West Coast Pigs (or there abouts)?

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

I am trying to get TG pig experts to give me hunting areas (public land) where I can kill a pig.  I am in Washington State and we are a pig free zone.  I know California has pigs but don't know if they have them on public land.

I would be greatful for any help,

[moththerlode]

Michael .. plenty of pigs here (depending on area) and plenty public land , but not both together for the most part. Although Lake Sonoma is worth looking into. Most areas are along the coastal range. Although there are isolated pockets inland.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Thanks moththerlode, I was going to pay for a hunt a few years ago but then the economy went south so now I am just looking for public land.  I have some friends around Lake Sonoma so I will contact them about that.

Thanks again

[moththerlode]

I have been working in that area since March and shooting a range there after work. Pig sign everywhere.
The Lake Sonoma area is regulated within particular monthes, may be draw , not sure. Although locals probably have the skinny on more public land, most that I've talked to at the local shop there hunt private ranches.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

From what I understand, California doesn't require anything special to kill pigs except a general hunting licence, and I have seen Youtube vids on Lake Sonoma pig hunting so I am jazzed.  Also found Idaho pigs and same rule there, get a hunting licence and kill them.

This might be the year I get a pig.

[M60gunner]

You will need to buy a tag for each pig. I just bought one this morning at local Game &Fish office.
Have a good hunt.

[Bjorn]

License and pig tags required. The Lake Sonoma hunt is generally accessed by boat or canoe, and you will never be alone-but it is a great opportunity. Lake Sonoma is regulated by the Army Corps of Engineers, and believe me they have rules to define the season and which days you can hunt.
Like motherlode says it is tough to find hogs on public land and landowners rarely give you access for free.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

That's funny because Washington land owners give you free access for deer all the time.  I will check it out, I used to live in Vacaville so I can use it as an excuse to see some old friends if I can't get a hunt going.

[wapitirod]

Oregon has a pretty decent population going in Eastern OR just NE of Bend but it's mostly private property.  They have started helicopter culling but ODFW bioligist I've talked to say they are here to stay.  The southern coast also has a population established but hunting the coast can be a real pain.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

wapitirod, isn't the Northeast mostly mountains?

[Bjorn]

Northwest: I too have found the attitude of landowners in WA, OR, UT to be very hunter friendly-in most cases they hunt and/or understand hunting.
In CA you get a lot of absentees and city folk owners so the traditions are forgotten.
Wapiti is most likely talking about the area around Prineville? It is more central and not really East-should be very conducive to hogs.

[Northwest_Bowhunter]

Wapitirod, Bjorn... So do you think the Ochoco National Forest would have pigs?  That is a super easy one day trip for me and anywhere in that area would be beautiful country.

[Bjorn]

I hear they are there..........finding them may be trickier. Pigs roam quite a lot if they are not staying put in an area with lots of food and other pigs. Let us know how you make out and bring your camera.

[wapitirod]

they are on edges of the Ochoco unit.  If you know the area the are primarily found east of madras and then south to the post/paulina area.  That particular area has alot of hills and canyons but isn't up in the ochocos or blues but more in the lower ranch lands.  Up until a few years ago when the Oregonian ran an article about the pigs the ranchers would let you hunt them. The problem started after the article and there was a mass influx from the valley, especially the portland area and these idiots were knocking on doors at 3 and 4 in the morning to ask to hunt on the ranches.  That put an end to that.  There are pockets of blm and forest service land but I moved from Bend in 06 so I'm not sure where the best place to try would be.  I would put in a phone call to both ODFW and the Department of Agriculture offices in Prineville.  The Dept of Ag was actually in charge of the pig issue until the state realized they could make money by requiring a hunting license to kill them.

Bjorn, sounds like you know the area pretty well, how did you end up in Los Gatos?  I lived in San Jose til I was 12 but my Great Grand father back at one point owned a good portion of Los Gatos back in the 40's I believe.  Too bad the property didn't stay in the family I'd take everyone on a hunting trip!

[Bjorn]

Hey wapiti you are neighbors with John Strunk maybe-my son and I did a bowmaking class with John- had a great week, stayed in a very nice cabin by the ocean and ate crab every day.
Every place has it's ups and downs and Los Gatos has plenty of both!
We hunt some hogs here in california and the rest of the time out of state.

[wapitirod]

I'm going to have to go meet Mr. Strunk, I've never met him but I just looked it up and he's only about 5 minutes from me.

NB you might also check with the ODFW in Coos county as I understand their pig numbers are growing rapidly.