The so called shield on big boar hogs really don't amount to much. Since October last year i've killed at least 15 boars that weighed over 200 pounds, five or six exceeded 300 pounds. Most were shot at short range while still hunting. Nearly all were killed with .54 muzzleloaders and patched round balls. Very few needed a second shot.

One of those boars was the largest one i've killed: He weighed at least 400 pounds. The ball went through the shield, destroyed the lungs and lodged in the opposite shoulder.

The area i usually hunt had a bumper crop of acorns and pecans. Almost all the hogs i've killed are very fat. The fat hinders tracking because it plugs up the holes.