The bad news: Quail and other seasons are almost over.
The good news: Wild boar season stays open all year.
Bag limits are higher for the 1995/96 season. Many hunters believe Spring to be the best season for boar hunting.
Recently we have received very positive reports regarding boar populations and numbers. We expected such a development. Let's hope for a bountiful spring hunt.
Here are some excerpts from reports we received:
"I have been hunting pigs in California quite a bit lately on public land and found a lot of signs. Also contact the Department of Fish and Game. They have a lot of info."
"On Labor Day this year, I went on a guided hunt down to King City with guide Tom Willoughby. On that hunt I shot 2 hogs in the 175lb range and had one mounted. There is a lot of hogs around that area, but most of the land is private. Now I have hunted around Indian Valley reservoir in August and found a lot of sine and heard some hogs, but it's really brushy. As far as populations of hogs go I am not sure, but I have heard people are seeing more hogs on public land more than ever, and people are seeing hogs in places were they haven't been seen before."
RMccull November '95
We received similar positive reports from other hunters, especially with regard to wild boar populations on military bases. It appears that wild boar around Santa Barbara are also steadily expanding their range.
We just received a very interesting piece of e-mail which was sent to us after someone in Italy came across our "pig page" and then read an excerpt from our book "Wild Boar in California - where and how to hunt".
I make reference in this book to my days as a child in Europe and the stories about wild European boar and boar hunting. Folks, we are talking European or Russian boar. No feral pigs spoken here. Most wild boar hunters will most likely agree with us that hunting the wild boar in California is a very exciting and challenging hunt because of the elusiveness of the quarry and of the danger associated with a cornered or injured wild boar.
Imagine hunting truly wild boar in one of their native habitats. Well, it is possible provided one has the financial means to do so. Read the following excerpts from the e-mail we received:
"Attention: Peter Jaeckle Ph.D.
After discovering your wonderfully informative article on boar hunting in California, we see that we have something that may be of interest to you. At the moment the wild boar hunting season is in full swing. Hunters from all over the world are flocking to Tuscany to experience what you experienced as a child in Europe.
The "cinghiale" hunting in Italy is a vital part of the culture found throughout the countryside in Tuscany. At the moment we are researching and preparing a week long hunt for American hunters in Tuscany. The hunters will stay in the restored castle owned by a well-known noble family from Florence. The reserve is a perfect location to introduce huntsman to Tuscany. The natural beauty of the Maremma is truly undiscovered by most Americans.
We are hoping that you may be able to give us some ideas...Have you been to Tuscany for a boar hunt? ....Do you believe there is a market for this type of hunt? You may reach us by writing to:
P.F.O.
Via Dei Serragli, 134
50124 Firenze, Italia
We are looking forward to hearing from you. And thank you very much for all the information on wild boar hunts in California. We will be contacting a number of the guides and guide organizations shortly."
What do you think? Is there a market or isn't there one? Please e-mail us with comments and suggestions regarding this interesting letter from Italy.
If you want information faster than by Italian snail mail please send e-mail to us.
Copyright 1996 United Seabears Corp.