All,

I have found a place in the panhandle (private land) that looks interesting for deer hunting in fall '05. Need 3 other hunters who are interested to make a group of 4. If interested, respond to this post and we'll discuss via e-mail.

thanks
Stone

What is the general location of this proposed hunting area? If it's not too far I might be interested.---pruhdlr

Pru-

it's near Chipley. Actually talked to the guy today and he has some availability the weekend of Jan. 20-24. I just may do it. Send me an e-mail edeering@tampabay.rr.com and I'll give you the particulars.

thanks
-Stone

What I'm looking into right now is a guided hog hunt.(gun only;long range,short range;no dogs;absolutely NO FENCES) I've seen a couple in Tex. but would rather go to S.Fla. I want to be able to drive to the hunt so I can take all my gear. I also want this to be a TROPHY HOG hunt.A real wall hanger.------pruhdlr

Pru

I have hunted hogs down around lake okeechobee in the sugar cane fields. But the size of the hogs varies greatly- you could get a 500lb monster or a meat hog. The one I shot a couple of years ago was medium, with about 1-inch cutters. Don't know how much he weighed, but 2 of us struggled to get him in the back of the pickup, so I'd guess he was at least around the 200 lb mark. The one my brother shot the same day was smaller and much leaner.

If you put a hog hunt together let me know.
-Stone

STONE, That's a great idea. Get 4-6 guys that want to get together for a hog hunt in Fla. We could have a pistol,lever,iron sights only,or any combo,type hunt. As long as the conditions that are mentioned above are met,I would definately be interested. We could reserve however many rooms that we would need at the local motel and also eat out in town. That way we could be assured that we would have a good room and good food. If we could find the right amount of people we probably get a better deal on the hunt and rooms.The places that I have checked into would cost about $750.-$1000. depending if you wanted one or two meat hogs or like me a "wall hanger". We might be able to do better. The time of year that we go doesn't matter at all to me. (I'm retired) Probably cooler weather would be better.Let me know what you think.---pruhdlr

If you're opening it up count me in if you'll have me, and maybe a buddy to go along also - have to squeeze the cash out of him though - like squeezing blood from a stone! No pun intended there Stone. I can start looking for locations also unless you already have something in mind.

ELCLOCO, 10-4, Your definately invited. I would say that we limit the hunt to Fla. I live in extreme NW Fla. but i don't mind the drive so I'd say anywhere in Fla. except for up here where I live would be up for grabs.(Plus,I'm ready to get away for awhile.) I can drive to anywhere in Fla. in 1 day max. We could even have more people if ya'll want to. It really doesn't matter to me. Ya'll can start looking around also. I will keep ya'll informed of possible dates so you can plan. The more advanced notice for you guys the better.(I can go any where,any time,no notice required.) Stone, I already have ELKLOCO's email so if you would email me we can talk further.>>barefoot@panhandle.rr.com-----SEE YA--- pruhdlr

Well guys,

just got back from my panhandle hunt.........completely skunked! I actually saw more deer by the side of US 19 coming home Sun. than while sitting in the deer stand.

However, the weather was bad (real windy) for half the trip. Also, there was abundant deer sign (tracks, trails, rubs and scrapes) all over the guy's property. So there are deer there- they just didn't come out into the food plots during the day.

I'd also have to add that his lodge is very nice.

I honestly can't say whether or not I'd ever go back to his place. If I do, there are some things I;ll do differently, like pay more attention to camo and scent control (his stands are mostly open with some camo draped to hide your legs), take some seat cushions (hard, cold metal makes you squirm in the stand after a couple of hours), and maybe take a shotgun and still hunt thru the thick stuff in the middle of the day in an effort to jump the deer after they are bedded down.

-Stone

Sorry to hear you got skunked - it can be seriuosly frustrating when you see all the sign but don't see the animals. I know that first hand, as I'm sure many others do. It's even more frustrating when you dropped some $$ to do it!

Hello All,

I was hunting in Levy county FLA a few weeks ago. I came across this place:

www.cedarkeyoutfitters.com

I have not been there, but they seem reasonable in their prices. Check them out and let me know if a get together for a hog hunt is possible sometime.

