Finally get to go Hog Huntin'!

[otteray]

Only took my whole lifetime (58 years) to get asked by a coworker , " Hey, want to go pig hunting- at night?
He has cattle on his grazing land, here in Socialist Santa Cruz, Kalifornia, and is getting a depridation permit, due to the hogs destroying the terrain.
So, to me only being a bunny and quail hunter so far, I am very excited, as hunting pigs can be very expensive or worse yet, kinda crowded at the public areas.
I'm planing on using my Marlin 1894S 41 mag with microgroove rifling that my dad passed down to me. I have some water quenched (wheelweight + tin) cast 265 gr. gas checked FN bullets that have been accurate at 100 yards (1" groups / benchrest using 18.5 gr 5744, 1450 fps muzzle velocity.)
Any opinions on that combination for that carbine?
Besides AA5744, other suitable powders I have are: H110, AA9.
Meanwhile, I'm going to re-read Paco's article on the .41.

[PPpastordon]

otteray;
First; Hope that ain't your whole lifetime!

While in no way an expert on the .41, I am sure those loads should do fine. I am also sure that hotter loads are possible. However, since what you have is accurate and will kill them dead, more powerful loads could what; make them more dead?

Enjoy, enjoy! Even though you are in Kalifornia, I have a touch of envy! Pork is good; but wild pork is better.

Grace and Peace.

[hornetguy]

I was in Santa Cruz for about 4 months back just before 9-11.... Ran into an old lesbian that said she would let me and my buddy come out to her place to thin out some hogs.. I was looking forward to getting to "blood" my mosin nagant. We gave her our phone numbers, but she never did call..

I imagine your 41 mag with that load will probably kill every hog you point it at...

[Tycer]

A 265 @ 1450 will do just great! Good hunting!

[JReed]

Do it to it.
The .41 will do just fine pigs are tuff but they dont wear kevlar. Do a search on pig anatomy unless you have butcherd one before. Their heart is not in the same place as deer it is low and forward in the chest.

If you need a hand I would be more then happy to come lend my services. I all ready have a tag burnin a hole in my pocket from my last pig hunt

Found a link for you http://www.texasboars.com/anatomy.html

[otteray]

Do it to it.
The .41 will do just fine pigs are tuff but they dont wear kevlar. Do a search on pig anatomy unless you have butcherd one before. Their heart is not in the same place as deer it is low and forward in the chest.

If you need a hand I would be more then happy to come lend my services. I all ready have a tag burnin a hole in my pocket from my last pig hunt

Found a link for you http://www.texasboars.com/anatomy.html

If it was my property, I would welcome you, and all the levergun.com community pig hunters, as well.
But, it's not my land, so can't do it. Can't blame ya for asking, though!
I pestered this guy for 10 years and managed to squeeze out a few quail hunts and a couple of unreal evening dove shoots; hunting while overlooking a beautiful panorama of the Monterey Bay, it's white sandy beaches and bluffs down at the bottom of the rolling yellow fields, and the redwood forest above us. All one mile from my home in the busy city limits.
So, when it happens, Ill be sure to bring my camera and post the results here!

[papabear]

good luck on your hunt looking forward to seeing some pics of your hog hunt

[JReed]

No worrys I really dont have time to go chasing pigs.
Lots of pics are expected. Now go out there and bring home the bacon.

[otteray]

Okay!
I'm gettting psyched now, in a good way; 'cause we are going this Friday.
I was given a choice of morning or eve; so I'm picking dawn patrol.
That way, if we get lucky, by the time I dress my first hog, it will still be light out and maybe I'll be home in time supper. We're hunting a couple miles from my house.
I've field dressed rabbits and birds for many years, but that's about it. Except for lots of big fish, of course, livin' here on the Monterey Bay!
Changed my mind about the 1894S .41 mag because the front sight base came off I'm in the process of getting it back on and re sighting.
So, looks like it'll be the 1895 Guide Gun with a Miwall 405gr JSP clocked at 1377 MV and sighted in at 75 yards.

[Griff]

Good luck. Have fun. Represent!

[20cows]

Changed my mind about the 1894S .41 mag because the front sight base came off I'm in the process of getting it back on and re sighting.
So, looks like it'll be the 1895 Guide Gun with a Miwall 405gr JSP clocked at 1377 MV and sighted in at 75 yards.

