Three weeks ago several friends and myself went hog hunting not too far from where I live. After several hours of hunting we finally got some action. The dogs struck and bayed after a short chase. My dog, Dogo and me got on the scene a bit late as I had to get him out of the dog box on the atv.

By the time I got there My friend Dennis had a sow down on the ground and the dogs were beginning to go off on other hogs. As we approached Dogo jumped a piglet out of the brush and it circled Dennis and sow twice, with Dogo in pursuit. I was off maybe twenty yards and saw Dogo give up the pursuit and latch on to the sow Dennis had in custody. This set Dennis off with pleas for me to get Dogo off the sow. Not good form for Dogo, but I guess he decided to take the easy mark.

The piglett mean time was leaving the area and at about 20-25 yards I took a shot at him with my .41 Ss&W Mountain gun, but missed. I sent another his way double action as the piglett was about to disappear from view. I was sure I'd missed that shot as well.

After removing Dogo from the sow I found the little piglett in the bushes. The bullet had caught the little bugger along its flank and caught enough of the shoulder to put it out of commission. It was quite a little and probably weighed 5-6 lbs.

No pictures unfortunately as the camera got smashed in the hunt somewhere.


Last Monday on another hunt, my friend Neal and myself had a pretty good chase going when the dogs got a hog stopped. We had seen some pigletts running around so we were sure it was a sow. We kind of snuck in hoping not to spook the animal as we came in. When we got 15 yds or so, we saw a pretty good boar that had busted up a catahoula pretty good.

Neal was going to shoot the boar with his .22 mag. but I disuaded him from doing so, and he let me put a little more horsepower on the situation. I aimed for the base of the skull and neck and at the shot the boar dropped like his legs had been chopped off. Neal went up and put one in his ear with his .22. He was a fair sized hog with smallish tusk, the kind that will really get you. They were razor sharp and pointy as a knife.



Yesterday after a really long chase on some hogs that would not stand and fight, but ran their butts off my son-in-law killed a small boar with a running shot with his .38. The bullet caught the hog at 20 yds or so in the head. A really great shot that finally put that hunt to rest. Good thing too, cause we were all tired by then.

Congratulations! Good job with the hogs and nice pictures

Looks like a REAL good time! Thanks for the play by play.
Me thinks it may be time to load up the chainsaws and head south for some Hurricane Relief.
Between the OP, JWP475, and Whitworth, excuses for getting toward The Gulf seem to keep rolling around the ol noggin.
Between clearing trees and hogs, should be a good physical fittness program. Maybe I can get a doctors excuse...............
Hot Rodded Big Bores for both.!!!!!!!!!!!!
.

Nice work, Larry! Thanks for posting the pics and the blow-by-blow! Just don't tell anyone that a .38 Special was used, because it evidently doesn't meet minimum "energy" requirements -- and it's a good a thing the hogs killed with said caliber don't know that!

Well, we have so many experts on the subject lurking around; the hogs do not need to worry about such.

Which reminds me, I need to return to my pinky exercises which will allow me to properly hold my cup of tea. Where are the crumpets?! So hard to find good domestic help these days.

Thanks for the comments on my post and pics to all.

To .257x50, I have had enough of hurricanes and clean ups, so I have left the land of my birth, and moved up to the great north land of S. Arkansas to a place of strange terrain and exotic peoples. Actually home insurance rates went a long way to running us out, and a grandson living in Ar. Oh if you're looking for exercise you can join me in my little program of following the dogs, it beats a treadmill for excitement.

I guess you guys have something going on concerning the .38 for hunting. The loads son-in-law are using are mine for his revolver and are loaded on the warm side, I'd not use them in a J frame or at least not often.

We do find hogs that we'd no doubt would lose if not for the dogs, that were taken with our handguns. Heck, I've lost quite a few with rifles of various calibers without dogs, hogs just don't leak like they should.

Crumpets?

Again thanks to all for your comments.

Regards,
Larry

Larry,

The photos and story are great. Appreciate you posting. I made an off-hand comment about shooting a deer with a .38 Special and thought I was going to be crucified for it. So, it's a running joke.

Crumpets; well, let's just say I am mocking dla.

Thank you again for your kind remarks. My Son-in-law has had about as much success with his .38 as anybody else we hunt with. Of course on a large hog most handguns are a bit light especially as many shots are hurried, to make a connection before the hogs move or a dog gets in the way.

Son-in-law is a very good shot, especially on running game, and the dogs are there to provide tracking services as needed.

Some of these hunts sometimes turn into something of a redneck social event, and hunters turn up toting all sorts of weapons. If I have enough notice, I try to avoid these.

Oh yeah almost forgot, he has used his .38 with success on deer, sorry if that upset's some, but it is factual. But deer here are plentifull, and one can pick his shots with care.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Of course on a large hog most handguns are a bit light especially as many shots are hurried, to make a connection before the hogs move or a dog gets in the way.

Larry, I've shot 'em with my big-bore rifles and I've shot 'em with my big-bore handguns, and the revolvers often put 'em down even faster. I don't feel like I am giving anything up with my revolvers. No replacement for placement!

