People need to understand that hunting hogs on public land in CA is not like hunting other game in other states. What I mean by that is a good Hunter can likely go to a new place and because he knows his game and knows how to glass, look for proper habitat, etc, he can likely find animals. In CA, there just aren't many hogs on public land ever, period. There may be some hidey hole exceptions to this, but nobody is gonna give away their secret. Hogs are too smart and resourceful. They know where the good groceries and reliable water sources are, that means private land where crops are grown. So I don't mean to discourage you, but if you actually want a chance at a hog, rather than just a hiking trip, you are going to have to secure private access, and that generally means paying for a guide.
Lake Sonoma might be your best bet if you are dead set on DIY, but someone else is going to have to comment on that as I have no experience there.
