Russian Boar At Big Horn Canyon Ranch

This weekend I braved heavy rain, snow, hail and mud to visit the Big Horn Ranch in Riverside County. Actually, I re-visited the ranch to check out what changed in the eight years or so since my last visit.

Most noteworthy for now: The ranch is expecting a shipment of Russian wild boar from Canada. These are wild boar and not feral wild pigs, says Charlie Wagner. He expects the shipment around February 11 or 12, 2009. The boar will be released on the ranch on Friday, February 13. At least that is the plan.

Considering the number of boar transferred, there should be good hunting for Canadian wild boar for the next few weeks. You can call Chuck or Charlie at 951 – 789 – 4690 for details and reservations.

Hunting Big Horn Ranch may not always be the ideal fair chase hunting, but it is a viable alternative to the lack of good wild pig hunting in or close to Southern California.

If you live in the Los Angeles area or even farther south, hunting wild boar at the Big Horn Ranch is most likely your best and least expensive solution. Success is almost guaranteed. And if you do not succeed in getting close to a boar for a clean shot, Charlie, his two dogs and his helpers will get you involved in a wild boar hunt with dogs.

Such a situation arose today. Some hunters needed assistance. They had stalked a black boar for hours without getting a shot. Help came in the form of two dogs and guides. To make it short, when bayed the boar first attacked the dogs, then tried to cover his back under the 4x4 to get a better chance against the dogs and, when lodged from his fortress, lashed out at one of the hunters barely missing his leg.

A detailed report on my visit, my findings and a brief discussion of the pro and con of hunting wild pigs at the ranch will follow shortly.