First time hog hunter in northern ca questions

[alphacaveman]

So ive been pretty intrigued by the hog hunting up here in northern cali. I'm originally from WI so hogs are not something I'm used to. I'm used to sitting in deer stands waiting for my prey to come to me, this whole stalking thing is totally different. I just have a few basic questions to get me started.

1. I was just wondering if hunting with a shotgun for hogs has any drawbacks? I know that most people hunt with rifles or a bow, all i have is a shotgun with a slug barrel. I know range is definitely a factor.

2. Could you direct me to any websites to learn some pointers about what to look for and how to properly stalk your prey, ie; tracks, nesting grouds etc.

3. How many people would be too many in your hunting party? Ive heard two is preferred, but I have a few other new people wanting to join in.

Any other suggestions would be great.

 

[alphacaveman]

Also, where are some good places to gun hunt hogs in northern california?

 

[Redneck75]

1. No reason not to hunt hogs with a shotgun. It hits very hard and will certainly down a hog. Check the regs carefully for the area you intend to hunt to be sure it's not in the "Condor Area" where non-lead ammo is required. I don't slug gun hunt so I have no idea on the availability of non-lead slugs.

2. You're already on one of the best websites for learning about hog hunting. Probably as much info here as anywhere else. There are several books on the subject and plenty of magazine articles and videos. Those can help but you'll probably learn the most from just getting out there and seeing what you can figure out. Stalking is simplicity in it's finest...yet easier said than done. It's just a matter of sneaking in undetected until you're well within range. Quiet clothing, possibly stocking feet, using the available terrain for cover until you get close enough. You'll blow plenty of stalks but you'll get some success along the way as well...just like the rest of us.

3. Number in your hunting party is all up to you. I wouldn't go tromping through the bush in a big herd of people but I've had as many as 14 in one hunting camp before. We had a blast around the fire and just split up in pairs or solos when we took off to hunt. It's always nice to have extra help to get a pig out of a nasty spot which they have a nasty habit of dying in.

4. I have no idea about public hunting lands in NoCal. I'd have to guess it's pretty limited and the hogs are more prevalent on private property. I hunted a few years ago with North Powder Outfitters who has several ranches to hunt North of Sacramento. That would be a good place to start as you have a great shot at success and you'll learn plenty from the guide.

 

[myfriendis410]

I too would suggest a guided hunt first. Ask plenty of questions and you will learn a bunch. Hogs are ideal for stalking in close as their eyesight is (usually) poor. If you wear good camo and watch their behaviour you can get amazingly close. Like feet. It's a hoot sneaking up on hogs close enough to shank one with a bow!

I don't know what kind of terrain you will be hunting, but much of the huntable areas are pretty open and require good binoculars. We even use a spotting scope--it saves sneaking up on an animal we don't want to shoot (we try not to shoot sows here). Also; a guide can SHOW you animals, which can be hard to spot the first time. We've seen that plenty of times with new hunters.

A shotgun is fine for hogs. As Mike said, be up to date on the regs so you don't get in trouble with the law. If you have to shoot copper, you must have a rifled barrel. A smoothbore won't stabilize a sabot.

 

[spectr17]

alphacaveman, here some info and links on CA hog hunting from our website. http://www.jesseshunting.com/california-hog-hunting-info-guides-links

Good luck and welcome to the forum

 

[Krisdude]

I'm a bow hunter and the furthest hog i shot was 55 yards away on a 60lbs hog. i where no to hardly any camo maby just a sweeter when its cold, once you see one go after it but be quiet and be down wind from them, always down wind from where their coming from I've had them 10' from me before. the hogs do seem to be on privet land more than public but you put you time in you'll get one suner or later .
good luck out their and have fun out their and bring home a fatty

 

[DFG_Bear]

You might want to attend one of our (DFG) Advanced Pig Hunting Clinics. The 2012 schedule should be posted in the next month or so...

http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/index.aspx

-Marc

 

[tntent]

now if you guys would offer those things in the redding area.. that would be awsome!

 

[palladin]

now if you guys would offer those things in the redding area.. that would be awsome!

Redding?! Try getting DFG anything in Santa Clara county.

 

[henmar77]

Forget the DFG how about putting some hogs in SB county!

 

[ndizzle]

Redding?! Try getting DFG anything in Santa Clara county.

truth

 

[ouch1]

The OP could always try the Cache Creek blm area: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/ukiah/cachecreek.html
I have not heard of any boar coming out of there, but you never know.
I am also looking for areas to hunt in the Santa Clara County area if anyone knows of places.

-ouch1

 

[Mlindsay]

Friend of mine went to Cache Creek and dropped a nice boar with in ten minutes if getting there. He has seen hogs 3 of his 4 trips out there.

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