Tejon POR Updates

[Tonopah01]

Jack's hog hangin' in the shed.

 

[snoopdogg]

Congrats to all on the success; the JHO'ers, Speck and Jesse.

 

[beastslayer]

nrifenbark,

That looks like a 100% russian wild hog.

My officemates tease me on mine -- being fat and spotted -- that its probably a domestic. Oh... I would add... from Bakersfield.

 

[Speckmisser]

Congrats to all you Rifenbarks! Great write-up from Jack there too. Hadn't heard from you guys in a while.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

My PETA membership ran out so they wouldn't let me post over there anymore. Happy to be back.

- Jack

 

[beastslayer]

Am not sure if I'm the only one who observed this? If not, look again at the picture and game cams clips.

Did you notice there are lots of juvenile pigs? That says productive hunts next PORs.

I hope they'll migrate into Frazier Mountains, LANF and SBNF. And soon.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

Pigs in Frazier Park = free entertainment and exercise every weekend. Should cause Tejon to stop raising their prices too.

 

[beastslayer]

The Savage Rabbit,

Are you near Frazier Park?

There are already a few report of hog kill in that area. There might already be some stragglers out there.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

I'm in the miracle mile area of LA. It's less than a two hour drive to Frazier Park. I'm trying to make it a point to get out there as often as possible. There is something theraputic about exchanging streets for streems and light poles for trees. A reasonable belief that it is possible to hunt pigs out there will certainly keep my Jeep dirty and my mindset clean. Any idea where in Frazier park those pigs may have been spotted?

 

[beastslayer]

The trail of that report might have gone cold. Besides, that was I recall just a single incident and that was a long time ago (more than a year).

I think the best chance for just a possibility of a pig is somewhere that abut Tejon Ranch. Sorry, I was not very helpful after making you hopeful.

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

He arrived as one of us and he left a legend. This is the story of my cousin's gallant exploits at the last POR. The following story is true but names have been changed to protect the innocent.

Wild boar are pursued all over the State of California. Year round, men of all races, creeds, social standing and physical stature pit their predatory instincts against California’s most worthy prey, the wild/ feral hog. Wild pigs are not simply plentiful table fare but are more than capable of carrying the fight to the hunter. Powerful hearts and large lungs propel these animals, some weighing as much as 400 pounds, at speeds often exceeding 30 miles per hour. The vanguard of their fury is a charge behind which they carry massive energy the thrust of which is tipped with ivory daggers up to 3 inches long.

Those who dare to venture after these animals must sense the proper habitat, track the spoor, face the charge and gamble their lives on their skill with a rifle. Some men fall short of the challenge, some rise to the occasion, and some exceed all others and assert their will over record setting beasts. NPRJR is one such man. May 19, 2006 is a day that will stand out in the minds of all who were there. On this day NPRJR set a record.

The Tejon Ranch stands on the ground of old Fort Tejon. Though historically barren of wild boar the animals migrated to the lush scrub oak forests and grassy meadows which predominate the landscape. In this environment of few natural predators the Tejon boars thrive. Many records have been set on this proud terrain.

We arrived early on May 19th but ventured out into the field several hours before sunset. Six men split into three groups to cover more ground. Handy with the Steel and Rookie (Rrifenbark) stalked to the North. The Savage Rabbit and The Associated Morris found their way to a promising valley. Tonapah Flash (NRifenbark) and NPRJR ventured forth into the the steep draws littered with fallen limbs and streams - covering each other as they entered the tall grass.

Tonapah and NPRJR flowed in and out of the draws which lead down a steep hill toward a dirt path. Crossing and re-crossing streams as they stalked, the sun cast long shadows on the terrain. Years of experience in this the truest of blood sports taught Tonapah that time was running short. They agreed to split up to clear the area before darkness gave the hogs any more of an advantage.

He came ably equipped for the challenge. Armed with a Marlin lever action chambered for the powerful 45-70 government cartridge NPRJR continued on supported only by his rifle and his instinct to survive and to kill. As darkness fell he had covered acre upon acre of habitat. Fatigue set in. Fatigue and complacency were his enemies now. Weakened by his search he gave thought to turning back. His mind wandered. It was his turn to cook for his pack. It was his obligation to provide for the others. The meat must be thawed. The rice must be boiled. These were his concerns when it happened.

