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Thoughts on Boar hunting
By John Michaels
Figuring out that you want to hunt boar is
the easy part.
Finding out where and how you want to hunt boar can be very mind-
boggling. Their are so many outfitters and preserves competing for
your dollars that it can be nearly impossible to sort out all the
facts. When I started my search for a guided boar hunt, I compiled
a list of outfitters from the backs of magazines. I also went to
the sportsman show when it came to my area, talking to every
outfitter that offered a guided boar hunt.
I studied this list in several different ways. I looked at
it from the standpoint of the services provided, from a locality
standpoint, and from a price standpoint. I live in Ohio, and found
several guides in my home state. There were twelve qualified
outfitters within eight travel hours of my home. Finding this out
was easy. I sent a request for information to every outfitter that
met my qualifications.
Setting your standards for this hunting experience is a
totally personal matter. If you are willing to get a hotel room
instead of lodging at the outfitters camp or lodge, that broadens
the range of possibilities. Do you want to hunt in a fenced preserve
or would you rather hunt hogs on their own turf? Do you want to hunt
with hounds or would you rather hunt from a stand, or even still-hunt
your way into range? What type of weapon do you wish to hunt with?
All of these questions need to be answered before you can decide on
even a general hunting location. It can be helpful to write any
questions you have down and call each outfitter that interests you,
asking them these questions. Make sure that any concerns you have
are answered to your satisfaction before you put a deposit with the
guide. Most guides do not refund deposits. After getting the answers
to your questions, study the information carefully. It would not pay
to make an investment in your memories with an outfitter that you
are not comfortable with.
After gathering the information I needed, it was easy to make
my decision. I first weeded out the outfitters that would require more
than four hours of traveling. This left four outfitters. Three of
these were in my home state of Ohio. I then started calling references
for each of the remaining guides. They each had good stories to relate
about the hunts they participated in. During this time, I was working
on finding a suitable load for the rifle I would be hunting with.
While speaking to the owner of a gun shop about a load for hog hunting,
he asked where I planned on going. I told him I had not made my
decision yet. He then proceeds to tell me about a hunt he took at a
preserve that was one of my remaining choices. He gave the guides
and services top marks. This unsolicited reference made my decision
easy. I went with White Oak Exotic Hunting Preserve. It was very
reasonably priced, located two hours south of my home, and had been
recommended not only by the references given to me by the owner, but
also by someone not on the owner's list.
The keys to setting up a grand hunt are standards, research,
and an open mind. Things may not be as you picture them in your minds
eye, but they are usually more than acceptable. Good Luck, and Happy
Hunting!!
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