Well, I figure it's time to get this up and going for next years hunt. We did this last year and had a great time despite the worst possible hunting conditions. ( massive amounts of rain and flooding) I think everyone got into pigs at some point and several got shot oppertunities. Here's last years group minus me. I'm behind the camera. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/2D9DC47B-2139-4C40-8A99-66E0ED8D5FC2_zps3zxjaed2.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2015-04/2D9DC47B-2139-4C40-8A99-66E0ED8D5FC2_zps3zxjaed2.jpg.html)
I'm hoping for better weather and I know we'll be bringing home the bacon!
It'll be held at the Old Sabine Bottom WMA just outside of lindale tx. And I'm thinking about going from 4/20 - 4/24 2016. But I'm open for changes if it'll help fit others schedules. Come and go as you please. We had a couple guys come early last year and several leave early. Just a couple reminders.
It's primitive camping only!!!!!!
Non resident 5 day is $48.00
You'll also need a type 2 APH permit $48.00
Everyone pitches in and everyone has fun!
My wife and I will be hosting dinner either Friday or Saturday night. No limit!
Now who's in?
Randy you can count me in. I had a great time last year. I will bring some salmon to barbecue one night. I am not to particular on the days. This was a great get together last year got to meet and break bread with a great bunch of people.
I might be in, never actually hunted in a trad group before. I'll be hunting in San Saba in February, but might be able to swing a second trip.
Marty, I'm looking forward to hunting with you again. I'm in better shape now so maybe I can keep up with them long legs of yours!! Also looking forward to some more of that copper river salmon! Best fish I've ever put in my mouth!!!!!
I am just going to have to try to work this one in this year!
Bisch
I have it posted on calendar. We will see how things shake out. Thanks for putting this on.
What about having the hunt before the snakes and mosquitos come out of hybernation? What about an earlier hunt in Feb or March? March 14-18 is spring break?
Can you bait on WMA for the hogs after deer season?
If you want to see what it was like last year here is the link to last years trip.
http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=141214;p=17#000247
I did it in April because there isn't any othe open seasons besides hogs then and it's archery only. Last year we had the whole place to ourselves. Jan - March there are several other species open as well as rifle seasons for hogs! I prefer not to go roaming around with a bunch of rifle toting wannabe's. Id rather take my chances with the snakes and skeeters!!!!
There is no baiting or night hunting for hogs on this WMA.
I understand. I did not know that the WMA had rifle hunters. I am going to try and get to this one. :thumbsup:
I lived in Lindale for four years, used to hunt that spot all the time. It is a good time for sure!!!
I'm going to try the make it!
Once you guys get the dates nailed down let me know and I will make my reservations.
Ill talk to Jimmy and see if hes free again this year. We just now got dried up from last year..lol.
Hey Wally! Would love for y'all to make it back! Be glad we did it when we did last year because the week after that the river came up and the whole wma was under water!
Sure looks like fun. :archer2:
Randy, I'm in just to eat Marty's salmon. Hopefully get to listen and sing along with Wally and Jim again too. I think you and I should definitely do some pre-hunt recon.
Darren, Sounds good! It'll probably be after deer season is over. All my weekends are planed out with pre planed hunts till the end. I'll keep you posted on when I can go!
I'm good with that. I may take a weekday or two and try my luck on deer or hogs there and I'll make notes of any hog activity to share with the group. Any idea what the water situation is like currently?
Darren, I havnt been there in over a month but I know the river is up so I'm sure there is some water hazards! Lol
Here's a few reminders.
Non resident 5 day license is $48
Type 2 annual public hunting permit is $48
It is primitive camping only!
It is archery only and Hunters orange is not required because there isn't any other seasons open at that time. It's up to each person to decide if they want to wear it. Last year we had the whole place to ourselves. There are a few locals that hog hunt from time to time but not often.
Rules are pretty basic,
1. Archery only!
2. Respect each other and their property
3. No loud or rude behavior ( my wife and kids will be there at some point to help with providing dinner )
4. HAVE FUN!!! This is required!!
If anyone has any questions please feel free to post them here so others can see and pitch in and I'll try to answer as best I can.
I may be on need to check date.
Ontario opened up their spring Bear hunt this year after a long spell. Looks like me and Jimmy will be headed up that a way. Anyone who is considering this hunt should make every effort to attend as these are good men who love to hunt hard and eat well.
Ok I am off the 22-24 so I may indeed be able to make it. Talking to the wife please tentatively put my name in if you all don't mind a Louisiana guy tagging on.
Dave, My daughter is a big LSU fan so I guess it'll be ok! Lol
I'm not really doing a list. There is enough room for probably 30-40 people between the 3 camping spots.
X4
When does turkey season start?
Thoroughly enjoy hog hunt pursuits.
Looking forward to reading of your adventure.
There is a spring turkey season but I'm not sure about this county. Also I've never seen, heard, or heard of anyone taking a turkey near here. I firmly believe it's because of the abundant predator population! Dang yotes everywhere and no one hunts them! I know there a a few turkeys farther north of here.
