THE HUNTING HUDDLE

Last week Dearil called me and asked if my kids would like to go hunting at Smoaks Hunting Ranch for hogs and I jumped all over it. We got there yesterday morning and Kayla killed her first hog (first anything) within 15 minutes! They were all over the place. William Smoak has built a GREAT place and has not only hogs and whitetail but lots of different exotics too. We saw several different types or rams (they were trying to get in the blind with us). We saw axis, elk and I got great footage of a water buffalo. Unfortunately, Coleton missed a hog in the morning. After we came in, the kids fished and we had one of the best meals I've had in a long, long time. They went all out with hog, chicken, steak, mashed potatoes, veggies and this awesome squash casserole. Mr. Smoak's entire family pitched in and made the entire day one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had and will never forget. In the evening hunt Kayla had opportunities at hogs but they were real spooky and she never could get off shot. Coleton, however dropped a 325 lb boar almost immediately. We were still setting Kayla up in the blind when we heard the shot.

I think I left my brain at home though. I took lots of video but only took TWO picture of Kayla's hog. We took a lot of pics with Mr. Smoak so I know there's a lot more around so hopefully Dearil can post a couple? My other great snafu...I didn't bring a cooler for the meat! I don't know what I was thinking. It never ONCE crossed my mind, even when they were cleaning Kayla's hog, how I was going to get the meat home. It wasn't until they were cleaning Coleton's behemoth that William Smoak asked me where my cooler was. Talk about feeling like an idiot. But, we managed and man do I have a lot of meat.

To make a long story a little longer I want to thank Dearil for setting this up and also for him and Bill for spending the time to film both the kids hunts. They got some great footage. I also want to thank William Smoak and his family for the great time, great experience and memories that will last a lifetime. If any of you guys EVER want a great hunt, he has them. I know y'all can shoot hogs anywhere around here but he's got some big ones and I don't think many will see elk, axis or a water buffalo come wondering by the stand! He's got some great exotic hunts too. You can get a ram hunt for I think $350.00 TOTAL. No trophy fee and that includes meals, etc.

Here's the pics.










Yeah he thought he was real funny. He's still asleep at the time of this posting....I hid his crutches.


Water Buffalo


Predator Blind....These things are incredible.

Dearil or Tom,
Do you have any contact info about this ranch
Is there a website or brochure we can add for the readers of the forum

I would like to help William out on getting the word out for him.

I have his cards at home and will post the info when I get there. There is a picture above that shows the back of his truck and his phone number. Smoaks Hunting Ranch (903) 563-3116. Dearil, do you have any pics of Kayla and her hog?

Darren;
Here is Smoaks Brochure.
This is one of the nicest families I have had the pleasure of being associated with the have a great place and they sure make you feel at home (Like one of the Family)
Dearil

Tom;
I do not have any pictures at all. They already had Kayla hog cleaned when Coleton and I got back to the house I had a great time with you and the kids at a great place.
The memories will last a life time. If I forget I will have them on video ( old age you know
Dearil

dearilw wrote:Tom;
I do not have any pictures at all. They already had Kayla hog cleaned when Coleton and I got back to the house I had a great time with you and the kids at a great place.
The memories will last a life time. If I forget I will have them on video ( old age you know
Dearil

That's right Dearil, I'm sorry. You guys were still out when we got back. I think it was William's wife that was taking a bunch of pics. We had a great time too. We can't wait to see the video.

Looks like a good place. Nice hogs too . That blind does look good !

airshipdoc wrote:Looks like a good place. Nice hogs too . That blind does look good !

Yep, Yep, and What Blind?

Excellent, Tom... glad y'all were able to make it!