The end of an era, Wild Things is closed.

[sticksnstones]

Dear Friends of Wild Things,
 
We hope that you enjoyed this past season of Wild Things as much as we have. In the midst of such loss, it has been a joy to continue the hunting camp, which our father loved so, so dearly, and to get to know yall better, who he loved even more.
 
We ran Wild Things this past season because we wanted to honor the commitments that our father made to you. We heard from several returning hunters that this year felt like a pilgrimage to say goodbye and to pay respects.
 
We can't tell you how much we appreciate all of your feedback, and your patience as we tried to figure out what Wild Things would look like without Pop. We are certain that if you'd been to Wild Things with our father, it wasn't the same. It won't ever be the same, so we've decided that this past season was our last.
 
We have leased the land to Danny Harrell, who runs a local hunting operation, Cypress Creek. He is familiar with the property, having leased it from our father almost a decade ago. We know him well from leasing him hunting rights on our own property the past several years. Danny is a wonderful man, who we trust (and more importantly, who Charlie trusts). He is an excellent steward of the land and will take care of it.
 
In addition to traditional bow hunters, Cypress Creek hosts firearm and compound bow hunters. There will be firearms on the property. If you love the land (and want to spend quality time with Charlie next year), we've arranged it with Danny so that he'll offer you a discounted rate for returning hunters. Most of the firearm hunting will be on higher ground -- while we know it won't be the same, the swamp will be primarily used for traditional bow hunting when traditional bow hunters are in camp.
 
Cypress Creek rates are higher than Wild Things, but we have negotiated a reduced rate with Danny Harrell for Wild Things returning hunters for next year. Please contact Cypress Creek if you'd like to book a hunt or have any questions. His website is www.cypresscreekhunting.com , and you can find email address and phone numbers on the Contact Us page.
 
We know that it was obvious to you how much our father loved his land. If you spent any time with him, that was evident. But he loved Wild Things and he loved yall -- he loved cooking for you and hearing your stories and drinking coffee with you or having a beer. It really defined the last few years of his life, and it made him happy.
 
We'd be remiss if we didn't offer our thanks to Thom Jorgensen for helping us understand logistics and generally offering us sound advice as we figured things out over the last 9 months. Thanks to Don Price for uprooting his life to come fill big shoes.
 
Charlie is a part of our family. He's got a job on the land as long as he wants one. There are no words to describe his loyalty to our father and to us. We'd be lost without him, and words can't do justice to describe our gratitude for him.
 
And finally, thank yall for making the last years of Pop's life so happy, fun, and fulfilled. If you have any stories or memories with Pop, please respond -- we'd love to hear them.
 
Fondly,
Virginia Harper Breen
Stiles Harper

[sticksnstones]

Hello fellow hunters,
I have just a few things I would like to add after the letter from Virginia and Stiles above.

First and foremost, I had a great talk with Charlie about all of this. He is proud of how many hunters had shot opportunities this last season, it was by far a record year for us bowhunters. Of course we all wish Andrew could have been here to see this banner year for the camp. Charlie knows Danny really well and has worked with him on roads and farming as well as hunting in the past. I’ll go so far as to say he sounded excited to be working with Danny on the improvements being made prior to next season opening.

Almost no one knew that Andrew and I had meetings with Danny to discuss property management and the idea of leasing deer hunting rights to Cypress Creek as part of herd management. Andrew very much respected Danny and how he ran his hunting properties, he trusted Danny enough to have his own children lease out their land to him for hunting. Personally, I am relieved to know that he and Charlie will be working together to improve the habitat on this place that is very special in my heart.

On behalf of our community, I talked to Danny about options for us hunters who may want to return to hunt the land we know so well. He offered to utilize the camp for returning groups in February and March, he will have a cook assigned to the camp to provide meals, and Charlie will continue to run the hunting like last year. I have provided a list of past Wild Things hunters to Danny, names on that list will be eligible for the discounted rate. If you add a new member to your group, they will be at the normal price.

I will be redirecting huntwildthings.com over to the Cypress Creek website, and sun setting the email list in the near future. If you want to coordinate a group for the camp you can post to Trad Gang or on the Wild Things Facebook group. The Facebook group will eventually be locked and archived, no target date estimated at this time.

In closing I would like to thank Virginia and Stiles for ensuring we all had this opportunity to come back this past season, to mourn our friend, to visit the angel one last time, and to chase the wild things that live in that beautiful old swamp.
Thom Jorgensen

[elk nailer]

So sad, had the best time in feb. Don and Charlie were the  best.

[Red Beastmaster]

I've had other hunting opportunities and companions come and go over the years. It's always sad when it's over. The passing of Andrew as well as the closing of his camp is especially sad. We loved him like a brother.

I am very glad I had the privilege to count Andrew and Charlie as my friends. The tribe has been going to the camp for many years. It too holds a special place in our hearts. We were grateful to go back again last March to pay our respects and remember our buddy.

Thank you Thom for sharing this. And thank you for helping make our last season happen.

[keng]

I am lucky to have the opportunity to go the last 3 years. I will always cherish the good memories and the great people I've met and spent time with. I consider myself lucky to have met Thom, Charlie and of course Andrew.   

[Flingblade]

I too consider myself lucky to have been able to get to know Andrew, Charlie, Thom and the rest of the guys that make up the hAmbush group that I hunted with twice.  Andrew's Wild Things was a one of a kind place!  The only traditional only outfitter I know of.  Sad to see it close.  Sure am going to miss the Sunday Shrimp-n-Grits send off.   

[Terry Green]

After reading that I have only one simple sentence........


I have tears streaming down my face.

[sticksnstones]

Thanks everyone. Terry, I'm sure you can appreciate how hard that was to post. Took a couple hours of reading and rereading before I could push the button.

I hope this can be the spot where trad bowhunters can coordinate any future trips. I've already heard from some guys who want to go next spring, but it sounds like some of the groups might merge, or have openings to bring in a straggler hunter or two. Might be a good chance for guys who couldn't ever hook into a Feb or Mar hunt.
Thom

[Pointer]

I'm hoping to head back down anyway Thom... in early February with Val if we can work it out. Maybe see you down there if you are still planning to hunt the place...would be good to try and fill the place with trad guys I think..

[smokin joe]

That place -- the uplands and the swamp, the camp and the kitchen, the porch and the pond -- is a very special place. And Andrew was a close and treasured friend. I'll go back as often as I can manage. I'll do my best to make time to be there with old Trad gang friends. I'm ready to start planning.

[Steve Crowl]

Had an awesome time there and wanted to make it back again.

[Possum Head]

Never been but it was disheartening to learn of a lost era. I can only imagine the shared stories and shaped relationships. Truly sad.

[Bud B.]

I can't thank the family of Andrew enough for the opportunity to go back. Andrew will be missed for many years and the memories we alumni gathered will burn bright in our minds. I will be both sad and have a smile of happiness each time those memories play out in my thoughts. Thanks, Thom, for helping with those memories. That last week of camp was special. Quite special.

[Possum Head]

Great pics it must have been a beautiful place.

[Bud B.]