It's nice to have a little ol' backup!

[JReed]

Take a pair of vice grip pliers it makes it easier to get the skin off a pig.
Good luck post pics.

[otteray]

Now, that's some good advice!
The Calif F&G website recommends a carpet knife: (I paraphrased the quote)
With a carpet knfe, cut strips of hide and pull off

[Mojo]

Just remember that a pigs anatomy is a lot different that say a deer or whatever. They live in their necks so forget about the standard shoulder shot and focus anywhere in the area of the neck below and/or behind the ear. Drops them in their tracks every time.

[rangerider7]

All I can say is if cornered they are extremely fast and erratic in their direction of escape. The big ones will take a swipe at you as they go by. Be on your toes!

[otteray]

Just remember that a pigs anatomy is a lot different that say a deer or whatever. They live in their necks so forget about the standard shoulder shot and focus anywhere in the area of the neck below and/or behind the ear. Drops them in their tracks every time.

That's what my hunting partner swears by! He uses a 30-06.
But, will it matter with a 45-70 405gr projectile?

[otteray]

All I can say is if cornered they are extremely fast and erratic in their direction of escape. The big ones will take a swipe at you as they go by. Be on your toes!

That's comforting... my hunting partner didn't mention that small factoid...
maybe I should bring a holstered 44 mag Mountain Gun, in case there is something close up and personal.
I made some 270 gr .44 hard cast California black bear loads that are darn accurate.
Better yet, I'll let my host walk in front on the narrow forest trails.
Just being mostly a Valley Quail hunter, I've never been swiped by my prey.
My buddy said his ranch partner put some fermented corn out for bait today, so maybe that will help our odds of success.

[JReed]

Now, that's some good advice!
The Calif F&G website recommends a carpet knife: (I paraphrased the quote)
With a carpet knfe, cut strips of hide and pull off

Yep cut it into strips then clamp the pliers on and pull works like a charm.

[otteray]

Oh well, no luck this time. But I still feel overjoyed after today!
Lots of wallows and freshly torn up meadows, but not even a grunt to be heard.
A beautiful hike, through green meadows with scattered oak trees bordered by draws with thick brush; or redwood groves and creeks with small waterfalls.
We found a whole bunch of turkeys roosting up in a grove of redwoods; at least 50' off the ground.
On the trails there were a few large coveys of quail flushing up a few feet ahead of us; mountain lion tracks, coyote scat.
I helped my host/rancher feed his cattle and locate some missing calves while we were hunting.
I really and truly feel blessed to have a place to hunt in Coastal California.
When I finally get my first pig there, I'll let you all know!

[mescalero1]

Pastordon,
Is wild pork really better?

[JReed]

Pastordon,
Is wild pork really better?

Brother you aint had pork chops till you have them from a wild pig. Oh man thats good stuff right there.

OtterRay
Dont worry you'll get one. The hard part is finding the buggers once you spot em all you have to do is play the wind and you can get up nice and close. Next time you go if those oaks are still dropping acorns stake them out before first light with a good pair of binos and a good book and hang out. Acorns are like candy to them.

[mescalero1]

JReed,
Thanks, looks like I have another one on my "to do " list for retirement

[otteray]

Pastordon,
Is wild pork really better?

Brother you aint had pork chops till you have them from a wild pig. Oh man thats good stuff right there.

OtterRay
Dont worry you'll get one. The hard part is finding the buggers once you spot em all you have to do is play the wind and you can get up nice and close. Next time you go if those oaks are still dropping acorns stake them out before first light with a good pair of binos and a good book and hang out. Acorns are like candy to them.

Thanks for the great idea; will do!
I told my friend I would make him some fermented corn for bait, too!
I used to homebrew some great beer, so I can probably do it in my old 5 gallon brewing buckets.

[Old Savage]

Wild pig is excellent!

[mescalero1]

I like a good pork roast, you guys have got me fired up now!

