He's small

[Mel Carter]

Well, I went out this morning with my buddy to his friends ranch by Mt Diablo. Seen one group of about 8 hogs running the hill side, couple of shots but all clean misses. We went to another part of the property, driving down the road and 6 more jump out of a small ravine right onto the road. All were small, about 75 pounds, so I took the last one in the bunch, probably a 60 pounder

. No pics, but we are going back in 2 weeks

, hopefully i'll have some pics then.

Mel

 

[76scout]

Congrats on your hog bet its real good eaten

 

[Freedivr2]

Last month I posted up some pics of a few small hogs I shot, kinda apologetically. They were off in the distance, and ranged from 50-100 lbs (live wt.). The guys here told me they'd eat way better than the bigger ones I've gotten before these.

They were absolutely right, you're in for some good table fare for sure. Congratulations......

 

[Mel Carter]

Yeah, I figured he would taste pretty good. You know, the only thing I was thinking about was that I didn't hang him for anytime, I just quartered him up, cut the ribs out and the backstraps and in the freezer he went. Do you think he'll taste any different because he didn't hang for a few days. Just curious.

Thanks, Mel

 

[SDHNTR]

Nope, there is no need to hang hogs to age. Even hanging deer is open to debate. Hogs should be cut up ASAP. you did fine.

 

[bigtusker]

That is correct. Hogs don't need to age, as a matter of fact, if you hang a hog for 5 days, it'll get greasy. Now with a deer, I prefer to hang 'em at least 10 days. The last one I hung for 12 and the longest was 19 days. You could cut the steaks on that one with a fork!

 

[Speckmisser]

Way to go, Mel. When's the bbq?

I passed up a bunch of footballs last weekend in South Carolina. Figured I could've skewered all four of them with one arrow, and that's a tad too small. If I'd seen a 60 pounder, you can believe I'd have drilled him.

 

[Brian S]

Mel what did you end up using the 30-30 or the .243?

 

[bigtusker]

Mel, when you say small, did they look anything like this one?

 

[tnctcb]

tusker you still showing off that picture of that little pig? im hoping to get back with a stick and string soon

 

[bigtusker]

I'm still showing that one off cuz I aint seen one bigger yet! He was a BRUTE!

 

[Mel Carter]

Well, I ended up using the 243, the bullet didn't even open up, just went right through. In 2 weeks i'll use the 30-30.

Hey Speck. Welcome back. How did you do on the deer.

Bigtusker, yeah, he was about the size of that hog in the picture. Or atleast maybe as big as his head. That is one HUGE hog.

Hopefully in 2 weeks i'll have some pics of something a little bigger.

If I would have had an A zone tag, could of nailed a nice buck. 3x3 at least 18-20" wide. Oh well, that's how it goes.

Mel

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey Mel,

The trip was great, but no meat in my freezer. I did a full write-up on my website. Check it out here.

I also put a shortened version in the Whitetail forum.

Let me know if you need some help over there protecting Mt. Diablo. The freezer is getting scanty!

 

[Mel Carter]

Hey Speck, glad to hear you had a great time. I was checking posts to see if you logged on over in SC to tell your story, but I guess not.

Boy, I wish I could take some people over to this guys ranch. I've only met him once, this deal is worked out through a mutual friend, so I'm like his guest. The guy who has the deal worked out takes about 4 guys total, all of different trips, each about 3 weeks apart. The guy who owns the ranch hunts it also. Some of the hogs are passing through his property, and some may be resident, he only has 600 acres or so. If I ever get in good with the rancher, you'll be the first to know. His ranch is actualy 7 miles out of Livermore, it's really not close to Diablo, but closer to Morgan Territory road. If this ends up working out for me, there's a few guys here I would like to take. I'll keep you posted.

Mel

 

[mrgadget]

Good Job Mel!

I still have yet to see one (only one trip to FHL so far, so I'm not complaining) but hope to some day soon....probably Dec for the JHP gig.