Author Topic: Calling Dee or other hog hunters, help? (Read 2756 times)

Sharps-Nut · « **on:** January 05, 2009, 08:23:24 AM »

Ok pick up some stones and get ready to throw them. A friend and I are going to Gonzalas Texas to go on a hunt for those dangerous hogs. I bought a used 1966 model 336 marlin in 35 remington for the job. The hunt is to take place first week in june on a ranch, off season can you say hot. The guy gets 225 plus we buy a 5 day hunting permit that, gets us a three day two night hunt. I want to shoot a decent hog but do not want to go home empty handed. He says the shots will be close up, brush country. So can you tell me what that part of the country has to offer. Will this be a canned hunt, should I shoot the first one I see to avoid the going home empty handed. How big can I shoot and still enjoy the meat? Did I screw up on the gun I chose. I have no clue what expect or how a texas hog hunt goes down. He just said we will hunt day and night and I can shoot two varmits a day and one hog for the 225 price. Help me understand what I should be getting or have I all ready screwed up. This is a big deal to us we live and hunt in rural missouri so were not city winnies that have never hunted or worked but we are dumbies who have never been in south texas or hog hunted. Any help comment rocks thrown ot advice offered would be appreciated. Thanks SN

Land_Owner · « **Reply #1 on:** January 05, 2009, 10:59:36 AM »

I am "...other hog hunter..." and not conversant in Texas or Texas hog hunting. Dee will have to set us straight about Texas.

However, regarding size and taste, you can shoot really BIG hogs and get fantastic sausage from them, provided they were shot as they grazed and were not being run by dogs...all that adrenalin in their veins being chased makes for some strong, tough, and gamey tasting meat.

I was discussing the beef industry with my neighbor a retired meat market owner (butcher) over the holidays. He used to work in the beef industry "thumping" steers in the forehead, not to kill them, but to knock them out cold. Then they hang them, still alive, neck down and cut their throats to bleed to death slowly. That "relaxes" the muscles as they "go to sleep" and makes the meat more tender.

So, the "old saying" of cutting them (hogs) to let them bleed is not such an "old wives tale". It just isn't going to work on bayed up hogs that were run hard before putting them to the knife or gun.

The quoted price for three days and two nights sounds quite reasonable and you should have a lot of fun regardless of the hog participation since you have never been to Texas to hunt. IMO, there should never be a guarrantee for success. It would have to be called hog killing and not hunting if there were.

I do not know the 35 remington caliber, but if it is comparible ballistically to the 30-30 (or better), you are good to go. I own two 336 Marlins and both are fine shooters which will down ANY hog if the bullet is placed correctly. If not correct the first time, then there should be five more chances in the magazine to get 'er done.

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #2 on:** January 05, 2009, 11:52:16 AM »

Thanks for the response. I asked about numbers and he said he could garantee we would see 50-60 hogs a day and if we failed to score it would be more from poor shooting than lack of chances. He claims his part of the state are over run with wild hogs and the hunt will be good. Guess I was hoping some one in the area or someone who had hunted the area would confirm or deny the claim. The price on the hunt was very fair but I am not sure the line to be in south Texas in June is real long. But there again I am not from the area. SN

S_J_KENNELS · « **Reply #3 on:** January 05, 2009, 12:52:24 PM »

Quote from: Sharps-Nut on January 05, 2009, 11:52:16 AM

Thanks for the response. I asked about numbers and he said he could garantee we would see 50-60 hogs a day and if we failed to score it would be more from poor shooting than lack of chances. He claims his part of the state are over run with wild hogs and the hunt will be good. Guess I was hoping some one in the area or someone who had hunted the area would confirm or deny the claim. The price on the hunt was very fair but I am not sure the line to be in south Texas in June is real long. But there again I am not from the area. SN

I live and hunt not too far from there. Gonzales like 98% of Texas is over run with hogs. 50-60 hogs a day might be exageriating a bit but not much. With a good feeder system an plenty of land to move around on you should have more then enough chances to get hogs. I would say your more likely to see 15-20 +/- a day unless other variables are there. Where we hunt in open grain fields right now we are seeing herds of 10-20 at a time under spotlight at night in one field. So that is what I am baseing my numbers on.

