California pig hunting

Savage Sam

New member
Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone here had any info on Fort Hunter Liggett, California. My dad and I are really interested in doing some wild pig hunting there sometime in the next year. We have never hunted pigs, but hunt deer in CA every year, usually in the C zones. I have been to FHL's website and got all the information off there on what's required to get permission to hunt, but I was wondering if anyone on the forum could share any tips on either general pig hunting (tactics, techniques, methods that seem to work, etc) or any Fort Hunter Liggett-specific advice (where the pigs actually are, what time of year to go, etc). Any info would be greatly appreciated, and thanks for your time.

-Savage Sam
 
I was wondering if anyone on the forum could share any tips on either general pig hunting (tactics, techniques, methods that seem to work, etc) or any Fort Hunter Liggett-specific advice (where the pigs actually are, what time of year to go, etc).
I used to hunt FHL quite a bit when I lived in CA, and I had the opportunity last year but chose not to.
Tactics-
1- Get on top of the hills and hunt the finger ridges at daylight, glass for pigs moving back into the brush. Once daylight, hunt from the top of the ridges down into the gullies and walk downhill. Pigs will hide in the brush during the day, so you want to push them out and get them into open areas where you can see them.
2- Get between the feeding areas and the brush before light, find a spot where you can sit down and glass a large area. Wait until they come wihtin rifle range. While they don't have very good eyesight, they can see movement pretty well.
3- Find water they have been using and set up overlooking the area. They typically come to water at daybreak and before heading out to feed at night.
4- Find an area with lots of oak trees and plenty of fresh sign and set up within range before daylight.

I left CA 25 years ago, so the areas I used to hunt may not be any good any more. We used to hunt on the NW side of the base on the north side of the river, great big oak flats out there were like a cafeteria for pigs. If you have trouble locating pigs, Camp Roberts is just down 101 a ways, and the Provost Marshal (at the front gate) can provide you with info on hunting that base.

Don't forget- FHL and the surrounding area is now lead-free.
 
already bought some Barnes TSX factory stuff. Expensive.
Yep. I was considering going back down to Paso Robles for another hunt this fall, but I can hunt N Cal a lot easier- less driving and no lead ban. Actually, with the cost of gas, I just bagged the whole deal. The gas for the trip cost me $1000 last fall and would cost me $2500 now, and I just can't swing that right now. I would love to hunt pigs, but I can buy a whole beef for that much money.
 
While I didn't get to FHL on my last trip out there, I did hunt just east of Santa Maria on some public lands. Nice area and saw some pigs, just didn't get the shot.
elkman06
 
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