Hunting Tactics for Pressured Hogs

15 Stealthy Hunting Tactics for Pressured Hogs: A look at how to be a better hog hunter.

Wild pigs are invasive to North America. They were brought to America by early European settlers, most likely Desoto and the Spanish explorers. While these pigs were domestic upon arrival, they quickly became feral. Since then, wild hog populations have grown exponentially. And they’ve gotten wiser.

Obviously, wild pigs are smart. They aren’t easy to find or kill. That requires quality tips and tactics. Here, we’ll cover ways hog hunters can be stealthier, and perhaps experience more success.

1. Use the Right Weapon

Some weapons are stealthier than others. For example, a quieter rifle is stealthier than louder ones. Rifles in general tend to be stealthier than shotguns. Find the stealthiest option available that follows regulations.

2. Wear the Right Clothing

The right clothing is important. Oftentimes, camo is best for daytime pursuits. Navy blue is the best blend for nighttime hog hunting. Choose the right clothing for the scenario.

3. Scout Efficiently

Find where hogs bed, feed, water, wallow, etc. “Hogs bed down in the nastiest, thickest areas possible,” said All Things Hunting Co-Host Kyle Barefield. “Something that no other critter, even a deer, can get into. That’s normally where we see hogs bed down.”

4. Pattern the Pigs

Regardless of the tactics you use, if you’re focusing on bedding areas, it’s crucial to get a pattern on them. “Once you have hogs, you can figure out which way they’re coming from and which way they’re going,” Barefield said. “That way, you can key in on where they’re living.”

5. Pinpoint Interception Points

Recognize where to intercept hogs and focus efforts there. “Hogs have a routine,” Barefield said. “They make their rounds throughout the night. If the weather is cool, they’ll start a little earlier. But we hunt them outside of deer season, which is mostly in the summer.

“Unless you’re hunting at night, you need to be close to their bedding area,” Barefield continued. “That is, except for the last 30 minutes of daylight. The closer you are to a bedding area the better the chance of killing one.”

6. Bait Up a Good Spot

Bait can be an effective tactic for hog hunting. “On a property in Louisiana, we’ve been covered up with hogs since about 2000,” Barefield said. “They make a big run at night. They can cover a couple of miles hitting all our feeders. Once they figure them out, they just hit that loop throughout the night. The closest one to the bedding area is the one they hit first. We’ll target that area. Historically, you’ll find places that hogs like more than others. When we’re targeting hogs, we place feeders as close as we can. We don’t want to make them go too far. They’ll get there too late.”

7. Learn to Walk

Walking quietly is a skill. Learning this artform is part of becoming a stealthier hunter. Implement the various tactics that aid in quieter walking.

8. Watch the Wind

Wild hogs have a great sense of smell. It’s imperative to keep the wind in your favor. At least, hunt with a crosswind.

9. Silence the Cell Phone

Cell phones distract deer hunters. These keep hunters from being at their stealthiest. So, at least put it on silent mode and stash it. Or turn it off and put it away.

10. Don’t Use a Spotlight

Those who hunt at night sometimes use spotlights. However, where alternative methods are legal, this is an option those who want to be stealthier should avoid.

11. Use Thermal Devices

Where permitted by state and local laws, a quality thermal device can make a hunter much stealthier. This gives them an added advantage.

12. Use Night Vision Devices

Likewise, where state and local laws allow, night vision is an excellent option for those who hunt at night and hope to boost their stealth factor.

13. Find Situational Odds That Are in Your Favor

Certain situational odds can help put the odds in your favor. For example, find isolated wallows. “In the summertime, hogs will bed down close to, or even in the edge of water,” Barefield said. “They might even have a wallow right there on the edge. They’ll move closer to these areas to cool off.”

14. Take Them Out

Know when to strike. Don’t take low-odds opportunities. However, don’t wait for perfect ones, either. Take the first good shot(s) that is/are offered.

Feral Facts

Wild hogs are some of the most prolific animals in nature. They compile an impressive line of stats, too, including:

• Feral hogs inhabit 35 states.
• Approximately 8-9 million feral hogs live in the United States.
• Average adult hogs weigh 150-200 pounds.
• Sows can produce a litter as early as 5-6 months old but are generally 12-14 months.
• Sows can raise up to two litters per year.
• Each litter has 2-10 piglets, with an average of 5-7.
• You must remove 70% of a population annually to prevent growth.