Just getting started

[bonsai80]

Been sifting this forum for a while and I thought I get out and ask a few questions.

I’m not a hunter yet, but hoping to rectify that soon. Got my safety card and will be picking up a hunting license when I get a chance to hit the local Turners. Trying to get educated. Been to two hog seminars – Jim Matthews at Turners last year and JHO at the BPS expo last month. My goal is to get myself onto Tejon within the next 9 months, either on a guided hunt, or perhaps on one of the JHO POR trips, if folks are open to passing on a few pointers to a first timer.

First question I have is on choice of rifle. The only “hunting” rifle I currently have is a Marlin 30-30. I know this rifle can get the job done within its range, as recent posts attest to, but would it be suitable for the conditions at Tejon, i.e. what are the chances that I would have to attempt a 150+ yard shot?

Not as mainstream as the Marlin, but I also have a plastic stocked Russian M44 with scout scope (just call me Bubba), that shoots 7.62x54R and should have a better range than the Marlin. It's old but it works, and when I look at it I do think “pig”. Would this be worth considering for the first trip, or is it not appropriate? I would have to work up an accurate non-lead round for this one, which could be problematic since it needs a .311 bullet head.

Or would I be better off shopping for a new bolt action rifle in a proper caliber? I don’t mind doing that, although the local selection of left handed bolts is just about non-existent.

Sorry if these are obvious questions. Up to now I’ve only been a paper puncher so none of this has mattered. Thx.

 

[easymoney]

welcome,
IMHO, I would spend the money on a guided hunt first and that would allow you to get the experience and knowledge that a seasoned guide who makes their living off of putting people into game. You can learn a lifetime of info and it would be money very well spent.
Second I would sell the two other rifles and buy a more traditional bolt action big game rifle in a readily available caliber like 30-06, 270, 7mm, etc. The ammo can be found anywhere and they would be the first rounds to be brought out in nontox bullets. As well as the bolt action with a 3-9 scope is "the standard big game rifle", for many excellent reasons.
I hear of people taking elk or moose with all sorts of odd ball military cartridges or even small calibers like 223 or 22-250, but this is not the norm and I question the reasoning of this. An ethical hunter should be able to make a one shot, one kill using most any big game cartridge available today. The options are almost too many, so stick to a reliable, available standard. The prices on brand name firearms are very reasonable and available at any sporting goods outlet.

 

[Speckmisser]

Welcome aboard, Bonsai!

First and foremost, welcome to the world of hog hunting. I imagine you're gonna love it!

I think you're taking the right approach as far as getting started. Guided hunts are a great way to go, if you can afford it. You can learn a lot from a good guide, just be sure to tell him (or her) that you're new to pig hunting and want to learn. Then listen when the guide talks, and ask questions when you don't get it.

You're definitely welcome to join one of the JHO hunts. Actually, I encourage it. These hunts have become a great place for new hunters to get out and hunt pigs with some experienced folks, but you still get to do most of it on your own. Plenty of folks there willing to advise and help out, including myself, so you will probably get all the help you are willing to ask for (if you don't ask, you may not receive... keep that in mind). An awful lot of first timers have killed their first hogs on the JHO trips...it's part of what makes the event so special to me.

As far as a pig gun, either the 30-30 or that Russian rifle will be OK. Lots of pigs killed with 30-30s, and the ballistics on the 7.62x54 are close. Keep your shots inside 150, though. 150 yards is a pretty long shot anyway, and not usually necessary. You can almost always get closer.

However, Tejon will be non-lead only after January 1, so you'll want something that can handle the TSX or other unleaded ammo. I'd recommend looking into something like a Savage or Howa bolt action in 30-06. These are both economy-minded rifles that perform well outside of their price class. You can get a more expensive rifle if you can afford it, but it's not necessary. The 30-06 will take care of any hunting needs in the lower 48 states, and will be very well suited for hogs and deer. Plenty other calibers and rifles you could choose, but that's an excellent starting point.

Good luck, and again, welcome!

 

[spectr17]

Welcome to the forum bonsai

 

[bonsai80]

Thanks for the advice and the welcome! I'm taking notes on all of this. This community has been a wealth of information.

Jesse, you may or may not remember, but I met you at your seminar at Bass Pro.

JimJ.

 

[skeefer]

I too am new to Hogs. I was invited to go along on an archery hunt the end of Feb so I opted in. I have done archery for quite a few years for Deer, Elk and Javelina. We are apparently going to hunt the North half(?) of Tejon. Can anyone help me understand where to look, what to expect, .....
Any input would be great. Thanks