1. Hog Hunting Tips
Going after wild hogs is one of the most dangerous of all hunting expeditions. These animals being a
large nuisance to farmers in the south, their private properties are open for hunting. The most fertile
grounds for this type of hunting are in the states of North Carolina, Florida, Texas, Tennessee,
California, and Mississippi, in USA. Hogs, also known as 'Feral pigs' make for some challenging
game, and hunting them down takes real courage and skill.
Hogs are huge pests for farmers in the southern United States. In Texas itself, there were reportedly
2,000,000 of them, and counting, in 2006. The national population of these animals was estimated to
be about 4,000,000. They reportedly cause agricultural damage to the tune of USD 52 million. This
is 'hogging' the limelight, literally.
There are three different types of wild hogs in United States of America: Eurasian Wild Boar, Feral
hogs, and cross or hybrid ones, between the two types. Feral ones are the highest in number in
United States. The tips mentioned here refer to hunting of both these types of animals. Contrary to
popular perception, wild hogs are intelligent creatures with a keen sense of smell and far ranging
sight. They make for tough hunting games.
Tips and Tricks
Hunting is one of the most primitive human activities.
When you learn to hunt, you rediscover the survival
instincts which you forget in the civilized world. In
times of our caveman ancestors, life was simple. Eat
or be eaten. Hunt or be hunted. It is all about getting
back in touch with our wild side.
Know Thy Quarry
Every hunter must first know his quarry, very well. You need to know the preferred habitat and
appearance of wild hogs and you should be able to trail them. Learn to read their trails, through
signs like hog wallows and rooting. Accompanying experienced hunters on trips can give you hands-
on experience and confidence to go on your own. Knowing the anatomy of your quarry and the 'kill
zone' of the animal is very important. That way, when you shoot it, the animal suffers less and gets a
quick silent death. Getting the animal with the first shot is also better for your own safety.
Choose a Gun that Carries Power and Speed
The recommended choice of hunting gear, by most wild hog hunters is the Winchester 0.243, which
is quite a dove hunting versatile gun or a handgun like 0.44 Magnum. It goes without saying, that
you must practice using the gun, before you go in for the real thing. Your shooting skill will
distinguish you ultimately, as a good hunter. The ammunition should be such that it should have
2. enough stopping power, as well as penetrating power. Hollow tip or hard flat tip bullets are the best
choices.
To Track a Hog, Hire a Hound
Hunting dogs make for great trackers. The Mountain Cur, Blackmouth, Catahoula, Dogo, and Walker
are some of the dog breeds that can be excellent tracker hounds, when it comes to hog hunting.
Amateur hunters should take help of trained dogs, as they make tracking easier.
Survey Territory and Set the Trap
There are two ways in which you can hunt a hog. Either go in pursuit of it or let it come to you. The
latter is a better option. Survey the hunting area in advance. Look for the nesting areas of the hogs
and observe trails. Water holes are places where you can surely find them.
Once you find a place, which is frequented by them, set up a blind in that area with adequate
distance, such that you get, as clean a shot as possible. If you are hunting at night, you'll need night
vision gear and sight for your gun. You can shoot the hog like a sniper from the blind. The blind
should be well camouflaged and high above the ground level. Putting in bait for the animal will also
increase your chances of getting the quarry.
Hunting is all about patience and alertness. One needs to be ready to take a shot the instance one
spots a hog, as they are quick at getting away.