Density1

density and all fla. hog hunters

Cedar Key outfitters looks pretty good to me. As long as it's in a few months to let my bank account recover, count me in.

I'd like to hunt maybe 2 days, with either a Friday or a Monday.

hope they have some nice 90-pounder meat hogs!
-Stone

I gave them a call this PM - still no call back but it looks good to me also. Check out their website for the dates. I CAN GO ANYTIME. COUNT ME IN.---pruhdlr

All,

I have found a place in the panhandle (private land) that looks interesting for deer hunting in fall '05. Need 3 other hunters who are interested to make a group of 4. If interested, respond to this post and we'll discuss via e-mail.

thanks
Stone

Dear Stone Fence;
we're 2 ready to go, let us know what's in it and what is needed.
best regards.
pro-hunt

Hi Stone;
we're 2 ready to go, let us know what's in it and was it's needed.
best regards.
pro-hunt

pro hunt,
sent you an e-mail.

Here's a guide by Ocala, Fl. He's been featured in the Muzzy video's. Hunted with him a few times,great hunts, that's me & him in pic on boar hunting section ( I'm the old man :D ). http://www.southernarrowheadoutfitters.com

I am somewhat amazed at people that will pay the price they do for a "canned" hog hunt. Most of the hogs on these private hunts have been trapped, doctored, fed, and released in an area. For real Florida wild hog hunting........camp at Yellow Jacket on the Suwannee River.......Hunt the river swamp by boat or the islands.
No guantee, but a taste of real Florida........James

Mr. Gates,

What you have to understand about these "canned" hunts is that the people who pay for them are usually from another part of the country. They do not live in the area and do not have the time to learn the terrain. For example: If you wanted to hunt Columbia Blacktail deer in Wastington state, would you just drive up there and pick a spot on the map to hunt? Or would you want to hire a guide who knew the area, hunting rules, and where the deer were.

I have hunted in your part of Florida (Levi county) a few times because I know people who live there. I live in Atlanta and would never have the time to casually drive there and learn where to hunt hogs if I did not know those people.

Having spent my entire adult life in the gun and ammo busines, in the States and abroad, I am well aware of the need for a hunting guide in areas one is not familar with. The subject of this thread was concerning Florida. These "canned" hunt here are most inside a fenced areas hunting hogs that have been trapped, doctored, fed and baited. One gets to ride around in the truck, listen to the "guide" spin his yarn about some big hog he has seen in that area, and then there he is! There is a nice place like that here in Old Town you could consider.
However, I really don't care what others do, but I am sick of seeing these dudes come to town with a boar hog, telling some wild story about the canned hunt, when I notice the little ear mark that the boys put on the hog when they trapped it for sale to the canned hunt group. There is some nice African game stocked on some that one can kill also. "Woods and Water", Perry, Florida has all the "Game Farm" listings in their monthly rag.
Oh well......time to feed the bulldogs, James

Well, I still do not know why you would be upset by some weekend hunters having a good time. Some guys from out of town that have not had the opportunity to hunt much shooting their mouth off. Big deal. So a guy from Illinois who has never hunted before and would not stand a chance getting a hog in the open swamp gets a hog, he thinks it great and hunting has a new supporter. Thats good for us all. Let them run their mouths, they do not know any better.

Your area has miles of open land that enables people there to take off into the swamps to hunt in a true fair chase manner. That is not true in most areas of the country and even Florida. I know as I have hunted with some of the people who have posted in this thread who live in FLA and have told me they cannot find anywhere to hunt. I have myself posted on this forum asking if anyone knew of a free place to hunt hogs in GA. I got only one reply. There simply is not much open land to hunt in now on the east coast of the U.S. I can even recall seeing alot of locked gates to hunting clubs on Hiway 26? between Bronson and Cedarkey. So it looks like your area may be drying up there pretty soon. But if you know of an area that's wild an free, you might want to keep it to yourself, as it may not remain isolated long. Now of course, me and a few friends might be planning a hunt in your area this fall. Maybe you would like to show us around? :-)

Florida has more WMA per capita than any state I know of. In fact, they have added more for this year. The major problem is getting back away from the road hunters.
I have no problem taking time to go over maps, drive around some areas showing walkins, get permits, etc. for hunters coming into this ares.....but I am not a guide, cook, or wet-nurse!
Most hunt these game farms so that they are guaranteed a kill! I don't do that......it's up to the hunter and his woods skills!
I even have people camp on my three acres, use my outdoor screened in kitchen, and drive about 30 minutes to good areas. It is also good to hunt the creeks off the river. I doubt very much that you will hunt my areas unless you are shown them! I spent 5 years learning the river.
After all is said and done.....I really don't care what you all do. Whatever floats your boat.......James

Florida has more WMA per capita than any state I know of. In fact, they have added more for this year. The major problem is getting back away from the road hunters.

I doubt very much that you will hunt my areas unless you are shown them! I spent 5 years learning the river.


That's my point exactly! You live there and have the time available to you to learn the areas to hunt. Most prople coming there to hunt do not have that luxury. And if they come from way out of state, they are putting some vacation time and money into that trip. They have to look at the area's outfitters to know where to hunt. If their odds of getting a hog are greater, then to them it's money better spent.

The fact is, that the lack of land to hunt is the greatest problem facing hunters today on the east coast. If you want to hunt you must:

1. Join a private hunting club. That will cost anywhere from $500 to $1200 a year. Depending on area size, clubhouse, trophy management rules, etc.etc.

2. Go find an outfitter and pay to hunt on his land for a fee of $300 to $600 depending on what you are hunting.

3. Hunt a state WMA that has so many people in them that it looks like a Walmart half price sale. Some WMAs are on a lotto system so you may not get in in because you were not chosen.

If it were so easy to find places to hunt, then how do you explain the increasing number of outfitters that are offered?

The answer to why so many outfitters is simple.....it's call making a buck! They pay $25 for a Tusk Boar thats been trapped and charge up to $500 plus for a "hunter" to kill it.......then offer a meat and sausage deal.
I've discussed this about all it's worth.......bottom line is do what you what to do!.........James

The answer to why so many outfitters is simple.....it's call making a buck! They pay $25 for a Tusk Boar thats been trapped and charge up to $500 plus for a "hunter" to kill it.......then offer a meat and sausage deal.
I've discussed this about all it's worth.......bottom line is do what you what to do!.........James

Hey, I am just trying to explain another point of view. I think I have been fair and matter of fact about it. Sorry you refuse to accept any of my opinions. But don't have a fit. You restarted this old thread with your opinion and I replied with mine.

Let me try one more time.......For those that want a guaranteed kill, by all means go to a game farm! For those that want to hunt a new area, I have already offered to show locations, offered a camp site, to get permits, etc. What more would a hunter expect?
As for Florida Wildlife Management Areas.......again the answer is simple. Those areas that access is easy, the road hunters will fill it up. However, there are remote areas on some along the coast that the area is rough. In these areas there is always a good kill ratio. One of the best is Tide Swamp! In these areas one might killed a real Spanish Boar hog, big swamp deer, or whatever. One does need a little a** in their pants to go into a big Spanish Boar hogs domain.
There also is the Lower Suwannee WMA that is open only two weeks. Those that have come down to hunt that area can tell you what it is like back into the islands, etc.
As for getting upset.......forget it! ...........James

OK, maybe I misunderstood. All I meant to say is that hunting a new area is difficult for strangers. I and few friends have applied for the Sanbar deer hunt on St. Vincent Island WMR. If we get chosen, we will hunt for sanbar the first day and hogs on the last day and a half. The wardens do not mind us taking hogs off the island as they destroy the island.

If we are not chosen, which is likely, we would appreciate another place to go hunting hogs. We will be able to determine our plans in the fall. Can I contact you later about us hunting in the areas you mention? We are up for a challenge. We use bows, blackpower, and old mil surp rifles.

Dave

Of course it is difficult. If it was easy we'd call it grocery-shopping.

There is nothing wrong with a guided hunt, but any place that offers a guarantee of a kill is not longer a hunting experience, it is a trip to the grocery store. Hope you can see the difference.

