San Francisquito Bill
New member
Hi all,
I have been given the opportunity to go on a coyote and pig hunt on a private ranch here in California. I have never hunted anything but birds, and I am unsure of what to expect. I have a book on Boar hunting in California, and I have done searches in this forum, but I have some specific questions, and would appreciate any advice offered.
First, the guns;
I just purchased a Marlin .45-70 Guide Gun. I have long desired to do some pig hunting, and eventually some other medium to large game. I love the Guide gun, and I finally got the cash to afford it, so I picked it up. This is what I would like to use on the pig/boar during the trip. What would be y'alls advice as the the best ammunition for this gun. I have researched Garett, Buffalo Bore, and standard loads like the Winchester "partition", but I'm not sure. Would the standard loads be adequate? Would the Garett/Buffalo Bore be too much?
In addition to the Guide gun, I have a Springfield M1A that I could use. I'd have to fork over the money for the 5 round mags, but It'd work. If I were to bring this along, what load would you recommend? (I'll be using Balistic Tips in this gun for the coyotes--Anyone think this is a bad choice?)
Lastly for guns, I have a Witness 10mm that I am planning on using. Should I order hunting loads from Cor-Bon or just use FMJ for the penetration? Should I just use a 1911 with 230gr. FMJ's? (Both my Witness and my Springfield are totally reliable.)
And other misc. hunting stuff...
I am planning on bringing a light pack with some supplies such as a sweatshirt/jacket, some food, water, etc. What else should I consider? Again, I'm new to mammal hunting, though not to the outdoors. I don't want to show up with the kitchen sink, but I don't want to feel like an idiot because I failed to bring something obvious.
(To put this in the proper perspective, I got 4/5ths of the way to the duck club earlier this year for a hunt when I realized that I forgot my shotgun! I thought my dad had packed it, and he assumed that I would bring it. OOPS!! Luckily somebody brought a spare and we had a great hunt, but I felt pretty stupid, and took a fair amount of ribbing. I'd like to avoid that if possible.)
Thanks for the help everyone,
SFB
P.S.--As for the area, It's a ranch called "Bighorn", and from what I hear, the pigs aren't that "wild", so I don't think I'll have a problem using the guide gun within range. However, I've never been there and if anyone has info on this place, please let me know. Thanks again!
I have been given the opportunity to go on a coyote and pig hunt on a private ranch here in California. I have never hunted anything but birds, and I am unsure of what to expect. I have a book on Boar hunting in California, and I have done searches in this forum, but I have some specific questions, and would appreciate any advice offered.
First, the guns;
I just purchased a Marlin .45-70 Guide Gun. I have long desired to do some pig hunting, and eventually some other medium to large game. I love the Guide gun, and I finally got the cash to afford it, so I picked it up. This is what I would like to use on the pig/boar during the trip. What would be y'alls advice as the the best ammunition for this gun. I have researched Garett, Buffalo Bore, and standard loads like the Winchester "partition", but I'm not sure. Would the standard loads be adequate? Would the Garett/Buffalo Bore be too much?
In addition to the Guide gun, I have a Springfield M1A that I could use. I'd have to fork over the money for the 5 round mags, but It'd work. If I were to bring this along, what load would you recommend? (I'll be using Balistic Tips in this gun for the coyotes--Anyone think this is a bad choice?)
Lastly for guns, I have a Witness 10mm that I am planning on using. Should I order hunting loads from Cor-Bon or just use FMJ for the penetration? Should I just use a 1911 with 230gr. FMJ's? (Both my Witness and my Springfield are totally reliable.)
And other misc. hunting stuff...
I am planning on bringing a light pack with some supplies such as a sweatshirt/jacket, some food, water, etc. What else should I consider? Again, I'm new to mammal hunting, though not to the outdoors. I don't want to show up with the kitchen sink, but I don't want to feel like an idiot because I failed to bring something obvious.
(To put this in the proper perspective, I got 4/5ths of the way to the duck club earlier this year for a hunt when I realized that I forgot my shotgun! I thought my dad had packed it, and he assumed that I would bring it. OOPS!! Luckily somebody brought a spare and we had a great hunt, but I felt pretty stupid, and took a fair amount of ribbing. I'd like to avoid that if possible.)
Thanks for the help everyone,
SFB
P.S.--As for the area, It's a ranch called "Bighorn", and from what I hear, the pigs aren't that "wild", so I don't think I'll have a problem using the guide gun within range. However, I've never been there and if anyone has info on this place, please let me know. Thanks again!