JHO HAM SLAM!

[Speckmisser]

OK, here's an update before I go away for the holidays.

As of now, according to my spreadsheet, we have 28 potential hunters. That means that even if all of the potential hunters actually send in money, there are still 22 spots open and not spoken for.

From that group, I have two (2) paid applications on my desk.

Bottom line, there's still plenty of time if you're not sure. May is a long ways off, but not as far off as it was.

I'll continue the updates occasionally, and more regularly as I start to receive more paid apps.

 

[One Track]

Speck:

Thanks for the update, and taking care of business. I'm really looking forward to the hunt. I won't get apps filled out and checks cut until after the holidays. However, I can confirm that we'll be a group of four or five, if that helps.

One Track + 3 for sure.

Happy Holidays Speck,

Brent

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey guys,

I just noticed a new requirement to go with your paperwork for all Tejon ranch hunts.

Along with your pig tag and application, you need to submit a copy of your "Proof of Insurance" for any vehicle you'll be bringing to the hunt. If you're riding with someone else, please make it easy and include a copy of their proof of insurance... just to save a lot of backtracking.

According to Barbara, it doesn't have to be the actual card (most insurance companies give you several), but just include a photocopy.

Please don't forget to include this with your app.

 

[bighorn67]

I sent my registration in yesterday. I hope we have enough JHOers sign up that Tejon will make this an annual event.

Dave

 

[ozstriker22]

All right. My friend, Ed, and I are about ready to request an application.

However, I'm a little concerned as neither of us has a 4x4. I've got a stock two wheel drive tacoma with regular tires and he's got a two wheel drive SUV for the kids. I looked at some pictures of a hunt in Tejon when it rained... Saw a picture of some guy's truck hanging over the side of a cliff

, sounded like some nice JHO'ers helped him out... but I'd rather not put myself in that position.

As such, I'm not sure whether to apply. How important is the 4x4 to get back where the piggies are?

Jesse.

 

[raidernation]

Don't forget that the hunt is during the 3rd week of May. Should be nice and dry by then. Not to mention that you don't have to drive way back up in there to find the hogs. You should be fine as it's not all steep and rough.

 

[Speckmisser]

Oz,

Every year there's at least one or two JHO members who show up in 2x4 trucks. The terrain certainly limits where you can drive, but you can still hunt... find a canyon and park the vehicle. Remember, all the 4x4 guys are going into the back of beyond anyway, so odds are you'll have an area relatively untouched.

Also, there's usually at least one kind soul who'll let you double or triple up with them in their 4x4. Just remember, there is sometimes a cost (eh, Rusman? Dilprxo?)...

Finally...

I scheduled this hunt for late May, in hopes that the rain will have abated and the roads will be dry. That was my truck you saw hanging off the cliff, and I'd just as soon not get into that position again. Those roads are pure treachery when wet, unless you have a well-outfitted, short wheel-base vehicle. Even then, it gets tricky.

If they are dry, then a decent, high-clearance 2x4 with reasonable power will get you most places and you won't need a 4x4 anyway. There are a couple of steep climbs, some seriously rutted roads, and lots of rocks. Drive smart and don't take too many chances, and you'll be fine. Make sure to bring lots of rope, shovel, and a come-along or winch would be handy too.

Hope this helps.

 

[Coues]

Are there still spots open for this?

 

[Speckmisser]

Coues,

There are definitely still spots available.

Sounds like a good time for an update, so here goes...

As of mid-week this week, when I send out the most current batch of application packets (sorry for the wait, guys... ), there will be approximately 41 application packets sent out.

I have so far received 8 (that's EIGHT) paid applications.

A little quick math, subtract 8 from 50, and that means there are 42 spots still available.

So, time for a reminder.

I sure don't mind sending the application packets out. BUT. If you aren't sure you're going, PLEASE DON'T REQUEST A PACKET! If you want to go, cool. Talk it over at home, clear the time off with work, check your bank account, and when you're sure you can go... then send for an application.

As of right now, there's plenty of time to make up your mind.

 

[Coues]

What if we don't get 50 hunters by May?

 

[Speckmisser]

50 hunters is just the max we can have, not a minimum requirement. But I think we'll probably come close to filling up... just that a lot of people (by my request) aren't signing up until the hunt gets closer.

But if we only have 10-15 hunters, that works too. Those lucky fellas will have the WHOLE SOUTH SIDE to themselves!

 

[fairchase]

Hey Speck,

Just curious, could you list names of the 8 paid?

