Some gun season bow stalking!

[Apex Predator]

Bill Knight, aka "Bigfoot", and I did some swamp stomping yesterday. We covered lots of ground but couldn't find much fresh hog sign. I think I know where they are, but we only had half a day to hunt. My first guess wasn't quite on the money. Oh well, I guess that's why it's called hunting!

 

We finally had a swine encounter of the thick kind. I had one more spot I wanted to check. The swamp chestnuts I wanted to look in on had done their thing, but were all past prime. We did stumble upon a sow with pigs. Bigfoot pointed them out to me. He has some hawk like eyes! I hung back as he made a stealthy approach. That man moves like a bobcat in the woods! If it weren't for the orange vest, he would have simply melted into his surroundings. He moved into spitting distance with hardly any effort. It was so thick that he only had a head shot on the sow, and wisely passed. He later commented that he could have shot one of the pigs, but was waiting on the larger hog. The hogs are behind, and just to the right of the palmetto.

 

 

We had a great day, and learned a little more about hoggin in this great swamp. That's the way I measure my success. A great hunt!! Thanks for the memories Bill!

[pine nut]

Marty thanks for the guided hunt.  I had a blast and it was thrilling getting that close to a sow and pigs.  There was just not a shot other than frontal head while she was laying down and when she got up she left in one fell swoop!  It was neet and I had a ball!  It is habit forming!  

Marty is too modest to tell you but I picked up my new bow from him and it is a real beauty.  I shot it a few times in the yard in the semi darkness.  Arrows way too stiff but will be working on that.  He posted picks earlier.  I just want to say that it is way prettier in person, and seems smooth drawing way on out there!  Thanks Marty, it was a great time!  Bill

[Eric Krewson]

You guys must have a lot dumber hogs down there than we have here. The ones on the local mgt area are so wary it is absolutely impossible to stalk them.

A few weeks ago a friend had a group of 80 pounders headed his way, up wind.He was well hidden. At 60 yds he shifted slightly to prepare for the shot. This was all it took for the group to scatter like a covey of quail.

I have stalked them all over the swamp and heard them but never seen one. They leave the country at the first hint of an abnormal noise like a foot step.

[JC]

Man are you lucky...You've taken a picture of the elusive and rare Ghillied Bill!

Sounds like ya'll had a blast, thanks for sharing the story and pics.

[Apex Predator]

Eric, these are wired as well!  You just don't hear me often post of all the failed attempts in between the successful ones.  I like to stalk them when they are feeding in the water.  I think they can even smell you with their head under water!

It was truely a pleasure to hunt with you again Bill.  You had better call me anytime you are headed this way!

[pine nut]

You bet I will Marty!  I hear that crack cocaine can hook you on the first use.  I haven't tried it and won't, but I have got my hands full now fighting this hog hunting addiction.  I was more frustrated than you can believe because that sow was laying in the exact position to be a no- shoot situation.  It was just beneath my dignity to shoot one of the piglets.  I probably would have wounded the sow as well as both piglets.  I'm not sorry to have passed the shot it just seemed right at the time. It would have been my first pig or piglet and I wanted it to be a good kill.  After shooting at two deer a couple of weeks ago at 30 yards, and having the two of them change places twice before my arrow got there, AND finding blood all the way up my arrow, but no other blood or animal,  I learned my lesson.  Still feel bad cause I knew I shouldn't have shot even as I let it go.  Might have been ok but I realized that they were alert before I shot.  They did change places that quick and then both lined out away from my arrow.  Heck I might have hit them both I have no idea!  Did a lot of thinking you bet.  Killing is a part of hunting but it needs to be as quick as I can make it.  I don't want them to suffer in the process any more than necessary.

[RC]

Marty builds a fine bow.They shoot too. Our Chestnuts are just starting to fall.Only a few have acorns this year.i hope to be posting some dead pig pics before the end of the week.RC

[TNstickn]

Very cool Marty!

[HATCHCHASER]

Man Bill, I didn't know you was so slick!  If not for the orange I would have never knew you were there.  Good luck with those pigs!