Hunting Fun

In the last twenty years the number of feral hog hunters has exploded. Feral Hog Hunting is becoming more popular every year and there is a reason why. Many local wild life departments through out the United States have permitted a ‘kill on sight’ approval for feral pigs. This action is being taken as a countermeasure to the destruction of farm land and private properties by the scavenger swine and also to help stop the spread of the disease that the swine carry.

Wild swine spend their days in the dirt and mud, that is the pigs life. The only problem is when they decide to turn a privately owned area into their mud spa. Farm land is a popular location for the wild hogs as there is usually a source of food and water. A pack of wild hogs will overrun any source of food they find and leave nothing for the native population. Once they find a source of food they will not move on until their resources are depleted. This is why feeders are a popular tool used in feral hog hunting. The pigs are greedy and will always return to a known food source. Any water sourced used on the farmland for crops or for watering livestock will be contaminated by the feral hog population and rendered useless as well. This can be hazardous to a farmers livestock.

Feral hogs can run rampant in an area and quickly over populate it. When there is a fairly large number of hogs in a location that is left unchecked, they are bound to form packs and multiply even more. Within these packs disease can be spread very quickly. Soon after one hog in a pack contracts a disease, its entire pack is infected. Hogs can carry pseudo-rabies which is a type of swine herpes. They can also carry swine brucellosis, leptospirosis and various other diseases. These disease can be spread to farm animals or pets which can then spread them to their owners. Hunters have been known to get infected just by field dressing hogs.

Farmers are doing their part by watching over their land and livestock for signs of a hog infestation. Hunters are doing their part as well, there is increasingly more hunters who try hog hunting and get hooked. Due to there usually not being a required safety course or hunting license to hunt feral hogs on private property, more and more people who usually don’t hunt get a taste of hunting by taking a wild hog. In many areas it is legal to take as many wild hogs as you want and without a license and it is encouraged to shoot any feral hogs on sight.



By: Brett Morris

About the Author:

Wild boar hunting is not for the weak of heart. Wild hogs are intelligent and extremely dangerous animals when wounded. Recently I had the good fortune to hunt what many southern hog hunters believe to be the #1 spot for boar hunting in Georgia.

In extreme southern Georgia near the Florida state line and the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge is Bear Run. It offers exceptional bear hunting, hog hunting, whitetails, alligators, and turkey!

Based on my experience the wild hog hunting at Bear Run must rank among the best southern hog hunting facilities in Georgia. It is located on tens of thousands of acres of managed timber. The cover story is mostly Pine, with a few scattered Oaks. The underbrush is thick with Palmettos, briars, and wild blueberry. In short, perfect terrain and cover to support an impressive feral hog population.

The first day of my hunt was opening day of Turkey season. Late that afternoon I began walking the logging trails. I was hoping to spot a wild boar on the trail for a clean open shot.

Shortly after starting out I was rounding a bend in the trail when I spot 9 wild pigs quickly moving in my direction. Moving carefully in the shadows of the pine tress I attempt to move in close enough for my Grandfather’s old open sights hog hunting rifle. Five of the feral hogs are about 100 pounds and the other four are 200 pounds or more. Just as I was raising the.32 Winchester Special to take aim on the largest wild boar the wind changes direction and the wild hogs performed an instantaneous vanishing act. Poof. They were gone!

Constantly trying to keep to the shadows of the trail and the wind in my face I proceeded to walk the logging trails for hours. On several occasions I can hear the hogs moving through the Palmetto but the underbrush is to thick to see anything.

About 45 minutes before night fall I sit down on the side of the logging trail to take a break and to past some time so I would get back to the rendezvous point at dark.

Sitting on the trail and enjoying the quite sounds of the woods, without any sound of traffic and only and occasional chatter of a squirrel or a Blue Jay calling you know you are far away from civilization.

Suddenly my deep state of relaxation is interrupted by the explosive sound of wild hogs running through the Palmetto. Then they stopped running and I can hear about six maybe seven different hogs grunting in different locations about 60 yards from where I was sitting. And I hear they are moving closer.

No sooner had I raised my Grandfather’s hog hunting rifle than a good-sized feral hog of about 200 pounds came out onto the logging trail.

The hog had obviously met up with some hog hunting dogs in the past because the ears and the tail had been chewed off. All of this registered very quickly as I aimed. Suddenly I hear the explosive sound of the.32 Winchester Special and I see that I had made a clean shot.

After waiting a few minutes I walked over to where the hog entered the woods on the opposite side of the road and on the white sandy trail was the first sign of an excellent blood trail.

One of the best parts of hunting at Bear Run is Jack. He is a huge Golden Retriever trained to follow the blood trail of Bear, Wild Hog, or Whitetails. I knew this hog would not be lost due to the dense undercover. So I begin to head back to the rendezvous point to meet up with the others and head back to the hunting lodge for dinner.

