Hog or Javelina Hunting Near San Diego

[SDShannonS]

Hi there,

I'm a new hunter... actually, I want to be a new hunter since I'm still learning and preparing to go on my first hunt, and it was recommended to me that a good way of practicing the basics of hunting is to start with hunting pigs before graduating to deer hunting. But I live in San Diego which is pretty much the worst county in the entire state of CA for hunting pigs with the annual take for the last several years being in the neighborhood of 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 0, 0, 0, etc.

So I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for nearby places to hunt wild pigs or javelina. I'm on a budget so public is much better than private. The nearest public areas I can find are in Santa Barbara... not really what I'd call close by.

The other option I'm wondering about is heading east to the desert and trying my hand at javelina. Would I have to cross all the way into AZ for that? Presumably that means I'd need to get tags in AZ then? Are they open-season all year in AZ the way they are in CA?

As a third option that just now occurs to me, has anyone travelled south from San Diego to hunt for pigs in northern Baja?

So, these are the kinds of things I'm wondering about. Any advice would be great. Thanks much.


Shannon

 

[Speckmisser]

Shannon,

No good close places, but have a look at the Fort Hunter Liggett discussions elsewhere in this forum. It's probably your best bet on public land, especially if you can hook up during one of the JHO group hunts up there (Presidents' Day, for example).

We're also doing Tejon Ranch on Memorial Day. THat one's not free... it's $400 for a full weekend of hunting, but it's a great opportunity to hunt a primo property with a lot of folks who know what they're doing and are generally happy to share.

AZ is the place to go for javelina. Not sure if you've missed the chance yet, but I believe that now is the time to be there.

 

[SDShannonS]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Speckmisser @ Feb 4 2007, 06:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

We're also doing Tejon Ranch on Memorial Day.[/b]

Is that rifleable or is it another archery-only?


Shannon

 

[Coues]

It's too late for Javelina in AZ this spring, but there will be another Javelina hunt in the fall. You must apply for and draw a tag. Seasons are usually 4-6 days for rifle. Drawing application will be accepted in April or May, not sure exactly.

 

[dirtpoor]

Shannon, since you are a new hunter why don't you start out coyote hunting or maybe rabbits while you are looking for a pig hunt ? Lots of things to hunt in SD county (notice I said hunt not kill ) plus turkey season will be here before you know it and yes the Memorial Tejon hunt is for rifle or the weapon of your choice, Bill

 

[Speckmisser]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Is that rifleable or is it another archery-only?[/b]

The Memorial Day hunt is predominantly a rifle hunt, although all legal means are acceptable.

 

[SDHNTR]

Tejon Ranch is going to be your closest and best bet for a pig. It does cost $400 to get on one of their Wild Pig management hunts but you will have a good chance at seeing hogs and filling your tag. Or you can spend far more than that making several trips to public land, that is an even farther drive away, and just hoping to see recent sign of pigs.

AZ javelina would be a lot of fun, but unless you know where to go (or are willing to pay coues www.desertbull.com a few dollars to scout for you) that is a long way to go, and the license + tag will cost you $350+.

Check out www.hunttejon.com. You can keep researching if you want, but I'll save you a lot of time here. Go on a Wild Pig Management hunt. It's the best thing going for the SoCal hog hunter.

 

[bighog]

SDShannonS, nobody mentioned this and you may already know it, but to my knowledge the only Javelina in Ca are on someones wall. You will have to go out of state to hunt them. I know they live in Az, Tx, Mexico and a few others, usually hot dry places. Good luck and welcome to the way of life. If I'm wrong somebody let me know: