Inside the Weigh-In: How Volunteers Keep the Tournament Fair and Safe

Volunteers begin the day by setting up sturdy, calibrated scales in a shaded area near the parking lot. The location is chosen for easy access by hunters and for safe handling of the large animals, and each scale is checked with a known weight before any hog arrives.

When a hog is brought in, two volunteers work together to guide the animal onto the platform while a third watches for signs of stress. The animal is weighed quickly, the number is recorded on a paper log and entered into a shared spreadsheet, and the weight is announced to the crew so the hunter knows the result immediately.

To ensure fairness, a second volunteer verifies the reading by comparing the digital display with the manual log. Any discrepancy triggers a repeat weigh‑in, and the team’s name is noted alongside the final weight. This double‑check system keeps the competition honest and builds trust among hunters, veterans and community members.

After the weight is confirmed, the hog is moved to the processing area where volunteers assist with humane skinning and preparation for donation. The meat is then distributed to food kitchens, families in need, and the veterans who helped run the event. In a state where feral hogs cause about 76 million dollars of agricultural damage each year, the tournament turns a problem into a source of food and camaraderie, while also reminding us that about 23 veterans a day are lost to suicide in this country and that community support can make a difference.