Spring time Feral Hogs

I have heard a lot of hunters lament the presence of feral hogs on their property. I for one have seen their destruction first hand. There is no arguing that they can really tear up a piece of ground. I have seen woods that look like a sub-soiler from a Caterpillar bull dozier has been through when a sounder of hogs fed through a bottom land.

But I would argue that for all of their destruction, the extra hunting opportunities at least somewhat help to hinder their destruction. I must readily admit that I really LOVE killing pigs! Hunting feral hogs is one of the more addictive things I have done in the outdoors. And when asked why I enjoy hunting them and killing them I really don't have a good answer. They are a challenge - not to the level of a trophy buck - but a challenge nonetheless. They make a fine trophy and excellent table fare. So for my money, hunting feral hogs is a great outlet for any outdoors person.

In South Carolina, where I live we are able to hunt them year around with no limits on private ground and with no weapon restrictions. This allows me to scratch the hunting itch in March, May, June and July or whenever the notion arises. I really enjoy spending early morning hours on stand in March. The cool mornings allow for a tolerable hunt with a good bit of excitement and also helps me to locate gobbling toms for the April opening of our spring turkey season. Making mental notes of roost locations, and numbers of gobbling toms helps. But when I hear the pigs coming, all planning for turkey season goes out the window. Settling the crosshairs on the shoulder of a big boar and feeling the success of a beautiful morning, brings to mind why I enjoy these Times Well Spent.

Quail Hunting on Preserves

I had an opportunity a few months back to hunt some quail with some fine gentlemen at Black Brier Preserve in Cross, SC. This facility was first class, the hospitality was exceptional. William Peagler, Alan Weiss and Kevin Davis have worked to make Black Brier a great facility.

Black Brier is a shooting preserve and a hunting outfitter. Offering quality whitetail deer hunts, turkey hunts as fine wing-shooting. They use a different method of training, or developing their birds. Using what is known as "Johnnie Houses" the birds are set in these houses 30 at a time

and released daily. They are free to roam and wander. Finding their way back to the house if they choose or staying free. From my experience these birds flew better than any preserve hunts I have been on. I was thoroughly impressed with the condition and flight of these birds.

While my experience isn't extensive with hunting on preserves, I can say that Black Brier is one of the finest. Word hasn't gotten out yet, but it soon will and there will be waiting lists of hunters wandering through the woods at Black Brier.

I have always enjoyed good companionship when hunting, that's one of the things I like about preserve hunting. The conversations and the good natured ribbing being passed along for each missed shot make this type of hunting a lot of fun. Granted, if you are really into hunting wild birds, this may not be for you. But for most who enjoy fine wing-shooting and have access to limited wild birds Black Brier offers one of the finer opportunities available in our state.

To top it off - Black Brier is partnered with Blacks Camp so when you have had your fill of wing-shooting, you can end the day chasing trophy catfish, striped bass or crappie at the famous Santee-Cooper lakes.

More information on Black Brier can be found at: www.blackscamp.com or calling

(843) 753-223

Post Season Scouting

After our deer season closes January 1. I really like to spend a good deal of time combing the woods. The sign is everywhere, and I don't have to worry about spooking a buck I may have my eye on. In fact I hope to spook him and lay my eyes on him. Then I know for certain he made it through the hunting season unscathed. But this time of year, with all of the leaves gone, the woods are open and its much easier to spot, trails, old scrapes and of course rubs.

For me, the best sign I can find is rubs. Lots and lots of rubs tells me there are bucks. And big rubs mean big bucks. When i find a line of rubs, then I know I am going to be hanging a stand in this area for next season. Looking for well worn trails, for late winter food sources and for rubs will increase your odds next season.

Waiting until "green up" you will miss a lot of the sign that you can only see when the woods are more barren. I also like to trim shooting lanes this time of year. With the openness of the forest, I can see just where I need to open this and that. I know I will have to come in and do some trimming later, but all of my heavy trimming is done in the winter. Chainsaws, and bush ax are employed and real pruning occurs to provide new lanes and open older ones.

Don't let this time of year get away from you. Trophy hunting is a year around activity and right now is one of the best times to be in the woods scouting and preparing for next season.

Wading for More Opportunities

One of my favorite methods of fishing is by the old, often overlooked method of wading. Fly anglers wade, and a few shore anglers wade. But for the most part, this method is lost.

Anglers either fish from boats, piers, or the bank - except in certain parts of the south where they prefer to fish from bridges - but to wade is something few do.

The wade angler can access locations bank anglers cannot, they can hit smaller streams or lakes that boats become cumbersome. But to wade, is to be at one with the water. To be among the fish, to share their location all the while trying to entice them to bite.

My son and I love to wade, using basic tools, usually spinning tackle with a few tried and true lures we set out with our hip boots or waders and wander into the water. Whether its in lakes, streams, farm ponds, you name it, wading opens new possibilities and opportunities.

Personally, I use a fly fishermans vest to hold my small tackle boxes, a 6' light weight spinning rod and a good spinning reel - such as a Pfleuger President carrying 4 or 6 lb test mono. This will allow you to cover most of the opportunities you will face.

When the opportunity presents itself, put on your hip boots, or chest waders and don't be afraid to wade into the water for more opportunities.