BURSTING from the tall grass, several boars crashed their way through the many crisscrossing streams toward cover on the other side of the path. Instinct took over. He shouldered his rifle. It is the same weapon and cartridge once used by his forefathers to pursue Bison on the American plains. True to his heritage, he triggered a round and his aim was true. It fell. This pig was different. This pig was like no other ever taken on the ranch. But the fight was not over. The animal rolled from the blow and regained its feet. His instinct was finely honed and he repeated his feat of marksmanship delivering a death blow to the beast’s head. The .45 caliber 310 grain jacketed soft point struck home finishing the encounter. His hunt was over and, although the animal was truly unlike any other taken by his contemporaries, no one could know at that time how special this kill was. But his ordeal was not over.

A specimen of equal size, weight, and ferocity sought revenge. With earth tearing beneath its hooves, a second hog charged. Its eyes were fixed on the object of its burning hatred. NPRJR had filled his tag and, although he has thrice proven his ability to kill, he is not an animal beholden to bloodlust. His hunt was over. With incredible restraint and courage he refused to avail himself of his rifle’s protection. He met his aggressor on its terms. Nimbly dodging its charge he bested his four-legged pursuer in speed and agility. He put distance between himself and it. Defeated, it gave up and NPRJR allowed it to retreat with its life.

Tonapah and NPRJR returned to camp well after dark. NPRJR refused assistance and bore the strain of retrieving the animal from the field and carried it to Tonapah’s Jeep. Ranch scouts inspected and weighed the kill and certified that, indeed, it was a record setting boar. Groups from all over the North side of the ranch came to see it for themselves. News of this harvest spread like wildfire. Everyone came to witness it with their own eyes and to meet the man who accomplished that which others would not dare.

A record was set that day. A record likely to stand for some time. NPRJR came as one of us and departed a legend. Although he was invited to tell this story himself, he chose to believe that discretion is the better part of valor. However, the story had to be told.

To this day, his 33 pound trophy stands as the largest piglet ever harvested on the North Side of the Tejon Ranch.

-TSR

 

[EvBouret]

nrifenbark: Just so you know, it's the bottom teeth that are called cutters and are used for fighting. The top teeth are caller wetters and are used to sharpen the bottom teeth.

 

[BDB]

Well, I just picked up my Tejon pig from the butcher today. It was ready last Friday but I was headed out of town for the long weekend. This was the first time I didn't just cut out the backstraps for the BBQ, I had them smoked with the bon and fat on and cut into chops. I cooked some for dinner tonight and I'll tell you what, it is by far the best pork I have ever eaten and I am finding it tough to think of a better meal of meat I have had in the last couple of years. Bobby Lee's did a tremendous job. Just thought I'd share. I might even floss just to have a second chance at some of the morsels

 

[The Savage Rabbit]

BDB,

Boar or sow?

EvBouret,

That is my mistake about the cutters, not Nrifennbark's.

 

[larrysogla]

33 lbs..........O-mi-gosh!!!!!!! It is perfect oven size.............Yummm-yummmmmmm!!!! Bake it with the skin on(hair removed first of course with boiling water) and you will have crispy, cracklin', crunchy golden brown pork rinds. 'Nuff said.

 

[BDB]

It was a sow close to 150# on the hoof. It weighed 116# dressed on the pole. She was with a wet sow and piglets, but they headed for the hills. She had recently nursed but was dried up. I would have rather shot a nice boar but I'll tell you what, a 150# sow is some good eatin !!!!!!!

 

[Speckmisser]

Dang, Rabbit... great storytelling!

BDB, so if I've bring the Pinot Noir, you gonna serve some chops soon? Sounds pretty good. I have'nt made real chops in ages. I need to go kill something now so I can make some too!

 

[beastslayer]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (EvBouret @ May 30 2006, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

nrifenbark: Just so you know, it's the bottom teeth that are called cutters and are used for fighting. The top teeth are caller wetters and are used to sharpen the bottom teeth.[/b]

Thanks for clarifying EvBouret.

Now I don't feel as bad not being able to retrieve the set of protruding incisors from my pig.

Who would want "wetters" as a talisman?

 

[beastslayer]

I'm about given up having to recover my pistol.

Do I have to report this to authorities (police or sherrif?) so I can be off the hook in case someone finds and use it for criminal purpose?

 

[Speckmisser]

I don't know if there's an official report for lost guns or not, but it might not hurt to check. At the very least, make sure there's a record at Tejon with description and serial number. Never know when someone will stumble across it... and most hunters, especially on a place like Tejon, are likely to want to turn it in.