Booked a Texas night-time hog hunt - what do I need, and what is just nice?

[Fat_46]

SO I finally got enough overtime in my fun fund (convincing the wife that my annual June prairie dog trip should be a family event, thus coming out of our vacation fund helped) to book a NE Texas hog hunt. The guide I chose does all spot-n-stalk in the Sabine River valley using 6.8 ARs with PVS-14/Eotech combo optics.

I'm familiar with the platform, but not night vision, so that will take some getting used to.

I regularly hunt deer, coyotes, turkey, and live for prairie dog shooting.

The hunt will be in mid-March, and I'll probably make a last-minute Cabelas run for scent control clothing just before I leave to insure I match the weather forecast.

My Danner pronghorns will be on my feet, and I may also be wearing my UnderArmour compression cold gear if needed.

What else do I NEED, and what would be nice to have? I'm set with knives(I would like to get a good action pic with my THR 10th Anniversary blade).

Thanks for your input on this Yankee's next hunting adventure!

 

[birdshot8's]

bug spray

bring a couple of cans of Deep Woods Off. I don't live as far north as you, but I find East Texas to be hot and muggy in March. I recommend you also get a fishing license and go out with one of the local guides. Go trophy catfishing, most legal fun you can have.

 

[BP Hunter]

I would assume the outfitter should provide nearly everything you need for the night hunt. If that is the case, all you need is your rifle, and yes bug spray.

I used to go hog hunting with my buddies at night in South Texas. All we had was our truck, where we hunted form the bed of the truck, a good spotlight, a good rifle and a good set of ears to hear them. That was ALOT of FUN!

 

[Fat_46]

The outfitter is providing rifles/optics, ammo, and night vision handheld scopes. He also said he had a bunch of rain/scent proof clothing in a variety of sizes. BUT...I'm kind of picky with what I wear. I just wouldn't be comfortable in clothing someone else may have worn. I know, it may sound petty. However, growing up my dad was/is an animal scientist/microbiologist and my sister is now a virologist. Mealtime is sometimes not so appetizing around my family!

 

[Fat_46]

birdshot8's - fishing would be a blast, but I'm afraid we might be a bit tuckered out. We'll leave on a Friday morning, drive ~20 hours, check in at a motel and crash the heck out. Most likely wake up around 2 or 3, grab a bite, get our hunting licenses, and wait anxiously for dusk. We hunt from ~8pm until daybreak. Crash again, wake up again, lather, rinse, repeat!

Generally, at least when traveling for business, I pad the weekend before or weekend after with an extra day and hire a fishing guide. I've fished Okeechobee, the California Delta, Monterrey Bay, Clear Lake California, Lake Livingston Texas, Tennkiller, and Ouchita in Oklahoma, and Port Sulphur Louisiana on business trips.

I just don't see it happening this trip!

 

[bldsmith]

If you are going with dehog, bring some good waterproof boots. Wear comfortable clothing and unless you want him to laugh at you, camo (laughed at us). He has his insect repellent and even breath freshener. He has everything you will need for the hunt. If you are keeping the hogs then get an ice chest. He does not offer, or at least did not for me, field dressing. So have all you will need to dress out the hogs when done. If you are letting them lay, no prob just show up with a smile on your face and have fun.

Good luck

 

[nathan]

Get enough sleep during the day so you dont get sleepy easily. Hard candy in pocket to help you awake.

 

[birdshot8's]

Fat 46, Well you have certainly done your fair share of fishing, I should have guessed since you are listing Minnesota as home. Lake Livingston is my favorite Texas fishing hole.

 

[Sav .250]

The guy who is guiding you didn`t suggest anything? Or, are you just trying to sneak
in the back door and buy some goodies? LOL!

 

[Fat_46]

Sav .250 - I got quite a few recommendations from the guide, but I usually trust the THR communities mind. And yeah - if I can sneak some new gear past the accountant its never a bad thing!

 

[brnmw]

Pick you up some Bug Spray, batteries, medications you might have, "Game Guard" Texas Camo, and South Texas Saddlery wear... Rebecca Creek Whiskey (For bedtime not during the hunt obviously)... Austin Roasting Company for your morning coffee "Very important" IMO and your ready to hunt in Texas.

No, I do not work for anyone of the for mentioned companies I just like to buy from local Texas sources is all.