Not again.......! Feral Hog Control in East Texas

I shoot a 50# Southern Draw RFDF long bow. I have yet to take game with it. I also shoot a long arrow 33''. When "trying" to find arrows, for my Ape like arms at local bow shops, I am met with blank looks. Most Wheel bows have a hard "back" and can't be over drawn. Most don't seem to understand that.

Now with all my nonsense out of the way, You are a Master arrowsmith. Very nice!
 
Off topic...
Flintknapper, you reminded me of something - Back in my geologist days, I stumbled across some black and rainbow obsidian on a couple of my various field trips. Still have 2 blocks of it sitting in the flower garden. The black one is a nice nearly rectangular miniature monolith about 35# and the rainbow piece I knocked into a rough slab that's probably 50# or so. It's got great colors when it's wet in the sun. I once tried to knapp some obsidian blades, from them, just for fun. I had no real clue how to do it, but I thought - if man could figure it out 30,000 years ago - so can I . I took one of the smaller chunks of agate to practice on, and set to work. (this was in the days before youtube). What I ended up with was a couple flat pieces, a bucketfull of sharp chips, and 10 stitches across my palm. Did you know that a good leather glove is no match for even a badly cut obsidian blade? They weren't exactly works of art, Or really even functional pieces. but wow that stuff is sharp. Important saftey tip all you amateur knapeprs out there. don't put the working edge against your hand when you're striking it, lol
 
Off topic...
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Yes, but perhaps the Mods will permit this one transgression, they’re pretty good guys!


Flintknapper, you reminded me of something - Back in my geologist days, I stumbled across some black and rainbow obsidian on a couple of my various field trips. Still have 2 blocks of it sitting in the flower garden. The black one is a nice nearly rectangular miniature monolith about 35# and the rainbow piece I knocked into a rough slab that's probably 50# or so. It's got great colors when it's wet in the sun.
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Black Obsidian is quite common; ‘Rainbow’ has always been scarce but can have fantastic colors.

The average person would be amazed to know how many types (colors/patterns) of Obsidian there are.


I once tried to knapp some obsidian blades, from them, just for fun. I had no real clue how to do it, but I thought - if man could figure it out 30,000 years ago - so can I .
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Yeah, that’s what I thought too. It wasn’t very long before I developed a greater appreciation for Early Man! ;)



I took one of the smaller chunks of agate to practice on, and set to work. (this was in the days before youtube).
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Oh Man……….I pity you. Agate (most) is incredibly tough and usually requires heat treating before you can do much with it. But, you know that already.


Did you know that a good leather glove is no match for even a badly cut obsidian blade?
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Yes! One of my first lessons actually.

Cut1_zpse2f6db83.jpg

The above was accomplished with NO glove at all! (A self-correcting problem BTW).


Note the lack of any additional scars. Am I a fast learner, no………but there is something about being able to look DEEP into your own hand, that sorta stays with you.


They weren't exactly works of art, Or really even functional pieces. but wow that stuff is sharp.
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Way sharp! So sharp….that you don’t even feel the cut. You just notice that you are bleeding and it won’t stop. I’m sure there is some medical explanation for it, but it’s almost as if your body doesn’t know it is hurt.


Important saftey tip all you amateur knappers out there. don't put the working edge against your hand when you're striking it, lol
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Percussion flaking (versus Pressure Flaking) will eventually send a shard flying into your flesh (somewhere). Not much fun….but part of it.
 
Broken glass or obsidian goes to the molecular level ,often used in eye surgery ,the sharper the blade the blood has a harder time to stop the bleeding, much like a razor broad head tip i.e. napped tip .Clean cut clean kill.I use a Ishi stick to do most of my finish flaking but most of my points end up smaller than I want them to be ,any hints Flintnapper ? do you do any clovis or folsom points ?
fellow bleeder CC
ps Have you tried bamboo flooring as a bow medium? I've had good luck with it,in long bows and pyramid bows (60" or less)45# to 60# @ +- 28" :) no crono but they seem plenty fast
 
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Flintknapper- Yes, I did eventually find out that Agate is rather tough to work. makes some of the most amazing patterns when done, but rarely will it give you a nice concoidal fracture without a propane torch, or baking it in a good hot fire.

