Son's first hog

[bbdown]

Went to Florida with the family for Christmas vacation. A buddy of mine took me and Andrew out for a spot and stalk hog hunt in Clewiston. Within minutes of walking off the boat we could hear pigs squeeling in the tall bushy grass. Got on the downwind side and waited for one to come out for a shot. They seemed happy to stay in the thick grass and just wouldn't come out. Finally, at just 10 yards a nice black boar steps out but before Andrew could get the scope on him he disappeared as quickly as he came out. No shot. While we waited for another chance a front came through bringing the rain and wind.After waiting 30 minutes we decided to move on. Another 200 yards and we spotted some more feeding on the edge of a drainage ditch. We stalked to within 15 yards and got setteled for a shot. They fed towards us but with the grass Andrew could just barely see them. At just 4 yards "I see him" he says. BOOOMMMM!!! The pig runs off. A clean miss at just 4 yards. Hog fever I guess. After another failed stalk he (we) was ready to hang it up. We found a dry spot to sit down to take a break and eat some lunch. Out of the grass at just25 yards a nice big red hog comes to the open to feed. We quietly stand up get the rifle on the shooting stick and he lets it rip. BOOMMMMM!!!! NO!!!! Strike two. Right under his belly. Cold, wet, and dejected we head back to the boat. With no pig to show for our efforts the mud seemed deeper and the walk back longer. With daylight fading we figured our day was over. Just beyond the boat we spotted two more feeding in the open. With not much coverwe had to be careful.Closed the gap to 40 yards.After waiting what seemed like forever theone he wanted to take finally turned broadside.This time the shot was true and the pig never took a step, dropped right in his tracks!! He wasn't a giant hog but that little .243 did a good job. Drew looks at me and says with a big smile on his face "I guess the third time really isthe charm?" I haven't been able to get that smile off him since. He wasextremely proud to take him on the ground on a spot and stalk hunt. We had talked about doing a baited hunt like he's seen on TV. But I was impressed to hear him say "This is more rewarding". I don't think he'll ever realize how proud he made me feel.</p>

 

[hookset]

CONGRATS to your son and great story! Thanks for sharing.

 

[SpurHunter]

Terrific story man, I could feel your pain, and ultimate victory!

 

[gene0122]

Give the little man a high five for me.

emoApplause

 

[mshipman]

way to go young man

 

[tndoe270]

Andrew, that's so awesome dude, I bet your still smiling as we speak. You now have taken deer and boar which is a great accomplishment that most men or women don't get to do much less at your age. Congratulations lil man on a great successful hunt. I want some boar sausage to try to by the way. I'll swap you a largemouth bass fishing trip for a pack of it? What do ya say?? Deal?

 

[Watts]

Great story......I have about that same story with my son and dear hunting. Miss after miss and then got one. He was so happy and it took two years to get is done. That is some good father and son time. Thanks for sharing. emoTongue

 

[RattleTrapper]

Awesome story and congrats to the little man!

 

[bbdown]

Thanks for all the kind words.
Kathy, he said it's a deal as long as his Dad gets to go too!!!! Breakfast sausage??????

 

[tndoe270]

yes breakfast sausage, you got an ice drill and we can drill a hole in the ice this weekend, set up a blind, turn the heater on and ice fish...

 

[bent rod]

WTG Andrew, Nice pig!!!! emoParty

 

[ukfod1]

Congrats to him

 

[jon]

Congrats to the little man!