Hunting has always been a passion with me. I particularly like to hunt the Florida wild boar. The Florida wild boar, a cunning adversary with an attitude, all bad. A brute who would not hesitate to show what his razor sharp teeth are capable of doing. Talk about a challenge, talk about hunting the wild boar, a master of survival, of adaptation. The brute with a nose that is oh so hard to fool. Cover scents helps tremendously; however, they tend to be very expensive and messy. Most Florida woods are loaded with pine trees. How about a pine cover scent that is easy to use, inexpensive, and really works? Pine Scent cover scent wafers, by Hunter's scents, fills the bill perfectly. Simply pin a wafer on your cap. To the wild boar you will smell like a pine tree. Hogs love to dig. Fresh Earth cover scent wafers also work well. I use one of each. And, get this, they last for years.
Let's consider choice of weapons to stop this brute in his tracks. Often, even with a well placed heart lung shot, the Florida wild boar will run, and, guess what? our monster is not very happy with us. Personally, I want something that will stop him in his tracks. Enter the very powerful Government 45/70. The 45/70, originally used with black powder as a buffalo gun. Marlin has perfected the lever action rifle. The Marlin 45/70, stainless 'Guide Gun' is a real classic. The Guide Gun is short, accurate, and extremely dependable. It is a favorite of the Alaskan bush pilot, and is widely used in Africa. A variety of available ammunition makes this gun very versatile. Hornady's LEVERevolution, elastomer flex tip, increases not only range, but foot pounds of pure energy. It will stop the Florida wild boar in his tracks.
Time to go wild boar hunting, time for Tracy & Christon Allen's Boar Hog Alley. Located in Cedar Key, Florida. At beautiful Tiger Island Outfitters we will be hunting in a simply stunning high and dry Florida oak, pine, and hickory forest.
But, first things first, how about lunch? The entire Cedar Key area is a traditional old Southern Florida throw back to times past. Even the little, family owned, stores reminds us of yesteryear. Hershel's owner, Ms. Elizabeth Western, lives two miles down the road. Wonder what this quaint little place has to offer?
Hershel's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Locally smoked mullet, and mullet dip, sounds good. How about some alligator meat to take home. Boy! is this ever different. I love real Country stores. This place is Florida!
Donna, our one and only waitress, suggest her signature cheese burger with onion rings. I am all for it!
Good choice, Donna, very good choice. Thanks for the good old Southern hospitality. Time to go hog hunting. Good by Hershel's, hello Tiger Island Outfitters.
We are greeted by Crichton Allen, owner of Tiger Island. Time for a short rest. That little cabin sure is comfortable, and cool. OK! Let's go hunt the Florida wild boar. Josh Glidewell, my guide for the evening hunt, picks me up in a very quiet electric golf cart. After a short drive, we see my home for the evening.
Oh no! It's raining, I mean really raining. That afternoon it rained six inches. I saw one very wet hog off at a distance. Back to the cabin. Hopefully tomorrow morning will be better, and drier. After a good nights sleep, Josh picks me up. It's off to the hog woods. The morning is beautiful, even cool for this time of year. As I settle in my little hut I immediately see hogs off at a distance. This is going to be good. Those darn hogs are teasing me. Kina looks like they do not want to be shot. I am setting over a very active electric corn feeder. Where are the hogs? Eight o'clock, nine o'clock, ten o'clock and still without hog. Josh to the rescue. Let's try creeping around the woods in our very quiet electric golf cart. No problem seeing hogs. However, getting close enough for a shot is a different story. Man! those things can hide, run, and make fools out of us. There is a really nice boar. In a flash the monster disappears. Will I ever get a shot. One hundred yards ahead, hogs, great big hogs. But they are on the run. It is easy to see why the Florida wild boar is considered one of the smartest animals in the woods. Please stop, stop just for a second. Big boy slows down, turns to assess the situation. Big mistake! Pow! That massive LEVERevolution bullet is on its way. A solid hit. Finally! Hog down and out.
What a shot, what a trip.
That electric golf cart is simply wonderful.
I really had to work for this 148 pound beauty. Isn't he cute?
Mister Josh Glidewell, my accommodating, very professional, guide is proud of me, proud of my Florida wild boar.
Hunting, and eating, have always been passions with me. Hershel's Country store, and Tiger Island Outfitters, I will be back, back soon and often.
Bob Harbison Native Florida Sportsman
Active member Florida Outdoor Writers Association
