Hogfest III

[SFT3540]

Subject: You're invited to Hogfest III !

March 9-15. Meals and lodging included. Ranch is in South Texas near Pleasanton, about 45 minutes from San Antonio International Airport.

6 nights lodging, 4 days rifle hunting, 4 hogs each plus 2 more hogs allowed during the nightime Western Hog Safari (WS). up to 9 hunters-

$1050 per person.

10 or more hunters- $900 each.

Opting out of the WS- $750 per person (4 hogs each).​

All day hunting and WS will be on Monday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday, leaving Tuesday to rest the hogs and the guides. We are planning a potluck for all meals Tuesday.

The ranch hands will help clean hogs taken on the rifle hunts for tips (not included in this price) if they are available; suggested price for cleaning is
$25-35 per hog, depending on size, if you need help. However, we will have at least one truck at all times to pick up downed game and get them to the cleaning area and walk in cooler.

All hogs killed on the Western Safari (WS) will gutted and hung in the cooler at no extra charge, but skinning and quartering is extra by tipping.

$500 deposit for each hunter is due no later than November 30.​

William
[email protected]

"Hogfest III" at MarlinOwners Forum

http://www.marlinowners.com


More info from;
David Smith
Texas Wild Ranches and outfitters
Pleasanton, Texas
(210) 827-4541
(830) 569-3949

 

[SFT3540]

BTT- hog hunters wanted!

 

[SFT3540]

BTT- FYI- I'm writing an article for a national magazine regarding hunting with your "cowboy" guns, so anyone using a Marlin 1894, one of the '92 reproductions, a buffalo rifle or a double barrel is encouraged to sign up.

 

[ElToro]

i hunted with my bro and his buddy at a ranch in pleasanton tx this last spring. we all sat in a blind each for 8 hours till dark near an auto feeder a couple hundred yards apart. saw horses, deer, roadrunners.. everything but hogs.

 

[alsaqr]

With all due respect, SW OK is over-run with pigs. i do not need to pay $1,050 to hunt hogs.

 

[MCgunner]

The three I got outta my trap Saturday left me with danged little room left in my freezer. I need the room for a deer. I got no problem getting hogs, more hogs out there than mosquitos right now, which is sayin' a bunch.

 

[eliphalet]

The three I got outta my trap Saturday

Hey MC how do you build/set a hog trap? If you don't mind me asking.
Wish we had at least some as they sound fun and tasty.

 

[MCgunner]

This one I got from a guy that didn't have a place to put it. He got it for free. But, it needs to be sturdy, welded heavy hog wire with angle iron at the corners. This one is set up simply with a swinging door held shut with a bungee. Hogs go in, but can't come out. Some have a guillotine door with a pressure plate trigger, others a swinging trip door. You can put in a permanent trap with fencing. There are tons of plans and info on the net about building a hog trap. Is good to have a welder and know how to use it.

They sell around here for around $350. I looked at materials to build one and it came out to about $300 to build one, so I wouldn't even bother. There are welding shops all over south Texas that build 'em. They're heavy, nice to have help gettin' it off the trailer and set up.

You can sour corn, add beer to the corn, various concoctions to bait it. I just use corn, seems to work about as good as any. They knocked my feeder over last year trying to get at the corn. They MUST like it, LOL.

 

[alsaqr]

Did you ever catch one uglier than this one? He was so old that he forgot that his his upper tusks were supposed to grow until he died. The lower tusks had been broken off long ago.

 

[SFT3540]

"i hunted with my bro and his buddy at a ranch in pleasanton tx this last spring. we all sat in a blind each for 8 hours till dark near an auto feeder a couple hundred yards apart. saw horses, deer, roadrunners.. everything but hogs."
Sorry to hear about your experience. I too have done just that; seen everything else but hogs (or deer), and on one occasion at a ranch that is also near Pleasanton, TX. We keep going back to David Smith's ranch because of the high success rate. In addition to his main ranch he manages several others a little farther south, and those too are packed with hogs. Being that the upcoming Hogfest gathering is in March and deer season will have ended, there will be opportunities for night time hunting, and there are several feeders set up to go off after dark, but are lit up with red flood lights and such. The hogs barely blink when you turn on the extra spotlight with it's red lens, and then it's shootin' time! David also has a rifle equipped with a night vision scope, which is lot of fun in and of itself.

"With all due respect, SW OK is over-run with pigs. i do not need to pay $1,050 to hunt hogs."
Then by all means don't sign up. In the past Hogfest I and II have attracted folks from as far away as Illinois and even from OK. I look forward to seeing these individuals as instead of a screen name I now have the memories of the camaraderie I shared with folks that were total strangers until that time. Also, you don't have to pay $1050 as the final price for the package is dependant on the variables and options I set forth. We have in fact planned on holding the hunt during the second week of March so that spring break will coincide with it and at least two father and son hunters can make it.

