Dates: February 19-22nd. 10 person max. 5 person minimum to run course. Cost $1,800. 6 spots left

Dates: February 23rd (add on) for full day pig hunt. Max 6 people. Extra Cost for pig hunt $450. 2 spots left

“What a privilege to learn from Joel and Cole in such an intimate setting. It may sound like I am exaggerating (I am not), but I feel at least 10x more prepared going into this season than I did prior to the DIY Elk Archery Course. My approach to this season will be vastly different based on the information and advice presented” James McMillan, Colorado

Location: Private ranch, Johnson city TX. 1 hour drive west of Austin, Texas.

We will be camping on site so you will need to bring camping gear. The exact address and directions will be provided after booking. Start time will be 9am and finishing up around noon on the 22nd. Adding on the extra day of the 23rd will give you the afternoon of the 22nd and the entire next day to pig hunt. You will need to arrange your own transportation to and from the course location. 3 meals a day, drinking water, and high level instruction provided.

Hunting is part of who we are. There are those who feel the call to eat wild food, connect with the natural world, or simply seek the adventure and challenge that hunting offers. Where to start is very daunting and often overwhelming. This 4 day course is led by bowhunters Cole Wilks and Joel van der Loon. We will provide a solid foundation for beginner hunters with no experience by shortening the learning curve as well as polish the skills of experienced hunters.

Hunting is a sacred ritual that is so much more than just the kill, it is about embracing the essence of the entire experience from scouting to butchering.

You do not need to have any hunting experience to take part.

you will have the opportunity to hunt a wild pig (with archery equipment only) from a feeder during the 4 day course. You will need to demonstrate good accuracy from 20 yards. Feeders are limited so hunting opportunity might not be everyday of the course. Add on the extra day dedicated to hunting pigs if you want to increase your chances of success. No license or tags required

Curriculum

• Department of Fish and Wildlife rules and regulations.

• Wildlife Identification, habitat, and behavior patterns for common big game species in North America

• Scouting: E-scouting using OnX and google Earth. Boots on the ground scouting. How to read tracks and sign, topography, maps, and habitat to find game

• Essential gear and hunting weapons

• Hunting strategies

• Camouflage and stalking techniques to get close to game

• How to read and understand the wind

• Vocalizations to call in game

• Archery technique instruction and safety

• Rifle and shotgun instruction and safety

• Basic survival skills

• Animal processing, field dressing and packing out techniques

• Cooking wild game

• February 23rd pig hunt: you will be coached through hunting all morning and afternoons on your own to pursue wild pigs

What to bring:

• Warm clothes. Temps approximately 75 degrees during the day and can drop to the 30’s at night. Camo not required but Earth tones recommended. Cars will be close to camping area.

• Rain gear

• Water bottle

• Mug, fork, spoon, bowl, and plate

• Small day pack

• Swim suit-there is a river near camp

• sharp knife

• Headlamp

• Hiking boots or similar

• Tent and sleeping gear for camping

• Snacks

• writing equipment for notes

  Optional gear to bring

• Recurve, longbow, or compound bow with arrows and other accessories for hunting/target shooting. If you would like to attempt to hunt a wild pig from a feeder your accuracy must be good at 20 yards. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this.

• Binoculars

• ONX hunting app on your smart phone or a tablet. You can start a free 7 day trial the day before the course starts

• Any other hunting/survival gear you want to test or ask us about

CANCELLATION POLICY: Payment required in full to secure dates and availability. If cancellation is at least 60 days prior to the course start date 50% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is at least 30 days prior to course start date 25% of course cost is refunded. If cancellation is within 30 days of course start date no cost will be refunded. Due to minimum class size requirements we might need to cancel a course, if so we will provide a full refund or offer an alternative course date.