Advice on bowhunting wild pig in CA

[Sham]

Hello All-

Hope everyone is well. I am new to this site and to hunting in general but I am very excited to learn as much as possible and appreciate your help, advice and insight.

I live out in Santa Clarita, CA (near Magic Mtn. about 30-45min South of Tejon Ranch) and I just picked up my first compound bow a short while ago. I have been practicing and really trying to mentally and mechanically prepare myself as my entire intent when purchasing the bow was for hunting and I know how difficult it is, or can be. Everything is coming along well though.

So I recently decided it was time to acquire my hunting license (very excited as it's my first one at nearly 30 years of age) and while I was there I figured I would buy a pig tag.
Now I just need to find the ...
After reading a few posts and finding that it seems many of us end up utilizing the services of an outfitter, which is probably the easiest and most sure fire way, if you have the financial ability to do so but to be candid, times are very tough, as they are for us all I'm sure. More so, I find the challenge actually very exciting, and albeit frustrating at times I'm sure, but what memories it'll make. I know emphatically that someone out here knows how to track these badboys or where to go to have greater success of being able to have the opportunity to harvest one.

Now, I don't expect anyone to turn a complete stranger on to their hard earned hot spots but if anyone here can find it in there hearts or even just has the time to teach a guy who truly and genuinely wants to learn, willing to pay his own way, can more than carry his own way and is one heck of a good listener and fast learner...I would be beyond grateful.

Thanks a lot!

[Hogs_and_Sturgeons]

Sounds like you should attend the Tejon hunt in May. Also, there are about 3 or 4 other threads asking the same thing you are so if you go back and read through them you will find out what people are saying about hunting pigs. I would definitely attend that Tejon hunt if I were you though, I would myself except I will be graduating college (2 bachelor's, one in Biology and one in Biochem...oh yeah, finally done!!!) that weekend. Almost would rather go to the hunt than walk but, the fam wouldn't be too happy with that.

H&S

[Sham]

Good for you brother! I remember the feeling...like a breath of fresh air..until the smog of life comes rolling in, lol! Just kidding...

Yeah, I did read the posts as I tried to elude to in my initial post. I didn't want to thread jack and also I'm in a little different area and was hoping to get a better result with a more well spoken message...or at least I tried.

I actually shot Spec (?) an email as I read that post also, but May is a long time away and anything I can learn between now and then I would imagine would increase the odds.

Thanks for the input and Congratulations on your degrees

[Fugaloo]

All the answers to your questins are already here. There are tons and tons of posts, opinions, advice and stories of success and failure (although failure is a relative term regarding hunting) right here in the hog and Javlina forum. The real answer to your question can be summed up rather quickly though. It takes time, lots of time. I'll bet 90% of all the hunters here think about ways to gain new access EVERY day. There are several methods from bartering with landowners, knocking on doors, paying for a guided or unguided hunt, traveling to Texas where hunting is encouraged by hog ravaged farm owners, and the list goes on. Public land is a tough way to start as even very experienced hunters have a LOW success rate. I tend to not even consider public land because success rates are so low. My best hog access came from a landowner from Healdsburg CA whose home theater system I put in. I look for access almost daily. Nobody out there is just going to give you access, you have to have something to bring to the table. There are just too many hunters in line ahead of you. I am not saying it's impossible to get access to a strangers land for free, but as a beginner I would bet against you. Being part of a sacial network of hunters like here on JHO is a good start, but I doubt even one guy would say, come with me and I'll take you to my spot. There is a section on here for bartering and I have offered dealer pricing and almost free labor for install and sale of home theater equipment(it's my trade) and there have been several hundred views but not a single response. Like I said it takes time more than anything else. For the money, you would no doubt spend less in the long run to just go to an outfitter or guide from the get go. Many of them love the chance to get a beginner because they know it is a dyeing sport and beginners also don't have the egos and bad habbits of more experienced hunters. The same reason why Willy Wonka gave Charlie the chocolate Factory.

Good Luck, but always know that 99.9% of the time you will just be hiking with a bow. Which is why failure is a relative term. The way I see it, any day spent afield is a success.

[Sham]

Well said. I figured as much but you can't fault a guy for trying!

The one thing I will say is that time is on my side and I am optimistic.

I really appreciate the advice and suggestions...Thank you

[Hogs_and_Sturgeons]

Thanks for the congrats! The smog of life sounds like a breath of fresh air as I already have two kids, a wife, study all the time, live in a trailer, and survive off of financial aid (thanks guys!) also supplemented by ebay sales. Not really that bad though as we live on 3 acres, have my own little archery range and only give the grandma-in-law $100 a month for rent and utilities.

