Lake Sonoma Pig Hunt

[Suzmar1997]

I checked my mail today and was happily suprised to find out I was drawn for one of the Lake Sonoma Wild Pig Hunts. I was drawn for the 13TH of November for Area 2 (Yorty Creek). I was just curious to see if anyone else was drawn for the same day/area. I was also wondering if anyone else has any experience at Lake Sonoma and if so what they suggest. I believe someone said they rented a boat and scouted the area the day before and were successful the next day. Any information on lodging nearby would also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and hopefully I'll have a success story/pics to post in a month or so.

 

[scottosan]

Hi, Suzmar1997
I too was picked for the 13th. It's a great place to hunt but VERY steep.
A boat is the best bet and I am trying to get something together that will be better than the kayak I used last year. Are you going by yourself or do you have a partner? It's a long drive from SoCal but well worth it as its the best public hunting I have ever found in CA and I have hunted about everywhere in search of pigs.
If you have any questions about lake sanoma E-mail me at scotthounshell@hotmail.com Good luck

 

[Speckmisser]

Congrats, guys! I procrastinated around and failed to send in my postcard!

Bummer. Oh well, I'll live vicariously through your stories! Have fun.

 

[shaginator]

There's still time to put in for the January-March hunts.

Each permit is good for two hunters.

Anyone with a boat wanna partner up with me? In other words, we both send our cards in. If I draw you go with me, or if you draw, I go with you.

Drop a PM or email if interested.

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey Shaggy,

I guess a sailboat won't quite cut it, huh?

 

[Dave in LB]

Mark,

You can find plenty of hotel/motel type places in Santa Rosa, Windsor and Healdsburg. Santa Rosa is the larger of the cities mentioned and mostlikely the best bet for rates. You will be driving about 30-60 minutes DOT and time of day to get to the lake. There are good restaurants in the area as well. I grew up in Santa Rosa and am up there frequently on business and to visit my parents . I am thinking very seriously about applying for a tag(probably should have already). Also I reccomend driving up there (I figured you were going to) it's only a 7 hr drive and you have your own vehicle to use. Also there is plenty of camping areas in the Lake Sonoma area. I have no idea what the cost is and I bet it came in you info packet. It's just starting to get cold at the tiem you are going and you may encounter rain, but temps should be mid 60's to mid to low 40's. Let us know how it goes.
A quick word on traffic...It SUCKS! Highway 101 from San Rafel to the North limit of Santa Rosa is brutal as in way worse than LA, because there is only 2 lanes much of the way( they have built a 3rd but it has yet to be opened even a whole year later...go figure) And just becasue it's not rush hours doesn't mean you won't sit endlessly on the road. Best times are VERY early and pretty late the whole mid day thing is a you might get lucky proposition. Now that I am thinking about it get the campsite...best bet.

Thought this may help too:
Camping:
Liberty Glen Campground has 97 campsites for RV's and tent campers. Campsite amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern holders with conveniently located restrooms with flush toilet facilities and showers. Campfire programs and other special events are frequently scheduled on summer weekends. A new playground and recreation facility are available within the campground. Universally accessible campsites are available for the disabled. Campsites are available through reservation by calling the toll-free National Recreation Reservation Service (NRRS) at 1-877-444-6777 or visit the website at www.ReserveUSA.com.

Check out our Drive-In Campground.

 

[Suzmar1997]

Dave~

Thanks for all the great info. After speaking with you and Scott, I'm pretty sure were going to drive up there early (Pulling a boat) and scout the location the day before and camp on the lake that night. Sounds like we have a decent opportunity at seeing quite a few pigs, as long as we get to scout the area the day before. Can't wait to post the story and pics when we get back.

 

[Kickaha]

It's always good to hear someone on this site being picked for these hunts. It gives me hope. Congratulations!

 

[Dave in LB]

Mark, If you want some tips on driving directions etc. Email me and I'll set you up. I drive I 5 between LB and Santa Rosa a bunch and know where all the good stops and best routes to drive and the times and I am happy to share this kind of info. Best wishes on the hunt.

 

[Suzmar1997]

Well the camp ground has been reserved and now its just a matter of renting a boat from the marina or pulling one all the way up there. We got a site at Thumb camp ground (Site 10) for Mon-Wed and can't wait to fish, scout, and enjoy the scenery prior to the hunt. Thanks to Scott and Dave for the great info and links to the campgrounds. We're checking to see if we can have a third person (Non hunting) along for video/camera/dragging but doubt that's a possiblity as the reservation is for 2 licensed hunters. Now its just a waiting game till the hunt. This will make up for the 2 weeks i'll miss of the quail opener as I'm stuck in SWAT school in Ventura during that time. Hey Scott, keep me posted as to your plans, maybe we can go out fishing on Tuesday after we're both done scouting our areas.

 

[yotegetter]

This sounds interesting. How far is Lake Sonoma from Long Beach? I may put in for the January hunt if it's reasonable. I've got a 12 ft. Zodiac with a 5hp engine that will work and have wanted to use for a hunting trip. Can a 2 stroke be used in the waters there?

Anyone have info on next year's hunt? Can't beat a public land hunt, especially if it's pretty promising!

 

[yotegetter]

Well maybe I should have read Dave's post thoroughly. I guess it's 7 hours from LB to Lake Sonoma.

Anyone have info on my other questions? See above post.

 

[Dave in LB]

Yotegetter,

Its speciffically 486 miles to Lake Sonoma. With a boat it would take a little more like 8-8.5 hours. I make it on business trips in 6.75-7.25hrs with regularity. Hope this claifies a bit.