Ttt for those interested!
Hey Randy, due to family commitments I may arrive a couple of days early and leave on the 22nd. I'm trying to get the days off work, tentatively count me in.
If anyone is considering this hunt I would highly encourage you to come. Randy is a first rate host and everyone that attended last year were fine gentlemen.
The 2015 hunt was my first hog hunt. While I didn't get a hog it wasn't due to a lack of opportunities. Last spring was a very wet one in Texas and if the the weather plays nice this year I'm sure there will be even more encounters.
Hey Jon. Glad to see you chime in! I was hoping you would be able to make it back. Just let me know when you can get here and I'll catch up with you and we'll do some hunting/ scouting! I should be able to get free in the evenings and hunt with you. We can also hunt my feeders again.
Ps... I've got a HUGE sow coming in pretty regular at one of my feeders that I've given a pass on just in case you or someone wants to try for her! Plus countless other good shooters and eaters! I'll post up some pics in a week or 2.
Jon hope you can make it we have have some pigs to get even with.
Crittergitter,
If you need any help filling feeders or scouting, let me know. Works busy as heck now, but should slow down in March and April.
I'm in!
Sounds good Randy, now I'm getting all excited! :bigsmyl:
Hey Marty, you're right, we've got a score to settle with the old Sus scrofa. :campfire:
I am just getting back into trad after a few hiccups. I almost have my form back into shape, I just need to I am really wanting to make it this year! I have never hunted hog, or successfully taken any large game animal. I would love to come camp, learn, and maybe tag my first hog!
How many spots, if any still available?
Justin, thx for the offer! I filled them all last week!
Kevin, try to come if you can. Some great guys that are willing to share whatever knowledge they have!
Monk, I didn't set a limit. Theres plenty of room!
Sounds like fun. I'd like to make it but I've already got a Texas hog hunt scheduled for early April and 2 trips to Texas in one month would be a bit much.
Bump this one up! I think I've answered all my pm's! If I missed anyone let me know!
If it's half as much fun as last weekend at Daniels it'll be a BLAST!!!
I'm gonna try and come to this one. It sounds like fun.
Warning...I don't know much about hog hunting. I am trying to learn as best I can and it's slow going. So, I might be prone to asking questions and wanting advice.
Nalajr
Randy, Myself and my buddy Tim are in!! Pretty sure Daniel is too so put us down. Thanks for hosting the hunt!!
I don't know my work schedule, and likely won't until shortly before the hunt. If I can swing it, I will try to make it before Daniel and hogwhisperer kill them all.
QuoteOriginally posted by pdk25:
I don't know my work schedule, and likely won't until shortly before the hunt. If I can swing it, I will try to make it before Daniel and hogwhisperer kill them all.
Sure hope you can make it Pat! Maybe we could team up one morning and whisper at em!
I am trying to make this work. One of the largest hurdles to teaching is only having 2 personal days, and unfortunately, I have taken both of those this year. Though my drive is not very far, I don't know if it will be worth driving a combined 7-8 hours for one day.
I could possibly be "sick" on the 22nd, which would give me a full 2 days of hunting.... Decisions decisions...
Look at it this way Daniel. If you just happen to feel a bit under the weather on that particular day, you will be providing the opportunity for someone else to bring home the bacon, so to speak. Substitute teachers need to eat too!
"Cough...cough"
Darren,
my immune system is listening to you! I do feel a sickness coming on 2.5 months. ;)
went back to boeuf this weekend. The water was CRAZY high. so much higher than last weekend.
Bumping this one up! Only about a month away!!
I'm gonna run out this weekend and look things over! I'll report my findings!
I live 5 miles from there, I might run out there and hunt one day and just meet some other trad hunters. I hunted it a couple weeks ago and there was a couple places that was holding water but still plenty that were not.
Me and an OK buddy are coming out weather permitting.
I will be there. looking forward to a great time.
Did it flood real bad??
It did flood a couple weeks back when we had some pretty heavy rain fall. The water has been steadily going down the last week and a half or so. Darren and I are planing a scouting/hunting mission. We will report back asap!! I was there about 3 1/2 weeks ago. Tons of sign and bumped a sow and some piggies but not shot was offered.
Ugh i may be working...... Dang and blast
I had a couple of hours this morning before family gatherings to go do a little scouting. Walked a mile or so before I started seeing any fresh sign but eventually got into an area that had a LOT of good sign. Found several good trails going into and out of the hardwood bottoms and the thickets. Would have loved to stayed longer and hunted but my wife was already txting me and needing me to pick up a few things on the way home.
The conditions after the flooding are similar to what we hunted in last year. The low areas are holding water but the areas not holding seem to be drier than last year. So hopefully the weather will cooperate over the next few weeks and things will shape up to be a good hunt!
Looking forward to hearing from you on the details. Thanks!
