Hogs in the Sam Houston National Forest

[walker944]

My father-in-law and I went hunting in the 160,000 acre SHNF this weekend and saw nothing. The forest is a system of a LOT of somewhat discontiguous patches of land with a large section of it over by Lake Conroe and hwy 45, and the other major section close to hwy 59 and Shepherd, Tx. Since it was our first time to the Natl Forest, we spent most of the day driving around and getting familiar with th layout of the forest, but did spend the early moring hunting the eastern section, and the evening hunting the western section.

Strangely, we saw absolutely no signs of game of any kind...no game trails, no scrapes, no wallows, no scat. I have heard that Hogs are plentiful there, and the same with coyotes. However, the huge lack of signs tells me we were obviously in the wrong sectors of the forest.

I'd would appreciate hearing from those that have successfully hunted the Sam Houston National Forest. Where are you hunting???

 

[MCgunner]

Well, I'm glad you survived the experience. I won't go up there during deer season. I've been wanting to try the squirrel hunting near the lake, but I'll pass on anything else there.

BTW, you must be new to hunting. You ask where someone's honey hole is? Go do some scouting. Not trying to be rude, just sayin'.....

 

[walker944]

No offense taken...not asking for where anyone's specific honey hole is, just a general idea. 160k+ acres is huge and there is a lot of miles from one end to the other. Additionally, I don't live anywhere near the WMA so scouting is a little tough to do. Was hoping for some general directional pointers from some of the experienced folks here.

 

[627PCFan]

Best scouting advice, get a nice GPS unit and a 4 wheeler, mark and keep riding. Its the only way for large areas of land your unfamiliar with

 

[walker944]

So, any comments from anyone who has actually ever been to SHNF or hunted there???

 

[kanook]

Haven't hunted there. Look for food sources and something to drink.

 

[LeonCarr]

I grew up in that neck of the woods...In Sam Houston National Forest the Stubblefield Lake area near New Waverly has always been a hot spot for hogs, along with the Four Notch Road area around Phelps. The Phelps area has been the most successful for me as far as hogs go.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[walker944]

Thank you, LeonCarr. That's very helpful. Unfortunately I didn't make it to those general areas of the Forest, so that gives me a direction to look into next time I get over that way. Again, thanks.

 

[kanook]

See if you can find a topo map online. those come in very handy.

 

[flipajig]

A topo map and a GPS look for pinch points, water and what looks like food sorce..

 

[Rem700SD]

Use the topo map to look for "bottom land" Also search for any pipe or power lines running through the area. These will give good shooting lanes. Where the lines intersect the creeks/bottom area may be your best shot opportunities.

The national forest is a mix of hardwood and pine. Scout out the hardwood areas. That's all I can think of.

 

[MCgunner]

I just look for wallows. Won't find many of those in cold weather, but scout in the summer and you'll find 'em. They're rather obvious when you find 'em. Hogs need heavy underbrush, too, and they like marshy areas.

 

[SPW1]

Those hogs at up at Sam houston are not going to be easy hunting. I did get one up there this year but it they are pressured and quite nocturnal on the national forest so it takes a certain amount of luck.

 

[41 Mag]

Those hogs at up at Sam houston are not going to be easy hunting. I did get one up there this year but it they are pressured and quite nocturnal on the national forest so it takes a certain amount of luck.

Man I am so glad the end of this paragraph had "national forest" in it. This might have headed south in a hurry.

 

[LeonCarr]

Hey 41,

Did you think they were shooting hogs on campus?