Hog hunting for beginners

[bdjansen]

My friend and I were talking and we are both interested in hunting hogs. But neither of us have been hunting (anything) before.

Any advice on how to get started or to look into it more?

We both live in Washington State.

 

[Gundoggy]

Corn is a good start!* I am not familiar with other jurisdictions, but here in Tejas we got a lot of the buggers...shoot 'em day or night with any means and methods available--rocks, sticks, guns...the works.* Check with your local enforcement.* They've gotten so bad here that they are making the news in Houston.* Most farmers I know who need the dudes off their fields have moved to strictly night hunting--no lights, just night vision.* A decent night vison scope (Generation 3) may cost $2500...so much for poor farmers!* Work into wind (as in most stalking situations)...at night you can get within 40 yards or better.* Then let hell have it.* The first shot is a dead kill, but after that you're off to the races.* The boys I know shoot AR's...a bit underpowered, but with all the shooting that ensues utilizing more expensive bullets/calibers would be contradictory.* They are trying to keep the pork from literally eating into their bottom line.* More expensive/larger calibers would be defeating the purpose.* I took a 150 pounder last weekend with my Benelli Nova with 3.5 buckshot.* A close quarters affair of about 25 yards.* Worked the wind...never heard me. While I'm a faithful follower of the AR faithful, I'd say go with something like a .30-06. My preference would be the Remington 7600, a pump rifle with open sights. I'm a pump guy anyway (see Benelli Nova) so this is not a departure for me. With the 06 there will be no questions. A shorter barrelled carbine is also smart as quick shots in the brush seem to be the norm...
Good luck...I have a good marinade, too, once you put one on the ground.

 

[Nathanael_Greene]

Any advice on how to get started or to look into it more?

I was in the same position as you not too long ago; I'd done some bird hunting but no big game.

At first I tried meeting up with some more experienced hunters, but that was a disaster; they were dangerous yahoos who thought I was an idiot for not already knowing what was going on. (Trust me--running around in the dark with armed strangers, chasing a large wounded wild pig, is *not* a good learning experience.)

A far better idea was when I went to a nearby hunting ranch; the owner/guide taught me a lot, since he had a lot of experience with first-timers and knew how to help. I've now had three hunting trips there and been 100% successful each time. It's been worth every penny I've spent there.

I would suggest that you start with safety and move on from there. I don't know about the feral hog population in Washington state, but your state game officials will.

One thing to keep in mind is that if you've never hunted, it may seem pretty boring. Hours can pass and nothing happens. Nothing. But when the action starts...wow.

That being said, hogs make good sport and good eating. Be careful and have fun!

 

[Katana8869]

My buddy and I have gotten one so far this year down here in Florida. Unfortunately for me he was the one that had the shot so I only got to be a spectator. He made the shot from the side at about 50 yards which knocked the hog down, but this one was a tough guy and he got back up again. Second shot put him down for good.

We hunt on private property that is mixed woods and pasture. I use a 12 Gauge Remington 870 Slug gun and my friend uses a Winchester lever action .44 Magnum. We found the spots that the hogs like to cross and started spreading corn in those areas, but other than that we don't really do anything special.

Hogs have generally poor eyesight but they are good at spotting movement. They have a good sense of smell, so it is important to be aware of what the wind is doing. A hog has exceptional hearing. It is said that they can hear a gun safety click off from 50 yards away but that may just be backwoods legend. When scouting for hogs, look for rub marks on small trees where they scratch themselves, rooted up soil (especially near ponds or river edges), wallow holes and tunnels through high grass. If hogs are around, sign will be plentiful as they are destructive buggers.

Hogs are not quite as bulletproof as many people make them out to be. However they are tough critters and they will come after you like a Mack truck with every intention of running your a$$ over if backed into a corner or if they are hurt and you happen to be standing in their exit route.

 

[mlw332]

Coffee. wild hogs around here will go crazy over coffee. just find a spot that stays damp and poor it on the ground. it will take them a little while to find it but once they do you will have a honey hole

 

[bdjansen]

So do you need a permit to hunt hogs? Also, what are states close to Washington that would good for hunting them?

Should we try to learn to hunt something smaller first? The only problem with that is it seems you really have to jump through hoops to hunt in Washington. Take tests, write essays... are you kidding me?!

 

[Gundoggy]

BDJ,
I was not necessarily telling you to go for a night hunt...especially this early in your swine hunting career...just trying to let you know that at least in Texas where we have a bundle of the pork there are no rules much as they are not considered a game animal. The hunting regs at one time mentioned means and methods to include rocks, sticks and such...ain't that a gas. The point here is that you can indeed learn a lot from gettingour there...it is not at all restricted fare. Day or night...whatever. Dogs...yes. Bait...yes. Snares/traps...yes. Work that wind, and while they have good hearing the sound they produce from all that rooting and crunching makes for an easier pursuit (at times). Get your staulk on! Always fun, but beware as Katana said...they can come a running!! A shorter carbine affair is smart...with open sights perhaps. Maybe a tacticool Eotech or red dot to enhance the open sight scenario.

Right now in So.Texas...since its after winter (if that's what you call what we had), the hogs are not coming to corn as much BUT loving the new green grass. Look for sign...I don't have to tell yo what it looks like...you'll know it when you see it. They're a mess! If baiting is a possibility, I've heard everything form corn and Kool-Aid and corn soured with diesel to someof the store-bought things like "Hog Wild". My self, I can't see going with diesel as I like to eat the things...the thought of fuel to sour the corn makes me vom. You may want to dig a hole and put the majority of the bait in there. Their head will be in the hole creating a block of sorts from some of the sounds around them...won't hear the reaper when he comes calling!!

One last thing: I can't overstate this...I am a duck hunter first and foremost. And if you are a bird hunter, I don't have to tell you the importance of knowing HOW the birds move in flight...reading them, you know. Any game animal. Watch how squirrels ambulate around and you'll be a better squirrel hunter for it...same goes here. While I'm not a cyber guy much, Google/Youtube hog hunting and I will guarantee that you'll see loads of footage of swine from Katmandu to tenbuck2...and how they act.

Good luck...it appeared from one of the posts that I may have been interpreted as being a little over the top. Night hunting is an art...and don't let anyone tell you different. An angry hog running in the dark can be fun (but not hilarious!!).

shoot'em in the ear or just behind the shoulder shield (armpit) if you can get those shots. Like I said, when you get one, I've got a good way to tame the meat and make it yummy.

 

[glockman19]

IN CA Hogs are good to take year round. You need a hunting license & Tag. They run around $18.00 each.

The coastal mountains are a great place to get them as far south as Santa Barbara

 

[TAB]

I've found the best way to hunt hogs( in CA) is to ethier find a farm thats having probs with them or find out where they are getting thier water.

I take atleast 1 hog a year.

 

[qajaq59]

I have to agree with Nathanael_Greene. Since you are just starting out and have no experienced hunters to go along with you, use one of the commercial outfits and pay attention to what the guide does. Also ask as many questions as the guide will tolerate. Hog hunting is usually 3 hours of silence followed by 1 minute of chaos. But it sure is fun.