Foot-stalking Boar, experiences please

[JMikeyH]

The breed is, simply put, Pig Dog.

View attachment 239818

View attachment 239819

@JMikeyH...

Stalking pigs is extremely challenging but can be rewarding. But I think the environment you have at hand probably doesn't lend itself to pig stalking as well as it does here or in Aus. Down here, we get to spot pigs from afar, in open ground, affording the chance to stalk in close if that's the way you're inclined. They will root and cock about in pasture if they don't get much pressure, and can be remarkably unaware if you're downwind and quiet. I've snuck up to really some big pigs - the kind that can eviscerate you in 3 seconds of mayhem - usually for the purpose of taking some photos to show my pig hunting buddies. Fact is, sneaking up and shooting a big pig isn't anywhere near as much fun as catching it with our dogs, so we don't tend to stalk then shoot very often at all.

In the woods / bush / forest, can be next to impossible to find on a random hunt, unless you spend days prior working out their territory. Pigs are very intelligent creatures, but also creatures of habit. They will move around their territory on well established pig trails, and learning pig sign is very useful to see where they go. You can often follow pig sign (we call in "mark") to wallows and favourite rooting spots. If you know where they hang out, then you can put yourself in the right kind of area and use your senses to locate them - hearing and smell often before sight. When they are actively feeding in a mob, you'll hear them before you see them.

Don't know how this would work out in the UK, but no harm in finding out.

Sounds excellent, like you say though I am probably going to be hindered in enjoying such things in this country. I have considered a move to New Zealand in the past largely because of the freedom afforded to it's citizens compared to over here.

 

[South West Stalkers]

I have experience in traditional European wild boar stalking only, and I think one of the most beautiful stalking is to trying to sneak on a wildboar in the snow when they rest. Tracking them in late morning gives you a good chance but involves lots of skills and the knowledge of the area & the movement of the boar.
Also it is a good challenge to do stalking in the summer when boar feeding on various corn crops, you can sit on a high seat for spotting them and then try to stalk in 30 yards...

 

[rhine hunter]

Next time you have it fresh in your mind after a stalk, do a write up about it A traditional Germanic boar hunt with all the accompanying elements is high on my bucket list and I'd enjoy reading any stories you've got about it. My uncle goes almost every year to Bavaria to get involved though he has yet to earn the privilege to shoot. One day I hope

can do so! Just have to find the time for the write up...

 

[rhine hunter]

Sounds excellent, like you say though I am probably going to be hindered in enjoying such things in this country. I have considered a move to New Zealand in the past largely because of the freedom afforded to it's citizens compared to over here.

Fully know what you mean. To be honest, we are on the lucky side over here, too. Guess there are not many countries with as many laws and rules and regulations around hunting and weapons as Germany. But: besides all this, I can still stalk on wild boars right behind my house. As often as I like and family and business allow it. As many boars as I can process and sell.

It might change sometime in the future, due to new Governments and laws, diseases, ... And myself becoming unable to do it. Until then, I enjoy stalking boars whenever I can.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

There is a trend starting with younger hunters here in Germany to daylight stalk into the maize fields rows to get onto the feeding boars. They suggest using such things :-

Vibram FiveFingers 13M0101 EL-X, Fitnessschuhe Herren, Schwarz (Black), 43 EU : Amazon.de: Schuhe & Handtaschen

Shoppen Sie Vibram FiveFingers 13M0101 EL-X, Fitnessschuhe Herren, Schwarz (Black), 43 EU ✓ ab €29 versandkostenfrei ✓ kostenlose Rücksendung

www.amazon.de

Or just wear wool socks and go in bootless.

 

[thistledeyke]

The main places in the UK for boar: The Forest of Dean, East Sussex and Dumfries & Galloway have totally wild populations, they are not fenced.

Guided - they are mainly shot from high seats at night over bait points to increase your chance of success.

I was told by a FE Ranger that in the Forest of Dean they shoot most stalked at dawn and dusk 'lying up in their beds.'

I shot my only UK boar in East Sussex. It was from a hide at night. My pal who has a fair bit of ground there is a purist and only used the moonlight, it was the advent of NV and Thermal that radically reduced the population he felt. @Alantoo I have met Nobby with him and I'm pretty sure Nobby is not a poacher. He used to be almost full time on fox shooting for the farmers and, no doubt some of his clients had a zero tolerance stance on boar so he had to level them sadly. As you know they can do a lot of damage to pasture and orchards. I gather in Germany the sporting clubs compensate the farmers.

Try Colin Lockerbie on Solwaystalking and Hunting you will, as mentioned have less chance than a shooting a boar from a seat at night but they shoot a few when stalking deer at dawn and dusk I think. I haven't shot boar with Colin, only deer and a few years back before the boar numbers built up.

I've stalked and shot a boar with Colin he has some great ground with plenty of boar activity he also has high seats over bait stations.

 

[Penyard]

I get to stalk a few although most of my ground is farm land that borders forestry so most encounters are nocturnal. In summer it is possible to catch them with the day scope on dusk when the nights are short and their hunger gets the better of them