Hog Heaven......Just Got Back

[jcar315]

Just returned from my 1st trip to Ray Hammond's Hog Heaven and I am already missing it. Spent the weekend chasing hogs in SC with my good friend "Bearkeeper" and a great group of guys from The Traditional Bowhunters Of Maryland.

Long story very short this past spring at the Baltimore Bowmen shoot I bought a raffle ticket with a chance to win a hunt for two to Ray's place. Months pass and out of the blue Andy from TBM contacted me with the stunning news that I had won!

After lots of hooting and hollering I asked my buddy to come along. Few months of planning and this past Thursday we left for Hog Heaven!!

[wv lungbuster]

Nice    

[jcar315]

Got to Estill SC and the next day did some quick exploring before we met the guys at the hardware store in town.


Once in camp Ray did a fantastic job of describing the lay of the land, what to look for, and after some discussion everyone had their area. BK and I headed to the swamp area together.




We came to a smaller road and we split up for the rest of the afternoons hunt.

[awbowman]

That can't possibly be the end of the story man!  Pics and details man!

[redant 60/65]

Bring it  

[jcar315]

Everyone got back to camp and compared notes. Game sighted but no arrows flying yet. After eating the planning for the next day's hunt began.


Great time just hanging out with everyone by what must be the biggest campfire drum in the world.


Stayed up way too late and went to bed dreaming of what might lay ahead.

[jcar315]

Went back to the swamp next morning and BK and I split up again. Got to this downed tree, took a compass reading, and headed off into the swamp.


Cool Saturday morning so the still hunting was much quieter and with some low winds hopes were high.


Not too far past this big stump my day would take a turn for the better......

[awbowman]

Good luck man!

[doug77]

I've been waiting for this story.

[awbowman]

He's killing me!  I'm about to go kill the kid's pet pigs! LOL

[Cyclic-Rivers]

sounding good. I'll be there in a few weeks.

[jcar315]

One last post tonite....got to catch up on my sleep after a long weekend.

Slowly worked my way to the thick stuff you can see in the last picture and found a good "listening tree." Just big enough to stand behind and listen for any pigs that might be making noise in the swamp. By this time I was really close to the river and could hear the boats. Thick but not too thick.....standing for a couple of minutes when I hear something coming.

Can't see anything so I got my bow ready and waited. Didn't take long for a sow with little ones to pop out on my left about 15-20 yards away. She was leading and got to parrallel to me and stopped. Saw me and decided to beat feet out of there taking the piglets with her.

If you look real close you can see the little ones in this shot


Was just putting my camera away when I heard more footsteps coming straight at me through the swamp.......

[Hattrick]

ok cut the bull****!! i was suppose to be on this hunt, had to back out due  to my kids  sports that age if no what mean. ur killing me man . i will say this, you was hunting with 2 my best freinds an sum top notch guys to say  the least. i need pics!!!!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Ok you cant end it on that.     Lamber!

[NC BowBender]

Don't go sleep until you finish the story....

[EL Mejor]

I GUESS WELL HAVE TO LOOSE SLEEP...

[EL Mejor]

I GUESS WELL HAVE TO LOOSE SLEEP...

[ti-guy]

Nice!!!

[Benny Nganabbarru]

Arrrgggghhhh!

[Friend]

It's Ok guys. It's just a SOAP. Tune in 3 months later and you will feel you haven't missed a thing.