What are the specifics re: wild boar hunting in california?

Question

I am interested in hunting (LA Area), but I don't know anything about location, fees, season, etc.. Also, would a 30-30 be sufficient, and what about bringing a 9mm handgun?

Local gun shops in california are becoming quite sparce...

Answer 1

I don't know the specifics. Check with the California DNR.

The 30-30 would do it with excellent shot placement, but you
really should use something more powerful.

See if it's legal to bring a handgun. If it's not a legal weapon for hunting, you usually can't have it - unless you also have a concealed carry permit.

A 9mm might be handy if you make it up the tree in time. Otherwise, you're likely to make it mad if you shoot it with that.

Answer 2

Any of your local gun shops will have a booklet on all the California big game laws and sell the tags. Take the time to read the information and ask questions. the 30-30 is OK as long as you are within 75 to 100 yards. I would rather see you carry something in the range of a :308, 270, 7-08, 7mm, or 30-06, especially if the shot could take place at any distance over 100 yards. As far as the 9mm, that might do the job if the pig is down and just to finish him off. But I wouldn't carry it. I either carry my 45 LC with 300 grain soft points or my 357 with 180 grain solids. You don't want to make him mad. A wounded pig can be very dangerous so why take the chance. Always carry enough gun.....
good luck

Answer 3

Don't know anything about California but both the .30-30 Winchester and the .9mm handgun are a bit light for 300 to 400 lb. wild hog. I wouldn't use anything lighter than a .308 Winchester for hog hunting and I have been known to use a .350 Remington Magnum and a .458 Winchester Magnum. As someone else said, the .30-30 is adequate for a well-placed shot. The problem is I have never found the .30-30 to be exceptionally accurate. I am sure it can be done, I would simply chose something else for hog hunting.

The .9mm, if legal to carry in Calif., would only serve you to administer a coupe de grace on a downed hog. For use as a backup, or secondary hunting weapon, a .44 Magnum would serve you better for hog hunting.

Good luck.

H