First pig hunting post/ first try at pig hunting

[greyghost10]

After the longest wait (2 yrs 4 months) my rifle is returning from H. S. Precision. Had additional barrel made for my take down rifle. Original caliber is 270 Winchester. As far as big game hunting , so far I have only hunted muledeer. This Sunday I am going to be trying to fill my pig tag at El Tejon Ranch. I am assuming they are quite a lot like deer in that one is most likely to see them during the early hours of morning and the last part of the day and not so close to the roads. If there is anyone who has a few pointers, I would greatly appreciate a step in the right direction. I have been ground squirrel shooting up there for the past 2 months with my two sons and have been having a serious blast but now it is time to bag something I can be proud of and BAR-B-Q. I would like to make the JHO pig hunt in May but I will be in Yosemite during that week.

 

[malibumike]

I was there on Sat. We got there late and didn't see anything. There was a guy at the campground who bagged a few and he said it happened very early in the morning. Be there at sun up. The was a ton of sign and trails going everywhere!

 

[sidepass]

2 years 4 months? isn't that a bit extreme? Good luck pig hunting.I can smell the BBQ now!

sidepass

 

[RLL]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (greyghost10 @ Apr 10 2007, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I am assuming they are quite a lot like deer in that one is most likely to see them during the early hours of morning and the last part of the day and not so close to the roads. If there is anyone who has a few pointers, I would greatly appreciate a step in the right direction. I have been ground squirrel shooting up there for the past 2 months with my two sons and have been having a serious blast but now it is time to bag something I can be proud of and BAR-B-Q.[/b]

Actually, they are quite different in habits from deer. They are very nocturnal when pressured. Without pressure, I see as many at 2pm as any other time ... if you are near their bedding areas.

One huge difference between deer and hogs is that the hogs vital organs are located much more forward than a deer's. Basically between the front legs. Mature boars also have a thick shield ... 3"+ protecting their shoulders. Lots of deer hunters shoot deer right behind the shoulders (trying not to damage meat) ... but that is not a good idea with hogs. You will hit lungs and the hog will run a great distance. I shoot them right below the ear if I can ... but for long shots I shoot them right in the shoulder or the base of the neck.

Have fun ... hog hunting is great.

 

[Speckmisser]

Welcome to the madness, Greyghost!

Tejon is a great hunt, and you'll have a blast AND see hogs. It sounds like you'll be hunting on an Explorer pass?

You're dead on about their movements first and last light...but don't give up hope during the daylight hours. They can get up and get moving any time.

One strategy that works great at Tejon during the day is to hit the high ridge roads and glass the edges of the chemise. They'll poke in and out of that stuff almost all day if you're looking. Once you find some hogs, you can make your stalk to get in range. You can also find places that you want to set up in for first/last light hunts.

But don't spend all your time in the vehicle. If you find a place you like, get out and hunt it. Some of those deep draws are loaded with bedding areas, and you'll drive right by hogs if you don't get out of the truck and get in there with them.

Odds are in your favor if you're willing to put in the effort. It's an awesome hunt.

Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Rancho Loco]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Speckmisser @ Apr 11 2007, 08:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Welcome to the madness, Greyghost!

Some of those deep draws are loaded with bedding areas, and you'll drive right by hogs if you don't get out of the truck and get in there with them.[/b]

Yep - watch the wind and the sun...The wind for your scent and the sun for good bedding areas. Once you find a bedding area, you'll know what they look like, and smell like. Then use theat knowlege elsewhere.

Look for movement trails and directions - feed, water and beds. If you find a hot trail between the three, that can be good for action early and late...Again, watch the wind.


Good luck.

 

[greyghost10]

First off, thanks everyone for your imput. I will keep you all posted about this Sunday. Yeah, 2 yrs 4 months is an eternity to wait for my rifle's return. It seems they were having some serious tooling problems that needed to be ironed out and if I am not mistaken numerous U. S. military rifle orders for the Gulf War seriously put my hunting rifle on the back burner. I tried predator hunting a few weeks ago and came across a lot of grassy areas underneath many trees that seemed to have been rototilled. I assume these are bedding/resting areas for hogs. I also came across a few hog skulls. I am planning on hunting that area this weekend. I am told hogs in the 125-150 lb range should be quite tasty.

 

[Rancho Loco]

The rooted areas are where they are feeding.

Now find water and wallows with fresh rubs and tracks, then look for bedding areas on steep hillside that get shade in the afternoon. If you find an brushy area that looks like a bed (they can be giant with hundreds of bedding spots under scrub oaks, chemise and coyote brush on a hillside) stay out of a following wind and listen. They'll give themselves away by fighting, quarreling, snoring, making personal comments and discussing the issues.

At that point you can decide to wade in after them (difficult), or wait for them to come out, or jump them when they're moving between feed, water and snoozy time.

Last year at Tejon I found (actually heard) a bedding area full of pigs right above a swamp. It was late afternoon and I just leaned up against a tree with the wind at my face and waited. Right at last light three pigs popped out for a drink and wallow, and one went home with me.

 

[MJB]

Are you on the Southside of the Ranch?
What type of membership do you have....I'm thinking of getting an Explorer pass any pros or cons that you know of?
I'm trying to deside between My Country Club, Tejon Ranch and WU for a membership that I can take a guest with me.

I will mainly hunt pigs, uplandgame, and predators (no deer I have a great spot for them in San Diego).

 

[greyghost10]

Actually I believe it is called the Spring Family Pass. It is $1100.00 good for the entire family from early Feb until late Aug. And if a person takes advantage of it, it is a great deal. Camping, fishing, predator hunting and plenty of squirrels. Although next year only lead free bullets will be allowed. So far I have just limited myself the mostly exploring the middle to southern areas of the ranch.

 

[Speckmisser]

MJB,

If I lived as close to that place as you do, I'd be a member there in a heartbeat. Just to get inside the gates and cruise with camera and rifle is a blast...and the opportunity to hunt that place, essentially at will, is too good. Imagine having several days, or even weekends to locate and set up on a big tusker, as opposed to the two and a half day hunts we do now!

The lead-free deal is gonna be an issue for the small game shooters next year, I'm afraid, so if that's your main game I don't know what you'll do... but for a place like that to pig hunt...

 

[ksberry209]

Besides Barnes are there any other lead free bullets being producted at this time? I have not heard of any. BTW - How do Barnes shoot/group when you compare them to other ammo?

 

[greyghost10]

I have used Barnes X bullets on a few deer and they work quite well. Never quite as accurate (At least in my rifles) as my favorite bullet-the Nosler BT. I believe Barnes makes varmint bullets but possibly only in 22 caliber which I am going to have to try next year.

 

[Speckmisser]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ksberry209 @ Apr 12 2007, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Besides Barnes are there any other lead free bullets being producted at this time? I have not heard of any. BTW - How do Barnes shoot/group when you compare them to other ammo?[/b]

See the Press Release I just posted a few minutes ago regarding Winchester/Nosler's new ETIP. Limited calibers available as of now, but if the round works out it shouldn't take too long to fill more of the gaps.

As to the performance of Barnes, most folks I've talked to have had very good luck. American Rifleman did an article recently about the TSX ammo and found it quite good. I have heard of a few folks who couldn't get them to group well in their particular rifles...but this variability is common regardless of the type of ammo.

Best suggestion... get some and give them a try.

 

[ksberry209]

as always your info is very imforative. Thanks for the ammo update. I read it shortlyt after I posted my question.