Patton63
AH veteran
I mentioned in the "What trips are you taking" thread that I would be taking my son on his first hunting trips this year. Well, as we just returned from the mountains of West Virginia and his first hog hunt, I thought I would give a quick report. We hiked the mountains for about two hours in the morning on the day of the hunt before coming across our first pigs - about 20 boars, does, and piglets running through the woods. We took stock of where we were and where we thought they were heading and moved to cut them off. About 20 minutes later, my son grabbed my sleeve and pointed up the mountain. About 85 yards away was a group of four hogs making their way through the trees. Thank goodness for his young eyes, or we may never have seen them. We glassed them for a while to see if "his" pig was in that group. Once I made sure that his background was clear (no other hunters in site), I told him it was his choice as to whether he wanted to take one of these or continue the stalk. He stared intently at the group for a few more minutes and, after lowering his binoculars simply said that he found "the one." At that point, I stood back and watched him follow the pig as it moved through the trees. He went from tree to tree trying to get an angle and a clean shot. Eventually, he found the stump of a felled tree that gave him a clear view of the pig. One shot later, the hog was down cleanly - it didn't take a single step. It was the first animal he has taken with a rifle. I could not have been happier for him or prouder of him and how responsibly, ethically, and safely he handled himself. There is something immensely special about being able to hunt with your child - to see him try, fall, get up, and ultimately succeed. It was a great couple of days.
And, since nothing happens without photos, here are a couple pics:
And, since nothing happens without photos, here are a couple pics:
