/swamp3_zpsr6lwyquj.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/swamp2_zpsoh4ck4ls.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/swamp2_zpsoh4ck4ls.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/swamp1_zps2nev9ghp.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/swamp1_zps2nev9ghp.jpg.html)

Swamp beauty cont.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/flower5_zpswcgzbokn.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/flower5_zpswcgzbokn.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/flower4_zpsmnpekjke.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/flower4_zpsmnpekjke.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/flower3_zps9g1dpx4k.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/flower3_zps9g1dpx4k.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/flower2_zps5heuxf6k.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/flower2_zps5heuxf6k.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/flower1_zpslxprelvf.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/flower1_zpslxprelvf.jpg.html)

There were many other flowers that I didn't get pictures of or the pics didn't turn out.

Great pics Marty and Darren! That Copper River salmon was awesome. The chili was great too. It was a lot of fun to hunt and eat great food with like minded archers. This was my first ever group hunt with all traditional archers and it was a lot of fun!

Fungi forever....

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi13_zpsayqaco06.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi13_zpsayqaco06.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi12_zps14xanxe0.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi12_zps14xanxe0.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi11_zpsfyrytdr8.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi11_zpsfyrytdr8.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi10_zpsjkmnrei0.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi10_zpsjkmnrei0.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi9_zpstz1iks5r.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi9_zpstz1iks5r.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi8_zpszlckfa3b.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi8_zpszlckfa3b.jpg.html)

The one directly above is the chicken-of-the-woods which I easily spotted from a couple hundred yards away in knee-deep water. I only took the top half due to the bottom half being submersed when the river got out of its banks. I'd estimate I put about 10-12 lbs in my pack. Randy took a little home, we ate some at camp and we've had 3 meals off it at home already. Probably have about 3 lbs left.

When I arrived after introductions and unpacking we went on an evening hunt on the upper end of the WMA. Dan, Darren and I hiked up the power line and then worked through some of the thick stuff. Once we got off the power line I was really glad to have a compass as to me everything looked the same. We found where some pigs had been rooting but seen no pigs.

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4220108_zpscfpfly8o.jpg)[/URL]

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4220109_zps9j2zzsjn.jpg)[/URL]

Fungi cont....

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi7_zpsxubrhtbn.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi7_zpsxubrhtbn.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi6_zpsgf5cb7sn.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi6_zpsgf5cb7sn.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi5_zpse64lppe9.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi5_zpse64lppe9.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi4_zpsr4fy51gf.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi4_zpsr4fy51gf.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi3_zpsvdqgfmkv.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi3_zpsvdqgfmkv.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi2_zpsqong7h48.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi2_zpsqong7h48.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fungi1_zpshhc0yzyr.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fungi1_zpshhc0yzyr.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/Stinkhorn_zps34mfsnpf.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/Stinkhorn_zps34mfsnpf.jpg.html)

When we got back to camp Jon had arrived. The next morning it was raining so we hung out and got acquainted while Jon fixed us breakfast.

 (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4230110_zpssvtuc2xb.jpg)[/URL]

We had a few friends show up.

Some variety of water snake.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/watersnake_zpsqsnjgqtw.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/watersnake_zpsqsnjgqtw.jpg.html)

A turtle crossing the road. We stopped to help him across so as not to get smushed.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/turtle_zpsefjs52em.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/turtle_zpsefjs52em.jpg.html)

I've only run into 6 or 7 cottonmouths, but in my experience they've all been somewhat ill-tempered. This one broke that rule and I had to poke it with tip of my bow to get it to move. I'm guessing it was lethargic while digesting a recent meal. I had to poke it 3 times to get it out of my way.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/cottonmouth_zps6eklzslx.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/cottonmouth_zps6eklzslx.jpg.html)

Even the ubiquitous fire ants had grown weary of the deluge. This little mound was built on a log a couple feet off the water.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/fireants_zpsebt8cxqh.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/fireants_zpsebt8cxqh.jpg.html)

Also saw a swamp rabbit, gar rolling in the river, a couple grey squirrels hopping from tree to tree above the water, frogs and tadpoles by the thousands and Dan saw a good-sized gator, but couldn't get a pic. He does have a very cool picture of a couple of our wild hunting companions, but I'll let him post and show it. All kinds of birds, %@#&! ticks and, of course, SKEETERS!