I do not know anything about the 35 rem. Nor the distance you will be shooting. Most folks around here use anything from a 243 to a 300mag LOL. IMHO a good 270, 308, 7mag or 30-06 is all you need. We shoot alot with 243's but shot placement is a real key there, but that is with any rifle.

Depending on what area of Gonzales your hunting you can run into open country to heavy thickets and a mix of both. With flat land to hills. It is nice country.

My suggestion to you is to shoot any and every hog you see LOL. Your smaller hogs will normally be your better eating hogs with the big boars being the least desireable. I have ate hogs of all sizes though and on adverage the bigger boars were better as sausage or dog food. However while that is the norm it is not always the case. Alot of it depends on what they have ate, if they have been fighting, etc... I hunt them with dogs and I have caught big boars and sows that even after a run and fight tasted better then younger hogs. Just pack them in ice for about a week. Draining the bloody water off and repacking the ice on untill the water runs clear. That will help with the game taste.

Good luck. An the price sounds right.

billy_56081 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 05, 2009, 01:16:41 PM »

I've hunted in Texas a ton of times. Screw up on the gun? No,should work like a charm. Canned hunt maybe, maybe not depends on the size of the place and how well stocked. But it's hogs, you aint going there to have the most hard, challenging, sporting hunt of your lifetime, you are going to have fun. And I'll tell you blasting hogs is fun. I've done it with bow, rifle, shotgun, and muzzle loader. Everytime it was one thing, fun. It is great way to introduce kids into hunting and the smaller hogs and sows that I have shot have been great eating. Good luck, pm we with the location and name of this plae I may be interested in the future to go there.

jmayton · « **Reply #5 on:** January 05, 2009, 02:30:02 PM »

I'm a NW of Austin and don't know the area around Gonzales that well, but you should have a good hunt. In the summer, they're usually moving around in the late afternoon and evening. If there are open fields, they may be out there after dark. If you see one, it's most likely a boar and it's hit or miss on the quality of the meat. Look for groups of 10-20. There should be one or two good size sows in a group like that. Target them first. Also, hunt the water, they like to keep cool so they'll stay close to the water. The price seems right, at least less than what it is around here...but hunting is one of our big industries. Have fun and good hunting!

rem700-3 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 06, 2009, 03:50:01 AM »

I have two marlins in 35 rem one I have had since 1984 and it has many hogs to its credit the gun is perfect I always use a 200gr round nose bullet you will love hog hunting in Texas almost every time I have been I have scored a great hog my advise is be patient and let it happen. I also agree with land owner on the meat, we hunt hogs with dogs alot here and we catch them and take'em home to kill later the meat is always good that way when I do kill them I shoot them in the head. when I do kill hogs in the woods I shoot them in the head and neck to put them down quick and the meat is great no matter what size the hog. If you kill them after being chased by dogs or shoot them and track'em forever in my opinion you can taste the difference in any animal not just hogs.

BRL · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2009, 04:17:27 AM »

All good comments here. I think your caliber is a fine hog round. One additional comment I will make is that you ask the guide how much extra it would be for a second hog. All guided hog hunts I've been on only charged $50 - $150 for each additional hog over the price of the original package deal. That way you can shoot any hog right away and then relax, enjoy the rest of your hunt and hold out for a big one. Can't hurt to ask.

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2009, 04:32:28 AM »

Thank you gentleman for the straight scoop. I have never been on any hunt such as this and was wondering how they went down. Sounds like the hunt should be a real good time. They offer predator/ varmits as a side line so I will most likely take a 243 for that, and with it loaded with nosler partitions it could easily be a back up longer range hog gun. Appreciate the advice on aging/ preping the meat, was not familiar with it as around here its cold eneogh to hang our deer for 3-5 days then butcher. Long wait till June.. Thanks again for the reassurance. SN

Mohawk · « **Reply #9 on:** January 06, 2009, 08:21:10 AM »

Chances are these are free-ranging hogs. In that area you can see many, many hogs just by using water holes and feeders. Probably the only fences are the typical livestock barbed-wire that hogs can pass through freely. Should be a good hunt. We don't have many in Burnet county but every county around us does.