Glad you and Mr. Gates seem to have come to an understanding on this :) Good luck with your hunting.

As always, I will do what I can showing you the ins and outs of the river hunting. Later we will be in Tide Swamp, all the way down the trams to the gulf. If we have a full moon, the boars will take their herd to the edge of the marsh to eat red fiddlers...that gets interesting. .........James

Never hunted Flordia - did hunt the swamps and cane breaks of southern Lousiana back when a kid. (Shut up, DOK! :D)

Even though many years ago, can still remember the degree of difficulty in hunting such a place and would say that unless you really have good navigation equipment and topo maps, best stay out of them without a competent guide.

Canned hunts are basically nothing more than shooting the animal on the hoof instead of buying processed at the local market. Think I'd pass and go fishing instead!

There is nothing wrong with a guided hunt, but any place that offers a guarantee of a kill is not longer a hunting experience, it is a trip to the grocery store. Hope you can see the difference.


Oh yes, I can see the difference. But you would be surpised at the number of people who cannot. They believe that any guide\outfitter hired = guarantee kill. I have gone around and around about this with a number of people, so it has become one of my pet peevs.

For ex: I saved up my money for a long time to do an African plains hunt. I finally got to do it. it was an 8 day hunt for 5 animals. Kudu, Gemsbok, Impala, etc. I bought a new rifle and practiced with it regularly. I finally got to the Limpopo valley area with my guide and started the hunt. I got my quota, not record book stuff, but I was happy. Crawled through alot of sand and thorns to make some of the best shots I have ever made.
Got back home and told my hunting buddies? of my trip. They started the "canned hunt" talk and dismissed my trip. I was told to my face "there ain't way you can get 5 animals in 8 days unless they were tied to a tree. Anybody can do that."

This sort of thing happened on my trip to Canada for my Blacktail hunt. I had a cold that developed onto pneumonia in the cold and wet snow of the mountains. If it had not been for the guides to take care of me, don't know what might have happened. Got a nice Blacktail. Still it was considered a "guaranteed kill" hunt because I used a guide service.

So when I saw Mr. gates post about Outfitters and "canned hunts". It just set me off. I am sure I am not alone in this sort of thing.

Dave

Since the gentleman has posted what "set" him off about my comments, I think it is only fair that I state what caused me to come to the conclusions I stated.
First, there seems to be some confusion between a "guided" hunt" and a "canned hunt"
A guide's job is the take the paid hunter into strange areas (to the hunter), find a good animal, and get the hunter as close as the hunter's shooting skill requires. In the past, I used guides like this in North Italy, Austria, and Germany. Some became dear frieds.
Now......When you see "Outfitters"......most of the time you see trapped hogs and farm raised deer (among other animals)! Ever noticed the cost difference between a "trophy hog" and a "meat hog"........some pre-planning there?
If it is big boar hogs, they are trapped, doctored, and doped up. The "Outfitter" is in big trouble if the "hunter" gets cut up!
These hogs are trapperd, penned up, let go to feed in a certain area, and the "Outfitter" takes the "hunter" to a place the boar will pass on the way to feed........bang!
Another successful "hunt"
The deer are about the same.....pen raised, fed fine food to develop nice racks, and are mostly tame. There is an area near here that on Sunday afternoon the children stand by the deer fence and feed Bambi (trophy bucks). Then.........these same bucks are killed by "hunters' for a nice amount of change. For a price you can even killed some African game!!!!
Another example.......bird shooting perserves. When I was with the gun companies I had to take the 'Big Shot Buyers" on a bird hunt. The Quail were so tame the dog handler had to kick them up. Even then I would have to cross fire the "Big Shot" so he could say he killed birds.
Now......I really don't give a flying flip as to what the people decide to do. I for one rather hunt true wild game and not fool myself into thinking I have done much killing trapped or tame animals.
Whatever floats your boats............James

Mr Gates and all, sorry I did not get back to this thread sooner, been busy.

