Wild Hog Hunting Tips
Hunting Wild Hogs
Hog hunting is becoming more and more popular throughout the south as the feral pig populations are soaring faster then hunters can harvest them. A non-native species, feral hogs are aggressive animals that breed quickly and threaten the native wildlife and croplands alike. The estimated feral hog population in the United States is in the millions. At the rate they breed, states need to consider serious measures to help control the over-populating numbers. Most states affected by the wild pig numbers and damage they do have very favorable hunting regulations for the hunter. In Texas you can hunt hogs year round, 24/7 around the clock, suppressors, trapping and snaring, helicopters and hunting with dogs is legal. Almost all means necessary to help control the ever growing numbers.
Hog hunting can be a lot of fun and there are many opportunities to do so. Here are my tips to get you started into hog hunting so you may join the fight against the feral pig population and help control their ever increasing numbers.
Finding Feral Hog Sign
If your going to be successful hunting hogs then you have to hunt where there are pigs present. Finding signs of hog activity is not hard at all. Hogs will root up the ground and create wallows usually destroying the land where they are feeding. As with all types of hunting, to be most successful it pays to scout the area your planning to hunt ahead of time. I recommend to use a attractant or bait to keep the hogs coming to the feeding area. A trail camera should be used to determine what time of day the hogs are coming and how many groups of hogs coming to feed in that area. Once you have the hogs coming in daily to feed and pictures of what time they are coming all you need to do is set upwind of that area with a good vantage point.
Shot Placement On Wild Hogs
The new hog hunter will usually make the mistake of trying to shoot a hog in the same place you would shoot a deer. This is a common mistake, the wild hogs vitals are more froward so most hunters actually gut shoot hogs and wonder why they never recover the animal. Shooting an animal and never recovering, is a downright horrible feeling. Instead shoot the hogs in the shoulder or just in front of the shoulder for your broadside shots. If your more comfortable with your marksmanship then the ear hole shot will drop a hog in his tracks. Here is a diagram of the hogs vitals so you may become more comfortable shooting these beastly animals.
Spot and Stalk Hog Hunting
Wild hogs roam frequently especially during low light conditions which makes spot and stalk hunting a good approach early in the morning or just before dark. While stalking pay close attention to wind direction. A wild hog has a very keen sense of smell but their vision not so much. The best way to stalk them is to aggressively stalk with the wind in your face towards common feeding areas, creeks and ponds with wallows, lowland valleys or try to catch them bedding down in some thick brush. While stalking always be prepared to take a shot if the opportunity presents itself. If you happen to kick up a large group of hogs it can be a frantic moment with hogs running in all directions. Stay alert, looking for signs of hogs and stop and listen for squealing or hog grunts often glassing down range for a group of hogs. Often times hogs will be in a group with the exception of a big boar who will most likely be alone.
These hog hunting tips will help you get started hunting these tough animals. If you do shoot a hog and begin tracking the animal, always be careful feral hogs can be aggressive, particularly if they feel challenged or if their piglets are in danger. Good luck hunting wild hogs and stay safe out in the woods. If you have questions don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below.
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