I’ve just moved to North Carolina from the West where I’ve hunted the deserts and mountains. I’m looking for some seasoned locals to learn about hunting in the swamps and such around here. I’m used to looking for the diamondback rattlers, mountain lions and the occasional black bear, but I’m not sure what to be prepared for here.
I’ve hunted javelina in Arizona, and I’ve been told that I should try the feral hogs out here. Problem is it seems like every piece of land that I find is owned by someone who wants nothing to do with strangers or it’s completely packed with other people.
Have I been spoiled by the open lands of the West or have I been looking in the wrong places?
many of friends become complete emenies once hunting season starts and once it ends they are friends again !
Cisco
I think we need a little more information. You mentioned hunting the swamps but your location is listed as 'Charlotte'. That does not really go together. If you wanted to hog hunt in the Charlotte area I would probably recommend Fairfax Co., S C. That's down I-77 an hour or so. I have a friend there and could make a inquiry if you like. If you want to hunt the Eastern swamplands I'm sure someone on this site could set you up.
As for your last statement, yes I'm afraid you probably are spoiled by the open federal land of the West. We have public lands in NC (Gamelands) but they can be very frustrating when you scout a good spot and have five guys come in on top of you on opening day. Your best best is to hunt with a club as a visitor if possible then join. There is very little private land in NC or SC that isn't leased for hunting or otherwise closed to the public. good luck!
I do live in Charlotte, but I don’t except to find anything here. I’m thinking that the only hunting around here is to join the sheriff’s department and hunt down crackheads. But from what I’ve seen of the crackheads, the feral hogs have got to be smarter and more changeling to hunt!
I’m seeing a lot of open swamp areas in the east, that’s why I’m thinking that might be the thing to try. But an hour down I-77 would make a great short term hunt. At least something like that could get me connected and get a feel for the hunting styles out here.
I’m finding out about the limited spaces here just by trying to find an open bank on Lake Wylie to shore fish. So much of the shores seem to be owned by rich people with huge houses who probably don’t even fish, while the rest of it tends to be elbow to elbow people trying to cast out their lines. The thought of being in the same situation with so many people with guns doesn’t sound too appealing. Especially if you add one bonehead in the mix who just shoots at what ever moves.
many of friends become complete emenies once hunting season starts and once it ends they are friends again !
I can understand that. In Arizona everyone would become my enemy if they started to ask about duck hunting. As you could imagine, places to hunt ducks are very rare out there. That’s were you needed a good friend who’s a rancher with ponds on his land.
there are some good deer hunting oppurtunities around charlotte. You may only find 5 acres here and 15 acres there, but make friends and dont be scared to ask everyone you know if they have any land or friends with land to hunt.
Yes, please hunt crackheads, hipsters, and little goth kids, they all creep me out
If you want to hunt bigger deer, I would stick closer to Charlotte say around Anson County. There are some big urban deer around Charlotte if you can find a block of woods to hunt. I have seen many buck in the 140 and above range taken every year from around Anson.
This ad on Craigslist recently caught my attention...
South Carolina WILD HOG - DEER hunts - $100 (a day per person)
Thanks for the leads. I looked at Google maps at Anson County, I was surprised to see so much wooded area that close by. I’m going to have to scout out that area for sure.
Mbd5883 made me laugh. If someone was to hunt down the goth kids, how can you tell if you hit them? They already look dead!
I am in Charlotte this week for a training class this hotel is about to kill me! I will be ready to head home Friday. I sure would like to see my little boy right now