 

[ozstriker22]

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

But if we only have 10-15 hunters, that works too. Those lucky fellas will have the WHOLE SOUTH SIDE to themselves![/b]

Sounds like that might be kinda nice - I like those odds! I got my application, so I'll make a copy and Ed and I will be sending in the apps+money in a week or two.

Thank you very much for organizing this!

Jesse

 

[Speckmisser]

Fairchase,

Not trying to be secretive, but if the folks who've already paid wanna speak up, they'll have to do so themselves.

 

[fairchase]

No Problem Speck...
I guess I'll start the list, I'm in!

After being snowbound all weekend, May can't come soon enough.

I can't think of a better way to start off my year's hunting plans, than a fun hunt with all of the good people here at JHO.

 

[Speckmisser]

UPDATE:

As of this morning, there are now 53 applications out there for 50 slots. However, I have only received 9 checks so there is still plenty of room.

I don't think this indicates a rush, but just thought ya'll ought to know.

 

[jen]

I am looking at this posting and it sure sounds interesting. I may be in San Franciso for some work that week. I could possibly make Saturday and Sunday. When I know for sure I will send for the appl.

A couple of questions though:

I am from Minnesota so I would be coming in a rental car. That is the best I can do. I keep reading about needing a truck and so forth or people charging one another. I hope that part about charging one another is a joke. Please clarify.
How realistic is it to buddy up with someone. I like to get way back there if possible. Finding someone who has hunted there before would be the best scenario.


I also don't know anything about this place. That may sound ignorant but not everyone is from California. Could you put out a little more information on how good the hunting is, are there alot of hogs, do you use guns, bows, etc. I am primarily a bow hunter. Are there going to be all kinds of hunters around there using guns? Anything else you can think of would be really appreciated.

How far is this place from SF?

Thanks in advance for the information.

 

[Speckmisser]

Hi Jen,

Well, not to be too discouraging, this may not be the hunt for you. The ranch is about 6-7 hours from SF, depending on how fast you drive. If you leave on Friday afternoon, you'll only get about a day and a half of hunting. I'll add that if you leave SF on a Friday afternoon, you can almost guarantee adding an extra hour and a half to your trip... just getting out of the Bay Area is a nightmare on a Friday night.

It is possible to hunt from a car because the main roads are paved or gravel and completely passable. You'd just have to hump it into the canyons once you found the spot you want to hunt. Or, I imagine you could make arrangements ahead of time to double up with someone at the event. You could wing it on arrival.

I think the references to "charging" are all in jest.

There will plenty of guys there who've hunted it before, so that's no problem. The cool thing about this group is that there's a general willingness to help one another out.

The hunt is primarily a gun (rifles) hunt, but it's certainly possible to get within bow range. My first Tejon hog was at less than 25 yards. I missed one with the hand cannon last year at about the same difference. The one I shot the following day was about 60 yards, but I could've stalked closer if I wanted to. Of course, there are always the chances of having 100-200 yard shots.

A quick search will turn up a ton of posts on this forum about the hunting at Tejon, but just to sum up in a quick paragraph... it's better than average.

There are a lot of hogs, but don't go expecting a guaranteed kill. Success averages less than 50% most of the time, although numbers seem to be up this year. You either hunt hard or get real lucky. Both methods produce at Tejon.

I don't recall how big the South side is, but it's huge. This hunt will be limited to a max of 50 hunters, and the area can easily absorb that number. It's entirely possible to hunt the weekend and only see one or two other folks in the field.

An FYI-

Non-residents wishing to hunt big game must purchase a full one-year hunting license, in addition to the hog tag. You may NOT hunt hogs on a three-day license.

Hope this helps.

 

[bighorn67]

I am on the paid list. See you guys there.

Dave

 

[Speckmisser]

UPDATE

OK, this morning I just sent out the most recent batch of applications. For those of you who've been waiting a couple of weeks, thanks for your patience.

My spreadsheet now shows that we have 55 requests. That's 5 spots more than the 50 allocated.

However, so far I've still only received 11 paid applications. I don't know if that constitutes a rush, with still over 3 months 'til the hunt. But I promised to keep you all updated.

Also... a note:

Rather than jumping right down and sending out your application packet whenever I receive your address, I'm doing these in batches. As a result, sometimes you may have to wait a couple of weeks to receive the packet. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten you. It's just more convenient to do these things in groups rather than one by one.

However, when the hunt starts to fill up I WILL make sure to get those apps back as fast as I can, so that you'll have a fair chance to get your money in.

Oh... and a special nod to OneTrack and Bighorn. Unnecessary, but gracias anyway.