Newbie Hunter to the Forum!!

[DaMatRat]

Hi Everyone,

A ‘newbie’ here to this board who happened to stumble across what seems like a cool forum, I wish I would have found this board sooner.

Let me introduce myself: I am newly licensed hunter residing in the San Fernando Valley (Los Angeles area) and I am going on my first hunt on October 11.
I will be hunting boar in the Paso Robles/Southern Monterey area.
After much research on the internet and lot’s of reading I chose/hired an outfitter/guide that I had read and heard a lot of good things about.

Anyways, I am really excited and I am also really nervous about my first hunt and wanted to ask you guys a few questions before my trip.
I have already called and spoken to my guide several times about what I should bring with me and what should I expect once I get in the field.
However I would like to know from others who have hunted boar, especially in Northern California.

What all should I bring with me other then the obvious like rifle/ammo (Remington 7MM/Winchester Failsafes), shooting-sticks, backpack, bino’s, camera/film, etc, etc.

Since I am a first time hunter I do not have a lot of gear and really don’t want to run out and buy lots of un-needed stuff that will just sit in my backpack and never be used, do you know what I mean?

What should I expect once I get to the ranch and then when I am out in the field?

Also, if I harvest a pig I would really like learn to field dress it and also skin it, however I have never done this before and am not sure if I would be able to stomach it?
What was it like the first time you field-dressed and skinned your hog, does it smell bad when you cut him open, is it steaming, is there lots of blood?

Sorry for all the newbie questions, if you guys and girls have time and want to respond it would greatly be appreciated.

-DaMatRat

 

[feelinducky]

DaMatRat: Welcome to the board. This is the place to ask the types of questions that you just did. I would ask your guide what you need to bring with you. He will be able to tell you what he supplies and what you need to bring. from my understanding a 7mm mag is pleanty of gun to do the job. As far as cleaning the hog it gets bloody and messy especially if you hit it in the boiler room. Your guide may do it free for you, depending on what he charges or he may do it for a fee.

Stinky? Sure it's not the best smell I've ever had the opportunity to dig my nose into but after bagging a hog I'm so excited it doesn't really matter, a labor of love I guess.

Steaming? I don't know what a hogs normal temperature is but I would guess around the same if not higher than a human 98.6 (avg) could be more if the hog ran after you shot him. If you can't stomach it, Hog hunting or any type of hunting may not be for you. But what ever you do don't just let you kill lie and not take care of it, dig in and go to work before it spoils.

You may want to go along with someone who has hunted before to see what hunting and field dressing is like before you go out. I am in no way trying to discourage you from taking a great opportunity to begin hunting but there are a few things to consider before going out and harvesting an animal.

Good luck if you decide its for you. Sorry if this sounds like a lecture.

 

[Speckmisser]

Welcome aboard DMR, and welcome to the big fun of pig hunting!

Like Feelinducky said, this is a great place to trade info, tell tales, and generally shoot the bull!

First of all, good call on using a guide for your first hunt. It's definitely the way to get started pig hunting. Public land hunting is fun, but really more for the hard core. If you're inexperienced, public land, do-it-yourself, hunts can really turn you off to the whole game. To make it even better, make sure you're honest with the guide about your experience (both with hogs and with big game hunting in general), and about your needs and expectations.

Since you're going with a guide, take his word on what to bring. Most guided hunts really only require the hunter to carry shooting equipment and binocs, as well as any personal items you think you'll need. I'd never assume on some basics, though, so I'd carry a couple of water bottles. And of course you'll want your camera.

It'll be a different story when/if you go out and do it by yourself. But one reason you pay a guide is to handle contingencies. Verify, for example, whether you or the guide will be responsible for lunch. Is it a one day or two day hunt? Will you be hunting all day, or out in the morning and back in the evening? If it's two days, are you camping overnight, or staying in a cabin?

Verify also what kind of hunting the guide will be doing. He may offer some options and let you choose. Generally guided hunts will be spot and stalk, take a stand, or hound hunts. You should know what kind of hunting you'll be doing before you ever get there, and discuss with the guide what is entailed. For example, some guides' idea of spot and stalk is to boogie all over creation on a 4-wheeler until you find hogs, then get off and shoot one. For others, it entails hiking up and down canyons on foot. That's a big difference, and you'll need to prepare differently for either type of hunt.

Same goes for hound hunts. Are you going to follow dogs who track and bay, or will you be using "take down" dogs? Again, there's a big impact on the experience here, so make sure you know AND AGREE with what the guide tells you. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and don't be intimidated by the guide's experience. You're paying for that experience... use it.