[otteray]

A topic brought back from the grave; but it is almost Hollowe'en ; and I just got a call to go to the grazing area again!
I told Jose (the host) that my rifles (Marlins, of course, ahem) are back to receiver peep sights again, and he said that was no problemo; 'cause he was spotting them in the late afternoon while feeding the hay to the cows; still is plenty of light available.
So, we'll probably feed the stock, dropping the flakes of hay from the truck bed as we slowly drive along, with the cattle starting to gather and follow; the missing cows or calves hopefully and suddenly appearing from a ridge top or trail so we won't have to recount, honk the horn (cattle food dinner bell!) or search; with me driving and Jose throwing the chunks of hay bales and keep our eyes peeled.
Jose said they were about 75 yards, maximum! Sweeet! My kinda range!
I lost my late dad's tall shooting sticks ; so I made a set. If they work, I'll have photos!.
I am still bringing the Marlin 1894S .41 MAG WITH SOME LEAD HARD CAST HEAT TREATED 260 GR LOADS , NOSE SOFTENED ( LIKE PACO DESCRIBED.)
I was reviewing the good hunting advice and warnings given here from last year from you all, and they still makes sense. Thanks.
Wish us luck, tomorrow afternoon!

[rjohns94]

sorry you didn't get any, perhaps next time. I lived in Monterey for two years and enjoyed the hunting it the area, especially quail at what once was fort Ord.

[SmokeEater2]

Good luck to ya' otteray! A young (yearling) wild hawg is some of the best eating on the planet imo, I've used my Marlin .41 mag on several and it does the job very well. I've only shot one with a .45-70 and that was a cast 405 gr. over black powder load out of my Sharps and the hawg did about 3 stutter steps,piled up and never twitched again. A buddy of mine uses one of those plastic stocked stainless bolt actions in .270 WSM (He can't help it he don't know no better,bless his heart) and he's put several down with it too.
I have found that the big ol' boars taste kinda' "gamey",My wife has requested that I don't bring any more of those home.

[MrMurphy]

I'm going out again in a couple weeks. First time out no hogs, but my Marlin had an argument with a coyote and won. This time out, using an AR with a white light mounted but the Marlin's coming along as a backup piece.


Advice of my friend with the property, use the prepackaged koolaid powder that already has sugar in it. Scatter it around and throw some up in the air over the feed site..... hogs love it.

Since he's got 90 acres, probably 20-100 hogs at any time and has killed dozens....i'd say he is right.

[otteray]

No luck this evening; but as we were walking back to where we started, at 100 yards away, a nice 4 point buck stood frozen for at least a couple of minutes while we watched it and talked to it . Out of season, of course, so no shots were taken.
It was just like one of those classic broadside targets you can buy, except there was no bullseye painted on it.
We'll be going back again at least once or twice a week, over the next several weeks . The price I have to pay is driving the truck slowly, while he tosses the flakes of alfalfa to his cattle. What a bargain I'd say.

[txpete]

just a hint on cooking the chops ect.get a big bowl and put your chops in the bottom.add just enough water with a spash of vinegar to cover them and fill the rest of the way with ice.put it in the frig over night.it will draw the blood out of the meat and it kill the game taste.
wild pig chops are the best ever.we cook the roasts in a cast iron dutch oven oh my I am getting hungry .

pete

[SFRanger7GP]

txpete and JReed posted some great information. I've always felt a lot of the legend of the "bullet proof wild boars" was due to the fact so many people don't know the anatomy and take the classic deer anatomy shot.

otteray, sounds like you are making a good friendship with the landowner and enjoying the outdoors.

[otteray]

Yeah, that's right; he is a good friend now. Twelve years ago, when he was temporarily hired, I was assigned to train the "new guy". I reluctantly but cheerfully complied.
During the first day of work, he exhibited many of the skills required for someone you'd feel good about; working in sketchy situations that come up during emergency road clean up during a storm (fallen trees, mudslides, logjams, squished deer on the road.) A hard worker with good work ethics from ranching, I guess.
At lunch we were talking and I brought up bird hunting.
He pipes up, "hey, no problem, I got grazing land with lots of dove, want to go?"
We headed straight back to our public works yard; I ran up the stairs to the Road Superintendent's office; burst in on a meeting and said' Hey this new guy is the one we need for a permanent hire! He does everything right!"
And so children, we lived happily ever after.

[JReed]

Glad to hear you are still at it. Can't tell you how many times I have come up empty handed when hunting pig but when you get one it makes all the time worth while. They have great ears and even better noses but there eyes suck. Just mind the wind and you can get to 25yards if your quiet.

Keep us up to date on your pig adventures.