Is There Really a Shield on a Boar?

[dustoffer]

I know there is--not bullet- or broadhead-proof, but nevertheless there is a thick layer of gristle/cartilage over the shoulder. This pic is of the cut I made on a 174 lb stinker so the buzzards could get to the eating parts faster. Shows the layer very well IMO. Note how little hair is on the shoulder---been scratching on the trees from the looks of the red mud on the trunks.

[lilbradford]

Wow....look what that rage did!

Jk

Thanks for sharing. Never seen that before

[venado]

Allen, I have always just opened the guts. Since it seems like almost all I see now are those aggressive black buzzards/vultures, they can get into anything pretty quickly. A momma cow really has to be watchful because a newborn calf will get attacked in mass.

And yes, that "shield" is pretty tough.

Paul

[GarGuy]

I have seen shields that could not be cut with a knife. 4 plus inches thick on ancient old boars. I had a friend shoot all his 44 mag bullets into ones side and never got into the vitals.. 300 mag to the head finished him though.

[Texas Grown]

I've seen the 3-4" shields as well. Even on the little 200lbers, you can hold the shield and it will stick straight out horizontally due to all the gristle in it.

[dustoffer]

Paul--I do the guts, down the back, the shoulder, and the ham---wan't 'em gone quickly (and they are). Shot this one Wednesday, and I'd bet there was nothing left in 48 hrs but bones and hide.

[AntlerCollector]

Like GarGuy said, I too have seen dang near bulletproof shields on big old boars. Tough as nails.

[PondPopper]

The thickest I've seen is 3 1/4" thick. Measured with a ruler.. It didn't stop a 140gr. 7mm08 going in but it completely stopped an exit... He never flinched. I thought it was a complete miss.