Looking for hog hunting near Sarasota

[Thumbcocker]

My father in law lives in Sarasota. We are contemplating visiting him and would like to work on a hog hunt. Does anyone know of a reputable outfitter in the area? We wouldn't mind driving a few hours.

Thanks

[Winger Ed.]

Not there, but in other places, I've heard of guys having good luck by posting a note in the local feed & seed store.

You have to plan ahead, but some older farmers/ranchers will let you hunt their property for destructive critters for free.
It helps if there is a local person as a contact point requesting it.

[MUSTANG]

Did a Hog Hunt in Florida about 10 years ago with Friends. One recommendation is to establish the CONDITIONS in the Hog Hunt area.

We hunted with a Hog "Outfitter". They had about 100 acres fenced and the Hogs were all penned inside. Hunters were in "Tree Stands" with zones of fire for each stand. Hogs are trapped in conjunction with Land Owners and the Florida Fish and Wildlife as part of their Game Control programs, and moved to the preserve for hunting.

This is not my style of hunting; but it worked out for us because they had 29 degree weather that day and fog. The guides got my two friend and I out of the "Tree Stands" and we did an actual Hunt through the property - each of us with our own Guide and area to hunt. Guides in contact with each other by radio for safety (100 acres can be pretty small when a Rifle is involved and several groups).

Bottom line; as pat of your search define what your desired Hunt conditions are before committing. Also define how the Game is treated after the Kill. Out Outfitter partially butchered (more than quarters on butchering, but less than a Meat Packer preparation). Will they ship the prepared game to your home location also; or do you have to do so. I left most of the hog with our friends, but took abut a 1/4's worth we froze and paid to have a Cooler full of Frozen meat shipped on the AirCraft with us as Personal Baggage in cargo.

[MaryB]

If you drive down in a truck a chest freezer in the bed powered by a second battery and an inverter works well. Only issue is overnight stops, have to make sure it is guarded or someone will steal it...

[Finster101]

I am not far from Sarasota, but know nothing about outfitters or hunting up there. I would just do a google search and read reviews. I'm only and hour away and that is what I would have to do.

[gordie]

may have to go across the state... Melbourne, a few WMA's over there.
maybe check a local "hog hunter magazine".

[Finster101]

Plenty of hogs on the west coast. I'm sure if you look you can find an outfitter. I did a quick Google search and four popped up that are within 1 to 2 hours drive from Sarasota.

[Bmi48219]

Thumbcocker, looking through the new FWC Hunting Regulation booklet, there are a couple ‘Hunting Ranch’ advertisements there in.
I have NEVER been to them but the info is below if you want to call them:

Lightsey Family Ranch
Venus, Fl. 863-464-0268
www.floridahuntingoutfitter.com

Okeechobee Outfitters
863-655-2424
Guided-hunting.com

[725]

Years ago, a group of us went to the Lightsey Cattle Company for a wild pig hunt. It was great. Those pigs were free range and sparkey as all heck. Years passed and we tried to go there again, but the cattle company aspect of the operation was into something else and they no longer did pig trips. If it's the same folks, I'd do another trip with them in a heart beat.

[ebb]

725 did you go to Bhamha island or one of the others? There are several of the Lightsey's offering hunts, but the state bought the island and I don't know if they hunt on it anymore. I wish I had done a Brahma Island hunt Ive heard they were the bomb.