Wild Boar Hunting: Relentless Pursuit with a Tripod
Gear up for an adrenaline-fueled adventure as we dive into the intense world of pig hunting! This isn't just a leisurely stroll in the woods (or, in my case, a mix of woods and open farmland)—it's a battle of wits and instinct. Armed with a sturdy tripod like the new KJI K950 w/ Nomad ball head, you'll elevate your game and take aim with precision.
My typical hunting ground lately has been a very open field farmed for hay. On my first day on the property, I like to walk around and find trails and rutting, which are clear signs of pigs. I also look at which directions I can take a shot, but most importantly, which directions I can't. I use GPS to track the property boundaries and get a good feel of the land.
Next, I'll find a few spots that would be the safest and best places to give me the greatest advantage of spotting pigs. I'll go to each spot and map out my direction of fire. On this specific farm, I found that the direct center of the property, facing north, is my best advantage point with a safe DOF. I call this my FFP, or final firing position. From this position, I have the best vantage point and can cover the most area. I can safely shoot from 320º NW to 90º E.
In the best state in the U.S., Texas, we don't have overly restrictive hunting laws, especially when it comes to hunting pigs. Pigs are 100% a go, year-round, with no minimum caliber. We can hunt pigs with anything and in any way we please.
Prepping the land
The wild pigs on this farm are causing an insane amount of damage, and they need to go! While I love the hunt and would love to do this for a lifetime, this is not my land. I was given the opportunity to hunt on the land to clear pigs. For me, it's free hunting, meat, and a chance to expand my skill set; for the farmer, it saves time and money, so it's a win-win.
To start the pre-hunting prep, I spread a small amount of apple-flavored corn along the northwest-to-northeast property treeline. I do this only for the aroma to attract the pigs. From about 500 yards from the treeline, I make a pile of apple-flavored corn, hog wild (strong fruit-smelling grain), and pig oil. My FFP is about 400 yards south-southwest of the pile.
The Hunt: Part 1
My hunting setup consists of two rifles. My main rifle is the Sig Cross 16" barrel in 6.5 Creedmoor in FDE (Flat Dark Earth), topped with the Sightmark Wraith Mini Thermal, a SilencerCo Specwar 7.62, and using hand-loaded Hornady SST 129 grain and a side-mounted Streamlight flashlight. My daytime rifle is a stock Ruger RPR .338 LM in FDE topped with the Arken EP-5 7-35x56.
I like to start my hunt about 2 hours before sundown. This gives me time to get to my FFP and let nature settle around me, giving wildlife time to adjust to my presence. My FFP is just inside an island of trees with tall grass, giving me the best option for shaded concealment. The different textures and colors of tall 8" dry grass, brown tree bark lightly covered in green moss, and shade are perfect for covering any movement and blending with my FDE rifles. I set up my Ruger RPR in the arca mounted KJI K950 with the Nomad ball head and start reading wind and working on a field card, so my D.O.P.E. is ready to go if a pig comes out before nightfall. Luckily, I have a slight wind of about 1-3 mph from my 12:00 o'clock, so I won't have to adjust for wind. This is also perfect, as my scent isn't blowing toward the tree line, so that the pigs won't smell me.
I'm roughly 900 yards from the tree line and 400 yards from the pile of corn. I'll set up my d.o.p.e. cards from 400 to 900 yards in 50-yard increments, noting the distance to specific field markers such as the small patch of grass at 460 yards. I then dial in my rifle to 6.1 mils at 900 yards, and the wait begins.
Unfortunately, nothing comes out.
Once night falls, I'll put up the Ruger RPR, and out comes the beautiful Sig Cross, AKA the Predator.
The Hunt: Part 2
The night is still and quiet, with a warm northern wind and the moon peeking out behind the clouds. The overcast sky sets the perfect amount of light not to cast a dark shadow once I'm on the move. After about an hour past sundown, I can see some hot spots in my Sightmark Wraith thermal right at the tree line, 900 yards from my position. I can't tell what it is, so I'll have to move in.
As I move, I have to find the balance between quickness and stealth. After quietly walking across the beautiful but rutted farmland about 100 yards, I glass the the movement. It's still there, but I still can't confirm what I'm seeing. I move closer again, 100 yards at a time. At roughly 600 yards, I can safely confirm I have a large group of pigs. I begin my stalk again, this time a little slower. At 300 yards, I can see they have no idea I'm there. I slowly creep to 200 yards. I'm only slightly out of breath from the excitement. The lightweight of the carbon fiber KJI K950 makes long walks super easy. As I watch the activity of the pigs, I find the biggest one in the pack. With the open center of the Mil-dot reticle in my thermal, I align the dot right at the back of the head. This has to be a 250—lbs pig. I slowly press the trigger, take up the slack in the two-stage trigger, and breathe out. On the exhale of my natural respiratory pause, I pull the trigger. Pfft. I can hear the bullet hit the pig thanks to the silencer. A clean headshot, and he's down with no movement at all.
The thrill of the chase is captivating as you track these elusive beasts. Every rustle in the underbrush ignites your senses, pushing you to stay sharp and ready. With your trusty tripod, you won't just be another hunter; you'll become a force to be reckoned with, poised to strike with the utmost precision when the moment is right.
Each hunt is a test of skill and determination. You're not just hunting for sport; you're engaging in a primal contest for survival. Leave timid strategies behind—embrace the chaos, adapt to changing conditions, and deliver a decisive blow against your prey. The wilderness is your arena, and with your tripod by your side, you're equipped to conquer it.
Unleash the hunter within!
The Overwatch
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