Texas Hog Hunting
A few months ago, I was invited to go on a Wild Hog hunt in Texas. This is something that has been on my list of trips for quite a few years. We have never been able to get a group together that worked out to go. Also, without ever going I was nervous about who to go with for a guide or outfitter.
Lucky the group that was going had been down to the area a few times already and had nothing but good things to say about the whole experience. So, dates where set and plans made to head south Mid-April.
The drive from my house took around 14 hours and had us staying in Turkey, Texas at HOTEL TURKEY (hotelturkeytexas.com) This place is a true piece of Texas history and is on the Historical Registry. We arrived Sunday late afternoon, we had just missed a Sunday midday BBQ, but they still got us set up with some awesome Brisket Sandwiches and chips. Great hospitality all around.
The hunt was set for two nights, starting basically at dark and running till around 5 am. each night. Monday allowed for time for relaxing and checking out the area before or hunt started that evening. The town of Turkey has a lot of history and one of the big things is it is the home of Bob Wills, who was the king of western swing. Each year Turkey hosts BOB WILLS DAY – follow me to turkey, texas. We missed it by a couple weeks but it sure sounds like it would be a great time.
Monday afternoon we drove out to tour Caprock Canyons State Park & Trailway — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. This is a State Park that is about 16 miles from Turkey. The landscape really changes once you enter the park. There is a herd of buffalo free grazing throughout the park along with lots of other wildlife to see. We took the road tour through the park and got on a couple trails to do a little hiking. Took in some great views and got some good pictures.
Monday evening, we headed out to meet up with one of the guides for High Plains Hunts. Once we got loaded up and rolling it didn't take long to get in the action. They use Night Vision to drive blacked out with the vehicle and thermal to locate the groups of hogs. Within the first hour and a half we were on our first group of hogs. Once they are spotted you try to sneak as close as possible and line up as a group to get the shot. The first group of pigs was probably around 20 or so and we managed to get 6.
These hogs cause massive crop damage and spread disease. There numbers are very high and hard to control. Hunting is one way to help slow the spread.
Throughout the night we encountered several other groups of hogs and as a group total, we put down 18 for the night. Our guide did an excellent job of finding hogs and putting us in the right position for the best shot opportunities.
(87) Invasive Hog Elimination #hunting #headshot #shorts #farming #thermal #texas #6.8spc - YouTube
Tuesday evening had us back out covering some different ground. Tonight, our guide was Jeremy Simpson who is also the owner of Home | High Plains Hunts. His goal is to get you as many opportunities as possible and also get you as close as possible to the hogs. We covered the ground and found pigs within a short period. We managed a couple larger lone boars and also found a couple larger groups later in the night.
(87) Texas Wild Hog Hunting with Thermal Rifles and Drone - YouTube
Lots of action from start to finish with the whole experience and a lot was learned. For a two-night total as a group we managed 32 pigs. I would estimate that we saw over 250 pigs total for the trip.
If a Hog Hunting trip is on your list these guys for sure get my vote. We are already planning our next trip.
Life is Now- Live it
Nathan Owen
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