Public land

[Bubblehide]

Well, I met a gentleman here at JHO through my advertisement about public land hunting. To keep this straight and to the point, it was a change for me; he took me to his spot. The surprise is that not only is this spot public land, but it appears that no one hunts it. Simply zero tracks of the human kind. To top it off, not only did we see pig tracks, but we saw some very very very, large pig tracks. Unfortunately, with the hard freeze, cold weather, and all the moisture, it was difficult to tell how fresh the sign was. Obviously some tracks were made during, or directly after the storm, while other tracks were in dry ground, and appeared fresh and as clear as can be. I even stepped on several pig poos, all appeared moist, and fresh, but again with all the moisture out there, they didn't even have a chance to dry out.

Well, during this little excursion, I figured out why no ones hunts this place. But first, sure we saw tracks on the way in, but by the time we got to good hunt-able ground, we had already covered about 10 miles, per my partners GPS; I have not yet looked at mine to verify, I am simply much to tired and worn out, as the round trip was about 20 miles. Well, Murphys law hit me pretty good on the way back. I was wearing two pairs of socks, and the inside pair slipped down, and scrunched up around the toes and ball of both of my feet. Byt he times I realized what had happened, I didn't want to stop and take the time to fix them due to obligations tomorrow. So I covered ground as quickly as I could, because I stayed out there longer than I should have, considering (who would guess). Well now I sit here typing, contemplating popping my blisters and pouring rubbing alcohol inside the blisters. Yeah I know medical experts tell us not to, but they sure do heal much faster when I do.

Now the delema, do I even attempt to go back; I don't know about each of you, but I am going on 53 (this upcoming year). 20 miles in one day just feels a bit to much to me now that I have passed the 1/2 century mark. But then, I've heard it said, that a body in motion, stays in motion. Somehow I think I will be pretty flat tomorrow, with the exception of the luncheon I have; I plan on eating like a pig.

I'll try to throw up a picture of this spot tomorrow, here in this post.

Lastly, a word to the wise, public land hunting, don't even give it a thought, it's way to much work.

 

[thewolfman]

Great adventure u had there... I feel u... Been there done that and still doing it, but I wouldn't have it any other way... U should give it another try... I would.... Well looking forward to your pictures

 

[solus]

Yea ive done ths 20 mile hike in one day. Its no fun at all. Sorry to lecture you but i am gonna do it anyways. Take care of your feet man its the only way in or out of places like that without an expensive search and rescue to get you out. Next time stop a d fix your socks, I'm sure your partner will understand

 

[Fishgunner]

My first outing anywhere tells me a few things. I get a feel for the land and the terrain and I always use my first experience to help me with what not to do the next time. More specifically, what NOT to pack. If hiking is going to be the theme of the the day, you don't want to wear heavy boots and carry an ice-chest and a lawn chair the whole time. Weight and endurance are going to be the main challenges. When I go quail hunting zigzagging around sage brush and canyons is the name of the game. A short hunt is at least 5 miles- so I take as little with me as possible. Sounds like you need a good pair of boots, plenty of water, binos, ammo a sandwich and NOTHING else. I have made a few hikes miserable because I just took too damn much with me. As far as your age, I'm very fit and 32 years old - the only guy at the gym who can do more pull-ups than me is a 56 year old man that also runs 3 miles 3 times a week. He's old enough to be my dad and he could dead-lift me and toss me across the room. As far as public land... yeah it's tough, but you are dealing with anal-retentive type A men on this site. We are all gluttons for punishment. If you found that much pig sign I'd say the trip was worth it. Go slower, do less miles, enjoy the day and that wild-hog bacon ain't gunna fry itself, get out there and get that piggy!

 

[cjack]

I believe each individual has his or her own limits. I have always been susceptible to altitude sickness so I stay below 10,000', I too am getting up in age and have learned through many outings that although I can do 20 miles it's just not worth the price I pay in the days following, not to mention that due to pushing myself too hard in work and play over the years I now have several issues with my body (back and knee). Life is a marathon, I would much rather be hunting into my 70's than pushing myself to get a public land pig in my 50's. JMO

 

[pierpont scott]

Now just think if you killed a 200 pound pig 10 miles out?

 

[brushstomper]

Sounds like a good trip minus the blisters! I would go back but you might want to take a couple more guys just in case you do shoot a big hog out there. Oh, I would pop the blisters!

 

[Bubblehide]

Now just think if you killed a 200 pound pig 10 miles out?

