The Hog Blog

Well, I’m back.

It was an eventful couple of weeks at Coon Camp Springs… too eventful, in fact, for me to simply summarize the hunts in a single post. Instead, I’ve decided to write up each hunt separately (although there’s a great connection between the first two).

Click Here to view Part 1

Click Here to view Part 2

Here’s the final part, then… hope you enjoy it!

The waxing moon was the biggest concern for our next hunt.  David Brown would be arriving on November 1st, and the moon would be completely full on the 2nd.  Way up in that country, a full moon lights up the night like daytime, and the deer stay active all night long and then bed up during the day.  The only bright spot was my hope that the moon would also help kick off the rut.  Nolan’s buck had been chasing does three days earlier, and on the Saturday before David’s arrival I glassed up a really nice 4×4 leading a harem of does, so things were looking really positive on that front.  As long as the moon didn’t screw us up, I had hopes that we’d see a pretty good hunt.

I was in Reno when David arrived on Sunday, so Dave (Allen) would take him on the tour, and go over to the shooting bench to check out his rifle.  I thought they’d also go ahead and hit the field for a little while before I got back, but they decided just to relax in camp and wait for me.  The hunt would start Monday morning.

Over dinner, we talked about the last couple of hunts, and I told David about the big 4×4 I’d seen.   I described what I thought was the best strategy to get on him, just sitting on a glassing point and waiting as long as we could stand to sit there.  A lot of western hunters can’t sit still for hours, but with the deer moving consistently over the same area, the longer we could stay put, the better our odds of getting a shot on that buck.  David assured me he loved glassing and sitting, so the plan was made.  We had a great dinner of elk and pheasant, and headed off to bed with visions of big bucks dancing in our heads.

Monday morning’s hunt was a guide’s dream come true.   Read the rest of this entry »

Well, I’m back.

It was an eventful couple of weeks at Coon Camp Springs… too eventful, in fact, for me to simply summarize the hunts in a single post. Instead, I’ve decided to write up each hunt separately (although there’s a great connection between the first two).

Click Here to view Part 1

Here’s the second part, then… hope you enjoy it!

When Nolan left with his father on Tuesday night, his plan was to get home, visit with his family a little bit, and then come on back out to the ranch on Thursday afternoon.  Tom said he might come back as well.  Even though he already had his buck, he wanted to be there when Nolan tagged out.  In the wings of the plan was the possibility that Nolan may bring his six year-old son back up with him to enjoy the hunt and camp, and possibly to see his father take a buck, just as Nolan had been there 35 years earlier to see his own dad tag out. 

With these plans in our minds, Dave Allen (President of the Coon Camp Springs non-profit org), Kat (my girlfriend and camp cook for the week), and I decided to take our downtime on Wednesday to get out to town and pick up some supplies.  We did some work around camp and headed up the hill to the highway.  Just before we topped the last ridge, a black truck came up the road toward us.  Nolan just couldn’t stay away!  I bailed out and let Dave and Kat go on to town.  I’d spend the evening hunting with Nolan and his son, Tommy, and see what we could do to fill that tag. 

With a six year-old in tow, the cards were stacked against us on this one.  On this property, there are a couple of ways to hunt.  One is to sit tight on a high spot and glass, and then either shoot or stalk for the shot.  That requires quiet, patience, and sitting still… none of which are exactly common traits among the first grade set. 

The other method is to still hunt slowly through the juniper thickets.  This is slow, silent going, and is difficult enough for a solo hunter.  With a couple of experienced hunters, getting close to a buck is a real challenge.  With two hunters and a youngster, it’s almost a guarantee we wouldn’t see anything except tracks. 

There is a third method, of course… road hunting.  While I’m not against the practice, and will do it from time to time, it’s not really something we encourage at Coon Camp Springs.  The terrain is pretty friendly, and there’s almost no place the most out of shape hunter can’t go on foot.  Besides, riding around in the truck isn’t the kind of experience most mule deer hunters are paying for. 

I had some decisions to make, and none of them looked promising.  This was gonna be tough and no way around it.  Read the rest of this entry »

Well, I’m back.

It was an eventful couple of weeks at Coon Camp Springs… too eventful, in fact, for me to simply summarize the hunts in a single post.  Instead, I’ve decided to write up each hunt separately (although there’s a great connection between the first two).  Here’s the first part, then… hope you enjoy it!

