May 10-12 Pig-o-rama at Tejon

[Speckmisser]

I can't do the April hunt, but I think I can reallocate my scope money to the Tejon ranch. ###I don't really use the .243 all that much anyway since I got the -06 fixed. ###

So I'm thinking it looks like May at Tejon. ###JHP Hog Hunt II? ###

[One Track]

The May PIG O RAMA is 5/10 - 5/12. ###$300, plus $10 for insurance (good for one year.) Tejon said that the apps will go out on Friday. So, hoping to get mine on Monday, 3/18. ###If you are not on their mailing list call Barbara at 661-663-4288. If that # doesn't work, call 661-248-3000. ###

[songdog]

I have two local buddies that couldn't make the April hunt so I might be changing mine to May. ###Better yet, both? ###Doubtful but worth a try.

[Pasco]

Am I the only guy that's whipped around here?

If I spend even part of Mother's day away from wife and kids I'll be cut off for at least a month.

Is there a June hunt scheduled?

[songdog]

uh.... no, you're just the only one smart enough to check the calendar first.

Are those the dates for sure?

[One Track]

Oh S%#*!!! ### I forgot about Mother's Day. I've got some serious sucking up to do now. Thanks for the heads up SoCal.

[Stryder]

Ahhhh the joys of being single!!! but I bet my buddies are gonna get the cuffs put on 'em.

[Rancho Loco]

Remember! ###Mothers day was cooked up by greeting card companies, flower growers and restaurants with mediocre brunches...Remind them of that!

<font size="1">Yeah, I know....It doesn't work for me either.</font>

[Speckmisser]

Oh CRAP!

It IS Mother's Day! ###I guess I'll just have to get my hog early, and be home by Sunday. ###Yeah, that's the ticket... ###

I'm going anyway. ###What's the worst that she can do? ###:flamethwr:

[hronk]

Does anybody know if there will be a hunt in June or July? ###April/May is looking a little tough right now. ###Barbara said that my packet would be mailed today so I guess they will have a schedule for the coming months....hronk

[wavesfr]

Hey how did I get put back to knows the hand shake lol. I only have 2 dots bye my name now. I'm upset bye this. Teasing of course.

[limit7]

Maybe Tejon will schedule one for Father's day. ###Now there is an idea!

[Speckmisser]

Now we're talking, Limit7! ###That's a great idea. ###Oughtta send Barbara and co. an email to that effect. ###Maybe special rate for Father/Son teams? ###

Hmmm...

[Speckmisser]

Here's a question to you Tejon regulars...

Is there a centralized meeting place where folks could gather after a day's hunting? ###I'm thinking, with this many folks, it might be tricky to get everyone into the same area. ###In fact, it'll probably be tough to get everyone to agree to a single area. ###

If there was a spot where we could gather, build a common fire, share some fellowship around the fire, then maybe retire back to the campgrounds for sleepy time... ###that would probably be pretty cool. ###But not knowing the place, I have no idea if that's realistic.

[Kernhuntr]

Speckmisser,

There is no common area. The camping spots are miles apart.

Besides after I hog hunt, sometimes I hardly have enough energy to eat before I hit the rack.....but it's a ince thought.

Kernhuntr

[Speckmisser]

Thanks for the info, Kernhunter. ###Was sorta figuring that might be the case. ###Oh well...

Would be fun to make sure everyone got at ###least one chance to get together in one spot during the weekend. ###But I agree, thinking about it... I'm usually pretty whipped at the end of a day of hog hunting. ###Time for quick dinner and bed.

[One Track]

Speck: ###

On the south ranch, the camping is very centralized. ###There is a ###flat area about the size of ten football fields, lengthwise. ###It would be easy to circle up the wagons. ###There are no amenities, just some level ground for pitching tents and parking RVs. Oh, and some trees for hanging dem big 'ole hogs.

[Speckmisser]

Cool One Track. ###How's the south side shooting? ###I guess that's probably gonna help folks decide. ###

Anyway, it'd be cool if we could coordinate in an area. ###When you're camping, are you supposed to stay in the campground, or can you pick other spots in the area?

[One Track]

Hi Speck: ###The south side has treated me well. ###So good in fact, that I haven't checked out the north side, which I hear is just as good as the south side. ###

On the first hunt, we camped out in the boonies. ###When we were checking out at the gate, they asked where we had been camping. ###They knew we weren't in the designated area. ###They like to keep track of you, for your own safety, I think. ###In May, they were adament that we camp in the designated area. ###And, we actually enjoyed the camping area, lots of cool people, and lots of tall tales.

I'm signed up for the south side in May. We'll be a group of five, maybe seven. Can't wait. ###Time starts crawling as soon as you book a hunt. ###Hopefully some turkey hunting will calm my nerves. Bass fishing is easing my pain for the time being. I have a One Track mind, like most of you, I'm sure.

[Speckmisser]

More good info, One Track, thanks.

I was talking to someone about possibly hitting the desert area, because there was some "inside information", but now it's looking like he may not be able to make it. ###

If the south side is good hunting, and the camping area is good, it sounds as good as any to me. ###I'm still waiting on my brother in NC to make sure he's gonna be able to come. ###Need to get his license and tags so I can get our paperwork in. ###

Anyone else thinking about the South side in May?

[Stryder]

The south side sounds good to me. I've never been there before and I don't know how many I'll be going with, could be just me I'm not sure yet. See ya there!
### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Stryder

[Dakota]

I got my info packet yesterday. ###I don't think missing my wife's first mother's day will fly any better than box van. ###I also have a white sea bass trip planned for the 3rd, that would really be pushing it. ###So I am planning for the June hunt. ###South side? ###Anyone else?

(Edited by Dakota at 8:21 am on Mar. 20, 2002)

[bubba]

I was planning the April hunt, then that got bumped with work. ###Then the May hunt, that got bumped with the realization that it was Mothers Day. ###So, Dakota, I think I will be gon gto the June hunt now (fingers crossed). ###I will chose the south side.

[Deez]

Does anybody know if you can take quad's up to Tejon or even horses? I did not see any restrictions regarding this in the Tejon package!

[Kernhuntr]

Deez,

No. You can't take anything but you're boots and truck.

The good thing is there are roads all over the Ranch, and you can go on any that are passable.

Kernhuntr

[Speckmisser]

Just keeping this thing alive. ###

My brother and I are definitely in for the May hunt, as soon as I get his license info and send in the forms. ###I think it sounds like the south side might be the way to go, so we're putting that as first choice. ###Anyone else for sure yet?

[One Track]

I'm in. I still haven't told my wife that it's on Mother's Day.

[Speckmisser]

Heh heh... ignorance is bliss, huh, One Track? ###

[One Track]

Ignorance is my only excuse. I gave her the dates. ###She'll figure it out before long. Then, I'm in trouble.

I need a comeback....

1. ###"Hey, you're not my mother!"

2. ###"Honey, I'll be home on Sunday. I might smell like pig guts, but we're going to enjoy some wonderful pork tenderloin."

3. ###"Dang it! ###I better call Steve and Mike and Al and Monte, and tell them I can't go...and, that they need to find another ride." ###

4. ###"Oh Babe, I'm so sorry. However, you knew before you married me that I don't let dumb ass holidays get in the way of huntin' or fishin'."

5. ###"Oh Honey, I'm soooo sorry. Can I paint the kitchen to make up for it?"

6. ###"Oh shoot. That ruins everything. ###I lined up a babysitter, and scheduled a day at the spa for you on the 12th. ###Shoot, I guess I better cancel everything."

Well guys, which one should I go with?

[Pasco]

I've tried 1, no luck. ###Number 2 isn't bad. ###Number 3 will get the reply "So your friends are more important than me??" ###that's trouble.

Number 4 ensures that you will have free weekends and a new apartment across town to live in.

5's not bad, 6 is better.

Spend some money at your local florist or jeweler and have a good hunt. ###A man's first proirity is to provide sustenance for his family, yeah, that's the ticket.

[shaginator]

<font size="5">6</font>

[Stryder]

#6 definately!!!

[Speckmisser]

I'm guessing you can't go too far wrong with #6. ###Fall back to #5, although by that point you might want to combine the both of them! ###

I'm sure there's gonna be a "cost" factor for my trip too, but it hasn't come down yet. ###My lucky out is that my brother is coming all the way from North Carolina to make this hunt with me. ###

[One Track]

You're a shoe-in Speck! ###

Alright, I'm gonna try 5 first, and fall back on 6.

Thanks guys.

[Kernhuntr]

You know if ya plan it right......(never happens to me) you should be able to kill a hog and be back by Sunday early and never miss a lick :3 stooges:Kernhuntr

[yotegetter]

Man sorry guys. I guess marriage is a slow death!!

I'm glad I'm not married!!

[Speckmisser]

Kern, now THAT'S positive thinking!

