I watched the video of Doc and Nic hunting and looks like Doc shoots a Marlin Guide gun in 45-70. Plenty of poop for pigs I imagine. I've been trading emails with both Doc and Nic and they are true sportsman and gentlemen. Tons of good advice and help. Since I only have one day to hunt I'm gonna focus on pigs and the odds of success are much higher.
- Thread starter DJFrosty
- Start date
Evan, et al:
I used a 45/70 Marlin 1895 for one bull hunt, a .300 Win mag Ruger 77 for another, a .458 Win mag Ruger 77 for another, and a Win 94 .356 Winchester for another. I use the .300 mag for pigs sometimes, the Win Model 94 7x30 Waters for pigs at Laupahoehoe, a Win Model 100 in .308 for pigs in really thick jungle, and a Win Model 70 Featherweight 7/08 for sheep up on the open slopes of Mauna Kea. I also use a custom German mauser in .243 for sheep and a sporterized Springfield 1903-A3 in 30/06 for pigs in more open areas where the shots are 75-100 yards. They all have scopes except for the 30/06 which has a peep sight.
The only problem with the 7x30 Waters is if I jump a really big boar the bullet will not pass through, in fact, it may only penetrate 6 inches or so if the cartilage shield is thick. That means some tracking. With the .300 Mag, the pig will drop in its tracks, no matter how big it is, as long as I use Barnes X bullets or some of the Failsafe bullets I have left over from 10 years ago. Overall, I must say the Ruger 77 Stainless in .300 Mag with a Bushnell 3X9 scope is the best bet if I had to pick one rifle to hunt everything on the Big Island. It drops bulls and boars in their tracks and it is really good on long range shooting at sheep. I took two mouflons with it in one afternoon.
Evan---You still moving back to the Big Island?
I used a 45/70 Marlin 1895 for one bull hunt, a .300 Win mag Ruger 77 for another, a .458 Win mag Ruger 77 for another, and a Win 94 .356 Winchester for another. I use the .300 mag for pigs sometimes, the Win Model 94 7x30 Waters for pigs at Laupahoehoe, a Win Model 100 in .308 for pigs in really thick jungle, and a Win Model 70 Featherweight 7/08 for sheep up on the open slopes of Mauna Kea. I also use a custom German mauser in .243 for sheep and a sporterized Springfield 1903-A3 in 30/06 for pigs in more open areas where the shots are 75-100 yards. They all have scopes except for the 30/06 which has a peep sight.
The only problem with the 7x30 Waters is if I jump a really big boar the bullet will not pass through, in fact, it may only penetrate 6 inches or so if the cartilage shield is thick. That means some tracking. With the .300 Mag, the pig will drop in its tracks, no matter how big it is, as long as I use Barnes X bullets or some of the Failsafe bullets I have left over from 10 years ago. Overall, I must say the Ruger 77 Stainless in .300 Mag with a Bushnell 3X9 scope is the best bet if I had to pick one rifle to hunt everything on the Big Island. It drops bulls and boars in their tracks and it is really good on long range shooting at sheep. I took two mouflons with it in one afternoon.
Evan---You still moving back to the Big Island?
hatchet1
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doc,welcome to the world of "guiding" many slap sticks out there, i left the pig buisness years ago for about the same reasons you mentioned, my temper could not take it any more, when you go out of your way to provide an enjoyable hunt and
have to deal with armchair, no it all, idiots... i,ll stop here.. by reading your posts
you have gone out of your way to help , sound like a stand up dude.. keep stackin the game.. p.s. i grew up in hilo,then moved to oahu and lived in hawaii kai for
8 years, i remember the hunting as a kid being unbelivable on the big island...
probably take the fam back someday...
have to deal with armchair, no it all, idiots... i,ll stop here.. by reading your posts
you have gone out of your way to help , sound like a stand up dude.. keep stackin the game.. p.s. i grew up in hilo,then moved to oahu and lived in hawaii kai for
8 years, i remember the hunting as a kid being unbelivable on the big island...
probably take the fam back someday...
Terrain and conditioning is a concern. I'm a football coach here and still under 40 but its tough when you've never been to an area to know what you're getting in to and how conditioned you're hunting partners are. I was thinking the M1 carbine because of the quick second shot and it only weighs 5 pounds. Its also under 36 inches so I can fit it in a case and in a duffle bag to make it harder to recognize as a gun. I've got a nice 2x5 scope I could fit it with if needed. I'm excited for the hunt but the planning has been alot of fun. I can't think of a better way to really see the island and get to know the people that live there. I have bigger hardware if needed. My elk gun might like the tropics, its a custom mauser in 300 win mag that drives tacks at 200. The 26 inch barrel may be a pain to transport though.