 

[SFT3540]

http://www.thepigsite.com/

Wild Hog Population Soars in Texas
US - Ranchers and farmers fighting the nation's largest population of feral hogs could soon be trying to ward off twice as many of the tusked, field-shredding animals.


This photo provided by the Texas A&M University Research and Extension Center shows feral hogs eating corn at a deer feeder near Overton, Texas, in 2004. Agricultural and wildlife officials fear the ample water and vegetation brought by unseasonably heavy rains this year could double from current state estimates of 2 million wild hogs.
Wildlife officials fear the ample water and vegetation brought by record-setting rains in Texas this year could double the state estimate of 2 million hogs. The animals reproduce prolifically even under normal conditions, with sows annually having up to two litters of four to eight piglets.

"We are seeing an absolute explosion," said Kirby Brown, executive vice president of the Texas Wildlife Association. "They are on a roll right now."

Better shoot all you can, boys!!!!
http://shootersforum.com/showthread.htm?p=302562

 

[alsaqr]

"In the past Hogfest I and II have attracted folks from as far away as Illinois and even from OK.


Got then!!!

 

[SFT3540]

"Got then!!!"

I'n not quite sure what you are trying to say. Got them? As in hogs, or do you mean Good then? in which case I'm still confused.

 

[MCgunner]

We had a lease near Pleasanton over 10 years ago in a hunting club I was in and there were a lot of hogs there then. They were mostly nocturnal, but that's the norm. I have no doubt there's a lot of pigs and if I had that kinda money to play, it'd be fun. But, I'm just a po boy that has a place to hunt. Actually, it's not just Pleasanton, but the whole of south Texas that is getting over-run with hogs. Farmers don't like it, but hunters do.

 

[SFT3540]

We had a lease near Pleasanton over 10 years ago in a hunting club I was in and there were a lot of hogs there then. They were mostly nocturnal, but that's the norm. I have no doubt there's a lot of pigs and if I had that kinda money to play, it'd be fun. But, I'm just a po boy that has a place to hunt. Actually, it's not just Pleasanton, but the whole of south Texas that is getting over-run with hogs. Farmers don't like it, but hunters do.

I started hunting hogs some 15 years ago and at that time the closest place was a 2-3 hour drive from San Antonio. There are now reports of hogs infiltrating the suburbs via the dry creeks and drainage canals that criss cross the area. In fact, I spotted one near my bank which is located right next to an undeveloped part of the area. Couldn't believe my eyes!

There are still some farmers that will let you hunt pigs on their land for free, but those are few and far between now as well as being closely guarded secrets. Ironically the land owner is in a better position if charge each hunter a minimal fee, legally speaking. It seems backwards I know, but the liability is less that way than even having written permission to be on the land.

MCgunner, if you ever want to come down for a hog hunt I can steer you towards some of the better deals out there, plus tell you which ones to avoid.

Shoot straight and keep your powder dry!

 

[Jimmy Newman]

Infiltrating the suburbs?

There are reports of hogs tearing up golf courses in the middle of Houston (near Memorial Park).

 

[MCgunner]

MCgunner, if you ever want to come down for a hog hunt I can steer you towards some of the better deals out there, plus tell you which ones to avoid.

Shoot straight and keep your powder dry!

I really appreciate the thought. I've already planned the season this year, but if you guys do it next year and post up before me and my hunting buddy from Waco set any plans (we've booked a goose hunt and are going to hunt my place this year for deer/hog), I might just take you up on one of the more affordable short hunts. Really does sound like a lot of fun.

I hunted a high fence ranch just off 1604 one year on the south side that was advertising 2 day meat hog hunts in the Chronicle some years back. The place had so many hogs on it, I don't know how they had room for the deer and exotics. The hog hunting was still hog hunting, didn't exactly walk out and stand in a field for you. They holed up in the brush during the day and came out in the dark like hogs do, so you just still hunted and checked all the brush piles. There were so many hogs in there, I wound up shooting my three the first day, LOL.

I'd rather hunt outside a big fence, but I was after meat as well as wanting the fun and it was an inexpensive hunt. Couldn't take anything over 100 lbs so if you wanted a big'n, they had 'em, but that was expensive. I just really can't get into the "trophy" hog thing, LOL. I mean, the big mean ones are the crappy table fare. I see 'em more as meat that I can shoot. Of course, I've never really been a trophy deer hunter, either, but I can understand the big rack thing. I just don't get into big hogs. It's the fun of hunting 'em and the food I get out of 'em that I like about hogs. They are far better grill meat than a tough old deer. I just got through stuffing some sausage last night and have some ribs out for the grill today....

 

[SFT3540]

Infiltrating the suburbs?

There are reports of hogs tearing up golf courses in the middle of Houston (near Memorial Park).

Jeeze, I used to live in Sugarland. Too bad the Harris County DA is a gun grabber, it would be nice to be able to shoot them so close to home.

If they can tear up the rocky soil in South Texas they must be leaving 4 feet deep furrows on a golf course.

 

[MCgunner]

Jeeze, I used to live in Sugarland. Too bad the Harris County DA is a gun grabber, it would be nice to be able to shoot them so close to home.

