So one of my hunting partners recently whacked a large boar and a doe on the same evening - in San Diego county. Since I've had good luck killin' hogs on public land here in southern California, I thought I better put some time in and get on another hog - this time in San Diego. After some scouting, I found water, cover and the all-important rooting. I looked for game (pigs) trails intersecting rooting spots and water, set up a game camera and got some pics of wild hogs. I cleared out two spots, set up makeshift ground blinds and trimmed two shooting lanes, about a hundered yards apart from each other. I kept the game camera out to pattern the pigs and then invited a very close friend and hunting partner to go out with me. The first time he missed a 25 yard shot, the second time I got no action in my spot, but he came to full draw on a lone boar but could never get a clear shot. The third time was a total kick-in-the-pants, more about having a great time then scoring a hog - but we were lucky enough to do both.
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We went out at about 4:30, planning on each setting up in the two spots I had made for us. The plan changed as we silently approached the first spot, which was where I was going to sit. We both thought we heard something so we froze, sure enough a minye or so later we heard more noise. Since Jim had never shot a wild pig, I told him to noc an arrow and get ready to take the shot - I even took his backpack off so he didn't have to move or make a sound. We remained still and silent, but only for about 10-15 minutes, and sure enough - here comes to pigs down the trail. They stop ever so often to root around, so Jim takes his time and calms himself. Before long, the two pigs come into the lane I had cleared and Jim ranges them at 26 yards and let's an arrow fly. We both here an impact, and then a squeal! Jim is estatic.
We went out at about 4:30, planning on each setting up in the two spots I had made for us. The plan changed as we silently approached the first spot, which was where I was going to sit. We both thought we heard something so we froze, sure enough a minye or so later we heard more noise. Since Jim had never shot a wild pig, I told him to noc an arrow and get ready to take the shot - I even took his backpack off so he didn't have to move or make a sound. We remained still and silent, but only for about 10-15 minutes, and sure enough - here comes to pigs down the trail. They stop ever so often to root around, so Jim takes his time and calms himself. Before long, the two pigs come into the lane I had cleared and Jim ranges them at 26 yards and let's an arrow fly. We both here an impact, and then a squeal! Jim is estatic.
what to do...?
Now I'm thinking our hunt is over, and I couldn't be happier for Jim - he's a great guy and an even better hunting partner. But, just in case, I try to calm Jim and keep us both quiet for a bit while I think about what to do next. Should I continue to the next spot that was going to be where Jim was going to sit, should I stay where we're at, should we start to track before it gets dark....? I changed my mind about three of four times while we stood there looking at Jim on his cloud 9. It was a no-lose situation, Jim had his pig so it really doesn't matter. Just then we heard noise. Are you kidding me, more pigs....?
Now I'm thinking our hunt is over, and I couldn't be happier for Jim - he's a great guy and an even better hunting partner. But, just in case, I try to calm Jim and keep us both quiet for a bit while I think about what to do next. Should I continue to the next spot that was going to be where Jim was going to sit, should I stay where we're at, should we start to track before it gets dark....? I changed my mind about three of four times while we stood there looking at Jim on his cloud 9. It was a no-lose situation, Jim had his pig so it really doesn't matter. Just then we heard noise. Are you kidding me, more pigs....?
Luck and a great shot
What are the chances of getting off two shots, from two different hunters, at two different groups of wild hogs in Southern California....? That's exactly what happened. Along come two more hogs, a little further away at 29 yards and I get ready. They both stop in the same shooting lane and I put my 30 yard pin on the furthest one because it gives me a better broadside shot than the closer one. I shoot, but Jim and I both think I miss - it sounds like I hit dirt. I'm not happy. Oh well, at least one pig has been hit so it's time to start tracking. We work our way over to where we think Jim hit his pig, but we see nothing. We go a little further and find a spot of blood, and then an arrow covered in blood from the broadhead (125 magnum ST) to the vanes. It happens to be my arrow.
What are the chances of getting off two shots, from two different hunters, at two different groups of wild hogs in Southern California....? That's exactly what happened. Along come two more hogs, a little further away at 29 yards and I get ready. They both stop in the same shooting lane and I put my 30 yard pin on the furthest one because it gives me a better broadside shot than the closer one. I shoot, but Jim and I both think I miss - it sounds like I hit dirt. I'm not happy. Oh well, at least one pig has been hit so it's time to start tracking. We work our way over to where we think Jim hit his pig, but we see nothing. We go a little further and find a spot of blood, and then an arrow covered in blood from the broadhead (125 magnum ST) to the vanes. It happens to be my arrow.
Tracking nightmare
My pig could wait, it was now time to find Jim's. So we tracked, and tracked and tracked some more. Up and down ravines and across streams and creeks, back tracking and more tracking - it was now dark. This went on for about two hours, when by chance I looked down and said to Jim: "....hey Jim, there's your pig." We were both exhusted, happy and a bit surprised - the hog he shot was more piglet than hogzilla. But it was his first, it was DIY on public land, and it was with a bow - he can be proud, if a little giddy about it. I think he's gonna put the entire thing on the bbq.
My pig could wait, it was now time to find Jim's. So we tracked, and tracked and tracked some more. Up and down ravines and across streams and creeks, back tracking and more tracking - it was now dark. This went on for about two hours, when by chance I looked down and said to Jim: "....hey Jim, there's your pig." We were both exhusted, happy and a bit surprised - the hog he shot was more piglet than hogzilla. But it was his first, it was DIY on public land, and it was with a bow - he can be proud, if a little giddy about it. I think he's gonna put the entire thing on the bbq.
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tough drag out
Overall it was one of those hunts that we'll always remember, not only because we both tagged out, but because it was his first pig, we did it the hard way and we smiled and laughed the entire evening (and sweated plenty too). The drag out was brutal, really difficult - I'm feelin' it today, but man was it worth it.
Overall it was one of those hunts that we'll always remember, not only because we both tagged out, but because it was his first pig, we did it the hard way and we smiled and laughed the entire evening (and sweated plenty too). The drag out was brutal, really difficult - I'm feelin' it today, but man was it worth it.
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ready for bbq
Mine went about 125-150lbs, a perfect meat pig. Jim's, well who knows, but I have something to tease him about forever now. From Jim's shot to loading the truck, just over three hours. Two pigs shot, gutted, dragged and tagged. Two hunters sweaty, tired, sore and grateful - plus the memories.
Mine went about 125-150lbs, a perfect meat pig. Jim's, well who knows, but I have something to tease him about forever now. From Jim's shot to loading the truck, just over three hours. Two pigs shot, gutted, dragged and tagged. Two hunters sweaty, tired, sore and grateful - plus the memories.
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BADBuckfever
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Great read. Thanks for the dramatic story, well written. Congratulations!!! :toast-yellow:
3056_HUNTER
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Good times and good job! The little one would be great on an open fire.
Cant wait to get out next week to kick off the killing season!
Cant wait to get out next week to kick off the killing season!
THE ROMAN ARCHER
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wow, super congrats to u and your friend on the nice trophy diy bowkill hogs, u got me pumped up for some lake sonoma action with this story for sure! have a great day my friend!....tra
CaliJeephuntr
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Congrats guys! Sounds like you had a great hunt!
