paintballdude902
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let me know if you get into the area, we'll go grab a beer.
Not again.......! Feral Hog Control in East Texas
- Thread starter Flintknapper
- Start date
Sstanton803
Member
"light switch" shot with a bow
flint,
i'm trying my bow at night for the first time this evening. i don't know a lot about trailing and the brush is thick where i hunt. what is the best shot placement for a "lights out" shot on a hog? i've heard they can still run a good ways if you hit heart/lungs with an arrow... any suggestions?
i typically use a slug out of my 12 gauge, so the concept of them running for a ways is new to me.
flint,
i'm trying my bow at night for the first time this evening. i don't know a lot about trailing and the brush is thick where i hunt. what is the best shot placement for a "lights out" shot on a hog? i've heard they can still run a good ways if you hit heart/lungs with an arrow... any suggestions?
i typically use a slug out of my 12 gauge, so the concept of them running for a ways is new to me.
OP
OP
Flintknapper
Member
Stanton,
The only "lights out" shot whether with a bow or firearm is a CNS (central nervous system) shot, meaning: A shot to the brain or a shot that severs/injures the spine somewhere forward of the shoulders.
Making that happen with a bow is not an easy thing to do. I have shot many hogs with an arrow (archery is actually my first love), and have not had to track hogs very far (usually less than 75 yds. often WELL under that).
However....I share your concern if you are hunting where the cover is thick.
No one wants to track an animal into thick brush where you can't see...and can't run.
With GOOD shot placement (very tight behind the shoulder, preferably quartering away), you won't have far to go.... to find your pig. This assumes you have a SHARP broadhead AND get good penetration.
Ideally, you want an "exit" hole on hogs and one that is low on the body (if possible). Don't be surprised if there isn't a significant blood trail for quite a ways...before getting something you can more easily follow.
Entry and Exit holes tend to plug up with fat and tissue...or the hair itself will mat with blood before dripping off. Sometimes you'll get a "pumper"...but more often you will not.
Just be confident that IF you make a GOOD shot, your hog won't be very far away. Many folks simply shoot them too far back....then YES, the hog WILL go a long way and you might never recover it.
My advice is to stay away from expanding/mechanical broadheads with hogs.
Use something of rugged construction that penetrates well. My preference for hogs is a "cut on contact" type broadhead, but other types have been used successfully.
Take TWO good flashlights with you and note the last place you saw the hog.
If you need tips on tracking, just let us know...we are happy to help.
Good luck Sir,
Flint.
The only "lights out" shot whether with a bow or firearm is a CNS (central nervous system) shot, meaning: A shot to the brain or a shot that severs/injures the spine somewhere forward of the shoulders.
Making that happen with a bow is not an easy thing to do. I have shot many hogs with an arrow (archery is actually my first love), and have not had to track hogs very far (usually less than 75 yds. often WELL under that).
However....I share your concern if you are hunting where the cover is thick.
No one wants to track an animal into thick brush where you can't see...and can't run.
With GOOD shot placement (very tight behind the shoulder, preferably quartering away), you won't have far to go.... to find your pig. This assumes you have a SHARP broadhead AND get good penetration.
Ideally, you want an "exit" hole on hogs and one that is low on the body (if possible). Don't be surprised if there isn't a significant blood trail for quite a ways...before getting something you can more easily follow.
Entry and Exit holes tend to plug up with fat and tissue...or the hair itself will mat with blood before dripping off. Sometimes you'll get a "pumper"...but more often you will not.
Just be confident that IF you make a GOOD shot, your hog won't be very far away. Many folks simply shoot them too far back....then YES, the hog WILL go a long way and you might never recover it.
My advice is to stay away from expanding/mechanical broadheads with hogs.
Use something of rugged construction that penetrates well. My preference for hogs is a "cut on contact" type broadhead, but other types have been used successfully.
Take TWO good flashlights with you and note the last place you saw the hog.
If you need tips on tracking, just let us know...we are happy to help.
Good luck Sir,
Flint.