Ever use Moss agate? I think that's my favorite stuff. I still have about 4-500# of it in baseball to softball size lumps in the back yard. I gave up the ghost knapping awhile ago. bought a rock saw and a flat lap instead. my hand appreciates it, and the back yard looks better with the big slabs anyway.

On a side note, I always wondered if one could get rose quartz to knapp well. I have one piece that's probably 8" across and about 6" thick that is basically flawless. it's certainly gem grade, and keep going back and forth between polishing it and having someone shape it.
 
On a side note, I always wondered if one could get rose quartz to knapp well. I have one piece that's probably 8" across and about 6" thick that is basically flawless. it's certainly gem grade, and keep going back and forth between polishing it and having someone shape it.
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Many different types/grades of quartz. Rose Quartz would be difficult to knapp, but if you can successfully 'slab' it on a rock saw, you could probably get something out of it.

It would 'grind' well....so I would consider having someone make 'preforms' out of it and then do a 'Flake Over Grinding' (FOG). Basically make one pass over it... pressure flaking.

We'd best start a new 'knapping' thread for these types of discussions though.

Thanks,

Flint.
 
You're right. I will continue my search to find an affordable hog hunting location.

Anyone know of reputable places, or ranchers where the old theory of act decent and walk up and talk to the landowner still works?
 
Hey Flint,

Still slinging lead with the "hog hammer"? I haven't been on here for a while, and I've seen several firearms other than that one.
 
Hi Wes,

Good to hear from you!

Yes, we are still after the hogs here, but it is 'Deer Season' still....so they are my main focus.

I just finished loading up 50 rounds of 405 gr. SP's, that should be plenty for when I turn my attention back to hogs.

Take care,

Flint.
 
Great read!

Hi Flint!
I found this thread a week ago and have read it like a book..a few chapters at a time. I kinda hated to come to the last post, even though it's temporary.

I fly pipeline patrol out of the Kirbyville airport and cover a large portion of east Texas, western and southern Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and even a little in Alabama. I'm not sure if everyone realizes how vast the areas are where there is no human habitation and absolutely nothing to stop the spread of the pigs. I've often wondered how many hogs I fly over every day. Interestingly enough, in 7 years of doing this I've only seen live ones in the right-of-way a couple of times and they were boogying for the trees as fast as they could go. I also saw a couple that were "recycling".

I fly a line that goes pretty close to your area, so I'll wave next time I pass through. Just please don't point that hog-smacker at me! :eek:

All the best...
 
I also joined today just to comment on this thread. It's been immensely educational, so thanks for your thread!

I have lucked into a lease extremely close to Austin and it has a ton of hogs. I was initially hoping to hunt deer, but like you said: Hogs drive off the deer. When I set up my feeder, I actually had pictures of deer within a couple of days. Then: Hog signs and no more deer. I've shot two hogs so far. Trapping is not an issue as the property doesn't have any crops. Unfortunately, it won't have much in the way of deer either. In the meantime, I'm actually excited for the opportunity (for now anyway) to just hunt anytime I want. The place has several large stock tanks/small ponds, so I've spotted a few places where I could go hunting. If I get back on next year, I'll have to talk to figure out what's more important: Deer or hogs. If I want some deer, I may have to put a pen around the feeder to keep the hogs out. In the meantime, I will probably try the "dig a hole and pour in some fermented corn" to see what happens. A game cam and patience will be my new friends. :D
 
wild hog hunting

Hello, I just joined this group hoping I could find places and people to hunt wild Hog/boar on property that needs the help getting rid of them. Not looking for the tourist high priced commercial ads. I don't shoot high powered 3 mile range rifles and stick to modern 50cal muzzle loaders and my Remington 44 conversion hand guns (if I don't take it down on the first shot) so I'm safe on property with no worry about me blowing out your windows on your home 3 miles away. Thanks!! BobMac
 
Help a flatlander choose what gear to bring on my upcoming south Texas hog hunt.
My boys and I are making a whirlwind trip South of San Antonio for a 3 day hog/varmint hunt. I'm not going to buy another rifle for this trip, just gonna use what I have.

