Well we finally made it back home from our trip. I see Marty has been busy telling the story of this wonderful hunt. It certainly will be a July 4th I will remember. I'm not to good at telling stories but I'll give it a whirl.
After we had decided in which direction we were going to hunt on the morning of the 4th, we split up and started hunting. I had probably gone in about a 1/4 of a mile when I saw a nice size red sow up rooting around. After checking the wind and looking around to determine just how many hogs were with her "nothing like getting busted by one you didn't see" I started to ease on in to get within shooting distance. There was about eight hogs in this group and they were tearing the ground up. I had one that looked to be about 30 to 40lbs. at about 12 yds broad side. I hate to admit it but greed had taken over and I wanted the red sow that was about 20 yds away since she appeard to be well over 100lbs. Instead of taking what was almost a sure shot, I took the shot at the red sow and missed her. Once I picked up my "clean" arrow it occured to me that I got what I deserved for being greedy.
I moved about another 200 yds into the woods asking/begging the good Lord to PLEASE give me another chance. As I eased on up the path I noticed another sounder feeding. This was the same bunch that Marty was stalking about 30 yds away from me. There was a rather large black sow as Marty mentioned and I just knew this was going to be payday. I had the wind right and once again saw how many were in this group, so I made my way within 30 yds of her. I found a tree that I was going to ease up behind about 15yds away. As I was stepping out I heard this thump as if one had been shot. They all broke loose running and I thought what it in the world just happened? I stepped on up a few more yards and started looking around. I caught movement to my right. It turned out to be the end of another "Apex Sapelo". After getting his attention we shared a good laugh and found his hog that had gone just a few yds . Marty suggested that I keep hunting while he cleaned his hog and got it on ice.
I eased on up about another 400yds and noticed it was getting time to head back to the truck and hookup with Marty, and grab a bite for lunch. As I was heading back I heard pigs off in the brush rooting around. I eased up thinking this was going to be another chance and man I hope I don't blow it. I got within 10 yds of them eating when I felt the wind on the back of my neck. A nice little sow about 50lbs had just stuck her head behind a pine, and hit the brakes quickly, as they all stopped and raised their heads. I knew I was pegged for sure. I also knew in that split sec. I had a clear 10 yd shot at her vitals so I took the shot. After connecting she went about 15 yds in the brush and fell over.
Marty informed me when I got back to the truck after cleaning the hog that we were going to meet up with Robert and Chris. It was an honor to meet these two fine gentlemen and share a few mins. with them. It's always good to get to finally meet someone that I have talked with via email or phone.
As I stated at the begining, this is one for the memory bank. With that being said. I would also like to say Thanks to our Vet's and Soldiers for keeping this great country of ours free. A place where we can still celebrate our country's independence and our freedom to enjoy this great sport that we all love. God Bless!