Rifle / Pistol recommendation for Hawaii Hunts?

[mikewalker]

I may get a chance to hunt Maui and Big I what would you guys recommend for a good pig and goat rifle or rifles, considering the terrain.
I will be DYI public land hunts without dogs.

 

[rza96746]

I would recommend a good hard hitting 30 cal rifle. I use my 308 or 6.8 for pig. I've seen to many pigs take several shots from a 223 and a 243 and keep going as if nothing happened. 270 and 7mm is also good. If you take head shots any rifle will do, as for goats and sheep it depends how far your shots are I dont consider them a tough animal.I want to hunt Axis on maui but cant get any info on where to go.

 

[hawaiian style]

rza96746 you are right. Head shots are the best for the 223 or 243 but with a correct placed shot you are good to go. If you are not going for head shots I will suggest a 270 or up.
rza96746 where are you from in Kailua-Kona? Holualoa?

 

[rza96746]

Aloha Hawaiian Style I'm from Kauai.

 

[hawaiian style]

rza96746, I am from Kona and thought that you might be from there because of the zip code. I am in San Diego now but hunt every chance I get in Hawaii and Snd Diego. The hunting up here is yet to be desired.

 

[EvBouret]

Echo'ing what was written before. Any 30 cal rifle with some punch will probably be ideal...as would some smaller calibers like 25-06, 270 etc...

For pigs and brush hunting something under ~40" total length with a low power scope or open sights is ideal in my opinion at least. Everybody has their own preferences.

For sheep or goats I would choose something along the lines of a .270 or 30-06. Something with some reach and a 3x9 scope.

A good middle of the road gun would be something in between the two guns. Maybe a 20" barreled rifle like a Model 7 with open sights as well as a 3x9 scope. As far as calibers I'd go .30cal. Doc uses scopes in the brush for pigs and has good luck.

 

[rodneyshishido]

I hunt Polipoli without dogs. I would be happy to take you up there should you make it to Maui. If you are interested, send me an email and I will give you my contact info.

The comments by everyone on caliber choice is accurate. The only thing I would add is bring the lightest rifle. When hunting goat and pig in Polipoli, I typically start at about 6,000 ft and climb to about 8,000 ft. You don't walk far - maybe 5 miles in a day - but the walking is tough.

The rifle I use most is chambered for the 7mm-08.

 

[Bulleye]

If your going to hunt Mauna Kea get a flat shooting rifle 270 or higher cause the game up there is wary and the area is vast. If your hunting jungle grab a lever action or shotgun with slugs. Bring your bow too for some great sheep and goat action in Puu Anahulu. Get sturdy boots cause A'a is not something most people are use to hiking on. The more water on your back the better too. Good luck and have fun!

 

[Nic Barca]

I'll second that jungle shotgun advice. When you get in the thick stuff, and visibility is under 30 yards, you tend to shoot more game on the run than standing still. Buckshot really comes in handy. I prefered a 20 gauge pump with rifle sight, smooth bore, loaded with a slug and buckshot as follow up. Or strait buckshot depending on how thick. You can shoot slugs pretty far too.

A scoped rifle is handy in a lot of Hawaii's drier areas and in hilly terrain where cross-valley shots are possible. I'm no expert on calibers and agree with the above posts. If you do go with something lite like a 243 or even 223 (both very popular in Hawaii)and you aim at a pig, shoot for the head, neck, or spine because pigs are notorious for toughness and poor blood trails. The other animals are much weaker skinned.