Sstanton803
Member
thank you (additional details)
flint,
thank you for the advice. upon closer investigation, i've definitely ruled out a nervous system shot with the bow. it's so tempting, but the margin of error is just too large. i feel confident that i can get a broad side/quartered away double lung or heart shot. i'm shooting a big aluminum arrow (w/ noc light) housing a 100gr truefire fixed blade broadhead. my bow is at 55lbs and the shot will be under 20 yards from the ground (i'll be behind a fallen tree). attached is a photo of some of the hogs i've got coming to my feeder. they're not small. my vantage point is about 3 yards behind the camera so you get an idea of the shot i'd be taking. any additional advice is GREATLY appreciated. i follow your blog religiously and benefit from every post. thank you again for your time.
flint,
thank you for the advice. upon closer investigation, i've definitely ruled out a nervous system shot with the bow. it's so tempting, but the margin of error is just too large. i feel confident that i can get a broad side/quartered away double lung or heart shot. i'm shooting a big aluminum arrow (w/ noc light) housing a 100gr truefire fixed blade broadhead. my bow is at 55lbs and the shot will be under 20 yards from the ground (i'll be behind a fallen tree). attached is a photo of some of the hogs i've got coming to my feeder. they're not small. my vantage point is about 3 yards behind the camera so you get an idea of the shot i'd be taking. any additional advice is GREATLY appreciated. i follow your blog religiously and benefit from every post. thank you again for your time.
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Flintknapper
Member
Sounds like a good set up. Only thing that could make it better would be if you were elevated a bit…but what you propose should work fine.
If you can get shots like pictured below, then you are pretty much home free.
I don’t know what your equipment set up is…or how you intend to illuminate the pigs if they come in after dark…or I could give you more specific tips. But some general tips when bow hunting are:
A. Make sure you are downwind.
B. Make sure you get CLEAN and as scent free as is possible.
C. Let the hogs feed for a minute or two until they settle down. When hogs first hit a bait site there is some amount of jockeying around, the whole thing is dynamic and changing.
D. Watch the hog you want to shoot for a few seconds. They have a sort of “cadence” to how they feed (I.E. some move constantly, others every few seconds).
Don’t let your shot opportunity get “stale”. Usually when one has moved…the best time to shoot is immediately after it has stopped (provided the angle is correct).
E. As close as you are going to be…expect some reaction to the sound of your bow (if a compound). Hogs are fast…and can duck quickly as they gather themselves to run, so aim at the lower 1/3 of the body.
F. If you are shooting a peep sight…be sure you can see through it in low light conditions BEFORE you go afield.
G. After the hit, stay put…and be quiet. It is not unheard of to have hogs return to a bait site 10-15 minutes later. So…no celebratory “whoops” until you’ve gone to go find your animal, you might get a second shot opportunity.
One last thing. Make sure you know your yardages at various places about the bait site, things look different after dark.
If you can get shots like pictured below, then you are pretty much home free.
I don’t know what your equipment set up is…or how you intend to illuminate the pigs if they come in after dark…or I could give you more specific tips. But some general tips when bow hunting are:
A. Make sure you are downwind.
B. Make sure you get CLEAN and as scent free as is possible.
C. Let the hogs feed for a minute or two until they settle down. When hogs first hit a bait site there is some amount of jockeying around, the whole thing is dynamic and changing.
D. Watch the hog you want to shoot for a few seconds. They have a sort of “cadence” to how they feed (I.E. some move constantly, others every few seconds).
Don’t let your shot opportunity get “stale”. Usually when one has moved…the best time to shoot is immediately after it has stopped (provided the angle is correct).
E. As close as you are going to be…expect some reaction to the sound of your bow (if a compound). Hogs are fast…and can duck quickly as they gather themselves to run, so aim at the lower 1/3 of the body.
F. If you are shooting a peep sight…be sure you can see through it in low light conditions BEFORE you go afield.
G. After the hit, stay put…and be quiet. It is not unheard of to have hogs return to a bait site 10-15 minutes later. So…no celebratory “whoops” until you’ve gone to go find your animal, you might get a second shot opportunity.
One last thing. Make sure you know your yardages at various places about the bait site, things look different after dark.
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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For very low light to after dark settings, I use my bow that I have set up with a "No Peep" Sight eliminator. With plenty of light, I am more accurate with a fine peep. But anymore (I'm getting old) I just don't have the low light vision I once had. The "No Peep" really works well and if you shoot a rifle, you will find it is extremely easy to get used to. Only took me a few shots to fall into a good routine and direct my form. I use my thumb on my release hand right behind my ear in the same spot for an anchor point. Consistency is key in archery.
