The Nitty Gritty:
Feral Hogs are scrappy, they love to brawl and are super territorial, so use this to your advantage. And while it may seem odd, feral hogs will respond to calls just as a coyote or bobcat would, but even more so. This tactic appeals to both boars and sows, but the sows vulnerability for a distressed piglet squeal sends them into a frenzy that any hunter will enjoy. It’s best to use an E-Caller that’s loaded with piglet distresses and this approach offers the hunter two free hands to better handle his or her firearm.
Bringing Home The Bacon:
I wouldn’t recommend anything lighter than a .243 caliber and it’s best to carry a firearm that’s capable of making several, quick, follow up shots. Feral hogs are widely known for leaving little to no blood trail, whatsoever, and this is where pinpoint accuracy and being able to make exceptional shots, at long range, under poor conditions, is mandatory. Now, bullets meant for feral hogs need to penetrate, as well as expand, and Remington’s Hog Hammer line of ammo will do just that. It’ll punch through even the toughest of pig skin because of its all copper construction, near 100% weight retention on-hog, and its Barnes TSX heart. (Learn more about Hog Hammer by clicking here)
Hog Hot Spots:
Coming in at #5. The Magnolia State, Mississippi. Reports of 300-pounders aren’t too rare and with a little luck, and prayer, you just might bag a Freak Nasty. #4. North Carolina. The Russian-strain of wild boars have roamed the Tar Heel State for decades and unless you oppose hunting behind hounds, you should seriously consider stopping by. #3. California. Now, don’t poo-poo the Golden Coast just because of its anti-gun stance, meager public hunting opportunities and sheer stupidity. Okay…let’s poo-poo it. Moving on. #2. The Sunshine State, Florida. According to Florida law, hogs on private property are considered domestic livestock under landowner control, but public lands fall under various regulations. So cover your bases and be sure to fully read up on Florida’s game laws before you head out to slay some pork. Finally, #1. Texas. It’s been estimated that half the hogs in America are found in The Lone Star State. So dust off your cowboy boots and ready yourself for a little southern hospitality, because for those daring souls who are willing, Texas offers some of the most memorable helicopter hog hunts, in the world.
A Ham Of A Time:
Most hog hunting operations are family run, and oriented, and are open to all walks of life with any budget. Click here for a recent show and interview we with did with Dustin Bergen of Addictive Hunting out of Geary, Oklahoma to get even more in-depth info on taking out these nocturnal beasts. And the last bit of hog hunting advice I can offer up is to leave any and all trophy expectations at home. Just take it all in and enjoy the ride, besides, big or small, they all eat at the end of the hunt.
Hugs, Handshakes and Happy Hog Hunting.
Trav