Default · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2009, 06:14:16 AM »

Sharps ,

I havent got to TX. for the pigs yet , but i have hunted them quite a bit in OK. ( I live in Arkansas)
My sister in law bagged her first hog with a 243 single shot at 60 yrds hog was around 170ish in weight .

I have used a 45 long colt lever action alot with pretty good success ,only one in 5 have made off to never be found. I remedied that by hand loading a little hotter load with a good soft point..
That old 35 remmie you got will rock a pig.. It has the same knock down energy out of the barrel like that of a 100 gr 243 , Sept its a 200 gr round nose in the case of the 35 .
My largest hog to date (257 lbs) was killed with a 223 rifle shooting a 75 gr hornady TAP round .. And he bang flopped.. So no worries , you got a good rifle in a great cartridge in a hog thick part of the country.

Good luck with the hunt ,

Default

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #11 on:** January 08, 2009, 08:21:00 AM »

Default tell me about where in oklahoma you hunt, if willing to share. We have small numbers in missouri but never had any luck. The folks who live near where the hogs are seem to be having fun with them but for those lucky eneogh to not have any in our area going there nets us large tracts of government ground with no idea where to start. Thanks for the help and like I say the oklahoma part intrests me. SN

Default · « **Reply #12 on:** January 09, 2009, 03:19:37 AM »

Sharp ,

Well you helped me find a few more outfitters in OK. heh ...Was searching with Oklahoma "hog hunting" on google ..

Here are a few to check out , the first one listed i have used a few times .. And is where me and my brother and brother-in-law went for our first ever hog hunting experience..
Its also where i took my missus , sister-in-law and nephew for their first time to hunt hogs .. Hope this helps ya out a little

http://www.oklahomaboarhunters.com/PricingLodging.html

http://addictivehunting.com/

http://outdooradventureshunting.com/Hogs.htm

The last two i have not hunted .. Found them and they seemed to have a good price on the whole hog hunting trip .

If you and yours decide on the first link "oklahomaboarhunters" you can go there and have a good day of busting hogs and stomping through the thick stuff , Keeping it mild (100 lbs range) to wild ( 500lb + and yeah i have seen um) though i reccommend that if you go there ..Bring enough to knock down whatever your heart desires ,Last time out after i had taken my hog , Me and my missus ran into two 400+ hogs ..One i would have guessed to be 500+ .. The owners trap these critters and reloacate them inside a fenced area , So these arent someones pen raised hogs

Call and talk to Mark , He is a good guy .... But one warning ! Be careful with this hog hunting buisness as it is ADDICTIVE as hell ..

If you want any other info just post your questions and i'll be happy to help you as much as i can.

Default

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #13 on:** January 09, 2009, 03:36:51 AM »

Thanks for the links. I will check them out. Maybe should have done more reading before booking the tx trip. I think it will be fine but if there is a place closer thann its money saved on fuel. Thanks again for the help. SN

Default · « **Reply #14 on:** January 09, 2009, 04:55:13 AM »

Never a problem helping out others

Sharp you do be sure to post us some pics when you all get back ..

Default

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #15 on:** January 09, 2009, 11:22:27 AM »

I can post a follow up but no pics. I use the net at work and it blocks us from posting pics. Suppose to many dipstick posted pics of stuff their momma's would have been ashamed of. Thanks for all the help. SN

super mario · « **Reply #16 on:** January 12, 2009, 03:37:42 AM »

If its the place I am thinking it will be a canned hunt. 200 acre pen. He post pics of hogs that werent even taken on that ranch.
Is this the place.
www.wildhoghunttexas.com/linksb.htm

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #17 on:** January 12, 2009, 07:48:15 AM »

Thats the one. When talking to hime he talks up multiple land leases and like 7,000 acres. Must have compass and radio when going out on your own. Figures I would futter around and around all the flowers and land on a pile of ----. Well I guess a canned hunt it will be as I have already payed for it. Not doubting your word but what is your background on him, did you get bitten yourself. Just wonderimg. SN

super mario · « **Reply #18 on:** January 12, 2009, 10:55:49 AM »

pm sent

Land_Owner · « **Reply #19 on:** January 13, 2009, 11:09:23 AM »

Com'on Man!