Mr Gates, may I call you James? I have enjoyed this discussion. It centers on the principal of "fair chase". An ideal everyone has, but differs from individual to individual. I can tell from your statments that this is an important issue with you too. The closest I have found to a definition of a "fair chase" is: www.huntfairchase.com
But it still leaves itself open to some interpretation. As I stated earlier, I have been around and around about this. I have heard some say using tree stands to hunt from is not "fair chase", you should be on the ground with the animal. Some say that using a rifle with a hi-powered scope in too much of advantage. So, where and how do you draw the line of how much advantage a hunter should have?

The most strict and absolute code for "fair chase" I have ever come across is what I call "Carl's code". He does not believe in guides or using any "conveniences". He took me Elk hunting in the Flat Tops of Colorado. We hiked in carrying everything we needed, food ,tents, etc. The air was thin and I did not know the area at all. Carl said "go out an learn to hunt Elk". For a week I wondered around the mountains and valleys looking for Elk. I got lost in huge tree deadfalls and ended up sliding down snow banks. No one ever saw anything. I came out with nothing but sore lungs, hurt knees and strained back. I told Carl "this ain't no fun". Carl says "You ain't here to have fun! Your here to Hunt! If you just come out of these mountains alive and unhurt, you done good!" Somebody tell me thats not true "fair chase".

But, I can also see the other side of the coin for some people. Here in Atlanta, it is difficult to find convent places to go hunting. As a boy, 60's, I remember many went Bob White quail hunting. There were many convent places and the birds were plentiful. The Bob White lived in the hedge rows between fields on the nearby farms. As time passed farming methods changed and many farms were turned into subdivisions. The hedge rows disappeared and so did the quail. Now, if one wants to hunt Bob White like in the old days, you have to travel 100+ miles to hunt on "plantations".
What can you do in this circumstance? I don't think all the people who partake of this are just "big shots" too lazy to do "real" hunting. I would like to believe they have little other choice.
I know one guy who owns a construction company. He has four prime acres of land that he maintains for Bob White habitat. It is surrounded by housing subdivisions. He has quarter acre squares divided by hedge rows. He sales hunts sometimes to pay for the land tax.

I, myself have tried to seek out places that offer open land fair chase hunting opportunities in the Southeast. This quest has led me to your part of the country. One of the few places where such a possibility still exists. I have placed in this very forum a question asking if anyone knew of a place that offered free hunting for hogs in GA. After many weeks, I got ONE answer from a fellow in Savannah. We hunted on the barrier islands there.

Anyway, Mr Gates, I have been told that your hunting area is in "Dixie" county. I have been told that you have to be careful where you hunt in "Dixie" county. The people there are meanier than the hogs. There seems to be a local legend about how a man shot another man's hog. His remains were found chained to a tree in the deep cypress. Depending on how the hurricane season goes, it was flooded out last time I was there, I would like to try to hunt your areas.

Thanks, Dave

I not only hunt in Dixie County, I also live there in Old Town Hammock (about three miles north of #19 & #349 off Purvis Landing Road). My late mother's people came to Levy County (across the river) in 1866. Cissey and I moved here when I retired.
As for high water.......still good hunting on the oak islands in the flooded swamps. In fact the hunting can be beter during high water.
All you need to do is meet some of my "Swamp Crawler" friends and fit in.........James

Florida has more WMA per capita than any state I know of. In fact, they have added more for this year. The major problem is getting back away from the road hunters.
I have no problem taking time to go over maps, drive around some areas showing walkins, get permits, etc. for hunters coming into this ares.....but I am not a guide, cook, or wet-nurse!
Most hunt these game farms so that they are guaranteed a kill! I don't do that......it's up to the hunter and his woods skills!
I even have people camp on my three acres, use my outdoor screened in kitchen, and drive about 30 minutes to good areas. It is also good to hunt the creeks off the river. I doubt very much that you will hunt my areas unless you are shown them! I spent 5 years learning the river.
After all is said and done.....I really don't care what you all do. Whatever floats your boat.......James
What is your problem? :confused: I have been disabled for 43 yrs & lived in FLA 18 yrs. I have hunted WMA'S every year I've been here, with a disabled permit which allows me to go anywhere I want on my 4 wheeler. I have only had limited success hunting. I beleive this is due to the tremendous human pressure on game on these WMA'S. If you know anything about hunting at all, game can go nocturnal with only slight pressure, especially feral pigs. Did you ever think that some folks don't have the time to scout & do research, to allow them a successful hunt. In my opinion as long as they make clean humane kills on game, and maintain their respect for them and the enviornment, I say let them hunt!!! It can't be anything but good for the sport. Let's all be a little less critical of fellow hunters, we need all the support for the sport we can get!!! There are enough anti's, without us bickering amoung ourselves. Just my humble opinion. :D