I actually tossed that one out there and got a big laugh... followed by a "Yeah, right, whatever." ###All this public land pig hunting is killing my Great White Hunter reputation. ###

[One Track]

Yah, but, she cooks a mean pork chop. ###

[Speckmisser]

Well, I put my paperwork and my brother's in the mail with our checks today. ###Sure does seem an awful long time 'til May, though! ###

Hope the April hunters leave us a pig or two.

[Speckmisser]

I can't remember if there's a sighting range at Tejon? ###

I'll be bringing a new Blackhawk that hasn't seen a range yet, and my brother is flying all the way from North Carolina. ###He'll need to check zero on his rifle after the flight. ###Would be nice to get on the range at Tejon, rather than spending Friday morning over at Castro Valley.

Anybody know?

[One Track]

Hi Speck: ###As far as I know, we don't have access to a range, (one the south.) However, the camping area is perty big. ###There are some steep dirt walls, or banks, that you can shoot into. On Friday, there were a few guys popping caps, including me. ###Seemed like a safe set up. It would be a good idea to bring a cardboard box, or something to use as a target. ###I think you can get about 200 yards out of the area.

36 more days to go. Or, 864 hours. That means, I'll probably think about hogs at least 1,728 times before we get there.

[Speckmisser]

Thanks for the info once again, One Track. ###I sort of figured shooting in the camping area would be verboten, but it's good to know there's a safe place to do it. ###

As for thinking about pigs... I'll be heading out tomorrow evening for another weekend on public land. ###I'm hoping I'll also get at least one more weekend out there before the Tejon hunt. ###Looks like it might get a little wet tomorrow. ###That would be awesome. ###

[One Track]

Mr. Misser: ###

How did the weekend pig hunt go? ### ###

Regarding shooting in the camping area. ###I think that should be reserved for just making sure you're still on target. I wouldn't encourage shooting more than a couple rounds. ###Know what I mean? ###On our Feb. hunt, I was setting up camp on Friday, when I heard a few shots being fired. I was wondering if these guys had brain damage. ###Then the noise stopped, and I realized that they were just confirming things. I thought that was a perty good idea, and did the same. There's a big empty lot above camp, where you can shoot in the oppisite dircection. I walked off 100 yards, shot twice and then went huntin'. ###

33 days to go!

[Speckmisser]

Based on that, I'll probably sight in at the range here before I hit the road. ###I'll have a brand new .44, and may need more than a couple of "confirmation" shots before I'm confident enough to carry it in the field. ###Probably gonna want to shoot at least a box or so through it. ###On the other hand, my brother will probably only need to fire a couple of rounds to make sure nothing happened to his rifle on the flight out. ###

The pig hunt this weekend was kinda a bust. ###My favorite area is all dried up now. ###The rooting and beds are all old, and I'm thinking the pigs have moved over the hills and down to the barley fields. ###I didn't see any fresh sign at all. ###

Moved over to Sweetwater and Laguna Mtn area. ###It's been busy. ###Sweetwater's trailhead looks like they ran the Boston Marathon through there. ###Never saw so many footprints there... really disappointing. ###I slipped through to my "secret" spot way back in a canyon. ###Fairly fresh people tracks there, too, as well as beer bottles and some other assorted trash. ###I finally made my way up to the spot, and there's a guy stretched out there. ###Not my day. ###Time to find new hunting grounds.

I did find a little wet spot that is apparently new, and there was some fresh sign there. ###When I went back to the spot on Sunday morning, it looked like a roto-tiller had gone crazy ...so I know the pigs are there. ###I'm afraid they've pretty much gone nocturnal, though. ###Didn't see a lot of different tracks, but there was one set that got my blood flowing. ###Unfortunately, I couldn't find any tracks with pigs still in them.

Anyway, I strained my knee and irritated an old injury on Saturday, so by about 0900 Sunday morning I could barely climb the hills. ###Had to head for home. ###Gotta give the knee some TLC before May. ###I'm hoping to get out at least once more before then.

[shaginator]

Speck:

I'm figuring that more hunters as well as hikers are going to hit that area because the weather is really nice out that way now.

I wouldn't be surprised if this forum's popularity with California hunters has had some influence too :smile-blue:

Oh yeah, and turkey season's in full-swing so I imagine there are some out there trying to figure out if there's birds like that around too. Who knows.

As for sighting in your new revolver -- A possible option for you is to see if you're close enough to the shooting range in the Angeles National Forest.

(Edited by shaginator at 3:43 pm on April 8, 2002)

[Speckmisser]

Thanks for the info, Shaggy.

There's a good range not too far from home, but I was wondering if there'd be one at Tejon. ### I expect a solid four hours drive to get there, so if I could arrive around noon, then sight in before an evening hunt...well you probably get the picture. ###It sounds like it'd be worth my while to go spend an hour or so at the range here, then drive out from there. ### ### Probably gonna put me a little later in the day arriving at Tejon, but I can live with that. ###If I have to much trouble getting the pistol "on", I can always leave it in the truck.

Of course, the next trick will be figuring out how to hunt that place. ###I'm guessing we find a likely area, then grab the pack and head into the bush. ###Same deal as on public land? ###That's why I want to get there as early as possible. ###I'm sure hoping to get some intel from the guys on this April hunt about likely areas. ###Sounds like they're all gonna be hunting the South side too.

Anyway, I'm way too excited about this hunt. ###Shoot, I won't even have a guide. ###But it sure is sounding like fun!

[rusman66]

Hey how early do you have to put in for this hunt? or is it already to late?

[Speckmisser]

I'm not sure if there's a deadline, Rusman. ###I think it's pretty much first come, first served. ###Sounds like there's still spaces on the April hunt, so there's a good bet you'll still be able to get a spot in May. ###

[rusman66]

Nevermind just rechecked my work schedule, working in may and in june, Its like they talked to my wife and my boss to find out when I had to work and then scheduled the pigoramas. ###Arghhhhhhh.(Edited by rusman66 at 6:33 pm on April 11, 2002)
:mad-red::mad-fumin-red:

(Edited by rusman66 at 4:55 am on April 12, 2002)

[Speckmisser]

So... who's on for this trip in May? ###

Confirmed I have myself and my brother, Scott. ###Who else? ###Anybody put in for the North side instead of south? ###

[Kernhuntr]

I'm still not sure if I'll make it. If I do it will be on the North side.

I still am amazed that all of the spots did not fill up on last weekends hunt.

Heat may become a concern in May/June, and the rest of the hunts till' the cold season hits. But on that note, the guy I usually hunt with was on a hunt last August, and said it was bareable. But then again, we are both used to hunting A-zone here in the valley :bounce-red-fire:

Kernhuntr

[One Track]

Five of us are in!

One Track
Bowhunting Fool

and three of my buddies that don't have handles. ###I'll give them some handles right now. ###Let's see.

Jackpot Steve - he took big pig last May
Aldo Nova - my buddy Al that's driving down from Sac. and has never hit anything with a rifle. ###I put him on two nice bucks, and he missed, twice! Is there such a thing as Hog Fever?
Mike Who - Jackpot Steve's buddy whom I have yet to meet. But, he has a big travel trailer for us to sleep in.

24 days to go!
###

[sdbowyer]

Are archery hunters sent to a different area than rifle hunters for the Pig-O-Ramas?

[One Track]

Nope. You can hunt bow wherever you want. ###I asked Don about that on my last trip. ###I'm taking my bow, for a little spot and stalk action. ###If I'm still hogless on Sunday, I'll take out the -06. ### ###Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

[Speckmisser]

Hey One Track, you guys are planning to hit the south side, right? ###

I'll be there in a silver Dodge 3/4 ton 4x4. ###We'll probably pitch a tent, although I usually camp in the back of the truck. ###I have a JHP sticker, but it's on the camper shell hatch, so if the hatch is open it'll be hard to see. ###Hoping to get in as early as possible, but I think we're gonna hit the shooting range in the morning before leaving the Bay Area. ###

Kern, hope you can make it. ###I imagine we won't cross paths if you're hunting the north side, though. ###

[One Track]

Dang tootin'! ###We'll be huntin' the south. We should circle up the wagons. ###Don't worry about getting there early. ###They won't open the south gate until high noon. ###The first year, I showed up at 7am, and had to sit at the gate for 4 hours. ###

Gather as much rope or cable as you can find. ###Those boys aren't kiddin' about the hogs being a mile deep into them hell holes.

I'll be in a white Explorer. ### My pards will be driving a Blk/Silver Ford PU, and a dualie pulling a big trailer. ###I might be pulling a small utility trailer. ###My wife wasn't too happy with the hog stench and the hog blood that coated the inside of the Explorer after the last trip. I sure enjoyed it though.

Also, I think I can get my hands on an enclosed fire ring. That should add some atmoshphere to camp. ###We can talk about huntin' and old girlfriends. ###And, huntin' old girlfriends.

I swear, the days are crawling by.