I posted a reply to the use of the use of an M1 carbine on hogs, but the reply disappeared, so here's an abbreviated version. The M1 is woefully inadequate for Big Island pigs except under the most ideal circumstances. It has the ballistics of a .357 mag handgun and if you shoot a big boar out at 75 yards, you won't even have a blood trail to follow. The .300 Win mag is a much better bet. I had a 30 cal M1 for years but sold it because I quickly became disgusted with its lousy performance on virtually everything. It has very, very poor penetration, and that's everything when you shoot at a big boar. That's only one of several reasons the military discontinued its use.
Re: physical conditioning---I run 3-4 miles, 4 days per week, over rough terrain and I consider myself only marginally fit for hunting here. It's rough terrain and the altitudes I hunt range from 6000 to 11,500 feet. If you can run 30 minutes on rough ground without stopping or dying or if you can hike comfortably for 3 or 4 hours in the hills, you'll do fine. If not, better start training.
I can only keep up this tough physical hunting life for so long. When I'm too old to stay in shape, we'll move back to the mainland and I'll hunt gentle farmlands and flyfish along meandering streams. This country here is really tough.
Re: physical conditioning---I run 3-4 miles, 4 days per week, over rough terrain and I consider myself only marginally fit for hunting here. It's rough terrain and the altitudes I hunt range from 6000 to 11,500 feet. If you can run 30 minutes on rough ground without stopping or dying or if you can hike comfortably for 3 or 4 hours in the hills, you'll do fine. If not, better start training.
I can only keep up this tough physical hunting life for so long. When I'm too old to stay in shape, we'll move back to the mainland and I'll hunt gentle farmlands and flyfish along meandering streams. This country here is really tough.
hawaiian style
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DJFROST,
If you want more info you can check this out- http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/hunting/MammalHuntingRegs_Chap123.pdf It might be a little help. I an shure Doc can point you in the right direction. the only place I have hunted is 7,8 and 11. 7 has a lot of Sheep, goats and pigs. This area is loaded but only open seasonal. 8 is open year around every day, when I lived there 5 years ago. This area has a lot of pigs, if you know where to look. This area is huge so do your research. The area has Mouflon and sheep but, they are trying to eradicate them. Great area for birds if you are there at the right time(season). 11 has a lot of goats and a few pigs. Haven't hunted their a lot. Good luck!!!:roll-wink-green:
If you want more info you can check this out- http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dofaw/hunting/MammalHuntingRegs_Chap123.pdf It might be a little help. I an shure Doc can point you in the right direction. the only place I have hunted is 7,8 and 11. 7 has a lot of Sheep, goats and pigs. This area is loaded but only open seasonal. 8 is open year around every day, when I lived there 5 years ago. This area has a lot of pigs, if you know where to look. This area is huge so do your research. The area has Mouflon and sheep but, they are trying to eradicate them. Great area for birds if you are there at the right time(season). 11 has a lot of goats and a few pigs. Haven't hunted their a lot. Good luck!!!:roll-wink-green:
I carry a takedown gun case when I fly. It fits in my duffle bag and I take down my rifle [remove stock] and stick it inside. I've never had a problem.
Back to the M1 carbine---The hottest loads produce 800 ft. pounds of energy at 50 yards. The lowly 30/30, which I consider to be the minimum for boar hunting, produces 1600 pounds at the same distance. The M1 is notorious [or it was notorious for this in WWII] for jamming when it gets muddy or dusty, both of which you will encounter on the Big Island.
Back to the M1 carbine---The hottest loads produce 800 ft. pounds of energy at 50 yards. The lowly 30/30, which I consider to be the minimum for boar hunting, produces 1600 pounds at the same distance. The M1 is notorious [or it was notorious for this in WWII] for jamming when it gets muddy or dusty, both of which you will encounter on the Big Island.
Definatly don't want to be undergunned. The only thing I hate worse than getting skunked is losing an animal. I've only had it happen once but I still think about that and wonder where it went. I'll get on balistics calculator and find the right weapon. Weather is shaping up here now so I can get out without being Knee deep in snow or mud. I elk hunt every year at altitudes ranging between 7000 and 11000 and it is STEEP. It does suck for the first hour or so but I'll get busy and get moving some more so I don't die.
