FHL weekend of 5/25

[Uncle Bambi]

So, I decided to take a chance and come down to FHL on Memorial Day. There's a fair bit of boat traffic headed to the lake, but the fort seems pretty quiet. None of the areas I'm familiar with are open save TA7, but it is archery only this weekend. I'm still on the fence about where to go as I'll basically be going into a TA blind without any prior experience....... but that worked out well for me last time I had to do it.

Check-in was pretty easy. There are new barrriers up at the main gate, trucks/convoys on the right and visitors on the left. They ask for all the usual paperwork, with the addition of hte gun registration paper. The thing that is different is that they have you wait while they fill out and issue you a base pass, and for the life of the pass all you have to show is your DL and the pass and they let you in. So, I decided to take a chance and come down to FHL on Memorial Day. There's a fair bit of boat traffic headed to the lake, but the fort seems pretty quiet. None of the areas I'm familiar with are open save TA 7, but it is archery only this weekend. I'm still on the fence about where to go as I'll basically be going into a TA blind without any prior experience....... but that worked out well for me last time I had to do it.

Also - the check-in station has been streamlined and made a it more efficient, and the desk clerk told me that they were going to go to some sort of phone-in or electronic TA check-in/assignment system. That should be cool.

I originally booked Motel 6 in King City for $50/night, as Gibb Hall has ballooned up to $134/night now that it is privatized (not too many cars out front of it right now.

) I decided to check the Hacienda, and they are still very reasonable - $50 for a room with a shared bathroom, and $75 for a room with a private bath. I elected to cancel Motel 6 and book a room here, so as to save time and gas.

I've got a rifle, shotgun, and bow with me, so I can be pretty flexible. I think I might try a shotgun area tomorrow AM, and if I don't score then maybe try my luck eiththe bow in TA 7 next.

Wish me luck, and I'll report back as things develop.

 

[dchunter]

Yeah, good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[live it up]

Good luck atleast youll be hunting I mailed my firearm registration form along with ssn and drivers licence photo about 3 weeks ago but I forgot to put a self address stamp envelope. Sucks I wanted to hunt this week. I wish you good luck keep us posted

 

[Uncle Bambi]

Interestingly enough, the place was a ghost town in regards to hunters. Hardly anyone was there, and both Gibb Hall and the campground were near empty. I chatted with the check-in clerk, and he said that since the weapons registration went into effect and Gibb Hall raised their rate to $134/night, the turnout has been very low. As an aside, next year's hunting pass will cost you $150.

I will not tell you what area I hunted today, as I was asked to keep it to myself...... but suffice it to say I did score a little boar, about 60 lbs or so.

This was the first time I ever took a pig with a shotgun slug, so it was a new experience. I had to get a lot closer than I usually do with a rifle, the reason being that the slugs I had (Dupo 20's) did not group well past 50 yards in my shotgun.

I didn't care much for them, either. Killed the pig OK, but at the price of significant meat damage. I hit this pig high on the shoulder (see pic) and the slug shattered both shoulder bones, jellied meat, and sent sharp little steel fragments all over. Granted - shot placement wasn't ideal, but I didn't have the luxury of the pin-point accuracy my 30-06 offers. These slugs could hit anywhere in an 8" circle at 50 yards, so I guess I was lucky to hit him off-hand at all.

Basically, I found some water seeps, found fresh tracks, and followed them a bit. I came across 2 little brown piglets ahead that disappeared into some bushes, but this one was out in the open rooting around so I dropped him. As soon as I fired, a big sow popped out of the bushes, stared at me, and then lit out in the opposite direction. :smiley_doh:

I saw these tracks:

Which led to this:

 

[solus]

good work man! atiotic-wavin-flag

 

[dchunter]

Alright. I was thinking about your hunt today. Glad you scored. Congrats.

 

[Uncle Bambi]

good work man! atiotic-wavin-flag

Thank you.

I am now officially 2 for 2 at FHL. I wonder what the record is? :toothless:

 

[live it up]

Good job luck is on your side good for you:stir pot:

 

[HogWild805]

I know I wont be going to FHL anymore along with a lot of other locals arounds here. The weapons registrations is bull shitt.

 

[HogWild805]

Interestingly enough, the place was a ghost town in regards to hunters. Hardly anyone was there, and both Gibb Hall and the campground were near empty. I chatted with the check-in clerk, and he said that since the weapons registration went into effect and Gibb Hall raised their rate to $134/night, the turnout has been very low. As an aside, next year's hunting pass will cost you $150.

I will not tell you what area I hunted today, as I was asked to keep it to myself...... but suffice it to say I did score a little boar, about 60 lbs or so.

This was the first time I ever took a pig with a shotgun slug, so it was a new experience. I had to get a lot closer than I usually do with a rifle, the reason being that the slugs I had (Dupo 20's) did not group well past 50 yards in my shotgun.

I didn't care much for them, either. Killed the pig OK, but at the price of significant meat damage. I hit this pig high on the shoulder (see pic) and the slug shattered both shoulder bones, jellied meat, and sent sharp little steel fragments all over. Granted - shot placement wasn't ideal, but I didn't have the luxury of the pin-point accuracy my 30-06 offers. These slugs could hit anywhere in an 8" circle at 50 yards, so I guess I was lucky to hit him off-hand at all.

Basically, I found some water seeps, found fresh tracks, and followed them a bit. I came across 2 little brown piglets ahead that disappeared into some bushes, but this one was out in the open rooting around so I dropped him. As soon as I fired, a big sow popped out of the bushes, stared at me, and then lit out in the opposite direction. :smiley_doh:

I saw these tracks:

Which led to this:

Great job. Nice piggy!

 

[Bobaloo]

Wow, you definitely know how to find the piggies! Did you have an easier time with fewer hunters running around the base?

 

[Uncle Bambi]

Wow, you definitely know how to find the piggies! Did you have an easier time with fewer hunters running around the base?

Can't really answer that yet.

I usually go to the less popular TA's, just to get away from everyone else. Seems to be working for me.

 

[MapleSyrupSmuggler]

Thank you.

I am now officially 2 for 2 at FHL. I wonder what the record is? :toothless:

Nice kill and nice record! For the next hunt I'll make sure to go with you!

 

[Uncle Bambi]

Nice kill and nice record! For the next hunt I'll make sure to go with you!

If you're in the SF Bay area, I'm always looking to split gas.

 

[Uncle Bambi]

Just a little bump to the thread so you all can view the finished product...... ribs, anyone?:

 

[KTKT70]

mmmmmm yummy!!!!!

 

[mr sunset]

WOW, nice piggy friend. that's a perfect eater. congrats on the hunt.:wavin hello:

 

[Live2hunt]

I am now officially 2 for 2 at FHL. I wonder what the record is? :toothless:

I have a few records at FHL.....Oh hell I don't quite remember them......... :toothless:

 

[Uncle Bambi]

I have a few records at FHL.....Oh hell I don't quite remember them......... :toothless:

I'd like to hunt with you there. I think I would have a lot to learn.