The Story of Lasarotta Hunting
In addition to hunting wild boar in France, Poland, and Croatia, I have bagged warthog on several occasions in Africa, both for sport and for pot. In addition to learning from mistakes, I also increased my knowledge. My first boar in France was taken with a single shot 7mm break-action FCRlach single barrel. As a result of its excellent accuracy, I found myself alone in deep, dark woods having just heart-shot a modest sow after a walk and stalk.
As I walked forward to examine her and reloaded my weapon at the same time, I came face to face with a very large and angry man. At a distance of about two yards, I had a standoff with him. I began talking to the creature for some reason: “Well, you can try me if you wish, but I only have one shot.” He looked at me meanly, poked the dead sow, grunted, brought his head up, and, after a pause, walked away.
I have encountered pigs in Africa several times, usually the unsightly warthog when scouting for other games or taking pictures. With a rifle, I have also shot a fair number of warthogs, mostly at longer ranges. In Africa, I have also learned what worthy adversaries the warthog and the semi-nocturnal, potentially aggressive bush pig are. Intelligent creatures, they are extremely wary of men – as well as their European and antipodean cousins.
Europeans have always enjoyed boar hunting as a major sport. In recent years, an increasing number of British sportsmen, including myself, have added boar shooting to their annual sporting calendars.
Deciding where to go
Boar hunting is a traditional sport in countries like Poland. It can be done in either an open or enclosed area. Hunting in an open area is preferable, but results can be unpredictable. Don’t automatically dismiss enclosed shooting areas. Everything depends on how you conduct yourself. You should always get a personal recommendation from someone who knows the provider before booking a hunt. Many people adopt high standards when it comes to bird shooting, but others are seduced by commercialism. On the continent, it is common to hold a ceremony to honour the quarry at the end of the day.
Bob Kwisiuk and I visited Poland twice in recent years, and one of those visits was written up in Shooting Gazette (February 2007). Bob is of Anglo-Polish ancestry, speaks both languages, and is totally dependable. Bogdan Srejic, who I endorse, also accompanied me to Croatia last season. In spite of his inexperience as a hunting agent, he works hard, has integrity, and is genuinely enthusiastic. For the quality of sport he provides, his fees are reasonable as well.
I have yet to visit France – driven boar tend to be more expensive in France than in Eastern Europe. Paul Roberts, however, is probably the most experienced boar hunter in the UK and is passionate about gallic battles. He recommends them because the shooting on the better estates is reliable and the food and wine are excellent.
Shooting numbers in enclosed areas is the most effective method. The experience of hunting in open areas is fun, but it is rare that the whole team (usually 12 or more guns) has a really successful hunt. Turkey has many big trophy boars, but their numbers tend to be low. My first choice would be an enclosed hunt in France, but not on a smaller area than 500 hectares. For the highest value, I would go to Eastern Europe. In Germany, there are very strict regulations, and you have to be very careful not to shoot sows – this is frowned upon very heavily. As for hunting grounds in Italy, they are controlled by local hunting clubs and are difficult to access.
I would like to share some shooting tips with you
Beginners should control the red mist and ignore all animals except for boars and foxes. Lead sows (sows with a litter of calves trotting behind) are never allowed to be shot. When young animals lose their stripes, they are urged to be killed since they are healthy eaters. Also, the estate’s management may be required to limit the number of animals. To be honest, I don’t shoot young boars.
Zero your gun before you leave the UK and become familiar with it. You may want to take a shot at a deer or fox while you’re there. Be sure to bring a folding seat and a rest. Bring a tripod if you intend to use one. My gun rests on it so it will always be ready to fire. I have increased my success-to-kill ratio by more than 50% by using this technique. If you see a boar coming, wait until it breaks into a field before shooting. If you move too soon, it will be frightened. You should keep your head moving slowly when looking right and left.
You may hear dogs some distance away when you hear the boar. Foxes and deer crossing the line should send you on red alert – there are probably boars behind them. Shoot again if a beast runs after being shot. Be careful even if it falls. Many a time beasts have been hit, sometimes fatally, laid down, got up, and runoff. If you have.