The bottom line here is, if you don't want to do it the way the guide describes, tell him so and see if he's willing to offer alternatives. If not, you may want to see about another guide service. You're the customer, but it's up to you to make sure of what you're buying BEFORE you get into the field. Once you're there, if you're like most people you're pretty much going to go with the flow. Take responsibility for the quality of your own experience, and it'll be much more enjoyable.

But once you agree, listen to him in the field and DO WHAT HE SAYS as long as you are comfortable/safe doing so. For example, don't take shots that are out of your comfort zone, no matter how he hollers "Shoot! Shoot!" And if your heart is about to bust out of your chest and he wants to run up a canyon, tell him you can't do it. Don't hurt yourself. This is not survival hunting, it's supposed to be fun. On the other hand, if he tells you to move to a different position or to pass on a shot, do it even if it doesn't make immediate sense to you! Odds are he has some insight that will pay off good for you. It's in his best interest to get you on game, and to make sure you get what you came for.

As for field dressing... it's not really that much different from field dressing anything else, only on a bigger scale. A gut shot animal will stink to high heaven, so don't gut shoot it.

Otherwise it's bloody and messy and still a little smelly, but bearable. Tell the guide about your current level of experience, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Like Feelinducky said, the guide will probably handle the field dressing for you anyway. I'd recommend asking the guide if you can help with the field dressing, in order to learn how. Unless it's been a really rough day, I can't imagine him not wanting to help you learn.

Anyway, you're in for big fun. I'm already planning my hog hunts for the winter. Once I started, I got seriously hooked. I bet you'll do the same.

 

[SDHNTR]

Welcome. The previous posts pretty much covered it all. Let me just add that you have a great weapon for any big game hunting. Make sure you are proficient with it. When hog hunting shots can be anywhere from 10-300 yards. You need to be prepared for this and practice a ton at these distances. 4 or 5 ammo boxes worth of practice before your hunt will give you more confidence and this is what you need as a new hunter. Practice with the same ammo you will use for hunting. Different ammo brands and bullet weights will shoot different places so use the same rounds. Also I know that nothing irritates a guide more that a guy who can't shoot. I have been on a hunt where some guy couldn't hit 4 different stationary and broadside pigs at no more than 125 yards. This guy ended up not taking a pig home while everyone else did. I sure hope the guide charged him full price. The guide will put you on the pig you have to finish the deal. I don't mean to intimidate you, but just to make sure you are ready for the moment of truth. Also visualize yourself shooting an imaginary pig over and over. This sounds really wierd but it will help you stay calm once you have the pig in your sights. As for gear you dont need much for hogs. Just make sure you have a good knife ( I like Buck and Gerber brands), and pack your lunch and drinks if your guide will not be providing them. You don't even need camo. Blue jeans and a flannel shirt with good boots should be fine. Pigs don't see too well, anyway. Make sure you bring water no matter what. Don't worry about the field dressing thing. I do think you should take part but your hunt price should include field dressing so its up to you. Most of all, listen to what Speckmisser said about communicating with and listening to your guide up front and make sure he is aware of your desires and expectations. Especially when it comes to hunting with dogs. Make sure your position on this is understood before you hit the field. You want to walk away from this hunt satisfied so ask all question you have. Hog hunting is so fun and if you are at all like me your first hunt will have you hooked forever. Good Luck. What guide are you hunting with?

 

[DaMatRat]

Thanks guys for all your feedback/advice.

My non-shooting/hunting friend and I will be staying in a hotel in Paso Robles and then driving a short distance to my guides family owned ranch.
My buddy is coming along for the ride and to mainly video tape and take plenty of digital pictures of my first hunting experience.

Once we arrive at their ranch I am told we will fire a few rounds at their range to make sure my rifle is zeroed in and then it’s out spotting/stalking/glassing for pigs.

It’s a 2 morning & 2 early evening hunt, but I was told there are plenty of hogs on their ranch and the chances of harvesting one on the first evening will be good?
Knowing that I might shoot my boar on the first night kind of bums me out because being from the city I was hoping to spend this weekend hunt in the outdoors as much as possible enjoying/absorbing all that nature has to offer ~ oh well.

I am hunting with my Remington Model 700 7mm mounted with a Weaver Grand Slam scope because it’s the only center fire rifle I own.
I have been going to the local rifle range (Angeles Shooting Range) a couple times a month for several months now and feel pretty confident in my shooting abilities (at least from the bench rest), however shooting off-hand, kneeling, or from my Stoney Point Shooting-Stix I still feel there’s room for improvement.

