Public vs private land to hunt higs in CA

[Lollypop]

Everywhere I read about hunting hogs, it is stated quite emphatically that hog population on public lands ( ie. relatively litlle cost to the hunter) is much much less than on private land. Is this really true ? I think it may just be a result of the fact that there is so much more private land.

What's the story here ? Am I wasting time by planning a hunt on public land ?

Thanks

 

[Speckmisser]

Hey Lolly,

I don't know if "devoid" is quite the right description, but you are definitely gonna find more hogs on private land.  In general, there are a handful of reasons for this.

First of all, private land is generally agricultural, so there's good sources of food.  Public land is usually wild, and food sources aren't as reliable for the hogs.  

Secondly, because private land has limited access, there's a lot less pressure on the hogs so they'll usually stay close.  You'll find that ranches that allow heavy hunting also have a dearth of animals, while those where hunting pressure is controlled have good success almost all the time.

A third factor is that most private land is much more favorably situated, usually in the valley bottoms and areas with plenty of water year-round.  There are a lot of exceptions, but much of the public land is public because no one else really wanted it... it's not much good for anything else.  Either it's too dry, too steep, or too remote.  

But with all these things in mind, there are good hog hunts on public land.  You just have to work harder to locate all the right habitat and get away from the general rush of other hunters.  If you can find water, some food sources, and light hunting pressure, you'll have a spot that can be as good as any private ranch.  

A private land hunt can certainly be worth the cost, though, if you really want to get a hog.  Success isn't guaranteed, most of the time, but it's danged good odds.  Public land hunting is a lot more fun if you care more about hunting than killing.  Depends on your priorities.  

For my own part, when I want to refill the freezer, I'll try to find a private land hunt.  I am pretty consistently doing one private land hunt each year, and I always come home with pork.  But I spend most of my weekends out on public land, trekking through the canyons, examining sign, and hoping for a rare opportunity.  I've only had a couple of near opportunities on public land so far, but when I finally take that good boar it will be a trophy in every sense of the word.  

In my opinion, you are definitely not wasting your time planning public land hunts.  Just don't clear out the freezer before you go.  

 

[RIFLEMAN]

Lolly,

    First, welcome to Jesse's.  I hope you enjoy your time on the site.

    Second, I would like to echo Speckmisser's opinion.  He summed it up pretty well.  Based on my experience, hunting hogs on public land is a poor proposition.  The relative lack of suitable food, hunting pressure and typical wall-to-wall brush make it very difficult at best to attempt to spot and stalk or stillhunt.  Hunting hogs with dogs on public land presents a challenge in itself, but is much more effective than without.  

    I have found that the best habitat for hogs consists of a mix of brushy country and open country.  The hogs like the cover and sense of security the brush provides but thrive in the open country where the feeding is better.  

    I would not try to discourage you from hunting on public land, but would offer you a bit of advice...
    *Hogs are extremely intelligent and adaptable.  They are easily influenced by hunting pressure.  Put in some serious effort in getting "far off the beaten path" to escape the pressure of other hunters.
    *Find the water and you will find the hogs (if they are there to be found).