I also whole heartedly agree with Flint about the "it would be better if you were elevated some". That way you would be pretty much assured of a lower exit wound. Makes for a much quicker blood trail usually.
I haven't had the opportunity to test out those True Fire fixed blades but I have heard they are pretty good. I personally swear by G5 Montechs. They fly dead on with my field tips and create a VERY nice wound. They are also a one piece broadhead and being so, they hold up very well.
I also whole heartedly agree with Flint about the "it would be better if you were elevated some". That way you would be pretty much assured of a lower exit wound. Makes for a much quicker blood trail usually.
I haven't had the opportunity to test out those True Fire fixed blades but I have heard they are pretty good. I personally swear by G5 Montechs. They fly dead on with my field tips and create a VERY nice wound. They are also a one piece broadhead and being so, they hold up very well.
I have been asked to go on a hog hunt in a month or two. I don't expect the hunt to be very successful as I don't think anybody in the group has hog hunted before. (Yes, I am a little nervous about being in a field with 4 or 5 other newbies at night.) Still, I'd like to give myself as good a chance as possible. I've got a Dan Wesson 357 supermag and a Marlin 336 in 30-30 to use. I'll take both but figure my primary gun will be the 30-30. I understand to stay down wind, to stay quiet and to be aware of safety, especially of what is beyond the target. But how am I going to see the sights in the dark? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
PS. I figure my real goal of the hunt is to get in good with the farmer and quietly ask if I can come back alone or with my boy the following weekend.
PS. I figure my real goal of the hunt is to get in good with the farmer and quietly ask if I can come back alone or with my boy the following weekend.
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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Get you some of this stuff. http://siteglo.com/
I am assuming, of course since you said "sights", that you are using open sights on both firearms. That "paint" is pretty sporty for night use. I usually use it on my .44mag when I night hunt.
I am assuming, of course since you said "sights", that you are using open sights on both firearms. That "paint" is pretty sporty for night use. I usually use it on my .44mag when I night hunt.
Thanks FF. I just ordered some. The 357 has a fiber optic front site on it but I have some blade sites I can put on it. The back site has a luminescent outline but I've never tried it in the dark. The Marlin has the factory sights.
I've never shot at night before (and it has been years since I've hunted). I think I'll start taking my unloaded guns out at night just to get use to siting in the dark. Assuming nobody gets hurt and nothing gets damaged, this should be fun.
I've never shot at night before (and it has been years since I've hunted). I think I'll start taking my unloaded guns out at night just to get use to siting in the dark. Assuming nobody gets hurt and nothing gets damaged, this should be fun.
Sstanton803
Member
flint,
thank you so much for the feedback. nothing walked out, but i'm definitely going to have to figure something out with my peep and sight... i'll be researching different setups to see what will work best. again thank you for your time and detailed feedback.
thank you so much for the feedback. nothing walked out, but i'm definitely going to have to figure something out with my peep and sight... i'll be researching different setups to see what will work best. again thank you for your time and detailed feedback.
hrt4me
Member
do hogs ever make a gurgling/low growling sound over the course of several minutes while trotting through the woods?
JRH6856
Member
That might be a Chupacabra.
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Flintknapper
Member
hrt4me wrote:
Absolutely!
Almost always a lone boar. Not committed to coming into the area you are in, but not willing to leave either. I can relate many stories of upset boars doing just what you describe.
I may have posted something about it already, (don't remember) but I can expand on what they are doing if not.
The first time you hear that low guttural "growling" it can be quite unnerving...especially if it is in the dark and you are on the ground.
And "shame on you Micro", you are going to scare the man out of the woods. Chupacabra's......!
Absolutely!
Almost always a lone boar. Not committed to coming into the area you are in, but not willing to leave either. I can relate many stories of upset boars doing just what you describe.
I may have posted something about it already, (don't remember) but I can expand on what they are doing if not.
The first time you hear that low guttural "growling" it can be quite unnerving...especially if it is in the dark and you are on the ground.
And "shame on you Micro", you are going to scare the man out of the woods. Chupacabra's......!
Patriot1/3
member
Damn good eatn right there. I would be more than happy to help exterminate these critters.
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Flintknapper
Member
^^^^^^^^^
Hah, I have to laugh when I see folks use words like "Exterminate/Eradicate/Eliminate" in the same sentence with Feral Hogs (or Cockroaches for that matter).
