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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Izzy on May 28, 2013, 08:34:00 AM
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First off I gotta say Im sure Hog Heaven (Wild Things) will remain a classic hunt and experience and is in good hands with Andrew from what I keep hearing.I should be there in December and March to see for myself :pray: Still, I cant help but feel a little regret for putting off my return for so long and not getting to hunt the way it was one more time. :dunno: Life has its way with us.
I got to share the camp with family and friends, met some new ones and had one of my best hunts ever down in that swamp and will always cherish the memories. So I just wanna say thanks Ray for putting yourself into the hunt like you did. I dont believe you know how much some of us folks love that place. Id also like to post a pic or 2. If anyone else (Hog Heaven Alumni) would like to post their favorite HH pics and memories have at it. (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN1233.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/DSCN1233.jpg.html) (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN1241.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/DSCN1241.jpg.html)
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(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/dscn1219.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/dscn1219.jpg.html) (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/dscn1255.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/dscn1255.jpg.html)
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(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/dscn1249.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/dscn1249.jpg.html) (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/dscn1258-1.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/dscn1258-1.jpg.html)
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(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN2145.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/DSCN2145.jpg.html) (http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o244/2crazyboys_photos/DSCN2153.jpg) (http://s122.photobucket.com/user/2crazyboys_photos/media/DSCN2153.jpg.html)
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Awesome pics, Izzy!
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the most amazing thing about that hog Izz was that when we drug him out we had absolutely NO idea he was spotted like that- still the coolest hog we've taken out of a bunch of good ones!
The 'Shaik YerBooty' brothers were awesome...really enjoyed their Axis of Evil performance at the Saturday night campfire!
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(http://i39.tinypic.com/5cdma0.jpg)
This is probably my favorite pic from that weekend. Hog Heaven was always a good time and Ray really went out of his way to ensure that. I'm looking forward to getting down to Wild Things next spring.
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(http://i44.tinypic.com/2445y7t.jpg)
Last trip to HH.
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You nailed it with those pics Rick. We sure felt like you fellars were old time pals.
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I love that last one Rick, it's a little bittersweet to look at, but I love that old porch!
Thom
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Here is another picture of camp that I really like.
(http://thomjorgensen.com/bows/camp.jpg)
Thom
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I will second everything that Izzy said. Thanks for running a great camp, Ray. (Mike too -- he did a little work......sometimes. (Just kidding, Mike)
A great place to get away and forget the pressures of the rat race. After all, a hog hunt is far better than any rat race. Rats are too small and they run too fast.
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I too regret not going every year. Great pics but they make me miss the place even more. :(
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Thank you all for the kind words. I appreciate it so much
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Can't speak more highly of Ray and Mike. Was an absolutely outstanding experience both times I was fortunate to spend time there.
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790080.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790080.JPG)
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790129.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790129.JPG)
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790165.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790165.JPG)
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790210.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790210.JPG)
(http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790358.JPG) (http://images.imagelinky.com/1369790358.JPG)
So glad to have spent time at HH and looking forward to crossing paths with Ray and Mike again. Two nicer gentlemen I do not know.
Kudos to you Sir!
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I've only been there twice but both trips were memorable. Between Ray, Andrew, and the rest of the guys every trip is sure to be one of a kind. Ray is always a great host and guide. Oh and a top notch cook! After meeting Andrew on my first hunt I think it'll be in good hands. (http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k592/jet26photos/100_1665.jpg) (http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k592/jet26photos/797b6ed6-9a86-4e06-b749-0c3a8a70278f.jpg) (http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k592/jet26photos/100_1683_1.jpg) Thanks for everything Ray.
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Ray, maybe you could post our pic of the tribe. I have zero skills when it comes to such things.
Our group from PA has been to HH six times. Three of those were in 11 months! To say we love it there would be quite an understatement. It has become a retreat from the real world for us. We always have a wonderful time and return home totally relaxed and wanting to do it again ASAP.
