Everything You Need to Know About Wild Hog Hunting

By Ready to Fire News On Aug 16, 2019

Have you ever thought about going wild hog hunting? This is becoming more and more popular in many different areas of the country. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, there are almost 6 million wild hogs roaming around 40 states and throughout Canada. There are different species of these hogs, which are sometimes called “boars,” “feral pigs,” or more specifically “javelinas,” as one type of wild hog that is very exciting to hunt.

If you want to expand your hunting horizons away from the basics of small game or deer, it’s time to go on a wild hog hunt. Let’s look at some details of planning and tips to make it one of the most fun experiences you can have in the wild.

Where to Hunt Wild Hogs

One of the states with the largest population of this animal is Texas. There are many parts of Texas that you can explore hog hunting. It’s estimated that Texas alone has a population of hogs that number around 2.6 million.

Going along the Gulf Coast, you can also find great hunting ground in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Florida.

The Best Time of Year to Bag a Big Pig

Because of the fast breeding rates of wild hogs, you can legally hunt them anytime during the year. The best time to actually hunt them is during December through February. That’s when the hogs are foraging for food to fatten up for the winter, so they are out in greater numbers. Plus, if you are hunting in the southern states the weather is going to be much less hot than in the summer months. You’ll enjoy less humidity and some pleasantly mild weather this time of year.

Tips for Your Hunt

There are a few simple tips that will help you in your quest to conquer a feral pig hunt. Hunting at night is one of them. The hogs are out at night looking for food, so if you have the proper night gear you’ll be able to make some good progress in the evening hours.

Look for signs that the animals are in the area by noticing tracks. They can look a bit like deer tracks. You can also see areas of plants that have been uprooted by the animals’ snouts in search of food. There are also locations near ponds or rivers where the animal will “wallow” in the mud to cool off.

Finally, you can also mimic the sounds of a predator to scare the hogs out into the open. Make short, aggressive sounds to trick them into thinking they are about to be attacked. Then the hogs will run out into the open. Beware of them charging towards you though, which is what the hogs will do if they feel cornered.

Once you start hunting wild hogs, you’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy the experience. You’ll be an expert after just a few hunts. Happy hunting!