SIGN UP HERE. - the instructions for registration, payment, and weapons are at the far right side with a hyperlink. I'm capping this event at 100 attendees. Sign up now and pay to guarantee your spot. If something comes up, I'll give you a refund.
The 3rd Annual official SaddleHunter.com SaddlePalooza hunt will take place February 15-18, 2019 (Presidents Day Weekend) on Fort Stewart (FS) Military Installation right outside Savannah, GA.
HUNTING
Fort Stewart (FS) has over 250,000 acres open for hunting. Much of this is hardly touched by hunters. Approximately 90,000 acres is classified as wetlands. The Fish & Wildlife department also plants hundreds of acres of food plots for all types of game. You can hunt from the ground or from a your saddle. Last year the pigs didn't cooperate. To hedge our bets this year, I've got a 3 local legends and bonafide bacon busters attending the event to help give us an edge. They'll point us in the right direction to get into the pigs. Even if you don't hunt, this event is worth the trip. @denots came last year with his daughter and never hunted a single day. He had a blast. More info about hunting Fort Stewart
FISHING
If wild pigs aren't your thing, FS is home to one of the best Largemouth Bass fisheries in the country. Six of Georgia's 50 all-time biggest bass have come from FS. The Spring spawn generally begins in late February. When the big females are on their bed, anglers have a legitimate chance at landing a double digit bass. If bass fishing doesn’t wet your whistle, the low country around Savannah is a world-class saltwater destination. Hopeful anglers travel here every year to escape cold Winters elsewhere and try their hand at inshore fishing for trout, redfish, and flounder. Mild temps in February can lead to some outstanding angling. I have relationships with guides that can put you on the fish.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will be staying at Holbrook Pond Campground. Tents, hammocks or RVs are all ok. There are hot showers and bathroom facilities, laundry, grills, and large pavilions available. If you hunt with a shotgun or bow, excellent hunting exists literally just beyond the campground. No driving necessary. If hunting with a rifle, you can be in the pigs within a 5 minute drive, or as much as a 45 minutes to get to the edges of the installation. Map to the Campground.
FOOD
Dinners will be provided each night (Friday-Sunday), as well as lunch on Saturday. Your hunt fee covers these meals. There's nothing worse than coming back from a long day of slogging through the swamp and still having to cook dinner. You will be responsible for breakfast and lunch. There are grocery stores and restaurants within 15 minutes of camp. A smart SaddlePaloozan will bring a cooler and save leftovers from dinner (wink wink).
SADDLE GEAR DEMO
We will do a Saddle Gear demo on Saturday. The goal is to have every piece of saddle related equipment (different saddles, climbing aids, rappelling gear, safety equipment, etc.) available for all hunters. Lunch will be provided on this day so we can all focus on the Saddle Demo. This will be the single biggest saddle hunting demo in the world. If you want to try something or get your question answered by a sho-nuff expert, this is your chance.
NECESSARY GEAR
Knee high rubber boots (hip waders would work as well) are a necessity.
Thermacell or lots of bug spray - biting insects can be terrible even in Winter if we have warm weather.
Hunter Orange is required.
Kayak/Canoe/Jon Boat - Hunting the rivers is an excellent method to get on the pigs. If you don't have a small boat, they can be rented from Fort Stewart for a small fee.
Saddle Setups - we will spend some time going over different saddle styles and setups. Please bring your gear.
.22 WMR - I highly recommend a .22 MAG or similar high powered RIM FIRE rifle. It is possible that much of the hunting land will be closed to centerfire rifles. The .22 MAG will ensure access to thousands of acres of small game areas.
COST
Hunt Cost: $100
This includes your campground/lodging fees, access to how showers and facilities, 4 meals and incidentals (plates, cups, napkins, drinks, trash etc.), event t-shirt, and firewood for the entire weekend. Last year the event was $100 per person. With the funds we made in the raffle, we can knock it down to $100 each.
These are fees, you'll need to take care of on your own.
