Mustang Guide Service

[yotegetter]

I know some of you have gone to Frank Morasci (Mustang Guide Service) for a guided pig hunt. I've got one coming up on Jan. 17. Anybody have some tips on the hunt or stories to tell? It's my first time with this guy. Actually, it's my first time on a paid hunt. All of mine have been taken on an uncle's ranch.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

I've hunted with Frank one time. Saw LOTS of hogs and he has access to a few big ranches. Hes a nice guy and you made a good choice in selecting him. I still think he's $400 bucks for a 2 Day hunt. That seems to be on the "Cheaper" side of guided pig hunts these day. My buddy has gone with him 5 or 6 times now and likes what he has to offer as well. Enjoy yourself and take lots of pictures.

 

[Shot]

Just last week I was hunting with Frank, got myself a 180 pound sow. It was one of the most exciting hunts I have been on. Here is the story, the day starting with light drizzle and very cold. A buddy of mine (Jungleboy) joined me on the hunt. After a couple of hours of no pigs we moved up river and after ten minutes we hear dogs braking on the other side of the river. Then Frank says cross it, and I point at the river and say with amazment, "you want me to cross that." Well I did cross it by myself and soon came upon the dogs and the sow. It took me 3-4 minutes to get a clear shot with my rifle. Man was my hearting beating like a race horse. After we got back then I realized that I couldn't feel anything below my waist. It was so cold and me being wet did not help. I greatly recommend hunting with Frank, he is a great guy and He will make sure you have a great time. I will post the pictures soon, since I dont have a scanner it will take some time.

 

[pitdog]

I’m looking into a guided pig hunt. I have a couple of questions…
Does the Mustang Guide Service use dogs?
Can you go on a hunt without dogs?
If so, what kind of success do they have?
I would rather not use dogs to hunt with a guide. Nothing against those that do. IMO, I think it would take the “hunt” out of it (for myself). If I was going to pay for a guide, I would expect him to get me into the pigs and not rely on his dogs. I’ve never hunted with dogs, however, i'm not against the idea of using dogs locally (w/out a guide) since my hog hole has so much hunting pressure.

I’m not trying to stir the pot, I’m just looking for a guide service that doesn’t depend on dogs.

 

[Speckmisser]

Steve,

Save your bucks and join us on a POR in March! Pretty good odds, and no dogs for sure!

Seriously, though... I've heard that Mustang will do with or without dogs, depending on the client. Boaring Experiences also has a good rep in the same general area.

 

[SDHNTR]

Yote,
I have hunted exclusivley with Frank for many years and he is a good, honest man. You will have a good time for sure. Be clear and assertive (but polite, of course) up front as to whether or not you want to use dogs. It's still a good idea to bring them along in case you need help in finding a wounded pig. What we usually do is take the dogs but leave them in the truck till Saturday afternoon. We will spot and stalk Fri evening and Sat morning and then maybe let out the dogs for the Sat evening hunt if we still need to fill a tag (not usually needed). I am not against hunting with dogs (see my last thread "Just got back from King City for the details of our last hunt) as it can be really fun and a hell of a rush, I just prefer to spot and stalk them. Some other tips are: listen and do what Frank or one of his other guides says. Don't load a round into the chamber until they tell you to. When in doubt, ask. Always be ready as the hogs can show up at any point in time on Frank's ranches. You will need to get in position and fast, but stay calm. When riding in the truck hold on TIGHT! Lend a hand where possible. Help drag and clean game - You certainly don't have to but you will have a greater appreciation for the experience if you do. Have a good attitude, go with the flow, don't think you can hunt hogs better than these guys, and you will have a great time. The only reason why I say that is I have been on some hunts with Frank and other hunters that were a pain in the butt. Their attitude turns negative if hogs are not seen in the first 15 minutes and then think they know how to do it better than the guides. Trust me, Frank and his crew can find and hunt hogs like no other. Lastly, if you are happy with their service, tip accordingly. Have a great time and let us know how you did. Good Luck!

 

[yotegetter]

Thanks for the info guys. Where do you stay when you're up there? Hotel in King City? Any cheap ones you guys recommend? You guys take food with you? And also any nearby good butchers with decent prices? I believe Frank did mention about a butcher in King City that does it all (sausages, pork chops, ribs, etc.) for $70. Any of you know about this one and how's it turn out?