After a delicious southern meal provided by the proprietor JT and his wife we all loaded up in the trucks with JT’s dog Jack to retrieve the hog. The Palmetto leaf that I had stuck in the logging trail allows us to find the blood trail in the pitch-black darkness. After stopping the truck JT straps a cowbell around Jack’s neck and in a flash he was off in the woods.

All you can hear is the clank of the cowbell and suddenly there is silence. JT yells, “Jack are you there?” Jack responds by moving a little so we could hear the clank of the cowbell. Every so often JT yells “Jack are you there?” so the guides can locate the hog. A few minutes later the guides return dragging the wild hog behind them. For me it was the conclusion to a very successful day of wild hog hunting in Georgia.

So if you are looking for a wild hog hunt with almost 100% chance of success and where the feral hogs are abundant and huge then Bear Run is the place to go for some of the best southern hog hunting in Georgia!



By: Robert Ford

About the Author:

Spring Hill is an extraordinary blend of beauty, versatility and potential. This premier 482 acre parcel is one of the few remaining properties of its size in Marion County, Florida. The recreational and agricultural uses can be enjoyed immediately. The future holds tremendous potential for development, mining or possibly a legacy property for future generations.

A parcel of this size and beauty states its own value, which will only escalate over time. The broad appeal of this legacy property is further enhanced by its size, which allows for the division of the parcel to facilitate its varied uses. Many factors combine to make this land one of the best investment opportunities in central Florida. Ownership allows immediate enjoyment, diversified utilization, and unequaled investment potential.

Zoned Agricultural, the property currently grazes 200 head of cattle and 80 horses. In 2010, 650 round bales of hay were harvested. Sorting corrals, loading chute, cross fencing and water tanks are all in place to make this a true working ranch. Although it has potential well beyond ranching and farming, the agricultural designation allows for immediate tax advantages and benefits.

The Recreational Potential is evident with the first visit. Families can enjoy many of the diversities of outdoor life in this pristine rural setting; hiking, horseback riding, camping, cookouts or just relaxing. It’s the perfect terrain for four wheeling with its wooded trails, open meadows and occasional bogs. The wooded areas and natural springs provide ample habitat for wild life, and a variety of birds including Bald Eagles! Hunters can enjoy a diversity of game with deer, turkeys and wild hogs. In addition, it would take very little effort to develop first class quail habitat and excellent dove fields.

The Investment Potential of Spring Hill is multi-dimensional. 140 acres have been platted for development in 10 to 20 acre parcels. Improvements on this portion include a paved road, underground electric and a beautiful, yet understated gated entry. Enhancing this potential, the property has 3400 feet of paved road frontage; not to mention easy access to I-75, making it only twenty minutes from Ocala or Gainesville!

An extensive geological survey substantiates that this property contains a vast lime rock deposit. The survey speaks not only to the volume of the deposit but to the excellent quality of the rock and calcium carbonate. This survey can be provided to qualified buyers.

A parcel of this size and beauty states its own value, which will only escalate over time. The potential for this to become a true legacy property to be shared by generations to come is enhanced by its size, allowing for division of the parcel to facilitate its varied uses

By: Rod A Yeager

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Hog Hunting Methods Intro

In the southern part of the United States landowners are rapidly becoming overwhelmed with the population explosion of the feral wild hog. These animals are giving great cause for concern as they are very adaptable animals with a high reproductive rate and cause extensive damage. The sow is known to have up to two litters per year and up to 8 young per litter, females begin breeding at around eight to ten months of age. The damage that any one of these feral wild hogs can do is incredible and taking its toll on the agricultural environment.

With the harm they cause to the land, forest, streams, etc. they also carry disease that can be transferred to people, livestock, and pets as well as common swine too. Hog hunting has become a very popular sport but still has very little impact towards the growing population of these feral wild hogs.

Once you go on a wild hog hunt its like no other, depending on the method and tactic chosen, you can actually make the kill by hand with a knife or spear. It makes for a very exciting hunt to be sure. Whether you hunt them from a stand or track and stalk them, you can enjoy many different tactics and methods to bag that big hog.

To some hunters, the feral wild hogs represent a formidable trophy worthy of paying money to hunt.

Hunting lodges and hunting guides for hog hunting have different ways and methods of providing the type of hunts they provide. If you choose to go this route, some will let you choose the type or style of hunt of interest to you, or some may prefer trained hog dogs, or the use of a hunting blind, etc.

When hunting wild feral hogs always remember that they possess a keen sense of smell and have good hearing. So when tracking or finding your hunting area make sure you don’t inadvertently spook your hogs away.