Trophies fees
A thorough review of the fees is required before booking. Depending on your location, they may double your costs or not be reimbursable at all. For first-time hunters and those on a tighter budget, the eastern European countries make a wise choice (although no one can do much hunting for less than about _£2,000 these days). As long as you select your provider carefully, places like Lithuania, Poland, and Croatia are still relatively affordable.
Bogdan Srejic, my host in Croatia, told me: “We can offer exciting sports at competitive prices with high ethical standards.” That’s different from the UK. Generally, our tariff is around 680 euros per day, but it can be higher. Three days is recommended.
10–15 boars can be expected a day between 11–12 guns, though this cannot be guaranteed.
Every shooter has several chances. As for supplements, we do not charge for up to 11 boar per day, up to 16 we charge 180 Euro, up to 20 we charge another 220 Euro (180+220). We primarily take group bookings, but do have some single spaces available in November and December 2008.
If there are a significant number of single guns in your party, a trip with a group of friends is a wise idea. Your companions can bring out both their positives and their negatives while hunting abroad. You should pay attention to safety and etiquette. A game shooter will tell you that most are more comfortable shooting with people they know.
Shooting a big trophy boar may require a second bullet if it is visible.
You must also remain alert. I was surprised by a beast three yards in front of my peg last year. In the midst of a cold slumber, I was starting to switch off.
After I raised the rifle, the boar turned and I was able to bring it down at six paces. Had I not done that, I could have lost it. Boar should always be treated with respect, as they are potentially dangerous animals. This is a boar tactic – once they have you on the ground, they will then attempt to open up your thigh or stomach with their tusk. I always carry a large knife in my boot as a last resort in case I get knocked down. You may think it overkill, but it is for good reason – once you are on the ground, they will attempt to open you up with their tusk.
Choosing the right gear
One hears quite a lot of discussion about boar shooting equipment. It can be extremely confusing for the inexperienced hunter. First, the ideal tool for shooting a boar is considered, by many authorities, to be a double rifle. An over-under and side-by-side may be bought for as little as £2,000. My second preference would be for a 9.3 side-by-side. As with 8×57 rimmed, the caliber is well proven. I like side-by-sides because they are easier to load quickly.
When a scope is fitted, it must be of limited power if it is open or if a scope is fitted, it must be of limited power. The ideal zoom is one to six times. Low magnification will keep you from getting confused at close range. During some drives, you will likely encounter an opponent that is less than 25 yards away. Depending on the country (Poland, for example), a low magnification option may be mandatory. Because I know I can trust Swarovski, Zeiss, Kahles, and Schmidt & Bender glass, I prefer them. Make sure your scope is as good as your rifle. Reticles with illumination are useful.
However, I am not a big fan of dedicated red-dot sights, as the dots can cover too much of the target at range.
Almost any reliable bolt, straight-pull, lever, or semi-auto gun will do (semi-autos are also popular abroad). Purists might recommend the use of a ‘controlled-feed’ action, such as a Mauser 98 or Winchester pre-64, since it will work in almost any situation.
Though I have a 45–70 Marlin on order, and have recently purchased a 450–400 black powder double, I manage quite well with an old Tikka. It is becoming more common to hunt boar with vintage guns.
Border Barrels customized my Tikka .300 Win Mag for me. To make it more resistant to atmospheric change, they fitted it with one of their precisely machined barrels with glass bedding. This provides excellent energy and knockdown power.
Despite its relatively low pressure, the 9.3×74 cartridge features a wide range of high-quality bullets. In addition to the rimmed 8×57, other suitable calibers for boar include the 30–06, the 300 Win Mag, the .444 Marlin, and the 45–70 (the last two with lever-action rifles).
In hunting, the .308 can be used with heavier bullet weights and with a high quality bullet such as a Nosier, Trophy Bonded, or A-Square. Other powerful options for those who don’t want to be under-gunned include the .338s and .375 Holland & Hollands. I don’t like shotguns for boar, but in Morocco you have to use one.