A few weeks ago, (October 2024 – This post failed to upload in November) I had the chance to go on a hunt with Sightmark, a company that’s not only a trusted partner but also a good friend. Based here in Texas, they invited me on a hog-hunting trip. Not knowing exactly what to expect, I made sure to prepare thoroughly. In this piece, I’ll share the gear I brought and dive into the details of the hunt itself.
The Gear
As some of you may know, Sellmark owns several brands, including Sightmark, Kopfjäger, Pulsar, and their recent addition, Inforce Lights.
Before the trip, I was informed that we’d be hog hunting in Texas. That was the extent of the details. When I asked about firearms, I was told they would supply the guns and ammunition, though they offered to set up a Pulsar thermal optic on one of my personal firearms if I preferred to bring my own.
Since I had been living out of my car during a series of trips, I had a few firearms with me. This included my Mossberg Flex 12-gauge shotgun loaded with buckshot and slugs, my MP5K clone (a Turkish Mac 5K), and my Lone Wolf Glock 17 clone.
Because I’d be hunting with new people, I followed a personal rule: wearing body armor. Too often, I’ve seen inexperienced hunters get overly excited and track hogs without noticing they’re crossing into another shooter’s line of fire. Safety first.
Chest Rig and Belt Setup
I wore a Gray Ghost Gear Minimalist Plate Carrier with Mira Safety Plates and a tactical belt equipped with a first aid kit and High Speed Gear (HSG) Taco pouches. The HSG pouches are fantastic, allowing me to stack AR-15 and pistol magazines in a compact, accessible way.
Additionally, I used an HSG soft Taco pouch for my Nalgene bottle. HSG kindly provided several items for this trip:
- Double Decker Taco Shingle (holds six magazines: three AR and three pistol)
- Shotshell Tray V2 (for 12-gauge rounds)
- Soft Taco (for hydration bottles)
- Double Extended Pistol/Baton Taco (for MP5 magazines)
While I didn’t use the MP5 magazine holder, all other MOLLE gear fit seamlessly on my chest rig and belt.
Condor Gear
This was my first time working with Condor, and I requested three items:
- Triple MP5 Pouch
- TSRS Buttstock Shell Platform (a shotgun shell holder)
- 3L Hydration Carrier
The hydration carrier was a lifesaver during the long hours, keeping me refreshed while hunting.
The Hunt
Before hunting hogs, we had a chance to shoot long distances—one mile and 2,000 yards. If you’ve never hit a target at these ranges, it’s exhilarating. The challenge of hitting a wolf-sized target at one mile makes the 2,000-yard, 6×6-foot plate feel almost easy in comparison.
After building up an appetite, we returned to the bunkhouse for dinner and then prepared for the night hunt.
That first night, we spread out across 7,500 acres of ranch, each stationed in a deer blind. While my body armor wasn’t necessary in this setup, I appreciated having my hydration carrier and headphones, which allowed me to catch up on shows while waiting. Unfortunately, no hogs came near my blind that night—just some deer mocking me by wandering in and out of sight.
Back at the bunkhouse, we enjoyed whiskey by the fire, chatting about life before heading to bed.
Day Two
The next morning, after breakfast, we headed to the range to test Sightmark optics planned for 2025. One highlight was our “mission” to knock a steel plate down. Using everything from .308 to 5.56 and 9mm pistols, we gave it our all.
Later, we explored the expansive property on UTVs—a true adventure. The ranch’s landscape was stunning, and it made me wish I had my own 7,500 acres to enjoy such experiences daily.
That evening’s hunt was more eventful. I carried the Pulsar Telos XL50 Thermal Monocular and the Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 Pro Thermal Scope, mounted on a 6.8 SPC AR with a suppressor. The Telos XL50 is remarkable for scouting, with features like replaceable battery packs, video recording, and phone streaming. Over two nights, I didn’t need to recharge the batteries despite extensive use.
I bagged one hog with a clean shot through the mouth—an instant kill. Unfortunately, no other hogs showed up that night.
Final Thoughts
I’m particular about my gear, and this trip reaffirmed the importance of quality equipment:
- Sightmark optics deliver incredible value, performing well even at extreme ranges. Their budget options are top-notch, and their high-end models rival competitors without the $6,000 price tag.
- Pulsar remains a leader in thermal optics. I’ve used their products for five years, and their innovation keeps setting industry standards.
- High-speed gear is unmatched in MOLLE systems. Their pouches and rigs are reliable and durable, and I’ve trusted them for years.
- Condor impressed me with their hydration carrier and other gear. While the MP5 mag pouch required some adjustment, the overall quality was excellent.
This adventure was unforgettable, from the camaraderie to the gear testing and the hunt itself. If you’re considering any of the gear I used, I highly recommend checking out these brands—you won’t be disappointed.