Some states such as Texas offer feral hog season year round and no bag limits, weight restrictions, and feral hogs can even be taken at night. Hunters are encouraged to hunt these beast, and for good reason, at this date and time.They remain problematic to the welfare of farmland, public and private lands, livestock and people.

Before you go on a feral wild hog hunt always check with the state and local wildlife agencies for all rules and regulations pertaining to your hunt.

If you are a hunter you will love the challenge of hunting one method and then perhaps trying another method on your next hunt. Tree stand, Ground blind, Hog dogs, Spot n stalk, Night hunt, Bow, Rifle, Knife, etc.

There are many methods to hunt a wild hog, choosing a different tactic or method is challenging and very rewarding in the end if you get the intended result.

By: Gerald Gibson

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Archery hog hunting is a great choice for the hunters looking for an additional challenge, and I good meal. Archery hog hunting is one of the most popular forms of bow hunting. Bow hunters by nature are looking for a challenge by not choosing to hunt with a rifle. Bow hunting takes more physical effort, skill, and patience. The challenge of archery hog hunting can also be dangerous, because wild hogs are aggressive animals: particularly when wounded or cornered.

Hog hunting is legal year-round in many places, because wild hogs are considered a nuisance to their environment, people, and other animals. They also have high reproduction rates, with six to ten people litters. These hogs can destroy land and carry along diseases. The long amount of time that hogs are legally allowed to be hunted adds to the popularity of the sport. Another reason that hog hunting is popular is because wild boar meat is considered a great meal. The danger of hog hunting also attracts many archers.

The prime time for hog hunting is in the late afternoon to early evening. This is when the hogs are most mobile and increases hunters’ chances of spotting one. Many hunters set up still hunting spots. These spots can be baited trails to attract the hogs, and a successful method is by setting up corn feeders. Hunters can wait around the feeders and ambush hogs when they appear. A more demanding method may be by stalking hogs. This can be extremely physical, as it often requires crawling under brush and prolonged walking. When stalking hogs, hunters may use a calling device or travel near known hog trails and feeders. Whichever method you choose, just remember that archery hog hunting can be as dangerous as it is challenging.

Hunting these animals is not for the faint of heart. Hogs can weigh several hundred pounds and some male hogs have large tusks. Hogs are also difficult to kill with an arrow, because they have around two and a half inches of cartilage beneath their skin. This may prevent the arrow from penetrating enough to kill, and may only wound the animal. Hogs are naturally aggressive and will only be angered when wounded. The hunter must be careful to pull away from the animal and hide. If a wounded hog is approaching, the hunter should fire another arrow when the animal is five to six feet away. Many hunters have been wounded while hunting hogs, so it is important to be careful.

Archery hog hunting is a fun and demanding sport than can be a proud kill for any archer. However, even experienced hunters must be careful when hunting these animals.

By: Ted Lake

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Hunting of wild boar or wild hog is not permitted all over the United States. It is confined to just 15 states. The popular states are Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma and California. Each state has its own set of hunting laws. A satisfying hunting trip demands familiarity with all of them. If the hunter decides to take the services of an outfitter complete with guides and hog hunting dogs, some amount has to be shelled out as license fees.

The wild boar is found in regions which have dense thickets. Big in size, it is known to be very alert and ferocious. Also, the animal senses danger from the whole group stalking it and so is cautious enough to keep itself well hidden. Therefore, the hog hunting dogs have to be exceptionally strong to be able to pin down such a wild creature!

Like all other forms of game, there is a season set aside for hunting the wild boar. December and later is not a good time since it is mating time for these animals, and young ones are likely to be born. The sow digs out a shallow depression in the ground and places her litter in it. The sides are lined with branches and grass. Woe betides any hunter who dares to harm her or her young at this time–the encounter could prove fatal!

Coming to the breed of hog hunting dogs, there are some that hunt the wild hogs which weigh between 200 to 400 pounds with the same ease that they hunt small squirrels! Actually, either personal conversation with an experienced hunter or with seasoned hunters via online blogs and forums, will give any hunter a fair idea about which dogs are best suited to hunt wild boar.

There is the cur, which is loyal, energetic and versatile. It obeys all of the master’s commands instantly, whatever the task might be! So one set of people recommend getting another breed of dog like the Cane Corso or the American Bulldog to partner with the cur. Of the two hog hunting dogs, the cur is to be used as a bay dog, while the other one is meant for catching work.

There are hybrid varieties of the standard American Bulldog. When the combination is that of a Mastiff, American Bulldog and English Bulldog, it is referred to as Johnson lines. The early settlers of America were keen on using Old English Whites and Scott lines American Bulldogs, believing them to be great hog hunting dogs. In fact, these breeds even hunted wild bulls!