Thanks for sharing, especially the photos.

It was difficult to look at these burls and not imagine what kind of gorgeous veneers could be had from them.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/burl2_zpsp48ko9ny.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/burl2_zpsp48ko9ny.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/burl1_zpsltveuh9a.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/burl1_zpsltveuh9a.jpg.html)

The Intrepid Capt. Randy and crew motoring up river to a reported dry spot. It really wasn't very dry - LOL!

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/Capt%20Randy_zpshxfeiliv.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/Capt%20Randy_zpshxfeiliv.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/6aff8fd7-6a94-4389-8774-560abc47151b_zps8dgeftov.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/6aff8fd7-6a94-4389-8774-560abc47151b_zps8dgeftov.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/398f2d99-3fa6-4c2a-8cf6-9e256b0358bc_zpsfyi6jpcy.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/398f2d99-3fa6-4c2a-8cf6-9e256b0358bc_zpsfyi6jpcy.jpg.html)

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/a50cc596-58d3-49a9-b4af-3e3bec0efb55_zpsdsb8fuew.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/a50cc596-58d3-49a9-b4af-3e3bec0efb55_zpsdsb8fuew.jpg.html)

4/5 of the landing party on one of the very few patches of dry ground. Randy, Jon, Marty, Dan.

 (http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll296/Hackbow/on20the20trail_zpskximdawc.jpg) (http://s291.photobucket.com/user/Hackbow/media/on20the20trail_zpskximdawc.jpg.html)

Finally, I want to thank every one of the guys that came for their willingness to travel so far, commitment to hunt, have fun, share resources and for becoming friends.

I especially want to thank Randy and Kristie for treating us all as special guests by planning and organizing this as well as bringing a camper, a boat and an entire meal. His truck never stopped moving hunters around and he stayed concerned that everyone had the best chance possible to see/kill hogs. He worked his butt off to make sure we had a good time in some very challenging conditions all the while taking care of his concrete business and crew. This near-constant rain not only created hunting difficulties, but has seriously put him behind on his work. I consider myself fortunate to be able to see and hunt with him regularly and very proud to call him a friend.

Now, let's see more pics and hear tales of close encounters of the porcine kind!

Oops...I forgot about Wally's ribs! He and Jim ran into town and picked up some ribs then masterfully prepared them. The juicy meat was not camouflaged by any heavy sauce. Just light seasoning and the delicious flavor of the meat. We hunted hard, but with all these culinary creations I think I gained a pound or three!

Wally's ribs or what was left of them by the time I got my camera out. They were delicious.

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4230126_zpsrpmg6epf.jpg)[/URL]