[Bishop]

If you guys go to the back of the lower camp there's some nice trees and you can probably have the whole section to yourselves. ###Worked out great for us. ###Also, everyone will know where to meet.

[Speckmisser]

Sounds awesome... ###I'm killing myself here. ###Gotta start thinking about something else for a couple of weeks! ###

Sounds like that spot in the back of the campground (re: Bishop's post) might be a good place to circle up and make camp. ###If you can't find a fire ring, let me know. ###I don't have anything handy, but I might be able to come up with something by then. ###

Sounds like at least seven guys... ###anybody else know for sure? ###

[Bishop]

The fire ring we've been using at the last few hunts is just a wash tub from the inside of a old washing machine. ###They're great. ###They're made out of steel and are about 24" wide and tall. ###They have small holes in the sides, so they put out good heat. ###Plus they're free. ###Just find a broken down washing machine and take it out.

(Edited by Bishop at 8:17 am on April 18, 2002)

[One Track]

If nobody locates a wash tub, I can borrow an enclosed fire ring. One of those Home Depot specials. They work great too. ###Let's plan on circling up on the west side of the camping area. ###Take a left when you reach the camping area. ###I think there are some good hanging trees in that spot. ###We're going to need enough room to hang at least 6 hogs. ###I'm counting 6 of us confirmed. ###

Speckmisser
One Track + 3
Bowhunting Fool


Who else?

[Cacciatore]

Brand new JHP forum user, decided to stop lurking and join the masses. ###I've found quite a bit of helpfull information on Jesse's website and in these forums, so thanks. ###

I've got a total of 3 hunters in my group signed up for the May Tejon pig hunt, and we'll be in the south area. ###If nobody minds, we're interested in joining up with you guys at the camping area. ###All 3 of us are virgin pig hunters, so we would appreciate the opportunity to pick your brains and hear some hog stories.

[Speckmisser]

One Track, add my brother in there. ###He'll be with me to make seven. ###

Cacciatore, the more the merrier, although this is my first hunt at Tejon also, so I dunno how much help I'll be. ###At any rate, glad you de-lurked, and welcome to the party. ###There's a ton of great info on this list, but I'm sure you'll find it gets even better when you jump in and take part! ###

We're up to about 10 guys and counting in the South area! ###Anybody else? ###

(Edited by Speckmisser at 11:57 am on April 18, 2002)

[One Track]

Sounds like a party. ###Ten and counting.

[rusman66]

Hey I just sent ###my application in for the South Side. I hope I am not to late.
If not that makes 11

[Speckmisser]

Hey Rusman,

I'll bet you're in. ###Welcome to the party... ###well, if nothing else, JHP will be well represented!

Less than three weeks and counting!

[rusman66]

Thanks speckmisser I hope your right. ###Now that I sent my money in I can't hardly stand it. ###I hope I am in. ###
I am coming by myself so I was hoping I could camp near some of you JHP'rs. ###I don't mind hunting alone, but I was hoping to put some faces with some of these nicknames.

I don't have much experiance with rifle hunting, I usually hunt with a bow. The only rifle that I shoot that might be big enough is a 6.5 X 55 ###is this enough gun for pigs? Is it important to use a scope or are the majority of pigs taken at close range?

I will have a 44 mag side arm, what would be a good grain of bullet for this?

Sorry for the questions but I just realized I don't ###know anything about hunting pigs:surprised-purple:

Anyway It's all about memories right? ### ###Well I am ready to go make some.

[Speckmisser]

OMIGAWD, Rus! ###Don't ask the "is this gun big enough" question around these parts! ###You don't know what you'll be starting! ###:skeered: :flamethwr: :hammer: :yackin: :shootin: :rofl


Just kidding. ###I don't really know anything about the 6.5x55, so I can't say one way or another. ###From other similar posts, you'll probably see that I'm from the "Use enough gun" school, so any suggestions I make will lean toward the heavy side. ###Jesse has a chart on his hog hunting page though, that describes some general calibers, velocities and bullet weights and their effectiveness on hogs.

As for your pistol, the .44 with a good 240gr or better softnose oughtta do the ticket, though. ###I posted on the handgun forum for recommendations for a "best" .44 hog round, and got a lot of recommendations for a heavy (300gr), hardcast and for the Winchester Gold Partition. ###From the sounds of things, you'll have a good chance to get close. ###Jrifenbark on the April hunt took his pig with a 30-30 at pretty close range. ###
I think some guys are talking about using bows, too. ###

I'll probably carry either the 30-30 or an unscoped 30-06, along with a .44 Blackhawk in the bush. ###My scoped Savage is kinda heavy and unwieldy in the thick stuff, but if there's good open ground I'll tote it instead. ###It used to be so easy when I only had one gun...

Anyway, bring what you have. ###I'm sure you'll have a blast, and like you said... it's mostly about the memories. ###I'm looking forward to putting some faces with the names too. ###

I'm looking at arriving somewhere around 1400 on Friday. ###Really depends on how long I have to spend at the range Friday morning before we can leave town. ###I think that back area of the lower campground (as mentioned by Bishop) might be a good spot to try to build our JHP city for the weekend. ###First one there should put up some kind of sign... ###

[songdog]

Big enough? ###Specmisser is right. ###We could get an easy 100 more messages out of that topic :wink-yellow:

The 6.5x55 is basically the same as a .260 Remington, which is plenty of gun. ###The 6.5x55 is actually one of the best guns you could own in CA (all opinion here but I think I can justify it). ###It's plenty for deer, pigs and bear. ###Unless you get lucky and draw an elk tag, I doubt you'd ever need more. ###And if you were lucky enough to draw that elk tag you deserve to go buy yourself a new gun anyway.

[bubba]

Songdog, What if you have an Elk Tag, but already have enough gun (300 WinMag). ###Can I still go out and buy a gun. ###I need this as support to convince my wife that this is an unwritten rule. ###By the way, my other excuse is that the rifle will be for her and my daughters. ###So I am looking at smaller calibers such as .243 ###6mm and 7mm-08.

[rusman66]

Thanks for the Info guys. Sorry to tread so near the enough is enuff gun war. ###I should have checked jesses pig info page from the start and not asked a dumb question like that. I will try to stay focused next time. ###

I will be getting off graveyard on fri morning and will probably arrive at Tejon sometime around 1200 hrs. ### I will be driving a plain red toyota pickup. with a JHP sticker in the back window of course.

[Speckmisser]

Hey, Rusman...

Just so you know, we're just cracking on you. ###There are definitely no dumb questions, and I think yours was a good one. ###Just learned something about yet another caliber I'd never seen or heard of. ###

Of course, I still think nothing short of .416 Rigby for anything over 50 lbs, and a .460 or .500 Express might even be better. ###Then, was it Hogskin who got me thinking about the five gallon bucket, necked down to .30 caliber? ###... ### Now THAT sounds like a good pig round.

Look forward to meeting you at Tejon.

[One Track]

That makes 11. ###Any more takers out there.

Eighteen days to go.

[rusman66]

I knew you guys was just funnin. ###But Jesse really does have a lot of good info for beginning hunters.

Is the May hunt considered a summer hunt, what I mean is am I gonna have to take my truck to the fire marshall ###to have the exhaust inspected?

[Speckmisser]

Summer hunt? ###Exhaust inspection? ###That's new ones on me... must be a SoCal thing. ###

Does your truck shoot fire out the exhaust?

[rusman66]

Speckmisser are you funnin me again? ###No seriously included with the Tejon application there was a Pig o rama general information sheet included. On the backside of the second page under VEHICLES it says: ###Exhaust system inspection-During fire season the Kern County Fire Department must inspect and approve the exhaust system of each vehicle before it may enter Tejon Lands. ###

Sorry maybe I mislead you by saying summer instead of fire season. ###So my question should have been when is the fire season?

[One Track]

Shoot y'all. I must have missed that Exhaust Inspection insert. ###I just read through the general info sheet, and missed it again. ###I was there last May, and it never came up. ###Hmmm.

[Speckmisser]

Nope, not funnin' ya this time, Rus. ###

Missed that one, too. ###Hmm... I'm guessing that if it were a big deal, we'd be getting more notification from the ranch. ###That would make an awful lot of ticked off hunters if folks started arriving and found they couldn't hunt without getting inspected. ###

[One Track]

16 days to go y'all. ### It looks like eleven of us confirmed. ###Any other takers out there?

[grtwythunter]

I'm going to call today and see if they have any open spots left. Keeping my fingers crossed!!!!! ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[rusman66]

I don't really have anything to say, I am just really excited about going. ###Sorry

Hey I know, Is there an outhouse or something? or is it completely back to nature.
I want to be prepared. ###

(Edited by rusman66 at 1:20 pm on April 25, 2002)

[One Track]

It's primative. ###I just cut a few inches off my flannel shirt each time. By the end of the trip, it looks pretty ###cool with my hairy gut hanging out. I bet each of you have a few cut-off shirts in your collection.

