President's Day FHL JHO Pig/Varmint Hunt

[bhrhunts]

First day out Evlu and Calijeephuntr had a shot at a hog, but alas, the pig will live to see another day. We have formed some permanent friendships here for sure though and are having a total blast.

Three pigs came out of three different areas. I'll get the hog totals today. We are having an excellent time, dinner last night was fabulous! One more day of hunting, I'll report back in Tuesday with photos... Jesse, sorry you couldn't make the trip, but we'll catch you the next time I'm sure.

 

[GUNNER5569]

well we got back last night there was three pigs taken as of the time we left 1 nice one from 29 about 240 lbs 1 nice meat hog from 25 and 1 from 30 and deedy we think we saw your hear of pigs they looked just like your pic and yes they are still in the safe zone we seen them at about 445pm and hoped they would cross over but they are very smart and know they are safe will e mail you with the location the weather was great we seen lots of elk and deer even 1 buck in 19 that still had his antlers we seen 2 bobcats and even a mt lion in 9 lots of rooting but not much luck with pig sightings

 

[billrob]

I hope you all are having a good time and lots of luck.

I'm wireless on my laptop sitting in my car watching and working.

One of these days I'll make one of those trips.

 

[Speckmisser]

Sounds like a heck of a lot of fun down there!

How was dinner last night?

 

[evlu]

First day out Evlu and Calijeephuntr had a shot at a hog, but alas, the pig will live to see another day.


Thanks Deedy for telling everyone what bad shots we were...oh well...the truth hurts!!!

I guess I'll change my review of the trip now.....
Will write it tonight.
Jesse, the food was awesome. Will have pics in my next post.
evlu

 

[Lan-Lord]

sounds like a good time, lets get this thread going with some pics and stories

 

[evlu]

Will post pics and stories tomorrow...have to go into work early.

evlu

 

[One Track]

Looking forward to the pics. Nice job guys.

 

[bhrhunts]

In the defense of my two awesome hunters Calijeephuntr and Evlu: the hawg was a zillion yards away, downhill and moving at racehorse speed...
And Evlu is very good on the water heater elements at 10 yards, right on the $$ there. Not shooting them but fixing them. I'm sure he could shoot a water heater element at 500 yards with that 220 swift.

 

[Wild1]

Although our group didn't score a hog (or even see one), we all had a great time. The weather and the food couldn't have been any better!! Lots of deer, elk, bobcats and good people - but no pigs. I'll just have to keep trying.....

 

[ksberry209]

I am curious what area every one hunted. I stayed in 27 the entire time because I located many tracks and found signs of pigs every where under the oak trees. Never saw a pig but the deer were every where.

The rattle snakes were out too. My buddy almost got hit by a BIG rattler. I thought they were not active this time of year??? I guess the nice weather brings them out.

 

[GreatWhite]

It was great to get to meet everyone up at FHL. My buddy, drtpoor (Bill) and I had a great time! Weather couldn't have been any better. Just wish there was a few more pigs that ran in front of me on the trail. Deedy it was a pleasure to have met you and I wish you the best in your endeavor! I know Bill and I look forward to hunting with you and everyone else very soon. Did someone say gobble gobble?

Patrick

 

[bhrhunts]

I hope you killed the rattler?
We hunted 30, 19, 7, 1, 2,
Couldn't get into areas 25,29 cause they were full before everybody got here to check in sat. morning, we wanted to keep our guys together.

