Last week, I finally got a chance to roam the woods and swamps of the Paradise, with famous pig hunting bum/guide/host Matt Shuster.  Joel Smith, and Kieth Bruner joined for a couple forays into the woods.   To say I had some fun is an understatement!  

Truly an adventure for this mountain boy to visit such a neat locale....and the pig hunting was good too!   I'll be short on details, as a story will soon be in the works for this one, but here is a pic or two.  

First off, heres the hanging pig....thing looks HUGE, don't it!  I'm 235 pounds and 6'2"....and I think if I'd let this one grow it could'a been another hogzilla....well perhaps I'm stretchin it a bit!  

Okay....so heres the reality pic.  Still, a respectable 90 to 100 pound sow, and good eatin.  Matt said I could'nt shoot any sow's with hanging teats or little ones.  This one was a young gal that had'nt been bred yet (how he could tell, I don't know...she mighta been using contraceptives)  Anyway, I'm sure proud of it, and I had a blast learning about cypress swamps and mature hardwood forests of south Georgia.  

I used my sinew backed osage flatbow to take her...."Frankenstien"...with a pine shaft and 190 ribtek head.  

   

I should add, I also had a great time shooting AT carp and gar with Matt and Grady, although none of us could connect.  Then the Trad Bowhunters of Georgia had me play some tunes and show some slides and that made for a fun end to my week of adventure.  Thanks again, Matt, Joel, and the TBG folks.

Congrats Mark....nice pig.  

I didn't make it down to hunt with Mark but spent some time with him at the TBG banquet Saturday night. What a swell guy!

If any of you guys are looking for a guest speaker at your local or state gathering, Mark does an excellent singing/slideshow with his own songs that is very different from what you've ever seen.

A fine job Mr. Baker.....

   

congrats!!!  

Nicely done.

Well done, Mark! You certainly used a terrific bow!

Right on Mark    

Congrats on the pig! Enjoyed the show at the banquet too!

Mark, the pleasure was all ours.   You are a great addition to camp and it sure was fun roaming the swamps with you.  And I will second what Biggie said - if you need entertainment, Mark is as good as it gets.

   

Watch out Mark, You may be trading the High Lonesome for the River Swamp.  It will get into your blood!

That is AWESOME, Mark!  Congrats!  
For anyone interested, Mark is on the list of the PBS Speakers Bureau as well.  Great entertainer, unique presentation and a good friend as well.  I'm happy for you man!

Looks like BBQ!  What time is dinner?  Nice job Mark.

Mark, Looking forward to the story.  Nice pig.  I enjoyed meeting you Saturday night and very much enjoyed your songs and the pictures.  Look forward to sharing a camp with you one day.


Jeff

Cool.  Good job!