Here's what I have to choose from:
H&R Handi-rifle in .30-06 w/ 3x9x40 minute of dessert plate (clay pigeon) accurate at 200yds
Marlin 336 in .30-30 a good shooter but open sights
Ruger 556 AR with 6x glass and a good light.
Marlin 1894c in .357 a good little rifle but not too interested in taking it for this.

#1 son wants to take his new compound? good idea or not???
Lace-up hunting boots and my Filson upland chaps good enough??
Light pocket sized binos or better around-the-neck glass?
Do we really need sidearms??

I hope it is acceptable to post this here. I hated to started another hog thread.

BTW nice arrows in post #1487 Flinknapper. Those are awesome. I hunt with a recurve also.
 
Help a flatlander choose what gear to bring on my upcoming south Texas hog hunt.
My boys and I are making a whirlwind trip South of San Antonio for a 3 day hog/varmint hunt. I'm not going to buy another rifle for this trip, just gonna use what I have.
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Is your trip in the very near future? IF in February...the weather can vary widely. You might have calm afternoon weather in the low 70's or it might be blowing like the Dickens and 30 degrees. Plan on 'layering' your clothing.


Here's what I have to choose from:
H&R Handi-rifle in .30-06 w/ 3x9x40 minute of dessert plate (clay pigeon) accurate at 200yds
Marlin 336 in .30-30 a good shooter but open sights
Ruger 556 AR with 6x glass and a good light.
Marlin 1894c in .357 a good little rifle but not too interested in taking it for this.
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Take the 5.56 as the primary weapon and the '06 as a backup (in case something happens to the AR). The 5.56 will be plenty PROVIDED you use a proper bullet and choose your shots. DO NOT shoot hogs behind the shoulder (as with deer). Shoot them anywhere from just in front of the shoulder, to just behind the jawline (a neck shot basically).

#1 son wants to take his new compound? good idea or not???
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Depends entirely upon how the ranch is set up. Hog hunting in South Texas can be anything from hunting (close) over baited sites, to spot and stalk.

On some ranches...hunting pressure is so intense that you will only see hogs after dark, so keep that in mind. IF the ranch has a good road system (Senderos) you can simply drive down it dribbling out corn and come back later for spot and stalk hunting.

Be sure you know the difference between a Javelina and a Feral Hog, because you will probably see both.


Lace-up hunting boots and my Filson upland chaps good enough??
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Should be fine (this month). Typically, the snakes (Western Diamondback) are not on the move until a bit later in the year, but watch your step anyway. Of more concern (if you have to track a hog) is the Cactus, Whitebrush, etc.

Ideally, you want your hog to drop right where it stands (that is why I suggest the neck shot). IF it doesn't.... you'll soon know why they say "everything in South Texas either pokes, scratches or bites you".

Light pocket sized binos or better around-the-neck glass?
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You only need to identify hogs, so small Bino's are fine. But... if you plan on 'stand hunting' (and can put the Bino's down) then a larger better pair is nice to have because there is SO MUCH other wildlife to look at while you are waiting for hogs to show up.

Do we really need sidearms??
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Up to you, but I personally NEVER leave camp in South Texas without one. I don't know where you are going (there is a LOT of Texas...South of S/A) but the closer you get to the border, the more you chance running into illegals, some of which are 'Mules'. Do your best to avoid them and you should be fine.

Just ask the ranch owner, lessor or the Ranch Hands what they recommend.

Good luck and Welcome to Texas!

Flint.
 
I used to raise hogs so I really dont see what you have as a problem but an opportunity. Just thinking about it has my mouth watering thinking about bacoln and smoked pork......mmmmmmmmm.
 