[rusman66]

Thanks one track, ###I didn't want to waste a lot of time looking at pig sign that ain't really pig sign.

[bubba]

One Track, have you ever hunted the North side? ###Is the terrain similar to the south side (ie. ###Deep canyons)?

[One Track]

Yo Bubba:

Haven't hunted the north side. ###Haven't been able to pull myself away from the south side, cuz it's been so dang good to me. ###Yes, lots of ridges with deep ass canyons. Y'all bring lots of rope and cable, or shoot at the top of a ridge. ###

[Speckmisser]

Hey, cool Scott! ###Hope there's room for ya! ###

14 days and a couple of hours!

[grtwythunter]

Got an email back from Barbara, and there's still spots open. Now I just gotta wait for my application. I'm going to be headed past Tejon on Monday, so maybe I'll see if I can pop in and register then. Looking forward to hunting with you again Speckmisser. Hope I do a better job of shooting than I did at Mendota:smile-big-blue: ###Looking forward to meeting more JHP'ers too. ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[Speckmisser]

Great news, Scott. ###It'll be good to see ya again. ###Is your wife gonna be able to make it also? ###

If I remember correctly, I wasn't shooting all that great at Mendota either. ###But I think pigs are bigger and a little bit slower than ducks. ###

[grtwythunter]

Phillip-
###If the bigger and slower theory worked, wouldn't your handle be SpeckSLAYER?:big-grin-aqua:
###I'm going out to Carrizo on Monday to do some squirrel shooting, so hopefully I'll be back up to speed when 'ol Mr. Piggy steps out. On my way home I'm going to stop by the Tejon office and see if I can pick up a few maps so I can get somewhat of an idea where I want to go. I see the desert side all day, but haven't really seen the south area.
### My wife hasn't decided if she's going yet. I think she still remembers the 10 mile "walk" I took her on last time she went with me. ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[300BOSS2]

When I read the flyer,i belive it said no non-hunters. ###Is this the case? Can you bring family members?

[grtwythunter]

I'm one of the lucky one's that has a wife that hunts too. I'll ask about family members when I stop by on Monday, but I would imagine no means no up there ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[Speckmisser]

Bubba,

You read correctly. ###It did say no non-hunters. ###I'm assuming if they put it on the form they're sticking to it. ###But like Scott said, his wife would be hunting if she came along. ###I tried to get the GF (Mudwalker) to go, but she's buying a home, so her money has more important places to go right now. ###

Scott, you didn't have to bring up the Speck thing did ya? ###Dang birds... ###

Have fun at Carrizo. ###Maybe you'll get to warm up on a stray piggie while you're out there.

[grtwythunter]

Stopped at Tejon yesterday and talked to Barbara. There are still spots open, so I sent off the money for me and the Mrs. last night. Barbara is checking on the exhaust certification deal to see if it will be required for this trip. I will post her reply as soon as I get it. Looking forward to seeing you all there. ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott
P.S. Phillip...sorry about the speck comment...I just couldn't resist

[One Track]

Scott: ### Sounds like a party. Glad you're gonna make it. ###That makes about 13 of us. Ten days, and we'll be in the great outdoors, poppin' pork, and havin' fun.

[Speckmisser]

Excellent news! ###

We're pretty much gonna lay claim to the South side, it looks like! ###Oughtta be some great pix in about two weeks. ###Somebody tell Jesse he's gonna need to create his own Picture Post site. ###The JHP Family Album! ###

[grtwythunter]

Roughly 11,520 minutes left guys. I've already cleaned guns(twice), got the truck halfway packed, and stopped at Tejon for the hell of it(was in the neighborhood). I say we cancel May 3-9 and get on with the chasin'. ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[Speckmisser]

Dang, Scott! ###I thought I had it bad... but even I haven't figured out the minutes left yet! ###

I did just realize that this time next week I'll have the truck loaded, the ice chest packed, and all I'll be waiting for is my brother's plane to land. ###Gotta keep reminding myself, it's only a pig hunt. ###

[rusman66]

Yeah I just went to Turners and picked up some of those gold partitions in 44 mag, It is hard to get out of there without buying every little nick nac that I could use but really don't need. ###

[Speckmisser]

I know what you mean, Rusman. ###Bought two boxes of the Partitions from Cabelas. ###Had a real hard time clicking on "Checkout" instead of "Shop some more". ###I swear that's my favorite place on earth! ###When they build their new store, they'll have to name a wing after me. ###

[Hook]

After reading everyones post here, I am getting excited about the hunt also. Even though I went on the last hunt.

I wish I could join you guys up there. Have fun......yeah right, like you're not gonna have fun?? ###Remember shoot them CLOSE to the road...

[rusman66]

Yeah I told the wife that this hunting trip would only cost about $310.00
Boy I hope she is not keeping close tabs on me! ### Come to think of it I better cruise the net for something nice for mothers day.

[Speckmisser]

Hey Paul,

Wish you could make it too. ###It's gonna be a blast!

I'm stuck at home this weekend (to make up for next weekend), but I've got the hunting bug so bad I can't hardly stand myself! ###Anybody else getting out? ###

Just to keep this on topic, was anyone in the May hunt able to come up with a fire pit/washtub? ###Let me know if not, and I'll see if I can make arrangements. ###According to the Weather Channel online, we're looking at lows around freezing at night, and highs under 60. ###A nice fire after the hunt sure would be the ticket! ###

[Rancho Loco]

Call around to the Washer repair guys, they usually sell them..Our local guy, "Whirlpool Ed" ###has 'em for 20 bones.

[grtwythunter]

Phillip- I'm should be able to get ahold of one this weekend. I'll let you know. ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[Speckmisser]

That'd be cool, Scott. ###I think One Track also said he could borrow one of those Home Depot deals if we can't find a washer tub. ###I've had my eye on one of those that can double as a grill, but I'd rather not be buying anything right now. ###Somehow gotta find a mother's day gift or two in the budget. ###

Woohoo! ###This time next week... let's see, I'll probably down in the bottom of a steep box canyon, covered in poison oak, with a 350 pound hog and no way to get his big butt out and no reception on the FRS. ###Darn. ###

[grtwythunter]

Mission accomplished... Got a washer tub today. The only bad thing is gonna be waiting till Friday to use it! The week hasn't even started and it's already getting longer. ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[Cacciatore]

I know that the all 3 of us in my group have been packed and ready to go since Saturday.
We're bringing an old rim off an 18 wheeler thats been converted into a firepit, so with Scott's washer tub there should be plenty of flame for everyone.
It looks like we have extra room in the trailer, so we're going to bring the 8' park bench as well.
We plan on being at the gate at the crack of noon...Is the plan to go to the back of the lower camp? ###I assume that it's easy enough to find. ###I'll be checking the post for any other directions if you have them.
I have the feeling that this Friday is going to get here slower than most.

[One Track]

Yee Ha! ###I'm back from the dead. ###Glad I got the flu last Thursday instead of this coming Thursday. ###I was literally having dreams (nightmares) that I had the flu on the hog hunt and couldn't move my limbs. ###I was stuck, flat on my back, in the tent as all the trucks were pulling out each morning. ###Then, I'd wake up in a pool of sweat and check the date on the tv's weather channel. ###Then, I'd dose off and it would happen again. ###I did dream that Speckmisser shot a 320 lb boar, and won the jackpot. ### ###

FOUR DAYS AND COUNTING! ### Sounds like I don't need to bring a fire ring. You guys are on it. ###Bring lots of rope. ###Don't forget your binos, rifle, bow, ammo, license, and money for poker. ###

Come on Friday!

[Speckmisser]

Hey One Track! ###Dang, I like that last part of that dream! ###Of course, with my luck, it'll be way down in some bottomless pit, and I'll have to build a fire and eat him down there. ###

Sounds like we'll be have plenty of fire. ###Just rechecked the weather report, and it's heated up a bit. ###Is anybody bringing a swimming pool? ###

I made it through a weekend without splitting for the woods... but man I'm jonesing already! ###Is it Thursday night yet?

Cacciatore, the plan is definitely to head for the back of the lower camp. ###I'm assuming, as you are, that it'll be easy enough to find. ###If my brother and I are running later in the afternoon, we'll probably hunt when we arrive, and make camp in the dark. ###First group there, hang a sign.

[One Track]

The camp is easy to find. ###When you get to the camping area, hang a left. You can't miss it. ###Looking forward to picking up my Ruger on Tuesday. ###

[Speckmisser]

Heh heh... I thought I had it bad. ###Just spoke to my brother in NC. ###He's gonna give up the whole week of turkey hunting because he already packed his gear for the trip out here, and doesn't want to dig it out. ###Our mom said he's been out behind the barn almost every afternoon sighting in and just shooting. ###

I think I should call him and tell him that the hunt was cancelled. ###:muha:

[grtwythunter]

### You guys think you got it bad??? ###First I had to "test" the firepit in the backyard last night. Then I spent a couple of hours glassing the "Desert" side of Tejon this morning just hoping to see one. Saw two. Doing that just made things worse......bags are packed...truck's packed...DANG...now I've got nothing to do to pass time the next three days.
### Phillip....you oughta be ashamed of yourself :muha: Glad you're not my brother.

