First-Time Hog Hunt – Looking for Outfitter Recommendations

[NATEWA]

Exactly whose sleeping bag? LOL

The new guy on the trip. We ask him to bring one for himself and one for me (because I lost mine). Ha, ha…

 

[OldManJohnson]

Sometimes the smallest pig is a 10# piglet .. whoever told you that has probably killed as many pigs as you . Kill one 80-120# that a sweet spot

You're taking the advice literally and not thinking practically about it.

The point I was trying to make was they said to not go for the biggest pig you see, or even the first pig and let "buck fever" take over. It was about going for a pig that's of practical and manageable size, so you don't have a bad experience trying to haul out a 400lb pig on your first successful hunt.

 

[Malibu]

It was about going for a pig that's of practical and manageable size, so you don't have a bad experience trying to haul out a 400lb pig on your first successful hunt.

Yes exactly. Sport hunting should be an enjoyable activity that makes the hunter keep going back. Every species that I’ve been successful hunting have been of a very manageable size at first, and then on to bigger specimens as I gained experience.

 

[NorCalBusa]

You're taking the advice literally and not thinking practically about it.

The point I was trying to make was they said to not go for the biggest pig you see, or even the first pig and let "buck fever" take over. It was about going for a pig that's of practical and manageable size, so you don't have a bad experience trying to haul out a 400lb pig on your first successful hunt.

Added PSA: towing the carcass with a rope behind your quad for 6 miles has been determined to not tenderize the meat.

 

[OldManJohnson]

Yes exactly. Sport hunting should be an enjoyable activity that makes the hunter keep going back. Every species that I’ve been successful hunting have been of a very manageable size at first, and then on to bigger specimens as I gained experience.

Yeah. Even though I didn't even see a pig the 2 times I've hunted, I have been itching to go back. I just need to find land that isn't a bunch of extremely steep hills and won't cost me $300+/month for a club membership. Especially since my funds will become tight very soon.

I know I can research BLM land and find a time/place to go, but I wouldn't mind going out with someone. Helps the time pass and you have someone to share a story with.

 

[NorCalBusa]

Yeah. Even though I didn't even see a pig the 2 times I've hunted, I have been itching to go back. I just need to find land that isn't a bunch of extremely steep hills and won't cost me $300+/month for a club membership. Especially since my funds will become tight very soon.

I know I can research BLM land and find a time/place to go, but I wouldn't mind going out with someone. Helps the time pass and you have someone to share a story with.

Know that some BLM can be sketchy- go with someone who's been there a few times when you go. Also save a lot of time as they know how things work, where to park, camp, etc. without wandering around looking for signs.

 

[OldManJohnson]

Know that some BLM can be sketchy- go with someone who's been there a few times when you go. Also save a lot of time as they know how things work, where to park, camp, etc. without wandering around looking for signs.

The trick is finding someone who is not only willing to go with me, but is relatively close so we don't waste a lot of time meeting up or prepping before the trip.

 

[NorCalBusa]

The trick is finding someone who is not only willing to go with me, but is relatively close so we don't waste a lot of time meeting up or prepping before the trip.

All about expectations. Meeting up takes no time at all, but it might make sense for trip #1 to keep expectations low and mostly noodle how works. Makes for better subsequent trips I'd think. DAYSF.

 

[recpark99]

I have hunted with Tim Koester, Hog and Dog Outfitters, for many years. I highly recommend him to all my family and friends. I try to pig hunt 1-2 times a year with him, almost always successful, especially the land he has access to now in San Ardo. I'm on the SF Peninsula and he's only a little over two hours away in Lockwood by Fort Hunter Liggett. You will hunt early, break during the day and go back in the evening (if not successful in the morning) plan on a two day hunt, especially if additional hunters besides yourself,FYI. Good luck

 

[Malibu]

I have hunted with Tim Koester, Hog and Dog Outfitters, for many years. I highly recommend him to all my family and friends. I try to pig hunt 1-2 times a year with him, almost always successful, especially the land he has access to now in San Ardo. I'm on the SF Peninsula and he's only a little over two hours away in Lockwood by Fort Hunter Liggett. You will hunt early, break during the day and go back in the evening (if not successful in the morning) plan on a two day hunt, especially if additional hunters besides yourself,FYI. Good luck

I’ve hunted on land by San Ardo, it has been good. Priest Valley a bunch also.

On year I got a good sized hog, and drove through Hunter Liggett down to the coast, headed south a few miles to Plaskett Creek campground, where a bunch of friends had reserved the group site along with a few other sites. We all had a nice BBQ that evening, and finished it off. It was a great time, and I was able to catch some waves at Sand dollar beach, which is within easy walking distance.

Your description of the hunt sounds exactly the way we did it. Out early, back later if needed. Bring plenty of drinking water; it gets HOT in those parts.

To the OP: the above sounds like the easiest, most successful way, and takes all the guesswork about where to find the game out of the way. I’d go that route.

 

[NATEWA]

Know that some BLM can be sketchy- go with someone who's been there a few times when you go. Also save a lot of time as they know how things work, where to park, camp, etc. without wandering around looking for signs.

I’d recommend onX , a sat communicator, water filter, emergency sleeping bag, first aid kit, fire starter kit, etc..

 

[OldManJohnson]

All about expectations. Meeting up takes no time at all, but it might make sense for trip #1 to keep expectations low and mostly noodle how works. Makes for better subsequent trips I'd think. DAYSF.

Taking a few hours to meet is fine, as I've driven that far somewhat regularly for something else a few times over the years. It's the 5-6+ hour drive just to meet that I'm talking about, as that kills a day, and should have made it clear. My apologies.