Dear all hunters!

I have permit for general deer rifle at Trinity River NWR - Brierwood Unit on 11/04 to 11/12. This is my first hunting ever in my life, so exciting, also nervous. Although I am considering I did good on homework and e-scouting, furthermore, I will going out to scout on designated days, but right now I am still nervous.

I live in Conroe (ETA 1 hour away), I plan to tent camp at parking lot (will call park manager to verify if they let me do that or not), or I will ask residents to let me tent camp at their yard. If neither work, I have to drive back and fore then.

I know I am newbie, I don't expect to get buck, my concentration is hogs.

I plan to use glassing-and-stalking method. I used to a tree climber, I confident I can climb the highest tree in this woods safely for spotting.

My questions are:

01. Will this method bothers the other hunters (stalking)?

02. Will this method work for this hunting site?

03. If I got lucky on hogs, should I perform field dressing ASAP (I have never done this before), or I should bring to meat processor?
 
Any input would be appreciated.

Welcome.

Glass and stalk can work but it depends on the rules for that draw. If you are assigned to a specific unit then spot and stalk won't bother a lot of people. If you are assigned to a specific blind (I don't think that is the case here) then you can't wander off from that spot. If the entire area is open then spot and stalk will probably cause issues with other hunters.

Most of the NWRs don't allow camping unless they have a designated campsite. I would plan on driving. An hour isn't a huge deal in my book.

I don't know if that NWR has a skinning pole. I would field dress the hog as soon as you can. If you want, you can look up the gutless method on You tube, which takes the quarters, backstrap, neck, ribs and tenderloin and leaves the carcass. A lot to carry but easier than dragging the hog out. Most of us use some kind of game cart. If you do the gutless method I don't know if a processor will finish it for you or not. You'll have to check. But at least gut it as soon as you can. I no longer take mine to the processor and choose to do it at home. Hogs I can do most of it on the tailgate of my truck, load it in trash bags to keep it dry and put it on ice for a few days.

Hogs are transitory. Look for white oak trees or soft ground they can root and if it is dry, water. Look at the rules for baiting. I bet since this is a NWR they won't allow it but never know. You'd be surprised how soon they will find corn spread on the ground. Several times I've had them come in to it the same evening I've baited.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

I would forget the idea of camping there. I would also forget the idea of climbing a tree. No baiting and no assigned compartment. Just be prepared to walk a few miles. Go light, put in a few miles and you will find them no problem. Watch for other hunters and know what you are shooting at. I would wait till you are about to leave before processing. You dont want to trek around a bag of meat for miles as it spoils in the day time heat. Wear your snake guards. I will be out there Monday and Tuesday afternoon for starters. Hit me up if you have any questions.

Good luck.

Not a good year this year for hogs at Briarwood. I think the summer heat drove them more towards the river and water over on to Page and closer to the Trinity river and other water sources. All the creeks were dry and all the wet spots were dried up in Briarwood. We saw 3 or 4 pigs but it wasnt hog heaven like it was a few years ago. When we get some serious rain they will be back and spread out again I hope. I did hear of a deer or 2 getting shot this year but for me as a hog hunter it was a big disappointment this year.

I am heading to Page tomorrow for the Muzzy hunt. Probably not smart to hunt pigs with a muzzy but its all I am allowed. Dedicated hog hunter I am.

Big out!

I was on the Page squirrel hunt, it was the finest squirrel hunting I've ever had frankly, which it should have been for 150$, filled my freezer with squirrel. I did hear hogs there and find fresh wallows. Good luck knocking them down!

Where is Page ? I haven’t heard of it

on the trinity river north of liberty

Nice!