2013 Hill Gang Hog Hunt

[Knawbone]

Heading up the main access road to the swamp, I found myself trying to keep up with RC, as he forged on, occasionally stopping briefly to check the swamp and field edges for hog sign.It seemed he had some place to go, as if by some magical pig radar. As we now reached the road along the power line, we both stopped almost simultaneously, as RC reached his hand out to stop my advance. There, just down the road toward the river," Pigs, you see em" RC said." Yes I Whispered " as I could see RC's wheels turning. He immediately pulled a bottle of powder from his pocket and checked the wind direction. I thought, yah I like this guy.                        

 The wind was swapping some, as we jockeyed for position ,and a way to get on the pigs. We watched them for  quite a few minutes as we kept low to the ground and re positioned to the other side of the road. RC said, " wait until they go in the swamp, then stalk up and let em' have it." He said, " don't worry about making too much noise, just shuffle in there and look for the pigs, they will think your ( the noise you make ) just another pig. Now here was a man speaking from experience!

[Knawbone]

With ear attentive, RC posted guard, as I advanced on the hogs back door. The pigs had now entered the swamp and I was in high hopes that they were staying just inside the swamp edge. I made it to the spot were the pigs had made their disappearance, but neither saw nor herd any hogs. I looked back to RC position, to see him motioning me to come back to his location. RC had heard the pigs go threw, and we needed to try and cut them off. Again RC's radar was turned on as we headed north. How he knew were they were going, I'm not quite sure, but on we walked, as I once again tried to keep.                      

  Well, by the time we got to where RC thought we could cut them off, it was too late. The pigs had made a hasty retreat. Do to the swirling winds and the dry leaves, the pigs never paused, they evidently had made us and weren't sticking around to greet us. Rc said he heard them go threw, so we headed back to the main access road once again.                                        

   By this time, it was getting late, and I explained to RC that I wanted to try and hunt the field that evening, and he graciously understood. I wish now that we had just kept hunting the swamp. My pigs never returned that evening to the field, and it was probably my own fault. I believe at that point RC dropped me off near the field and then drove back to camp. I apologize for cutting your hunt short RC.

[Knawbone]

I made it back to camp after waiting for all possible prospect of a return visit by the swine. The sun had all but completely tucked itself behind the horizon as I once again greeted my fellow campers. Upon asking me, I explained to RC that Most likely the pigs hadn't returned , do to the fact that I had retrieved my arrow from the entangled pines the morning before. The scent I left in the process may have been detected by the pigs as they prepared to enter the field. Or just as likely, the pressure they felt from the added human activity kept them at bay. But for whatever reason, the pigs would never again return during the rest of my stay.                        

 As the day wound to a close, we all enjoyed the new found comradery,went over maps of the WMA, and talked about pig hunting and Hill bows. RC said his good by's,as duty called him back to work. He had traveled the 80 miles from home to meet and help his friends. And his friends couldn't thank him enough. We really enjoyed your visit and your help RC, thanks again.  My final hunt story coming up..........

[Knawbone]

The next four days are a jumble of memories too vast and numerous to mention. Some of the hunts I had with various members of the gang have already been mentioned, and none of that detracts from there importance.There were some moments that stick out in my mind however, like the peach cobbler that George made in a dutch oven, Wow, I think it was the best Iv' ever had. I can still taste how good it was.Then there was the visit I had with killy and Dave, I remember the great conversation and excellent port wine they shared with me. Thom brought a camera and tripod,and took our group picture. I don't recall anyone asking him to do that, he just took it upon himself. Everyone was so unselfish and accommodating. Truly a great group of individuals.

 The time went fast however, and it was now Sunday, the day when everyone had to pack up and head for home. I don't remember if I hunted at all that morning or not, but I do remember being in camp most of the day, not wanting to say goodby to my friends. With a sense of loss, I said goodby to all I could as they departed and headed to there own worlds. I will see you on Trad Gang my friend, thanks and have a safe trip home. I'm sure most of them felt more or less the same.

 By Sunday night, only one member remained other than myself, and that was Damon. Damon and I had a good visit that night around my bonfire. We talked for about two hours or more,until it was finally time to call it a night. He had already broken camp and was prepared to leave camp early in the morning. And so he did.

 It was now Monday morning and now the rains returned- all day. It was a day of regrouping for me. I went to a nearby town and did laundry and shopped. Tomorrow the weather would clear, and I had hunt'n to do.

[Knawbone]

OK I'm getting there, I'm getting there!    

[RC]

Outstanding story telling . you got a way with words.RC

[Rossco7002]

If there's a dead pig at the end of this story you're guilty of torture Dave! Lol ;-)

[awbowman]

I have to say I've enjoyed the torture.
 

[Bud B.]

I'm right back there with you Dave. Great telling of the events as they played out. We're beside you all the way...  

[Knawbone]

Thanks guys, but my spelling and grammar needs some serious editing.  

[Knawbone]

Tuesday morning the sky was still spitting and shaded as I crawled from my cocoon.The weather was in transition and all day the wind played hop-scotch. Not deterred, I spend the day scouting for fresh swine sign as the ground had been swept clean from the rain. Any fresh tracks found would be distinct from the old. I was in high hopes of finding new tracks in old haunts, but the pigs didn't cooperate. At least not this day.