Nice work! Congratulations!

When it comes to big bore handguns I must bow to your experience as I have none. I have no difficulty believing what you say on the matter, as I have viewed some of your post, and the autopsies look very convencing. Plus those big barrels give you somewhere to go if it rains. I believe we have already covered it somewhere, but for hogs especially, complete pass throughs are the goal for bullets regardless of caliber. Then again, one must be able to shoot those cannons accurately or no gain is achieved. Honestly I don't know if I fit in that catagory or not. I am not bothered much by recoil of large rifles, but handguns I don't know.

I had an envie for the large ruger caliber once, but it never happened. And I've at this time gotten over it, being satisfied that what I'm using will suffice if I do my part, and knowing that the dogs will back me up if need be.

There is no doubt that there is no replacement for displacement, both my motorcylces are 1900s.

When I was a little kid, I got a Red Rider BB gun. Where I lived there was only one rabbit that I knew of. I shot him many times and learned his movements so if I kicked it out I could run to where it came around. I would be there when it hopped to me and I would shoot it again.
This went on for 3 or 4 months.
Then one shot killed it. The poor thing jumped up and down like crazy until it died. I hit it behind the eye. My fun was gone, never found another rabbit.
I now recommend a Red Rider for rabbit hunting because the proper hit will work.
I recommend a .38 for big game up to elephant because the proper hit will work!
Gee, I wish I was that good, might go back to the BB gun for deer.
Hitting running animals in the exact right spot with a toy, every shot, yeah, sure. Wonder just how many animals are running around with boolits in them. Lots of deer, just keep shooting them and one will die I guess!

Thanks for sharing your experience with your rabbit.

I'll pass on your remarks to my Son-in-law, I'm sure he will give it the consideration it deserves.

Larry Matherne;
Well said. I'll buy the first beer for that one.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Thanks for sharing your experience with your rabbit.

I'll pass on your remarks to my Son-in-law, I'm sure he will give it the consideration it deserves.

Larry, it's a matter of ethics. Is your son-in-law using enough BB gun?

Really there are two things to consider. Does the said load offer enough penetration to get to and through the vitals? Two, can you place the shot reasonably well? If so, you will have a dead animal on your hands. A miss with a .500 Linebaugh is still a miss, and a poorly placed shot with a .500 Linebaugh is still a poorly placed shot, no matter the diameter of the hole.

Just thought I would put that out there.

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Thanks for sharing your experience with your rabbit.

I'll pass on your remarks to my Son-in-law, I'm sure he will give it the consideration it deserves.

Larry, it's a matter of ethics. Is your son-in-law using enough BB gun?

It is indeed, I will have to ponder on the subject. However even if the BB guns are not up to the task, my back up always is.



Meet Dogo, a hundred pounds of teeth and muscle, he can finish whatever I start with a handgun.

quote:

Originally posted by 257x50:
Larry Matherne;
Well said. I'll buy the first beer for that one.

No, let me buy!

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:

quote:

Originally posted by Whitworth:

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Thanks for sharing your experience with your rabbit.

I'll pass on your remarks to my Son-in-law, I'm sure he will give it the consideration it deserves.

Larry, it's a matter of ethics. Is your son-in-law using enough BB gun?

It is indeed, I will have to ponder on the subject. However even if the BB guns are not up to the task, my back up always is.



Meet Dogo, a hundred pounds of teeth and muscle, he can finish whatever I start with a handgun.

He's beautiful, Larry!!

Yes he is, thanks.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
When I was a little kid, I got a Red Rider BB gun. Where I lived there was only one rabbit that I knew of. I shot him many times and learned his movements so if I kicked it out I could run to where it came around. I would be there when it hopped to me and I would shoot it again.
This went on for 3 or 4 months.
Then one shot killed it. The poor thing jumped up and down like crazy until it died. I hit it behind the eye. My fun was gone, never found another rabbit.
I now recommend a Red Rider for rabbit hunting because the proper hit will work.
I recommend a .38 for big game up to elephant because the proper hit will work!
Gee, I wish I was that good, might go back to the BB gun for deer.
Hitting running animals in the exact right spot with a toy, every shot, yeah, sure. Wonder just how many animals are running around with boolits in them. Lots of deer, just keep shooting them and one will die I guess!

Consistent as always, digging a hole for yourself

quote:

Posted 16 March 2011 00:09 Hide Post
Yes he is, thanks.


Je me souviens aussi

With a great dog like that, all you need is a knife for pigs.

If what I had was a 38 I would have no trouble hunting hogs wth it I would just have to wait for the shot.

That said I like useing my 44 with a 315 gr at 1250fps knocks down and kills hogs really well.

Heck I would hunt them with a 22 if I had too I think I could place the shot in the right place.

I wouldn't kill as many because they would have to be under 20 yards standing with a good view of the head. But then I have had plenty do just that.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:

quote:

Posted 16 March 2011 00:09 Hide Post
Yes he is, thanks.


Je me souviens aussi

With a great dog like that, all you need is a knife for pigs.

