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Pig hunting in Florida
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Since I have to spend December until May here every year and shooting Iguanas off my back porch is frowned upon by the golfers, I was wondering if any of you guys had experience/suggestions for a pig hunting "safari" down here.
Any suggestions on guides/outfitters most appreciated.
The only centerfire I bring down here from WY to the end of US 1, is an AR in 223. Will that do the job or do I have an excuse to buy another rifle ?
Thanks much!
 
Posts: 801 | Location: Pinedale WY USA & Key West FL USA | Registered: 04 February 2011Reply With Quote
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A .223 will work fine if you shoot them in the ear. After that it comes down to bullet selection, bullet placement, and the size and alerted state of the pig. For body shots, my preference would be more gun, but with hunting bullets and not varmint bullets it will work, but you may have to track.

LWD
 
Posts: 2104 | Location: Fort Worth, Texas | Registered: 16 April 2006Reply With Quote
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Picture of Mike_Dettorre
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How do you feel about using a 223 on a 185 lb mule deer?


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10162 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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45-70 shooter:

I live in South Florida. I used to hunt a nice place around Lake Okeechobee but the owner sold the property last year. I went to "Hog Heaven" last month and left without shooting anything. I really wasn't interested in shooting a pig in a 2 acre pen. I will be at the DSC this week but will look around when I get back. I am definitely interested in shooting a couple of pigs. I will let you know what I come up with.
 
Posts: 887 | Location: Wichita Falls Texas or Colombia | Registered: 25 February 2011Reply With Quote
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AR15 in .223 is my gun of choice for feral hogs and have taken many hogs with it. PM me if your interested in some hog "culling" in S. Fla. Maybe we can work something out.
 
Posts: 120 | Location: South Florida | Registered: 08 July 2010Reply With Quote
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Picture of Buglemintoday
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.45-70 - I believe that Whitworth on here has hunted hogs in Florida and may be able to give you his 2c on the outfitter he had used.

I shot a decent sized feral (150-180lb) at 100 yards behind the shoulder with a Rem 700 CDL in .243 Win. It ran off and we never found it. The shot was perfect but that experience has led me to believe if you are culling them, shoot them in the head.

I've always wanted to shoot hogs behind the shoulder, as I am waiting to get a decent one for the wall and don't want to ruin the skull. If you are doing the hunt to help a rancher or for the meat, I would think the .223 would be fine for a headshot. I later sold that .243 and now use larger caliber rifles for behind the shoulder shots.



Of course, first I should say that this is a great opportunity to talk yourself into a new rifle. dancing


"Let me start off with two words: Made in America"
 
Posts: 3326 | Location: Permian Basin | Registered: 16 December 2006Reply With Quote
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I have shot well over 1,000 hogs with everything from a 17 HMR to a 500 NE. On relatively small hogs a 223 suffice. However, on anything of size including most boars, use a head shot only. I have seen 223 soft points fail to penetrate the shield on several occassions .
 
Posts: 12122 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike_Dettorre:
How do you feel about using a 223 on a 185 lb mule deer?


Really not sure what using a .223 on mule deer has to do with hog hunting in FL. Maybe you could explain.

But, in my native Colorado if you used a .223 on mule deer and got caught by the game warden it would be an expensive deer. It is illegal to use anything under .24 caliber on big game there. Not saying you can't take a big mule deer with a .223, but it would be illegal in Colorado.
 
Posts: 1039 | Location: Colorado by birth, Virginia by employment | Registered: 18 August 2012Reply With Quote
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Picture of Mike_Dettorre
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PL,

Happy to explain. Most people would agree that a quick humane kill is one of the obligations we have as hunters.

Most people would agree that choosing a cartridge for a hunt that is best limited to head shots is not a good idea.

Most people would agree that feral hogs are "tougher" than deer.

Most people would not choose a 223 as a deer rifle.