Thanks much for your quick response.
[QUOTEIs your trip in the very near future? IF in February...the weather can vary widely. You might have calm afternoon weather in the low 70's or it might be blowing like the Dickens and 30 degrees. Plan on 'layering' your clothing.
][/QUOTE]
Yes, it will me 1st wk of March.

but I personally NEVER leave camp in South Texas without one.
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sounds to me like Im more likely to need to shoot a snake or border rat than a charging boar huh? So maybe our ccw's instead of our .45colt Blackhawks?

Take the 5.56 as the primary weapon and the '06 as a backup
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That really surprises me, but okay. I can do that.
My rifle options are a bit limited. Illinois DNR doesn't allow us to hunt anything besides varmints with centerfire rifles....so I don't have many.

Good luck and Welcome to Texas!
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Thank you so much for the kindly advice. Ive never visited Texas and am looking forward to it. I am all country and half cowboy anyway. I've nailed on more horseshoes than most people have seen. I think I'll fit in pretty well. I must find a nice Bailey hat while I'm there.
 
^^Kinda suprises me too actually. My bet would be his advice is to save meat with the neck shot. And also the jaw to shoulder shot offers a pretty wide margin of error.
 
"Neck Shot" is a CNS (central nervous system) shot and will put hogs down right where they stand, it is also the most 'forgiving' shot you can take in terms of shot placement error.

Most of the hogs you will encounter (on most ranches) will weigh about 150 lbs, not the fire breathing monsters you have probably read about. Yes, there are hogs that will go an honest 350-400 lbs. out there...but they are few and far between on the average South Texas Ranch.

The 5.56 is easy to shoot, accurate and lets you use the same rifle and bullet for varmints (bobcat/coyotes) as for hogs.

YES, you'll need to pick your shot on hogs. IF you shoot them behind the shoulder (as with deer) they WILL run off (regardless the caliber).

Also, do NOT take a 'head shot' unless you are a skilled marksman. The brain pan on a Feral Hog is relatively small and their head is almost always moving, even when it isn't, its about to!

If you will accept my advice and employ the neck shot, you will be well pleased with the results.

Hope you guys have a great time and I Thank You in advance for any hogs killed!

Flint.
 
YES, you'll need to pick your shot on hogs. IF you shoot them behind the shoulder (as with deer) they WILL run off (regardless the caliber).
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And they never run to the truck! They prefer to run into the briars, brambles, poison ivy, deep ravines, and any other place that it hard to follow.

More than once last year I had to break out the loppers to just be able to get to where the hog finally died.
 
Now Flint,
You say to employ the 5.56/.223 yet you use a .458 Socom. And I use an '06 or 45/70. Caliber doesn't matter as much as marksmanship. I really didn't make my post thorough about the neck shot. I should have explained the CNS aspect also. Sometimes I assume people just know things about animals. Hate it when I do that.
 
BigBore44 wrote:


Now Flint,
You say to employ the 5.56/.223 yet you use a .458 Socom. And I use an '06 or 45/70.
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True... but remember, I went from using a 7mm-08 (and picking my shots) to "No more Mr. Nice Guy" (.458 SOCOM) so that I could shoot them from ANY angle.

My purpose: To kill as many as possible without the need to over worry about penetration or shot angle. My situation (hog control).... demands somewhat different tactics than someone pursuing them under more casual circumstances.


Caliber doesn't matter as much as marksmanship. I really didn't make my post thorough about the neck shot. I should have explained the CNS aspect also.
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We certainly want to strive for marksmanship and as much I rant about Feral Hogs being 'pests', I do try to make clean, humane kills. The 'neck shot' is always my preferred shot for a variety of reasons. I know that YOU know why.


Sometimes I assume people just know things about animals. Hate it when I do that.
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We all do that. I often forget that not everyone is familiar with a Hogs anatomy. When I DO remember....I labor the distinctions to the point of 'lecture'. :eek:

As for the OP's hunt.....(all things considered), I think the 5.56 with a well constructed bullet will do just fine.
 
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