DaveS

If you are going to go to the trouble of shooting a hog, why not keep it? Or a Squirrel? A deer? Possum? Raccoon??

It don't bother me to be in the doghouse brother...it's the fleas!

I was told last year by a participating "Hunter's for the Hungry" proccessor, that USDA regulations prohibits the DONATING of Feral Hogs "sus scrofa". They can butcher them for you, but will not allow them to be donated because of diseases.

Doesn't the law allow a person to "shoot" from a "stationary" vehicle while hunting on private land? I'll need to look that up, that may be reserved for ATVs.

Sorry Buddy, I forgot I swore total secretcy to you about that dove field at Haynes Bottoms, on the left side of the road just before you start down the hill. Let's keep that spot to ourselves......

I was just wondering how many TGO members are also Reenactors/Living Historians. If so, what time period, and what weapon do you use? For many years, I portrayed a Confederate Soldier with the 3rd KY Infantry CSA, and as Captain of Company A, 49th TN infantry Rgt. In the 3rd KY, I used an Enfield .577 3 banded musket. In the 49th, I carried a colt navy .36 revolver and an officers Saber. I now currently do living history demonstrations representing the 1760 - 1790 time frame. I use a custom built .50 Kentucky Long Rifle. I built it just for my persona. I love doing volunteer work for the Museum and such. I'd love to hear from any other Reenactors or "flintlock" shooters. Dave "WD-40"

The commercial on TV that causes instant outburst from me is one by "Vista Print" for business cards. "DJ NUSS", has got to go..."Oh Yeah"......!!!!!!

I wish I could help you. I used to play a mountain dulcimer, but not hammered. I want to though! I'm sure you could find some lessons on youtube.....

Crocs huh.......?

I have heard/read and was told, that the USDA is in charge of feral hog eradication in the US. Those sources also (state and local) says it cost about $10,000.00 per 1 hour of flight to shoot hogs. That was for aircraft, fuel, pilot and shooter. This crew travels all over the US under contract for the USDA, and their only mission in life is to shoot pigs! Heck, I'll trap them and/or shoot them for free! OH, but wait.....It's a liability issue.....so I've been told!

Me too! TGO is the most AWESOME forum online in my opinion. I'd like to add to this site, by sharing my knowledge and experiences for the membership to learn from. I visit no other...

I'd like to post this information for all of my TGO friends who may wish to mount a trophy this year. I retired from Taxidermy a couple of years ago (I still tinker with it), and wish to share my knowledge with you. Mr./Mrs. Moderator please feel free to move this if need be. Every year that I ran my shop (and even now), I've seen some of the most beautiful animals ruined, because of the way they were handled in the field. Remember friends, a Taxidermist can only mount what you bring him/her. Pre-mount care is almost as important as the Taxidermists work is. Here are a few tips that I hope you all find helpful. NOTE: Due to the various diseases that can be carried by Skunks, Coyotes, Feral Hogs, Raccoons and Foxes, always use extreme caution when handling the carcasses of these animals. Use Latex gloves and ALWAYS wash your hands after handling these animals. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!!! SMALL ANIMALS: Animals the size of Coyote and smaller, should not be skinned or gutted, by no one other than your Taxidermist. Small animals, especially carnivores, will spoil very quickly because of their thin hides and bacteria. If you can't take it to your Taxidermist right away, allow the carcass to cool completely, place it in a plastic bag and freeze. With the epidemic of rabies in many counties of Tennessee, every safety measure must be used when handling your harvested animals! Large Game Shoulder Mount: Caping is the process of "skinning out" a trophy animal, and is BEST left to your Taxidermist. Their experience in skinning, especially the nose, mouth, eyes and ears is invaluable in producing a high quality mount. Many trophies are ruined by in-experience! Deer head: With animal laying on it's back or hanging, with a sharp knife, slit the hide circling the body behind the shoulder midway down the ribcage behind the shoulder. Slit the skin around the legs just above the knees. Another cut will be from the back of the legs and joining the body and down to the cuts circling the legs. Peel the skin all the way forward to the ears, and where the neck/skull join, cut severing the head from the carcass. DO NOT CUT THROUGH THE HIDE!!! Skin first!! Leave PLENTY of skin. Your Taxidermist can trim away any excess....he cannot ADD skin!!! Field Dressing: When field dressing a trophy to be mounted, DO NOT cut into the brisket (chest) or the neck area. If blood gets on the hide, wash it off with snow or water as soon as possible. Also, avoid dragging the deer out of the woods with a rope. Place it on a sled or four wheeler. The rope, rocks, or dead branches can very easily damage your mount. If you need to drag your deer, do so by the antlers. DO NOT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES cut the throat of your deer. Not only is this dangerous, but most Taxidermists charge about $20.00 and inch to fix! I hope all of you find this little bit of information helpful. I will add more info as the need arises. Dave "WD-40" Sayre

I agree with what you said. Some of my issue is/was....if you shoot it, remove it! Don't let me find a deer that you shot, and took the antlers and backstraps and left the rest to rot. "It cost the young man a hunting spot, and he is never welcome back again". Just don't lie to me folks. A couple of people's actions always cost others....including me!

I have a WONDERFUL IDEA.....Lets make TGO the Best hunting and firearms site out there!!! This is the only site I visit!

How right you are!

I don't have hogs that I know of. The Cross Creeks boundary is about a 1/2 mile from there, and that place is overun in pigs. It's just a matter of time before they show up, if not already. I was just wondering how many people will now release hogs, to be able to hunt them. The TWRA biologists should be given an "eye opening" education on hog reproduction. NO HUNTING means a MAJOR population explosion. Do the research friends! Folks, I can tell you that about all the local Wardens are shaking their heads, trying to figure out what TWRA was thinking. That should tell you something! Enough said....

Kewl Beans...

The 2011 Tennessee Fishing Guide states the following on page 34; "A sport fishing license is required and only the COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE may be taken. Turtles taken by sportfishing methods MAY NOT BE SOLD. Common Snapping Turtles may be taken by all sport fishing methods EXCEPT archery, spearguns and dipping. Daily limit is 5 with a minimum length of 12 inches. Sport fishermen may also take snapping turtles with "hoop nets" (restrictions apply)". Read up on it! Dave

The taking of Snapping Turtles IS legal in state. I'll research the particulars here in a bit.

I wonder now, how many land owners will seek to release pigs on their property, to have a place to hog hunt? Just wondering is all.

Well said 101!!

It's good it was resolved. Doesn't make up for things, but maybe It'll all work out for you.

The Turkey and Yotes have to go!

I looked this week, and the fields at Haynes bottoms is about as good as I've ever seen!

I ain't seeing "eye to eye" with them Turkeys right now!