This may be a little different slant given that I do not hunt with the guys every hunt. But my husband and daughter are in the woods with our dogs every chance they get ! I have been many times on both successful
hunts and dry runs. Watching the dogs do what it is they love is probably first and foremost the best part of hog doggin' . When it is to help a rancher/farmer out (or Golf course, subdivision ect) it is always a good feeling knowing you & your dogs have helped someone out and had fun doing it.
I`m not addicted to the thrill..that just isn't my nature BUT I am a junkie for the stories that my daughter tells when they get in. It amazes me how vividly she recalls every second of the night... an accurate account of each dogs performance, everyone on the hunts comments and silliness through out the night...and then that obvious change in tone that comes when she describes the bay. It is in her eyes, the joy working the dogs brings her, the thrill of the bay, the ride that comes with the stick...
Kass is 13 and has several serious health issues that keep her out of so much but she found her strength in dog handling and hog hunting. She has been in the woods now for over 3 years and is as good at it gets ! From training to hunting she does it all...and it's awesome. In this day and age for a teenage girl who likes pink and to be prissy at times, to take to something like hunting with dogs...it is a saving grace for a parent. There are so many other things kids can get into these days...
I still go from time to time and love watching the dogs & my kiddos... really there is no other hunting/sporting event that an entire family can go do and have so much fun along with their best friends, the dogs! Running Hogs with Dogs is where its at when you're a family of country folk & dog people
~Mis