First of all, there are tons of hog sign at and North of Wiggins Creek in Oakmulgee. But note that Auburn is running a study on hogs with bait and trail cams so you probably dont want to shoot anything too close to that stuff.

Second, google maps lists a certain set of "roads" which will easily lead unwary two wheel drive tacoma drivers into some bad circumstances:



These "roads" would be more aptly described as "tiny, washed out dirt trails from hell." However, in ones attempt to remove themselves from the forest, they could easily become stuck in a labyrinth of "roads" and unable to turn around:



In this situation, the only option is to continue forward, begging google maps to give you the roads they have promised. With the waning light, some drivers inexperienced in the ways of off roading quickly learn that its the dumbest hobby in existence. Especially when their beloved taco decides to go backwards down a hill and wedge itself into an embankment with a washed out trench holding 1/2 of the driving tires. Hypothetically, this would be the view from such a situation:



After calling ones USAA roadside assistance it becomes clear that not knowing where you are or the nearest paved surface will quickly lead ones tow company to say "F*** that." Additionally, the Tuscaloosa county 911 service isnt very good at pinpointing a caller in the middle of a forest because their maps may not synch up with google map's interpretation of a road. Should they tell you to get out of your vehicle and walk down the trail looking for the squad car they sent you should probably say "H*** no" for three reasons:

1: They never actually sent a car
2: Walking around Oakmulgee at midnight with nine rounds of .45 acp isn't high on the list of smart things to do
3: Again, google maps is lying about the "roads" you may be following

To their credit, the Sheriffs office has a relationship with a tow company that just happens to own an Ford f-450 used for repos and one of the employees is an avid trail rider who knows the local area.

After 4 hours of harrowing sitting and walking, some very friendly fellows may show up and help said tacoma driver get un stuck:





Finally, the experienced employees are happy to drive the tacoma out for the experienced crasher to ensure they don't have to save him again.

Special thanks to Dwayne's towing for exemplary driving and short response time at 1:00 in the morning.


http://dwaynes-towing.com/

Edit: My favorite quote from the operator:

"What color is your truck?"
"The only one on the side of this hill..."

And a Happy Suck it England day to everyone.

4x4

Good pics and story.

I know the area you are talking about. Well, I knew it 13 years ago. But it was rough then. Doubt much has changed.

Those are called Jeep tracks for a reason.

Wow! Glad some finally came and helped the "driver" out. That looks like an "adventure" that will not soon be forgotten (or hopefully repeated). I have never owned a 2WD truck but I don't think I would be brave enough to try those roads if I did.

The tacoma performed admirably throughout. It was probably lack of off roading experience and terror on the drivers part that caused the situation.

Some drivers dont expect to ever use 4x4. And most dont find themselves in the 2% of situations that require it. I never intended to go off roading else I would have gotten a 4x4.

Google maps doesnt distinguish between jeep tracks and roads. As nice as that would have been in this situation.

Good stuff!!! Well written and an excellent photo story!

Should have told me ya'll were coming up that's my back yard

Never use the words Toyota Tacoma and stuck in the same sentence.

That is all!

HAH! I once stood a Mazda B3000 (Mazda Ranger) completely vertical on its tailgate in just about that same spot!

Somewhat related to your story; being that you were on the Management area, aren't there rules about hunting hogs with weapons specific to the season? I have wanted to hunt the Oakmulgee as we have seen hogs out at Payne Lake but too many regulations to make it worth the drive.

Those rules apply only if you are on WMA property. North of road 707 on Oakmulgee is outside of the WMA but within the National Forest boundary.

You can compare the WMA map and the Oakmulgee motor vehicle operating map to see the boundary.

You may wanna get one of these for next time. A shovel may be useful as well.

No doubt. I don't have a winch on my 4wd taco, so I have a come-a-long with me when I'm going to be off of the beaten path.

Great story and pic. Good times

I would have thought a truck that "looks" like a 4x4 would have been fine in those deep wash's.