 

[BLASTMASTER]

Wow what an exciting time for our first trip to FHL!
Saturday, mid-day, Mrs Blastmaster and I are glassing a canyon when she thinks she sees a white & tan pig in the brush. For the life of me, I couldn't see it. Then she says it moved further under, and now can't be seen. So I head around to the bottom to flush it out. When I get back up top she tells me about some big black animal with lot's of hair and a long snout sitting brodside, but having never seen a live wild pig, she wasn't sure if she should shoot it or not

(She also said I walked right by it) Well they slipped past us.
Sunday, at sunset, we're setup on a trail that crosses a fence with a opening busted through. We here 'em coming, loud as thunder and knocking over trees. Just on the other side of the brush they're getting ready to come down the trail 30 yards in front of us and we're ready for them. Just then, some guy drives by in a truck, just on the other side of the fence. The pigs turn an leave the other way. Now I ask you, who drives around right at the best hunting time of the day? But he turns around and drives right past again waving and smiling. We couldn't quite catch up the group of pigs.
Even though we didn't bring home the bacon, we had a great time. There were a lot of pigs out there, more than CR I think, but I believe they may also be smarter. Great campground. We were expecting the check in to open until 7PM on Friday, but I guess it closed early and we missed it. The line the next morning wasn't too bad, but I wish there was a no smoking sign. A person tries to be as scent-free as possible when hunting pigs, but second-hand smoke kinda blows that idea.
Overall a great time, and we want to go back!

 

[bhrhunts]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GreatWhite @ Feb 20 2007, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

It was great to get to meet everyone up at FHL. My buddy, drtpoor (Bill) and I had a great time! Weather couldn't have been any better. Just wish there was a few more pigs that ran in front of me on the trail. Deedy it was a pleasure to have met you and I wish you the best in your endeavor! I know Bill and I look forward to hunting with you and everyone else very soon. Did someone say gobble gobble?

Patrick[/b]

The pleasure was all mine. You and drtpoor are awesome, I had a blast on the infamous "bobcat hunt". I will forever go down in history for that one I'm sure. Really though, there has been at least 4 bobcat there every time I go up there. Don't even need to call them. So, for the last 2 months I wont let anyone hunt them, saving the little devils for a "special occasion". So we head out Sunday, I'm so sure of myself I charge up the video camera. We set up in 6 or 7 canyons with the very best callers, thank you Donnie and Bill. You guys are the best. Anyway, zip, nothing, nada. Couldn't beleive it. Then we go back to Liggett and of course, the bobcat sightings are everywhere. Some of them so big they looked like lynx.Figures.

I swear they do (did) exist - heres a photo from earlier, this was a little guy (one of many)

[attachment=39178:attachment]


Here's a photo of the infamous bobcat hunt... should have been at Liggett I guess (the jokes, company and calling outstanding however)

[attachment=39177:attachment]

Missed you at the Tamale hunt, that went a little better.

[attachment=39179:attachment]


But I must say I did see a ton of turkeys out there at Liggett while looking for hawgs...Turkey opener is looking favorable here... maybe we'll get pigs.
warmest regards to all my gang, glad you all made it home safe and sound, Deedy

 

[GreatWhite]

Hi,

EVLU and CaliJeepHuntr, lets all get together with Deedy for another hunt beginning of Turkey Season. I am itching to get up there again, even though I just got back. Anyone else sound like they would be interested in that?

Patrick

 

[CaliJeephuntr]

Thanks for the great time up there everyone. Was nice to meet some new people. Too bad we missed that pig on Saturday. Keep thinking of what we could have done differently (other than actually hit with our shots). But, he was quick and didn't give us a lot of time to do much except shoot from where we were.

So quick recap from my perspective. Saturday morning Evlu and I setup on a nice rock overlooking some hills and a nice field. Spotted some pigs off in the distance, but they were in a restricted zone. Right after that a good hog appears below us. We did our best to hit him, but he managed to get away. Guessing he would have gone 125-150lbs. Oh well, that's hunting. Saturday evening we went right back to the same spot and waited pretty much till it was dark hoping for some movement. Lots of deer, but no pigs. Was hoping some would show based on all the sign that was down there.

