Help a flatlander choose what gear to bring on my upcoming south Texas hog hunt.
My boys and I are making a whirlwind trip South of San Antonio for a 3 day hog/varmint hunt. I'm not going to buy another rifle for this trip, just gonna use what I have.
Is your trip in the very near future? IF in February...the weather can vary widely. You might have calm afternoon weather in the low 70's or it might be blowing like the Dickens and 30 degrees. Plan on 'layering' your clothing.
Here's what I have to choose from:
H&R Handi-rifle in .30-06 w/ 3x9x40 minute of dessert plate (clay pigeon) accurate at 200yds
Marlin 336 in .30-30 a good shooter but open sights
Ruger 556 AR with 6x glass and a good light.
Marlin 1894c in .357 a good little rifle but not too interested in taking it for this.
Take the 5.56 as the primary weapon and the '06 as a backup (in case something happens to the AR). The 5.56 will be plenty PROVIDED you use a proper bullet and choose your shots. DO NOT shoot hogs behind the shoulder (as with deer). Shoot them anywhere from just in front of the shoulder, to just behind the jawline (a neck shot basically).
#1 son wants to take his new compound? good idea or not???
Depends entirely upon how the ranch is set up. Hog hunting in South Texas can be anything from hunting (close) over baited sites, to spot and stalk.
On some ranches...hunting pressure is so intense that you will only see hogs after dark, so keep that in mind. IF the ranch has a good road system (Senderos) you can simply drive down it dribbling out corn and come back later for spot and stalk hunting.
Be sure you know the difference between a Javelina and a Feral Hog, because you will probably see both.
Lace-up hunting boots and my Filson upland chaps good enough??
Should be fine (this month). Typically, the snakes (Western Diamondback) are not on the move until a bit later in the year, but watch your step anyway. Of more concern (if you have to track a hog) is the Cactus, Whitebrush, etc.
Ideally, you want your hog to drop right where it stands (that is why I suggest the neck shot). IF it doesn't.... you'll soon know why they say "everything in South Texas either pokes, scratches or bites you".
Light pocket sized binos or better around-the-neck glass?
You only need to identify hogs, so small Bino's are fine. But... if you plan on 'stand hunting' (and can put the Bino's down) then a larger better pair is nice to have because there is SO MUCH other wildlife to look at while you are waiting for hogs to show up.
Do we really need sidearms??
Up to you, but I personally NEVER leave camp in South Texas without one. I don't know where you are going (there is a LOT of Texas...South of S/A) but the closer you get to the border, the more you chance running into illegals, some of which are 'Mules'. Do your best to avoid them and you should be fine.
Just ask the ranch owner, lessor or the Ranch Hands what they recommend.
Good luck and Welcome to Texas!
Flint.