nedd some help picking a tejon hunt date

[gowanstarr]

My name is Aaron I am from Valley Springs Ca. My mission is for me and my bro to get my dad a pig from the Tejon ranch. We would like to do a wild pig managemaent hunt. First off let me start out by saying this is a great website and I love reading all the hunting stories especially the successful ones. Sometimes I have to grab a rag to wipe my mouth after all the drooling at some of the kill pics. Me and my bro love bowhunting for blacktail,turkeys and predators. Whatever we hunt we hunt hard and put alot of miles on our boots as I am sure most of JHO'ers do. Our pig hunting experience is limited to one weekend trip to Lake Sonoma. I do have to say that we spotted pigs but it was just before dark and could not close the distance before it was to dark. My father is getting up there in age and wants more than anything to kill a pig. So our plan is to go to tejon and do the wild pig management hunt. I would like to ask you guys for a little help in picking a date for the best hunting and weather conditions? From what I hear access on the ranch roads is difficult in february and march is this true? Any info on the ranch and hunting tactics would be appreciated greatly?

 

[Wild1]

Weather is a consideration, but the problem is, it's not easy to predict. Usually the weather is worse in Jan., Feb., and March - but not always (who can predict weather...?). I try to wait as long as I can, without it being sold out, before I reserve a spot. You can also check long term weather reports and hope that they're accurate. As far as the ranch and tactics: because of the size and terrain of the ranch, most guys do a lot of glassing, some pushing/blocking and some spot/stalking. Some guys hunt by vehicle, some guys do a lot of hiking - it all works, if you get lucky. They also have maps for sale (some guys use 'em, some guys don't) at orientation on the first morning. My own personal style of hunting the ranch is to glass a lot and hunt hard - I enjoy the challenge and would rather get out and get after it than drive the roads all day (but guys have been successful that way too). Good luck and enjoy.

 

[SDHNTR]

I've had good hunts in Dec, in Feb and in May. Take your pick and hope for good weather. I've seen it warm and sunny and I've seen it windy, cold and wet at all those times too. Good luck.

 

[Speckmisser]

First of all, welcome to JHO!

Now, as to you quandary... my standard response is appropriate here. Check out the information at the top of this forum to read up on the JHO/Tejon hunts. We have one this weekend, which, of course is too late to sign up. However, the big one is coming in May. It's a great opportunity to hunt at Tejon with a bunch of friends (you'll have time between now and then to make several friends on this board), rather than strangers and to get a good bit of help along the way.

If the JHO May hunt doesn't work for you, then you're right to have reservations about hunting in February or March. The roads can be downright treacherous, but there's still plenty of good hunting to be had. Don't rule it out altogether. And if there's a nice break in the weather in March, you could have one beautiful hunting experience.

May is ideal, because the rain has usually stopped and the roads are dry, but the hills are usually still nice and green. June is good, but it can be hot. Plan for light clothing and plenty of water.

Hunting tactics at Tejon can vary, but the first recommendation until you've learned a couple of honey holes is to drive and spot, especially on the first evening. I resisted this on my first trip, since I never cared much for "road hunting"... but after a day and a half without so much as a really fresh track, I listened to the advice of several Tejon regulars (and one guide) and tried it. Sure enough, on Saturday evening I drove and glassed from high spots until I found pigs. I couldn't get to them that evening, but on Sunday morning my brother and I went back to the spot and whacked a couple of good meat pigs. When the weekend was over, I'd discovered my first Tejon honey hole.

Once you've found the spot you want to hunt, standard hunting tactics (same as for deer) apply. Personally, I like to be up high and glass, then make a move. If nothing is happening, get down in the thick of it with them.

 

[One Track]

All the months are good and vary each year. If I were you, I'd book the next available hunt. You guys might get good weather, kill hogs and have a blast. What if you decide to wait untl May, and then something happens? Somebody gets sick, it rains, etc. Go now. If you get rained out in Feb, go back in April. If you can't afford two trips in one year, ask you're Pa to help out, sell something, or stop drinking for a month. It should all be about having fun with the family. Don't wait. I'm going in Feb, Mar, April and May. It's expensive, but I don't golf.

 

[Speckmisser]

I didn't think they were doing any April hunts due to turkey season?

You know something I don't?

 

[Rancho Loco]

I think he's talking about Chopper's.

Still a spot open for you and your jinxed bow.

 

[gowanstarr]

Thanks to all you guys who responded I really appreciate the info. I wish we could attend the JHO pig hunt in may but my bro has a pre scheduled trip on the same weekend, go figure. I think we are going to head up for the april 25th, but nothing is set in stone. If any of you guys are going on the 25th of april let me know so I can look for you in camp. Anyways good luck this weekend to all who is going and once again thanks for the advice I hope to meet some of you guys at a hunt soon!