Wild Boar Hunting

Wild boar hunting is popular across much of the world, especially in Northern and Central Europe, the Mediterranean region, North Africa’s Atlas Mountains, along with Asia, Indonesia, the Americas and Australia. The wild boar hunting species evolves from a species of domestic pig.

Some wild boar hunting enthusiast believe that the original wild boar was introduced to American shores in 1893, when the animals escaped from supply boats, having been cooped up on long voyages coming from countries exporting domestic pigs to the USA. Many early farmers allowed their animals to roam freely on their farms and ranches, losing some to the wilderness way of life, thus adding to this population.

When they strayed away from civilization, they adapted to their wilderness habitat, breeding, and thriving in increasing larger numbers. As part of their survival weapons they became aggressive, growing cutter teeth and long tusks that can slice up a dog or a human, with a few well aimed thrusts. During December when babies are born, the sow demonstrates fierce protection over her litter. The boar hides in dense thicket, while the sow makes a small shallow nest in the earth, which she lines with grass, before giving birth to her piglets. It isn’t smart to go near a sow’s litter during December.

Hunters generally track the wild boar using a hunting dog. A good hog-tracking dog needs stamina, the ability to track and mount an attack without getting sliced to bits with the boar’s long sharp incisor teeth and protruding tusks. A good boar hunting dog, along with his master, needs to know when to attack and when to turn and run. Most wild animals want to avoid human contact, but some hunters and hikers have shared stories of having to climb trees to get away from a pack of aggressive hogs looking for trouble. Some reportedly have waited a lengthy period of time before the hogs retreated to a safe distance.

It pays to research local laws and regulations before setting out on any hunting trip. There are many states that offer excellent chances at wild boar including Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, and South Carolina.

If you have never hunted one of these critters, you may be well advised to go with a guide or a friend who can show you the best way to enjoy this hunt. Whether you are a trophy hunter or someone who loves a wild pig roast in your own backyard, this can be one of the most exciting of all hunts, but it can also one of the most dangerous. If you and your dog corner one of these large boars, expect the pig to come out slicing and fighting for his life, utilizing upper and lower tusks that curl up and outside of their mouths. These tusks are usually 3 inches to 6 inches long, but can be as long as 9 inches on the biggest hogs. An adult wild boar hog usually weighs in at 160 – 450 pounds and are anywhere from 4 to 6 feet long. They come in many colors and they have long shaggy coats. Their food source is wild grass, fruits, nuts, and berries. Sometimes they eat small animals and bird’s eggs.

In some states these animals have multiplied out of control creating farm property damage. The hog is an excellent swimmer and loves to wallow in mud. Therefore, swampy areas located away from civilization are great habitats for these sought after animals.

You can hunt a wild boar from a tree stand or a blind. Setting bait to attract them also works well to bring them into range for your kill. As far as your weapon of choice, anything from big hunting knives, to bows and arrows can kick up the challenge. But most would be wise to pack a really big gun, at least as a back up if you want to take down one of these assertive critters and keep both you and you dog healthy and intact.

Whatever your choice, go prepared and enjoy!