Scott

[One Track]

What the heck are you guys packin'? ###All you need is a rifle, a bullet, a sleeping bag, a knife, a few Power Bars, and some rope. ###

[Speckmisser]

Heh heh... obviously One Track has never camped with Speckmisser Outfitters. ###

You will know my campsite by the refrigerated Kenworth idling beside my Dodge. ###That's the chuckwagon. ###I don't bring my own beer truck anymore, since I switched to the hard stuff. ###And then there's the high top tent for entertaining, the satellite trailer pulled up behind it, and of course the live band on the main stage. ###Couldn't get Britney for this one, sorry, but Gwen Stefani said she'd do her best. ###

Then there's the kitchen tent, where Wolfgang Puck and Emeril will be competing in our own special version of "Iron Chef" for our gastronomic pleasures. ###I could only round up sixteen serving girls, so we may have to be patient at dinner. ###My sommelier swears he can handle the wine supplies in the back of his Ford Excursion, so I'm leaving that up to him. ###

The Custom Bluebird RV is in the shop, so I'll be falling back to the two story tent and air bed. ###Then there's my goosedown pillows and comforter, along with my silk sheets... ###can't forget them. ###

And of course, I'll need my long range rifle, the .44, the 30-30 for brush busting, and the Remington 742 for back-up, in case one of the other rifles craps out on me. ###Ammo for all weapons, cleaning kits, two gun bearers, one PH, one butcher, and a tracker... ###

And there's the skinning knives, a caping knife, two large butcher knives, a bone saw, and a fork. ###

Hmmm... what am I forgetting? ###Oh, 300' of 1/2" rope, 125' of winch cable, two pulleys, a snatch block, assorted twine and parachute cord... ###


All this in addition to the 30-mule team, 16 elephants, four llamas, two camels, and an American Quarter Horse.

So you see? ###It takes some doing to prepare for a two and a half day hunt! ###And of course, I'll also need to pack a little something for my brother.

[One Track]

If you can switch out Gwen Stefani for Waylon and Willie, I'll camp with y'all.

[grtwythunter]

Speckmisser- Don't forget your 9mm and a sharp knife so you can get your name in the WON.:shake-head-blue: ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[grtwythunter]

###I emailed Barbara about the exhaust certification deal last week. I've gotten two responses back, and neither is really clear one way or the other. In one she says the fire dept. recommends it, in the other she recommends it. You guys may want to give her a call and see if you can nail her down as far as yes or no. I'll be up there early, and the fire dept. is on my way in, so I will get one regardless. I'll be in a green F250 xtra cab with a black shell....see you guys there.

Onetrack....I think getting 'ol Waylon there might be a problem. ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[One Track]

I think Speck has the same change of getting Gwen Stefani, as he does Waylon. ###In two trips, they have never even mentioned an exhaust check. ###Maybe Barbara will have to climb under the truck and check it.

[Speckmisser]

<font face=arial size=1><blockquote><hr noshade size=1>Quote: from grtwythunter on 3:10 pm on May 7, 2002
Speckmisser- Don't forget your 9mm and a sharp knife so you can get your name in the WON.:shake-head-blue: ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott
<hr noshade size=1></blockquote></font>

Oof dah! ###Scott, Scott, Scott... ###That 9mm thing has been done! ###I'm gonna use my speargun and a cudgel! ###

And as to Waylon and Willie... ###CDs will have to suffice. ###Even if I could get Waylon back down here (or up here?) for a command performance, I'm thinking that after a couple days crawling through brush with a bunch of crusty hunting dudes, I'd MUCH spend the evening ogling Gwen Stefani than Pancho and Lefty. ###I bet I could get her to cover a couple of our favorite tunes, though. ###Can't you just see her belting out "Seven Spanish Angels"? ###

[One Track]

Giddy up! ###24 hours and counting. Looking forward to meeting you boys up there in the hills. I'll be in a white Explorer towing a little trailer. ###I got the poker chips, and a new deck a cards packed and ready to go. ###Don't forget your $100 bills.

Y'all take care and we'll see ya tomorrow about this time.

[bubba]

Good Luck guys, ###I'll be down there on next hunt in June.

[Speckmisser]

Well, by this time tomorrow, most of you guys will already be hunting. ###I'm hoping to be rolling up on the gates myself. ###Oh, and One Track, I'll bring a sack of pennies for the poker game. ###:muha:

Hmmm.. wonder what I'll do with that $500 prize?

[Rancho Loco]

Weather Report -
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/wrhq/Total...t+WR+CA+095+029 (http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/wrhq/TotalForecast.csh?TotalForecast+WR+CA+095+029)

Knock 'em dead you guys....
My mom-in-law :yackin: is coming in to visit (the WHOLE weekend - staying here) for mother's day! ###Gee, it's going to be so much fun! ###Much better than pig hunting! ###HAHAHAHA... ummm yeah.:cry-blue::mad-fumin-red::puke-blue::crygreen::hoppin mad:

(Edited by Rancho Loco at 6:49 pm on May 9, 2002)

[rusman66]

Wow judging by Rancho Loco's weather link. might need to bring some paperweights to keep those cards on the table.

Oh yeah ###YEEEEEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAA ### see ya all tomorrow!!

(Edited by rusman66 at 8:34 pm on May 9, 2002)

[songdog]

You guys should be having a great time around the campfire this time tomorrow.

I asked Scott (Grtwythunter) to give me a ring each night from his cell phone with the daily status update so I can fill in the rest of the crowd here since I know we can't all wait until Monday to hear how it's going.

Have fun!

[EVAN III]

### Well guys Good Luck, and be safe. You guys should have a blast out there.

### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### EVAN III

[Speckmisser]

Woohoo! ###It's off the grocery store in about five minutes, then wait for my daughter's school bus. ###A couple hours at the range (it's on the way out to I5), and should be in Tejon in time for an evening hunt! ###Can't believe it's finally time! ###

My brother arrived late last night after standard flight delays, and of course I gave him the sad news about the weather report (heavy snow, high winds, sub-freezing temps), and told him that I'd just received a call that the hunt was postponed until next weekend. ###He never blinked, and told me he'd have to call his wife and tell her he'd be late getting home. ###

Anyway, thanks for the good thoughts folks! ###Time to get Porky!

[Hogskin]

Have a blast, guys! ###Come back with lots of pictures, great stories, and the grand prize.

Regards,
Paul

[grtwythunter]

I'm outta here!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bowhunting fool]

Just got home from the POR and Tagged out on saturday with a nice ###boar, I shot down in a hell hole of a ###canyon ###at 235 yards . I shot the damn thing around 7:15 pm and we did not get him out till around 10;00 got lost and did not get back to camp till after midnight. My thanks to One track for his awesome driving skills in getting that explorer down the creek draw from hell thus eliminating another 400 yards of back breaking rope dragging. It was a hell of a hunt and was great to meet a lot of you guys Like Speckmisser and his brother, as well as the gr8twhthnter and his good hunter wife who was the first to put a tag on a hog. In our group of 5 we were 3 for 5 the only bummer was one track passed on several pigs and ended up empty handed when it was time to go. But the man can hunt, and drive, and is a pig spottin fool let me tell ya. I hope to get to hunt with you guys again soon and thanks again guys for the camaraderie it was a blast and I am counting the days to the next one. My big scare came when a 200 lbs plus mountain lion heard my Boar squeel when I shot him and just when I finished gutting him payed me a real close encounter visit in the total darkness and did not want to leave without my pig, after 15 minutes or so of a 20 foot stare down and a 44 mag round into the night sky he finally agreed to let me keep my pig, I just had to change the shorts back at camp. Sorry I was so excited I had to post as soon as I got home I hope you all had a great time and got home safe. Good night everyone.

[grtwythunter]

Well...it's now 3:30 and I'm just now sitting down for my celebratory cerveza!!! Didn't get off the ranch until 12:30AM. Shot a boar down in a hellhole @ 8:00PM. Dressed out at 156#. I'll post more in the morning after I get him cleaned up and off to the butcher. ### ### Scott

HUGE THANKS to Russman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Without him I'd still be at Tejon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Edited by grtwythunter at 3:45 am on May 13, 2002)

[Speckmisser]

Hey all,

First things first... and I'm sorry for any lack of coherence, but I'm still dazing out from lack of sleep... ###I wanna say it was awesome meeting all you guys in person (One Track, Bowhunting Fool, Rusman, Grtwythunter, and the others whose handles I can't recall). ###It was a great bunch of folks in that little camp, and I'd be glad to hunt with any of you again!

