...though not for a lack of trying.

On the way down to hunt, my partner spoke of his weekend at long range shooting school, so he got to carry a rifle around as we checked camera, LOL. Turns out, it was productive, though I poked fun at his long range distance training for the purpose.

Later, we got hogs in the oats, hard to see, and even harder for my partner who is shorter than me. He dropped a second hog and I shot 2, but we could not find either one. No word from the landowner if he has had new buzzard activity.

I'm sure I'm not saying anything you don't already know and have likely mulled on some.

You need a dog. Other than the hyper types (Terriers and such) most any dog will do. Dachshund are a good choice, but have hard time walking long distances. Most any dog with a decent nose and that doesn't mind spending time in the truck while you are hunting will do.

Something about Hog blood that drives most dogs nuts, it really doesn't take a whole lot of training in my experience. Just a long leash and hold on.

Most any of the hunting breeds will do, but in my experience smaller is better. You may have to carry your dog some. Smaller types are easier to control.

I had a 80-90 pound Weimaraner that would pull me off my feet if he got a whiff of Hog blood. A dog about half that size would likely be better.

I have a twenty pound Terrier now with a bit of Beagle in him. Works a blood trail well. A little on the hyper side when left in the truck. Many of the hunting breeds are either coach potatoes and sleeping or in full hunt mode, which works out better.

IMO every hunter needs a dog.

I made a swivel mount for a laser pointer that fits on my shooting stick. Jam the shooting stick in the ground and point the laser to your bullet impact point.

I used plastic copper pipe mounting clips, some threaded stock and a few nuts to make mine.

Things look a different from where you shot and after you've walked out into a grain field. It can be really hard to pick up a blood trail. Finding the exact distance and location can be bit disorienting (impossible) in the dark.

Waidmannsheil!

Congrats on the hogs. Four in one night is a good score. Both the hogs you shot were hit hard. IMO: Neither went very far.

i have access to an excellent tracking dog, a wire haired Dachshund; but seldom use it for hogs. i simply don't like poking around in the dark looking for a possibly wounded hog.