PM'ing the "dirt" behind our backs!?! Well, that just ain't right.

MOST OF US are never going there.

What's the scoop???

billy_56081 · « **Reply #20 on:** January 13, 2009, 12:31:52 PM »

Quote from: Land_Owner on January 13, 2009, 11:09:23 AM

Com'on Man!

PM'ing the "dirt" behind our backs!?! Well, that just ain't right.

MOST OF US are never going there.

What's the scoop???

Agreed, I have hunted many many places in Texas, I had fun at all of them. If this is a bad operation, I'd like to hear about it out in the open.

super mario · « **Reply #21 on:** January 14, 2009, 05:42:00 AM »

Ive heard a lot of negatives, heres one. copied and pasted:

I bought this hunt off of eBay. I do not remember how much I paid, I think it was $250-$300. Keep in mind that this was the second time I'd been hunting in my life, and didn't know any of you guys on the board...I took a lot of abuse I wouldn't have taken today. Issues:

--When I called the guy to book the hunt (spring), he started telling me how high the grass was, and it's better to wait until the following winter after deer season when the grass is dead. I found out from another guy who USED to work with him that he did that so you couldn't leave bad reputation with eBay.

--When I got there, he announced that their "Policy" was to have everyone pay $80 for food and lodging above the hunting fee. I told him it wasn't mentioned in the eBay listing, and he said he had to change the policy because he'd built a really nice, new bunkhouse. I didn't argue with him, as I try not to **** off the ranch owner.

--He told me I had to bring two bags of deer corn. This was back when deer corn was only $3.50 a bag, but it still kind of stuck in my craw.

--The food I'd paid $80 dollars for consisted of cold cuts, bread, pickles/veggies, and scrambled with sausage in the morning.

--He advertised on his website that he'd cook a pig for the group, stuffed with quail and rice. What he didn't tell you is that if you wanted this, someone int he group had to part with one of their two allowed pigs or it would be more cold cuts for dinner.

--He said he'd allow unlimited predator hunting. I asked what his success rate was, and he said, "Well, most guys, after they hunt hard all day, have a good meal and a few beers, just sit by the fire and drink instead of hunting. But if you want a bobcat, you'll probably get a bobcat." I saw nothing...except three buffalo you could shoot for $3,000 each.

--I went to the stand, and danged if a bunch of goats didn't come along as soon as the feeder went off. I complained to him, and he said "Gosh, that's never happened before." The guide told me it happened regularly.

--I asked how much for another hog. $150. I told him I didn't want to pay that, but did want more meat. He said, "I think a couple of the other guys might not want their pigs. If you'll tip the skinner an extra $35, I'll make sure the pig gets into your cooler." I get home...two pigs, not the three he promised.

--Safety issues: The "Spot and Stalk" hunt consisted of two groups of guys chasing a pack of hogs in opposite directions in a 150 acre pen. We could hear shooting and squealing in the distance, and one of the guys in the group heard a bullet going whizzing past his head. Could have been a tragedy.

These guys had a similar experence.

http://www.huntingforums.com/forums/...ad.php?t=28324

http://www.deertexas.com/cgi-bin/ubb...c;f=2;t=000077

http://www.texashuntingforum.com/ubb...51/page/0/vc/1

Paul Candelaria is the guy's name. I understand he has a South Texas ranch as well.

http://www.wildhoghunttexas.com/linksb.htm

Incidentally, his day job is he sells telemarketing systems.

