BLACK BEAR and WILD HOG HUNTING Similarities Found In the APPLACHIANS MOUNTAINS

Harold Bartley

The sport of big game hunting has become increasingly popular in the Applachain

Mountains due to a recent explosion in the black bear and wild hog numbers found in the

region. Hunters are becoming more aware of similarities in technique, gear, and overall

excitement found in hunting these fearless creatures.

The hunting technique or method used is predominantly the same for both animals. Pre-

hunting is essential because of the immense amount of traveling a black bear and wild hog do

during any given day, but thankfully both animals feeding and breeding habits usually keep

them in small range of each other. If black bear and a wild hogs compete over the same

acorn patch it is usually which ever animal has the most pals with him and gets their first. The

black bear and wild hog have no fear of any animal found in the Applachain Mountains. The

black bear and hog are both gluttons and will eat things that cause buzzards to shield their

eyes from such atrocities. Both bear and hog locate places of safe haven for yearly dens.

Actually wild hogs use mud wallows and streambeds as dens, black bears use rock cliffs and

caves located often in plain sight of existing hog dens. Black bears and wild hogs both prefer

higher elevations in the summer months and lowland in the winter months. However both

animals are highly elusive and prefer the more remote backcountry to call home. When a

hunter steps in either bear scat or hog feces and it sticks to his boot it is time to build his

stand. It is a good idea to check for cub scat and baby pig shit that might be close by. Be very

cautious while hunting in a ground blind for either animal. A completely insane ex-wife

drinking Pepe Lopez does not frighten a hunter the way a sow hog or bear can especially if

you have just shot one of her babies ears off!

When selecting hunting gear for the black bear you can use the exact same for wild hog

hunting. The hunting seasons are usually on the same dates, and found in our coldest

months. Gear for cold weather is a must, you should do your walking and stalking in the

lightest clothing you can wear depending on temperature. Always carry extra in a day pack,

because to be effective in your hunt for bear or hogs you need to walk in before daylight and

do not leave till after dark. Food such as sardines and peanutbutter sandwiches are personal

favorites because both are gourmet smells for black bears and hogs. Rifles of 243.caliber or

larger are recommended and bows with 300fps. Remember as with any big game hunt this

side of the video arcade your weapon and ammo is your most important gear.

Now we have come to the pre-hunt physical necessary for heart attack prevention. The

sight of either animal at a close enough proximity to determine sex could be the last vision of

the hunt you ever have. Expect to have minor convulsions, trembling will begin to shake you

so bad it may be necessary to hold you gun with your butt cheeks; just do not drop barrel first

clogged barrels make lousy first shots.

Well it seems to me that the hunt is finally here. Your first black bear and wild hog hunt in

the Appalachian Mountains has arrived. You have got hunting gear suited for either animal,

weeks of pre-hunt scouting complete; have ample medication to keep your heart rate at least

below rpm rates in the NASCAR pit. You set awaiting daylight then a twig snaps in the tree

beside you, and all hell breaks loose. Instantly you see the bears yellow barred teeth! After

the initial bowel movement you slide screaming down the tree you are in only to land on a

baby pig looking for momma pig. Do not worry, someone will find you rather quickly and if it

is a hunter who has hunted both black bear and wild hogs in the Applachian Mountains his

hunting technique, gear, excitement level and smell will prove hunting bear and hogs are

truly similar.