Well, I'm sure the SPCA will take them in and offer to relocate them. If you shot one, you'd probably be prosecuted for animal cruelty. I hate big cities. Small ones are bad enough. There's 12K people in Port Lavaca and I'm wanting to move to west Texas out there with Art.

 

[SFT3540]

PS- Hogfest is on a low fenced property, the hogs are totally free ranging, and there's no trophy or kill fees. Shoot a big one for the wall or get some roasters, same price.

Another good thing about hunting hogs is that it's year round and you only need a basic hunting license, no tags or nuthin' like that! Out of state folkers just need a 2 week temp license, which I think are $45 bucks or so.

 

[SFT3540]

Well, I'm sure the SPCA will take them in and offer to relocate them. If you shot one, you'd probably be prosecuted for animal cruelty. I hate big cities. Small ones are bad enough. There's 12K people in Port Lavaca and I'm wanting to move to west Texas out there with Art.

ROFLMAO!

 

[SFT3540]

Since we haven't had quite the response we had hoped for, I will be exploring some options for Hogfest III so as to lower the price in exchange for the number of days each hunter will be there, number of hogs, etc.

We may have either a 2 or 3 day package within the set time period so folks who are farther away can have more travel time as well as for those who just can't swing the full price package. Nothing other than the original deal has been set up yet so please address all questions/suggestions or comments to me and not the land owner.

http://www.marlinowners.com/board/viewtopic.php?t=24337

 

[kingofwylietx]

SFT3540 - I don't want to get off subject, but you mentioned that you only need a basic hunting license. Do you need a hunting license in Texas to hunt hog on your own land? Not that I have done it, I have never thought about needing a license to hunt our ranch.

 

[MCgunner]

YES, you do need a license to hunt your land or anyone elses even for non-game species. You can protect livestock from predators if caught in the act without a license, that's about it. Oh, you can fish in a stocked pond on your land without a fishing license, I THINK. Not REALLY sure about that one, though.

 

[SFT3540]

More options! Take a look!

Hogfest III, March 9-15th, near Pleasanton, TX.

Cost for the entire week is $1050 per person until we get 10 or more hunters, then the price will drop to $900. This package includes meals and lodging as well as one night on the hog safari. 6 hogs limit per person, 4 during the daily rifle hunting and 2 on the safari.
Without the western hog safari your limit is 4 hogs and cost if $750.
Deposit for this package is $500 per hunter, due by Nov. 30. unless other arrangements have been made, and you MUST note if you will be going on the hog safari or not along with your deposit.

Texas Wild now accepts credit cards as well as paypal, checks or money orders.

You may now book your hunt the same week of Hogfest via the two options below, so that you may share your experience with a group of like minded folks. There will be no hunting or meals served on Wednesday in order to rest the guides and let the pressure off the hogs. We would like Wed. to be a potluck day as well as to have a brief shooting competition, but depending on the groups wishes we can just as easily go into town for meals and supplies.

The ranch house has a shooting range just past the back yard, and you may use it so make sure your rifle is sighted in.

Option #1; -Come in on Sunday, Mar 9, rifle hunt Monday and Tuesday, Mar 10 & 11. Leave out Wednesday, Mar 12. Includes 6 meals as per schedule.
Price $400 each, 2 hog limit.
Add a Western Safari for an additional $200, which adds another 2 hogs to your limit.
Deposit is half of your package total; you must contact David Smith to confirm the dates of you hunt and your deadline to get in the deposit.

Option #2; -Come in on Wednesday, Mar 12, rifle hunt Thur & Fri, Mar 13 & 14, leave out on Saturday, Mar 15. Includes 4 meals as per schedule.
Price is $375 each, 2 hog limit
Adding the Western Safari is the same price, same number of hogs.

Being that Thanksgiving is coming up, I believe that David will not set the deadline for deposit on option 1 or 2 until after then, maybe sometime in December.

No matter which package you choose, additional hogs may be purchased for $50 each, no deposit needed just pay as you go. You may also purchase another nights stay, please talk with David about that.

These prices are figured on having at least 10 hunters there the full 6 nights, so David may need to refigure this hunt if there won't be enough hunters, but I think with these new options we will have plenty of folks signing up.. Deposits may be used to book another hunt if something comes up.

William

Texas Wild requires a 50% deposit to book a hunt date. Deposits are only refundable if the dates can be fully rebooked. The balance of your hunt is due upon arrival. If your deposit is not received by the deadline, the dates will be offered to the next available hunter. You may mail a check or money order made payable to Texas Wild to the address below, or pay with PayPal by logging onto my website listed below. I also accept MasterCard and Visa over the phone. All hunters and guests are required to sign a Hold Harmless and Indemnity Agreement upon arrival.
Thanks and Happy Hunting,

David A. Smith
Texas Wild
57 Pulliam Dr.
Pleasanton, Texas 78064
210-827-4541 Cell
www.huntexaswild.com