Rather than just answer the question, I proposed a question to 45-70 to help him come up with the answer on his own.

Will a 223 head shot kill a feral hog? Sure. Would I choose a cartridge for a hunt where based on my ethics I would have to limit myself to head shots? I would not.

I would add that many hogs are killed quite effectively by folks on this forum with head shots out of blinds over feeders. My interpretation of the OP was that 45-70 had no specific hunt location or type of hunt in mind as he was "looking" for a hunt.


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10162 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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Mike-Dettorre;

Fair enough. I was just curious. You explanation makes sense. Thanks.

I find myself in agreement with you. A .223 will work, but based on my experience with wild hogs, I'd want something bigger. I've seen the gristle plate over the front qtrs on a big boar hog be more than an inch and a half thick. I'm not sure a high velocity .22 bullet would have made it through to the vitals on that hog. But a 300 gr bullet from my 375 H&H sure did.

I've never understood why so many willingly choose a very light caliber for game that can be very tough when there are much better calibers available. As for myself, I tend to go heavy. Most my shooting these days is done with a 9.3x62 Mauser, a 375 H&H, a 54 caliber muzzleloader and a 12 gauge slug gun. When I hit them I want them to stay hit and to go down fast. Bigger calibers leave more room for error. but in the end bullet placement is key.

If someone wants to use a .223, and it is legal in that area, then they most certainly can. But they need to practice self control and only take the perfect shot. Not all hunters have that self control. That's why I like bigger calibers. I can get to the vitals from just about any angle.
 
Posts: 1039 | Location: Colorado by birth, Virginia by employment | Registered: 18 August 2012Reply With Quote
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Mike agree with you 100%, but all my medium and big bores are in the neighbor's vault in WY.
(know I shuda brought my DPMS 308 or Savage 9.3x62 !!!)

Suppose I could by a 450 socom upper but as my lower is carbon fiber that would concern me.

Some more questions, since the last hog I shot was in 1965 in Valdosta GA and it was a small
"cooker" at about 40 pounds. Old M 12 and slugs worked fine !
Are their seasons on them ?
What does an "outfitted" hunt cost ?
Non-resident licence needed ? cost ?
Any good outfitters you can suggest ?
Where in the state is the best hunting ?

Antelope, Mulies and Elk I know but insofar as pigs go I have DNS.

Thanks again!
 
Posts: 801 | Location: Pinedale WY USA & Key West FL USA | Registered: 04 February 2011Reply With Quote
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Hogs are not game animals under FL law. They can be hunted year round on private land.
 
Posts: 12122 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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Picture of Mike_Dettorre
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I would think 12 ga premium slugs (i.e.) copper coated slugs or solid copper would be good to 50-65 yds or so


Mike

Legistine actu quod scripsi?

Never under estimate the internet community's ability to reply to your post with their personal rant about their tangentially related, single occurrence issue.




What I have learned on AR, since 2001:
1. The proper answer to: Where is the best place in town to get a steak dinner? is…You should go to Mel's Diner and get the fried chicken.
2. Big game animals can tell the difference between .015 of an inch in diameter, 15 grains of bullet weight, and 150 fps.
3. There is a difference in the performance of two identical projectiles launched at the same velocity if they came from different cartridges.
4. While a double rifle is the perfect DGR, every 375HH bolt gun needs to be modified to carry at least 5 down.
5. While a floor plate and detachable box magazine both use a mechanical latch, only the floor plate latch is reliable. Disregard the fact that every modern military rifle uses a detachable box magazine.
6. The Remington 700 is unreliable regardless of the fact it is the basis of the USMC M40 sniper rifle for 40+ years with no changes to the receiver or extractor and is the choice of more military and law enforcement sniper units than any other rifle.
7. PF actions are not suitable for a DGR and it is irrelevant that the M1, M14, M16, & AK47 which were designed for hunting men that can shoot back are all PF actions.
8. 95 deg F in Africa is different than 95 deg F in TX or CA and that is why you must worry about ammunition temperature in Africa (even though most safaris take place in winter) but not in TX or in CA.
9. The size of a ding in a gun's finish doesn't matter, what matters is whether it’s a safe ding or not.
10. 1 in a row is a trend, 2 in a row is statistically significant, and 3 in a row is an irrefutable fact.
11. Never buy a WSM or RCM cartridge for a safari rifle or your go to rifle in the USA because if they lose your ammo you can't find replacement ammo but don't worry 280 Rem, 338-06, 35 Whelen, and all Weatherby cartridges abound in Africa and back country stores.
12. A well hit animal can run 75 yds. in the open and suddenly drop with no initial blood trail, but the one I shot from 200 yds. away that ran 10 yds. and disappeared into a thicket and was not found was lost because the bullet penciled thru. I am 100% certain of this even though I have no physical evidence.
13. A 300 Win Mag is a 500 yard elk cartridge but a 308 Win is not a 300 yard elk cartridge even though the same bullet is travelling at the same velocity at those respective distances.
 