Sunday morning we went with the gang to do some calling for bobcats. When we got up to the spot, it was cold, windy, and foggy. After calling in a few different spots with no luck we decided to head over to the game shack and change to area 9. Drove around for the first hour or so since it was early just checking different spots for any sign. Going up the big ridge by Stoney Valley we came up on 3 really big bobcats. When I first spotted them, 2 originally, I thought they were mountain lions because they were so big. But after really looking at them they were tail-less. So a few of us went to try and setup and call them in. As we're going down the road a third came out by where the first 2 were. We all stopped, setup the caller, and watched. Evlu setup to take a shot, but he was too excited and couldn't get steady. Would have been a really long shot, 350ish on my guess. But the third cat was just as big as the first 2. Except he was much prettier. His sides down into his belly was white with black spots. Was really cool seeing that. After that we switched gears back to pigs and got setup around the area where the sign seemed to be. No luck there. But did see a hawk nail a pigeon in flight in the middle of the tree's. And saw a nice three point buck that still had a horns... well atleast on one side.

Monday morning went back into 9, but didn't have much luck. Saw a lot of deer though.

That's the short of it. Was a lot of fun, and i'm definately going to another JHO gathering.

 

[evlu]

Ok, now for the real story….Arrived at Bryson Friday afternoon and was greeted by Deedy and company with hugs (even though I was a ball of snot from an allergy attack all day). Was given keys to the cabin and unloaded everything. What a great place! The cabins are nicer than the home my wife and I have. Then it’s a mad dash to FHL to sign in. The gal at the window is overwhelmed and not very happy but she processed my paperwork and I was signed up for TA 19 (what ever that was because this was my first time at FHL).
Went back to Bryson, finished unpacking and meeting new JHO friends.

I must say that the JHO guys were fantastic and made my weekend. Went and set up a target and checked all my guns (muzzleloader, .243, .300 win mag, and .220 Swift). They all were still hitting the target so they were put to bed (literally, on the top bunk!). After shooting all the breeze that could be shot, CaliJeephuntr told me he forgot seasonings and charcoal to bbq his wild pig baby back ribs and tenderloin. To fix our hunger pains, we took off for Paso Robles to McClintocks where the tri-tip sandwiches were awesome and the hot wings finally cleaned out my sinus blockage.

Everything from cocktails to dinner was excellent, and McClintocks will now be a mandatory stop whenever in the general vicinity.
Saturday morning breakfast with wild pig breakfast sausage (Los Gatos Meats), eggs, coffee and toast hit the spot and we were off to FHL.
After driving what seemed like forever (FHL is much bigger than I assumed and it was the first time my 4x4 had gotten dirty), CaliJeephuntr and I were on top of this big rock glassing the world. I have to admit, CaliJeephuntr can pick pepper out of fly$#*% when it comes to seeing game

. About 7:30 we were glassing some elk in another TA when he spots a pig below us. Well, the fella was on the move so we both tried to hit him. 3 clean misses.

Then, to add insult, he stops and gives me a dream shot, which was cleanly over him about 1.5-2 inches

. After that he was off like a dirty pair of shorts. Then, one last Hail Mary shot at 500 yds. Glad I missed (need to calm down next time.) I know that CaliJeephuntr missed too, so….oh well.
Drove around and finally got to where we shot at him to insure he wasn’t hit. No hair or blood, just tracks in the mud and matching bullet holes in the ground. Walked around and learned a lot about ROOTING and pig tracks, then drove around some more where we saw a nice coyote, several beautiful elk and some deer.
Back to Bryson for lunch and a well deserved nap. After waking up and troubleshooting a small hot water issue, we headed out to 19 in the afternoon for the evening hunt. Some more 4 wheeling and lots of glassing but nothing to be seen.
When legal light was gone, we headed back to Bryson where more breeze was shot and several would-a, should-a, could-a’s were handed out by evlu and his missed morning shot.
Dinner was prepared by CaliJeephuntr after seasoning, bbq sauce, and charcoal were procured. Most meat never hit the plate, it was just devoured at the bbq. After dinner, the morning hunt for predators was formulated. It was a great plan that involved sleeping in. Now off for a hot shower and a great nights sleep in very comfortable bed.
Sunday morning brought breakfast once again and a quick shower to wake up. CaliJeephuntr drives (guess he could only take so much of evlu’s rookie 4x4’n) up to the area for a coyote and bobcat calling party.
After setting up and calling for a while, some GOOBER, whose cousins/siblings were extras for the movie “Deliverance”,

