Hoggin....

[Dave Sikorski]

Back at it this evening. Had a few min to spare before the sun went down, so we hit the roof of the barn and began glassing.

A small one stood up at about 90 yds and after one miss, the second shot found it's mark. Seconds later a biggun walked out to see what all the commotion was about. Again it took two shots, but the second found it's mark and down it went.

2 in the bag for the night.

Time to head home, or is it?

Checked the hole and found one sitting on the edge. This time it took only one shot and #3 for the night took a little nap.

I think that's 27 or so for the year. Not too bad considering the hay still isn't cut.

-D

[Dave Sikorski]

6 tonight, that makes it an even 40 at this farm. Not sure about the total on the season anymore.

They cut the hay in one field this morning, and after some workers left, I had the place to myself. There was a strong crosswind for my first shot and I missed two attempts at one that was barely showing his head.

I walked my way back to the truck to get my shooting sticks and missed another one at 90 yds off hand.

Watched a really big one stand up at 235 yds and knew there was no way I could hit him, especially today. He disappeared into the brush. I know that's gonna be a tough one.

A big dark one came out at 167 yds and I missed him 7 TIMES! . At this point I'm convinced something is wrong with my scope. As he finally runs away after I put one at his feet, another one stood up about 100 yds away.

One shot one kill!! FINALLY, maybe all this missing was just me!

The next two went down rather quickly, 40 and 81 yds. I'll tell you what, this fresh cut hay stuff is fun. The piles hide the hogs well and make it kinda like whack a mole. I forgot how fast the action can be when you can see them from a few hundred yards.

The big one from before came running across the far field and cut the distance in half. It ended up getting behind some brush, so I started a stalk. Got within 90yds and ruined his afternoon snack.

4 down!

I decided to leave the fresh cut stuff and do the "loop" that I've been walking for a few weeks at this place. There's been a quadruple hole at the end of a fence that we've blown a few stalks and shots on in the past month. I didn't expect to see one at the holes, but as I got to about 15 yds there he was. I made a quick shot and he jumped in the hole with a new hole of his own!!

As soon as I could work the bolt, another one came out of the brush from 10 yds and paused over the very same hole. Oops, bad afternoon for another one!

I finished the loop without another shot, and headed for home.

I did almost break my leg today stepping into a hole that was covered by the cut hay. Now I can see how a cow or horse might do the same.

Went through quite a few rounds today. Tomorrow there will be some more cut hay, and they're in deep trouble, I've worked all my kinks out. At least for now

-D

[Capt-D]

Wonder if its any good?

Groundhog Roundup
By Belly Buddy David Lauterbach

Are you hankerin' for some hog? Get on board with the latest health craze in the nation and dig in to some groundhog.

We rounded up three of the most popular groundhog recipes on the web for your enjoyment... not your eatin' enjoyment- your readin' enjoyment.

Actually I'm quite surprised that anyone with a computer and the intelligence to get on the web was able to share these with us, but here they are. Technology is useful in so many ways.


Trailer Park Groundhog

Take gun (.22 cal is good). Load with bullets and accurately fire at head [Ed. Note: We're assuming the groundhog's head, not your own].

Skin groundhog and gut him. Clean out carcass with waterhose.

Cut critter into quarters.

Make up a big batch of your favorite marinade (make sure it has oil and vinegar to help tenderize the groundhog).

Throw marinade and critter pieces into plastic trash bag and marinade around 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Take out marinated critter pieces and throw on the grill on low heat. Cook until rare to medium rare. Do not overcook, critter will dry out.

And no one likes their critter dry.


Country-Style Groundhog

1 groundhog
1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 c. cooking oil
1/2 tsp. sugar

Clean and skin as soon as possible. Remove all sent glands. Cut off head, feet and tail. Cure in cool place by suspending from hook approximately 4 days.

When ready to cook, lard according to recipe.

Dress groundhog as you would a rabbit, removing the small sacs in the back and under the forearm. Soak groundhog overnight in salted water to remove wild flavor.

Combine flour, salt and pepper; rub into groundhog pieces. Brown grounhog in hot oil in skillet; sprinkle with sugar. Reduce heat and add 1/2 cup water. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes or until tender. Remove cover and cook for 10 minutes longer.


Boil & Bake Groundhog from "Cookin' With Home Storage" by Peggy Layton and Vicki Tate.

Skin and clean the groundhog. Boil until tender. Remove from the water and season with salt, pepper and red pepper. Bake in an oven at 350°F. or cook over an open fire.

[Dave Sikorski]

The economy aint that bad Dennis!

I'll gladly save you a few. The amount of flies on these things make one of this african hungry people commercials look like a joke.

-D

[Captain Michael Buffington]

As a kid we used to hunt them in the lakes with a trolling motor, a spotlight, and an air rifle. My dad used to get up for work to see me and my buddy Brad walking up with a half dozen nutrias and a stringer of crappie, good times They grilled pretty good
Mike

[Capt-D]

The economy aint that bad Dennis!

I'll gladly save you a few. The amount of flies on these things make one of this african hungry people commercials look like a joke.

-D

I wonder if Mr. Watkins has eaten them?

-D

[Dave Sikorski]

213 yds.

It took 3 shots to hit the mark, but he's in hoggy heaven now.

One other blown stalk when the sucker wouldn't get clear from a fuel oil tank and a window. Inconsiderate sob.

-D

[Dave Sikorski]

One died today by sandwedge at 1 yd. Never seen anything like it. The cart girl didn't know what to think either.

-D

[nautiduck]

I need to find a field with ground piggies. I just picked up a couple of rem 5mm's. For those that dont know what they are they were supposed to be a replacement for the .22 with alot more zip. They just didnt market it very well and the win mag won that one it was discontinued in the mid 70's but supposedly is making a come back. Its the length of a .22 win mag in a .204. Ive actually got one shooting 1" groups at 250 yds. Real impressive for a rimfire. Its already dropped a coyote at 125 yds.

[krabill]

Hey Saxis Islander, I saw one in stockton a few weeks ago, first one ever that I can remember. They must be spreadin, I bet they are past sign post crossed the highway and headed through Sanford right now.... :-)