The price of my guided hunt pretty much covers everything except for lodging and meals. I am interested in field-dressing, skinning, and quartering my animal so that I can learn how it is properly done so that if in the future I go hunting without a guide I will know how it is done ~ my guide said he has no problem showing me.

One more question for now, but I am sure I will have more at a later time.
What amount would you guys normally tip your guide at the end of the hunt?

Thanks again for the advice/suggestions,

DaMatRat

 

[Speckmisser]

Argghh,

Tipping is a weakness for me. I've never been sure how much is right. I've always tried to get at least 10%, and usually go over. The guides I've dealt with, a limited number, have always seemed to work extra hard for me and I tipped generously (what I think is generous).... often 15-20%.

We have a member here who is a guide for Boaring Experiences. Maybe he can speak up to what the guides consider appropriate. I also think this was a topic of discussion a while back, so you might try scrolling or searching through the old posts.

As far as tagging out before the two days is up, that's up to you. The odds are good that you will have an opportunity to take your pig early on the first day. You can always put off the kill, but risk irking the guide. You can also ask about other opportunities on the ranch, maybe varmints or something, after you get your pig. Or you can head out into the public lands nearby and do some scouting/hunting on your own. You don't have to go home right after you fill your tag.

 

[DaMatRat]

Speckmisser thanks for the reply, most likely I will as I always do if/when I receive good service ~ I will tip well.

Yes, I asked my guide about other opportunities on the ranch and pretty much said after I harvest my pig the hunts over.
It just so happens there is this big annual event in Paso Robles that same weekend called something like 'Pioneer Day' that's been going on every year forever. We will most likely spend the weekend there checking that out.

Oh one other question, I don't think I plan on having my first boars head mounted, not unless he's huge and has big tusks.
However I do want the tusks and maybe even the whole skull, do the tusks come out easily from the jaw and if I choose to keep the skull how does all the meat and stuff come off the skull?

 

[Hogskin]

Originally posted by DaMatRat@Oct 1 2002, 10:55 AM
Oh one other question, I don't think I plan on having my first boars head mounted, not unless he's huge and has big tusks.
However I do want the tusks and maybe even the whole skull, do the tusks come out easily from the jaw and if I choose to keep the skull how does all the meat and stuff come off the skull?

Welcome!

First things first. Shooting a hog in the field is different from shooting at a bench. Practice with your sticks, prone, offhand, sitting until you can hit your target. You're probably spending a nice hunk of change on this hunt, why risk it? Besides, it's fun practicing.


For the skull, cut the oinker's head off with a saw. Take a sharp knife and cut as much hide/meat off as you can. Set up your camping stove OUTSIDE (unless of course you want a divorce in which case just do it on your wife's stove inside the house). Get a big old pot of water boiling and toss it in. Tend to it by using some tongs and pulling the skull out now & then and scraping some meat off and then throwing it back in to boil. Eventually you'll get all the meat off. If the tusks come out (which ain't bad because they've got some sludge inside 'em, just use a little glue to put them back in. I've got an article on how to do a euro mount, send me a pm with your fax number or a snail mail address and I'll send it to you. Or give me your email address and I'll scan it & send it to you.

Hope you have a blast, looking forward to hearing the tale & seeing the pictures.

Regards,
Paul

p.s., I'm a SF valley resident myself (Northridge). You deer hunting this year?

 

[Speckmisser]

Someone else will have to help with that one. I've haven't killed a boar big enough to worry with. Your guide, if no one else, should be able to answer.

Might wanna check in the Taxidermy forum down below.

 

[Hook]

Welcome DaMatRat, there is alot of information here as you can see.

Enjoy your hunt next week and remember to take some pictures to share with us.
Wild boar hunting is very exciting I am sure you will be hooked for life. It is one of the last affordable hunts left here in Calif.

Good luck.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

DaMatRat,

What guide did you decide to use?

 

[DaMatRat]

Howzit Eveyone,

Well today is the big day ~ I am so excited, as today/this weekend is my first guided hog hunt.
My partner and I will be leaving in about an hour ~ driving out to Paso Robles/San Miguel this morning.
We will meet up with my guide this afternoon/early evening for the first of my 2-day hunt.

Wish me lot's of luck and I will tell you guys all about it when I return on Sunday ~ I will even post pictures.