Hey Steve, It's $400, which is average. I've heard good things about Frank so I thought I'd go with him. Until I get access to my uncle's ranch again, I'll be going on public and guided. Too bad today's the last day for Camp Roberts.

 

[SDHNTR]

Yote,
We always stay at the Motel 6 on Broadway in King City. Its cheap and actually pretty clean and nice as far as Motel 6's go. Make reservations now as it can get filled up with travellers by evening. We do take some snacks and such, along with drinks (Frank does not provide these). A sack lunch is not a bad idea in case you stay out for a while. Some muffins or danish type thingies are good for a fast breakfast in the morning because the Denny's is really slow and Frank (and you too) will want to get going to be at the ranch by first light. There are also plenty of restaurants in town. In particular, check out Spanish Peaks and City Cafe. Make sure you hit up some mexican food too, its awesome. You will usually be back in town for lunch and dinner. There are also several fast food joints. He does have access to a butcher if you need one and can usually get and animal done overnight. Its about the best bargain going in a guided pig hunt. Have fun, I'm jealous.

 

[yotegetter]

Thanks for the info SDHNTR. Well there's room for more that way you won't be jealous! I think it's only me for this hunt.

I'm debating whether I should try the .243 in 100 gr corelokt or stick with the 30-30.

What's the range (distance) these pigs are normally taken with Frank?

 

[JungleBoy]

As Shot mentioned, we went hunting with Frank on December 21 & 22 of this year (2002).

I too had heard nothing but good things about Frank (Mustang Guide Service), and let me tell you.... HE TRULY LIVES UP TO HIS REPUTATION.
We had a GREAT time, and Shot, bagged a NICE sow. As for me.... Well, I'll tell you about it in a minute....

Frank is a great and honest guy (so are the rest of his gang). Very professional, and hard working. They worked REAL hard to find us some nice pigs. We had a great time, and plan on going back real soon.

Now, about the hunting..... The first morning of the hunt (Saturday five-o-something) while waiting in ambush for the pigs, I told Frank of my 'invisible field' that I emmit, that the pigs easily pick up on.... I mean, if you want to make sure that you do not see pigs, just take me along with you..... The little success that I have enjoyed hunting pigs (public and private land) has come REAL HARD!!! I even told him about my San Diego zoo experience... That is, the wife and I walked on foot, by every exhibit, and saw every animal that there is in the zoo, right where they should be, but with ONE NOTABLE exception: Wild pigs.... No matter how hard we looked, none were to be found. After going through the entire zoo, we decided to check the 'wild pig' exhibit again.... same thing. None to be found. Finally, we took the 'bus tour', seeing every animal again... initially upon getting to the wild pig exhibit, we DID NOT spot any! Then, my wife spots 3 pigs..... all of them hiding behind a rock (we now had an elevated view). It was obvious that they were hiding from me.....
Well, Frank just chuckled at the time.....
By 11:00 AM, 3 out of 4 hunters (me being the 4th one) had their hogs... The rest of the time was spent utilizing EVERY RESOURCE to get me a pig (or at least find one...). Keep in mind, that he runs a 100% success rate on his hunts. Oh.... they saw plenty of pigs alright.... but they were ALWAYS were I wasn't! The rest of the hunters kept running into them, as were everyone else.... But NEVER when I was around..... Heck, "Shot" did not get his pig until he put some distance between him and me (by crossing that river he talked about!!!!). Well, Saturday came to an end, and no pig for me..... So we went out on Sunday. Again, we hit private ranches, and areas that are KNOWN to be overrun by hogs.... spot after spot..... areas where have ALWAYS been productive for hogs were worked with ATV's, and some awesome hogs...... Yep. THEY ARE HIDING FROM ME!!!! Even Frank could not believe it!!! At about noon (or so) on Sunday, we decided to call it.... Frank now realizes that I was not joking about the pigs hiding from me!!!! I will be going back real soon to hunt with him again....


Now, when I asked him what ranges do I expect to take hogs, he replied 30 to 200 yards, which is about right for the ranches and terrains that we hunted.

As for meat processors, I've heard some REAL GOOD word on "Michelles Meat Cutting" in Bakersfield (which is where I WOULD HAVE taken my hog, had I gotten one!) She makes cuts/processes it the way you want, including several different flavors of Sausage, Hams, summer sausage, etc. Her info. can be found on Jesses page under meat processors.

