Going to Mother Nature's Grocery Store

As I've previously told all the loyal readers: I like to eat. As y'all can gather from my other posts, I also like guns and shooting things. Thus, Boar hunting was the perfect combination, but we'll get to that in a minute.

If you couldn't go to the grocery store, would you be able to eat? My personal belief is that "No" is an unacceptable answer. I'm working toward being able to say yes by learning how to manage a garden and from hunting and fishing. I'm becoming a frequent shopper at Mother Nature's grocery store: the prices are good, the food is delicious, and you get it as fresh as you want it.


The following pictures are from a fishing trip Brian took up at Panther Creek. I wasn't able to tag along for the trip, but he was kind enough to supply us with pictures of the trout he caught as well as some pictures of the cleaning process after he got them home. Fish are high in protein, can be cooked many ways, are low in fat, and can be had year round depending on species.

Now let's talk about Boar hunting. All I can say is that pulling the trigger on an animal that big makes you feel alive. The adrenaline rush is huge and it's a challenge to hold the crosshairs steady. But wow is it worth it!

We left to go hunt at 4:15am on Sunday May 1. We were in the stands at 7:30am and we both had our pigs shot by 10:45. There is not a better way to spend a beautiful May morning than getting a monster of a pig.


Brian one-shot dropped his fairly early. Mine was a whole different story. After tracking mine on foot for a mile or so in the woods, we finally found him bedded down between to fallen trees. I couldn't get a clear shot on his neck, so I took a shoulder at 20 yards. He didn't squeal or make any noise, he just jumped up and ran. I couldn't get a follow up shot on him and then he was gone. After riding through the woods on the four wheeler, I spotted him again and shot him again. He turned around and charged me. Another round to the shoulder and he dropped...but got right back up and kept charging me on three legs. I tried to chamber another round but I was out. The guide put a 45-70 to its brain at 6 ft and the pig dropped 2 feet in front of me. He was a tough one: 3 30-06 rounds and a 45-70 before he went down.

All told, me and Brian ended up with with about 100lbs of meat each. So far what we have eaten has been really good. Lean, good texture, not too gamey tasting. Brian donated a good portion of his, and we are both smoking a lot of it this weekend. I'll post updates. Here are some pics to keep y'all entertained.

 This is mine after he finally went down. That exit wound is from the first shot, is the size of my fist, and he ran 200 yards after that. It was the only bullet to make it all the way through. 150grn Core-Lokt in 30-06 Springfield.

 This is my pig up on the log before the real pictures started.

 Brian's pig up on the log getting ready for pictures

 Look at the cutters on Brian's pig! Those are real sharp and real thick. They will tear you up quick.

My pig after the 45-70 to the face. Bad day.