-Damatrat

 

[Speckmisser]

Have fun, that's the main thing! But we sure are looking forward to pix and stories!

 

[DaMatRat]

Howzit Everyone,

I’m back from my weekend hog hunting trip and I can honestly say that I had one of the best times in my entire life, seriously!
My guide happened to be one of the nicest, most hospitable, down to earth people I’ve ever had the opportunity to meet.
There is so much I want to tell you guys about my first hog hunting experience but I know I’m not going to be able to say it all in this one thread.
Although I did not get to harvest a trophy boar that I was hoping for, I learned that you have to take what God gives you, and I came home this time with a real nice meat sow.
We had seen so much wildlife while out at his family ranch it was crazy, we seen bull Elk, lot’s and lot’s of pigs, lot’s of deer, hawks, coyotes (I even shot me one).
I am still so stoked about my trip ~ we tool a lot of digital pictures and video.
I learned so much from this hunting trip, my guide was so knowledgeable and he explained everything and answered every dumb newbie questions I through at him.

Here are just a few of the things I learned on my trip.

Pigs are damn fast so don’t even think about trying to catch up to them on foot.
GMC trucks are some bad-ass four-wheel drives
Never have your variable scope cranked all the way up, as you won’t be able to quickly see your pig in the field of view.
Hunting is hard work and you need to be in good shape to walk up and down rolling hills.
You don’t need to buy a bunch of useless gear that you will never need before your trip ~ like I did.

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey DMR! Congrats on your first pig. She'll be tasty for many meals to come, no doubt!

Sounds like you learned some good basic lessons. Still ROFL at the first one.. pigs ARE fast. Not at all like you'd expect, huh?

Looking forward to pix and a story.

 

[DaMatRat]

Thanks Speckmisser,

Yes, I learned a whole lot ~ plus it was so much fun!
What does 'ROFL' mean?

You can't post pix on this board huh?

 

[Speckmisser]

ROFL= Rolling On the Floor Laughing

When I read what you wrote about pigs being fast, I just got a picture in my mind of someone trying to run a wild pig down on his home turf. Pretty funny.

As to posting pictures... You have to have somewhere (a website or server) to host the pictures if you want to post them. Then you reference them in a link on here.

If you need some help posting the pix, I've been using my web server to host pix for lots of the folks on here. Send me an email to hunting@elwing.com with the pix attached, and I'll be glad to put a couple up for you.

 

[DaMatRat]

Speckmisser,

I have just sent you an email with a few pix attached, if you would post them on your web server for all to view it would greatly be appreciated.

DaMatRat

 

[noahsark]

hello room, this is a great forum. i also am a newbie to game hunting ( i have hunted birds since a kid but never big game). after alot of reading and searching i decided to plan a trip to fort hunter liggett. but after reading this forum i am definatly second guessing it. the only reson that i stayed away from getting a guide is becuase of price. since i just had my first baby 4 months ago i dont think i can convince the lady in spending that kind of money. i have a couple questions though. what was the guide that you used damatrat? from your email it sounded like it was worth it. and will i totally waist my time going by myself at fort hunter?

well great forum, love the topic, and i cant wait to see pics of your trip

 

[Speckmisser]

Welcome to the list, Noahsark! You couldn't have come to a better place to ask questions and get acquainted.

First, you won't "waste your time" going to FHL, unless you think it's a waste to hunt without killing something. It's entirely likely that you won't score on your first public land hog hunt. And then again, you never know. Never knowing is a big part of what makes big game hunting fun. Plus, getting out there and hunting is the best way to learn, so there's value in that. I don't think I've ever "wasted time" by going on a hunt.

That said, as we told Damatrat, going with a guide is a real good way to get your feet wet. You can learn a lot real quick from an experienced guide. It's also your best bet on getting a pig, since private land opportunities are WAY better than most public land.

It's not cheap. On average it looks like $400 is a general starting point...although you can shop around for hunts in the $300-$350 range. However, the price can be rationalized by simply estimating how much you spend to take a public land hog (multiple trips x gas, food, supplies, etc.) and comparing that to what you would spend to go once with a guide. Just as a kind of baseline, I have gone three years now without a shot on a public land hog. I've seen a couple, but no shots.

Last year I discovered a couple of "honey holes", so I'm hoping to change that streak. Most of the first several years were spent just trying to find a good spot with minimal pressure and good sign. That's a big part of paying your dues on public land. Hike and hike and glass and glass and cuss a lot too... and you may finally be rewarded.