New to Hunting

[preciseone]

I'm new to hunting... and long guns. I need some feedback/advice/tips/cautions.

My buddy and I are planning a hunting trip via Boaring Experiences in Atascadero. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I plan on carrying a Winchester 70 in 7mm Rem Magnum... I hope that's enough gun to take down a pig. I also plan on carrying a Glock 20 (10mm) as a sidearm.

Does everyone else carry a sidearm? Has anybody ever had to use it on a wounded charging boar?

You reckon a 10mm will stop a charging pig?

From what I read, I'll be hunting only at daybreak and dusk for pigs. So I plan on bringing my Savage .17 hmr for a little daylight varminting.

Please feel free to give me any advice for a great trip...

Regards.

 

[Orso]

Welcome to JHO. This is a great site with some very helpfull people. Your 7mm Rem Mag is plenty enough!! The only time I have carried a sidearm is when I was pig hunting on public land and I was crawling through pig tunnels on my belly and didn't want to be run over if a pig came my way. Never did need it though. I have been on a few guided pig hunts and I have never felt the need to carry a side arm while on a guided hunt, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't carry one if you want to...It is your hunt and no one elses. 10mm should be more than enough. Remember it shot placement that really counts!! Maybe you know, but I always like to remind people, when you are going to take your shot....Don't shoot standing up with nothing to steady the rifle. Always, Always TRY to use something as a rest, even your knees from a sitted position is good. It only takes a fraction of a second to drop to your butt and use your knees as a rest. If you have time before you shoot, try to find a tree to lean the rifle against or use your daypack.

Lastly, try to get in some target practice before you go... Shoot from as many postions as you can, so you can get comfortable/familar with those shooting positions.

If I have mentioned stuff you already know, please forgive me. I just want you to be successfull.

Good luck!!

 

[Cda55]

I think Orso summed up my thoughts exactly. Welcome aboard.

 

[Lumpy]

I also agree with Orso.
Welcome aboard , let us know how you do.Good Luck

 

[preciseone]

Thanks everybody. I plan on getting a couple months of range time with my rifle before I head out there.

I read the same advice about practicing shooting from multiple positions at the California Fish and Game website.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Speckmisser]

Preciseone,

First of all, welcome aboard! Glad to have another hog hunter joining the ranks.

I can't speak from first hand experience, yet, but Boaring Experiences has a great reputation among those who have hunted with them. I believe you'll be in good hands.

Other than that, everything Orso said was dead on. Your rifle will be plenty. If you need to finish a wounded hog, the 10mm would be OK. Odds are real slim you'll be in that position (charging boar and all), but if you are, a few rounds will turn him even if it doesn't stop him. It's not a grizzly bear.

Practice with that rifle until everything you do feels like an extension of your body. That's what will get you your pig. You want to know you've killed him even when you're still pulling the trigger. Confidence....

Good luck, and welcome to big game hunting!

 

[DILPRXO]

Welcome aboard Precise

Everyone has given you great advice so far. Rifle proficiency is a must and the path to getting it is paved with empty cartridges at the range. I'm not sure what kind of shape your in but some extra hiking/excercise to tone up your legs is a big plus. And don't overdoit on the gear. I'm a "gearhead" and love to play with new gear but rember you may have to carry all those toys and help carry a hog if you score.Finally take some time to read in the helpful hog hunting links at the top of the forum...great information in a really well organized format. Most of all have fun,the memories from your hunt should bring a smile to your face for years to come.
Good luck...Track'em and Wack'em

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

Preciseone,

Orso pretty much summed it all up...I cant stress enough abough using a "Good Rest", sometimes you only have one shot and when the rifle goes "Boom" and you missed, you still owe the guide his fee....I was up in Parkfield a few weeks ago and the pigs are thick. Right now is a great time they are coming down into the plowed fields to eat the barley and hay. We saw plenty over 2 days. Kyler has some great property and you will have a goodtime. Take lots of pictures and bring back a story or two.....

 

[BobcatJess]

Welcome Aboard Preciseone,

You have received great advice from everyone. One thing that I might add when target practicing is too take a little jog or sprint right before you shoot. This will help simulate a real life hunting scenario. Remember, when you usually have the chance to shoot a hog, it is after hiking up a hill or chasing after it and to top it off your adreneline level is way high. Remember this: Sight Alignment, Sight Picture, Slow Steady Trigger Squeeze.

Good Luck,
Jess.

 

[karstic]

Practice, practice, practice.

Shootin that 7 can be pretty expensive and painfull after a while, so if you've got another rifle like a .22 you can use that to practice with.