Another group of people swear by the abilities of the Pitt Bull mixes or Pitt Bull Terriers. Of course, the skeptics wonder how a hog weighing 400 pounds can be beaten by a Pitt!

Australians and Argentinians keep other breeds as hog hunting dogs. While some prefer the Argentina Dogo, others go for the Blackmouth cur. The best one is supposed to be the Australian Bullarab. It has come from a 30-year mixed lineage of Grey Hound, Pointer and Bull Terrier. Both, wild boar and scrub bulls are easy prey for this dog!

By: Abhishek Agarwal

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ExploreTexas asked:

TexasHuntFish.com Join Jason Parrish and the TexasHuntFish team as we visit a stunning ranch located on the Pedernales River, just outside of Johnson City. This ranch is currently under siege by feral pigs (aka wild hogs) and the landowner called us in to initate a hog eradication project. Hunting wild pigs one at a time, or trying to hunt them in general, is not a feasible way to remove wild hogs or persuade them to leave your property. The word “hunting” needs to be replaced with “killing.” (One less carrier of the swine flu) And yes that is a John’s Gun Suppressor on Jason’s Remington 700P bolt action rifle.

In most places, hog hunting is permitted all year round unless forbidden in an area for a more specific reason. Since it is allowed all the time and every season, fall would be the opportune time for hunting for hogs. Hunting for these large animals has certain places, tools, and times for which hunting them is the best.

Texas, Arizona, Mississippi, Kentucky, Missouri, California, and Georgia are among some of the greatest area for hunting hogs in the United States. Tennessee and Arkansas are also good quality areas to hunt for wild pigs. In Tennessee, where the population is steadily increasing, hunting for them is highly approved and advocated by people in charge of wild life in the state. The state of Illinois desires feral hog hunters from all around because they consider the hogs a danger to the environment and so not want them around. In Louisiana, the hog’s populations are overwhelming and becoming a problem for the state so this state welcomes hunters to come help them control the animals. These states are some of the best areas for pursuing hogs and recommended for every hunter looking to track and catch hogs.

You do not need any sort of license to hunt hogs if you are on privately owned land, however if you are on public land you will need some sort of hunting license. Since there are many states that do not want the animals around it is easy to require the permit needed to hunt hogs. Besides the required paperwork, you need other things. You will need a firearm to hunt these large beasts and you want to make sure it is big enough to get the job done. Wild hogs are not small animals so a 22 rifle might not be enough to make the kill. Make sure you have a powerful enough weapon to take care of business.

Since it is highly illegal to hunt for feral hogs after nightfall, therefore, the daytime is the only time in which you can hunt them. Like mentioned before, there is no certain season for hunting this animal, but there is a certain time. Hog hunting is a sport that any man can enjoy as long as he knows the right places, times and tools to use in order to make his hog hunting trip a complete success.

By: Darren Gettis

About the Author:

Hunting through the use of spears and other tools used to be the ancient man’s primary way of sourcing food. Today, hunting is still very much alive in the modern society, although it is being for various reasons.

One of the top hunting targets for men is the wild boar, a known ancestor of domestic pigs although they look different. Boars are classified as feral hogs, Russian wild boar or hybrids, a mixture of the first two kinds. Boars are called full bloods if they are pure wild boars and standard if they are a result of breeding domestic pigs and pure wild boars.

Feral hogs are hogs that have escaped domestication and became wild. The free roam farming, or the practice of branding hogs and releasing them into the open to roam free and breed, is said to be responsible for the existence of feral hogs today.

Feral hogs can be found in nine States, with the largest population found in Texas. Texas and other States consider hogs as nuisance animals so hunting rules are very lenient. In fact, hunters are allowed to hunt feral hogs using any kind of weapon or bait, at any time of the day. True Russian boars are said to exist only in Texas and New Hampshire.

The increasing population of feral boars is attributed to their ability to reproduce fast, the practice of free ranging husbandry methods and the existence of more water in arid areas. These boars can produce four to six litters depending on their breed and the availability of food in their area.

A hunter’s success in hunting boars using rifle will depend on the population of the wild boars, the hunter’s knowledge of the behavioral patterns of wild hogs, and the use of the right kind of rifle.

Feral hogs have keen eye sights and they have a very good sense of smell and hearing. A fully mature feral hog can weigh from 200 to 700 pounds while a wild boar or the Russian boar can weigh up to 400 pounds.

Wild boar hunters should consider the kind of gun they are going to use, the gun caliber, the load of the gun which should match their hunting style, the terrain where they expect to encounter the hogs and the range between them and the boars.

By: Rufus Hoyd

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hsfootage asked:

Forum members from HuntStrategies.com gather to do some fair chase hunting for wild hogs in East Texas.