Also, PLEASE say hi to Frank for me (from Edwin).... if he does not remember me, just tell him about the guy from which the hogs hide from..... even at the zoo.....


I am sure you will get a nice hog, and will have a great time. I've talked to just about every guide out there, asking them TONS of questions, etc, and none have seemed more professional or nicer (or more honest) than Frank Morasci. I am 100% satisfied, and can NOT wait to go back and hunt with him again.

 

[SDHNTR]

Yote,
I wish I could go but I just went last month and I'm leaving for Texas tomorrow. I'll be on freezer overload. As Jungle boy mentioned shots can really vary. I've killed them at distances of 1 foot to 250 yards. If I had to pick an average I'd say between 100 and 125 yards. There is also a good chance that the hog may be running or trotting. So be prepared for that. A lot of times drives are used and this will get the hogs running out in front of the drivers and hopefully pushed towards the shooters. Your choices in weapons are both a bit on the marginal side. Both will work given limitations. Don't take long shots and don't shoot at a huge boar unless you are real close. Take whichever rifle you are most comfortable with. I use a 30-06 primarily and it just plain works. I've taken a few with my 25-06 and it worked but the pigs ran a ways and one needed another finishing shot. I wouln't be afraid to take an accurate .243 that I was real good with. I'd keep my shots on average size pigs to under 150 yards and if it was under 75 yards or so, and if I had a good rest, I'd take the hog in the head. With a 30-30 I'd not take a shot any further than 150 yards either. And that is assuming you have a scope on the rifle. If not, keep it under 100. Either way Frank should be able to accomodate and get you a shot. If you do decide to try a hunt with dogs either rifle will work, no problem. Hope this helps.

 

[yotegetter]

Sorry to hear that JB! Keep trying man! They'll pop their heads out. I've taken all my hogs with a 30-30 (no scope) and ranging from 100 to about 170 yds (small sow). It's just that I bought the .243 and haven't shot a thing with it. It needs to be used!!! The only problem I'm having is that my eyesight ain't as good (damn computers!!) as it was when I shot my last pig with the 30-30, which was about 3 years ago (I know I've been on a dry spell). Last thing I hit with my 30-30 was a coyote at about 40 yds. I just don't want to miss the opportunity if a pig does come at 150 yds. Last I went out to the range and shot at 100 and 150, the results weren't too great. I'd like to stick to the 30-30, as it has been trusty. That's the reason I ask about the terrain. Anyway, I'll take both and I'll see if Frank can get me within range. Plus I have to hit the range more from here till Jan. 17.

Thanks for the info and hope you get to bag a pig soon. I'll tell Frank you said hi.

 

[Hawghunter]

Yotegetter,
You picked a great guide and service; be ready to have some fun! I have hunted with Frank for 6 years now, every year. We have taken hogs with and without dogs. Be sure to let him know how you would like to hunt. We always take the dogs with us, it's better to have them close by if we need them.

There is usually 6 of us in the group now. The only time one of us has not filled a tag was last year, a friend's sight on his TC moved and he missed his shot, two of them to be exact. We have taken hogs with everything from pistos and rifles to bow and arrow. (no knives) (yet LOL)

Any advice: I'll second the "hold on" when your in Frank's truck. (Dr. Death)
And do not put anything in the back of the truck you dont want #1 and #2 from the dogs on. LOL Be ready for anything, I have shot hogs at 2 paces and over 250 yards. Listen to Frank and his guides, they know what they are talking about. Most of all be safe and have some fun.

Mark

 

[SDHNTR]

yotegetter,
Time at the range will be very well spent. You will need extra confidence with either of your weapons. You are right, you don't want to miss an available opportunity. Years ago a guy missed several shots all within 100 yards. The guy ended up not taking anything home. I could tell Frank was getting a bit frustrated but he was a perfect gentleman about it. Remember that Frank's job is to get you a reasonable shot. Once that is fufilled it is your end of the deal to pay the man. Once the gun goes boom you have to pay $400 and you want dead pork laying on the ground. Practice will make that $400 count. You want your results to go from "weren't too great" to "were great." You owe it to yourself, Frank and the animal to take the animal cleanly. Dont mean to lecture I just think there is no substitute for practice. Have fun.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

I learned the "Hard Way" from having his dogs do the #1...