http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/s...7/smallb1.html
__________________
Mas valle perdon que permision

super mario · « **Reply #22 on:** January 14, 2009, 05:52:10 AM »

copied and pasted:

all,

Beware - This is a ripoff. I bought this hunt for a buddy and I on ebay. We went there in March of 2006. This is the worst ranch and the worst food that I have ever had or seen. The ranch is horrible and there are very, very few hogs. There are no bobcats or varmints to shoot (that is why they say unlimited) My buddy and I were there with 12 other guys for three days. We were the only two in three days to get any hogs. In addition, what they will not tell you unitl you get there is that there are additional costs - like food, lodging, and addtional pig kill costs, and gratuities for lazy, lazy staff. They say there are none, but they change that once your on the ranch. My buddy and I spent over $700 each, excluding airfare, on a hunt that should have been only $299. In additon, they say fully guided - what a crock of crap. The ranch manager drives you to a stand in the morning and pick you up after dark. There is no stalking and all individuals are required to saty in the stand, otherwise they will kick you off the ranch and end your hunt early. There are no guides, they give you no assistance, or recomendations on antyhing. Our dinners consisted of Macaroni and cheese from a box, and chicken pieces in tomato sauce - no spices, no sides, with only plain, white bread and butter. They had over the counter rolls for breakfast and coffee. No Orange juice, milk, or anythin else of substance.

If anyone would like more detailed info, give me an email. I would be glad to give anyone some help because this was the biggest rip-off and I hate to see my buddies get ripped off - as I was.

rockbilly · « **Reply #23 on:** January 14, 2009, 07:38:15 AM »

The guy gets 225 plus we buy a 5 day hunting permit that, gets us a three day two night hunt.

A "5 day hunting permit?" This is the first sign of a rip off to me. Hogs are not considered a game animal in Texas, there is no season and no limit, so why a permit?

Many of the South Texas land owners are buying hogs trapped at other locations, releasing them on their property and charging huge prices for folks to hunt them. This will continue as long as folks are crazy enough to pay the prices they ask for the hunting. If folks would quit paying for a couple of years they would likely be paying you to rid their property of the pest.

After hearing the tales about the way the fellow that owns the land next to mine does business nothing would susprise me. He puts the screws to everyone who is willing to pay the fee for hunting his property.

The best policy is to ask all the questions, and try to get the answers in writing before signing up for ANY hunt. This can be done by e-mail, and the document will serve to document what you were told or as evidence should you have to take them to court.

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #24 on:** January 14, 2009, 08:34:51 AM »

Well I thought the data I got via pm sounded a little bad. Now I get a little more data. Sounds like I got the shaft, now the question is do we go and try it or write off the 225 dollars already spent as bad experience and stay home. I found him in on the net. I read his ad and called. Knowing south TX was over run with them and talking to him made it sound like the over population was what made the price of the trip so fair. I have never been hog hunting, never been on a dude ranch canned hunt. I hunt fair chase in my own state often on my land or a close friends land. I have wanted to do the hog hunting thing for years and this sounded like as reasonable of a price as I had seen and certainly all I could afford. The 225 dollar trespass fee 45.00 5 day hunting lic. gratuity and gas was going to make the trip about 500 bucks each. That (censored word) is in for a ass kicking if he think's I will tip for poor service, and I have documents to prove what was promised. Sorry but this was going to be a big deal for me and the friend I invited so I am bummed beyond belief. SN

Land_Owner · « **Reply #25 on:** January 14, 2009, 09:31:50 AM »

Here is a thought...go to the "Hunting Wild Boar" Forum of http://www.Texasboars.com and ask Kevin - the Site Administrator and Owner - AND ask the Board about this guy and this hunt. If the boys at Texasboars give you a "Thumb's Up" you are Golden. If they recommend something else...LISTEN.

Graybeard · « **Reply #26 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:06:33 AM »

Quote

Here is a thought...go to the "Hunting Wild Boar" Forum of http://www.Texasboars.com and ask Tim - the Site Administrator and Owner - AND ask the Board about this guy and this hunt. If the boys at Texasboars give you a "Thumb's Up" you are Golden. If they recommend something else...LISTEN.

Since when has Kevin changed his name to Tim or sold the site to someone else? Kevin is a personal friend and I've known him for many years and been to his home and hunted with him. Can't believe he's sold out or changed his name.

Sharps-Nut it sounds like a tough call to make. You've now seen just what people face when actually going there so you have some advance warning and need to make those tough decisions now not when you get there.

As to your comment of kicking ass that will land you in a Texas jail most likely. He's a local and you're on his land. I expect you best plan on at least a couple weeks, several thousand for attorney's fees and a repeat trip when the court date is set.