Grtwythunter, I'm really glad you got a boar. ###You can believe my brother and I were sending all the ju-ju we had left up that hill behind you and Rusman yesterday evening. ###After all the help ya'll gave us, you both deserved to shoot 300 pounders in the road beside the truck. ###But a 156 down in the canyon is better than no pig at all!

After what it took for four of us to get two smaller pigs out of there, I can only imagine what it must have taken to get your big boy out. ###Congratulations! ###And mega-thanks to you and Rusman for all the help getting ours out earlier. ###

More later, but right now I need to get logged on to work. ###

Woohoo!!!! ###Pork in the freezer!

[Hook]

I am glad you guys had such a great hunt. No one mentioned any pictures?? I hope you guys have some to post. I am sure the rest of us would love to a few pictures of your smiling faces...

Guys, I warned you of those Hell holes...

[BigDog]

Good job guys. Glad you had a good time. Wish I could have joined ya. Next time.
Pictures, pictures, we want pictures.......

[bowhunting fool]

Right on Grtwythunter, glad to hear you filled your tag I do know what you are talking about with the hell holes, sounds like we killed our pigs in the same place. So I how did russman do? I hope he got one? I am cooking up my tenderloins tonight for the wife she seems more excited about eating them than me. I took one of the rear quarters and put into a ham brine and will be having some ham sandwiches here real soon. Well I knew we would all be too excited and post when we got home even though everyone said they would wait a day or so. Good to hear from you Speckmisser, glad you and your bro tagged out after his long journey in search of pork. ###Anyone know of an easy way to post our pix I have some real good ones of my pig and our camp as well as Grtwythunter and his wife skinning her pig as well as a few other unlucky squeeelers who got a truck ride?

[grtwythunter]

### WOW!!! What a blast!!! It was really great to meet all of you and to get to hunt with Speckmisser again. My wife and I have some really great memories of this weekend and you all are part of them.
### OK....here's the stories...Saturday morning my wife(Sandy) and I put alot of miles on the truck. I'm not really into road hunting much, but Tejon is so big that I was really intimidated being in a new area and all, so off we went. After driving around most of the morning and only seeing one that was about a mile out and moving away, we headed into a canyon that we had seen a pig in Friday night.(that's another story...we'll just say if you're going to road hunt make sure to load your rifle first) Anyways...After pulling into the canyon my wife yells at me to stop and goes flying out of truck with me right behind her. She was able to get up to a downed tree, took a rest, and waited to make a perfect 70 yard broadside shot, taking out both lungs, and dropping it dead in it's tracks. Best part about it was it fell about 50 feet from a road. It was her first pig and dressed out at 98 lbs. ###Needless to say we were both ecstatic.
### Now is when the hell starts. Sunday morning I followed Speckmisser and his bro out to a spot where they had seen pigs the night before. I went out past them, and after sunup the canyon became a shooting gallery for Speck and his bro. After all the shooting I drove around a bit, and on the way out I found Speckmisser's truck pointed down a hill, with the winch cable run down a canyon. I'll let him finish that story.
### After relaxing with all the JHP'ers in the late morning/early afternoon Sandy and I broke camp and headed out with Russ(Rusman66) back to where Speckmisser and his bro got their pigs. About 5pm pigs started popping out of the canyon a few at a time. After watching and hoping till about 7:30 that one would come my way, I gave up and went after the closest one. After getting about halfway down the canyon he popped out one ridge closer than he had been when I first saw him. He was about 200 yds out and light was going away quick, so I kicked out my shooting sticks and let one fly. he never took another step. Hit the ground oinking and grunting then went silent. I ran across the rest of the canyon(mistake), then realized that all of the people that have called me crazy over the years were right. By the time Sandy and Russ got down to me it was well after dark. I'm sure they called me more than a few unrepeatable names on the way down(don't blame them either) Anyways about halfway out my cell phone started ringing. It was Barbara from Tejon (super nice lady) wanting to make sure we were all OK. Just about the time we got to the road(11:30pm) we saw headlights and it was Don. He took Sandy to get our truck and helped us load up. By the time we got to the check station it was 12:30. The pig dressed out at 156lbs, and had about 1" of tooth showing. He was a battler with ripped up ears and 4 or 5 pretty good scars. I never would have imagined my first pig would have been such a good one.
### It was an awesome experience that even my long winded story can't do justice to. I can't even come close to thanking Russ enough for all the help. Even though he didn't get one he never hesitated to help me and the Speckmisser bros! Thanks again!!!!!

Hook-You warned us about Hellholes, but you didn't warn us about the &@$%*?! HELLHOLES!!!

Speckmisser-Here's an idea of where I got him...go all the way to the bottom of the canyon your bro got his in and the go to the top of the ridge in the canyon that intersects it. He dropped at the top of that ridge. Russ and I dragged him to the top near the cattle gate.
###
###I'm off to Wallyworld to drop off film right now. As soon as I get them to a buddy with a scanner I'll get them posted.

Thanks again to everyone that made this weekend such a blast. ###:toast-yellow: ###Especially my wife who is cool enough to go hunting on Mother's Day!! ### ### ### ###Scott

(Edited by grtwythunter at 1:08 pm on May 13, 2002)


(Edited by grtwythunter at 5:02 pm on May 13, 2002)

[Speckmisser]

<font face=arial size=1><blockquote><hr noshade size=1>Quote: from grtwythunter on 1:06 pm on May 13, 2002

Speckmisser-Here's an idea of where I got him...go all the way to the bottom of the canyon your bro got his in and the go to the top of the ridge in the canyon that intersects it. He dropped at the top of that ridge. Russ and I dragged him to the top near the cattle gate.

(Edited by grtwythunter at 1:08 pm on May 13, 2002)
<hr noshade size=1></blockquote></font>
Dang, Scott! ###You ARE crazy!

Glad you got one, though. ###If the folks from work would quit interrupting me, I'd try to put my story together... ###My pics were all taken with the 35mm camera, so I'll have to get the film developed and scanned. ###Didn't really take too many, though. ###By the time we got those piggies to the truck, I was too tired to remember how to use a camera. ###

[rusman66]

Well it was a great weekend, what a blast. You JHP'rs are some good people. Thanks to speckmisser, grtwythunter and Sandy for letting me tag along. Man I gotta get a 4 wheel drive. Well hopefully I will get to go again, It's gonna be up to the wife cuz when she opens the freezer she says she doesn't see $300 or a &%$& pig. ###Here is a link to a couple of pics I took. ###Hope you enjoy. ###Hope I can Hunt with you all again.
http://community.webshots.com/user/rusman66 (http://community.webshots.com/user/rusman66&lt;/a&gt;%5b/b%5d)</a>[/b]

(Edited by rusman66 at 5:06 pm on May 13, 2002)


(Edited by rusman66 at 5:14 pm on May 13, 2002)

[bowhunting fool]

heres my attemp at posting some pix of the tejon hunt
go to http://community.webshots.com/user/bowhuntingfool then view my huntin page. I hope it works. good luck everyone

Hey Bowhunting- hope you don't mind if I made a minor fix to your link.


(Edited by Speckmisser at 9:40 pm on May 13, 2002)

[Speckmisser]

Hey Bowhunting, I don't think it's going to the right place. ###All I'm seeing is the Webshots sign-up page.

Never mind... I tweaked the link in your post, Bowhunting Fool. ###That works now. ### Great pix! ###Great story for the boar, too!


(Edited by Speckmisser at 9:42 pm on May 13, 2002)

[bowhunting fool]

Thanks Buddy I know how to fix computers and networks but I still have some to learn about webpages.
Appreciate the help.

[Cacciatore]

Sounds like just about everyone had a great weekend and brought home some pork. ###It's too bad we didn't get a chance to set up camp with you guys. ###Darrell at the gate suggested the campsite I was looking for was on the left hand side of the road, but when we got in around noon it didn't look like what was described in the forum so we set up camp in the first open spot with a tree on the right hand side of the main road (we were off of Bear Trap Canyon). ###After that we didn't spend a whole lot of time at camp except to cook up some food and get as much sleep as we could, so I didn't get out to see where you guys were set up.

We were tagged out and northbound on I-5 by 11:30 am Sunday, so it was a great trip for 3 first time pig hunters. ###The ranch is a beautiful place, everyone that works there was very helpful, ###and they let you roam free and do your thing without any policing. ###I plan on making this an annual trip at the very least.

