I'm new to the site and new to hunting, although I've wanted to hunt for a very long time. I've got a few questions to ask as I'll be wanting to hunt hogs in spring.

I have an SKS, an 8mm Mauser (real inaccurate), and a couple of 870's. I also have a Colt Commander .45.

What kind of license/stamp(s) do I need?
Are there semi-auto or magazine capacity restrictions, should I decide to use the SKS. Furthermore, is the 7.62X39 enough to take down a decent sized hog?
Any tips on good places to hunt on public land in my area or around Houston?
What kind of equipment do I need?
Any cheap leases/private land that is not a garunteed hog shoot, or canned hunt?
Anyone willing to show me the ropes? Guide me in cleaning/stripping a hog?
What kind of costs am I looking at for processing, say a 100lb or less hog?

I am not going to just go out and do this alone. I have talked to a couple of people who say they guide or know guides that charge $100 dollars or so. I don't have much money so after traveling, paying a guide, paying for the hunt/lease, and processing seems like a big hurdle.

Anyone willing to take me along if I pitch in? Not necessarily guiding me but if you know your stuff and don't need a guide could I tag along? I would just like to go with someone who knows what they are doing so I can learn the sport, enjoy it myself and take the wife/kids in the future (got a three-year-old and one on the way).

Any advice is appreciated. I know there are places out there I can go by myself and get a hog but I'm not looking for a canned hunt and I'd really like to learn from people with experience. I don't even need to kill a hog at first, I just want to go hunting.

Thanks in advance for any advice/comments.

Hey, Joey, I'm starting out too. I've heard of guys using FALs for hogs, so I don't think there's a semi-auto restriction. What kind of Mauser do you have? There are good C&R guns out there perfect for shootin pigs.

How old are ya? Are your legs good? I may have something for ya if your ready to get dirty.

I'm all ears!

If ya don't mind stalking through some swampy thick woods, I can't put you on a hog. This place is covered with water now and the Jeep can only get in so far. So you guessed it, ya gotta walk in the rest of the way. I have taken two other guys and both of them said" F that , I aint sitting in here after dark" So the next night I sat on the same stump and killed a 400lb'er. With the cold weather atleast the skitters won't be out.

But if we go it has to be pretty soon. In three weeks I am putting out 4 feeders for a disabled hunt for some of the forum members. So I am gonna let the place rest for a couple weeks.

BTW when we set the dates I need atleast one local guy to help me out. Depending on the weather can depend how close you can get with 4wheelers so I am gonna have to drag the suckers out.

I'm gonna be busy for the next month and a half. I hear that about the skeeters, though. I'm from Port Arthur and we breed those blood suckers big enough to take with a .223.

Skybuster I'm 23 and my legs are fine. Only issue I see would be dragging a big sucker through all the junk. Not really interested in eating a big one though anyway. I am not at the moment living with my guns, I hate to say, I'm living with my mom and she don't want them in her house so they are stayong with my dad in Houston.

My mauser is a 1937 Turkish with a '36 stock, sporterized. I'm not really sure I'm comfortable taking it to the field. I can't hit the broad side of a barn at 100 yards with it, and don't want to freeze up on jacking shells if'n we get charged. I'd feel a lot better using either the SKS or one of the 870's with slugs. I've got a DU (28" Wood) and an Express (18 1/2" Synthetic).

Anyway I said I'd be ready in Spring because that's when I plan on having my own place. I also am in the process of taking care of some tickets and that is costing me buttloads right now.

My email is josephmcgurr@yahoo.com so if anyone wants to get together just let me know what the plans are and what I might expect to pay.

Get your stuff together and get a hold of me in the spring. What ever you shoot gets drug out. If need be we can donate the meat.But what the purpose of shooting it if ya don't plan on eating it? I am 30 so between a 23 and a 30 year old there is no reason to leave anything in the woods to go to waste. as far as price, a 12 pack should just about settle us up.

I've got a turk too but never shot it. I don't even know if it'd hold together if I was to use it. It looks long and mean though.

No problem shybuster, I've just read around and for some people it's common practice to leave 'em rotting if they're too big. I'm not experienced but I've read enough to see that. Truth is I have never tried a big one so I can't make any decision like that until I do.

collin it'll hold up just fine. Make sure you clean all the cosmoline out, especially out of the barrel. I would leave it original too, I think during some of my sprterization may have affected the accuracy.

Yeah, I'm a C&R collector. It breaks my heart to see perfectly fine old battle rifles cut to pieces.