The huge mule deer stood broadside… not 40 yards from where I crouched with my hunters, glassing the thick brush.   “I can’t see his head,” said Tom Henry, the senior of the father-and-son team.  “Is it a buck?”

His son, Nolan, whispered back.  “It’s huge, that has to be a buck’s body.”

“Does anybody see horns,” I asked? 

It seemed like we were standing there for several minutes before I was able to spot antler tines protruding well above the juniper branches that obscured the deer’s head.  Once I saw that, I was able to piece together the rest of the rack and head.  I had been looking too low… this sucker was big!  It was definitely what we were looking for. 

“It’s a really good buck,” I hissed. “Kill it!”

“Did he say it was a buck,” queried Tom?

“It’s a buck,” answered his son.  “He said, ‘kill it.’” 

“What,” said Tom?

“SHOOT IT!”

At the crack of Tom’s .270, the buck hopped and kicked out his back feet, then tore out through the brush.  His right leg was flopping.  To all appearances, it looked like a textbook shoulder/heart shot.  I breathed a sigh of relief, and started out to follow what I expected would be a really short blood trail to a really dead deer. 

The last time the elder Henry killed a buck with his son was almost 35 years ago, when Nolan was a youngster of around six.  They’d hunted together since then, but it seemed that Tom was destined to go home empty-handed every time he joined Nolan in the field.  This year he’d bought two of our PLM tags at Coon Camp Springs as a birthday gift for his son, both as an opportunity to spend that time together, but also as a chance to break that long, unsuccessful streak. 

This was the first full day of hunting with these guys, after spending the previous evening checking the zero on their rifles, touring the property, and scaring the coyote population with a few long shots.  Since we had a little daylight left, we even sat and glassed for a while before heading back to camp for a big dinner of wild boar sausage with apples and wild rice. 

At first light, we were back on that rock. Shortly after we settled in, I spotted some does off in the distance.  They were way off the property, but we watched them as they slowly worked their way toward our fenceline.  There were about eight or nine deer in the field, but no bucks that we could see (they were over 1000 yards away).  Suddenly, Nolan hissed, “deer!”  Read the rest of this entry »

Well, I’m off! 

Heading up to Coon Camp Springs to see if I can’t put a few clients on some more big mule deer.  We’ve got two hunters coming to camp on Sunday, and another one coming in a week later.  With the weather as it is, I’m hoping to see some rut activity, but we’ll be fighting with the waxing full moon.

Anyway, I’m gonna be offline for the entire two weeks.  I’ve left a little something behind to occupy your minds, should you be really, really bored and just have to drop by. 

I sure hope to have some great photos and stories when I get back, and look forward to reading what you’ve all been up to in the meantime.

My friend, Shane Hearn who runs Borderbandit Outfitters just shot me this latest deal.  He said the deal is pretty much open for now, with no deadline.  He figures he’ll end it when the time is right, but from the looks of things in the outfitting and guided hunting world, now’s the time to offer a deal.  And brother, let me tell you… this is a DEAL!

Here’s what he sent me.

$500 – 2 axis doe, hogs and varmints. Lodging included

 $300 – Hog hunts …. bow/crossbow only …. 3 hogs … no size limit or trophy fee. Lodging included.

 All hunts are per hunter and hunter must provide 2 bags of corn each.

You read it right…  $500 for two axis does, lodging, and all the hogs and varmints you want to shoot.  Or you can do an archery-only hunt for hogs… three hogs for $300.  You won’t find a bargain like that in CA! 

If you’re looking for a hunt to hold you over ’til the late deer season, or if you’ve already filled your tags and are looking for something else to do, this is an excellent option.  Shane’s a great guy, and I can just about guarantee you’ll have a lot of fun and a great hunt at the same time. 

Give him a call at:  830-275-2199

Remember, to hunt feral hogs in Texas, non-residents must buy the basic hunting license.  I think my short-term license this year was less than $50.  You can buy online at the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Again?  Yeah, I know… but hey, it’s that time of year.  I can’t sit in here and type on this computer all the time.  I need that time afield… the experiences feed my mind, and that, in turn, feeds this blog. 

This trip is down to the central coast area again, this time hunting with Hank Shaw, the Hunter-Angler-Gardener-Cook.  Hopefully we’re gonna find a good blacktail buck for Hank, and then look out!  Once venison gets into his kitchen, he’s got a whole world of magic that he can work on it. 

So bear with us, and I’ll be back soon.

Yes, this is an “ad”. But, hey… if you can’t use your blog to your own ends, then what’s the point of having one, right?

Seriously, here’s the deal. As some of you probably have read, Coon Camp Springs gets four PLM (Private Land Management) deer tags every year. In order to fund our habitat restoration projects, we sell those tags as fully guided, outfitted hunts. We’re able to set our dates late in the year, so that our hunts generally coincide with the local rut.

We’ve done pretty well so far, with 100% shot opportunity for our clients, and this year is looking like a real good one.  The work we’ve done on the place is paying off with a big increase in water sources and native plant life, and we’ve already seen some really nice bucks on the place. 

What are the details?

First of all, this is up in the eastern Sierra, in the X3A hunt zone of Lassen County.  No draw is required.  Just bring in a regular, over-the-counter deer tag (e.g. A zone) or a completed tag application, and we’ll exchange the PLM tag for it.  There are two tags left, and we’re looking for $3000/tag.  The hunt will be the first week of November, from Sunday , November 1 through Sunday, November 8.  

The hunts are fully guided (2-on-1) and outfitted.  All you really need to bring is your deer tags, gun and ammo, and personal effects.  We’ve got lodging, hot meals, hot showers, and a comfortable camp.  Travel around the ranch will be provided, as will basic field care.  We can recommend local taxidermists and meat processing if needed.  We’re on the place several times a month, and will have it scouted out prior to your arrival. 

And here’s one of the best things… because of our 501(c), non-profit status,  the cost of the hunt (less the $62.50 for the tags) is tax deductible!  That’s right, you’ll get a write-off for going deer hunting! 

If you’re interested, you can contact me directly at the Hog Blog, and I’ll get things rolling.

Oh yeah.. and if you didn’t know already… your guide on this hunt is none other than your’s truly!

As you can see in the picture, this was the tale of the day on Saturday, as we guided a group of 10 hunters down at Native Hunt on a hog and ram hunt.  The photo was taken on Saturday night, after a quick trip out to the San Lucas ranch produced five more hogs. 

When we wrapped up on Saturday, our hunters had taken 11 hogs and two good rams.  The day almost turned in a buffalo as well, but the hunter wanted the hide, and the summer hides just aren’t as nice looking. 

It’s a good thing this is work I love doing, because between sweating through the chemise, crawling on hands and knees through hog tunnels, and spending a day up to your elbows in blood and guts…  I guess it’s not for everybody.  But Michael has a great crew of guys working down there, and everyone pulls more than their share.

But this is work I enjoy, helping out with some guiding down at T. Michael Riddle’s Native Hunt ranches.  We’ve got another large group coming in on his summer special, so we’ll be chasing boar and sheep.  I’m looking forward to getting back out in the boonies.  This city life… well, I’ve said enough about that.

In the meantime, and while I’m out, there are some good things going on out there.  For one, my daily visit over to Albert’s Rasch Outdoor Chronicles blog brought me back to another blog I hadn’t visited in a while… the Fair Chase blog.  Now I know, I know… I’ve gone on about the “Fair Chase” ideal many times, and probably will again, but don’t do like I did and jump the gun on this one (fortunately I decided to read the whole thing before posting my comments). 

This particular post is all about a pretty awesome effort to understand the intricacies of hunter recruitment and retention.  It’s actually a reprint of an article by Eric Nuse, President of Orion-The Hunter’s Institute.  Again, the name of the blog and the credentials of this author both predisposed me against the actual writing, but I’m glad I persevered and read the piece.  It’s not at all about hunter ethics or fair chase or protecting our “image”. 

This is important stuff here, and it could go a long ways in determining the future of our sport.  No matter which way our “battle” with the antis sways, if we can’t recruit and keep hunters, the tradition will die.  The bright side is, we are seeing an upsurge in a new kind of hunter, the individual who comes to the sport later in life, without the family tradition or upbringing that many of us take for granted.  Holly, the NorCal Cazadora, is a great example of that new hunter. 

So what I guess I’m saying is, go check it out if you get a chance. 

By the way, for what it matters… I have no axe to grind with Orion or the Fair Chase blog.  I totally appreciate what they’re trying to do, and particularly in the case of Fair Chase, I like that they’ve opened the dialogue to discuss the topics that many hunters shy away from.  There are some hard questions, and intricate answers, and if we don’t have a real discussion about them, we all lose. 

So anyway, I’m packing the binos and my boots.  Time to go guiding.  Ya’ll have a great weekend, and I hope to be back with stories and pictures on Monday!

Well, life and the economy conspired against me this year, and I’ve had to cancel my elk hunt for this coming fall.  I know, shed no tears for me… I’ve shed enough already.  Wah wah wah and all that…

But for those of you heading out for elk, particularly those who may be horsepacking for the first time this season, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has release a simple list of tips to keep your trip safe and enjoyable.  Take a look at this list, and if you feel like it, share some of your own tips and recommendations for neophyte and experienced wapiti hunters alike! 

Horse Riding, Packing Tips for Greenhorn Elk Hunters

MISSOULA, Mont.—If you’re a tenderfoot looking to use horses for your elk hunt this fall, do yourself—and your horse—a favor. Follow these 10 tips from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and longtime supporter Smoke Elser, who’s been guiding and outfitting in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness for more than 50 years.

1. Consider taking a riding lesson before your hunt. Learn the basics of mounting and dismounting, reins, leg cues, proper balance and body position. A horse is not an easy chair—a little preparation and skill are required.
2. Be realistic. Even though your horse can carry you over difficult terrain, it cannot carry you over impossible terrain. You’ll need to hike across the steepest, roughest areas. Hopefully, you’re in shape.
3. Stirrup length should be adjusted at the trailhead. Don’t be bashful about insisting on a comfortable fit that allows you to stand up slightly in the stirrups. Having your knees hunched up can be miserable for you and your horse.
4. Horses are a means of transportation from point A to point B, not to the elk. Don’t expect to shoot from atop your pony like Buffalo Bill. In fact, firing a rifle anywhere near horses can be disastrous. Your actual hunt will need to be on foot.
5. Think about clothing. Bring boots that fit easily into stirrups and wear clothing that allows you to mount and dismount easily. For example, coveralls constrict motion and should be avoided. Keeping quiet and warm are factors, too, and wool clothing is both even when wet. Also bring a broad-brimmed hat to help ward off branches to the face and snow down the neck.
6. Let your guide do the saddling and unsaddling. Often hunters want to help but end up improperly cinching, dragging saddles through mud, disassembling bridles down to the last buckle, etc., causing extra work for the guide. Don’t pretend knowledge of horses and tack if you have none.
7. Always let your guide tie up your horse for you. Improper tying can result in a dead or injured horse if they get choked or tangled. More commonly, hunters return to find only the guide’s horse still there. That could mean a long hike back for one of you.
8. Bring a rifle that fits easily into a scabbard. Oversized scopes or bipods will require disassembly and are impractical. If in doubt, ask your outfitter to recommend appropriate rifles and other gear.
9. Bring what you need, but you don’t need the kitchen sink. Nearly every elk outfitter has funny stories about hunters who insisted on packing things like ice skates, bowling balls, bathrobes, business suits and other nonessentials. But it’s really not funny—overloading is hard on a horse’s loins and kidneys.
10. Wallets in pants pockets tend to work themselves out when you’re riding a horse. Keep your elk tags and personal identification inside your shirt pocket.

Information and tips about elk hunting are regular features inside the Elk Foundation’s bi-monthly member magazine, Bugle. An annual membership, which includes a subscription and base-level support for RMEF habitat conservation efforts, is $35. To join, call 800-CALL ELK or visit www.rmef.org.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.6 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at http://www.rmef.orgor 800-CALL ELK.

Good stuff, I think.  Horses are wonderful animals, and I don’t think anything compares to the experience of riding horseback through elk country.  However, lack of preparation can make a horsepacking trip into pure, physical torture.  It’s not quite as simple as it looks on TV.  Physical and mental preparation are requisite, or you’ll be aching in places you didn’t even know you had. 

It can also be dangerous.  They seem sweet and gentle, but horses are still 1000 pounds of bone and muscle, driven by a prey animal’s brain.  Stuff happens fast, and a little prep time in a local arena can help prepare you for those sudden, trailside rodeos.  Your guide or wrangler can help avoid the worst problems, but it’s also up to you to pay attention and do what they tell you.

A key point is to ask your outfitter BEFORE you go, and then pay attention to what he/she tells you!  NEVER GUIDE THE GUIDE!  They are the experts, and that’s what you’re paying your hard-earned money for… their expertise. 

Good luck to all you wapiti hunters this year.  I look forward to reading your stories and seeing your pictures, so please don’t be shy… send them to me here at the Hog Blog, and maybe I’ll even make you famous.