My South Carolina Trophy Whitetail Deer + Hog Hunt

Hello Friends

I also won a trip to hunt with Robert Arrington's Respect Outdoors through a contest on the Burris Eliminator Facebook page.  I was one of 3 guys that won this drawing.  I came from Ohio, the other Jeff (and his daughter Molly) is from Wisconsin, and Sam (and his daughter Maddison) is from Virginia.

We met at South Carolina Trophy Whitetail Deer and Hog Hunters camp located in Fairvax, South Carolina.  I didnt get the updated memo with the correct address.  The address I had was in Lodge, SC.  As I drive up to this place, I notice that the driveways are cabled and locked, grass hasnt been cut for sometime and a large FOR SALE sign. 

In a bit of panic, I try to call Robert on my cell phone.  The phone would start to dial, initialize the call and then drop the call.  Now, what do I do?  I call my wife about the issue and she tells me, "btw did you get the new address?"  Ummm no, but please do tell me what it is!  I put the new address in my older Garmin GPS.  Fairfax SC can not be found.  WTH?  Put the address in my brand new Verizon Bionic gps, bingo...back on the road again.

I finally made it to the final destination.  I was the first to arrive.  I was met with great hospitality of the owners of the camp.  Some time later the other 2 guys arrived with their daughters.  Robert called me to tell me his was coming, should arrive around 8:30pm.  8:30pm came and gone, food was getting cold, so the owner of the camp told us we can eat without Robert.  Fried Gator, fried venison patties, stuffed jalapenos, grouper was on the table.

Robert did finally arrive.  I believe they had some type of trailer problem.

I was paired up with Thane Piatt, to film me in action.  Thane is very knowledgeable when it came to hunting.  He shared many stories of his hunting experiences.  He was also very helpful in the field.  He also made sure to capture almost every single moment I tried to rest my eyes, whether it be in a Pro 360 treestand or after a hunt sitting on the couch.  But oh contraire, even Thane is prone to catching some ZZZZZ's.  Yes Thane, I caught you too!  BTW, the Pro 360 tree stands are the most comfortable stand I have ever been in.

I was equipped with my Bushmaster AR15 Varminter with the Burris Eliminator Laserscope.  I had previously sighted that rifle with 100 yard zero.  I tested the scope at 200 yards and it does exactly what it is supposed to do... compensate for the elevation.

I hunted Monday Sept 25 thru Thursday Sept 29.  I saw a few small does and 2 "crab claw" bucks, nothing worthy of killing.  I was not fortunate to see any wild hogs.  Other guys in the camp had killed some hogs.  Sam (from Virgina) killed a very nice 12 point buck on Wednesday evening.   Maybe better luck next time.

I will say Robert and his film crew, Thane and Ryan are top notch guys.  Robert is one heck of a guy.  He is truly passionate with everything he does.  He is very knowledgeable with everything outdoors.  He does need to clean his rifle a little more often. 

I had the pleasure of cleaning it and sighting it in for him.  Pushing the cleaning brush thought it, I noticed dark "sludge" oozing out of the end of the barrel and covering the bore brush.  Cleaned it up like new!  The 7mm with the Eliminator makes for an awesome combo!  Also Robert, please use the microfibre cloth I gave to you to clean your optics, not your shirt, leaves or anything within your reach  =)

It was an experience I will not soon forget.  I made some new friends and hopefully will have the opportunity to hunt with them again; Robert Arrington, Thane, Ryan, Sam and Maddison, Jeff and Molly.

Thank you Robert.  I look forward to hunting with you again.

Pletch

Thanks for sharing, it sounds as though you had a great time!

Great story and thanks for sharing that! 

awesome, Sounds like a good old time.

Great tale... maybe Robert will invite you back when he needs his rifle cleaned again.  You may have a permanent hunting trip...

Great story thank's  BUT

Left to Right:

Back Row:  Jeff "Pletch" Pletcher, Jeff Reichert, Robert Arrington
Front Row:  Sam Gaglio, Maddison Gaglio, Molly Reichert
12 point South Carolina Whitetail killed by Sam Gaglio with his Burris Eliminator



Edited by NoahbodyImportant - October/04/2011 at 09:14

NOW it makes sence  

Kickboxer wrote: Great tale... maybe Robert will invite you back when he needs his rifle cleaned again.  You may have a permanent hunting trip...

Wouldnt that be nice!

I heard that he took a deer down with his Burris Eliminator and 7mm combo in low light conditions at almost 400 yards.

I havent killed anything yet with mine, but from the target shooting I have done with it... I am pleased with it.  I just need to try it out at further distances and with my 300win mag.

Wow.   

Thanks for the great write up Jeff.

Thought I'd update everyone....

Thanks for the update sammie.What hunting is all about,lasting memories!Keep passing it on & congrats to the daughter

great story