You know it Ryan
Thanks again my friends. I just finshed making sausage and cuts out of the "Wood Hogs" as the locals call them with my hunting mates. We cooked some as we were working and it is just plain awesome to eat!
OK...let's see a few questions and comments to reply to: the outfitter has a positive opinion of trad bowhunters. I have not followed up with him but will regarding other hunters yet though. He was open to it, it worked well, but I am unsure until I speak with him whether he'd have me back. Lord I hope so
We showed up and hunted hard and I think that he is open to anyone that takes hunting as serious as most of us trad guys. Some restraint by the hunter by not charging in and taking risks is most important. Knowing when to hold 'em and fold 'em is a must on the bowhunters behalf anyway, but especially when the well-being of the dog, yourself, and others are at stake with something that can do some damage like one of those pigs.
The hunt, both stalking on your own and hunting with the bay dogs takes some pretty physical work on your part. If an elk hunt is an 8 on a 0-10 scale, then this is a near 7. You have to have some woods skills and you have to be able to cover some ground should the dogs bay. Also, some of the distances when running the currs have to be covered by quad and some skill there is important. I was weak in that regard
The hunts really are an October to March type thing. Some of the places are snake heavy and they are particular about their dogs and hunters being in some of those places walking blindly. Summer is the off season for sure. They also try and respect deer hunters that either lease ground with them or are a part of other leases. The bulk of their work is done in Jan/Feb.
Well I think I covered what was asked. My opinion about hunting behind dogs has changed, too. I respect those animals so much and next time I will reward that dog with making the shot for his closure of the chase
Topic: A crazy hog hunt and an unexpected guest (Read 3972 times)