It would not be the first time. This area has some real potential. The problem is that the good huntable land starts at about mile 9 with mile 15 looking incredible based on what I was looking at. As a 1 day hunt, as we had planned it, it just isn't feasible to shoot a pig and get it out past, about noon. So, this spot clearly is not a 1 day hunt. Packing into it an making it a multi day hunt, now that's a different story. The fact is that st some point, I told myself that even if I saw pigs, I was not going to pull the trigger, not on this trip anyway.

 

[Bubblehide]

Sounds like a good trip minus the blisters! I would go back but you might want to take a couple more guys just in case you do shoot a big hog out there. Oh, I would pop the blisters!

Minus the blisters, yes it was a good trip. It's been a long time since I've done 20 miles in a single day, so I'm feeling it today. I might have to get out more often, so I'm in a bit better shape; as round just isn't cutting it. This spot is a pack in spot, So I am likely to view it as a multi day hunt.

The blisters were popped last night. They were so damn full, they would have popped on their own anyway. I just speeded up the healing process a bit.

 

[Bubblehide]

I believe each individual has his or her own limits. I have always been susceptible to altitude sickness so I stay below 10,000', I too am getting up in age and have learned through many outings that although I can do 20 miles it's just not worth the price I pay in the days following, not to mention that due to pushing myself too hard in work and play over the years I now have several issues with my body (back and knee). Life is a marathon, I would much rather be hunting into my 70's than pushing myself to get a public land pig in my 50's. JMO

As a young man, I was bullet proof, all I did for several years was work out. I'd work out with weights, every day. One day the upper body, the next the lower. I also ran every day, over 15 miles a day, most days, was over 5 miles of stairs or bleachers. I have been through several serious injuries, and have managed to come back pretty strong. But life and age has a way of putting us all in our place, so to speak. And frankly, working out every day is no longer an option. So yes, I have limits; I just don't want those limits to keep me out of the field. I've got a good buddy that has a 50% bone loss in one of his hips. He no longer does my Sierra hunt, but he does hunt local with me. His limitations are much more severe than mine. And, he has changed how he hunts due to those limitations. Me on the other hand, despite my age, I could extend my range if I take the time to get into better shape, hike more on off time... But lets face it, I'm not 20 any more.

 

[cjack]

As a young man, I was bullet proof........... But lets face it, I'm not 20 any more.

This is what I'm saying, we have limits and I don't push those limits anymore. I want t stay in the field as long as possible. One of the hardest things to accept is that I'm getting older.....but with age comes wisdom! I'm not saying I don't hunt hard, I just hunt smarter!

 

[brushstomper]

Sounds like a great multi day hunt! Hike in glass pick a good spot for the morning, shoot a big one cut him up and pack him out!!! Still going to be a tough hunt any way you look at it. Oh to be young again

 

[Bubblehide]

... just hunt smarter!

I hear ya, but you still have to get to where the animals can be harvested.

Okay guys, here is a little peak:

 

[Sea 2'er]

i think I recognize that area. Great area. Just put in the time.

 

[Bubblehide]

i think I recognize that area. Great area. ...

Yeah I know, some guys have been everywhere.

 

[Wild1]

Actually, really good posts from some seasoned hunters. The honesty is both refreshing and helpful. This is a tough one, not only because of the distance, but also the time involved - as we get older, not only do our bodies have more limits, but our time does also.

Whatever you (we) choose, best of luck and Happy New Year.

 

[huntingbret]

I think I'm the only one who doesn't recognize that area. Do share. LOL

 

[cjack]

Actually, really good posts from some seasoned hunters.
best of luck and Happy New Year.

Seasoned....I like that, I'm not old, just WELL seasoned!

 

[Common Sense]

Seven years ago my son decided I needed to kill a bear before I died. Since he didn't want to fork out cash to a houndsman, it meant a hard hike. All public land, but would take two days and I was told if we didn't score by 9:00am on the second day, the hunt was over because there would be no way to pack out our harvest. (I didn't even load my rifle on day one)

I am sure I could go back there every year and get a bear or pig. And though I am thankful for my son taking me to the bear, I have never gone back and am quite sure I never will. Like Clint Eastwood said, "A man has to know his limitations." My son use to go there every year, but he hasn't gone back since he took me --- just ain't worth it. (He is in great shape, under 40, and runs three miles a day.) Area looks very similar to Bubblehide's photo but is miles away.

Though Little Sense has not been back, I am sure he will return as soon as he feels comfortable taking his sons.

 

[Bubblehide]

...
Though Little Sense has not been back, I am sure he will return as soon as he feels comfortable taking his sons.

He better get after it, after 40 it's like a triple black diamond run, steep downhill with lots of bumps.