Any Hog Hunters?

Status
Not open for further replies.
J

jwise

New member
I've only been out for hogs once, and we didn't find any, so I'm not experienced at ALL! So, please help me out. I really am not in to hunting, but there's something about hogs that make me want to get up early and put them in my sights. I have never known anyone w/ land enough to hunt on, until now (it's in East Texas, if that matters.)

Ok, so the stage is set; I don't know anything about hunting, much less hunting hogs, but I really want to start. I think I've already got the right gear, but you guys tell me.

Winchester 94 Trapper; 44mag
VEPR, scoped; 308
Bushy Shorty, red dot sight; 223
Ruger Vaquero; 44mag (I know, it's not a rifle.)
Mossberg 590, ghost rings; 12gauge

Ok, what would you recommend that I take? Which is the best for which circumstance? How big of hogs should I expect in East Texas? Is a 44mag (pistol and/or rifle) big enough to take it down? Is a 223 big enough to take it down? I sure as HELL hope a 12 gauge slug or 308 is big enough!

Thanks for the help!

J. Wise
 
jwise,

I am not an expert, but I play one on the internet. ;)

My experiance in South Texas is that a .44 Mag carbine or revolver is good on hogs. The biggest I have taken with the handgun is about 200#, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it on bigger ones. The .308 should kill anything you run into. I have killed quite a few hogs with the .223 (AR15 and Mini 14). They are great if you get into a big bunch. I have killed up to 140# with the AR. I don't know how much I would trust the .223 with anything bigger, unless your drilling them between the eyes. :eek: The red dot should be great for low light. If I had to pick out of what you have, I would take both the AR and the Vaquero. No such thing as too much firepower. :D

Good luck,

David
 
Thanks for the input. When I go, I'll probably be bringing a buddy of mine (and loaning him one of my pieces.) I'll have the Vaquero on my leg, but I can't decide between the AR and the Trapper. I just might go ahead and put a red dot sight on the trapper and use it.

200 lbs, huh? Wow! That's great! I was hoping Texas had some big hogs and not just the little runty-looking ones.

Anyone else with any advice? What about "how to hunt" those critters? What are some good suggestions?

Thanks,

J. Wise
 
I'd carry the Vepr with the Vaquero on my side. I'd give your friend the Mossy with some 000 buckshot to cover you at close range. He might want to carry some rifled slugs in case the two of you can sneak up on a group un seen.

I went hog hunting in Kilgore (East Texas) saturday before last. Hogs will run between piglet and a very rare 5-600 pounds. The big ones will be in the thickest stuff you can find in the river bottoms. The 125 lbs and smaller ones taste the best.

If you can, take some feed corn and put it in a 5 gallon bucket with water. Seal off the top and put it in a warm place OUTSIDE!!!

Let it cook for 4-5 days and pour it out in an area 80 yards or so away from cover.

Sit and wait.

Kilgor
 
I am far from knowing anything at all about it. What I do know is from planning an outing with my uncle in the Snook, Tx area. From everything I have heard make sure your buddy sights up on the same boar you try on, if you miss or wound they will charge you! If you wound one they will come for all over to attack. As I said at the begining, this is just what I've been told. I do plan on going next time I get down there. Let me know how you do and all about the rush!

Joe
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top