New to CA

[Crank'in]

Hey everybody! Gotta say I'm glad I stumbled across this forum, great deal of info from what seems like a great group of people! I recently moved to CA from Minnesota (got relocated by my work) and I cannot wait to bag my first hog! I've shot a lot of game but never hunted hog before. Can't wait!! I gotta say though, hunting is A LOT more difficult out here! I've got a buddy comming (from MN) in mid Dec. and were gonna give it a shot. So far on my public land trips I have'nt tickled my fancy, nor been a big confidence booster, but it's better than sitting on the couch!

Anyway, thought I drop in and say hi. I live in Northridge and plan on heading North (not exaclty sure where yet) the weeked before Thanskgiving to try and spot some pigs, or a place to hunt. If anyone is doing the same and want to meet up I'm game, or any advice / direction is greatly appreciated.

Crank'in

 

[daddy63]

Welcome. If you're looking to hunt hogs in the central valley, Particuarly near Hollister\King City there's some guides I'm familiar with but as far as public land sorry I'm of no help. If you look on this site there's a few names\guides in paticular that you'll hear over and over and there's a good reason why. Good luck.

 

[Huntr Pat]

Welcome,
I'm sure you'll find alot good leads on where & how too's of public land, but just like any state you hunt the best place are either land lock,private or highly pressured. Although there is succes on public land to some so called secret hot spots members may have. But by putting in alot of research and hard work, you will be succeesful in time. Good luck

 

[Crank'in]

Daddy63 Thanks for the response, and yes please post your recommended guides.

I'd like to try and bag one on my own, but being a newbie to hog hunting, I might have to go guided once or twice. If possible, I'd prefer to whack one with a bow, but I'm definitely not opposed to tipping one over with the rifle.

Do guys have much luck getting permission to hunt private land? My moto is it never hurts to ask, if they say no, your no worse off than you were before.

 

[Arrowslinger]

If you bow hunt, head up to Lake Sonoma, pretty good spot for public land. Best of luck.

 

[daddy63]

The only guides I'm familiar with are Tom Willoughby, who's been at it a long time and damn good and Frank Morasci who's also top shelf. I hear nothing but good things about Deedy's and RNJ also. I haven't hunted with the last 2, at least not yet. Hope it helps.

 

[Metdawg44]

Welcome to Jesse's. There is a lot of information hear about where to hunt as far as public and guided hunts. If you are going on the cheap, Fort Hunter Liggett near King City is probably the closest and best chance at seeing hogs. Lake Sonoma is good too but it is bow hunt only, plus it is a long drive from Northridge. If you have the $$ then there are a lot of options. Jesse's has a hog slam at Tejon Ranch (near the Grapevine) once or twice a year. Phillip (Speckmisser) can help you on that. I think it runs around $400 and you meet a bunch of great guys. I would say $400 is about the going rate for a 1 day guided hog hunt here in California. Good luck and welcome again.

 

[XDHUNTER]

Welcome to Jesse's

If you wanna talk hunting drop by the restaurant at 8911 desoto ave. in canoga park from 8 to 8. monday to saturday.It's about 3 miles from your place.

Look for Eric.

 

[CAhntr]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (daddy63 @ Nov 12 2008, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

I hear nothing but good things about Deedy's and RNJ also.[/b]

Heres another vote for RNJ!

Randy runs a top notch operation.


Eric

 

[Crank'in]

Rock on! Thanks everyone for the welcome and posts! It is greatly appreciated. For my first hunt in December I am letting my buddy decide on wether he wants to go guided or try on our own, since he's the one flying in and I can hunt'em year round. All I know is I keep looking at all of the pics that have been posted and I'm pretty stoked..

Thanks again for the welcome.

 

[btrebil]

If you don't want to spend the big money on the Tejon hunt, just 2 1/2 hours north is Fort hunter liggett, google it and you have to register two weeks in advance, but the hunting on the fort for pigs is really good, I have been there 5 times and pulled 4 pigs. Try doing the archery unit 29 right next to the water, good hike in at 3 am, but get next to the water and wait for the pigs, it works for me.

 

[Speckmisser]

Crank'n, if your timing is good, there's a general "Pig O Rama" at Tejon Ranch near the end of December. I've got dates around here somewhere, but my desk is an absolute disaster right now since I just got back from 3 weeks away. Price is $450/hunter, unguided. You can camp on the ranch or stay at a motel nearby and drive in daily. My preference is camping on site, but the the motel isn't far. Tejon is a short hop from Northridge.

It's a great place to hunt, and there are usually a few folks who can show you the ropes, so to speak... or at least give you pointers. Unfortunately, the next major JHO hunt at Tejon won't be until late spring.

 

[dp1077]

   Speckmisser,I would like more info on that hunt,I would be willing to make the drive if it was a weekend thing.Is it archery/rifle or both,more info would be appr.   Thanks   Danny

 

[CATManReid]

First off, let me welcome you to one of the most interesting states to hunt! I mean what other state would be COOL enough to ban lead ammo to save a bird no one ever sees? Pretty freakin sweet.

Seriously though, welcome. I think your approach to getting access to private lands is spot on. I've gained access to some good properties in my neck of the woods by doing just that...asking. And like you said, if they say no, you're not out anything.

I think the guide idea is perfect for your first hog. Or at least the "pig-o-rama" mentioned above. Pigs are tough beasts. And if you hunt in the condor range, which you most likely will for pigs, shot placement is key with the new non-lead ammo. I think Hatchet1 can attest to that. If you're looking to do it with a bow, there's a good thread in the bowhunting forum (I believe) documenting equipment, shot placement, armor, etc. I think the thread was done by kingwouldbe? Not sure. Some digging and you'll find it. Good luck!

 

[Ralphy]

RNJ he'll put ya on d hogs. hope u can shoot.got logein good folks.j's a kick butt guide. (sorry randy i know u want a rest)

 

[Speckmisser]

DP, I don't manage the regular Pig O Rama's. You'll need to contact Tejon Ranch directly for that info. Check their site, http://www.hunttejon.com for contact info.

For the JHO hunt, there's a thread pinned at the top of this forum, and several others if you do a search that will give you more information than I could ever offer. For the JHO hunt and the regular PORs, you can use any legal method. They will also have a few archery-only PORs as well. Info and dates are all available on their site.

 

[Crank'in]

Again thanks everyone for the welcome and advice... It's all appreciated! I told my buddy that it was up to him how we went after them, and he wants to try on our own... This way, if he does'nt get one this first time out, he has a reason to leave the cold and try again..

So I'm gonna head north this weekend to see what I can see...

 

[CAhntr]

Good luck. Let us know how you guys do.

 

[Crank'in]

I'll definately let you know how it goes. This weekend I'll be rolling solo, as my buddy won't be here until the 2nd weekend in December.

Although I'm primarily search'in for hogs this weekend, I'm going to a place I have never been before. Do you guys think I should bring the hound with just incase I come across a few birds? I kinda feel bad for the guy, we used to hunt pheasant, ducks, and geese all within 10 minutes of the house before I moved! I don't get him out as often as I'd like these days, but I don't want to screw myself (or him) either. I'm thinking, if I bring him with, I can glass early in the mornings for piggies and leave him in the back of the truck (this kinda depends on the weather forcast - out of the question if it's supposed to 90 and sunny), go grab the dog and scout for pig sign while hunting birds during the day, then put him back in the truck in the evening and glass for pigs until dark.

Any thoughts or advice?

Crank'in