Mike was the first one to get his pig dressed and in the truck on Saturday morning. ###It weighed in dressed at 137 lbs. ###He had the easiest time of all of us, as he shot his "only" a few hundred yards from the truck and managed to drag it back by himself.
http://home.pacbell.net/mjlarkin/tejonpigmathumb.jpg

Pat wasn't so lucky. ###He shot his in one of those HELL HOLES about 6:30 am on Saturday, and we figured the best way to retrieve it was to go down hill instead of up. ###We sent him down and I set off to meet him at the lower road. ###After some back breaking carrying and leg burning dragging, we got his catch in the truck and back to camp at 2:00 pm. ###Didn't bother to weigh it as it appeared the same size as Mike's and we knew the leader was at 176 lbs.
http://home.pacbell.net/mjlarkin/tejonpigpr2thumb.jpg

I got mine Sunday morning at 6:00 am. ###I was set up in between 2 canyons with good views of 4 or 5 trails that were upwind. ###This is where it gets a little interesting. ###Nature called and I was answering when 2 deer bolted down the canyon about 75 yards uphill, shortly followed by a boar moving at good speed and in my direction. ###I got to my rifle quickly but didn't have the time to get my pants back in proper order. ###So there I was trying to get in a good position for a shot without startling the pig, all the while balancing myself on a hillside above a hell hole with my pants acting as leg shackles. ###The pig made it into cover without me getting a shot. ###Let me apologize to anyone who may have been glassing my way from across the canyon and got an unwanted freak show. ###The story ends well as I was able to pull myself together and get set up in the same position and the same boar came back out of the cover where I got a clean shot at about 40 yards. ###I would guess he weighed close to 90-100 lbs. dressed. ###I learned from the lessons of others and dressed, skinned and quartered him from where he stopped rolling down hill and packed him out on a frame pack.
http://home.pacbell.net/mjlarkin/tejonpigml2thumb.jpg

It was a great trip and I look forward to getting a chance to do it again. ###Hopefully I'll be able to meet up with some of you guys then. ###

[Hook]

Thanks for the great pictures and stories. It sounds like everyone had a great time, even though it was hard work getting the hogs out of those Hell Holes.

[sdbowyer]

Thanks for the great pics guys. ###Sounds like a good time was had. ###Enjoy the pork!

[Speckmisser]

Too bad we didn't get to meet you and your friends, Cacciatore. ###Glad to hear you all did well, though. ###Sounds like a really high success rate for the weekend!

Anyway, I'm almost done butchering my hog, I got a little sleep last night, and had a chance today to stick my "story" together. ###The long version is on my website at http://www.elwing.com/hunting/pigorama.html ###

Here's the condensed version...(still pretty long, I know)

The first evening and morning hunts, my brother and I covered a lot of ground on foot, and didn't see a bloody thing. ###We weren't even finding fresh sign. ###At lunch we got a tip about a better spot, and on Saturday evening the tip proved true... we saw about 20 or more pigs moving on the ridges, unfortunately across a 1/2 mile of canyon from where we were glassing. ###But we knew where we'd be on Sunday morning.

Russman's two-wheel drive truck was proving to be a handicap to him, so I offered to let him ride up with us on Sunday morning. ###I'm sure glad I did. ###Grtwythunter also followed us up, which proved beneficial as well.

Grtwythunter drove on in to cover a different section of canyon. ###Russ, my brother, and I split off along the ridge we wanted to hunt, and the morning opened on a shooting gallery. ###The first shot came right at (maybe a touch before) legal shoot time, and the next couple of hours seemed like steady gunfire.

At about 0630, I heard a shot from up where Russ and my brother were, followed by the squealing of a pig. ###A minute or two later, I heard the deep boom of a .44. ###I wasn't certain yet, but I had a feeling my brother had just killed his pig. ###He had, and here's how he described it...

He heard a truck down in the bottom of the canyon, and a moment or two later six pigs came trotting out of the thicket below him. ###The one he wanted was a long shot, he figured maybe 300-400 yards, but it was the last day of the hunt so he propped the rifle on the monopod and took the shot. ###The pig squealed and ran into a bush, while the other five split for parts unknown. ###He marched down to see if he could collect the pig. ###As he came near the bush, the pig came charging out at him coming to within probably 10 feet before veering off and turning back down the canyon. ###He managed to draw his .44 as she turned, and made a beautiful quartering away shot behind the ribs and straight into the boiler room. ###Those 240gr jacketed soft points did one heck of a job!

Later we couldn't find any sign of the shot from the 30-06. ###I think he over-estimated the range a bit...a pretty common error for hunters who have never hunted big country like this. ###I looked at the area, and figured it closer to 200 yards...maybe 250 tops. ###He said he held a little over her back, and that probably accounted for his miss. ###He's generally a heck of a good shot.

Meanwhile, three pigs from that herd charged over the hill and I picked them up coming toward me at about 150 yards. ###I was on a steep hillside that had been rooted to bits. ###I sat down and tried to get a rest on the bipod, but the hill was too steep. ###I kept sliding down and the bipod didn't reach the ground. ###I had a brief moment where one of the pigs was in the crosshairs, but I didn't feel good about the shot and passed it up. ###The three pigs disappeared into the brush and headed into the bottom of the canyon.

A minute or so later, just when I'd decided to walk out and help my brother with his pig, they burst out of the bushes less than 50 yards away. ###I drew the .44, but didn't feel real confident and holstered it again. ###As they came to within 30 yards, I leveled off the 30-06 and as the lead pig, a nice little boar, stepped out, I put one through his shoulder. ###He squealed once, stepped right, then left, then turned tail to follow his buds back over the rise. ###I heard some crashing, and heard pigs running through the brush at the bottom of the canyon. ###I pulled the pistol out again, and walked over to look down. ###The hillside was easily a 50 degree slope, and he had fallen about halfway down and fetched up against an oak tree. ###He was trying to get up, so I slid down the hill and put a .44 round between his ears (when I opened him up and saw what my first shot, from the 165gr Nosler ballistic tip had done, I couldn't believe he had still been moving...tough danged animals!). ###If he'd gone the rest of the way down, we'd have really had a nightmare job! ###Talk about hellholes.

Of course, that's when the real work started. ###

I gutted him, and tried to lift him or drag him, at least to the top of the ridge where we could get to him easier. ###No go. ###I'd need some help. ###I humped it back up to where I'd left the truck. ###My brother and Russman had gone further up the hill, so I drove up to find them. ###We tied together every bit of rope we had, ran out the winch cable, and still had a heck of a drag ahead of us. ###

We'd gone about 25 yards uphill when we saw Grtwythunter coming down to see what we were doing. ###I asked him to tie his rope to the end of our collection, and he came on down to help out.

Even with the four of us and the winch, it took about five hours from the time we shot them, to get both pigs onto the truck. ###I hate to think what it would have taken for just my brother and myself. ###Many, many thanks to both of you guys for the help. ###

Russman, I felt bad that you didn't even get to raise the rifle on one Sunday morning, and that you still didn't get one in the evening hunt. ###You worked pretty danged hard to go home empty-handed. ###Hope you had fun anyway. ###Come on up to the Bay Area one day this summer, and I can promise you a southern-style barbecue dinner by the pool.

A couple of final ballistics notes, for anyone who cares (or anyone who has read this far...)...

Like I said, my 30-06 was shooting 165 gr Nosler Ballistic Tips from Winchester. ###The shoulder I hit dead center, quartering toward me, was demolished. ###Almost no salvageable meat there. ###The bullet crossed through the vitals, obliterating the lungs and a chunk of heart and severing the end of the esophagus before going through the offside rib and lodging just under the skin. ###Very impressive.###I recovered the bullet, and will probably post a pic of it later. ###

The follow-up shot, at about one yard with the .44 mag, was using a Winchester 250 gr. Partition Gold. ###The shot went just left of center of the skull, behind the ears. ###It did not exit, but it nearly severed the spine. ###After skinning, I was able to twist the boar's head off pretty easily. ###No cutting required. ###

Big fun altogether. ###There was so much else to go on about, but this is way longer than any of you guys probably wanted to see in the first place. ###

(Edited by Speckmisser at 12:23 pm on May 14, 2002)

[bowhunting fool]

great story Speck I was so happy to see you and your bro come out all dusty and your truck tail heavy with pork. I was praying that you and your bro, gr8twythunter, and russman, would fill those tags. As for the bullets I used a 150 gr green ballistic tip from federal Premium, on my hog from my 308. and I hit him dead in the shoulder at 235 yards just shattering every single ligament and bone connection and then the bullet kept going length wise through the body entering the entire pelvic and upper femur region just bustin bone all to hell. When I finally butchered all the meat I found what was left of that 150gr bullet was a bunch of chewed up green plastic pieces and small lead chunks all bunched together right against the skin, almost bustin out. the holes were tremendous except for the entry hole which was your standard 30 cal hole the rest was just getting bigger as it went. I was really amazed at the way it just shattered heavy bone in the shoulder as well as the hip socket not a bone touched survived the bullet. What a great hunt!!!! ###Lets do it again!!!