Cooked up some really good loads for my 6.5x257 today. 140 grain spbt at about 2800fps. 2 inches high at 100 zero at 200 and -8 at 300. Its short(a little heavy) with peep sights so should make a good close quarters round with plenty of poop for pigs. I'm gonna create some 160 grain rnsp loads for my 6.5 carcano carbine next. Even shorter and lighter and that 160 grain rnsp hits like a freight train.
Shaun Ayers
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DJ,
A couple of other things to be aware of, you need to get a hunter education letter of exemption prior to buying a hunting license. This has to be done well in advance of your arrival on the island. Also you need to register your gun with the local police. I only bring a bow now but back when I was bringing a shotgun for turkeys you needed to register it within 48 hours. This was a lengthly process that included getting fingerprinted.
Regarding the hunting, it's just like any other public land hunting effort you've got to put in the time and use the resources available. Study the regulations and maps, talk to the biologists, etc. That routine worked great for me, back in 2004 I took my dad over there and had great hunting on public land. I've been back most years since. Also the hunting is good enough that locals are relatively open with information. It sounds like you are talking with Bruce and Evan, they are a great resource. PM me and I'll try to help you out as well.
Bruce I'm really sorry to hear about your bad experiences. A few bad apples spoiled some great opportunity for you guys. Bruce was generous enough to take myself and some friends to a great pig spot last year. He's a class act, I can't believe somebody would dog him like that.
A couple of other things to be aware of, you need to get a hunter education letter of exemption prior to buying a hunting license. This has to be done well in advance of your arrival on the island. Also you need to register your gun with the local police. I only bring a bow now but back when I was bringing a shotgun for turkeys you needed to register it within 48 hours. This was a lengthly process that included getting fingerprinted.
Regarding the hunting, it's just like any other public land hunting effort you've got to put in the time and use the resources available. Study the regulations and maps, talk to the biologists, etc. That routine worked great for me, back in 2004 I took my dad over there and had great hunting on public land. I've been back most years since. Also the hunting is good enough that locals are relatively open with information. It sounds like you are talking with Bruce and Evan, they are a great resource. PM me and I'll try to help you out as well.
Bruce I'm really sorry to hear about your bad experiences. A few bad apples spoiled some great opportunity for you guys. Bruce was generous enough to take myself and some friends to a great pig spot last year. He's a class act, I can't believe somebody would dog him like that.
I can say in my experience true hunting sportsman are universally the greatest people around. Bruce and Nic have been off the hook with info and some great advice. I have a couple of questions about packing out meat. What should I bring for a pack? I've got a camelback and small waist hunting pack with my knife and safety equipment but what do I need to put the meat in? Also I know I can't put my ammo in the same case as my gun but can I put my knife in with my gun for air travel? Is there a charge to register my gun? I have my hunters safety card already so thats covered. Also If I put my gun in its case in the duffle can I put other things (ie clothing, boots, coat) in the duffle with the gun case? Thanks everyone for all your help. I like to be prepared so sorry for all the questions.
sounds like it will be a great time and hunt for you over there.best of luck.sorry to hear about the rude vac guys.I have a friend who moved to cabo and runs a boat he to hates some of the guys that think its ok to waste your time and just be a bunch of @#$#@ he now will only do repeat or family the stories he has told Im sure there just like yours.being a sportsman is more then just killing its about respect of all.
Huntr Pat
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Doc,
Sorry that shit happened. If ever I fine guys like this I won't show people like that at liggett but will turn them in. Alot of people here send me emails asking about Ft Hunter ligget I tell them to check out the posting at jesse and study a particular training area they tell me I'm full of shit. That ain't cool. I Ididn;t learn FHL over nite it took me alot of years learning the area and alot of hiking around.
I know this is out of topic it must be heard.
Sorry that shit happened. If ever I fine guys like this I won't show people like that at liggett but will turn them in. Alot of people here send me emails asking about Ft Hunter ligget I tell them to check out the posting at jesse and study a particular training area they tell me I'm full of shit. That ain't cool. I Ididn;t learn FHL over nite it took me alot of years learning the area and alot of hiking around.
I know this is out of topic it must be heard.
Huntr Pat
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I brought a Day pack 2 knives w/sharpner 1 gal plastic bags. Doc & I let the meat cool from the early morning temps. The After cooling complete I recheck the meat before putting in bags for the hike down to the truck and in to the cooler with ice.