So its looking like I can make it! Still need to buy some more gear and will be traveling alone, but its looking good.
Also, I'm willing to carpool if someone else is traveling from the Dallas area and our schedules align and whatnot.
I'm assuming we are still on the original posted timeline?
Yes sir!
lets get this jewel back to the top.. 2 weeks out..
I'll be meeting up with Kevin (m8hunter) tomorrow afternoon for a scout/hunting trip. Hopeing to find a few pigs and practice my stalking! Will report back with details!
Good luck dudes! I hope you are covered up in bacon!! :D
Not going to make it. I'll be chasing Thunderchickens with my son. Good luck guys
IT's not looking good for me either.. I have several things the following weekends and don't know if I want to be gone that many weekends in a row. I'm not out for sure at this time.. but i have to suck up a good bit to make that happen. haha.
Not going to make this one. A great vacation opportunity came up. Hope to hear of much success!
Fred, Daniel & Todd.....this is unacceptable!
If one were to dig a little deeper into motives, it may reasonably appear that there is a conspiratorial bias being exhibited from the Louisiana boys against Texas and/or Texans. If we were to put this into college football lingo, you guys are not honoring our home & home contract. There will be repercussions!
Randy, as our leader I request that you impose some sort of adequate sanction on these miscreants. Something along the lines of having to eat store-bought gumbo or a veggie burger in front of everyone at our next gathering - that should deter this type of behavior in the future!
QuoteOriginally posted by Hackbow:
Fred, Daniel & Todd.....this is unacceptable!
If one were to dig a little deeper into motives, it may reasonably appear that there is a conspiratorial bias being exhibited from the Louisiana boys against Texas and/or Texans. If we were to put this into college football lingo, you guys are not honoring our home & home contract. There will be repercussions!
Randy, as our leader I request that you impose some sort of adequate sanction on these miscreants. Something along the lines of having to eat store-bought gumbo or a veggie burger in front of everyone at our next gathering - that should deter this type of behavior in the future!
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Darren,
i wish that were the case, lol. Tourney season is about to start and I have started to make my schedule and a lot of those are out of state. I will have to try to keep my coins for traveling to those shoots. I sure wish I could make it though. I would love to hang out with you guys again soon. Maybe when I go to dallas this summer we can all get together.
QuoteTourney season is about to start...
I understand Daniel. You prefer foam over flesh and bow shooting over bow hunting - no need to explain. Be sure to save a little 3D backstrap for the next time we do get together. ;) :p :jumper:
You know I'm kidding because you hunt about 5 times more than I do. Have fun at the shoots. They are a lot of fun and you get to hang out with tons of cool folks.
QuoteOriginally posted by Hackbow:
quote:
Tourney season is about to start...
I understand Daniel. You prefer foam over flesh and bow shooting over bow hunting - no need to explain. Be sure to save a little 3D backstrap for the next time we do get together. ;) :p :knothead: :knothead:
QuoteOriginally posted by Hackbow:
QuoteTourney season is about to start...
I understand Daniel. You prefer foam over flesh and bow shooting over bow hunting - no need to explain. Be sure to save a little 3D backstrap for the next time we do get together. ;) :p :jumper:
You know I'm kidding because you hunt about 5 times more than I do. Have fun at the shoots. They are a lot of fun and you get to hang out with tons of cool folks. [/b]
throw a little barbecue sauce on a foam back strap and it tastes just as good as dirt with barbecue sauce on it!
Darren, It's all good! They will be green with envy when they read all our post and see the pics of our grand adventures!! :biglaugh:
I hope to camp and hunt with each of y'all very soon!
Tod, I still need you to teach me to hog whisper!!
QuoteOriginally posted by crittergetter:
Darren, It's all good! They will be green with envy when they read all our post and see the pics of our grand adventures!! :biglaugh:
I hope to camp and hunt with each of y'all very soon!
Tod, I still need you to teach me to hog whisper!!
HAHA! That was a crazy story. Todd, please make a video and post it here so we can learn the secret!
We will get together this summer!
Update, we had to cancel our scouting/hunting trip this evening due to an unforeseen circumstance! I will do a scouting mission the first of next week!
Daniel, we can go sit at one of the watering holes anytime this summer! Like we talked about before, they gotta drink about every 4-5 hours when it's hot!
My buddy and I will most likely be heading to TX the beginning of next week to try to chase some public land hogs. Maybe we can hook up?
I'm showing up a bit early, but I'll be there. Just got to get through the next work week! :banghead:
I look forward to it Pat!!
Jon, Marty is coming the same day as you and staying till the Following Monday. I'm trying to work my schedule so I can be off all week to camp and hunt with y'all. Looks like we'll have the whole place to ourselves for a few days!!
Sounds good. I can't wait. :goldtooth:
Considering this greatly , not sure if I will be able to although sounds like a party. I am not that quick any more of dodging hogs( walks with cane)...If school, and family permits then I might.
