Fort Tejon - Is the Lemon worth the sqeeze (south zone)

[GreekDrake]

Folks, just wondering about Fort Tejon. Considering about doing the formerly known as Pig-O-rama currently known as Pig Management hunts ( I believe). Have any of you ever had a chance to hunt the south zone? What's that country like? In terms of obtaining topo maps for the area do you know of any sources which make those available? I am familiar with the area west of the FWY 5 but know pretty much nothing about the East side were Tejon is located. To make matters worse, no scouting is allowed lets say the week before the hunt or a few weeks prior so it should realy be hit or miss. Anyhow, any input would be appreciated especially when it comes down to terrain.

Thanks!

GreekDrake.

 

[SDHNTR]

There are pigs all over the south side. This time of year the feed and water is all over and the pigs will be too. It's hard to pinpoint locations. The only thing you can do is cover lots of country and do a lot of glassing.

 

[Speckmisser]

Greek, the Tejon Ranch (NOT Ft Tejon) hunts are an excellent opportunity, with tons of hogs and a pretty wide range of habitat. You'll find rolling oak hills, steep rugged canyons, and high ridges. The South Side is, I believe, something like 66,000 acres... a little bigger than your average ranch. The pigs can be anywhere, and several of us have our own special spots. The trick with this place is to spend you first half-day (Friday) scouting... some people call it road-hunting. Drive the higher ridges and glass the hillsides. Watch the edges where the chapparal opens up, especially at first and last light. Find likely areas, and THEN get out of the truck and hump your way to them. If you try to look at the map, park the truck, and just start hunting... well, that's a roll of the dice. It's best to find the pigs first, then hunt them... it's a true spot and stalk hunt.

Once you find an area holding hogs, you can resort to standard tactics (in before light, get to your ambush spot, etc.).

We hunt the South Side every year for the JHO/Tejon POR, so there are a bunch of guys here on the forum who can speak to the quality of the hunt and the animals. Check out the threads on the upcoming May JHO/Tejon hunt if interested, and come on out and hunt with "the gang".

If the timing doesn't work to join us, the regular PORs are a lot of fun too.

 

[Wild1]

What speck said. Also, maps can be obatained, for a modest fee, at Tejon during the mandatory orientation on the first morning. I believe, like most pig hunters, it's a good hunt - whether you're successful or not. At the very least, you'll have done it and you'll know what all the talk is about - plus it's a beautiful piece of country and presumably you'll be going there with friends. Enjoy.

 

[GreekDrake]

Guys thanks for the input; Like of all of you I hunt to hunt because I love it; I am not a millionaire but I will spent the money for a memorable hunting experience. So I booked the February hunt. However, like everybody else I would love to get something; I generally work my butt off and get of the beaten path and thats how I enjoyed success in the past. Form what you have been saying it sounds promising. I will take your advise and do as you say and whatever happens happens Hey I would not mind joining the JHO hunt either

Thanks kindly to all.

 

[Speckmisser]

THere's plenty of room on the May JHO hunt, so if you enjoy this February trip then by all means sign yourself up!

February can be tricky at Tejon, as the weather can be a real factor. Those roads turn to eel slime in the rain, and the fog can drop visibility until you can't even see your hood ornament. Or it can be bright and sunny and beautiful... or anything in between. On a March hunt I witnessed snow, sleet, 60mph winds, rain, and dense fog over the course of only two days (the first day was beautiful).

You'll want a good 4x4 with good tires and chains...although if you think you will need chains, my suggestion is to stay off the trickier roads. Also bring plenty of rope. Makes recovering your pig from one of the famous hell-holes much easier.

Drop me an email if you get a chance. I may have some ideas for you.

 

[GreekDrake]

From the Looks of it we may be hunting in the snow next week up there. I cant wait!

 

[btrebil]

GreekDrake,
What are you going to be driving, I'll be in a 1/2ton silverado shortbed, silver in color. My name is Brett and I am always interested in meeting up with some of the guys from here. If your camping out, look forward to seeing you and your pig hangin.

 

[Speckmisser]

Good luck to you fellas hittin' it this weekend! It should be a great hunt. Hasn't been much pressure at all, and the hogs should be thick and feeling free.

Roads oughtta be treacherous as heck, though, so be careful. Think it out and walk if in doubt... carry a pack frame and game bags, and don't be afraid to bone 'em out and just pack out the meat.

I'm jealous as hell.

 

[Speckmisser]

Man, I just checked up on your weather... http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapClick....eld2=-118.94389

You guys are gonna have an awesome weekend!

And yeah, I'm still jealous.

 

[btrebil]

GreekDrake,
Looking forward to meeting you, good luck on your hunt, I can't wait to come home with a story and a big piggie.
Take care.
Brett

 

[edskii]

I was just reviewing your posts in preparation for a hunt in March and have a question. WHERE ARE THE PICS?