The Ground Hog Lottery

[snert]

I believe it's the result of a mild winter and good crops of hay and beans from last year. My brother's at around 65 so far and I'm at 31. There's still plenty of families left too. Just need to wait for the second cut.

You are killing me. I have not been out yet. Might make it in July to NY

 

[K22]

I believe it's the result of a mild winter and good crops of hay and beans from last year. My brother's at around 65 so far and I'm at 31. There's still plenty of families left too. Just need to wait for the second cut.

Yea, haven't seen like this in years at least on two farms so far. Hog boys everywhere. I'm up to 40 so far with 8 misses and 3 wounds. Of the 8 misses I believe I've taken 5 of the previous misses on followup hunts but one never knows if its the same hog even out of the same hole. Shooting off a shooting cross stick is a challenge and if you don't do everything near perfect you're going to miss. Also I just don't have the same physical stability I once had or the eye hand co ordination.

Plan to go out tomorrow to new farm - will hunt it if fields are cut. Got three other farms to visit as back up plans A - B - C. Hog addiction is a wonderful affliction! The Ground Hog Man Cometh!

PS: One of the ones I saw on Wednesday was at 271 yards - a little out of my range since I haven't a scope reliable enough for accurate dial up; and hold over at that distance is iffy at best. So this guy was in the middle of a ground cover field the farmer planted for winter cover and just cut and baled, i.e. nothing to eat now. Figured the old hog boy will mosey on down to the ripe alfalfa for dinner for a closer shot. So I waited until he surveyed the area for threats and felt safe. Sure enough, about fifteen minutes later he moved out of his hole down to the alfalfa field, now 223 yards away. Not an easy shot for me since hog is partially obscure due to roll of terrain and height of alfalfa but still a make able shot for me. Sent a 55 Nosler BT - hog down - tail doing the death wiggle. Large male. Being a hog psychologist is just as important as being a good shot - sometimes.

 

[MrMajestic]

I shoot from a Bog Pod tripod and agree with you, you gots to do things right! Of course if I can get my back agin a tree it sure does get easier...

 

[MrMajestic]

PA knows they have a problem and are finally addressing night vision...

 

[K22]

Well I finally made it to the new farm and the field was cut. By prior arrangement, I text messaged the wife to alert her that I'm coming - I had prior approval to proceed if no one was around as long as I texted her in advance. When I get there no one is around so I parked the truck and headed to the hay field.

The bad new is that the weather was awful, high winds, some spotty light rain (forecast was "0" % chance). I walked the huntable areas first before setting up since this was my first hunt here. I had to cross the pasture (Angus cattle) through two gates to reach the hay field. I made sure the gates were secured after I crossed them. Didn't think much of that at the time but later... well read on.

For starters it's a small farm, about 150 or less areas and didn't look well maintained. The huntable area consists of one hay field bounded on the north and south side by about 400 yards of tree line each. Because of the terrain you have to hunt each tree line from the opposite side. The good news is the tree lines are loaded with active holes. I counted at least 18 on the North tree line before I stopped counting. There are also active holes in the field. I set up to hunt the North treeline. The maximum shot is about 200 yards, ideal for my Rem Model 7, 223 Rem.

Between 5:00 and 6:30 I shot six: 160, 176 (two each same hole), 102, 105, 147. Saw four more at distances less than 50 yards and passed on them.

I was about to reverse field to hunt from the other side when the farmer shows up in his pickup truck and informs me that his bull had gotten loose and was concern since it's nasty. He strongly suggested that I leave the field because the bull sometimes finds his way to the hay field and doesn't like intruders - meaning me! The last thing I need is more broken body parts so I eagerly complied. Been chased by them before - not something I want to repeat at my age. He was impressed that I made it through the pasture without getting gored!!! You can't make this stuff up!!!

I informed him that I made sure the gates were secured when I crossed the pasture. He informed me that the bull had gotten loose from a break in the south fence line, happens a lot he elaborates. He asked me if his wife (who recruited me) warned me about the bull. No, I replied. I'm not getting a warm feeling. He gives me a ride back to my truck, I thanked him and departed.

Still early so I go to another farm but see nothing. Its clear this new farm has potential, perhaps under better weather conditions but the bull thing got my attention. It might not be the "Ground Hog Lottery" - It might be the "Bull Nightmare!"

Wife texted me later and apologized for not warning me about the bull. Replied that we have to work that out if I'm to help them with their ground hog problem. Why do all the crazy things happen to me!!!!

 

[hogpatrol]

Good day in the hay field! I doubt you got a quarter of those rascals. As far as the bull, you haven't had a bull chase until you've been chased by one while wearing hip waders, carrying an eight foot fly rod with six trout in the creel. I made it across the creek, pretty much walking on water and up a steep embankment just in time. Didn't have to change my drawers but was pretty close.