NV_ARCH3R
Active member
Looking for my next new hunting adventure. Anyone care to share any information on North or Central Californa public land hog areas??
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I used to do pretty well at New Idria and San Luis. Not so much interest and hunting pressure back in the day.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 guess I should have put that video linky...if you have a boat, Lake Sonoma has some XLNT opportunities.I used to do pretty well at New Idria and San Luis. Not so much interest and hunting pressure back in the day.
I've wondered about that area in the past as it's closest to the ocean so would be cooler. There are a number of springs in the mountains, and that would be ideal for pigs. If you look on the interactive BLM map and zoom in you will see that the BLM land is offset from Highway 1. Inland you can get access from 101, even Hunter-Ligget, but HL charges a yearly fee to hunt there. Watch that video I posted above from CDFW, it is quite good and Matt points out several areas that are good to target if you're looking for public land.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.
Yeah, that's exactly what I'm finding out. Also, people want a lot of money to let people hunt on their private land leases. That seems to be a racket in itself.Finding Pigs on public land is tough in Northern California.
I do hope to find some honey holes for myself.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 just signed up for OnX last week. I have been looking at the maps, trying to make a plan.You start with goHunt or OnX to highlight publicly accessible land where there might be pigs.
I need to understand how to tell BLM land easier.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.
Good tips. I watched a video of a guy over in the north coast and he had 2 pigs rooting on his property. That was the first I saw of pigs in Lake County, I have never seen them inside Buckingham, but have seen tons of deer and turkeys, peacocks, foxes, etc...same guy had a bear on his property. So there must be opportunities over on the cache creek side.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.
Indeed SJ is big, and it is centrally located for the pigs. I have a couple places in SLO area to checkout, and Monterey as well. Possibly the most pigs are taken on public land in these two areas."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.
I will probably spend more in time than anything else. I did find a place that will do a self guided pig hunt for $350, and help skin the pig and haul it back. If I pay, that will be what I opt for.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.
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.
Great, thanks so much!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.
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).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.
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 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).