 As I returned from one of my inquiries, on my way to my vehicle, I saw a pick-up truck round the bend and head my way. It was dark green in color and I had a feeling I knew who it was.

  Sure enough it was Mr. conservation officer, no, it was two MR. conservation officers. They stopped in front of me,as I walked up to greet them. " Good afternoon guys " I said, " Hello " they said, " hows the hunting going, have you seen or gotten any shots ". So on the conversation went as I finally asked them for advice on possible hog locations.
They never even asked me for my license. I assumed they figured a guy hunting this late in the season with a longbow, wasn't out to break too many laws. Really nice guys, I wish I could remember their names. And so the day ended with no pigs in my sights. But now however, my last day would be the next, for I learned that the gate to the campground would be locked Friday morning. I wanted to leave for home during morning hours. That meant leaving early Thursday, the last day of the season.      

 The last day.........

[Knawbone]

Wednesday morning was cool and clear as I drank my coffee, and pillaged my brain for a way to find my game. I figured for now, all I could do was follow up on the area suggested by the men in uniform- area one.

 I spent the morning speed scouting that area, and wouldn't you know it, I found fresh tracks. Like a blood hound I followed the tracks looking and listening for a hog. I must have followed that sounder for at least 3/4's of a mile. The pigs kept following field edges until, as if they knew to, they went safely onto posted property. Damn those hogs, foiled again.  

 I needed a break and a bite to eat, so back to camp I went. I rested a bit after my meal and then new exactly were I was going. You guessed it.... to the brushy clear cut.  

 With the wind blowing over the clear cut from the direction of the power line, I drove my jeep past the check station and down the road along the south side of the field. As I came to the end of the road, I quietly exited my vehicle, shutting the doors with a slow, but firm push. This was my grand finally hunt and my senses were at a peek. There would be making no mistakes on this, my last hunt at Ocmulgee, if I stood a prayer of a chance at all. Even if my suspisions were correct, and this field held pigs, it would be very tough getting a shot in such thick cover. Hey, what did i have to lose. This was the last straw, the coup de grau.( or however you say it ).

[threeunder]

[Knawbone]

Almost right from the first step from the jeep, I found fresh tracks. I couldn't believe my luck, and I didn't waist any time, but started deciphering the tracks. Down across the bottom corner of the field they went, ending along the edge of the field, between there and the woods. The tracks went into the woods and then came back into the field. A little further ahead, I found more fresh tracks, going into the woods and then back in the field. What should I do now, I thought, where did they go, are they near or have they moved on.  

 It was then I heard it, a pig grunt. I couldn't tell exactly from which direction it had come, but the pig was close, like within 30 yds. close.I strained my ears for another directive, but heard nothing. I was sure the grunt had come from the woods, as I looked down wind. I didn't want to get ahead of their nose, that would end my hunt for sure.I back peddled to get down wind and into the woods. I worked my way into the woods as I lisened for pigs. Going no more than 10 or 15 yrds., i stoped and surveyed the situation. Just sit down and use your ears Dave, I told myself. It seemed like forever, but then I heard it again, a grunt, and a faint squeal. Now I new where they were, they were in the field.

  Keeping my ears tuned, I entered the field. I only went about 10 yrds. in and I squatted down to listen again. As soon as I croached ,the pig grunted again. They were right in front of me laying in the bushes, not more than five yds. away. Wow, success, I had found my pig and she layed at my lap.

 I once again weighed my options, but I really didn't have to many, all I could do was wait and hope the wind stayed on my side. I watched the bushes to see where and how many pigs might be there.A little time invested told me it was a lone sow with three or four shoats. I watched the bushes move and saw pieces and glimpses of pigs for what must have been 3/4 of an hour- or so it seemed.My head was reeling as I tried to think of a way to fool my target. I thought maybe I could throw a stick or rock and jostle her position, but there was nothing to throw. I wasn't sure that was such a good idea anyway, and resolved to wait. It was all I could do was wait, or back out in hopes I could catch her leaving the field. All she had to do was get up and step left or right a couple of steps. If she did, she would be mine.

   A couple of times the shoats would make an apperance were I could have shot them, but they were only 7 or 8 bls. in size. It was mama I wanted. I thought about rushing her, but didn't like that option either. I knew whatever the outcome, my hunt had been a success. I found my pig in the brushy clear cut, and could almost tackle her and stab her to death with my knife. And thats the way it ended, as the wind finally betrayed me. She caught my scent and rushed off with her shoats. It was ok, I felt satisfied I did my best. The real trophy is in my memory banks. Thank you Ocmulgee.

[RC]

Outstanding!!!RC

[Rossco7002]

Nice Dave! Much deserved after s e hard hunting, great experience!

I envy you the time you had down there, it was a great place to visit and hunt for those of us habituated to the more northern climes.

[Knawbone]

Thanks RC, I had a great mentor

  Thank you too Ross, My motivation came not only from my love for hunting, but that of my fellow Ocmulgeans.It really wouldn't have been nearly as enjoyable without each and every one of you. You Sir, and all who attended, is what made it a true vacation.

[John146]

Thanks for sharing your story!!! Getting that close on the ground is a rush!

[lt-m-grow]

Great Story Knawbone.  Thanks.

[tradlongbow]

Dave-

That was awesome story! I hunted those woods behind that high grassy pasture the first day. That's where I came across three deer while walking across the ravine that goes towards the railroad tracks.