Handgun Hunting Basics
Chapter 3
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.biggame.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/untamed.png[/author_image] [author_info]Larry Weishuhn is a widely known writer, speaker, raconteur and world hunter. He co-hosts “DSC’s Trailing the Hunter’s Moon” on Pursuit Channel, CarbonTV and the show’s YouTube Channel.[/author_info] [/author]
You have spent time at the range, your handgun is sighted in properly, and you know exactly where it will strike a target at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards. You have shot it sufficiently, so you have confidence in your abilities shooting from an in-the-field rest. What next?
Throughout much of the South and far West, we are cursed and, in this instance blessed, with substantial populations of wild hogs. If you lack hog hunting opportunities let me suggest getting in touch with Travis Benes with Choctaw Hunting Lodge (www.choctawhuntinglodge.com) in southern Oklahoma. The huge property has many wild hogs. Prices to hunt are budget-bearing, and unless Oklahoma changes its laws, you can hunt wild hogs in their great state without having to purchase a hunting license.
Wild hogs are an ideal handgun hunters’ big game species to begin or to continue on, if you are already a serious handgun hunter. Not only are they plentiful, but hunts are reasonably priced and unless there is a property restriction, there are no bag or size limits. Then, once you take a feral hog there is good eating ahead.
Hogs are a great way to introduce yourself to hunting with a handgun.
After hunting hogs with a handgun, the next logical step may be to use your handgun to hunt a whitetail deer, specifically whitetail does. Most properties that allow whitetail hunting have a management program in place that requires the taking of numerous does each fall. Again, great fun, excellent for mastering hunting deer with a handgun and a huge confidence builder, not to mention the perfect way to fill your freezer with tantalizing red meat!
After hunting hogs and whitetail does, you might want to consider hunting whitetail bucks or mule deer, black bear, pronghorn, even larger big game. And if you are looking for something to hunt beyond wild hogs during the off-season, consider one or more of the many exotic species we have in Texas. If you are looking to add an Axis deer, black buck or something bigger get in touch with Greg Simons’ Wildlife Systems (www.wildlifesystems.com) or the FTW ranch (www.ftwsaam.com). Both offer unique and hunts for exotic big game species, which are fun and challenging to hunt, but also provide delicious venison.
Before booking a handgun hunt, always check state regulations, remember too, we as U.S. citizens cannot take handguns into either Mexico or Canada.
When you take your first big game with a handgun or for that matter your 100th, I would dearly love to see a photo of you with your game and hear your story….
Regardless of what is going on in the world, there are always small things, of beauty and splendor, for us to enjoy, admire and appreciate!
Watch “DSC’s Trailing the Hunter’s Moon” TV show on our YouTube Channel, or on CarbonTV.
If you haven’t heard any of the “DSC’s Untamed Heritage” podcasts, visit blubrry.com/untamedheritage/ to listen to one of our dozens of podcast episodes.