[One Track]

Now that was some dang good reading. I am so happy that most all of you got hogs. ###I know that I had sold the Tejon Ranch as having a very high success rate. ###Saturday around noon, I was getting worried. ###But, you guys came through and hunted hard and smart. That was a great trip. It was nice to meet all of you. ###You are all top quality people that I would love to go hunting with anytime. ###We really only had 1 1/2 nights around the fire, as the eyelids were so dang heavy after 10 hours of spotting each day. ###From Thursday morning to Sunday night, I had a total of 12 hours sleep. I wish we had more time ###to ###shoot the bull. ### I wish I could have hunted that last Sunday afternoon. However, I was just a walking zombie with a long drive ahead of me. ###

Congrats to Scott for sticking it out, and scoring big! ###And, to his wife for sticking the first hog in camp. ###And, to Speck and his bro for going deep and bringing home the bacon. And to my buddy Bowhunting Fool for making a perfect verticle shot through a 12 inch window of scrub oak, and fending off a hungry lion. ###And, to my buddies Steve and Mike for their two hogs. ###I didn't fill my tag, but I'm thrilled that my camp went 3 for 5. ### I really enjoyed the entire hunt. ###My favorite part was getting Bowhunting Fool's hog out of the deep creek bottom. I got to do some tricking driving, and they had to do some serious pulling. ###

We saw over a hundred hogs, over a hundred deer, two elk, two bobcats, an eagle, a few dogs, and a lion! ###What a ranch. ###

Speck, thanks for the batteries. ###Looking forward to paying you back somehow, someday.

Looking forward to the next trip.

[rusman66]

Wow great story, I was glad I could help out. Once again thanks for letting me tag along, I had a great time and I think I learned a lot. ###I can't wait for next year!

[bubba]

Great job guys. ###Philip, awesome story as always.

Any recommendations for my June hunt coming up? ###Is anyone else going in June?

[Floatuber]

Hi Jesse, ###I am trying to make arrangements to go up there in June. ###Are you planning on being on the South side? ###I'll let you know if it will work out for me.

Floatuber

[bubba]

I am signed up for south side, although they still haven't cashed my check.

Hey guys, what was the final verdict on that exhaust pipe inspection?

[bowhunting fool]

You got to do it according to Barbara, the fire station is right there at the lebec turnoff,and is easy access before you go into the ranch , all they do is check under the hood and put a rag to the tailpipe and feel how hot it is , it takes no more than 5 minutes provided you are not in a line waiting for others ahead of you. it took us really no more than 5 minutes for one tracks explorer to pass and they give you a sticker to put on your window and off you go to hunt you do not have to report back to the headquarters. good luck out there the hunting is great just remember the Hellhole we were talking about. they are for real bring lots of rope and I mean lots. Hope you fill your tag. Almost forgot don't forget a shovel and a fire extinguisher they asked us if we had them luckily one track did in his explorer.

[bowhunting fool]

I just have to say for One track he could of filled his tag several times over but he was very busy helping out myself and his other buddy Al who were both first timers on the ranch, he was very unselfish and was working his tail off to get the 2 of us hogs and I was lucky enough to tag one, his buddy Al got a real long shot but went a little off so at least he got us into hogs and I owe it to him that my freezer is full , thanks ###again one track.

[Hook]

Floatuber

Welcome to Jesses, nice to have you aboard. There are bunch of great people here to learn from. I hunted at Tejon in April. (see the post further down) there is a lot of good info on where the pigs were too. I am sure the folks who went this past weekend will up to date info on where they say the hogs.

Nice avatar too, maybe I should check for a new one myself.


(Edited by Hook at 3:59 pm on May 15, 2002)

[Bishop]

Float tuber:
Welcome aboard. ###You found a great bunch of fellow sportsmen from around the country, with the biggest California group on the web. ###I look forward to meeting you on one of our future JHP hunts. ###Have been on 3 so far, and have to say there wasn't a bad guy in the bunch. ###We've had nothing but great times. ### ### ###

[spectr17]

Big cyber high 5 to the hog hunters on this hunt. After reading your stories I'm wanting to head back in June with Jesse if I can find the time off. ###Glad you all had a fun and safe hunt.

[Hook]

"With Jesse???" ###

Jesse, are you having flash backs or is it just the "other you" ?????

But going back in June would be nice...

[Speckmisser]

One-track, Bowhunting fool, Rusman, et al... thanks for the good words, and I feel the same about the bunch of guys in camp this weekend. ###I'd be happy to share the woods with any of you (and I'd feel safe and comfortable doing it, too). ###

Jesse (AKA Bubba), I'm definitely not an expert on Tejon, but I'll post some tips on your June Pig-o-rama thread. ###Maybe some of the other guys will too.

[Kernhuntr]

Guys...great stories. I've been so busy I haven't even had time to be here at Jesse's. It is great to read those stories, although now I REALLY need to get out and hunt!!!

Thanks for the great read(s).

Kernhuntr

[bubba]

Hey Kernhuntr, why dont you join me, and maybe Jesse, on the hunt.

Jesse, of course you would be welcomed to come along, I will have space in my new travel trailer too.

[One Track]

Dang. ###Here I am again, gettting impatient for the next hunt. ###After last weekend, I thought I could just chill for a few months, until the Albacore get here. Spend time with the family, work on the yard, clean the garage, paint the kitchen.... Now, all this talk has me wishing I had another hunt planned. ###I can't get it out of my (one track) mind. ###I'll have to suck it up, and live vicariously through y'all, as you plan and discuss the June hunt. ###

You guys are all great. ###Bowhntn Fool, thanks for the kind words.

###

[Hook]

Oopps, I forgot that there was more than one Jesse. Sorry.....

[Floatuber]

To Hook and Bishop,
Thanks for the warm welcome to the JHP. ###I have applied for the June Tejon hunt on the South side. ###And after reading all of the personal accounts of the previous hunts, I am really looking forward to a great time. ###My jeep has the winch mounted and I have plenty of rope for any hellholes the may pose a problem. ###I am also looking forward to meeting all of you guys on future JHP hunts. ###

Floatuber

[grtwythunter]

Here's my pics from Tejon. I wish I would have taken more, but we got the important ones. ### ###ENJOY!!!!! ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

http://community.webshots.com/user/grtwythunter

(Edited by grtwythunter at 4:45 pm on May 17, 2002)


(Edited by grtwythunter at 4:57 pm on May 17, 2002)

[bowhunting fool]

Hey gr8twythunter, I tried your link and it went to the webshots home page so I could not see your pix I don't know if I did it wrong or not I had the same problem when I posted mine and good ol speckmisser fixed it for me.

[grtwythunter]

I'm working on it. Technology and I still have some problems to work out :throw puter: ### ### ### ### ### ### ###Scott

[grtwythunter]

That should do it! ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[bowhunting fool]

That worked!! great pictures you got a bruiser it looks like he was the boss hog of his herd. And how did Sandy ever coax that pig to roll over like that one hell of a trick. LOL

[Speckmisser]

Dang, Scott! ###

Why do you look so happy in that picture? ###Hard to tell if you're happy about the size of the pig, or because you finally got out of that canyon! ###

That's a classic shot with Sandy "taming" her pig. ###

Man, I'm ready to do it all again!

[grtwythunter]

She's just got a way with critters. I pretty much did the same thing as that ol' hog after our first date. ###That big ol' grin is because we got out of that @&#$? hellhole. Thanks again rusman66! ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[Speckmisser]

Oh no! ###Don't look now!

http://www.elwing.com/hunting/scottufo.html

(Edited by Speckmisser at 6:19 pm on May 17, 2002)


(Edited by Speckmisser at 6:33 pm on May 17, 2002)


(Edited by Speckmisser at 7:56 pm on May 17, 2002)

[grtwythunter]

Hey Speckmisser- I can't get your link to work. ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[rusman66]

Hey Scott I am just glad that you didn't end up LIKE that OLD HOG!!::hittin-stick:

[Speckmisser]

I think I fixed it now. ###That's what I get for posting it without testing first. ###

[grtwythunter]

Man...that must be where the voices are coming from. :tinfoil hat: I just wish they'd slow down on the landings and take-offs....they're starting to wear a runway down the middle of my noggin'.
###

rusman-I just about joined that hog a few times in my younger and not so wise days:smacking-head-mallet: ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### ### Scott

[One Track]

Good job Scott. ###Nice boar, and nice hat too. ###You and Sandy opened and closed that party. Sandy took the first hog in camp, and Scott took the last hog. ###I spoke with Don Gievet, and he said it was after midnight on Sunday when you hit the scales. ###He seemed to be genuinely happy for you, and was glad that everyone had a good time.

Nice ranch, and nice people.

[Hook]

Scott, great pictures! Sandy got herself a dandy boar.

Speckmisser, that is too funny, those UFO's are everywhere. :laffin-yellow:

[Speckmisser]

You just never know where they'll show up next, Hook. ###:rofl:

[Hook]

I better be careful about posting pictures........:laffin-yellow: