Deer and wild pig n00b

[BUNDY81881]

Hi everyone, I have been hunting deer for about a year at a friends place in PA. I want to start getting into this in CA. I live near SF and would like to know the most cost-effective way to get into it. Looking online, the only stuff I see is private ranches where you need to pay like $1k and then even more if you want to get a 2nd animal.

I like hunting mainly as a way to provide cheaper organic food for my family. Would like to see if there are any ways a n00b can look into this, like maybe finding hunting groups or whatever.

[StraightShooter]

It certainly won't be cheaper than buying meat at the store just so you know.

[jbk]

It certainly won't be cheaper than buying meat at the store just so you know.

I second that.....i got one $60 mallard today, lol
and thats not counting my time.
However i agree, better for u.

[H8Mud]

Knoxville wildlife area is near lake berryessa, which was is not to far. It is public land for hunting. You will work damn hard out there, but My wife and I usually pull 2 bucks per season from there.

[Pharmboy]

Following this thread, as another hunter that is new to California wildlife and (not a new hunter).
In San Diego though.

[edgerly779]

Pharmboy is in barren area for pigs. Some chances at deer. Go to big horn canyon ranch in Moreno Valley area for pay hunt or go to parkfield area for hogs.

[runway1]

I second that.....i got one $60 mallard today, lol
and thats not counting my time.
However i agree, better for u.

Crap, I got one spoonie for $220.

[huntandski]

Shoot doves off the power lines for a cheap meal

[jbk]

Crap, I got one spoonie for $220.

Well i wasnt counting the $1700 dog that flushed it from a canal. Lol, feel better

[roostersgt]

Do like the rest of us old timers and go out of state. It's much cheaper in the long run, if you consider time and gas. plus you'll actually see and shoot game.

[duckman1]

2 ducks $400 ea but the cost will decrease significantly this weekend.

[jbk]

2 ducks $400 ea but the cost will decrease significantly this weekend.

Damn...you guys ate making me feel good about mine, lol

[PNOY]

Crap, I got one spoonie for $220.

Reason i like big game hunting. Spoonies for $100/ lb insane!
Guided pig hunt $600 . if you shoot one, $6 a lb

[bigboarstopper]

Hunting is rarely cost effective over store bought. Public land for hogs or deer will require lots and lots of trips simply to get a proper understanding of where your hunting before your usually successful.

I've said this a lot to new hunters when hunting hogs on public lands. Don't bother hunting during the summer. Hogs will travel off low hunting pressure private lands during the winter when the land turns green. It's the only time of the year that public land can compete in regards to comparible food and water. Hunt during the week when hunting pressure is lowest preferably right after a big rain.

[bigbossman]

The last "free" pig I shot cost me about $150 in gas, lodging, and food. That's not considering the equipment used, or the years of trips to develop the spots I hunt.

"cheaper organic food"....... no offense but