You've already been warned of the extra fees that will be expected to be paid once there and that you'll be kicked off the ranch if you do not follow their procedure.

With that information in hand what I personally would do is try to get the money back and failing that not toss more good after bad and I'd find a more satisfactory place to have the experience you wanted and not go there and have a bad one with him.

As to the license when you hunt exotics in Texas there is that license to buy but to be honest on my hog only hunts to Texas I don't recally having to buy it but I'd hate to steer you wrong on that as it has been a good while since my last visit. I'm sure Kevin at www.texasboars.com can tell you the correct current info on that. He used to conduct hunts both on his own land in a fairly small pen for those who wanted it or on private land he had permission on for free range hogs. Dunno if he is still doing either or not as I've not spoken with him lately.

jmayton · « **Reply #27 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:53:46 AM »

I believe a standard non-resident hunting license will suffice for exotics here in Texas. No tags or stamps or permits necessary that I know of. If you need more detailed info check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife website http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

Edit: I'm an idiot...GB if you read my previous, please disregard. I'm having brain-farts.

Sharps-Nut · « **Reply #28 on:** January 14, 2009, 11:57:07 AM »

I was pretty bent when I posted the last, hence the word having to be censored. I have cooled, and thats not who I am or what I am about. I have not decided what to do, the worst is dragging someone in with you, which I have. I know this I have never paid to hunt and this experience has made me think never again. How can one possibly know what you are getting in another state from a strangers word? I am guessing based on members experience he won't be offering a refund. He lists all the rules on his page can't see how he could change them once you are there, and he tells you to bring two bags of corn for bait piles. I don't know maybe suck it up and go get my canned hunt. Hopefully won't get shot by some other rube that got screwed. I will check out the site land owner and greybeard suggested. Thanks for putting up with my rant earlier. SN

Graybeard · « **Reply #29 on:** January 14, 2009, 12:25:43 PM »

Having been on lots of hunts both good and bad I can say that a bad one will really sour you and from the comments of those who've been it sure looks like you are in for a very poor experience. You aren't going to make more of it than it is and it sure seems pathetic.

I strongly urge you to just accept the loss of your prepaid funds. In accounting terms it's a sunk cost and should not be taken into consideration in decision making. In other words once you've lost the money it can't be recouped so don't consider it at all in making a decision of whether you want the type experience it is now obvious you'll have there.

To answer your question of how to tell in advance you fall back on the experiences of others and in this day and age of the internet it's as simple as a google search away from you usually. You can also ask on forums like this and by all means ask on several of them as different folks hang out on different sites.

If you get lots of positives from folks assume it's pretty good. If you get far more negatives than positives assume it best to stay far far away.

If you'll talk with Kevin at www.texasboars.com and yeah I'm sure Kevin still owns it not Tim he'll steer you to a place you'll be happy with.

Let's talk abit about hog hunting and what it is and isn't.

There are two types of hog hunts being offered for pay. One is the free range hog hunt on land with no hog proof fences. It might be a spot and stalk or it might be a stand over bait hunt. It might be you'll see and kill hogs and it might be you'll not even see a hog track. it's just like deer hunting at your home area you are hunting and you might be successful and you might not.

the other type is a fenced operation hunt. Normally they are of two types one being a put and take operation usually on a small piece of land like this guy runs. The other is on a much larger tract with hogs naturally reproducing on the ranch. Again the hunt might be spot and stalk or over bait. It might even be with the use of dogs. Those are your three options really no matter if free range or fenced.

Dog hunts are almost always successful but may or may not be the kinda hunt you want. It is not what I like tho I have done it. If you chose spot and stalk realize up front it's the least successful method of hunting them and far more often that not it results in no hogs and this is especially so on free range hunts but less so on fenced operations.

Hunting over bait on a fence operation is a close to a 100% sure thing as it gets but may or may not make you happy.

Decide what you want and if it's to kill a hog then go on a dog or bait hunt. If it's the experience primarily and a fair chance at killing a hog is all you want then go on a spot and stalk on free range land. Just don't expect to bring much meat home with you.