Looks like Pat and his bud will be here tomorrow. We should get some good scouting in and hopefully some good hunting action!! Knowing Pat id say there's a high probability of putting an arrow in something!!
Also wanted to throw this out there and see if there was any interest. As I previously said, I'll be providing dinner on Friday night. I'll be doing a fish fry. (Other items available if some one doesn't prefer fish)
I was thinking about bringing a few short trot-lines and putting them in the river for a few days. I'll have my boat launched anyways for accessing other parts of the wma. We can check them periodically and check them at night. We can catch a mess of fresh fish for the fry. If not I have plenty of fish in the freezer. It's a neat experience for someone that has never fished that way. Let me know what y'all think.!
Quick scouting report, I met up with Pat and Dave ( I hope thats right , I'm terrible with names) this evening and we hatched a plan. Less than a half a mile in that plan changed when we jumped 2 hogs right on the side of the trail we was on. Got a good look but no shots taken. So we took a different approach and both Pat and Dave got close in on a sow with about 10 little ones. I'll let them tell that story later. So 3 hogs in less than 3 hours on their first evening! Not bad!
I'll have to program for next year, about the same time???
:campfire: :coffee:
Nice!! Getting excited
I'm gonna try to do this around the same time every year!
Got back a little bit ago from hunting with Pat and Dave. We took the boat a mile or so up river. Then got out and hunted. Gotta apologize to Pat for running him into a tree going up river. And to Dave for running him into the same tree coming back down river! :biglaugh:
Anyhow, we found tons and tons of sign! Trails every which way and fresh sign (it rained really hard last night). But no hogs were seen. Just gotta keep at em!
I do wanna say that I really enjoyed hunting with Pat again and meeting and hunting with Dave. Both these guys are great guys and hard hunters and I have no doubt if they had a little more time they would both got a hog or two! Hopefully they can come back soon! As for the rest of you guys coming next week, we've got a good idea where the hogs will be!!
Looking forward to being there
Thanks for showing us around your hunting grounds, Randy. It was great hunting with you again, and Dave enjoyed meeting you. It almost happened that first day. It almost happened that first day, and there was a tin of sign in that area. It looks like it will do nothing but get better as the water level comes back down to normal. I wish I could make it down for the hunt, but work is getting in the way of fy fun.
Looks like I'm out for this one. I just have too many irons in the fire right now to get away for this one. Y'all have a good hunt, and lay the hogs down!
Bisch
Dagnabit Bisch! Better start planing for next year!
I'm planning on cruising in the morning of the 21st.
Guys, Randy knows his stuff. It sure was great meeting you Randy. I'm thinking the hogs might be in trouble if the weather and wind cooperate.
Thx Dave, the pleasure was all mine! Looking forward to meeting up with you again soon!
Next week can't get here fast enough!!
:campfire:
Well, It never fails! Bad weather plagued us last year and it looks like this year will be the same! It looks like the first of the week will be nasty for those coming in early and looks like it's gonna be nasty later in the week as well. Mid week might not be that bad. Be ready to deal with the rain. Waterproof boots are a must and rain gear would be a good idea.
We'll make the best of it! :campfire: :archer: :archer2:
The hunt has begun!
I have some work obligations that are keeping me from spending the entire week, but I managed to drive over and hang out with Jon and Marty for a couple hours tonight, then headed back home. I arrived at camp shortly after Jon got off the road from his nearly 10 hr trip driving through rain the majority of the time. Marty flew from Alaska to Seattle to DFW, drove his rental to Randy's, set up camp and managed to get after the pigs already. He walked into camp just before dark and fired up the grill.
For those of you who have never had Sitka blacktail brats, let me tell you that they are delicious. Thanks Marty!
The guys were beat and wanted to hit the sack so I left camp around 9. The rain started again about 15 minutes into my trip home and the storm was headed their way. I just checked the radar and they are getting pounded. Hopefully they'll get some breaks in the morning and be able to get some hunting in.
I'll be back Tues afternoon and hunt through Wed before another work interruption then back to the woods Thu night. I'm sure Randy will give us an update or two in between. I know he helped Marty set up camp today but was gone before I got there.
As of now, the weather looks like it is going to cooperate from mid-week through Sunday - a MUCH better forecast than just two days ago. Even though it'll be a little wet for the first few days, I saw a lot of dry land that was under water for months last year. Can't wait to get back over!
QuoteOriginally posted by Hackbow:
Fred, Daniel & Todd.....this is unacceptable!
If one were to dig a little deeper into motives, it may reasonably appear that there is a conspiratorial bias being exhibited from the Louisiana boys against Texas and/or Texans. If we were to put this into college football lingo, you guys are not honoring our home & home contract. There will be repercussions!
Randy, as our leader I request that you impose some sort of adequate sanction on these miscreants. Something along the lines of having to eat store-bought gumbo or a veggie burger in front of everyone at our next gathering - that should deter this type of behavior in the future!
