Spanish explorers introduced the hogs to North America in the 1500s.They have spread across the land and created a nuisance for farmers.Most states allow unlimited hunting of these animals.Hog hunting can be fun, can provide tasty meat, and can help to limit the expansion of these destructive and prolific beasts.These steps will get you started on your hog hunting adventure.
Step 1: You should learn the regulations.
Most states with a wild hog population have relaxed regulations for hunting them because they compete for food with wildlife and destroy the habitat of native species.It's important to know the law in your state.In Texas, hogs can be hunted on any day of the year.You don't need a license under certain circumstances.In Oklahoma, hogs can only be hunted in the daytime and on public lands only during certain times of the year.
Step 2: There is a place to hunt.
Many property owners will allow you to hunt hogs on their land, either for free or for a fee.To find a place to hunt hogs, check the internet and newspaper.In the south, there are a lot of feral hogs, but they can be found in 35 states.Many people think it's only a matter of time until they are in all of the lower 48.
Step 3: You can choose a firearm.
Accuracy is the most important thing to consider when hunting hogs.If you don't hit a vital organ, hogs are likely to flee.The caliber of the weapon is important.Guns that fire larger rounds are usually a better choice because hogs are tough.The minimum caliber for a hog hunting rifle is.270.A.30 caliber rifle is a better choice.The Browning Automatic Rifle is a good option for hog hunters.Specialty hog hunting weapons are offered by other firearm manufactures.If you are hunting at night, you may want to consider a muzzle flash as it will make it harder for hogs to locate you after you've fired.
Step 4: Take a look at the land.
Once you've found a place to hunt hogs, it's a good idea to scout out the land in advance to find the best places to shoot hogs or set up a stand.There are signs that hogs have been rooting in the area.The land that hogs have grown on looks like it has been mowed down.Mud and shallow ponds are ideal places for hogs to wallow.It's a good idea to place motion-activated game cameras around the property.
Step 5: A person is on a stand.
If the weather is bad, you might want to hunt hogs from a stand or blind.While waiting for hogs, you can hide in a small shed that is raised above the ground.You need to be as quiet as possible so that hogs don't know you're hiding.Wait for hogs to come by and log some hours.You may have to wait all day for a hog if your stand is not well- positioned.You can use game cameras to keep an eye on any hogs that might come by.It is possible that hogs will come by if you place bait near your stand.
Step 6: Talk to the hogs.
Many hunters find still-hunting and stalking a more exciting way to hunt hogs because it keeps them active and they cover more territory.Still-hunting is looking for an animal to shoot.You've already found an animal that is being followed.This approach allows you to cover multiple high-potential locations in a single day, instead of just one.When looking for hogs, you will most likely hear them before you see them.Slow down and listen for the sound of hogs.When feeding, hogs tend to get distracted.It will be easier to sneak up on the hogs that are eating.
Step 7: There is a hunt with dogs.
Dogs can be used to track and flush out hogs in many states.The excitement of dogs makes some hunters like this method the best.You need at least two dogs to hunt hogs.To find a hog and alert you to it by barking, you'll need a bay dog.Once the hog is cornered, you'll need a "catch dog" who can meet up with the bay dogs and grab it by the face or ear.Bay dogs can be any kind of trained dog with a good sense of smell, catch dogs need to be large, powerful dogs, such as a pit bull or American bulldog.All your dogs should be wearing cut vests to protect their neck and vital organs from the hog.This type of hunting can be dangerous.If your dog is injured, it is a good idea to learn dog first aid and carry some supplies.
Step 8: Call the hogs.
In some cases, hog calls can attract nearby hogs.The sounds of piglets in distress are programmed into electronic calls.
Step 9: Shoot a pig.
Shoot the hog once you've found it.hogs are tough, so make sure to shoot at their vital organs, otherwise they may flee.Shoot for the neck.A hog will usually be stopped by a bullet between the shoulder and jaw.Behind the shoulder is a good place to shoot.It's possible to hit the heart or lung without damaging the meat.Don't hit a hog's shoulder.There is a hide of scar tissue developed from fighting on hog shoulders.Hitting a hog in the shoulder won't scare it away.
Step 10: The hog should be dressed.
When you kill a hog, you need to remove the organs to get the meat you want.When dressing a hog, wear latex gloves.There is a disease that can be transmitted to humans from hogs.Roll the hog on its back and spread it's hind legs.Cut the belly from the breast bone to the base of the tail, but not the stomach or intestines.Pull out the stomach and intestines by rolling the hog on its side.Remove the heart and lungs by severing the windpipe and then draining any excess blood.If the stomach or intestines were injured, wash the body with water as soon as possible.The meat should be in a cooler as soon as possible.