Hello gentlemen (I use that term loosely -- very loosely!)!

There has been some interest over the last week or so to put together a group hunt or gathering of some sort, involving firearms. Anyhow, last year (or was it two years ago?), Franchise graciously organized a group hunt in North Carolina that by all accounts was a success. I spoke with the outfitter I most often work with -- Hog Heaven Outfitters of Johnston County, North Carolina, about a group hunt and as importantly, a group rate.

February is already all booked up, but he promised to make a space for us in January. January is a good month to hunt there as the deer season will have ended and the animals will not be feeling any pressure, on top of the fact that it won't be hot.

Anyhow, his normal rate is $900.00 for a 3-day hunt, all inclusive (this includes meals). He is willing to do the 3-day hunt for $700.00 for us. Keep in mind that North Carolina now requires a license to hunt hogs. You will eat more than well, and sleep in a bed in the bunkhouse. You will also need the night hunting permit that you can get off of the NC DNR site at no cost. You will be hunting at night -- lights to mount on your firearm will be provided by the outfitter if you don't have one. This is a 100% free-ranging hog hunt so there are no guarantees. That said, I have taken a whole bunch of hogs on their property -- which is about 2,000 acres if I can recall correctly.

Those interested, please contact me here and via PM.

Here is a little preview of some of the hogs I have taken there.

Forgot to add -- here is their website:

http://www.hogheavenoutfitters.com

Sounds like a fun hunt. I have never hunted boars at night. Do you hunt over bait? Spot & stalk? Will you have enough artifical light that an Ultra Dot could be used?

240, I got to hunt with Hog Heaven this year, you sit stands over areas that have feeders or mountians of sweet potatoes, Hunt mid-late afternoon all night, or as long as you can sit. The lights are a green or red led hunting light, which does not spook game.

The crew is great, you will not be short of laughs or great food. also another great way to diversify your freezer full of venison,

Here is one of the same types of light mounted to the red dot on a rifle. I'll dig up some other photos later to better show you.

Whit, you put that rig on your handguns as well?

Absolutely! I will post pics later.

Sounds like a good way to test my 458 Lott barrel I finished this am. That's a long ways to go for a hog hunt though but who knows, I'll have to see how things start to develop.

It would be awesome if you could make it, Rod!

Sounds like a great time. A bit too far from home for this old fart.

Well I've got a step mother in Charlotte and I haven't seen her since my dad passed in 04 and I have a ton of extended family still in the mountains of Kentucky. I actually have family in Florida, Georgia, NC, Kentucky, Ohio and I'm sure some I don't even know about all over Dixie.

The perfect excuse, er opportunity, Rod!

Where are our North Carolinians -- or do you prefer Tar Heels?

Franchise??

Of course I'll try to attend,got to try and catch some more of those slabs.

You're too close not to!

Would love to! But we are going to Mexico in Jan., and too close for another vacation.

Good luck you Luckies!

MN

Thanks, MN!

I would really like to try and make this trip. NC is a pretty good haul from MO, but would really like to meet some of you guys. Going after some hogs would just be an added bonus. Heck I may be retired by then, and looking for something to do.

Dan

Would love to, Whit!

This is great! I hope y'all can make it!

I'm in!

Thanks for the invite Whit! I already have a fall/winter boar slaying booked. The Jersey Wildman & another member or two will attend the blood bath. Good luck to you all, I hope you all kill nice boar.

Sounds like this needs to become an official annual event!

do they allow the knife hunting for them? I've always been fascinated by that but I think you have to use hounds to do it.

Rod, you can come down here to Bama and hunt 'em with spears. I have trapped 21 of those suckers in the last few weeks so your chances are pretty good.

Come on David, it's not till January and it's local. Would love to get all of us together and well, it's in your backyard. Come on David!

You can use the knife, but no hounds! Might make it a bit tough! LOL!

That sounds like fun if I can work in in. Not much farther than we drive now to hunt hogs. I have the Glock converted to .45 super with the picatinny that will take a light for the night stuff. I will talk to Matt and see if he is interested. reflex264

well if you can talk Franchise into coming he can rope em and I'll cut em

Work on him, Rod! He's too close not to come and if he can't come to hunt he should at least stop by to meet and greet well, and eat!

Or even come out and shoot a little -- they have a nice range.

Gentlemen, we need more people to participate to make this happen.

BTT

would love to Whit, but just cannot swing it this year

I understand completely!

How many folks need to be signed up to make it happen?

I would like to see ten or thereabouts.

I am 90% sure I can make it, If we got a group of 10 I better kill a few more deer this year to make some venison chili to bring down.

I wish I could say for sure but odds are against it although if things were to work out I'd love to do it. A summer hunt would be even more doable but still tough although I'm hoping sooner than later I'll be able to get back east to hunt with my handgunning bretheren

Whitman,

I understand what you are trying to do. I organize a hunt at the YO every year. It is not easy. Good luck.

It is the wrong time of year and too far for me. Plus, I would not pay to hunt hogs. I would; however, pay the fee to meet you and the others.

I'm another one that would love to make the trip but the distance and time constraints will prevent that from happening. I do hope you can get others to commit. It will fun nonetheless to hear the stories and see some pics.

I have organized group hunts before that were successful. No one forcing anyone to pay to hunt them, but when they're wild and truly free ranging, they do present a challenge, and that is the part that draws me the most. Even hanging out and breaking bread would be nice.

I understand those who live far away may not be able to come, but the locals should be able to.

Rod, understood. But you don't want to hunt there in the summer -- trust me!

Rod you definately don't want to do summer hunt,it was so hot one time your eye sockets would fill up with sweat while trying to sleep.

I'll bring some bear meat and we'll do a stew or fried steaks and gravy or maybe spaggetti.