This special episode of Bird Camp Radio is a little different than our usual campfire talk. I’m joined by my dad to break down a Texas hog hunt that didn’t go according to plan - not even close.

What was advertised as a three-day, semi-guided hog hunt quickly unraveled into a roughly ten-hour ordeal marked by an unresponsive and unreliable guide, poor communication, and conditions that pushed us far past “just a bad hunt.” My brother, my dad, and I traveled to Texas expecting an adventure. What we got instead was a hard lesson in preparation, expectations, and knowing when things don’t feel right.

During the hunt, weather, lack of guidance, and exhaustion compounded into a situation that nearly turned dangerous, including a serious brush with hypothermia. In this episode, my dad and I walk through exactly what happened: from the first red flags to the moment we realized we were in trouble, and what we took away from the experience.

This isn’t about trashing anyone. It’s about honesty, accountability, and sharing a story that other hunters can learn from. Not every hunt ends with a grip-and-grin, and not every outfitter delivers what’s promised. Sometimes the best lessons come from the hunts that go sideways.

If you’ve ever booked a guided hunt, trusted someone else with your safety, or just want a reminder that the outdoors demands respect, this episode is for you.