EAST TEXAS HOG DOGGERS FORUM

My family was invited to help with a wounded warrior hunt this past weekend in South Texas. The hunt was put on by Dennis Chavez, Ron Branyon, Thomas and Krystal Rohan, and a handful of others whose names escape me.   We arrived at the ranch early Saturday afternoon, made some introductions, and everyone filled up on some fajitas with all the fixins. Shortly after the meal, we loaded up dogs and hit the east side of the ranch. After a short ride through some pastures, we got into some good sign, and in no time Dennis Chavez's Chico dog had a nice sow bayed and caught for us ;)  We did some more riding around that evening, but gathered the dogs up before dark, as we were told dinner would be served at dark. Made it back to the house and had enough food to feed a small army. Brisket, tacos, potatoes, salad, desserts.  We spent the rest of the evening sitting around a nice mesquite fire telling tall tales.

Sunday morning, we got up at daylight, had another meal of breakfast tacos, then headed out in pursuit of hogzilla. We made a short round near the house without any luck. We then headed to the west side of the ranch, and before long Dennis Chavez' Chico dog bayed and caught another hog. One of the soldiers, John, was able to make it through the woods to the bay, and was able to get his first hog with dogs. About the time we started dragging out that sow, ole Chico opened up again and had another one bayed. Thomas, Ron, Mandi and crew headed to that bay with another soldier. They got the hog caught, killed, then they became the prey. Bee's began stinging them and the dogs. They finally got away from the bees, and we all regrouped. Took some pictures, then headed across the creek to another part of the ranch.

Here are some pictures of the Saturday am pigs.
Soldiers
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/DSC_0464.jpg)
Helpers
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/DSC_0470.jpg)

We made it across the creek, and on the back fence line and once again, Chico opened up and had a nice boar caught. We made it to the bay, and John got his second hog with dogs. The pictures don't do the hog justice, but he had a fair set of ivory. Once again, we took a break and got some pictures.

(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/DSC_0477.jpg)

Can't think of a better way to spend Valentine's Day than being in the woods with my three favorite ladies.
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/DSC_0489.jpg)

Rohan Family, and the old fat dog.
(http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p204/ccoughran/DSC_0490.jpg)


We made another round, without any hogs to show for it, then got the call that lunch was ready!  Went back to the house to find another huge spread of great food. Spent some time BS'ing, then we headed home.

Thanks Ron, DC, Thomas and Krystal, and everyone else involved for putting on this hunt for these fine men that either served, or are still serving our country.


Disclaimer: I don't really know what dog found or caught what hogs, so DC's Chico dog is getting all the credit, even though he wasn't even on the hunt ;)

Good deal on the hunt.

Good Job and one heck of a Crew!

Joey Young

On the way home yesterday I called Dennis C and I told him how disgusted I was with myself.  There are mornings I wake up and complain that I dont feel good or something hurts....  But after sepending time this weekend with 4 guys that wake up every morning without a leg, arm or in a brace (that they lost defending me while I was home safe in bed) I have been humbled.  These four men did anything we asked without complaint.  What in the world do I  ever have to complain about?  I took for granted that if it werent for our soldiers we would not be spending time hunting hogs.  I got home last night and thanked God for these men and for my health and it was truly an honor to get to spend time with true HEROS.  These guys gave us many thanks this weekend, but all the thanks I can give in my heart goes to them for what they have done and sacrificed for me.

I also go to meet some great new people that donated time and money to make this possible.  As well, I enjoyed spending some time with good friends during and after the hunts.  Thanks to all that had a part in this weekend to make it so memorable for so many people.      

Aewsome job, congrats and a big thank you to all involved.

Sounds like a good time.  Lucky for y'all, Chico the wonderdog was there.

Kevin,

   Whetto came along on this hunt. He sure looked small next to all the big "shogos" as they were jokingly referred to.  He rode the buggy all day yesterday without complaint, and was a pretty goods sport about it, even getting stepped on by the shogos. Still haven't shown him a pig...,maybe another couple months.

Do you know how old he is now?

Thanks Chris for putting that up, and Thank You and your family for giving up your weekend and being such a good sport about that damn Chico dog getting all the credits!

It takes alot of people working together selflessly to be able to make a good fair chase hunt for those soldiers that gave so much of themselves to protect & serve our country, it is hard to list all those involved that donated time, money and work, but One thing I do know when you see these guys that have difficulties getting around, get out there and stick a hog and the emotions on their faces and the appreciation they show through the entire hunt, I don't believe their is one person that would hesitate to do it again and again.


I do want to mention two companies that donated for this particular hunt and for the next one coming, because although they never asked for any mention at all, I feel they deserve it.
Owners of Wild Boar USA & Central Texas Orthotics & Prosthetics, LP. JC & Holly Cassens.

Good job  8)

Looks like ya'll had a great time.  

Way to go everyone... good job and a big "thank you" for all involved! ;D

Very nice job guys!!  Way to go Chico hahaha. Those guys are truly heros Ron you said it best!

Way to show those guys a good time!  Hats off to everyone involved.