Lots of memories. Lots of adventures. Lots of laughs. And plenty to eat!
I remember the beautiful white crane that lifted off from Blue Lake and banked through the cypress trees and sunbeams. I thanked God right there for letting me witness such a sight.
I remember the first day I ever hunted there. Ray sent us into those briar infested short pines. I carried a full back quiver and full bowquiver. I was so hopelessly stuck I just wanted air lifted out of there.
I remember lying on "my bunk", the top one in the back corner. A full blown severe thunderstorm was raging that night. You could feel it in your chest when it cracked. I thought "I'm only 12 inches and a thin steel roof away from certain death!".
Midday was spent relaxing, shooting ant hills, looking for heads, and trying not to think about going home.
One of my more memorable moments............just Ray and I in camp right around noon, I was totally beat, leaning way back in the adirondack chair with a PBR in my hand, sun on my face, eyes closed, enjoying leaving the snow up north. Ray says, "Dave, are you having a good time?". Good time doesn't come close to describing my feelings. The word "Awesome!" is more like it.
Hate to see the old camp go up in smoke, sort of. Once you got used to rat turds stuck to the bottom of your bare feet it wasn't all that bad. LOL
Here's to the old girl! She has shaped the lives of many a happy archer!
You too Ray & Mike
Ray, the framed leather engravings I made for the camp are for you. Make sure you grab them before the big bon fire.
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/43814E82-EEF1-429A-85F6-4573B677E1B6-3267-0000032E4D1A1940.jpg)
This one right Dave?
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Dave everyone really liked your drawings for HH you've got real talent!
(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/047D8B3F-B7A3-49EA-A801-DB6378FA2817-3267-0000032E03071A76.jpg)
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/DCC124F1-9450-4D1C-B7B5-CB43FCEE0925-1653-0000032BBD6FD183.jpg)
Or is it this one :knothead: :goldtooth:
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I would like to put in my words of thanks and admiration to Ray for the opportunities he allowed us on two trips to Hog Heaven. Though we went home both times without pork the memories of the hunts and the true southern hospitality will remain with us forever. Ray you are a good man and a true gentleman. Someone I am proud to call friend. Thank You.
I look forward to some day in the future getting back down there to enjoy time with Andrew and the new Wild Things. In the short time we spent with Andrew I can tell he will have a place that will become the Mecca for traditional hog hunters.
I have a picture of Hog Heavan Camp on my wall in front of me now. I see it every day...I was there and enjoyed every minute of it!
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(http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e322/rayhammond123/photo-1-2.jpg) (http://s42.photobucket.com/user/rayhammond123/media/photo-1-2.jpg.html)
THIS ONE?????
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Look at those smiles Ray Ray. See what I mean?
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That's the one. The Fa Kow Ee tribe of SW PA!
A better looking crew cannot be found!
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I always felt right at home there, outstanding memories, great friends were made every time!
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Not only is Ray a Great host, cook, guide...he's also pretty hip too :eek:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Hog%20Hunt%20Ray%2007/IMG_2463.jpg)
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We had some awful weather that weekend with Mel didn't we Jeff?
Are you coming to Blade Show?
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Ray has been to town more than once with camo on his face.
Of course, Mike knew of Ray's makeup but neglected to inform him.
Knowing Squirrel Bait as well as I do, I was SHOCKED that he would do such a thing!
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Ray,
Bill & Tracy Dunn are coming to Aiken Friday night. Headed to Blade Show on Saturday & off to Bacon Strip on Sunday-Tuesday. With the BS sold, our lease is in limbo...gotta hunt it at least for memories now. See ya @ Blade show...Jeff
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:campfire:
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Great...I'll look for you guys Saturday! Call my cell!!!
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COSMIC RAY !!!!........
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v110/tippit/Hog%20Hunt%20Ray%2007/IMG_2463.jpg)