:biglaugh: :biglaugh: I deserve that!! Truth is I need to be retired and have a pocketful of cash and then all this missing one thing to go to another would be history and I could do it all!! Really glad to hear you guys got into the pigs already. Hope to hear some great stories and hopefully everyone gets some pork!!!
I will absorb the repercussions as admirably as possible BUT I AIN'T EATING NO STORE BOUGHT GUMBO! :nono: :nono: :nono:
No critters have fallen to our devices as of yet! Marty had a real close call on a big boar yesterday evening and I spotted 6-8 crossing the power line we walked to access another area but never found them after that. The river is on the rise and making things difficult. The hogs seam to have changed their habits and we havnt quite figured that out yet. More rain last night and this morning and the wma headquarters are predicting a road closure so we may have to pack up and move camp tomorrow. If we do we will be moving to Tyler state park just down the rd. We will still have access to the wma butt it will drastically reduce our options. The out come is looking bleak but we're gonna take it on the chin and keep our heads up! Just want to let those that havnt cancelled know how things are looking. Will update as soon as we can. Signal is limited at best
Hope the weather breaks....it's unbelievably wet here where I live a couple hours away, and still raining. Good luck!!
Seeing lots of fresh sign this morning after the rain let up. I got to within about 40 yrds of a single hog that was bedded next to the power line. I didn't see it until it jumped and moved. I circled down wind and moved in on him. I got to about 30 yrds and he was in some thick cattails in a low area holding water. He kept moving out ahead of me but I couldn't close the distance. Just couldn't move fast enough without making a lot of noise. Everytime I got within 30+ yrds he would move farther away and eventually I lost him. Jon and Kevin are hunting my feeders tonight. I ran home to do a few chores and to take a quick shower! :biglaugh:
On a good note the dept headquarters said the water levels may not reach as high as originally predicted. So way may not have to move camp after all! But won't know for sure till tomorrow sometime.
:campfire:
:campfire: :archer:
Well Jon didn't see anything at the feeder he was at last night. I assume with the full moon the hogs are feeding in the early morning hours. Trail can pics confirmed my suspissions.
Kevin got a shot on a coon. It was cool to see his excitement.
Marty also had another close encounter with a hog on his walkabout!
We've come to the conclusion that Marty sees all the hogs because he's 2 ft taller than everyone else!! He's got a birds eye view!! Lol
QuoteOriginally posted by crittergetter:
Well Jon didn't see anything at the feeder he was at last night. I assume with the full moon the hogs are feeding in the early morning hours. Trail can pics confirmed my suspissions.
Kevin got a shot on a coon. It was cool to see his excitement.
Marty also had another close encounter with a hog on his walkabout!
We've come to the conclusion that Marty sees all the hogs because he's 2 ft taller than everyone else!! He's got a birds eye view!! Lol
Marty is a tall drink of water that's for sure!!! His walkabouts would equate to small marathon!! :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
They informed us earlier that they will be closing the gates tomorrow at 5:00 pm when they leave for the weekend because there wl be no one here to monitor the water levels!
We are hunting now, More updates later.
I'm headed down now and will be there in the morning. I assume closing the gates means we can still get in? Just not with vehicles?
Michael, if you get a chance to read this, yes, we can access the WMA, we just won't be able to drive into the camp. I will PM my number to you and you can call or text me in morning. I will be on road at 4:30 am Fri. We are planning on heading out to first hunt around 7.
:campfire: :coffee: :dunno:
:campfire:
Last hunt this evening. I'll be back tomorrow with pics and a full story!!!
I've been following this thread for a long time now, can't wait for the "Last Chapter". Sorry the weather wasn't very cooperative.
:campfire: :coffee:
Well, are y'all dried out and tired of quartering pigs yet?
Bisch
I'm guessing no posts mean no hogs :dunno: ?
Ok guys snd gals, sorry for the delay. I had to work this morning and been loading pics. I'll do a recap of the hunt snd hopefully others will post their versions and pics as well. It'll have to be several post.
First I want to say what a pleasure it was to meet some new faces and to be able to hunt and hangout with them as well as some old friends. Despite the ABSOLUTE worst conditions I never heard anyone complain (except me)! They took everything in stride and made the best of it each and every day !
Day 1. Marty made it to my house around 9:45 am Sunday. We loaded a few things and headed out the wma to set up our camp. As we drove in our enthusiasm was high because a lot of the areas that was flooded last year was dry and gave us a lot better chance at seeing hogs. We knew there was a chance of rain Sunday night and Monday as well as later in the week. So we pitched out tent on high ground and covered it with a tarp in hopes we could stay dry. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/79A82451-8856-4038-ADF4-AD6962CDE6B8_zps2psyobyr.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/79A82451-8856-4038-ADF4-AD6962CDE6B8_zps2psyobyr.jpg.html)
I was optimistic at best that we would stay dry but that tarp proved to be one of the best decisions we made. We ended up with somewhere around 5-6" of rain over the next several days and the ground under and around our tent stayed completely dry the whole time!!
