How to Hunt Pigs on VAFB?

[royc]

I was here six years ago and saw pigs the SFs had caught in cages, but haven't seen any out roaming.  Now that I'm going to be here a little longer, I'd really like to take advantage of the great outdoor opportunities here and hunt pigs year round.  I've seen quite a few deer, including one big 4 x 4 buck, bobcat, squirrels, rabbits, plover, but no pigs.  Can anyone recommend a good place to look?  To start, I'd like to stick to rifle areas as hand-loading copper for my rifle is a little more affordable, and I'm not comfortable with using the bow until I get a feel for how the pigs act/react, and how well I can cope.  I read that the best way to find pigs is to go out for a brisk walk pre-sunrise, preferably with a spotting scope and/or binocs, and watch for movement until they bed down, then stalk in.  Does that work here?  Are there any oak scrub stands they're eating on this time of year or other food supplies to hunt around?  I greatly appreciate any advice/information anyone is willing to share.  BTW, Dave, your story on the wildlife page is awesome, thanks for sharing. 

[alancrowder]

The best advice I can give is:  get up high an hour before sunset with a good pair of binos and glass.  Return to the same area time after time until you are familiar with every bush out there.  When you least expect it, something will look different. 

If you get a chance, come out to the club on Tuesday or Thursday and I'll show you a couple of spots on the map.  Ask for Alan.

[Dave Gray]

Welcome to the forum Roy! I'm glad you enjoyed my story. Alan's advice it right on. That's what I do. Getting out there and becoming familiar with your surroundings is best way to spot pigs. Even when you go into a new area and you have memorized the image likeness in your mind, you can spot the pigs fairly quickly. Just last last Friday evening I went to a new area I've never been to and it wasn't more than 15 minutes I spotted the back of pig. There were six in the bunch and I took lots close up pictures. I'll post them today.

[Fireguy79]

Roy,
I have to agree with mr. crowder. I have looked for places that to me would be either a good beddown or feeding area with open area around it. I then visit the place more than just once. I have also found it beneficial to talk to what I call the non-resident hunters at the BX. They often find the pigs take a shot, miss and never return to the area. I have found that the same pig will be back the next night. Last year I took my father in law hunting and he took a shot and missed, the next night same exact location my brother in law took a shot and missed, third night my turn, down pig. I love to hunt and now I am starting to video game and hunts. If you ever need a hunting partner or would like me to video a hunt I am almost always available.

[LHWBOXER#1]

Thanks!