The tone of these posts are starting to border on the thin line where we Moderators either lock it down or begin deleting flaming comments.

We can get our points/opinions across without being disrespectful to one another.

As one of the main antagonist in this thread, I don't think anyone has been flamed or dissed. It has, in my humple opinion, been one of the more rambunctious discussions in this forum.

I guess it is difficult for people who live in areas where there is a lot of open land, in which to camp and hunt, to understand the limited options for hunting that many of us have. It seems to be a subject that needs to be discussed.

Perhaps in a new thread.

Dave

I was generally reading this post and would like to offer some info if you don't mind. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the panhandle (pensacola area) and hunt as a boy on lots of private land but in my latter years have found wma's to be one of my limited choices. They are difficult to hunt and believe or not can produce some really good deer if you can find your little niche in the woods and scout. If anyone is interested in hogs still and in the area the absolute best place that I know of here is Parkers island. Of course you need a boat but it's located on blackwater river by the old millsouth of hwy 90. Every southern boy that I know here swears by it and you generally won't see another hunter. Just thought that I'd tell you of it. Thanks.

I was generally reading this post and would like to offer some info if you don't mind. I was fortunate enough to grow up in the panhandle (pensacola area) and hunt as a boy on lots of private land but in my latter years have found wma's to be one of my limited choices. They are difficult to hunt and believe or not can produce some really good deer if you can find your little niche in the woods and scout. If anyone is interested in hogs still and in the area the absolute best place that I know of here is Parkers island. Of course you need a boat but it's located on blackwater river by the old millsouth of hwy 90. Every southern boy that I know here swears by it and you generally won't see another hunter. Just thought that I'd tell you of it. Thanks.

Would enjoy that hunt, but perfer local hunter to share experience for at least the first time. I have a friend that would come with me for a spring hunt, Jan-apr. Who knows, we might make it an annual meeting. Meet new friends. :D

oldrel, The Parkers Island that I am simi-familiar with is located on Escambia River. Escambia being the western side and Delaney River being the eastern side of the island. I have been hunting Escambia River since I was a boy. I also grew up in PNS. The island (I've heard) has been simi hunted out. I hunt either to the south(on and around Brosenham Isld.) or up north out of the Mystic Springs area. There are still some very good hog hunting spots if you can take the time to do alot of scouting. I do not hunt an area that also allows hog/deer hunting with dogs. They will absolutely ruin it for still hunters or the spot and stalk guys(like me). I have a boat and have killed a fair amount of hogs from trolling up some of the smaller backwater streams. Two seasons ago I killed a 220 pounder on Escambia,but most are in the 120-150 pound range. Hunting from/by boat is the only way to go if you hunt the areas that I do.-------pruhdlr

Is it really true that Fla. deer are the size of dogs? Can't imagine putting a deer on a spit! JP

Understand the Florida 'glades deer are the smallest of the breed in the US.

Next cousin would be the Coues whitetail deer here in the SW. Mature buck will have 3 points (western), score maybe 80-85 B&C points and go around 65-70 lbs on the hoof.

Is it really true that Fla. deer are the size of dogs? Can't imagine putting a deer on a spit! JP

Not as big compared to deer in the mid-west. But not as small as rumor has it. Not a Cocker Spaniel sized deer. A .243 is good. Must be a good shot as they are quick.

I think the smallest is the Key Deer found down i8n the Florida keys...actually the evergldes deer, at least from what I read, are about the same as other FL deer - maybe just more abundant....food for all the gators!