Lake Sonoma help?

[calhntr]

First, not looking for anyone's hunting areas.

Went out there yesterday for the first time, set up way back north of Loggers. Was wondering if majority of guy's set-up and wait, or try to chase the pigs out of there holes? Checked a number of draws, due to weather,(almost froze comming back across the lake), thought they would be bedded, to no avail. Going back up mid week next week and I'm still looking for that first pig. My wife thinks its time to try another animal!!! I know most will say to go guided, but I'm kind of a do it yourself guy, just need a couple of different tips to try.

Thanks,

Corey-

 

[Rancho Loco]

Get up on those ridges and glass.

 

[bodega]

First off, don't expect to get one. With a 3% succes rate, odd are very much against you. Spot and stalk is the name of the game, especially because they get pushed around a lot. Find areas of fresh sign and then start working. The weather is supposed to be nice and warm next week, and I'll be out there mid-week too. Good luck.

 

[calhntr]

Thanks guys,

We glassed from the ridges for a while, then went on a spot and stalk. Must have hiked for 6 or so hours till my son got too tired an d cold.
We'll give it another go mid week next week. Hopfully weather will be better and at least see a pig.

Corey-

 

[berkeleycarlos]

I have been to Lake Sonoma twice now. Nothing either time, but got closer this weekend. I could hear movement in the brush and saw very very fresh tracks.

 

[Lurediver]

I like the sit and wait method. You need to locate the hogs first, such as bedding areas. I've hunted a certain area at Sonoma and have hogs feed into me more than once. It doesn't allow for glassing but why glass if they are patterned?

 

[rmbcm2]

I am in the same boat. Still looking for my first hog, and the old lady is telling me it's not my sport. Don't listen to them! You'll get one. I have been out to the lake twice and saw good sign but no hogs. tried glassing and stalking. I have also had the same luck out here closer to home in Coalinga, although we actually saw about 5 of them, we just couldn't get the scopes on them. Just remember, it's not all about killing stuff (although that's cool too) it's about hanging out with your buddies and having stories to tell everyone, true or not!

 

[sancho]

true that!

LS is some tough hunting. i have hiked those hills alot. glassing, staring at acres of torn up landscape...yada yada yada. they are a wily creature. the only time i ran across a significant herd of pigs there,...i was driving to my parking spot! lemme tell you...scrambling out of a truck trying to get your wrist release attached and your bow case opened up is a frenzied activity. it must have been comical looking. by the time i got to where they were. 10 minutes tops, they were gone! i love em. i think that place is 80% pure luck, and the rest is pure divine intervention. i'll keep going.

 

[jkvshooter]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (sancho @ Feb 25 2008, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

true that!

LS is some tough hunting. i have hiked those hills alot. glassing, staring at acres of torn up landscape...yada yada yada. they are a wily creature. the only time i ran across a significant herd of pigs there,...i was driving to my parking spot! lemme tell you...scrambling out of a truck trying to get your wrist release attached and your bow case opened up is a frenzied activity. it must have been comical looking. by the time i got to where they were. 10 minutes tops, they were gone! i love em. i think that place is 80% pure luck, and the rest is pure divine intervention. i'll keep going.[/b]

It was like watching a monkey hump a football! LOLOLOL. It takes time, but it is worth it. Not many public land pigs taken with a bow out there, definitley a trophy. The learning curve is high there and the place will make you a much better hunter.

Stay well,
jkvshooter