I had to run home and take care of a few things and wasn't there when Jon arrived that afternoon. Darren came out to hang out for a few hours with them since I wasn't coming back till Monday morning.
It began to rain that evening and rained till mid morning on Monday. And it rained HARD!!
Day 2. I met up with Marty and Jon and said a quick hello on my way back to camp. They headed up the power line while I went to camp to drop off a few things and checked out another location. I saw some good fresh sign but no hogs. Almost put my hand on this guy as w waded around a flooded area. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/18C56FEE-CF5F-48B6-9F82-FEDF02BE2BAA_zps3nxvcrgm.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/18C56FEE-CF5F-48B6-9F82-FEDF02BE2BAA_zps3nxvcrgm.jpg.html)
I'm starting to realize I may get some of the details out of order because my memory kind of sucks, but I'll do the best I can.
We met back at camp for a late lunch and made a plan for that evening. They went back up the power line because of all the fresh sign and I went to another area to scout it out. I walked thru some flood waters till I reached the higher ground along the river bank and worked all the drainages I could .most of the sign I was seeing was along the drainages where acorns had collected after a previous flood. I was surprised to see how many acorns we're still good this late in the year.
I worked my way back to a main trail at dusk and set up on a crossing I knew of till dark. But nothing came my way. At last light I walked back to the truck thru a area where a slough had flooded back into the trail. I saw 4 snakes in about a100 yrd stretch. I never went back to that spot! :)
I don't remember what was had for dinner that night. I stayed the night but had to leave out early Tuesday am for work.
Day 3. We had a break in the weather and I had to get some stuff done before it rained again. On my way back I went by my house and grabbed my boat. Marty and Jon hunted that morning. That afternoon Me, Marty and Jon. Took the boat about 3-4 miles down river to another power line. As we walked down the line I saw a group of hogs cross about a half mile down. But when we got there I realized they was I. The other side of the old river channel. We split up and slowly worked our way back to the boat through a large expanse of woods. It was mostly dry. Marty had a close encounter with a single boar but me and jon saw nothing. In the mean time Kevin had made it to camp. We got back a little after dark and Marty cooked dinner. Orange marmalade Salmon, potatoes, and Salad. Awesome!! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/B4DA5A28-6B1D-4852-B949-C5DCF3DC06DB_zpsj8pyjavq.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/B4DA5A28-6B1D-4852-B949-C5DCF3DC06DB_zpsj8pyjavq.jpg.html)
It started to rain again Tuesday evening.
Day 4. It rained pretty hard off and on and the wind put our tarp to the test. We awoke to some more rain and hung around camp that morning and Jon cooked breakfast with his home grown eggs, peppers, onions, mushrooms and some of Marty's smoked salmon. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/F01A6CE0-0F39-4558-9A34-2012ABC2292B_zpsenzcaiwg.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/F01A6CE0-0F39-4558-9A34-2012ABC2292B_zpsenzcaiwg.jpg.html) all wraped up in a burrito. Awesome again!!
Here's a pasta jon made for lunch one day. I don't remember what day that was but it was some of the best pasta I've ever had!! Once again we threw in some of Marty's smoked salmon! :thumbsup: (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/7689D8A0-330B-437C-99CB-CCB1B31B6D1A_zpsrephtuua.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/7689D8A0-330B-437C-99CB-CCB1B31B6D1A_zpsrephtuua.jpg.html)
After breakfast we all took a shot from the line. (I'll let someone else explain) and got in some practice before heading out. We took the boat up river this time and focused on the area up the power line that had the most sign. By now the river had risen a LOT!!!!! We was able to drive the boat from the river to the power line and hunt from there. We all split up and tried to find some dry ground. After a couple hours I was headed back to meet Kevin at the boat. I was feeling frustrated and about 100 yrds away from the power line when chose to walk straight thru the brush instead of staying in the trail I had been following. As I entered the clearing a hog jumped up about 40 yrds away. I had walked by him/her at about 30 yrds and it stayed put until I was up wind. It ran straing into a marshy area. I didn't hear it moving any more so I circled down wind as fast and as quiet as I could. Wasn't very quiet but felt I had made up some ground so I circled into the marsh. After only a few yrds the hog unseen by me, knew I was close and bolted again. I was within 30 yrds but could get eyes on him. This time I tried to parralle him but just couldn't keep up. So I eventually headed back to meet Kevin. He had heard the commotion and he'd come to investigate.
