Nothing like smokin’ hot weather while in pursuit of wild boar! After hunting Feral Pigs in Redding the past couple years, it starts to run in your blood. You never know what’s going to happen – that’s the best part! It’s that intrinsic feeling when your .22-250 starts to call again… so we grabbed our gear, topped off the tank and dashed back to the high desert for another round.
On the Road Again
Like most adventures, we tried to arrive early to purchase our tags and prepare for the morning hunt. This particular trip we experienced a real treat hooking up with close friend and hunting buddy Ed. He made special arrangements for us to stay at his brother’s house that offered escape from the heat where we could lounge by the pool during the day – thanks bros…
Hog Camp
Not only did Ed and his brother provide a wonderful camp (ha ha), they loaded us up on secret recipes from the garden – “who spiked the punch boys”…? Steve here creating his signature shakes!
Hakunamatata!
Okay, time to get serious guys! We gathered our gear and headed East about twenty miles where we changed into “light” hunting gear in order to pursue “wild boar”. Gary Lewis and I decided I would try to take the first shot if we could find pigs near the bottom feeding close to water. Our guides Pearey Crummins and Tom McCloskey laid out a masterful plan which placed us close to a couple “shooter” boars. Of course I took the lead sneaking through the grass while Gary captured the footage on film.
Afternoon Scouting
Hogs in the Bottom
Steady...
Once a boar was located in the scope, I settled my crosshair and began to squeeze when the whole group began to move causing sows and piglets to obscure the shot. “They may have winded us” said Pearrey. As the group ran up the hill, we decided to go around them and cut them off on top for a better shot.
Checking Out!
After running approx. 500 yards up the hill through a draw, we were able to hear and cut them off however with the grass so tall we couldn’t find the boar. I set my shooting sticks and began to scan… Gary whispered “boar on the run to your left – shoot, he’s getting away”!!! I swung the rifle to the left leading the boar as I pulled the trigger – “BANG”! I shot about a foot high remembering that my gun is sighted for 300 yards with the boar at about 85 yards on the run – go figure! As the boar ran full speed to get away, I lowered the crosshair to compensate creating a fatal hit on the next shot. Once the boar was hit, he turned for us creating three more shots between myself and the guides.
Boar on the Run...
Troy & Robyn 2010
“Dang – these animals are tough”! I forgot to tell you that I decided to switch to my 7mm Mag. without shooting sticks. Once again, the scope cracked me in the nose reminding how important it is to snug the rifle into the shoulder… “I’ll learn”!!!
Ouch!
Thanks guys for another GREAT year! My daughter feels she’s ready to take her first pig so Lord willing, we will pack our gear and head to Redding next year for another wild boar adventure… Maybe we should consider and nose pad…?
See ya Next Year...
“The glory of God always has an impact; when HIS glory appears, it just can’t help but interrupt any routine”! – Beth Moore
Outdoor Callings