Like Darren said, I too am proud of these guys! They came from near and mostly far. Everyone had great attitudes despite the conditions. Freinds were made, stories shared, and some close encounters to boot! I would gladly share camp with each and everyone of these guys and hope to again soon! I am also thankful that most everyone got to see a few pigs and a few of us got shot oppertunities. I bumped a few earlier in the week and I got to pull a good stalk on a group of about 8 pigs on Sunday morning. I first heard them from about 60 yrds off and got a glimps of one. I checked the wind all all was good so I began to sneak down the trail they was on feeding. I kept a small bush between us and checked the wind several times as I got closer and closer. I made it to the bush without being seen, heard, or smelled. When I got there the 2 bigger ones I had seen had moved off on either side of the trail and the 5-6 little ones about 30-40 lbs we're feeding in the trail. I was ok with shooting a smaller one since we was a pretty good ways away From the truck! Lol. So I was trying to make up my mind weather to shoot thru a small opening in the bush or take a step to my left and shoot. I decided to take the step and come to full draw at the same time since the had their heads below the grass feeding and probably wouldn't see me move. I began to put tension on the string and shift my weight when suddenly I felt the wind do a 180 and a half a second later a pig on my left that I never saw let my presence be know with a growell and a blow. They all took off for deep cover. I circled around and cut them off but once agin the dad gum wind blew my chance of getting close. This went on for a little while until they pulled a fast one and made an escape in a direction unbeknown to me! All in all a great hunt and a great time in camp with some great men! I'll let the pics do the rest of the story telling!   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0B7FB1B7-DF0E-4C2B-9C8F-5B6D45A6E77C_zpsqyicscm8.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0B7FB1B7-DF0E-4C2B-9C8F-5B6D45A6E77C_zpsqyicscm8.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/8301F618-14F3-40E1-84EE-1FABCCA756DB_zpsuzs4ubjx.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/8301F618-14F3-40E1-84EE-1FABCCA756DB_zpsuzs4ubjx.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/16114C57-5B11-4521-9F8E-1019FCD729F0_zpsgj1fke1e.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/16114C57-5B11-4521-9F8E-1019FCD729F0_zpsgj1fke1e.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/DFCF7B72-B84F-4DA6-81B8-5DFCF13605B3_zpsan7cpull.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/DFCF7B72-B84F-4DA6-81B8-5DFCF13605B3_zpsan7cpull.jpg.html)

 (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/E23A67BE-B372-4374-AEFC-FF83D4FE71D2_zps4l3z6bfd.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/E23A67BE-B372-4374-AEFC-FF83D4FE71D2_zps4l3z6bfd.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/7A19AF43-402E-45F3-BAC8-A5403CB431C6_zpsnlkvvltn.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/7A19AF43-402E-45F3-BAC8-A5403CB431C6_zpsnlkvvltn.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/C18B4BE2-0495-41C4-A825-6D239E688AC1_zpsbiem2vzn.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/C18B4BE2-0495-41C4-A825-6D239E688AC1_zpsbiem2vzn.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/F8141286-8D89-4947-96DB-C191CBD4C7E9_zpswrxihtbz.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/F8141286-8D89-4947-96DB-C191CBD4C7E9_zpswrxihtbz.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/12C3996C-FF6B-47B5-955C-4055BD5B259F_zpsyaz6fawi.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/12C3996C-FF6B-47B5-955C-4055BD5B259F_zpsyaz6fawi.jpg.html)

Cool.  Thanks for sharing guys.  I'm glad no one drowned  :)

 (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0794B4A2-249C-4E6F-8C2E-0626413AAB76_zpsja6fjttz.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/0794B4A2-249C-4E6F-8C2E-0626413AAB76_zpsja6fjttz.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/6A88E433-356B-4801-880F-98912A1F3541_zpsvxnxpwc2.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/6A88E433-356B-4801-880F-98912A1F3541_zpsvxnxpwc2.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/9363D1AE-EA6D-4F8C-927F-0E429E3F47DC_zpssegbmsk5.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-02/9363D1AE-EA6D-4F8C-927F-0E429E3F47DC_zpssegbmsk5.jpg.html)   (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/13C5D659-3B20-422B-B183-09036DAAEB6A_zpssiwp85ow.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/13C5D659-3B20-422B-B183-09036DAAEB6A_zpssiwp85ow.jpg.html)

Have enjoyed following this immensely.  Nice photos.  The fungi is very interesting.  Have never seen such.

Thanks to all of you for sharing this adventure.

Great pics, looks like a blast!

Thanks for the pics! I was really hoping to make it down, unfortunately it just wasn't in the cards. Maybe next year.

Man o man you guys make me sorry I didn't push back harder to get up there. Please let's do this again and I'm all in.

  :thumbsup:

Congrats on pulling off a classic hunt.

Looks like a great time indeed!

Bisch

To bad about all the wet weather but, looks like some good time were had along with some good eat'ns. Thanks for sharing this post and experiences. Wish I lived a little closer.

Sorry it's taken me so long to post, I've had to catch up with things at home since I got back.

First of all I want to thank Randy for all of the work he put into making this a successful hunt. I think everyone except Darren got to see some pigs and I was given more than my fair share of opportunities. This being my first hog hunt I was focused on soaking up as much experience as I could.

I arrived last Wednesday evening to an empty camp.  Everyone was still out hunting so I made myself a quick meal an relaxed after the long drive.  Darren, Dan and Marty arrived and,after quick introductions I was graced with a couple of bowls of Darren's chili.

After a good nights rest we were up early for some breakfast and a morning hunt.  We hiked along an ATV trail to the place we were hunting.  The plan was for Darren, Dan and I to make a push through the swamp towards Marty and Randy.  The area was very wet and I felt fortunate to make it through without water spilling over the top of my boots.  Darren was not so lucky.  

  (http://i.imgur.com/OSjfXoA.jpg)

We headed back to camp for some lunch and to prepare for an afternoon hunt.  We decided to go to an area where Wally and Jim had seen hogs the previous days.  We arrived and trekked into the area along some power lines. While Randy and Dan hunted the east side Marty and I spread out to hunt the west side.  The area was more open and not as wet as where we hunted in the morning.  

  (http://i.imgur.com/VZAhFPV.jpg)

Irises were in bloom.

  (http://i.imgur.com/GkFfScv.jpg)

We hunted with the wind in our face all the way back to parking lot but had no luck.

Friday morning we woke early so we could get out before sunrise.  Marty and I decided to go back to the area we had hunted the previous afternoon except we wanted to hike in farther.  We hiked to the north west corner of the area and began to see more hog sign.

  (http://i.imgur.com/Nvx2U1F.jpg)

We pushed into an area thick with vegetation.

  (http://i.imgur.com/aRG51t1.jpg)

We were looking for a place to split up when I heard a grunt and looked up to see a black hog 15 yards away.  He was staring right at us.  I managed to get an arrow nocked but the hog spun and lit out of there.  Marty and I looked at each other and smiled, both of us having our first encounter with our quarry.  

As we were deciding what to do next we heard a squeal and a group of hogs ran out from the same area where the first one had appeared.  We hurried in the direction that they ran.  We heard splashing and wondered if the pigs would swim across the flooded channel that was surrounding us.  As we moved towards the pigs our question was answered when we saw a group of four pigs running away on the other side of the channel. The water was too deep for us to follow so we tried to find another way around.  We eventually found shallower water and hunted our way back to the parking lot without another encounter.

Friday afternoon Dan and set out to meet Randy at some private land he had access to.  After an unplanned detour we made to the property.  Randy had two feeders set up. One had a tree stand hung in the vicinity and the other had to be hunted from the ground.

I chose the one without the tree stand.

   (http://i.imgur.com/sXVJbNZ.jpg)

I set up next to a brush pile that was downwind from the trail that Randy said the pigs were most likely to enter from.  As I waited I watched cardinals and mourning doves fly into the feeder to feast on the corn.  

Around 7:50 I heard something crashing around in the timber.  I looked over as a 200lb beast of a hog appeared on the trail not 10 yards away from me.  He looked right at me but I had the wind in my favor and, though he wasn't sure what I was, he continued into the clearing.  He would take a couple of steps and turn to look at me, then take a couple more steps.  As he made his way into the clearing he turned so he was cornering away from me.  I figured it was now or never so I began to draw.  Before I made it to full draw the hog turned and looked one last time.  I've never seen such a large creature turn and run so quickly.  I loosed my arrow but it clattered harmlessly to the ground behind the running hog.  

As I was gathering myself from all of the excitement I noticed that a smaller pig had entered the clearing away from the main trail.  I got another arrow nocked and promised myself that I would be more patient with this pig.  The sunlight was steadily waning as I waited for the pig to get to the feeder.  He finally started rooting 20 yards from me and I drew back.  I released and shot right under the little guy. He scurried around but didn't leave immediately so I reached for another arrow.   As I was grabbing my arrow the hog saw me and quickly exited the clearing.  I tried to calm myself after having two shots in such a short period of time.  Randy picked me up and was excited to hear about my encounters.  

We weathered a severe thunder storm before making it back to camp.  I fell asleep that night thinking of missed shots and future opportunities.

That's it for tonight.  More to come tomorrow.

Saturday morning Randy arrived with his boat and we made plans to ferry upriver to a spot the WMA biologist said was high ground.  It had rained heavily the night before and we were hopeful that the hogs might concentrate there.  We all loaded into the boat and had a leisurely trip upriver.  We spread out a couple hundred yards apart from one another and pushed through the area.  While the ground was higher there was still lots of water, it was just foot deep instead of knee deep.  No one saw much sign and we headed back to camp to make plans for the afternoon.

Darren left that afternoon so only Dan, Marty, Randy, and I remained.  Dan and I decided to sit at the feeders again while Marty opted to hunt the area where we had seen hogs Friday morning.  

The wind had shifted from the previous night so I tucked into the brush bordering the clearing that held the feeder.  

 (http://i.imgur.com/aDV2fxb.jpg)

I was hoping that the hogs would circle the edge of the clearing before coming into the feeder as they had done before.  Unfortunately my night ended without a single hog sighting.

Sunday morning arrived early.  We were up before sunrise in an effort to make the most of our last day.  Dan had left during the night and the three of us that remained had to leave that afternoon.  

Marty had a plan to hunt a portion of the area where we had previously seen hogs.  The was a finger of dry ground that was surrounded on three sides by a slough.  We planned to follow the slough and make our way down the finger.  

We spread out and started our hunt, always keeping the slough on our right side.  

  (http://i.imgur.com/aNKq24g.jpg)

Marty and I met up and began to make our way down the narrow peninsula.  It was only about forty yards wide so we each took an edge.  As we progressed the swamp started to open up a bit.

  (http://i.imgur.com/I3AjTVO.jpg)

We started to see more sign.  This picture doesn't do justice to the amount of sign we began to see.

  (http://i.imgur.com/hfMLZWU.jpg)

Marty was downwind from me so I let him ease forward a bit in an effort not to spook any pigs that may have been between us. Suddenly I saw Marty waving his hand and pointing ahead.  I turned to look and saw the silhouette of a hog rooting in some brush.  The patch of brush was at the very tip of the dry ground, surrounded on three sides by the slough.  I had the wind in my favor and began to slip towards the hog using trees for cover.  Finally there were no more trees and I had 15 yards between me and the hog, but I wanted to get closer.  The hog was focused on rooting so I began to slowly stalk closer.  When I was at 10 yards the hog turned broadside and I decided to chance a shot into the brush.  I came to full draw and released only to have my arrow deflected by a branch and skid under the pig.  The brush patch exploded in a fury of swine as four pigs tried to escape.  One ran directly at Marty and didn't realize he was there until it was ten feet away.  It wheeled around and made a wide turn to run between Marty and I.  For some reason these hogs seemed intent on staying out of the water.  They scrambled down the peninsula behind us and out of sight.

I looked over and saw a huge smile plastered on Marty's face.  We both agreed that this encounter had put an exclamation point on the end of our hunt.  We hunted our way back to the parking lot without seeing another hog, but with smiles on our faces the whole time.

I want to thank everyone who participated in this hunt.  I had never been on a group hunt or a hog hunt and this exceeded all my expectations.   Randy and Kristi's hospitality was unmatched and if Randy decides to host another hunt I will do my best to be there.

Thanks for coming along.       :campfire:

This needs to become an annual event. Have the Granger Ranger Xtreme Hunt the  third week of Feb. and this.could become another must attend event.
  :thumbsup:

Thursday morning was a good hike through a flooded section. We were thinking that we would find some dry ground in the section between Long lake and Black lake. But it was all flooded. So we hiked back to camp and had lunch and planned an evening hunt to the west end of the WMA. Randy,Dan, Jon, and I went there and hiked down the power line so we could hunt the wind back to the parking area. Randy and Dan worked down one side Jon and I took the other side. We seen a lot more sign but no pigs.

