Homework for Hog hunting

[FeelinBirdy]

Hello everyone.. I have a pig hunt set up for the first weekend of May on the Tejon. I just figured, what better time then now to get some things squared away before I go. First I live in Orange, ca. Second, If i do get a pig.Where do you guys get your meat processed? Do you do it yourselves or take it somewhere? If you take it somewhere any info would be greatly apreciated. I have never done any pig/big game hunting. I hunt birds and some predator hunting. Any tips or techniques to increase my odds? I will have my choice of hunting with a model 70 30/06 or a marlin 45/70 guide gun.Any suggestions on ammunition? I was figuring a hand gun for backup wouldnt hurt. The bunch of guys I am going with went last year and they really did a number on em. I cant wait to go, and if I am lucky get a pig early, I am looking foward to shooting squirrels the rest of the time.I hear its just awesome there. Thanks all for your help!!!!

Mike

 

[Speckmisser]

Hi FeelinBirdy,

I see you've only got about 12 posts at this point, so first I'd like to extend a hearty welcome. Lots of great stuff to be learned here.

With that said, if I may direct you to the Search function...

At risk of sounding like a broken record, you can run a search on past topics for opinions on "best rifle/caliber/bullet for hogs". You'll find a ton of results and some pretty long threads (Like this one. or this one). While the majority of what you'll read is opinion, it can still be mighty helpful in forming your own opinions. There's an awful lot of experience and know-how on this list, and properly applied you can learn a lot without even breaking a sweat.

But to give you a quick and dirty version...

No matter how much we all argue about the "best", it always comes down to what you have to hunt with, how well you can use it, and what you like best. In your case, either of those rifles is perfect. The -06 might let you reach out a little further on the last day if necessary, but that's about the only consideration.

As to best ammo, well honestly any standard big-game round from the major manufacturers would be fine (probably want to stay at or above 150 grains in the -06). That's about as honest as I can be about that without starting another whole thread of opinions.

For processing, I do it myself, as do several of the other guys. Jesse has a list of processors around the state on his Main Page. There have also been a couple of threads on this topic (here's one now).

Finally, if you haven't already, check out Jesse's hog hunting pages.

Good luck!

 

[bighorn67]

I use a remington 700 30-06 with PMC Gold cartridges loaded with a 168 grain Barnes XLC bullet. This bullet comes highly recommended and did the job on the one hog I've shot. She didn't move a step after I hit her.

Dave

 

[QALHNTR]

Right on the border of Buena Park is Hick's Meats in La Mirada. Robert has processed our hogs for our last 3 hunts and everyone has been pleased. Stay away from his teryaki beef kabobs or you'll be addicted for life

 

[Bill W]

That 30-06 with 165 grain bullets is 400 yard medicine or better on a pig if you practice and can accurately estimate yardage.

The 45-70 hits hard, but it's not in the same leage as the 30-06 when it comes to taking Western game. If it were my first pig hunt, it wouldn't be a contest as to which one I'd carry.

Bill

 

[Freedivr2]

Use the M70 30-06. I took 9 hogs with it last year. Most dropped in their tracks, only two of them ran about 50 yds before dropping. I use handloaded Nosler partition 165 Grain bullets, 57 Grains of IMR 4350 in Winchester cases. They pack a punch and humanely kill without putting too big of a exit hole in em.

The 30-06 is also pretty easy on the shoulder, and the M70 is by far one of if not the finest bolt action I've ever shot. They don't call it the Rifleman's rifle for now reason. P.S. It was also used by Marine snipers during Vietnam for 1,000 yard head shots on Charlie.

But the best advice will be this.........get to know that shooter well before you take it out. Do all your practicing at the range so that you know your trajectory at 50, 75, 100, 150 and 200 (if the pigs are further than that, stalk up to em). Don't do your practicing or guessing your range on the animal in the field. Know your firearm like you know your computers keys..........

 

[DILPRXO]

As some of the other posts mentioned your range practice is vital....you should be able to make that rifle "sing" for you without even thinking about it.The path to being that proficient is paved with empty brass cartridges at the range.Also ,I'm not sure what type of shape your in, but just a tip..try and get some type of walking/excercise in everyday. I did a public land hog hunt last month and it really woke me up the sore way that I've been spending too much time behind the keyboard lately

... it will make your hunt more successful and enjoyable if you aren't so sore as to not want to move after the 2nd morning.Pack light.. I'm a gear head and love to play with new "toys" but force myself to par down to the bare essentials went it comes to hogs...you'll have to carry all those toys and a hog out if your successful. Most of all have fun and enjoy yourself...even if you do come back wiped out, the memories you create should put a smile on your face when you think of them years from now.
Good luck

 

[SDHNTR]

All good advice here. Just a few more tid bits. Take the 30-06, its just more versatile. Use 165 or 180 gr bullets. The good old green box Remington Core Loct will be just fine as long as they shoot acurately in your rifle. I'm assuming it is scoped. If so keep it on 4X. If you need to crank it up later for a long range shot, fine, but crank it back down as soon as you can. Ask anyone who's ever busted a hog out of its bed at 25 yards only to have their scope on 9x and not be able to find the hog in the scope. 4X is about the most versatile and will stil allow you to take those 175 yard shots. And the best advice is to listen to your guide and do what they say. They know more than you do and are very familiar with the property and the pig's habits. Keep a good attitude, be willing to work at it, lend a hand when you can and you will come away with a great experience. Have fun!

 

[Speckmisser]

FeelinBirdy,

I was going to respond to Bill W's post about 400+ yard shots, but I didn't want to hijack your topic (I've been doing that a lot, lately).

So I started another topic called Shooting too far.

But a note to the other guys who want to offer opinions... remember that FeelinBirdy is new to Big Game hunting. Temper your advice and opinions with that fact in consideration. There's a heck of a lot more to it than just shooting, and all of those skills have to be learned... mostly through experience.

Gotta crawl to walk to run...

 

[FeelinBirdy]

Thanks for all the responses guys... All of your advice will definetely be taken into consideration. I understand what you all mean about getting to know my gun. Its just like bird hunting, nothing better then time on the range shooting.I figure i got lots of time before now and then to put a whole lotta lead through the barrel before my hunt. I was wondering about 400yds. that does seem a bit much, for me anyways. I was hoping nothing over 150yds if I can can help it. I undersatnd that you have to take what you get, but I know that I need to set limits and stick to them. Just like everything else confidence in my ability is huge and nothing beats practice. Thanks again for all your input, it is greatly apreciated.


Mike

 

[DILPRXO]

bud..have a awesome hunt and make sure to update us on how you do