Gotta pass on that date as well. I paid dearly last time. Although, maybe I could just show up. Kill a hog on Friday night. Bail on Saturday. Piece o' cake. If'n I don't flinch.
I spoke to Tejon Ranch (via Barbara) last week. As mentioned in the initial post, the $400 cost is contingent on raising a minimum number of hunters. The ranch reduced that number to 20, so we need to get at least that many guys to go.
If we don't get to 20 hunters, the rate goes to $500.
Now, before anybody goes to screaming, let me say that I don't see it being likely that we won't make our number. I've got half that many requests for applications already in my inbox, and I haven't even received the applications yet. We still have over six months to go before the hunt, and the apps traditionally don't even get moving good until the last couple of months before the hunt.
But let me go ahead and put this on the table.
If, by whatever chance we don't make it to 20 hunters by the deadline (two weeks before hunt time), two things will happen.
First, I'll touch base with Barbara and Don at Tejon, and see if they'll let us slide. Maybe, maybe not. If they do, then we go with what we've got.
If that fails, everyone will have the option of getting their checks and tags returned to them, or ponying up the extra $100 and joining the hunt anyway. The hunt dates are open until I officially cancel... and odds are, even for $500, I'll head out there. Imagine having that whole south side to a handful of hunters?
Anyway, there it is. It is something to consider, but again, I don't see any issue with getting at least 20 hunters. I'm more concerned about maxing out at 50 again this year.
I can't think of a better way to have fun. For those of you that are on the fence, just do it. It's a beautiful ranch that makes you feel lucky just for being granted access. The commaraderie around the campfire is outstanding. There are plenty of good folks to help recover hogs. Plenty of guys to point you in the right direction. It's not a contest. It's a team effort. Every time you drive in to camp, you get to see another half dozen hogs hanging. It's exciting. Lots of handshakes and atta boys. Good laughs too. The success rate is outstanding. I think it's more fun than a guided hunt. You will see hogs, deer, elk, turkey, and maybe even a lion. It's an outstanding event. If are interested, but unsure, or feel like you don't know anybody, just do it. There's no better forum for meeting folks that are equally obsessed with hunting and having fun in the outdoors. This is also a great opportunity to introduce your woman, (or companion for some,) to the wonderful life that hunting has to offer. It can be an easy hunt, or you can dive into some extreme hell holes where most people won't venture. Warning: If you notice that Scott isn't back in camp by 11pm, get to bed and lock the tent.
If you'd like to get an application packet, go ahead and shoot me an email (use the "Email" link at the bottom of the post window).
Do NOT post your information here, on the list. First of all, that's a bad way to let too many people have your contact info, and second, I will NOT add it to the spreadsheet if it's not in my email box.
Several of you have already sent your info. I'll start sending the apps out next week, if nothing comes up.
If you're on the fence, it's a GREAT christmas present.
Info please How dose this work on the camping up there? Do we just have a large area to camp in or do we just camp anywhere on the south side. I new at this but learning fast. Do they allow non hunters along. All this info is probuly in the packet but all info would be great for the may hunt.
There is a designated camping area in the South Side. Most of us camp in the same general area, but there is room to spread out if you like. A few of the more anti-social folks like to camp a bit away from the main gathering. Something about needing their beauty rest and not wanting to be up listening to campfire stories until all hours... I dunno. I think it's just because they've reached premature geezerhood, myself.
We have had everything from high-roller RVs to folks sleeping in their trucks. It's all good. There are no RV hookups, though, so if you need it, you should bring it. The only "facilities" provided are a port-a-john and a skinning pole.
Let me go ahead and say this to everyone now also, although I'll come back to it later...
There are no garbage-men or disposal services there. PLEASE... plan to pack it out if you pack it in. Don't leave your garbage for someone else to tend to. If you have a couple too many shots around the fire the night before, head on back over there the next day and make sure you didn't leave your cup, can, bottle, or sanity. While you're there, go ahead and grab any other cups, cans, etc. too.
This goes for the hides and trimmings from our hogs. It's a real drag to have to come in behind everybody on Sunday night and try to collect rancid hog skins, feet, fat, and other leavings. Police the area behind yourself, and if you see something that someone else forgot, go ahead and collect that too. Hog parts can be dumped in the woods, away from camp (and ideally out of sight of main roads). The coyotes and scavengers will take care of it after that.
We (JHO) have a great reputation at Tejon, and I'd really like to see it stay that way.
Well I think I wanna be in this year, but I've never hunted Tejon before, neither has my partner. Anyone interested in letting me tag along in their group?.......perty please....
First off, when everyone checks in there's a orientation where a guide will cough up some fresh intel.
Second, at this point there are some JHO's who are real veterano's at Tejon, and know which areas will hold pigs, and which hills are the steepest to drag them up.
I'm sure folks will be ready to let you tag along.
Third, if you've never hunted pigs before, just educate yourself to their habits and likles and dislikes a bit. Once you get to Tejon and apply that knowlege, YOU WILL SEE PIGS. The place is thick with them. But they're not dumb anymore. They've been schooled so seeing 'em is just the first part of the game.
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