North/Central California hogs

[NV_ARCH3R]

Looking for my next new hunting adventure. Anyone care to share any information on North or Central Californa public land hog areas??

 

[2rocky]

Hunting at Lake Sonoma - Support Lake Sonoma - Friends of Lake Sonoma

Wild Pig Hunting

The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

wildlife.ca.gov

https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195201&inline

 

[old270hunter]

Can’t recommend any central Ca public for reliable decent pig hunting. There is some on the Western side of the Southern Central Valley, but those hunt best in the spring during wet years. Highly recommend you look at private land for good pig hunting. San Benito, SLO counties on the private are very reliable.

 

[Nickman123]

Ditto above. The few public spots that hold pigs are pretty tough. Relatively few pigs, tough access, tough terrain, etc...No way I'd drive all the way from out of state for that. Lots of pigs on private, just gotta be prepared to pay a few bucks.

 

[44hunter45]

I'm just starting out and want to pig hunt. I had a tag last year but wasn't able to get out. I currently live in West San Jose but plan to retire to Lake County, they are much more friendly to hunting and fishing. I just recently joined the Konocti Rod and Gun Club, they have a range in Highland Springs.
I've kinda been thinking about a couple places discussed in this video.

Although a couple years old, it's got a lot of useful info.

Anyone hunting hogs in the northern part of A zone? A friend talked me out of North Cow Mountain, claiming it's too crowded and it's steep.

I used to do pretty well at New Idria and San Luis. Not so much interest and hunting pressure back in the day.

 

[Bill Zent]

Anywhere south of Big Sur off highway 1 are truly wild boar. No hunting pressure as I have never seen another hunter. If you are in shape for a real challenge the rewards will be great.

 

[JGuenth21]

Finding Pigs on public land is tough in Northern California.

 

[44hunter45]

If I were still in California chasing pigs, I would hold my secret spots pretty close. But I don't anymore. I'm not blowing up anyone's spots here, but this is how I would play this game today if I were still hunting California.

I used to do this with maps and go to County Assessor's Offices. Now it's easier. Obviously tougher than paying to get on a ranch, but you can find pigs if you are motivated.

You start with goHunt or OnX to highlight publicly accessible land where there might be pigs.
Then research whether the managing agency allows hunting. There may be access lotteries, Duck Stamps, etc you need to get on.

Many of the lands you find may be considered closed to hunting, but actually are not after your research it. Or they may be closed to hunting, but you can use them to access other land where you can hunt. Some only allow archery, etc.

Look for ranches and outfitters offering paid hunts, find them in OnX, then search for public ground close by. Look for news articles about pigs damaging landscaping or crops.
Think about how pigs are using lands near Ag ground. They love acorns, but if they can get grapes, maybe they are only using bedding on public, etc.

"Northern California" is a pretty big circle around San Jose. I would be looking from all of the Los Padres NF north to the Oregon line. Don't overlook the east side. There are pigs in the Sierra foothills as well. There are several National Forests around Kelseyville and Clear Lake. Don't forget places like UC's Hopland Field Center, etc.

A single state account on OnX for a year is less than the food cost of a day's hunt. Try Promo Code "RANDY" (for everything, always.)

Finally - consider this. Are you going to spend more than about $400 scouting, planning, and executing a DIY hunt? It might be worth it to buy a day on a ranch.

 

[dunivan]

Hi all. I live near Monterey, and am interested in pig hunting. Does anyone have any recommendations for public land or reasonable hunting clubs to join? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[dunivan]

You're in the highest population of feral hogs in California, and although most are taken on private land, the best opportunities in public areas are around Monterey.
I posted a webinar that was given by CDFW above, that gives a good amount of information in your area.

Great, thanks so much!

 

[dunivan]

Also, does anyone know of reasonably priced hunting clubs near Monterey County?

 

[OwenH]

As a San Luis Obispo county native I would agree that it is rare to see pigs on the vast majority of public lands. Pm me if you want some public land info, but I would suggest paying a guide or trespass fee if you want more than a single digit chance of success.

 

[dunivan]

As a San Luis Obispo county native I would agree that it is rare to see pigs on the vast majority of public lands. Pm me if you want some public land info, but I would suggest paying a guide or trespass fee if you want more than a single digit chance of success.

Thanks Owen. I appreciate any information you can provide. Having a hard time finding where to private message on here (maybe it’s because it’s in my phone).

 

[OwenH]

Thanks Owen. I appreciate any information you can provide. Having a hard time finding where to private message on here (maybe it’s because it’s in my phone).

It seems like maybe it is because you are a new member? not sure how long that lasts. I don't think there are any big secrets but I also don't want to immortalize anyone's favorite spot on the Internet. I'll try to send you a message again in a few days.

 

[dunivan]

It seems like maybe it is because you are a new member? not sure how long that lasts. I don't think there are any big secrets but I also don't want to immortalize anyone's favorite spot on the Internet. I'll try to send you a message again in a few days.

Thanks OwenH. I think I have to post 10 times to message privately. I’ll ping you once I’m there.

 

[dunivan]

It all depends on what you consider to be "reasonable".

I took a Home Butcher Class at Oakstone Outfitters, they're down in Bradley, CA, and going price is about $1000-$1200 around SLO/Paso Robles area. I don't really consider that to be reasonable, so it all depends on your definition.

There are a number of outfitters all around California and especially SLO->Monterey. If you plan to hunt public land you'll need to do some homework, IMO, or at least be willing to invest some to learn about it. Some others to check into would be Bitterroot, Twissleman, SY Guides, you can google and find a number of good ones.

Twisselman Ranch

www.twisselmanranch.com

Euro/Russian Pig Hunt - California Wild Hog & Pig Hunting - All Season Outfitters

All Season Outfitters is now offering European and Russian pig hunts in an enclosed hunting area. Fun & exciting experience for hunters. (831) 214-7073

www.pig-hunt.com

Wild Pig Hunts

Check out hunting wild pigs in California's beautiful Central Coast with Oak Stone Outfitters. Enjoy all-inclusive Fully Guided Pig Hunts

oakstoneoutfitters.com

Camp Five Outfitters - Guided Wild Pig Hunts

Thanks for the insight.

 

[dunivan]

dunivan,

One thing I will say is that if you have not butchered a pig before, and want to learn, the Oakstone Outfitters Home Butcher Class was XLNT, IMO.

Not only did it break it down, step by step, but provided the hands on experience to give me the confidence I could harvest and dress in the field. The class costs $300, which I thought was a pretty good deal. I'll pay $300 for a butcher class, but won't spend $1000 to get a pig.

Butcher Class

Want to know how to ethically slaughter, properly field dress and learn essential butchery skills? Our Butcher Class is perfect for you!

oakstoneoutfitters.com

Thanks Konocti. This is great information, and totally agree on the $300!

 

[FinfeatherfurID]

As a San Luis Obispo county native I would agree that it is rare to see pigs on the vast majority of public lands. Pm me if you want some public land info, but I would suggest paying a guide or trespass fee if you want more than a single digit chance of success.

Hi I am a new member and have been on the chase of pigs in the SLO area. Can you pm me. I would love to talk

 

[Nick Schneider]

I found this thread amazing, but does anybody have any hog hunting strategies, me, my uncle and my cousin are interested on this area but have failed to succes any recommendation?

 

[Takeachance]

Looking for a hunting partner if anyone is interested, send me a message. I’m in SLO county. New to hunting.