(http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/C1E67EA9-F188-4B7E-9632-6A72945ECCC0_zpssixgq4kx.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/C1E67EA9-F188-4B7E-9632-6A72945ECCC0_zpssixgq4kx.jpg.html) We waited at the boat till Jon and Marty made their way back and exchanged info on what we'd found. Water levels were rising fast and starting to cut off the areas of interest. So we headed back to camp for lunch and hatched a plan for the evening hunt. Me Jon and Kevin opted to try hunting my feeders. So I got them set up early around 6 pm. Been having a group of good eating sized hogs comeing in early. While they hunted I ran home and took a shower, ate some dinner and got a brisquit together to smoke at camp. I picked them up after dark but unfortunately no hogs were seen. But Kevin had got a shot at a coon! We made it back to camp around 9 and Darren was there keeping Marty company. I got the brisquit going and hit the sack! I think it rained again that night but I really don't remember.
Day 5. Woke up early to say good by to Jon since he was leaving and I had to run to work for a few hours. I made it back to camp around mid day. I think Marty and Kevin had done some hunting while I was gone. That evening we went to try to find some dry ground. This time we drove parked the boat in the power line again and headed off into different directions. I ended up wading over my boots in several places and eventually found some dry ground. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/9E16A90D-6592-4C49-A33E-C042B472B9B5_zpsbqgwtp8y.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/9E16A90D-6592-4C49-A33E-C042B472B9B5_zpsbqgwtp8y.jpg.html) It was only an hour or so till dark so I found a trail and just stayed there. I figured if there was anything on my island it would probably move around at dusk. But apparently my island was uninhabited except for one idiot with a bow!! I waded back thru the water at dark and met Kevin. He had been hearing hogs somewhere along the river bank but no sightings. About 150 yrds from the boat in about 8" of water something grabbed my ankle and shoved me from behind and I went face first into the water before I had time to react! Still don't know who or what that was! :dunno:
Well, photobucket is having issues so I'll post more tomorrow.
We navigated the ever increasing flood waters with spot lights back to the truck. I spotted a gator along the way. Made it back to camp and sat down to a late supper of brisquit that had been slow smoked for 21 hours and potato salad. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/A9BBF28F-AF86-41E8-B2BE-1F3F427725A4_zpshvo32u5y.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/A9BBF28F-AF86-41E8-B2BE-1F3F427725A4_zpshvo32u5y.jpg.html)
Turned out very very good!
Day 6. Woke up early Friday morning and had coffee while waiting for Darren to arrive. The guys made a plan to push an area close to camp that we had scouted previously snd was considerably drier than expected.they waited for Micheal to arrive while I headed to work to make out payroll. They new right away that they didn't like Micheal because he took his first shot from the line before heading out to hunt and put a heart shot on the 3d target. ( just kidding Micheal we really do like you even though your a better shot than us)
By the time I got back they had already had quite an adventure and Micheal had jumped a hog. We had to break camp and move to a near by campground because the wma was closing the access to the camping area for the weekend due to flooding. Me and Marty set out to move camp while the others edited for Micheal to return from the morning hunt. After getting camp relocated I ran to pick up a buddy of mine snd the stuff needed for the crawfish boil.
After we got back we imideately set up and went to work on the boil! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/615F43EF-8DE6-4D06-A9FE-5ABE216FB52A_zpszbspour9.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/615F43EF-8DE6-4D06-A9FE-5ABE216FB52A_zpszbspour9.jpg.html) that's my buddy Greg. He's not a hunter but I hang out with him because he loves to cook! :laughing: seriously tho he's a really great guy and he fit right in!
It didn't take long before everyone was digging in to some fresh hot crawfish with all the fixens! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/2CB11522-148E-4B7B-A70F-E0039AE3622C_zps4xhznano.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/2CB11522-148E-4B7B-A70F-E0039AE3622C_zps4xhznano.jpg.html) (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/355B2B92-9AAB-46B9-BE01-C70E8073A1C7_zpsht9pyzpg.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/355B2B92-9AAB-46B9-BE01-C70E8073A1C7_zpsht9pyzpg.jpg.html)
The mushrooms are my favorite part!!! The soak up all that flavor and it's a spicy flavor explosion!!!
Day 7. We loaded everything up this morning because most everyone was planning to head home (due to unfortunate circumstances) after the morning hunt. I had brought along my bow fishing rig because the water had risen out of the rivers bank and I was doubtfull of finding any dry ground. Me, Marty, Mike and Kevin took off! We once again headed to the power line because it was the only access point available. And I was right. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/64A3FCBB-D745-447F-8FA6-6C6B368F941E_zpsxkaww75p.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/64A3FCBB-D745-447F-8FA6-6C6B368F941E_zpsxkaww75p.jpg.html) hard to believe you could have hunted this whole place in tennis shoes about 3 weeks ago!
So what do you do? You go bow fishing!!! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/5FC836AA-BB7D-417A-BFD5-E40065614CC1_zpsurx3qgbf.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/5FC836AA-BB7D-417A-BFD5-E40065614CC1_zpsurx3qgbf.jpg.html) (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/3368687B-82EE-4C54-A44F-9C377E51247F_zpsaovsuc2d.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/3368687B-82EE-4C54-A44F-9C377E51247F_zpsaovsuc2d.jpg.html) it was pretty slow but everyone got a few shots.
http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/B545C6A0-FBE5-4579-937B-37715E7220EB_zpsfcohqtrj.mp4.html
Hard to believe this was all hunt able and holding pigs just days before!