Anyways, to the point. I would try and find some public land close to your area, as you probably have already done, and repeatedly go to that area til you can walk to any place on the map in the dark (purchasing a garmin rino will help a lot, especially if you get the topo maps, pm me if you want help getting mapsource after you get your rino). You can then order maps from BLM Buy and find California maps: Bureau of Land Management: Southern then I would get some cheap broadheads (which I have found sometimes fly better than the expensive ones) and head out and try and get some rabbits with your bow (and maybe you'll come across a hog). Hitting the target all day long is easy but as soon as some game makes their way into your sights it's a different story (for me anyways). Rabbits seemed like good practice for my stalking and shooting (I got 3 last year at 20-30 yards looking for hogs) and it will also get you used to dressing out animals in the field, if you're not already.

Also, I recommended bob robb's hunting wild boar in california II in a previous post, he has some sections on archery and public land hunting.

Last comment, don't wanna ruin your archery fun but, I started hunting hogs with a bow as well and soon realized that if I happened to come across a hog on public property I wouldn't want to ruin the chance by then having to get at least 50 yards away from the thing. I now just carry my 30-30 and after I get one with that I will go back to my bow. However, it seems like harvesting a hog on the tejon hunt with archery equipment is realistic.

Hope some of this helps,

H&S

[Badland Elite]

Send me a PM, I have been looking for another bowhunter to check some public land I stumbled across recently. Im north of you in Bakersfield and the spot is near me. Ive seen tracks and heard of people encountering them in this area.

[Farmerdoug]

Originally Posted by Fugaloo

Good Luck, but always know that 99.9% of the time you will just be hiking with a bow. Which is why failure is a relative term. The way I see it, any day spent afield is a success.

Great post Fugaloo. This part of your post I highlighted is what I consider to be the best advice you can give to any new hunter. Sham, if your a new hunter who didn't grow up in family of hunters/mentors, I would strongly suggest the assistance of a guide. The 5 or 6 hundred dollars you might spend isn't just for a successfull hunt/kill. What you are really paying for is the knowledge and insight that a professional hunter is going to show you. Consider your guide fee as tuition for your new college course called "Hunting 101". During that class, your guide is going to show you what signs to look for; spotting techniques; what the animals tendencies are according to time of day and weather; what their feeding habits are; what terrain they live and bed in; and if you're lucky, some future hot spots to hit if you want to try a DIY hunt on public land. IMO, I consider the $600 cheap compared to years of DIY trial and error. Good luck on whatever you decide!

[hunterdoug]

great advise by all but there is another lesson a guide can teach you and that's game care, once you find one, get a good shot you need to know how to take good care of the meat so it will taste as good as it should.
I'm sure some guys here will be going to FHL more than a time or two between rain storms but you need to buy a pass well ahead of time, there are public pigs there. good luck.

[myfriendis410]

Let me chime in: getting some knowledgeable help will also help you to see what you are looking at or for. This sounds kind of simple, but I've seen this time after time that a new hunter is not able to pick up animals in plain sight. I don't understand it, but there it is. Once you've seen hogs in the grass, you will always find it easier to see them in the future.

[easymoney]

Great answers fugaloo and hunterdoug...
And IMHO, practice, practice, practice, bowhunting has loads of things affecting the outcome of every shot.
Hogs are tough,and a quartering away shot is the best one in my mind and try to make it as close as you can.
As has been said, sign up for a Tejon hunt or go one on one guided as it will get you into pigs with little competition and a better than average chance at coming home with some bacon.

[Sham]

Hogs and Sturgeon: Thank you for the advice. I have been looking at a pocket gps, looks I will have to check out the Rhino. I was actually thinking of doing the varmint thing and going after coyote and rabbit for practice so thanks for the advice. Any suggestions on broadheads for that type of game? I was told Judo points or Coyote tips, thoughts? Congrats again!

Badland Elite: PM coming your way brotha'! Thanks.

Farmerdoug: Thank you sir! All points well taken. I like how you put that, "Hunting 101," which is exactly what I need. You are correct, I do not know about field care or really much of anything. It's not that I am against taking a guided hunt, that is far from the case. I just cannot afford it right now, which doesn't mean by the time May comes around and the Tejon hunt I won't be, I'm just not in a financial position now. I figured I would try my luck, as it's free minus my time spent as I have pretty much all my gear already. Plus I thought it would make for an adventure. But I totally understand and agree that I need help and a guided hunt would be the best option. Thank you.

hunterdoug: Completely agree and that is a huge benefit to going with an experienced guide/hunter. Want to be able to BBQ that badboy! Thanks

myfriendis410: Thank you.

easymoney: Already shot Speck an email on the Tejon Hunt ad I will start saving now. Thank you.

I appreciate all the advice. Can I also ask what everyone suggests in terms of broadheads for pig?

[nice30]

While looking for those pigs also scout for deer so you will be ready when the season opens.

I use G5 Montec broadheads for everything I hunt, Stuck a 200 lb sow had penetration all the way through. Very strong broadheads easy to sharpen and they make pratice heads you can use called pre-season.

