State Forest Pig Hunting

[GerardV]

This summer I would like to try my hand at pig hunting in some of the NSW State Forests. I've never hunted pigs before and frankly know very little about them, other than what I could find online which seemed to focus on QLD/NT.

If anyone has any pointers on this, it would be appreciated.

 

[R.M.C.]

Look for sign, mud rubbed on trees, wallows, and the unmistakable marks in sod they make with their snout . Hunt near fresh sign and you should luck into some if there are good numbers in the area. Good luck and make sure you post pics!!!

 

[Chris S]

Nsw state forest can be hit and miss, do your research on what forest regularly have pigs harvested by checking those harvest reports. I also assume your hunting with rifle/stalking and not with dogs. Most of the pigs that come out of state forest are likely to be taken with dogs (where allowed).I have not done well on pigs in state forest though I am usually chasing deer or goats and not pigs. Don’t let that discourage you though there a few forest with a lot of pig sign. Probably the best tip for state forest hunting in general is get off the roads and trails or any where easily accessible, if you do the hard yards there is lots of game to be found in some forests.

 

[GerardV]

Thanks for the info gents.

@Chris S I will be hunting with a rifle and no dogs.
I recently saw a lot of pig activity on Singleton training area but that is much more open than a state forest. Is there a particular time of year more suited to pig hunting?

 

[Chris S]

I’m from Brisbane so most of my hunting in NSW forest is done in the New England region. I have seen pigs in a couple of forests but not in great numbers, but again I am generally not looking for pigs. I have seen lots of pig sign in some forests with areas the size of football fields turned over. Summer is probably as good a time as any (in the forest I have hunted) as the deer hunters have packed their rifles away by then and the forests are less pressured. In summer or as it gets hotter your likely to find pigs closer to water trying to escape the heat during the day. It will probably make them a little easier to hunt if you find the right water ways, creeks and streams to stalk along during the day.

 

[Dr Ray]

Pig hunting
They have poor eye sight but have a very very good sense of smell
Use a medium caliber

I shoot pigs in shoulders
- to immobilize
- the bullet will puncture the lungs

These days I use a 270 but a 243 is fine
If the pigs are mud covered then try for a head shot
I’ve had Bullets in 243 disintegrate on thick mud covered pigs
Suggest that if you wish to handle wild pigs be careful of getting bugs
If cooking make sure you cook thoroughly and suggest have the internal temperature reach at least 70 degrees Celsius (I think) for ten minutes- check this
Some pigs may carry tape worm or brucellosis

 

[Chris S]

I might add I would be very cautious about eating pigs out of state forest as a lot of the forests in NSW are 1080 baited as are neighbouring properties.

 

[CBH Australia]

G'day @GerardV and @Chris S

From another Aussie.

I'm out West but good luck with your Forest hunts. Just remember it's Hunting, we don't get lucky everytime.

 

[CBH Australia]

@Dr Ray
Did you just prescribe a .243 for hunting. You know Cheeky Bob is going to go ape.

Good advice on Barbecue tips

 

[Dr Ray]

@Dr Ray
Did you just prescribe a .243 for hunting. You know Cheeky Bob is going to go ape.

Good advice on Barbecue tips

I hope so

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

This summer I would like to try my hand at pig hunting in some of the NSW State Forests. I've never hunted pigs before and frankly know very little about them, other than what I could find online which seemed to focus on QLD/NT.

If anyone has any pointers on this, it would be appreciated.

@GerardV
The only way to hunt them is feet on the ground. The more you know the area the better your chances.
With pigs always expect the unexpected they will turn up in the most unlikely places at the most unlikely times.
Use the right caliber anything from 25 cal up. Anything smaller and you will just piss them off and lose wounded game. My son loves the 308 for them, drops them no wuckers.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Thanks for the info gents.

@Chris S I will be hunting with a rifle and no dogs.
I recently saw a lot of pig activity on Singleton training area but that is much more o

pen than a state forest. Is there a particular time of year more suited to pig hunting?

