For you hog hunters....

[cobb]

The trip is on, reservations made, 3 of us from the Mankato area are heading south to about 80 miles East of DFW Texas in January to shoot some hog.

So for those of you that have been hog hunting, any suggestions or tips on things that you learned or overlooked on your trip. As far as me, my primary rifle will be a .458 SOCOM, the backup rifle is a bolt action in .35 Whelen and a handgun in .454 Casull for an option. An 18V Milwaukee reciprocal saw to speed up the quartering and a few favorite sharp knives to skin with. My plan is to go for the smaller eatable hogs, skin and quarter to fit into my 75 quart coolers.

So any suggestions?

[Snowgun]

Think you have enough gun?

I'm so jealous! Is this a guided affair or a commercial outfit? Report back for sure!

[mnmike59]

As you and I have discussed I've been many times. All places are different! good flashlights are a must.( for your weapon as well ) Red works best. and shoot behind the Ear and it wont matter what caliber you use.
Hogs have poor eyesight so you can sneak up within 20 yards if the wind is right and you don't make a lot of noise.
More than likely you'll be be shooting from Texas deer blinds at dusk and in the way early A.m. Like I said, it all depends on the outfitter. If you get to know one well and they trust you, They'll let you stalk them during the day or use dogs. That's when the fun starts. Oh yea, when shooting from a blind, be sure and take out the largest hogs first, then wait, the smaller ones will sometimes come back looking for Ma.

Good Luck, and enjoy.
I can't go again until May. I just had total shoulder replacement.

edit*** Almost forgot....Don't shoot Javelina,,,WHEW!!!! They F'n Stink to no end and are so stupid you can practically walk up to them. The meat is rancid also. ( part of the rodent family)
Google Javelinas, learn the difference and stay away.....THEY STINK!! I can smell them coming before they get to me. makes me wan to run.

[cobb]

Think you have enough gun?

I think so, but I could take this just in case.

[cobb]

good flashlights are a must.( for your weapon as well ) Red works best.

I have Elusive Wildlife flashlights, both the XLR-100 and XLR-250 which can either handheld or mounted on my AR's.

More than likely you'll be be shooting from Texas deer blinds at dusk and in the way early A.m. Like I said, it all depends on the outfitter. If you get to know one well and they trust you, They'll let you stalk them during the day .......

My understanding is that we can if we are the only hunters there. If he has other hunters on his property, he said he may restrict stalking as to not screw it up for others that might be in stands.

Oh yea, when shooting from a blind, be sure and take out the largest hogs first, then wait, the smaller ones will sometimes come back looking for Ma.

I guess my plan is a bit different than others. I would like to take one big hog, but my plan is to shoot the smaller ones in the 60-80 pound range if possible. I envision a whole half of a 60-80 pound hog on the grill with a good seasoning.

[mnmike59]

The smoked hams are incredible!!!! Better than any store bought Ham for sure!!
Just be sure to throw any Boar larger than 80 - 100 lbs in the meat pit. They taste like &%(*

[Spartan]

please let us know how it was and maybe a contact info.
I have been hogg hunting twice this year. Used a HK 91 G3 7.62x51 (308).
I shot 4 Russian boars. the smallers one are very tender but all are very lean ... nearly like red meat...... in fact, it presents red like beef.

[LongRange]

sounds like alot of big ass guns for such an easy to kill animal. One simply placed round behind the ear and it goes down as easy as a rabbit with a .22 , there far too much hype behind the hog hunting. Heres a 554 lb one I took with 1 shot from a .308 at 740 yards.

[tabberski]

Hi all,
Not trying to Hijack this link. But the question is where would be a good place for a couple of rookies to head to for some piggies? As always, money talks, BS walks and I need new shoes! I would like to put something together for the late spring. Any ideas, preferably driveable. 2 MN deer hunters who happen to enjoy pork.

[mnmike59]

sounds like alot of big ass guns for such an easy to kill animal. One simply placed round behind the ear and it goes down as easy as a rabbit with a .22 , there far too much hype behind the hog hunting. Heres a 554 lb one I took with 1 shot from a .308 at 740 yards.

You wont get an argument from me on a well placed shot. Only thing wrong with that is Pigs are constantly moving and unless your within 30 yards for that ideal shot I would rather have a larger bore rifle to ensure I don't need to chase some Boar in the brush after dark. I see you use a .308. Great choice imho. I use a .308 as well. i also use a 5.56 when I'm in a blind at 50 yards or less.
Theres also a lot of youtube vids on killing hogs with air rifles. Close well placed shots.
Ya got to give any hunter or gun enthusiast a break, Most of the fun with hunting is the preparation and anticipation, which includes playing around with some new gear!!

Was that shot at a game farm? The Sow looks like a farm raised pig, What part of the country did you shoot that?

[promod1385]

Hi all,
Not trying to Hijack this link. But the question is where would be a good place for a couple of rookies to head to for some piggies? As always, money talks, BS walks and I need new shoes! I would like to put something together for the late spring. Any ideas, preferably driveable. 2 MN deer hunters who happen to enjoy pork.

North Star Game Lands in Montour IA. I went with an archery only group 2 years ago. Its a high fence operation where you hunt hogs in a 40 or 80 acre enclosure. They have great cabins on site for $25 per/night and they also handle processing your hog for you (cut, grind sausage, etc...).

My buddy has been going with his family since the 70's and its a no shoot no pay type of ranch.

[LongRange]

Was that shot at a game farm? The Sow looks like a farm raised pig, What part of the country did you shoot that?

hogs.jpg

she was a free range at a hunt place I went to for a buffalo hunt. Saw her and they said go ahead if you think you can hit it, for some reason the guide didn't think it was a possible shot, he was wrong,lol. they had been trying to take her but I guess nobody had gotten a close enough shot.

I did end up with a nice buffalo as well, 2140lbs scored 138 1/2 heres a photo. Taken with 30-378 WBY.

[mnmike59]

she was a free range at a hunt place

Just as I figured. Hell of a shot though!