Posts: 10162 | Location: Loving retirement in Boise, ID | Registered: 16 December 2003Reply With Quote
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I live in Fl, and have hunted hogs here. The brush can be virtually impenetrable; I do not enjoy crawling on hands and knees through this stuff. Loss of a wounded pig in the underbrush is a definite possibility. I have used 38-55 and 44 mag on chest shots; those hogs managed to run some distance before dying. On other hunts, a 45-70 in the chest was better but not instantaneous. The most effective shot (immediate death) was a brain shot with a 7x65R.
 
Posts: 2097 | Location: Gainesville, FL | Registered: 13 October 2004Reply With Quote
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A lot depends on where you hunt them. Hogs in north FL seem to behave differently than hogs in central or south FL. It is entirely possible to shoot them in open pastures in many places in central & south FL. Personally, I do not see this in north FL.

As a general rule, hogs like pretty tough country, thick vegetation, wet, etc. Unless you hunt pastures, expect shots to be close. If the hog is wounded, prepare yourself for a tracking job that is a lot less than fun.

Outfitters are like cars. They are different in terms of quality and price.

Hogs are smart. They have excellent sense of smell. They don't see too well.

Hogs are in most of the state but not all.
 
Posts: 12122 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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I have hunted a couple times with Hoppy Kempfer at Osceola Outfitters and always had a great time. They will do it any way you want, stand, spot and stalk, or with dogs. The big old boars will lay under the thick palmetto thickets.

Osceola Outfitters


Larry

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history, when everybody stands around reloading" -- Thomas Jefferson
 
Posts: 3942 | Location: Kansas USA | Registered: 04 February 2002Reply With Quote
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I have not personally hunted with him. I have heard good things.
 
Posts: 12122 | Location: Orlando, FL | Registered: 26 January 2006Reply With Quote
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Why don't you post this on the hog hunting forum?



"Ignorance you can correct, you can't fix stupid." JWP

If stupidity hurt, a lot of people would be walking around screaming.

Semper Fidelis

"Building Carpal Tunnel one round at a time"
 
Posts: 13440 | Location: Virginia | Registered: 10 July 2003Reply With Quote
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Guess I missed that one. Got some good info here but will give that a shot too.
 
Posts: 801 | Location: Pinedale WY USA & Key West FL USA | Registered: 04 February 2011Reply With Quote
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What a great excuse to buy a beater 30-06, or some other popular caliber where ammo is cheap and plentiful and you don't mind dragging it through the brush. I might go for a semi-auto or pump or lever action in a carbine size gun. Put a cheap Redfield or similar low power scope if it didn't come with one and send those little piggys to the sausage grinder. I have a buddy who bought a lever action 308 Marlin for that same purpose and he finds it to be perfect for the task.
 
Posts: 299 | Location: California | Registered: 10 January 2005Reply With Quote
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