GA Hunting License: $20 for a 1 day hunting/fishing combo. PLUS $6 for additional days. So if you want to hunt Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the hunting license will cost you $20 for day 1, $6 for days 2 & 3 for a total of $32. You can kill small game, pigs, and fish with this license.
Fort Stewart Hunting Permit (called iSportsman): $15 per day
+this is not a for-profit hunt. Any surplus will go into reducing the costs for future hunts, or towards a charitable donation to a non-profit.
There will also be a raffle. Everyone attending the hunt will receive one free raffle ticket. Additional Tickets will be $1 each, $5 for 6, or $20 for 30. All of our sponsors have provided the raffle gear for this hunt. Proceeds will go towards reducing the cost of the event for every hunter. Neither myself nor SaddleHunter.com will make any profits from this event.
HUNTER SAFETY EDUCATION CARD
This is non-negotiable. FS requires a hard copy to be on your person at all times. If you don’t have a hard copy, you’ll need to get one from your state. Military installations aren't known for for flexible regulations.
3 DAY GEORGIA HUNTING LICENSE - $25 + $6 for extra days.
https://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/
This license includes fishing privileges. There is a LOT of good fishing in the area. You may even want to pack a small ultralight rod in your pack in case the pigs don’t seem to be moving, or you take a lunch break on the river.
FORT STEWART RECREATION PASS - $15 per day
https://ftstewart.isportsman.net/
The FS passes must be purchased online and printed out.
FORT STEWART FIREARMS REGISTRATION (Free)
All weapons (excluding archery equipment) must be registered with Fort Stewart. No exceptions. Weapons registration must be done 2-3 weeks ahead of time. I will provide the necessary information closer to the hunt. I will handle the registration process and pick up all forms. All you have to do is fill it out. I'll take care of everything else.
Legal Weapons: Any center-fire rifle, rim-fire rifle, or pistol with .22-cal or larger expanding bullets, and any shotgun 20 gauge or larger loaded with slugs, or any muzzle-loading rifle (scopes allowed). Use of buckshot is prohibited. Archery gear is permitted.
You can use a borrowed weapon provided it has been properly registered and the user has the appropriate paperwork. I have 4 registered weapons that I won't be using. There are other attendees that have multiple registered weapons that will be available for use.
HUNT PROCEDURES
Daily check in/out via iSportsman (an online login management tool) is required. It’s simple to use and very user friendly.
https://ftstewart.isportsman.net/
No baiting is allowed on FS even though it is allowed by State Law.
When you get a pig down, FS has excellent facilities with power and water to hang and clean the animal. There will also be experienced hunters that can help you recover the animal and process the meat.
Explore the FS Hunting website and the regulations. This will answer 99% of your questions.
More info about hunting Fort Stewart
Here are the regulations for hunting on Fort Stewart
TRAVEL
You should fly into the Savannah airport. I can help arrange transportation to/from the airport if you don’t want to rent a car. However, if you don’t rent a car you will be at the mercy of hunting with others. If driving, navigate to Holbrook Pond, Fort Stewart, GA.
MAP
Download this map to be used on the hunt.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0jOuKSEcj4rU0g5RUFZVDRRb1k
You’ll also need to download a free app (iPhone or Android) on your phone called “Avenza Maps”.
Cell service is very spotty on FS. With this map, you’ll always know where you are since it works in airplane mode.
MISCELLANEOUS
If you have a suggestion, or a contact for sponsorship, please PM me. Also, I’ll need some help during the hunt. Specifically, I need someone to take ownership of the Saddle Gear Demo on Saturday, and possibly some of the camp chores. If you are willing to help, or would like to donate towards the raffle, please send me a PM.
I know this is a lot of information, but if you've read this far - I'll more than likely see you at SaddlePalooza!
FINALLY - thanks again to @d_rek who is working on the event t-shirt design. If you didn't know, he's an incredible artist. Check out his work.