@GerardV
I wouldn’t be shooting the Singo training area but ther are pigs around that area and right out to nundle, Merriwa and mudgee areas.
The state Forrest around Oberon has been good for big pigs in winter if you are game.
Where are you from. If you are up singleton way your only an hour from me
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Pig hunting
They have poor eye sight but have a very very good sense of smell
Use a medium caliber

I shoot pigs in shoulders
- to immobilize
- the bullet will puncture the lungs

These days I use a 270 but a 243 is fine
If the pigs are mud covered then try for a head shot
I’ve had Bullets in 243 disintegrate on thick mud covered pigs
Suggest that if you wish to handle wild pigs be careful of getting bugs
If cooking make sure you cook thoroughly and suggest have the internal temperature reach at least 70 degrees Celsius (I think) for ten minutes- check this
Some pigs may carry tape worm or brucellosis

@Dr Ray
You must have used the 243 when it came out with all that hype and bullshit how good it was.
At least you realized the error of your ways and went with the 270.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

@Dr Ray
Did you just prescribe a .243 for hunting. You know Cheeky Bob is going to go ape.

Good advice on Barbecue tips

@CBH
Chris The Doc realised the error of his ways and went the 270. Unlike your lovable self that was that mean to his wife he actually bought her a horrible little 243 in muddy girl so it looks good. You did this knowing how useless that cartridge is and you wanted to finish the game off for her.
You should have brought her a 7mm-08 that is a more capable round for pig and give her confidence in her rifle and herself. Instead you got her that pissant 243.
When I get the chance to meet you I am going to use her 243 for a bloody tomato stake and give your beautiful long suffering wife your 7mm-08.
Bob

 

[Dr Ray]

@Dr Ray
You must have used the 243 when it came out with all that hype and bullshit how good it was.
At least you realized the error of your ways and went with the 270.
Bob

Ha
I found the 243 using 90 grain Speer Bullets worked fine!!

 

[Dr Ray]

@CBH
Chris The Doc realised the error of his ways and went the 270. Unlike your lovable self that was that mean to his wife he actually bought her a horrible little 243 in muddy girl so it looks good. You did this knowing how useless that cartridge is and you wanted to finish the game off for her.
You should have brought her a 7mm-08 that is a more capable round for pig and give her confidence in her rifle and herself. Instead you got her that pissant 243.
When I get the chance to meet you I am going to use her 243 for a bloody tomato stake and give your beautiful long suffering wife your 7mm-08.
Bob

Oh my I have started a word war!!

 

[CBH Australia]

Bob,
She is very happy with the .243. The short stock suits her and the .243 does ok.
Her favourite we quarry are foxes. Someone told her they eat Echidnas so she has Foxes in her sights.
Sha has used my 7-08 on pigs because it also story stocked.
She can borrow this, I have others

 

[GerardV]

@GerardV
I wouldn’t be shooting the Singo training area but ther are pigs around that area and right out to nundle, Merriwa and mudgee areas.
The state Forrest around Oberon has been good for big pigs in winter if you are game.
Where are you from. If you are up singleton way your only an hour from me
Bob

Hi Bob, thanks for the info. I am Sydney-based, will do a bit of research on the forests you mentioned and hope for the lockdown to be lifted soon.

I'll likely run my CZ550 FS in 6.5 Swede, otherwise my .308.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Bob,
She is very happy with the .243. The short stock suits her and the .243 does ok.
Her favourite we quarry are foxes. Someone told her they eat Echidnas so she has Foxes in her sights.
Sha has used my 7-08 on pigs because it also story stocked.
She can borrow this, I have others

@CBH Australia
Chris give your wife some lovin mate and get her a 260 barrel for her muddy girl.
Very easy to neck up those 43 cases to 6.5mm, it's only half a mill but what a difference.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Hi Bob, thanks for the info. I am Sydney-based, will do a bit of research on the forests you mentioned and hope for the lockdown to be lifted soon.

I'll likely run my CZ550 FS in 6.5 Swede, otherwise my .308.

@GerardV
Have a look at the DPI website it will list all the state Forrest on the nsw map and what game is in them and if you can use a light or just day hunt. Youl we I'll need an R licence to hunt them tho.
What part of Sydney are you in.
Bob