Little Piggie for the Grill

[FOsteology]

I haven't killed a hog all year.... until last night. Haven't had as much time to hunt hogs as previous years. Time I do have for the field, has been spent trying to get my nephews on a good boar.

Finally had an opportunity to hunt for myself last night. A friend of mine has been having some trouble with the feral hogs rooting up a recently planted field. Last night just before midnight we crept out to the field and started glassing and spotted the hogs approx. 400 yards out. We slowly crept in to about 140 yards and I lined up on the biggest hog with my 30-06 shooting 180gr. Nosler Partitions.

Dropped him where he stood. Bullet entered the neck and exited the far shoulder. Dressing him out we found what was left of the 180gr. Nosler Partition under the hide. Blew the front half off and had tiny lead fragments peppered throughout the shoulder.

Boar tripped the scale at 192lbs.

Pretty clean boar and no strong smell, so he's going on the pit this weekend. 

[Head-shot]

Great job,  Thanks for posting the pics, I loved my texas hog hunt and would do it again in a minute.

[FOsteology]

Great thing about hunting hogs here in Texas..... no bag limits, any means is legal, and we can hunt them 24/7/365.

My favorite method is to use a pack of dogs. Nothing quite equals the excitement and adrenaline rush like hog doggin and slipping in amongst the fray and sticking a mean 'ol nasty boar with your knife. 

[Houndhunter]

how much you charge for hog hunts? and could i bring a dog or 2 with me? i've wanted to go hog hunting for a long time. we have a few here, but there so damn scattered its damn near impossible to find one

[FOsteology]

I'm neither a guide nor outfitter. However, there's lots of places to hunt hogs here in Texas.

Trouble is, not many years ago one was able to knock on doors and get permission to hunt hogs as they're so damn destructive and cost farmers and ranchers some serious coin every year . Now.... everyone wants $$. 

[Houndhunter]

oh i thought you might be a guide or somthin. i wont do a hog hunt for a few years anyway, but i just thought i could get some ideas rollin on where i would go. my uncle is going to georgia to hunt them here soon, but i dont wanna go that far. i might just settle for a rached hunt over in ea wash, but it wouldnt be the same as running the hounds then spearin the basterd

[popeshawnpaul]

I gotta ask.  What does a hog taste like?  I mean, do they taste like bacon and Jimmy Dean like domestic ones or is it gamey like venison?  Do people eat steaks or grind it all up?

This may also seem like a funny question, but are there hogs in WA?  I've never seen or heard of them, but Houndhunter stated there might be some scattered?  Sounds like fun to me.

[FOsteology]

There really is no way for me to compare/describe what feral hog tastes like as domestic swine doesn't hold a candle. Similar..... but better. I personally prefer feral hog over venison. Except Elk and Axis. 

You can process a feral hog just like a domestic pig. Make sausage links, pan sausage, chops, ribs, roasts, etc.

I typically sprinkle a liberal amount of fajita seasoning and smoke the ribs and shoulders until the meat falls off the bones.  Backstraps and tenders usually get marinated and grilled whole. But I have been known to slice the backstrap into steaks and make chicken fried. Hams I'll either muscle out and make cutlets or sometimes smoke them.

[FOsteology]

Some folks have asked to see a few more pictures of hogs:

[FOsteology]

Here's a pig one!






This hawg was easily 400+

[Head-shot]

Wow, nice job Will.

Looks like the boys are happy whackin hogs too. Cant wait till mine are old enough to go hog hunting. Thanks for posting.

[littletoes]

Always wanted to hunt hogs, great pics, thanks for posting them.

What age do they start "smelling"? Have always heard that they are a tough critter, with some tough shoulders, but don't realy need a magnum caliber for taking.

What part of Texas are you in? I've got family all over Texas, but only one uncle that use to hunt. Don't think he does much anymore. Kinda like most on this board, life gets in the way.

Are tags required? Or just a place to go?

These pics make me want to call that uncle of mine!

[FOsteology]

I'm East of San Antonio.

No tags. Hogs are considered vermin here in Texas. No bag limits, no restrictions (other than having a valid hunting license and permission if on private property), and can be taken any means 24/7/365.

The old boar hogs can be pretty rank.... and other factors aside from age I believe play a factor in their "smelling". However, my "education/knowledge" in this area is rather general.

Hogs are indeed a tough animal. They can soak up a considerable amount of lead. They grow what's called a "shield" in their shoulder and chest area. It's basically a thick layer of fat that resembles and has the consistency of the rubber in truck tires on the big old boars. This thick layer protects them as they're always fighting with one another jocking for position on food and the ladies.... This layer can be up to 3" thick...

This layer can and has been known to soak up bullets and prevent them from penetrating into the vitals. I prefer to shoot them in the spot between their eye and ear, or the neck. Even the biggest boar will drop like a ton of bricks. DRT

[Alchase]

Wow, cool pics, that first hog looks evil, lol.
What lever action are you shooting?
My smoker would be going year round.

[FOsteology]

.444 Marlin

From April through October my BBQ pit gets used extensively....