Thursday night Christy came out and cooked us a great dinner. Thank you Christy

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4230128_zpsmxvj6vny.jpg)[/URL]

Friday morning like Jon described we hiked to the west boundary of the WMA and started to work down the fence. We had not gone very far and we ran into a fairly deep channel of water. Which we worked our way across. After we seen the pigs we wandered around chasing them and to tell the truth I had no real idea of exactly where we were at. With the overcast sky and the flat terrain I was never real sure which direction I was going without looking at my compass. We finally came to a fence which we thought was the boundary fence the only problem was we should have been on the north side of it and we were on the south side of it. Anyway we crossed it and followed it back to the ATV trail and hunted back to the trucks.

By the time we got back to camp Jim and Wally had already left for home. It was great to have met them. Friday evening Darren and I Went up the road a ways and did a short hike to the east. Seen some sign but no pigs. We got back to camp early so i could get the salmon on the grill and Darren could get the mushrooms on the grill.
[ (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4240133_zpsysrmomuk.jpg)[/URL]

Copper river red salmon with an orange marmalade & bourbon glaze
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4240134_zps5jc1g9x9.jpg)[/URL]

Saturday morning Randy brought his boat and we went up the river to where we heard there was dry land. We did find some dry land but did not see any pigs or much sign.
Captain Randy
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4250135_zpsfdionpix.jpg)[/URL]

On the way back to the boat Darren said we had to have the across the river shoot.

[ (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4250147_zps1oqsbccw.jpg)[/URL]
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4250148_zpse1i0ehpq.jpg)[/URL]
The results no arrows were lost to the river.
[ (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4250150_zpsmgiszzsc.jpg)[/URL]

Saturday evening Darren had to leave and Jon, Dan and Randy went to hunt the feeders so I headed back over to the west end again to see if I could get more familiar with the area. Found out the fence Jon and I had found the previous trip was not the boundary fence. There are some old fences inside the WMA. this is about a 2 1/2' tree.
(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4260153_zpspg5hqmca.jpg)[/URL]
I worked back and forth until it was dark then hiked the ATV trail back to the parking area. seen a lot of sign but no pigs. But i did get a plan on how to hunt it Sunday morning.

Sunday morning we hiked back up the power line and worked in until we hit the main slough. We split up and then started slowly working back toward the parking area. I was following the edge edge of the slough and Jon and Darren were to my left. After a couple of hours Jon and i meet back up where the slough met back up to the trail. We went a couple of hundred yards then the slough went back towards the boundary so we split up about 30 yards apart and started working down the edge of it.  

(http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/akdd2004/2015/P4260155_zpsuz7kt80u.jpg)[/URL]

We were slowing working our way down a little peninsula when i seen a pig in front on Jon I waved at him and pointed to the pig I could see that he was putting the stalk on it and coming to full draw when he shot I heard his arrow hit a some brush and then there were pigs running all over. I had one stop about 20 yards away and I took a shot and I hit him but I was a little high and back. The pig ran about 20 yards before the he broke the arrow and it flee out. I had got complete penetration as he was bleeding out of both sides. Randy  came back and we tracked the pig for about 3 hours until we lost the trail. The blood trail was not real good to start with and just kept getting thinner to the point of disappearing. I really appreciated Jon and Randy working on the blood trail.

I cannot thank Randy enough for taking the time to put this together. Jim, Wally, Darren, Dan, Jon it was a real pleasure meeting and hunting you. This is the first time for me going on a group hunt and all I can say is that it far exceeded my expectations. Got to break bread with some great people and got to hunt hogs in east Texas the rest was just icing on the cake.

Other than my bad shot placement and not finding the pig (all my fault) it was a great trip.

Thanks to all of you.
I am definitely wanting to do this again next year.
If you PM me your email address I will send pictures.

Good stuff this. Please keep me in the loop when the next one is planned.  
:campfire:

:campfire:

Great to read again as I sit in North Carolina.

   :campfire:      :campfire:      :campfire:

Just Catching up now. Great Photos and looks like it was  a great Time!

Thank you for sharing.

Great story and photos!Really enjoyed them!
                               Ernie