I use to work for contnental airlines ramp service and saw how some of the guys handle e baggage. So I buy the best rifle case avaliable. I use a good case on this trip but not my best case. Expensive but strong. For Bow case I use SKB:SKB Sports Cases: Bow Case Survives Crash
The rilfe case of my choice is a Pelican case:
Pelican Rilfe Case Model 1750 with Foam
DJ:
You can pack your rifle in the hard-sided locked case and then put the case in your duffle bag to check in at the airport. You can carry whatever else you want, including your knife, loose in the duffle with no problem. You're allowed 11 pounds of ammo, packed in either the original factory boxes or an ammo can. Be sure to declare the ammo and the rifle at the ticket counter.
As Shaun said, once you get to Kona, you have 2 business days to register your firearms. Google "Firearm registration Hawaii" and you'll get the hours that the Kona police do this. Call Olivia at the station and she'll tell you everything you need to know. Don't forget to do this because if you're caught hunting with an unregistered firearm, it's a felony.
Here's what I bring along when hunting either Mauna Kea or Laupahoehoe:
1. Three strong porters to carry all my gear.
2. An ALICE-sized pack, something 2000+ cubic inches that hangs very low on my back. Traditional long-range packs that stick up above your shoulders will hang up on all the vines that you encounter in the jungle or the forest. Keep the pack riding low on your back.
3. GPS and compass---The fog can roll in, particularly afternoon fog on Mauna Kea, and you will get lost. Take a fix before you leave your vehicle.
4. Latex or nitrile gloves---The Big Island pigs sometimes carry leptospirosis, transferred from their blood to you. Get the gloves at COSTCO and wear them when you clean the animal.
5. First aid kit with stuff for blisters, sunburn, venereal disease, lacerations, broken ankles, etc. Sunburn and broken ankles are the most common injuries.
6. Tough boots for hiking in lava. This is tough hiking and you will hurt your ankles if you wear low boots. Get something that will protect your ankles from twisting or turning.
7. As Ev said, go to Walmart or the like and buy a couple of cheap cotton pillowcases. Let the meat cool down to ambient temp and keep it in the pillowcase. I bone out almost everything and a good-sized pig only produces 25 pounds of boned, quality meat.
8. You are required to wear orange by law. Get one vest for your body and another to hang on the back of your pack.
9. Up in the high country on Mauna Kea, it's drier than a popcorn fart. Bring at least 3 liters of water if you plan to do a lot of hiking.
That's it. Keep us posted and I'll try to take you hunting somewhere.
Aloha for now.
You can pack your rifle in the hard-sided locked case and then put the case in your duffle bag to check in at the airport. You can carry whatever else you want, including your knife, loose in the duffle with no problem. You're allowed 11 pounds of ammo, packed in either the original factory boxes or an ammo can. Be sure to declare the ammo and the rifle at the ticket counter.
As Shaun said, once you get to Kona, you have 2 business days to register your firearms. Google "Firearm registration Hawaii" and you'll get the hours that the Kona police do this. Call Olivia at the station and she'll tell you everything you need to know. Don't forget to do this because if you're caught hunting with an unregistered firearm, it's a felony.
Here's what I bring along when hunting either Mauna Kea or Laupahoehoe:
1. Three strong porters to carry all my gear.
2. An ALICE-sized pack, something 2000+ cubic inches that hangs very low on my back. Traditional long-range packs that stick up above your shoulders will hang up on all the vines that you encounter in the jungle or the forest. Keep the pack riding low on your back.
3. GPS and compass---The fog can roll in, particularly afternoon fog on Mauna Kea, and you will get lost. Take a fix before you leave your vehicle.
4. Latex or nitrile gloves---The Big Island pigs sometimes carry leptospirosis, transferred from their blood to you. Get the gloves at COSTCO and wear them when you clean the animal.
5. First aid kit with stuff for blisters, sunburn, venereal disease, lacerations, broken ankles, etc. Sunburn and broken ankles are the most common injuries.
6. Tough boots for hiking in lava. This is tough hiking and you will hurt your ankles if you wear low boots. Get something that will protect your ankles from twisting or turning.
7. As Ev said, go to Walmart or the like and buy a couple of cheap cotton pillowcases. Let the meat cool down to ambient temp and keep it in the pillowcase. I bone out almost everything and a good-sized pig only produces 25 pounds of boned, quality meat.
8. You are required to wear orange by law. Get one vest for your body and another to hang on the back of your pack.
9. Up in the high country on Mauna Kea, it's drier than a popcorn fart. Bring at least 3 liters of water if you plan to do a lot of hiking.
That's it. Keep us posted and I'll try to take you hunting somewhere.
Aloha for now.
Thanks Doc I think I can handle that. I shouldn't have to worry about the venerial disease unless Hawaii requires proof of sex. LOL. Should be good to go. Got some work to do on my reloads and the eliptical trainer for the next couple months.