Its just not possible under most circumstances.
But I get your meaning....(you'd be willing to pitch in).
Hah, I have to laugh when I see folks use words like "Exterminate/Eradicate/Eliminate" in the same sentence with Feral Hogs (or Cockroaches for that matter).
Its just not possible under most circumstances.
But I get your meaning....(you'd be willing to pitch in).
RudeMood
Member
I'd exterminate them if people paid me by the head. Or at least, i'd like to think I could ... (Insert daydream movie about myself playing a role as a lone special forces guy ala Predator / Rambo and my one man war on all things piggy.)
... But since I can't do that i'll keep coming back to this thread so people like Flint can keep me entertained and informed. Thumbs up fellas.
... But since I can't do that i'll keep coming back to this thread so people like Flint can keep me entertained and informed. Thumbs up fellas.
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Flintknapper
Member
Alright, got the SOCOM sighted back in today.
My replacement scope arrived a couple of weeks ago and I installed a JP Adjustable Gas Block while waiting on it, just hadn't had time to sight in the rifle before now.
So we are back in the "Pig Business".
I've been ignoring some sign left by a lone boar that has been traveling through periodically, but I will turn my attentions to him now.
The 7mm-08 will kill anything we have out here....but I have to pick my shots, with the .458 I can shoot from any angle I please.
My replacement scope arrived a couple of weeks ago and I installed a JP Adjustable Gas Block while waiting on it, just hadn't had time to sight in the rifle before now.
So we are back in the "Pig Business".
I've been ignoring some sign left by a lone boar that has been traveling through periodically, but I will turn my attentions to him now.
The 7mm-08 will kill anything we have out here....but I have to pick my shots, with the .458 I can shoot from any angle I please.
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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Flint, that .458 wont kill them any deader than that 7mm.08. As we shall soon see when I get down there
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Flintknapper
Member
^^^^^^^^^^ True...and as you know... I am a big fan of the 7mm-08 and I have MANY more hog "kills" attributed to it than with the SOCOM (so far), but with the Big-Bore I am more comfortable shooting them at less than ideal angles and even get "doubles" sometimes when they line up.
It's tailor made for hogs.
Good luck on your hunt.
It's tailor made for hogs.
Good luck on your hunt.
ngaither
Member
Just as an FYI. My buddies and I have a lease in hog heaven east Texas and we do are best every year after deer season to kill as many hogs as possible, but we still don't even make a dent in the population. Of course the biggest problem we face during deer season is the pigs coming in and eating all the corn off you feeders while your sitting in your stand before the deer get to it and we don't want to take a shot and scare off the deer that might be in the area waiting for the pigs to leave. What I have found that works for me is the remote feeder controls. For some reason where I'm at the pigs don't just come running in when the feeders go off but the deer sure do. So if the pigs show up while I'm sitting in the stand I just set it off and it scares the pigs off and the deer come running in.
Second the remote controls help to make sure your feeder is got corn in it and is working. Nothing suck more that getting in your stand and waiting 4 hours for the deer to show up just to find out that something isn't right with your feeder.
Second the remote controls help to make sure your feeder is got corn in it and is working. Nothing suck more that getting in your stand and waiting 4 hours for the deer to show up just to find out that something isn't right with your feeder.
gathert
Member
Just spotted 3 pigs and a piglet out in the open today along the road in Elberton, GA. Despite my urge for bacon I had continue on to a shooting match. Seemed kind of weird to me that the pigs were cruising along next to the road poking about below some trees.
Bbryson0504
Member
Flint,
I do not know if you would be interested, but I guarantee you could place in (if not win) this contest. I don't know if you are located too far South for the eligible counties.
http://kfxk.m0bl.net/r/xmxad
I was hesistant to post this because I plan on participating. I figured getting rid of more of these buggers is a more beneficial.
Kindest regards,
Blake
I do not know if you would be interested, but I guarantee you could place in (if not win) this contest. I don't know if you are located too far South for the eligible counties.
http://kfxk.m0bl.net/r/xmxad
I was hesistant to post this because I plan on participating. I figured getting rid of more of these buggers is a more beneficial.
Kindest regards,
Blake
Freedom_fighter_in_IL
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^^^ That right there is getting a bit carried away!!!
