We had a great time with Mr. Whisker's Guide Service.

His Guide Post is here: http://www.texashuntfish.com/findaguide/index.cfm?fuseaction=detailedview&id=659

A Field Report about him is here: http://www.texashuntfish.com/thf/app/id-only/view-post.html/id=1065

My experience is those products - and I have used both - really are made to work when you know you have hogs in the immediate area. Their purpose is to congregate the hogs and give them more time under the feeder. If you don't have obvious hog tracks in the immediate area, then you most likely will not have successful hunt by putting it out there and getting in your blind.

However, if you have seen hog markings in the area, then what you want to do is exactly what you did, but give it a couple of days to work. Putting it out on a Friday evening has led to success on Saturday evening and Sunday morning for me in the past.

I have tried jello, fermenting corn in the heat by pouring it into a tub with water and add a little milk to turn it sour faster, big red, and diesel, in terms of the homemade recipes. Again, those hogs are smart. Many times I have had ZERO hogs come in; then I have had a band of 20 come running in. Setting up a wildlife camera to watch your bait all night is very helpful.

When it comes to hogs and big bucks, the wind and your scent is so critical. If this wind is blowing your scent towards where you think the hogs are bedded down during the day, then you have to get in a crosswind position and elevation helps if you have a stand. My best success has been when the wind barely blew during the day, hopefully in their direction, and then I have been fortunate to have the wind change and blow a steady 5mph in my face (away from them). That is the perfect ambush.

Tell us about the different things you try, what part of Texas you are in, are you using a bow, rifle, shotgun, pistol, or other method? It is great to share what doesn't work as much as what does work because it saves us all time and money as Chris said above.

This old forum post has several very effective "baits" for various species. The hogs took this one and ran the first night. There is a photo as the end of the post about the Cherry flavored Hog Scent. CLICK HERE TO READ

As of midnight last night, ConchoMan had passed Guide Girl as the Top Points Winner for July. However, upon auditing the Top 10 Members, we noticed that ConchoMan spent many hours yesterday rating about 200 items. In comparison, Guide Girl contributed many stories and photos during the month of July.

Our Rewards Program is structured to recognize Members who "contribute" their knowledge and experience to our community. Yes, we feel "rating" and "commenting" are critical ways to share with each other, but we do not encourage "point gathering" by just clicking on everything possible.

In the post above, there is a link that offers several creative ways to earn points by writing product reviews, posting guides, etc.

What I have learned is there are three components: 1) Hardwork; 2) Timing; 3) Luck. Timing is not Luck. You can be "lucky" and win the lottery on the $1M night. Or you can have great "timing" and luck, and win the lottery on the $100M night.

Hardwork is Hardwork. If you do not start with Hardwork, then the chance of being able to make the most of "Timing" or "Luck" is less than it would have been.

I have seen both extremes. People who did not have "hardwork" but were super lucky and great timing. I have also seen men like my father who have taught me "hardwork" all my life but in their own life, didn't experience "timing" or "luck".

Ironically, people who do not have "hardwork" don't realize what Winston Churchill meant when he said, "Luck is were Preparedness meets Opportunity". The more "hardwork" you attempt - with the mental awareness of being "prepared", surprisingly you will find more opportunities than the next person. Other's will often call that luck. But you will know the difference.

Anyway, back to hunting and fishing for me.