It’s the wild boars versus the Baptists in the first annual First Baptist Church Sunday School hog hunt this weekend.

The Sunday school class came up with a hunting trip as a fun way to get together outside of regular meetings.

“It’s an opportunity to have a little fellowship outside of church; the hog hunt is just a byproduct, it’s not really the mission,” said Stan Foster, a member of the Sunday school group. “Hopefully, we’ll be in an area where cell phones won’t work and we won’t have TVs, so it’s going to force us to interact with one another.”

The group is going to Coles Creek Hunting Club in Fayette, where Steven Mills, one of the participants, is a member. They will hunt, ride four-wheelers, eat and camp in log cabins. Approximately 30 people are going, and 10 will be hunting.

“It’s a time for us to get to know each other better,” said Foster.

After the weekend hunt, all of the pigs that are suitable will be sent for processing. “Nothing will go to waste,” said Foster.

Originally brought for food by the Spanish and English colonists, hogs in the wild have become a nuisance animal in Mississippi. They can be hunted from opening day of deer archery season to the last day of February and during spring turkey season. Hunters may use the type of weapons and ammunition legal to hunt with during that season.

Foster said that Mills has already baited the area and although most of the participants are using guns, one is hoping to bag a hog with an arrow.

“I’m looking forward to the good Christian fellowship and unique experience,” said Terry Pendley, member of the class. “It will be a good time with friends and family.”

Pendley has an immaculate hunting record; one shot that killed one deer, and is looking forward to learning more about hog hunting and spending time with his 6-year-old son, J.T. Pendley, who is joining him.

“It’s an adventure for him; J.T. makes anything fun.” said Pendley. “I’m just hoping the hogs aren’t as mean as people say.”

The Foster says this is the first of many hog hunts to come.