First Bow Hog Hunt- FHL: Suggestions?!

[cwthomas]

My friend and I are heading down to FHL this weekend (4/21, 4/22). This will be my third hog hunt (first time with a bow), and my buddies first hog hunt period. We have resigned ourself to the fact that this will be somewhat of a "blind leading the blind" event. But we figure, everyone starts out green! I've done as much research via internet as possible on bow hunting hogs, but I would love any suggestions y'all might have for us!

PS. This is my first post. Seems like an awesome website/forum!

 

[1shotisallIneed]

Funny you mention this hunt at FHL, I myself along with several buddies are heading up there this weekend too. Same thing to hunt pigs but also turkey as well. I have a suggestion... don't shoot us! J/k with a bow its going to be difficult but do-able. You're best bet with bow hunting is to be elevated for any type of game because of the close proximity you need to be to the game, as for pigs however, this is difficult because you don't want to be in the path of any pig when you take a shot and it doesnt drop. I'm not familiar with the body type of these cali pigs, but you have to think with the steep terrain they have to traverse they are going to be pretty muscular compared to flat land pigs. I would first check to be certain you are going to get a good clean heart shot. Also, use a larger grain fixed broadhead, I've heard that expanding heads sometimes get ioto the tissue and stop before hitting vitals because of their thick skin, muscles fat etc. I'll let you in on a short story from years back. Papaw and I were walking through the woods when we came up on a sow and a few piglets, Papaw said "don't move, she will rip your leg off if she comes this way" so I crouched down looking for the nearest tree to climb, he aimed in with his Browning .270 and got a clean headhot right behind her ear but the bullet bounced off her skull and ricocheted through the woods and momma sow came charging. I found that tree and both of us were in it about 10 feet up until 3 rounds into her spin dropped her and made for quite a relief. She dressed out at 385 lbs at the butcher so maybe it was the size but from that experience I dare not to hunt a pig with anything less than a .300 mag or 12 ga sabot slug. Have fun and maybe we'll see you up there. Our group is 5 strong and we are camping up there as well.

 

[solus]

Welcome and good luck on fhl I suggest checking out area 13e, 13w and area 10 if they are open also check the weather those roads get nasty in the rain

 

[Live2hunt]

I would suggest stay with the archery only areas unless you do not mind competing with against the gun people with your bow.

 

[saravonshep]

Ill be waiting for Monday to see your results, good luck with your hunt.

 

[1shotisallIneed]

I posted a reply to this but hasn't posted.... anyways, it has some good info for you if it does reach you before you leave out. I'm leaving tonight with some other buds to do some pig and turkey saturday and sunday. Hopefully, its a successful weekend for all who go.

 

[CenCalChris]

Good luck guys, I was headed that way too, until I saw that there was only 1 general zone open.

 

[Huntr Pat]

Go to the Archery only areas 6b, 29, 3. 13e shotgun hunter hit it all the time along with 29. Ta 3 has not been hit to hard. Ta 6b has turkey but seem to hang out in the tickets. behind the mission shoot can and will be difficult unless you catch them to and from roosting area's.

 

[steve45]

archery pig 29 and 13e walk in only.