Dogs and Hogs

[1prcntr]

I got an invite to go to our hunting camp and attempt to lower the swine population today. There is a young man in the club that uses dogs to bay them and then they stick the hog in the pump station with a knife. They got a 100lb sow yesterday. I have never been a fan of using hounds to hunt. I don't think there is anything wrong with it, it's just not for me. I decided since the boys were out of school for Mardi Gras it would be a nice to have a boys day out. The temp was around 36 degrees so we dressed appropriately and headed out. I packed the Nintendo DS's figuring the boys would lose interest after awhile. After about 10 minutes at our first stop we caught a litlle one. The boys were excited and I was impressed. This was our only catch of the day. We arrived at the camp around 0900 and left at 1600 (4pm). Not once did the boys ask to play the video games! They even asked if we could go back tomorrow. I was imressed that the young man had taken the time to train these dogs (6 of them I think), learn and master the skill, and invest money in good equipment. The dogs had GPS collars and protective vests. Needless to say I was proud of how my boys behaved and maintained interest in the event. Although little brother did drop kick big brother in the chest for stealing his rock Anyway I had a great day with my boys and hope they had a great day with thier dad! The little piggy was not harmed and was taken home by the young man with the dogs to aid in training and to get fattened up

 

[Cypress]

Glad things worked out well for you. I know lots of folks that love hunting with dogs and Lord knows we could stand to lose a few hogs. Just make sure the property owners around the area are cool with the dogs.

 

[1prcntr]

We hunt on 9,000 acres so the hogs can be a pain to locate. I could definately see the advantage of the GPS collars. It showed the dogs location and distance etc.. Thought it was interesting.

 

[BFE]

Nice to hear about a great family outting and I feel sure from what you said your boy's feel the same.
Hound hunting for most game is old as the hill's and many of us have have been using them for years. Personlly I feel the sport of hound hunting is one of the best activaties for kids to enjoy, it keeps their interest very well for years in some cases and keeps them out away from troubled kid's that will end up getting them in trouble if left un checked.

 

[MCgunner]

I've done the pig stickin' thing. It's rather athletic running through rice fields at night chasing dogs. I don't think I could do it anymore, fat old fart that I am. Glad you had fun.

 

[chas08]

Way to go, Dad. Thanks for getting your Kids involved in the outdoors.

 

[Fremmer]

As an older sibling, I have to admit that there were certainly times I deserved to be drop-kicked!

Glad to hear you and the boys had a good time. You sound like a good dad.

 

[1prcntr]

LOL......should be interesting when he gets on the football field this year.

 

[TCB in TN]

Any day out with the kids is a great thing. A good day out hunting just makes it even better. It is funny how many people who have never hog hunted with dogs think it is so easy. A good bay pack takes work to make, and it sure makes hunting much more fun IMHO.

 

[pwillie]

Hog hunting is for young folks...especially if you chase dogs in a swamp!