JHO Tejon Ranch POR - May 22-24

[Speckmisser]

3 weeks and we'll be dragging by this time

That's what I'm talkin' about! :toast-yellow:

Couple notes for those of you who haven't been to the ranch yet this year...

First of all, there are new rules for the so-called "development zone", which is where they plan to put condos, golf courses, and "estate homes". This area comprises much of the corridor from the south gate up to Bear Trap. We'll have maps to reference when we get there, so I can show you more specifically. As of my last information, any hogs killed in this zone are to be removed intact (guts and all), and then the offal is to be disposed of outside of this zone. It's a pain in the ass, I know, but this is a rule designed to keep this section open to hunting. If folks cannot abide by this rule, the development zone will likely be closed to hunting in the near future... and that would be a shame, because it includes some prime hunting territory such as the Squirrel Ridge area. Outside of the development area, we're asked to bury hides and guts if possible. Do NOT leave anything in plain sight of the roads.

We can go over this in more detail at the check-in. Make sure you ask your questions then, if you have them. After our last hunt, our group was accused of dumping carcasses in that area. I'm pretty sure it wasn't one of the JHO guys, but there are folks at Tejon who have a pretty critical eye on groups like ours. Let's NOT give them anything to complain about after this hunt.

Another new rule this year is that we have to be off the ranch by 1600 (4:00pm) on Sunday. This means no more last ditch effort on the last day. Most of you guys pack out around mid-day on Sunday anyway, but for the handful of die-hards who take it to the wire, sorry... that option is out now. What this means, more than anything, is don't pass on anything Friday that you'd be willing to shoot on Sunday. Unless you're happy to go home empty handed, I wouldn't be holding out for a bigger pig.

Everybody who's spent much time at the ranch knows that after that initial shoot out on Friday night, pigs can get hard to find. The ranch is in good shape right now, with lots of hogs, but it's probably going to be a hot hunt, and movement will be limited to dawn and dusk. Make the best of the time you're there.

Finally, please make every attempt to weigh your pigs, even if you have to weigh in boned meat. When you give me your tag, please let me know the color, sex, and size of your hog. I didn't get a very good record of weights at the last hunt (mostly because everyone shot their animals in hell holes, and had to bring them out in pieces).

 

[deadducks]

Phil,

I just got your email, and sent you one back. Call me if you need to. I dont have your number.

 

[ltdann]

Did we come up with an official head count yet?

 

[Speckmisser]

If I've counted right, we have 28 hunters. I'll be sorting all of the paperwork tomorrow, so if there's a change I'll let ya'll know. Regardless, we have definitely made the minimum (which is what really matters).

From the sounds of things, and HiFi and KCravnit's videos, should be plenty of pigs for us.

Here's to setting a new JHO success record! :toast-yellow:

 

[ltdann]

Lord, I hope so! I'd love to have my first pig at the famous Tejon ranch, according to Outdoor life, one of the 5 top pig hunting destinations in the nation.

 

[deadducks]

Yes, I am getting pumped for this hunt. You should not too much of a problem finding pigs. Many there should help you find the way.

It's not easy, but you SHOULD SEE PIGS everyday. Sometimes getting to them is another story.

Dan

 

[ltdann]

Thanks DD,

If I can see 'em, the games afoot. I'm bringing my secret weapon, the bulldozer. He's never failed me yet!

 

[XDHUNTER]

Thanks DD,

If I can see 'em, the games afoot. I'm bringing my secret weapon, the bulldozer. He's never failed me yet!

:rotflmao: we all know you have a big advantage. inported from AZ ehh!

Dont know bout you guys, me i'am counting day's now!!

 

[ltdann]

13 days and I'm beginning to see hogs in my sleep.

 

[ltdann]

Whats the plan? We meet at the Flying J in Lebec at 0830 and what happens after that.

Tejon requires a shovel, 5 gals water/fire ext and what else?

 

[Speckmisser]

OK, logistics you want... logistics you got.

First, at this point it looks like we'll be doing an early check-in this year. Barbara has another group coming in to hunt the North Side, so she wants to get us processed first since we're the biggest group.

With that in mind, we're currently slated to do check-in at 0830. Location is TBD, but right now we're thinking we'll do it at the Film Office (south gate).

Anyone who cannot make it at 0830 needs to contact me ASAP to make other arrangements. If you're late, you'll probably have to check in at Barbara's office, and will then have to wait at the gate for someone to let you in... potentially meaning you'll miss out on the first day's hunting.

Most of you have done this hunt a time or two, so you know how it works. You have to come and go through the gate, and there are limited keys. I won't ask anyone, including myself, to interrupt their hunt in order to run out to the gate and back.

Because of the gate, I recommend planning ahead for most any eventuality... if you have a small fuel tank, bring a jug of fuel. Bring water, food, and drink. Stock up on ice prior to coming in on Friday. Etc. Etc.

Speaking of etc... we should have at least one porta-potty on site, and if we're lucky there'll be two. Even so, come prepared to deal with your business in the bush. That means bring striking paper and a shovel. Please don't leave your kleenex flowers blooming for the world to see... bury them. Hell, even a feral cat covers his own crap.

 

[Speckmisser]

Several of you guys failed to include your proof of auto insurance in the applications. Make sure you have proof of insurance for EVERY vehicle you will be bringing on the ranch when you arrive for the check-in. If you don't, you'll delay everybody's check in.

 

[ltdann]

Being a newbie, how does one get to the south gate?

 

[Speckmisser]

Follow the JHO stickers! :rotflmao:

Seriously, from down south, you'll top the Tejon pass, slide past Gorman, and you'll see the Lebec exit... I think there's actually a sign there. Head on down, past the fire station, past the equine center, and loop around to the right and up to the gate.

I expect that we'll still try to meet at Flying J, but it'll have to be an earlier start than usual. More on that as the next week or two goes by...

 

[ltdann]

Thanks, I looked at the map on the Tejon site but I couldn't make out the names of the roads. Its at the actual gate or is there a building (film office) near it?

 

[Speckmisser]

The film office is attached to the gatehouse.

Also...

We'll have a reporter from the Antelope Valley Press (Lancaster area paper) with us on Friday. The current plan is to have him ride along with me, but he may want to talk to some of you guys. Part of his angle is the JHO tradition of bringing new hunters on this event and sharing our knowledge.

If you're not interested in being interviewed or in having your photo taken, just let him know. No one is required to talk to the press.

 

[ltdann]

Oh, me! me! I want to tell war stories about Speck!

 

[canadagoose]

Embedded reporter. Cool.

Very clever way to make sure you have help hauling your pig out of some godforsaken hell hole?

 

[ltdann]

ooooh, I like your idea better.

 

[Speckmisser]

Embedded reporter. Cool.

Very clever way to make sure you have help hauling your pig out of some godforsaken hell hole?

Just don't give away my plan until AFTER we get him back to camp. :lol bashing sign: