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

[Flintknapper]

TAB wrote:

one question....when drawing those arrows...
did you make "pew, pew" sounds or where they "bang, bang"?

Hmmmm, I hadn't really thought about it.

I believe "pew, pew" could be associated with a "ricochet" so we don't want to hear that.

"Bang, bang" (without the attendant "whop" of bullet striking home)... rather suggests a miss.

So....I guess I'm gonna have to go with "Bang-Whop" if such a word exists.

Ideally...I think a "Bang-Whop-Whop-Thud-Thud" (or BWWTT) is what we are after.

Translation:

One shot.
Two hogs struck.
Two hogs hitting the ground.

I don't know really. I'll leave all that up to the sound effect guys.

 

[dacavasi]

Just curious, seems like 12G slugs would work very well on these beasts. Are your shots generally longer range than a slug could handle?

 

[Flintknapper]

dacavasi wrote:

Just curious, seems like 12G slugs would work very well on these beasts.

Indeed they would. A "good" shotgun slug churns up alot of energy and is a proven round for hogs.

Are your shots generally longer range than a slug could handle?

Not in this setting. Shots are generally under 75 yds. (probably closer to 50 yds. on average). We do however have places on the property where shots in excess of 300 yds. could be had.

I consider a 12ga slug to be effective in terms of energy, accuracy and trajectory out to about 125 yds. So..clearly they would be a viable choice in my situation if wanted to use them.

Actually, I have no problem dispatching them with a 7mm-08 (and careful shot placement).

But...all this is moot now that I have my .458 SOCOM upper.

 

[nitetrane98]

Helluva thread, Flint.
I'm just up the road a piece from you in Gregg Co. I've got a friend with some creek bottom land that the hogs have found and he's asked me to try to root them out so to speak. He doesn't have the ability or resources to do the trapping thing. From the tracks and damage done it appears to be only 4-5 hogs, but fairly large. He's contemplating buying a cheap nightscope and a dedicated hog gun. I've never hunted hogs. Would a body be able to get more than one shot off at a small "herd" or do they flush like quail?
Do those cameras work like a motion detector that turns on the porch light, or do they just take a pic every 30 seconds or so?

 

[Flintknapper]

nitetrane98 wrote:

From the tracks and damage done it appears to be only 4-5 hogs, but fairly large.

Thats plenty of hogs do to some real damage (especially if large).

He's contemplating buying a cheap nightscope and a dedicated hog gun.

Not a bad idea and always a good excuse to buy a firearm, but not really necessary. Most cartridges/calibers suitable for deer...can be used to dispatch hogs as well. Depending upon caliber...some shots might need to be avoided.

I've never hunted hogs. Would a body be able to get more than one shot off at a small "herd" or do they flush like quail?

It happens. Normally, at the sound of a shot (close distance and sans a suppressor) they will scatter. However, depending upon the terrain....you might be able to see well enough to take additional shots. Also, if not subjected to alot of hunting pressure, I have seen hogs return to a bait-site in less than 30 minutes.

Much depends upon the set-up and the hogs involved...but yes, "follow up" shots are sometimes possible, though not the norm.

Do those cameras work like a motion detector that turns on the porch light, or do they just take a pic every 30 seconds or so?

Most use a motion sensing device. Some also sense differences in temperature (body heat) and will trip that way too.

They can be programmed a number of ways. Mine will take "still photos" or Video. I normally just take pics and set my camera to take two consecutive photos 13 seconds apart, then I have it delay for 1 minute before it will take another.

A decent "trail-cam" is an indispensable tool for hog hunting IMO.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

As Maverick said in Top Gun, that is a target rich environment!

 

[Lightninstrike]

It happens. Normally, at the sound of a shot (close distance and sans a suppressor) they will scatter. However, depending upon the terrain....you might be able to see well enough to take additional shots.

I wondered about that. In post 224 I left a link to a video. At time 00:13 the shooter takes his first shot. The sounder flushes and while they are running he works the bolt and takes a second shot. Two hogs are down. Less than a minute later (the video is only 1:14 long) some of the sounder is seen returning to the scene in the bush under the trees in the background. If this is typical behavior I wonder if a semi-automatic might be a better choice?

 

[DammitBoy]

I have had a lot of success with multiple kills by alternating a slug with single aught buckshot loads in my Remington 1100.

I would generally shoot the largest hog with the first shot and try for a grouping of smaller pigs with follow-up shots.

This usually resulted in 3-4 pigs killed per opportunity at a group of targets. I always wore my .45 as a back-up in case things went horribly wrong, but never had to resort to using it.

 

[nitetrane98]

What he's kind of thinking about with the "dedicated hog gun" with the night scope is a beater semi auto something or other, Mini 30, Win 100 or even a French MAS 7.62 (trouble with those is determing exactly how many times they have been dropped) that he can put the scope on and get zeroed for night work. He's looking at a 350 buck Yukon something or other that will be basically worthless in the daylight. He doesn't have a lot of money.

I don't believe there has been any pressure on these hogs. They are coming up to within 30 yards of the cabin he's built on the place. We're trying to figure out the best way to get as many as possible at once. He actually has an old mercury vapor light, the kind that comes on real slow, that would illuminate the kill zone. I don't know if that would spook 'em but it would allow any other shooters to shoot without a NVS.

We're both old tankers and envision a platoon fire command!!! :<) With one more shooter we hope to take care of business in one night.
I know it might fly in the face of the "one shot, one kill" theory of hunting but this is for irradication, not necessarily sport. It may not be pretty and pure but we want 5 hogs dead, not necessarily DRT.

 

[hickorynut]

best thread I've read

 

[Flintknapper]

Finally.....!

This boar was quite the challenge despite his young age. A very cautious animal that “spooked” easily.






Tonight he circled the entire area…but ended up coming in right underneath my ladder stand. I had already stood up when I heard him sneaking in from behind me…but I couldn’t really see him in the dark.

He eventually stopped about 5 yds. from the base of the tree and just to my left. This was about 9:00 p.m. (not total darkness but darn near). I could just make out his form (head from tail), but was not expecting such a close encounter. I still had my scope set on 6X…. and no time for adjustments!

I was afraid he would scent me any second….so I decided NOT to wait and see if he would move up to the lighted bait site.

I leaned out over the rail a bit and found a bunch of hair in the scope. It was very difficult to tell where to place the reticle because of the darkness and the magnification. The solution was to open both eyes using my weak eye as a co-witness. As soon as I thought I had him targeted…I tapped the trigger.

I gotta tell ya….it was pretty bright shooting straight down like that. In a few seconds my vision returned and I could see the hog. I could actually hear him kicking around before that.

Anyway, one more I don’t have to deal with.

IH8HOGS!

 

[nitetrane98]

You da man, Flint.
Funny how those genes run. As hogs go, that's actually one of the best looking I've seen.
Hair seems shorter than most, or do they get shorter in the summer months? Don't know if they "shed" each year

Bought my Moultrie d40 camera last night, gotta run into town and get a bag of corn. I'll be in the woods in a bit scouting a place to put it up. What do you think about those "flavoring" solutions they sell?

 

[bad375]

nitetrane98
hey I'm over in Smith county. I've tried the "flavorings" but something cheaper is jello powder. They have a strong/sweet smell. It's worked for me. Also sweet mag mineral.

 

[Flintknapper]

nitetrane98 wrote:

Funny how those genes run. As hogs go, that's actually one of the best looking I've seen.

Agreed. He was a fine specimen and had a unique reddish "mane" running down his neck and back. Excellent health and physique for his type.

Hair seems shorter than most, or do they get shorter in the summer months? Don't know if they "shed" each year

What you are seeing is his basic hair length. Hogs will rub off some of their hair in the hot months... and I suppose the hair may grow ever so slightly in the winter...but the overall length and thickness of their coats simply varies one individual to the next.

Bought my Moultrie d40 camera last night, gotta run into town and get a bag of corn. I'll be in the woods in a bit scouting a place to put it up.

Excellent! You will find it an indispensable tool.

What do you think about those "flavoring" solutions they sell?

Largely unnecessary IMO. Plain shelled corn is a good enough bait....but if like to doctor it up, nothing wrong with that.

Best of luck to you.

Flint.

 

[nitetrane98]

Largely unnecessary IMO. Plain shelled corn is a good enough bait....but if like to doctor it up, nothing wrong with that.

Uh oh. I just bought a bag of deer corn. Is the shelled corn what they were calling chopped corn? Next thing you'll tell me is the little suckers have to have their grapes peeled!!!
I'm in a dilemna about using the sweetener. It says it will attract hogs and that's what I want it to do so I can shoot 'em but I really don't want them coming from a mile away.

We checked the area this morning and found fresh sign that what looked like two hogs had been around last night. We got a little rain here a few days ago and it made it real easy to see where they had been and what was fresh. They went to the creek and had a little drink then rooted around awhile and left. The biggest one left prints about 2 1/2-3 inches. Anyway, we put the camera where we thought they were coming from the brush into the cleared area around the creek. We probably stunk up the place quite a bit but I'm pretty convinced these guys won't be afraid of an older human scent. At any rate, the object of the game is to get them gone. I would like to throw one on the pit though.
My next question is how many days does it take to conclude a pattern to act on? Can I check the camera in the morning or would that be fouling up the area? What if I see they've been there at 10:30 last night or 5:30 the next morning.

 

[Paradiddle]

Flint - did you shoot that hog with your 7mm-08? I'm about to buy a rifle for hog and deer hunting and that caliber has been highly recommended as a soft shooter with great killing power.

BTW - I also agree that this might be the greatest thread I've ever read on the internet.

Jeff

 

[Flintknapper]

Paradiddle wrote:

Flint - did you shoot that hog with your 7mm-08? I'm about to buy a rifle for hog and deer hunting and that caliber has been highly recommended as a soft shooter with great killing power.

Yes, 7mm-08.

My custom .458 SOCOM upper just came in....but I am still waiting on some items from LaRue and Midway, so it will be awhile still before I put into action.

IMO, you can't do better for a "dual duty" cartridge than the 7mm-08 on meduim size thin skinned game.

It generates very very little recoil....but still gives good performance.

Needless to say...on larger hogs (200+ pounds) you will want to more selective than usual of shot placement... but I would not hesitate to recommend the '08 anywhere a .270 would be appropriate (under 400 yds.)

For hogs (if circumstance permits)....I suggest you take shots that will place the bullet in the neck (anywhere from just behind the jaw to just in front of the shoulder).

Actually, that is my recommendation regardless of the caliber/cartridge.

My second choice....would be a "high shoulder shot", this will generally break the spine as well.

IMO, the classic "behind the shoulder" shot (as on deer) should be avoided if possible. Not that it won't kill a hog...its just not as effective and will nearly always entail tracking the animal.

Best of luck to you...and please post up your success.

Flint.

 

[Flintknapper]

nitetrane98 wrote:

My next question is how many days does it take to conclude a pattern to act on?

I will act on the information in as little as two consecutive days. If you give them 3 days to become comfortable visiting the area....so much the better.

Can I check the camera in the morning or would that be fouling up the area?

Though it would be best to wait a couple of days....who (with a new camera) can resist going to check it.

If you get clean, wear rubber boots and are careful of your approach...you can get away with it. I check mine daily. Be aware...that hogs may be bedded nearby...so I suggest you NOT drive right up to the area. There are many ways to "foul" the area besides just scent control...I am sure you know.

What if I see they've been there at 10:30 last night or 5:30 the next morning.

This can happen...but I think you'll find that hogs (when undisturbed) tend to be creatures of habit. Often times they will travel to (or through) an area with amazing consistency (often times within minutes each day).

Caveat: All bets are off if they are disturbed for any reason and most certainly if they realize they are being hunted.

Once they go into "stealth mode" the challenge begins.

Again, don't be afraid to go check your trail-cam, just be careful to approach the site slowly and quietly.

Don't make any noise (not even talking), get in and out as soon as you can, be mindful of the wind direction and go during late morning to mid-day if possible.

We look forward to your pics. If you have questions about camera placement or other problems...please let us know...we are happy to help.

Flint.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

I love that corn arrow. I suppose that's necessary for the benefit of hogs born and reared in Texas...

 

[nitetrane98]

I suppose that's necessary for the benefit of hogs born and reared in Texas...

Our guns also have arrows that read "This end toward target." It's a public school education thing.

 

[Kentucky Windage]

I'd bet that's in eastern Texas... probably around Nacogdoches...

Or is it the A&M guys who have to paint the arrows on the barrels for UT grads?

 

[Kentucky Windage]

OK, one more... I can't help it.

"We're both old tankers and envision a platoon fire command!!! :<) With one more shooter we hope to take care of business in one night."

If you're all from Texas... paint numbers on the hogs first so you all don't shoot the same one... OK, maybe Xs and Os...

I can't help but give y'all a bit of hard time because 1) My best old military buddy hails from Nacogdoches and I am therefore accustomed to giving Texicans a hard time, and 2) on one of my last hunts down in south Texas I witnessed the de-evolution of a bunch of Texas hunters who had too much time on their hands at midday.

It began with a grackle ambush contest wherin the shooters would take turns sliding open a glass door at the lodge just wide enough to permit the barrel of a 12 gauge pump to protrude. Each shooter had three shells with which to knock down as many grackles out of a tree as possible. From there, things went quickly downhill. One hunter kicked up a corner of a huge rug covering a patio only discover that a small army of mice had taken up residence. They threw over the big rug and commenced hot pursuit of fleeing mice all over the grounds with revolvers loaded with snake shot. When they finally ran out of live targets, they took turns shooting at dragonflies.

Five of the six individuals involved were graduates of the University of Texas.

'Nuff said???

 

[BMF500]

I've had success in South Texas at night with these varmits by giving a pack a good spray from a 35 round magizine with my SKS equiped w/ a 2x red dot. Best I've done is 6.

 

[DAVIDSDIVAD]

That sounds like a good way to injure a bunch of animals and only kill a few of them.

 

[BMF500]

That sounds like a good way to injure a bunch of animals and only kill a few of them.

No, now I didn't say that I blindly emptied the magizine. With combination of a tour stand, open country, and a second person with a Q-beam you have plenty of time and opportunity for several clean kill shots.