Circle C, I enjoyed the talk Saturday morning, I appreciate the information and the conversations. You all had a good hunt, Congradulations, wish I knew a way to help. I love doing stuff like that. My grandpa is 88 and has his Purple Heart from WWII, he still goes with us every now and then. Glad you all do this kind of stuff. Makes you feel good.

ktchemwcurs,

 I enjoyed the conversation as well. I would have said congrats too, had I known about the proposal.  This won't be the last wounded warrior hunt, there will be plenty of opportunity to help in the future. ;)  BTW, I'll be breaking it to Mike that we need to use his place in Bay City to host one in the springtime. Maybe we can get you and Ronnie to take a couple soldiers out that weekend.

Good to see there are people out there willing to dedicate so much of their time and money to help out others.

Sounded like it was the DC show..... rolleyes

Good times and good people. Yall are doing all the good!

Way to go fellas.

Dennis and Chico still going at it..

Awesome to take our heros out.

Chris said DC's Chico wasn't on the hunt ,which is incorrect....He may have not made the trip but he was definitely there in spirit. LOL I can still hear him baying.


RJB

CHICO
THE LEGAND CONTINUES

Man what a weekend, I don't think I slept much the three days before Saturday, last night I was comatose by 8:30p.m.
I hoped everyone enjoyed themselves and the only thing I'lll add to this is a big thank you to
Josh Kinser(active military) and Leroy Sisco(retired 3star general) for getting in contact with me to put this whole thing in motion.

Guys and Gals, if you've ever thought about putting one of these hunts together and decided not to because of the difficulty in getting help, I'll be the first to tell you, get that thought out of your mind, we had an outpouring of volunteerism for this weekend. I'd like to think it was my great personality that brought all this help but the truth is, you won't find many people or businesses that won't help, that we all have a family member or friend serving or who has served in our armed forces.

I realized this weekend life is full of choices, none of these guys signed up to recieve these injuries but new the chance was there and still served with honor and duty and commitment to country and their fellow soldier. I am truly humbled.

Chris, thank you for helping this weekend, let me know when I can ever return this huge favor.
DAC
ps   Contact Josh at josh@militarywarriors.org if you want to put on any kind of hunt



 

Out of about 65 pictures on my camera from the weekend this top one is my absolute favorite!

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mGHvI45FI/AAAAAAAAMXM/ZtmGSr1ks5s/s640/P2140214.JPG)

Okay therest I will kinda put in order with day 1
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mFS22zZfI/AAAAAAAAMV4/9AdbMHbz8iw/s640/P2130195.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mFURh8aZI/AAAAAAAAMV8/BjvCewO5ySM/s640/P2130196.JPG)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mFZ2HUiqI/AAAAAAAAMWI/5_jYFUgVqgg/s640/P2140199.JPG)

I did not get any pics of Jeremy with his hog from the first day but will post when I get from someone else

Day two

Pit stop for more tacos
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mFivJC1TI/AAAAAAAAMWU/sDTCizzVTvQ/s640/P2140202.JPG)
crossing from one side of the ranch to the other side of road
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mFq7YXEUI/AAAAAAAAMWc/0JhIngQT5pU/s640/P2140204.JPG)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mF6qoRzCI/AAAAAAAAMW4/0dhcylBVAPs/s640/P2140209.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mF_4OWDTI/AAAAAAAAMXA/PmD6pQGNECw/s640/P2140211.JPG)

(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mGCQ5cDjI/AAAAAAAAMXE/iw0j_nrxNME/s640/P2140212.JPG)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mGfTpSR1I/AAAAAAAAMXg/m1edTtQ4tkk/s640/P2140219.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mG6Rr55RI/AAAAAAAAMa4/9-IDzztLthE/s512/P2140225.JPG)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mHV3gAvNI/AAAAAAAAMYs/gcI0XTC9L3A/s640/P2140236.JPG)

Way to go everyone and great job again....

Crystal, Chris said I am to fat to ride in the seat in the back ha ha  ;D

 CircleC any time you and  Mike want to put one on down here you can bet that Rick and myself will be more than glad to do what ever it takes to make it work. I feel that this is the best event in the world. You guys that help put this on are to be commended for the job yall do for these young people in our military. They have given so much for us.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mHkBAuwTI/AAAAAAAAMZM/mXpA6JSw1_A/s640/P2140243.JPG)

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mHot-xmjI/AAAAAAAAMZU/Tzzk2Tpw2Jk/s640/P2140245.JPG)

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mH3wtfdxI/AAAAAAAAMbg/fo5MUUsQgTM/s512/P2140252.JPG)

(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mH7D-A-SI/AAAAAAAAMZ0/oPppqwXrN2U/s640/P2140253.JPG)

The soldier that rode with Thomas most of the weekends name was Jeremy, Just the most polite guy in the world, he got him a hog on the first day, but was eager to help out with what ever he could  do to help all day Sunday. After all was over, When he was pulling out the drive way to head home, he got out of the truck and asked Thomas could we get a picture with him, the catchdog that he was partial too,  Thomas, Charles and the rest of us, THAT WAS A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT  FOR THOMAS AND I.
(http://lh3.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mIR59m1FI/AAAAAAAAMaQ/PwTClWulzcw/s640/P2140259.JPG)
the last is devil dog just for grins!
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_mFSDOgRZVlo/S3mH-8H3IgI/AAAAAAAAMZ4/46eTIokChq8/s640/P2140254.JPG)

Circle C, you just let me know. It would be an honor to help or even try and put one on. Im free every weekend except June 11(WEDDING ;D) So just let me know, I will be hunting every weekend(lord willing) so you all might as well come alone! I prefer day time hunts.  ;D

AWESOME job guys!!!  Thanks for sharing it all with us!!!  One day I am gonna get to come help with one or two of those!!!

