Grubburg,

Treeclimber pretty much said it all. Just to reconfirm the main points...

I am sure your shotgun with some buckshot would do fine, you can get so close to hogs when you are spot and stalking, just don't make any sudden moves and move when their heads are down. You should be able to get right up on them close enough for the buckshot.

If you want to spend a little more on a rifle... the lever action 30/30 is great. the "perfect" pig gun for the california country. Short, light, quick to shoulder, quick to cycle. But if you want a good all purpose rifle for all of CA big game, go with a .243, .270, or .30-06. I personall use a .243 or .30-06 all of the time.

You do need a CA hunting license and pig tag ($15 each, over the counter at Walmart). You need this whether you are on public or private property. I am not sure how it works with outfitters/guides, ask to see if your licensing fees are included in their fees if you go tht route.

As for camo, your idea will work fine. All I wear is a camo long sleeve shirt or jacket (you can get both very cheaply at Walmart or any sporting goods store) and jeans. I even wear this combo when rifle hunting deer around here (I know that I just made some of those eastern deer guys' jaw drop).

My uncle took one of his pigs he got to a local butcher once, but was not sure how much it cost. He did say that if it was too much, that he'd butcher it himself, but he took it in so I guess it wasn't too much. Best thing he said was the sausage. Call around for some prices.

As for hunting spots in CA... King City has some dan fine pig hunting. It is just a bit north of Santa Barbara right on 101, you probably know exactly where I'm talking about. It is mostly private land though, so I don't quite know your options, maybe try to find some inexpensive guides? In the Sacramento area, I think you are SOL. Go west, come on over to Napa and Sonoma County.

UC Santa Barbara? I am at Fresno State right now, live in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. I know a lot of people at UCSB, maybe you know some of them.

Good luck and email me if you have anymore questions on CA hunting!

PS: Sorry, don't know what the 2nd "30" in .30-30 means.