Wait … so you’re telling us you’ve never shot machine guns from a helicopter?!

The morning of the hunt does not start like any other day. The safety course is scheduled an hour before dawn, but you’re already wide awake. Shutting off the alarm, images of the day are nearly unimaginable as the adventure is completely new. The safety course is a breeze, but you mentally review the instructions given by the pilot and crew chief, and remember to stay calm as the helicopter lifts off the ground. The sound of the rushing wind and the steady beating of the rotor blades puts you in an almost meditative state. Arriving over the first hunt property, the aircraft pitches aft, slows and descends to hunting altitude. The time is near for you to load the your machine gun. Reminding yourself before you pull the trigger the first time, put the dot on the target and squeeze. The pilot says loudly through the headset, “Clear to fire.” You steady the rifle and aim, your target in the center. BANG! The hogs begin to drop. You quickly realize you’re out of ammo. Hands trembling with excitement as the remainder of the hogs run for cover. Reload the machine gun and engage! This is the coolest thing ever!