Took my daughter hog hunting this weekend...

[threeunder]

I had been planning to head down to GA for the past 3 or 4 months.  At times there were as many as 3 of my buddies going...LOL.  Then, about 2 and a half weeks ago, the last one backed out.
So, that night, I made the statement to my wife that I wouldn't be going because I didn't have anyone to hunt with.
That's when my oldest daughter, KD, piped up and said, "No one asked me"!  So, with just a bit of calendar checking, we decided to give it a whirl.
KD is 16.  She first started hunting when she was 10.  Over those  years she's taken a couple of deer, an exotic goat, and a spring turkey.
She shoots a recurve, but, after talking, both she and I agreed that she was not at the point she could ethically take it out after hogs.  With that, we decided she would be toting a ML.
Our preparations were comical at times.  Outfitting her over about 14 days for hunting in the swamps of Georgia was a bit of a whirlwind.  Eventually, we got her the basics of snakeboots, Thermocell, Bushnell Backtracker, and a decent pack and rain gear.  That, along with the stuff she already had left her pretty well equipped.

[threeunder]

Before continuing, I have to thank RC for putting up with my constant questions regarding some of the Georgia WMA's.  He is such a wealth of knowledge and having him to keep an eye on the water levels with the recent rains ended up preventing our trip from being a total wash.
Thank you RC.  You are the type of person that makes TG so great and the type of person I would be honored to share camp with.
Because of the recent rains, we altered our plans about Tuesday of last week.  We had been planning on going to a WMA a little further south in the state, however, high water there ended up directing us a little further north and west at Oaky Woods.
I knew the Hill gang was having their get together at Ocmulgee and had hoped to get to meet some of them, but I did not want to "crash" their get-together.  I know they would have understood KD's need for carrying the weapon she had, but just didn't know how they would react to someone toting a Thunderchild around...LOL.  Seriously though, some of the guys did invite us over to Ocmulgee.  We had intended to make it over there, but just flat ran out of time.  Maybe next year.
By Wednesday, the weather forecast was looking dismal.  Rain, rain, and more rain.
We roled into Warner Robins Thursday night after a beautiful travel day.  By the time we had unpacked, the wind was picking up and you could "feel" the storm coming in.  The rain started a couple hours later.
Friday morning, we headed out the door and swim...err, I mean walked to the truck.  Heavy rain coming down.  Water standing in the roadways.  Wipers on high.  Ahh. But we were in Georgia...and we were hunting hogs.

[threeunder]

What a great time we had.  We spilled no blood, but just had a blast with each other.  We got on hogs both days, but neither of us could get a shot.
This WMA is beautiful.  There is everything from Pine forests to swamp, to southern hardwoods, to creek/river bottom.  Just a vast array of different habitats to hunt.
KD says she is hooked on hog hunting and wants to go back when we can.
Here are some photos from our hunt...

We're here!
 

This is probably the dryest part of the whole place!
 

You have to wonder at what has passed under the 6 old trees since they've stood there.  Looking at this field was very humbling.  To think the history these trees have is just difficult to grasp.
 

Lunch break on Friday.  She's having a blast!
 

[threeunder]

We had to look quite a bit, but we found hogs.
 

There aren't any deer on this WMA, but I did snap a nice photo of my Thunderchild...LOL
 

The beautiful pines of Oaky Woods....just stunning!
 

And, of course, we had to take each of our photos with the infamous Oaky Woods School bus!
 

 

And one last photo we took a couple of hour before leaving (at the bus again).  I swear things are greener and brighter now than when we got there the day before.  Spring is on the way!
 

Thanks again RC.  I appreciate your help!
Ken

[Izzy]

Looks like good times despite the rain.

[Biggie Hoffman]

I've seen bears on Oaky Woods, almost mistook one for a big black hog once. You see any?

[LV2HUNT]

Good stuff, congrats on the great trip with your daughter.

[Jerry Russell]

Looks time a wonderful time with your daughter.

[JAG]

       

[twitchstick]

Good stuff!

[wooddamon1]

[jcar315]

Looks like a great time.

[Mudd]

I am jealous!!

Thank you for sharing.

God bless, Mudd

[b.glass]

Excellent story! Even if there was no blood. I'm planning a hog hunt with my 16 yo son and a nephew (he's like 35 though). I am sooo excited!

[BDann]

Sounds like you guys had a blast in spite of the weather!    

[MCNSC]

Thanks for sharing. Sometimes us men forget to include our daughters in our outdoor plans, I know I am guilty. Though some of my best hunting and fishing photos and memories are with one of my girls along. Wish now I had made it a point to try to include them more often.

[maineac]

I think the trip worked out perfect!  Congrats on having your girl wanting to join you, and kudos to you for getting her set to enjoy!!

[Froggy]

A grand time for sure....neither of you will ever forget it !

Froggy

[Shedrock]

 Thanks for sharing!

[threeunder]

BH,
No...no bears.  Didn't see any bear sign either.  I had read that there were a few around.
Ken