I kill many more with a knife than I do a firearm.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
When I was a little kid, I got a Red Rider BB gun. Where I lived there was only one rabbit that I knew of. I shot him many times and learned his movements so if I kicked it out I could run to where it came around. I would be there when it hopped to me and I would shoot it again.
This went on for 3 or 4 months.
Then one shot killed it. The poor thing jumped up and down like crazy until it died. I hit it behind the eye. My fun was gone, never found another rabbit.
I now recommend a Red Rider for rabbit hunting because the proper hit will work.
I recommend a .38 for big game up to elephant because the proper hit will work!
Gee, I wish I was that good, might go back to the BB gun for deer.
Hitting running animals in the exact right spot with a toy, every shot, yeah, sure. Wonder just how many animals are running around with boolits in them. Lots of deer, just keep shooting them and one will die I guess!

Wow, you must have been the envy of all the other little mouth-breathers in the cave; what with a new BB gun over stones and sharpened sticks and bones. Must have been the model with the extra heavy springs for dinosaur. Were you able to get a painting on the cave wall showing the exact location to shoot a rabbit for those who came behind you?

quote:

With a great dog like that, all you need is a knife for pigs. tu2



I kill many more with a knife than I do a firearm.

Now how did I know you would have done that? You have my respect and a hand shake.

quote:

Wow, you must have been the envy of all the other little mouth-breathers in the cave; what with a new BB gun over stones and sharpened sticks and bones. Must have been the model with the extra heavy springs for dinosaur. Were you able to get a painting on the cave wall showing the exact location to shoot a rabbit for those who came behind you?

Actually I would pull the rear sight to remove the spring and stiffen it. Ever try to put one back together? But I never reached the super power of a .38!
Come to think of it, I don't think the .38 was invented yet when I was a kid!

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:

quote:

With a great dog like that, all you need is a knife for pigs. tu2



I kill many more with a knife than I do a firearm.

Now how did I know you would have done that? You have my respect and a hand shake.

All's good, respect and handshake back at you.

I'm still a bit concerned about your BB gun, Larry.

Forget the BB gun and remember the dog.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:
Forget the BB gun and remember the dog.

LOL!

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Matherne:

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:

quote:

With a great dog like that, all you need is a knife for pigs. tu2



I kill many more with a knife than I do a firearm.

Now how did I know you would have done that? You have my respect and a hand shake.

All's good, respect and handshake back at you.

I find it amusing when someone makes light of anothers choice of weapon and then makes bogus assumptions about them

I say as long as you are happy with the 38 then stay with it. The load and the shooters acuracy is the most important part anyway

JWP, your last two posts confuse me to no end. I have no idea where your going. They are either personal or you have gone senile on us.

I always have thought about trying that with a knife.

What model knife are you holding whats the blade lenght on it.

looks like it could do the job well.


maybe a bigger, longer, sharper, tougher knife is needed.

I bought the knife on ebay from an outfit called Numade. It's a suri with a 9" blade, they called it an S bowie if I remember correctely. It has a very stout blade, and is well suited for the task I purchased it for. It is however heavy for a knife. Any bigger and longer I would not be able to walk with it.

Seriously don't try it without a GOOD catch dog.

quote:

Originally posted by bfrshooter:
JWP, your last two posts confuse me to no end. I have no idea where your going. They are either personal or you have gone senile on us.

Where is the mirror when you need one???

For sure on not trying it with out a good dog

quote:

Posted 17 March 2011 03:53 Hide Post
I bought the knife on ebay from an outfit called Numade. It's a suri with a 9" blade, they called it an S bowie if I remember correctely. It has a very stout blade, and is well suited for the task I purchased it for. It is however heavy for a knife. Any bigger and longer I would not be able to walk with it. Smiler

Seriously don't try it without a GOOD catch dog.

That is a fine hunting tool!
I detect some here would want to shorten it, lighten it or some other nonsense so it would be as good as a .38 with swagged wad cutters!
Too bad I no longer have my BB gun, be worth a fortune for those running shots on piggies.
Can't you fells just wait for JWP's next comment?
Yeah, I like the guy but can't resist poking him in the ribs again!

Yeah, but he pokes back harder.

I just don't understand how a knife can kill as it doesn't reach the magic velocity......

quote:

Posted 17 March 2011 18:51 Hide Post
Yeah, but he pokes back harder.

I just don't understand how a knife can kill as it doesn't reach the magic velocity...... dancing

Now just how many years have I tried to get you into archery? With near 250 bow kills, I have not learned it is wrong yet!
I have to wonder why your .44, .475 and .500 JRH work so perfect!
I warned you before, I can load your rounds so they go "POOP" and bounce off!
I can see many bottles of single malt offered to correct your loads.

So that means you will actually load the ammo and not make me do it? You're on! That includes my favorite part, lubing the bullets.

You know good and well, you wouldn't even know the velocity of any of your loads if I didn't insist that we chronograph occasionally. If they were turning 1,100 fps would they still be hitting the magic velocity -- despite the fact that they are accurate and they kill well? 1,350 is an arbitrary number that just happens to coincide with some of our loads.

You can keep the stick and string. Not enough noise and chaos for me.