SIGN UP FOR SADDLEPALOOZA HERE. the instructions for registration, payment, and weapons are at the far right side with a hyperlink.
The 3rd Annual official SaddleHunter.com SaddlePalooza hunt will take place February 15-18, 2019 (Presidents Day Weekend) on Fort Stewart (FS) Military Installation right outside Savannah, GA.
HUNTING
Fort Stewart (FS) has over 250,000 acres open for hunting. Much of this is hardly touched by hunters. Approximately 90,000 acres is classified as wetlands. The Fish & Wildlife department also plants hundreds of acres of food plots for all types of game. You can hunt from the ground or from a your saddle. Last year the pigs didn't cooperate. To hedge our bets this year, I've got a 3 local legends and bonafide bacon busters attending the event to help give us an edge. They'll point us in the right direction to get into the pigs. Even if you don't hunt, this event is worth the trip. @denots came last year with his daughter and never hunted a single day. He had a blast. More info about hunting Fort Stewart
FISHING
If wild pigs aren't your thing, FS is home to one of the best Largemouth Bass fisheries in the country. Six of Georgia's 50 all-time biggest bass have come from FS. The Spring spawn generally begins in late February. When the big females are on their bed, anglers have a legitimate chance at landing a double digit bass. If bass fishing doesn’t wet your whistle, the low country around Savannah is a world-class saltwater destination. Hopeful anglers travel here every year to escape cold Winters elsewhere and try their hand at inshore fishing for trout, redfish, and flounder. Mild temps in February can lead to some outstanding angling. I have relationships with guides that can put you on the fish.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will be staying at Holbrook Pond Campground. Tents, hammocks or RVs are all ok. There are hot showers and bathroom facilities, laundry, grills, and large pavilions available. If you hunt with a shotgun or bow, excellent hunting exists literally just beyond the campground. No driving necessary. If hunting with a rifle, you can be in the pigs within a 5 minute drive, or as much as a 45 minutes to get to the edges of the installation. Map to the Campground.
FOOD
Dinners will be provided each night (Friday-Sunday), as well as lunch on Saturday. Your hunt fee covers these meals. There's nothing worse than coming back from a long day of slogging through the swamp and still having to cook dinner. You will be responsible for breakfast and lunch. There are grocery stores and restaurants within 15 minutes of camp. A smart SaddlePaloozan will bring a cooler and save leftovers from dinner (wink wink).
SADDLE GEAR DEMO
We will do a Saddle Gear demo on Saturday. The goal is to have every piece of saddle related equipment (different saddles, climbing aids, rappelling gear, safety equipment, etc.) available for all hunters. Lunch will be provided on this day so we can all focus on the Saddle Demo. This will be the single biggest saddle hunting demo in the world. If you want to try something or get your question answered by a sho-nuff expert, this is your chance.
NECESSARY GEAR
Knee high rubber boots (hip waders would work as well) are a necessity.
Thermacell or lots of bug spray - biting insects can be terrible even in Winter if we have warm weather.
Hunter Orange is required.
Kayak/Canoe/Jon Boat - Hunting the rivers is an excellent method to get on the pigs. If you don't have a small boat, they can be rented from Fort Stewart for a small fee.
Saddle Setups - we will spend some time going over different saddle styles and setups. Please bring your gear.
.22 WMR - I highly recommend a .22 MAG or similar high powered RIM FIRE rifle. It is possible that much of the hunting land will be closed to centerfire rifles. The .22 MAG will ensure access to thousands of acres of small game areas.
COST
Hunt Cost: $100
This includes your campground/lodging fees, access to how showers and facilities, 4 meals and incidentals (plates, cups, napkins, drinks, trash etc.), event t-shirt, and firewood for the entire weekend. Last year the event was $100 per person. With the funds we made in the raffle, we can knock it down to $100 each.
These are fees, you'll need to take care of on your own.