After a few hours of bow fishing we headed back to the ramp to meet Darren who was taking Kevin and Mike to Tyler. So now it was down to just me and Marty. We headed to my house and took a much needed nap. Then we headed out to hunt my feeders. I had high hopes that he would get his first pig! He hunted my ladder stand snd I sat on the ground by a different feeder. All was good until a couple of dogs (I guessing from the neighboring property) decided to run thru the woods between us. Then the wind died down and was almost completely calm. Which is never a good thing when sitting a feeder. I didn't see anything but when I picked up Marty he said he had some hogs pretty close when he felt the wind swirl and he got busted.
Day 8. I awoke to make coffee and learned that Marty and my brother in law was waiting for me in my driveway. I over slept a little. :) we loaded up and headed to the river to try some more bow fishing. We checked a couple of the same places as before but to no avail. (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/80496C55-04BB-4F7E-88FD-17C7C7E2A361_zps7vsi09l3.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/80496C55-04BB-4F7E-88FD-17C7C7E2A361_zps7vsi09l3.jpg.html)
So we loaded up and headed to another spot my brother in law knew of. Things we're immediately looking better! It didn't take Marty long to get his timing down and start nailing fish! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/D03BE2E6-FA5C-49DB-8C78-F4E4288CE294_zpsecersmre.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/D03BE2E6-FA5C-49DB-8C78-F4E4288CE294_zpsecersmre.jpg.html) (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/AA558805-82C9-4ACA-9CCF-48160B26ABFA_zps9yrg1kvz.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/AA558805-82C9-4ACA-9CCF-48160B26ABFA_zps9yrg1kvz.jpg.html)
We messed around for a few hours and kept checking a few places trying to locate a gator gar for Marty. The battery was getting low on the trolling motor and we decided to go back to an area we had previously checked one more time before heading home. We made a few circles and was headed out when I see Marty throw the bow up and draw. All of a sudden the water exploded and Marty was onto his first gator gar. It was a long shot and I've never seen any one get the hang of bow fishing so fast! Marty is a natural!!! I waited to get to the ramp for pics because I didn't want to accidentally drop his fish and lose it!! (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/A2E12F41-E36F-4BCA-AC6C-C0431707E410_zpsqtin9fix.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/A2E12F41-E36F-4BCA-AC6C-C0431707E410_zpsqtin9fix.jpg.html) (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/A02E8758-AD6A-4860-A2E1-B8185837C8F4_zpsusaaiuku.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/A02E8758-AD6A-4860-A2E1-B8185837C8F4_zpsusaaiuku.jpg.html) (http://i324.photobucket.com/albums/k359/crittergetter76/2016-04/52B59908-713C-44B7-948F-A0B21E21EF5A_zpsjsg4wiiu.jpg) (http://s324.photobucket.com/user/crittergetter76/media/2016-04/52B59908-713C-44B7-948F-A0B21E21EF5A_zpsjsg4wiiu.jpg.html)
It was a great way to top off the day!!!
We made it home just in time to change clothes and head to hunt the feeders. We had a better wind and my hopes we're high! Around 7:00 I see the same dang dogs as the night before. But this time they came by me 3 different times and was chasing something. I eventually gave up and walked back to my 4wheeler to sit a few more minutes before getting Marty. After a few minutes I heard a hog crashing thru the bottom. He obviously wasn't worried about a thing and he was approaching from directly down wind of the feeder. When he got to about 60 yrds from where I was previously sitting he suddenly stopped. The jig was up! He didn't make any move or sounds for a few minutes then I heard him sneaking out over the hill behind me. So I headed to pick up Marty and learned that the dogs had come by his stand and stopped directly under the feeder. I can't convey how frustrated I was!!! It very disappointing to work so hard and put in so much time and energy into these feeders and spots and everything and have your hunt ruined by a couple of dang dogs!!
Man, looks like I missed some good food! Have to stick around a little longer next time. Great meeting all you guys. Let's do it again when it dries out a little.
Sounds like a great trip anyway!! Looks like y'all had a blast and ate good at least!!
This was a great trip. Good company, good food, seen a couple of pigs, almost had a shot at one, got to bow fish for the first time. Cannot thank Randy and his brother in law enough for the hospitality.
Marty,
I just sent you a message. Us LA/Tx bows HAVE to get you on a hog! It is going to happen, i promise! lol.
Sure wish I could have made it down there with you fellas!
Randy, Looks like you guys had a great time in spite of the weather. This flooding rain stuff needs to calm down. The weather is always the most important factor in these trips and I hate that it has been bad two years in a row.
Those garfish are really nice and that is as good eating as anything you guys fixed up right there. Good shooting Marty and hope next time you guys do this I can make it. Take care!