drove thru our hunting area. Needless to say, we regrouped and after checking out an abandon shoe collection among other things, and went to another area. Try as we may, nothing appeared and it was decided that someone had emailed the bobcats and coyotes our intentions so they ignored us.
A change to Zone 9 for a Sunday afternoon and evening hunt paperwork was entered. Several different areas were scouted and more beautiful scenery was soaked in. Just as we were glassing 3 coyotes in the middle of this VAST valley, CaliJeephuntr about had a coronary when he saw what was first thought to be small mountain lions but became 3 of the biggest bobcats in California. After glassing them it was decided that I should go try and knock the last one down. Going prone, I couldn’t hold steady enough due to excitement and short of breath.

All I can say is the next time an opportunity like this comes around a beautiful pelt will be taken.
The guys planned the evening hunt and we split up. After a lot of walking, some deer chasing, and bumping into other hunters, we only found a minimal sign of activity. It was getting dark so we scouted some more territory but didn’t see anything but a vanishing coyote. It was time for some good food and fun.
Pulling into Bryson, the aroma of the BBQ filled the air. Deedy put on a feed fit for royalty with plenty of cheese, crackers, veggies, and a little pâté that started things going while the finishing touches were put on the meats. Tamales, tri-tip, pork tenderloin, enchiladas, rice and beans, salad, and various sausages were yours for the taking. With new found hunting buddies exchanging old and new stories, great food and drink, it was the highlight of the weekend.

After stuffing our faces and setting our sights on Monday morning, we headed back to our cozy cabins for another nights rest.
Monday morning came early and 4 of us headed back to TA9 to do our best to bring back the bacon. 2 guys worked the creek bed and 2 went up on the ridge. The creek bed was full of fresh sign and rooting but no pigs. The ridge gave us beautiful views of the land and a herd of elk, but no pigs. Driving along different roads a total of 35+ deer were seen, but no pigs. After covering various beautiful sections of 9 we called it a day and went and turned in our paperwork and headed back to Bryson to pack up and head for home.
All in all it was a successful hunt for me, even though I didn’t get a pig. I got to 4x4 with my rig for the first time, met some great members of the JHO community, stayed in a top flight place with people who really want your hunt to be successful, and saw some of the most beautiful land around.
Sorry this was so long but it was written on Fat Tuesday, after several hurricanes, jambalaya, beignets, and more Hurricanes. As they say in New Orleans, laissez les bons temps roulez (let the good times roll) and Presidents Day Weekend at FHL & Bryson did just that.
evlu

 

[Wild1]

Nick, never did talk with you after the Monday morning hunt - so just FYI: along the creek we saw the freshest sign(s) we had seen all weekend. One side of the creek had heavy cover, the other side scattered oaks and brush. We walked along the side with sparse cover and saw some really fresh sign, but on the opposite side (heavy cover) we saw tons of fresh sign down towards the creek - betting they were coming out of their cover and down to the creek fairly regularly. In any case, enjoyed hunting with all of you - hope to do it again soon.

 

[ksberry209]

OK I have a question for all you senior hunters...or anyone / everyone more knowledgeable than I

How can you tell fresh tracks and rooting vs. a week old? I was in TA27 the entire time and found one area near the springs with signs all over. It looked as though a tractor went through the area but I could not tell how long ago. This was my first hog hunt and first time at FHL so I am a rookie at this with no guidance from a seasoned veteran. My thought was the storm and rain the previous week would have washed most of the tracks and rooting signs away so I figured they were less than a week old. Well after sitting all afternoon and into the end of hunting light and the following morning from legal light till 10'ish we decided to give up on the area.

I was wondering if anyone has pictures that they might be able to e-mail me or post that shows fresh signs verse old hog rooting areas.