Another hog question

[DBAR]

Ok I have heard that hogs will hide on the North facing slopes during the day time this time of year. What if you knew where they were and it was a canyon that had east and west facing slopes. Both have fairly steep and rolling sections to them, but for the most part are pretty bare. The bottom of the main canyon has a fairly wide bottom 1/4 mile wide most of the way and lots and lots of water holes and brushy areas. do you think they are bedding down in the bottom somewhere? Should I get there late in the day on the western most slope(to have the sun at my back) and glass waiting to see them waking up and getting active just before the night falls?
Thanks, JIM

 

[559hog]

Never heard of that but that's what I would do. How long of a shot will you be taking from your ambush point to where the hog will theoretically be?

 

[Speckmisser]

The beds are usually up on the hillsides, above the watering areas. Temperatures are usually more moderate about half to two-thirds up the hill. Of course, if the only cover is in the bottom, that's where I'd look. But take a close look at the folds and draws. You'd be amazed at the places a hog can hide, and they don't always dig into the thickest stuff in the country.

It's also possible that they're not bedding there at all. Hogs will cover a lot of ground to and from water, food, and bedding. The hotter it gets, the closer they'll usually hold to the water source, so this is a good time to stake 'em out. I wouldn't blow off a mid-day hunt, if there's good water in the bottom of the canyon.

Your plan to sit up high and glass is good, and of course having the sun to your back gives you an advantage as you'll be able to see better... not to mention that the hogs will often feed out along the edge of the shade line as the sun goes down. However, in the situation you described they're likely to be working both sides of the canyon equally. Stay alert and watch the hill directly below you.

I'd use the same plan at first light too, but keep in mind that morning thermals will carry your scent downhill, so watch your wind. If you're more than a couple hundred yards away, it's not so critical, but if you're gonna be right over the trails, it could cost you your shot.

 

[Raully]

Jim if its the same place we were talking about. I think they are just passing through. Find a beat up trail and ambush them. Let me know if you want to get out and scout. There was an area up north I used to hunt similiar to yours and they were there, just not coming by every day. I've been trying to get up there but I've been extremely busy. Let me know and we can do a little recon. I actually over heard some one else talking about that spot so I don't know how much of a secret it is anymore.

 

[DBAR]

Never heard of that but that's what I would do. How long of a shot will you be taking from your ambush point to where the hog will theoretically be?

Max shot would be around 300 yards And I'm good with that distance

 

[DBAR]

The beds are usually up on the hillsides, above the watering areas. Temperatures are usually more moderate about half to two-thirds up the hill. Of course, if the only cover is in the bottom, that's where I'd look. But take a close look at the folds and draws. You'd be amazed at the places a hog can hide, and they don't always dig into the thickest stuff in the country.

It's also possible that they're not bedding there at all. Hogs will cover a lot of ground to and from water, food, and bedding. The hotter it gets, the closer they'll usually hold to the water source, so this is a good time to stake 'em out. I wouldn't blow off a mid-day hunt, if there's good water in the bottom of the canyon.

Your plan to sit up high and glass is good, and of course having the sun to your back gives you an advantage as you'll be able to see better... not to mention that the hogs will often feed out along the edge of the shade line as the sun goes down. However, in the situation you described they're likely to be working both sides of the canyon equally. Stay alert and watch the hill directly below you.

I'd use the same plan at first light too, but keep in mind that morning thermals will carry your scent downhill, so watch your wind. If you're more than a couple hundred yards away, it's not so critical, but if you're gonna be right over the trails, it could cost you your shot.

Thanks Speck Thats the kind of info that really helps!!!

Jim if its the same place we were talking about. I think they are just passing through. Find a beat up trail and ambush them. Let me know if you want to get out and scout. There was an area up north I used to hunt similiar to yours and they were there, just not coming by every day. I've been trying to get up there but I've been extremely busy. Let me know and we can do a little recon. I actually over heard some one else talking about that spot so I don't know how much of a secret it is anymore.

Hey Raully I have some pics of a scoutting trip if you want to see them( lots of prints and rooting) and one was already taken out of there but not by me!!!!

 

[Raully]

Send me the pics or better yet lets go up there and come up with a game plan. I have some ideas.