Hitting the field – Hog Blog back on the hunt
Well, I’ve had a lot of downtime lately while trying to set up some new contracts, and it’s had me spending way too much time in the house, waiting by the phone. The weather has been beautiful the whole time, but the most I’ve enjoyed it is walking out to the mail box. Well, the heck with that!
By the time you read this, I’ll be most of the way down to Parkfield, CA… the Earthquake Capital of CA… hoping to fill a pig tag (and get some use out of my Golden Ram membership). Of course, just spending a couple of days on my own in the CA back country has its own appeal. It’s not a run to the tropics to chase big fish, but it’ll get me out of the house and away from the computers and telephones that dominate way too much of this modern life.
I know, I know… “You were just turkey hunting a couple of weeks ago!”
Well, that was guiding, and I like the guiding thing, but that’s hunting for someone else. Guiding means spending the entire weekend worrying about someone else’s concerns… the client first, the landowner next, and the outfitter after that. It really doesn’t include the opportunity to think about yourself. But for the next couple of days, I don’t have to worry about anyone else but me. I can hunt how I want, when I want, and where I want to go. And sometimes you just need those selfish experiences… at least I do.
I should be back by Saturday or Sunday, and maybe I’ll have some pictures of a big hog and a freezer full of meat. But regardless of what (or if) I kill, I can guarantee it’ll be a successful trip.
“But regardless of what (or if) I kill, I can guarantee it’ll be a successful trip.”
My thoughts exactly. Glad you have the chance to go out by yourself and enjoy the great outdoors and everything else we love about hunting. There is something about going out by ourselves that puts us in touch with nature and our inner most thoughts and feelings – I enjoy it. I love companionship, too, but there is another aspect when we’re by ourselves that is truly enjoyable, as well.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Good luck and remember your own advice and be safe. Looking forward to stories when you get back.
May 8th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Sounds like fun. Hope you have/had a successful trip. Oh yeah, that was a guarantee!
May 8th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Sounds like a great time Phillip. All of us need a little selfish time every now and then. Enjoy your time in solitude and hopefully you have a pic of a big pig when you return.
May 8th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Wishing you a most enjoyable hunting trip Phillip,
The sound of silence__________________________
May 11th, 2008 at 6:13 am
Thanks for all the good wishes! I did have a great time, and as I sort of suspected, came home pig-less. Tough hunting on that particular ranch right now, with the ground so dry and hard it’s impossible to see tracks (even cattle barely scuffed the ground). Didn’t realize the ranch didn’t plant barley this year, so all the food was on neighboring properties.
Oh well… sure was awesome, especially the Thursday night coyote serenade. They lit up the whole valley, including two or three that came right into the camp area to sing the chorus for me. Very cool music.
May 11th, 2008 at 7:17 pm