Sunday Morning

Leo and I moved the Gametamer filming stand last night to another location called the "Bat Cave," where he felt like we'd have a sure-fire shot opportunity for at least a hog.  As we were hanging the stand at about 11:30, Mark, Craig and David came by on four wheelers, on their way to night-hunt some hogs in an area where they had corned the road.  

The "Bat Cave" is known for producing lots of hogs.  Daniel and I walked in well before daylight.  Our hearts got a jump-start when, just as we reached the base of the stand, the feeder unexpectedly went off 12 yards away.  Daniel was up the ladder before the corn hit the ground! 

I followed behind, and soon we were strapped in, eyes straining in the darkness, scanning for any movement coming in search of fresh corn.  An hour later, right at daylight, the feeder sounded for the second time.  Anxiously we awaited the impending arrival of deer, hogs, anything!  We did hear some movement in the brush in front of us, but never saw what it was.  The morning passed by slowly, as we finally resigned to the fact that this wasn't going to be our weekend.  Leo radioed, and Daniel reluctantly instructed him to come pick us up.  We tried to force the action with a grunt call before Leo arrived, but it was a hopeless attempt.  We drove on to pick up Kavin, who had seen a lone 5 point buck, and then returned to camp.

I'll admit we were all a bit disappointed, but certainly not discouraged, as we realize that in hunting, and especially bowhunting, there is no such thing as a sure-thing.  Perhaps it was the weather, or maybe the activity at the location last night boogered up the area.  But Daniel, Kavin and I are not leaving empty-handed.  Daniel has a brand new set of Brush Country Camouflage and the experience of being able to watch the behavior of several different deer within shooting range, which will contribute to his future successes as his bowhunting career continues.  I appreciate the opportunity to sit with young Daniel, and the opportunity for fellowship with Kavin, Leo, Mark, Craig, David, Mack and Boyd back at the Buck n' Boar lodge.  It was refreshing to see the continuous grin on Daniel's face, even when it was finally evident that our hunt was over. 

Plans are already in the works to do another Youth Hunt next year, and I welcome the opportunity to work with Leo and Mack to make it an even better hunt for whichever young hunter is chosen. 

Thanks again from Daniel and me to Leo and Buck n' Boar Outfitters.  Be sure to check out their website at www.bucknboar.com for information on booking your hog hunt.  And, I'd like to say thanks to Mrs. Martinez for allowing us to invade her home after each hunt so we could include you in the action via the Live Hunt Updates. 

Also, thanks once again to Robert and Brush Country Camouflage for outfitting Daniel on this hunt.  Their pattern works well in any environment.  See for yourself by visiting them on the web at www.brushcountrycamo.com.

Be sure to join in on the discussion from this hunt by clicking on the link.