One of the things I look forward most each spring is the opportunity to head out feral hog hunting. Cool weather combined with green grass and typically a lack of hunting pressure for several months means feral hogs will be out moving and feeding during daylight hours. And knowing that hog movement is occurring during the day is a BIG advantage when it comes to hog hunting.
According to many research studies, feral hogs are very intelligent animals. I had always heard that pigs were smarter than dogs, and I believe it. Wild hogs, without a doubt, are the most intelligent animal in the woods and any hunter that intentionally pursues this animal will agree. For the experienced hunter, these feral hog hunting tips will probably be second nature, but this article is intended to help hunters that are relatively new to the sport.
My first hog hunting tip is to find rank hog habitat. Find habitat that is thick and gnarly and chances are you will be knocking on the doorstep of some hogs. Hogs tend to hole-up in areas where they are rarely, if ever, disturbed. These will be neglected areas of property or areas that are difficult to access. When looking for some hog haunts, make sure to stay scent free because hogs have an acute sense of smell.
My next hog hunting tip would be to stay out of the “core” of hog country. If you know exactly where the hogs are bedding up or hanging out during the day, do not go in shooting! Instead, set up on the periphery and pick off the hogs over a period of time. If you go in whole-hog then you are going to blow them out of the area. If that is your agenda, then get in there. Otherwise, pick your spots for successful feral hog hunting and set up at least 200 yards from pig paradise.
The average litter of a feral hog sow is 6 to 8 piglets. Of course, this depends on the breed of the feral hog and, like white-tailed deer reproduction, food availability plays a role. But this is one thing that can work to your advantage when hunting hogs. Hog hunting tip #3: If you are really looking to stack up some hogs, make sure you shoot the lead hog first. This will be the hog leading the group. Often times, it will be the sow or the oldest sow in a sounder (group of hogs). Shoot the lead hog and the others will panic, giving you the opportunity to harvest multiple hogs per outing.
The last of my feral hog hunting tips would be to look for likely travel areas. At night, feral hogs will run anywhere, but if hogs are moving during daylight hours they will use travel corridors similar to whitetail. Hunt these areas and make sure the wind is to your advantage. Pre-baiting with corn, soured corn, or any sour grain can really get an area primed prior to your arrival. Baiting or using a hog feeder can really bring those hogs in on a string. Good luck in your hog hunting endeavors and drop me a line if you have any questions!