GA Hunting License: $20 for a 1 day hunting/fishing combo. PLUS $6 for additional days. So if you want to hunt Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the hunting license will cost you $20 for day 1, $6 for days 2 & 3 for a total of $32. You can kill small game, pigs, and fish with this license.
Fort Stewart Hunting Permit (called iSportsman): $15 per day
+this is not a for-profit hunt. Any surplus will go into reducing the costs for future hunts, or towards a charitable donation to a non-profit.
There will also be a raffle. Everyone attending the hunt will receive one free raffle ticket. Additional Tickets will be $1 each, $5 for 6, or $20 for 30. All of our sponsors have provided the raffle gear for this hunt. Proceeds will go towards reducing the cost of the event for every hunter. Neither myself nor SaddleHunter.com will make any profits from this event.
HUNTER SAFETY EDUCATION CARD
This is non-negotiable. FS requires a hard copy to be on your person at all times. If you don’t have a hard copy, you’ll need to get one from your state. Military installations aren't known for for flexible regulations.
3 DAY GEORGIA HUNTING LICENSE - $25 + $6 for extra days.
https://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/
This license includes fishing privileges. There is a LOT of good fishing in the area. You may even want to pack a small ultralight rod in your pack in case the pigs don’t seem to be moving, or you take a lunch break on the river.
FORT STEWART RECREATION PASS - $15 per day
https://ftstewart.isportsman.net/
The FS passes must be purchased online and printed out.
FORT STEWART FIREARMS REGISTRATION (Free)
All weapons (excluding archery equipment) must be registered with Fort Stewart. No exceptions. Weapons registration must be done 2-3 weeks ahead of time. I will provide the necessary information closer to the hunt. I will handle the registration process and pick up all forms. All you have to do is fill it out. I'll take care of everything else.
Legal Weapons: Any center-fire rifle, rim-fire rifle, or pistol with .22-cal or larger expanding bullets, and any shotgun 20 gauge or larger loaded with slugs, or any muzzle-loading rifle (scopes allowed). Use of buckshot is prohibited. Archery gear is permitted.
You can use a borrowed weapon provided it has been properly registered and the user has the appropriate paperwork. I have 4 registered weapons that I won't be using. There are other attendees that have multiple registered weapons that will be available for use.
HUNT PROCEDURES
Daily check in/out via iSportsman (an online login management tool) is required. It’s simple to use and very user friendly.
https://ftstewart.isportsman.net/
No baiting is allowed on FS even though it is allowed by State Law.
When you get a pig down, FS has excellent facilities with power and water to hang and clean the animal. There will also be experienced hunters that can help you recover the animal and process the meat.
Explore the FS Hunting website and the regulations. This will answer 99% of your questions.
More info about hunting Fort Stewart
Here are the regulations for hunting on Fort Stewart
TRAVEL
You should fly into the Savannah airport. I can help arrange transportation to/from the airport if you don’t want to rent a car. However, if you don’t rent a car you will be at the mercy of hunting with others. If driving, navigate to Holbrook Pond, Fort Stewart, GA.
MAP
Download this map to be used on the hunt.
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B0jOuKSEcj4rU0g5RUFZVDRRb1k
You’ll also need to download a free app (iPhone or Android) on your phone called “Avenza Maps”.
Cell service is very spotty on FS. With this map, you’ll always know where you are since it works in airplane mode.
MISCELLANEOUS
If you have a suggestion, or a contact for sponsorship, please PM me. Also, I’ll need some help during the hunt. Specifically, I need someone to take ownership of the Saddle Gear Demo on Saturday, and possibly some of the camp chores. If you are willing to help, or would like to donate towards the raffle, please send me a PM.
I know this is a lot of information, but if you've read this far - I'll more than likely see you at SaddlePalooza!
FINALLY - thanks again to @d_rek who is working on the event t-shirt design. If you didn't know, he's an incredible artist. Check out his work.
SIGN UP FOR SADDLEPALOOZA HERE. the instructions for registration, payment, and weapons are at the far right side with a hyperlink.
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