My name is Jeremy and i was introduced to the sport of hunting hogs with dogs this weekend,I am a wounded soldier from Iraq and was on the Wounded Warrior Hunt.Ive never felt such appriciation as i felt this weekend.. O and by the way it wasent all Chico,Cotton caught 3 hogs.. Way to go Cotton...I met some people who truly enjoy the sport and truly and opend there time and effort to make me enjoy the sport..Thomas and Krystal Rohan are some of the nicest ppl you well ever have a chance to shake hands with and there daughter as well.. Charles there friend was exspecialy helpfull in getting to the hogs..Chris and Mandi were very down to earth ppl,DennisSr,Dennis Jr.wow wrds cand describe the effort they put in. The ladys who cooked my god it was Slap Yo Mamma Good...I am hoping not to forget everyone but we all such a wonderfull time and looking forward to my next trip...


THANKS GUYS.....

Jeremy,

    I see that you found us on the WWW.   Glad to have you as a member here on ETHD.  Next time you make it to Houston area, call me and we will get you and your father in law out on a hunt. 832-689-2786. If you get a chance, send me your phone number and I will call you next time we hunt in the SA area.

Chris

Jeremy, this is Thomas.  Welcome to ETHD!  You were great this weekend.  I enjoyed guiding you around and BSing all weekend.  Cotton says thanks.  Everyone seems to get blinded when they get around DC's "Shogos" and old "Chico" but you and I know who does the real work ;).  Enjoy the site and from the Rohan family and Cotton thanks for your service and sacrifices. 

Hey guys thats awsome of u.. Well good news i just got word that my family and i will be moving to Tomball sometime in the next month.. The orginization who put on the hunt is donating a 4br 2 1/2 bath to my family and i,Looks like we will get to know each other a lil better...My number is 281-904-8581 call anytime.. Thomas im serious about a pup.. If theres a time yall need a driver for a hunt call me,Cant do much elese but verry eager to learn.. I would like to get into the sport now. Told my wife i just may trade the guns for dogs... lol.. She said good much cheaper.. But thank-you guys and looking forward to many endevers..My 9yr old was just overwhelmed we chased hogs down.. well stay in touch..

nice

Good job everyone i know they were happy to get in the woods

Jeremy,

This is Ron.  Glad you made it on here to visit.  I am glad you enjoyed it, but I doubt you had as good of a time as I did getting to just hang out with you guys.  Either way I hope to get to hunt with you again. 

RJB

PS - Dont let your wife know, but she thinks as many of us once did.  Now that we have all spent what feels like 10 million dollars on these muts rifles are much cheaper.  HA HA HA!

Lol...Yea your probly rite.. O well what she dosent know wont kill her...Yea im looking forward to the next outing with you guys.. Had a blast.. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU...

Which dog is Chico?

Circle c, I kinda regret posting that cut vest topic a few weeks ago. Your a big ol' dude, I don't wanna get my tail kicked. Maybe I should go back and delete it.  :(

Pigly,

   No reason to have any regrets... Everyone's entitled to their opinion. ;)

Chico is not in any of the photos. He was probably out finding more hogs when all the pictures were being taken.

Yeah, I guess so.

You know, I used to get frustrated when somebody had a dog that would out find or hunt my strike dogs. I learned now that I'm more than happy to have them come along. Nothing better than to increase the odds.

There is a long running joke behind that I wont get into, but basically anytime a dog barks one of us, including Dennis will say that it is Chico barking.  This goes on everytime we hunt together.  Especially those where Chico doesnt even come on the hunt.  Just like this one.  So basically he gets all the credit.  He really is a good dog, but it is just too much fun to make fun of DC.


RJB

I know what you mean, I hunt with a guy that thinks his dog struck the hog no matter what. It doesnt matter if his dog is 900 yards in the opposite direction and I physically show his hardheaded butt on the gps (his dogs track) he will argue with you all day long about it. People that know him say he's been like that since they remember. Now when we hunt, I'll just say his dog struck the hog even when my gyp does, just so we don't have to listen to it!

Yeah, well we are actually making fun of someone else at DC and Chico's expense.  That is the best part of it. LOL

Well as i remember correctly Chico might have been on A hog but COTTON was on 3...Chico spent most his time trying to breed fixed females and/or getting his but kicked by Dennis..lol...They were all good dogs and Chico when he wasent trying to breed did good but Cotton was a hog catching,tail sniffing Bad A--...Thomas we know the real truth behing the maham..