Speckmisser
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2001
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Hiya Jen,
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
There are a LOT of hogs in CA, and most of the private land holdings can be extremely productive. I think for most of the better operations, a rifle hunt can be almost a slam-dunk (but it's still possible to get skunked). Remember, these guides hunt these properties almost weekly, so they know where to find the animals. Also, you only need to get so close for a rifle shot, which means you can make half your stalk in the vehicle in many cases... spot the animal, get out, slink down the canyon or across the field, take a rest, and shoot. Of course, it's not always that easy, but it certainly can be. I can see how some folks will find that a bit anti-climactic.
However, your choice to hunt with a bow instead of a rifle will change the "easy" factor significantly. Sure, you will see lots of hogs on most of the better properties. But getting one set up for a shot may be a different story.
Make sure you tell the guide exactly what you're looking for in your hunt. Most of them should work with you to make sure you get what you want. But they also know they see better tips from successful hunters than they usually do from guys who go home empty-handed, so they're going to stack the odds in your favor at every opportunity.
Wild pork is definitely leaner than domestic hogs. They still have thick fat under their skin, but the meat isn't nearly as fatty. I have heard of people making jerky, but I've never tried it. Other than that, it's sausage, roasts, steaks, etc... basically the same cuts you'd do with a domestic hog. I do think there's a world of difference in flavor.
As far as turkeys, I'm still entirely a novice turkey hunter, but from what I've seen so far, the biggest challenge in CA is finding a place with turkeys and no turkey hunters. Now, let me duck before someone throws something at me.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
There are a LOT of hogs in CA, and most of the private land holdings can be extremely productive. I think for most of the better operations, a rifle hunt can be almost a slam-dunk (but it's still possible to get skunked). Remember, these guides hunt these properties almost weekly, so they know where to find the animals. Also, you only need to get so close for a rifle shot, which means you can make half your stalk in the vehicle in many cases... spot the animal, get out, slink down the canyon or across the field, take a rest, and shoot. Of course, it's not always that easy, but it certainly can be. I can see how some folks will find that a bit anti-climactic.
However, your choice to hunt with a bow instead of a rifle will change the "easy" factor significantly. Sure, you will see lots of hogs on most of the better properties. But getting one set up for a shot may be a different story.
Make sure you tell the guide exactly what you're looking for in your hunt. Most of them should work with you to make sure you get what you want. But they also know they see better tips from successful hunters than they usually do from guys who go home empty-handed, so they're going to stack the odds in your favor at every opportunity.
Wild pork is definitely leaner than domestic hogs. They still have thick fat under their skin, but the meat isn't nearly as fatty. I have heard of people making jerky, but I've never tried it. Other than that, it's sausage, roasts, steaks, etc... basically the same cuts you'd do with a domestic hog. I do think there's a world of difference in flavor.
As far as turkeys, I'm still entirely a novice turkey hunter, but from what I've seen so far, the biggest challenge in CA is finding a place with turkeys and no turkey hunters. Now, let me duck before someone throws something at me.