[XDHUNTER]

+1 on joining the Tejon hunt in May.You will learn a lot and lots of old timer willing to help. For broadheads, Rage two-blade is my choice.

[myfriendis410]

Rage two blade, 2". I know, Andy, I know!

[Sham]

I have a bit of hook-up on the Trophy Ridge 100gr MeatSeekers ($20 for 3) and thinking about giving them a try, unless you all think they are just junk. Thoughts?

Not to be cheesy but I'm really excited about this new chapter in my life. My family was never very 'outdoorsy' and I have spent the better part of my adult life trying to experience all I can in the outdoors. Archery and hunting I feel are a natural progression from the more adventure oriented, thrill seeking type of activities I enjoy. Not to mention, I really love a challenge!

Thank you all again for your great advice. I truly hope I get a chance to meet each of you.

[Killzone]

Good luck with the bow, it would seem less frustrating to rifle hunt a few days before trying to arrow a hog. I have shot 3 and still not even gona waste my time with a bow yet!

[easymoney]

One other thing I neglected to mention, it becomes very addicting, almost to the exclusion of firearm hunting.
Good luck and welcome aboard...

[DFG_Bear]

Attend one of DFG's advanced hog hunter education classes. I'll be there presenting information. See our website:
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advan...g_salinas.aspx

-Marc

[sancho]

Originally Posted by Killzone

Good luck with the bow, it would seem less frustrating to rifle hunt a few days before trying to arrow a hog. I have shot 3 and still not even gona waste my time with a bow yet!

i understand this. i would have at least five pigs dead if i had a rifle. i have even arrowed a big hog already, only to see it run off. (friend killed the relatively healthy pig 4 days later). that shield/plate, i underestimated it. anyways, i am at zero pigs. i want one with a bow bad, and anticipate the sweetness of success...soon. my rifle stays packed away. bow time is not a waste of time. it is difficult time, well spent? at least that is what i keep repeating to myself.

[myfriendis410]

You would be well advised to learn all you can on what constitutes a good shot on a hog. This is a lesson that can be tough to learn (I know). Pigs are also tough to judge for size. A big boar shot poorly at close range would be poor company in the thick stuff, if you know what I mean. He might just want to give your arrow back.......

[MJB]

Originally Posted by DFG_Bear

Attend one of DFG's advanced hog hunter education classes. I'll be there presenting information. See our website:
September 29, 2007 Upland Game Hunting Clinic

-Marc

I would not pass this up!!! I think they do some of them on Tejon which is loaded with pigs and the class covers everything you need to know plus they will have a wild pig shot by the guides to show you how to do field care. Nothing like getting an up close and personal view of your quarry.

A real must do for beginners!

That should save you the need for a guide and allow you to spend your money on other gear that the class will suggest.

Broadheads fixed blade only. 20 bucks for 3 is a good deal but I don't know that head. If it shoots like your field points you'll be good.

[Fugaloo]

One more thought: Hunting causes a major deficiency of two vital things in your life, Sleep and money. So start a hunting savings account and going to bed early. Because getting up at three in the morning to load up a $1000 worth of gear is fun, but it does put a hurtin on you.

[Killzone]

Originally Posted by Killzone
Good luck with the bow, it would seem less frustrating to rifle hunt a few days before trying to arrow a hog. I have shot 3 and still not even gona waste my time with a bow yet!

Originally Posted by sancho

i understand this. i would have at least five pigs dead if i had a rifle. i have even arrowed a big hog already, only to see it run off. (friend killed the relatively healthy pig 4 days later). that shield/plate, i underestimated it. anyways, i am at zero pigs. i want one with a bow bad, and anticipate the sweetness of success...soon. my rifle stays packed away. bow time is not a waste of time. it is difficult time, well spent? at least that is what i keep repeating to myself.

Well you have much more patience and time than I do Sancho, good for you. I like meat in our freezer. Hey can I hunt with you with my rifle?

Good luck, 35 yds is 1/10th of 350 yds. Hope you kill one! I hate seeing em and NOT getting a chance at a shot at all.

[Iditarodgrizzly]

HELP!! Just moved to Orangevale(Sacramento Area) from Maryland mountains. Killing me to not get outside. Any suggestions on backpack hunting trip for hogs north or east of sacramento. Any help will be appreciated. My Switchback is calling me to take it outside but, after reading a few post, maybe the 280 maybe a better choice. Info on that also. Thanks,

[dkhuntr25]

i have shot 2 hogs with a rifle and let me tell i would much rather shoot one with a bow then a rifle. idk something about gettin so close stalkin in being in there element instead of o theres a pig at 250 boom its done. dont get me wrong i hold nothing against people who shoot them with a rifle cuz in some areas thats the only way. i just love the rush and the challenge personally.