| Finally after a few months of planning we were | | | | perfect for this hunt. I have designed and made |
| ready for the hunt. We wanted to hunt wild hogs in | | | | some 185 grain TRI/CORS hoping to try then on a |
| Texas as that seemed the closest place except | | | | hog or two. Oh well no guarantees in hunting. |
| California. No way were we going to that socialist | | | | The weather was cool and windy which probably |
| paradise. Browsing the web sites took a lot of time | | | | didn't help. There was a morning frost while we were |
| but we wanted certain things so we went shopping. | | | | there. Maybe the hogs don't like to move in windy |
| There are a lot of hunting related sights that gave | | | | weather as it blunts their sense of smell and hearing. |
| good information. After many e-mails and calls we | | | | Wild hogs are cautious and spooky animals. By the |
| arrived upon a place that had everything we wanted | | | | way they are also very intelligent especially the older |
| including fast answers to our questions. Any time you | | | | ones. Also if you want turkey look no further as |
| contemplate a hunt I advise that you surf the web. | | | | they are popular game birds in Texas. They were all |
| It can save a lot of problems down the road by | | | | over the place and at one point I saw about 100 |
| taking a few hours to search for what you want in a | | | | birds. Of course they weren't in season but it was |
| hunt. | | | | enjoyable watching them. Like the turkeys Whitetail |
| Some of the questions you may ask are type of | | | | deer were in abundance and also a no no for hunting |
| lodging and food. You may want to check on what | | | | purposes as they were out of season. I did shoot a |
| weapons to bring as well as expected shooting | | | | couple with a camera at close range. Anytime you |
| ranges. In some cases there may be legal issues with | | | | are outdoors hunting, life is good. |
| the type of weapon you are thinking of bringing. | | | | We ended up shooting three Axis deer and a |
| Does the outfitter clean and take care of game? Are | | | | Blackbuck antelope all 1 shot kills. Ranges were from |
| there any special dietary needs or handicap provisions | | | | 25 to about 150 yards. Axis deer and Blackbucks are |
| if necessary? If so can the outfitter handle it? It's | | | | fairly small game weighing less then 100 pounds in |
| important to find out these things before you plunk | | | | most cases though Axis deer can get larger. Like all |
| down your hard earned cash. Price may be a | | | | deer their hearing is good and some stealth is |
| consideration in some cases as is cancellation | | | | required to bag one. We were hunting on 1700 acres |
| privileges in the event of an unforeseen emergency. | | | | located in central Texas so the game has plenty of |
| Letting the outfitter know these things up front will | | | | places to hide in the thick brush which is abundant. |
| enable him to make your hunt more enjoyable. Since | | | | The two amigos with me were new hunters but |
| my running gear is in poor shape I can appreciate a | | | | they did well due to good preparation. They spent a |
| considerate outfitter. On a non guided hunt you will | | | | lot of time getting to know their rifles and learning |
| check other things such as license requirements and | | | | bullet placement. Now they are hooked and can't wait |
| camping areas. If you don't know the lay of the land | | | | to go back. With the attacks on hunting it's always a |
| it's the only sensible way to go. You will need to | | | | good thing to get new people involved. |
| explore the area where you are going to hunt in | | | | There are several important things to be gained from |
| order to increase your chances of success. | | | | a good hunt. The game is important as success is |
| As I said boars were our primary target but they | | | | always sweet. By the way Axis deer is top notch |
| were very shy during the three day hunt. I saw one | | | | eating as good as any meat I have ever eaten. It |
| but he took off as soon as I saw him and the other | | | | ranks with Antelope and Elk, my two favorites, as |
| 2 amigos saw some the first night but were unable | | | | best meat. |
| to get off a shot. We were all carrying Model 03-A3 | | | | Satisfaction overall is also an important ingredient in a |
| Springfield's in the good ol 30-06 caliber. In spite of | | | | hunt. But the most important thing is meeting new |
| quite a few magnum rifles I own I feel that the | | | | people and making friends with them. Life is good |
| 30-06 is the best all around caliber adequate for 90 | | | | when you get to spend quality time with your |
| % of any hunting situation you are going to get into. | | | | amigos and make new friends at the same time. |
| They all have scopes from 3 to 4 power which was | | | | |