Sweetwater Springs, Laguna Mtn, Clear Creek

[CaliDuckPro]

Me and a buddy are planning on heading up there in June for a few days. Never been there before, so I'm hoping you guys can tell me what to expect at that time of year as far as weather, snakes, and amount of hunters using the area. We will most definitely be going during the week. Hopefully a Tues-Thurs. I've heard it's best if you pack in, way into the boonies that way you're able to be set up before first light at the "good" spots. However, I hear it's hot as Hades out there in June. Any tips for that time of year??

Also.. Anybody else interested in heading up there around that time?

 

[BirdDawg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

However, I hear it's hot as Hades out there in June[/b]

LOL.........whoever said that has never been around here in August......june weather should be nice.......never hunted Sweetwater Springs but I've hunted Laguna.....wasn't too impressed.........I'd go to clear creek and camp and hunt up towards spanish lake......snakes will be out but I wouldn't worry bout them as they normally let you know their there...........of course there is the ocasional "accident".....good luck and happy hunting.

 

[larrysogla]

CaliDuckPro,
I hunted Laguna Mtn. in about August 1999 and it was bone dry. There were no pig signs as the water sources were in the neighboring properties. I have read in the posts in here that the pigs are seasonal and transient in Laguna Mtn. and are only there when the weather is wet and there is available water in it. Truly, you being a military man, my humble suggestion is to go to Vandenberg Air Force Base. You will definitely be in hog habitat and also in a military preserve open only to active and retired military. There are many military folks in here JHO that go hunting at VAFB and they can give you valuable pointers. That is the way I would go if I were you. If your buddy is not military, then I would suggest Fort Hunter Ligggett($70 year round or $25 weekend hunting permit done only through mailed applications) or Camp Roberts(if open on that weekend). Camp Roberts hunting permits can be processed on the base hunter registration booth on the morning of the hunt. The application form can be printed online from their websites. Be aware that the annual hunting permit at FHL is effective only from July1 to June30 annually. All those military bases are loaded with water(ponds, rivers, wallows), oaks, browse and grasses and provide excellent year round hog habitat and are closed(FHL and Camp Roberts????) to hunting on the weekdays providing a sort of respite for the hogs until you burst on the scene come early Saturday morning. That way you will at least have a fighting chance of connecting with a hog. 'Nuff said.

 

[Speckmisser]

June = hot days and cool nights. Actually I've found it to be pretty decent in June, especially if we have another late, wet season like last year. If the rain stops this month, June will be pretty dry, and you'll want to head for water sources.

Sweetwater is pretty small, and surrounded by private land. I have it on good authority that at least two of the neighboring property owners WILL prosecute if they catch you. So watch those No Tresspassing signs. It's pretty well posted.

Both areas get hit hard, and by June they'll have been pretty well trampled. The folks who hunt it consistently are pretty hard core, and I've found that even in the back-of-beyond there is still a good bit of human sign. Even so, if you're willing to pack in and stay a day or two, you might see a pig.

My suggestion is to go in from Laguna, cross the mountain and drop down to the creek. Follow the creek back until you find good sign, then head uphill and find where they're bedding. It's do-able, as long as no one has beat you to it.

 

[CaliDuckPro]

Awesome info guys!

larrysogla - I really wanted to check out VAFB, but my buddy is not in the military. FHL was another place I was considering for a weekend hunt.

Speck - I might stay away from Sweetwater, since there's a lot of private land. Rather not take the risk, and end up on someone's property.

Muchos gracias guys. any info is always much appreciated. I'll post up again in or around June when I'm heading out there. Maybe some of you guys can sneak away from work and or the wife for a few days during the week. It would be great to put some faces to the names on here.

CDP