Pig Hunting

Pig hunting is another term for hog hunting, wild hog hunting or wild boar hunting. In some states in North America, their numbers are limited and in other states their population has exploded into such great numbers that the forests they forage in cannot sustain them, forcing them into farms and ranches, where they wreck havoc on crops and other vegetation. In these areas of heavy population, pig hunting is encouraged year round.

Pig hunting is one of the more challenging hunts for several reasons. Some seasoned hunting enthusiasts will tell you that the wild pig seems to be a super armored beast that is almost impossible to kill. Your shot must be placed just so, in order to kill this critter.

Pig hunting takes skill in tracking. This is best done with a good hunting dog that is strong in stamina and very fast on its feet in order to dodge an angry cornered wild pig when he turns on the dog and the hunter, as he will instinctively do when his life is endangered. The pig can turn on a dime, with up tol 450 pounds of pork, aiming his 3 to 6 inch long tusks that curl out of his surly mouth, directly at the object closest to him, whether it is man or hunting dog.

Wild pigs are primarily vegetarians, but have been known to eat eggs and small animals as well. Hunters declare that successful hunting can provide pork that is unsurpassed in taste, when dressed and cooked properly. Make certain the meat is cooked until well done; since wild pork can carry diseases and parasites that proper cooking can kill.

Pigs prefer to forage for food in the early morning and late evening, taking their rest in mud wallows during the day. Ponds and marshes are an attraction for that reason. Some of the best hunting is along the Delta of the great Mississippi River. Texas is well known for its hog hunting, as well as Florida and many other states.

The female swine species, called sows, usually have large litters of piglets. December is a favorite time for them to deliver. She will hollow out a shallow nest in the earth and line it with grass. This shallow nest helps her keep her babies warm and together near her until they are old enough to be weaned and begin to forage vegetation on their own. Sometimes the male can be found nearby in a thicket keeping watch. Both the male and female will attack any predator, including you, if they feel threatened by your presence and this aggressiveness is more pronounced while protecting their young. Hunters and hikers can tell you stories of how they climbed a tree when they have encountered aggressive behavior in a band of wild hogs.

The aggressiveness of the wild pig is what makes pig hunting so exciting, plus the extreme difficulty in bringing one down with one shot. Add to that the mouth-watering aroma of roasting barbeque pork and you’ve got a five star winner any day of the week. For an enjoyable and successful pig hunt, do your homework first, then go out and bag a trophy pig that you can talk about around the campfire at night, and your dream hunt will have been fulfilled, at least for now. Enjoy your pig hunt!