Hog Hunting Tips For The New Hunter

Wild hogs are considered one of the most destructive invasive species in the U.S. and arguably a unique wildlife challenge in the 21st century. Their rapid breeding, hardiness, and aggressive nature make them a significant threat to native crops and wildlife. As the population of feral hogs soars at an alarming rate, several states have eased their hog hunting regulations to help curb the looming ecological crisis, including a year-round open season on private and public land.

If you’re looking to get in on the hog hunting action, you need to hone a few skills for effectiveness and safety. Hunting is pretty simple, but you need to have a few skills down solid. Read on for some essential hog hunting tips for the new hunter.

Hog Hunting Tips

Tracking Wild Hogs

The population of wild hogs may be skyrocketing, but finding the destructive beasts is not as easy as you’d think. They are good at hiding, they have an acute sense of smell, and they’re lighting fast—not to mention their aggressive tendencies when threatened. Here are some tips for tracking feral swine.

• Spotting the Tracks: Hog prints resemble deer tracks, but they’re rounder and broader. It’s nearly square with a blunt toe.
• Find Wallows: Wild hogs have a habit of rolling around in the mud to keep away insects and to cool off. You can find these ‘wallows’ nears ponds and then follow the tracks leading away.
• Rooting: Keep an eye for uprooted soil as feral hogs rip the ground looking for grubs and tender roots.
• Rubs: Fresh mud on logs, trees, fence rails, etc., signifies a hog’s presence. The hogs come out of the wallows and rub against a stationary object to remove dried mud, hair, and parasites.

Making the Kill

Once you have tracked the hogs and now have them within firing range, there are some things to consider before taking the final shot.

• Positioning is Crucial: Wild hogs can smell an intruder/predator several miles away. Avoid detection by always staying in a downwind position lest they scamper off faster than you can aim. Some hunters choose to invest in a scent killer.
• Know Where to Shoot the Hog: Aim for the region right above the front shoulder for a quick and easy kill. This area is where a wild hog’s vitals (heart and lungs) are located.
• Getting Them Out in the Open: Feral hogs tend to hide in thick cover, making it hard to get a clean shot. You can quickly get them out into the open by using calls. These calls include predator calls to trigger their aggressive tendencies or recorded sounds of piglets in distress to draw out highly protective sows.
• Best Time to Hunt Wild Hogs: Generally, the best time to hunt wild hogs is when they’re out and about. And since they feed at night, this is when you should typically gear up for the hunt. Alternatively, you can opt to strike early in the morning as they drink water before heading into their hiding shelters—or late in the evening as they set out to eat.

Where Can You Hunt Wild Hogs?

The best places for hunting wild hogs come down to two factors; the existing state regulations on hog hunting and the population/distribution of the feral swine. For hunters who have little experience, it’s advisable to find a location with organized hunting groups so you can learn the ropes safely. Some popular hog hunting states with liberal hog hunting laws and a high feral swine population include Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia.

Gum Log Plantation

Are you looking to put some of these hog hunting tips into action? Schedule a visit to Gum Log Plantation in Abbeville, GA, for a one-of-a-kind experience. Contact us at 229-318-9015 for any queries or to book an excursion. The thrill of the hunt awaits.

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When Is Hog Hunting Allowed?

Are you planning your next escapade of wild hog hunting? In the early days of America, hunting was a popular activity. It was a source of fun, food, and adventure. Hog hunting in America has a history as well. Feral hogs are not native to America. They were first brought to the continent as a source of food by explorers in the 1500s. Livestock was free-ranged, and escaped swine established the feral hog populations we see today. These animals continue to grow in large numbers across the United States, and Texas alone is home to over 2 million wild hogs.

Hog Hunting Tips

You may be considering hogs as your next prey. These hog hunting tips will inform you about hunting this unique animal and how to have a successful hunt.

What Are Hogs?

Hogs are feral domestic pigs, and unlike boars (which are uncastrated male pigs), they can weigh over 120 pounds. They often like to stray into open farm fields for easy meals and are best hunted at night. It’s easy for hog hunters to lie in wait for them by either stand hunting or spot and stalk. The more you know about hogs, the easier it’ll be to hunt them. So before going into the fields, learn how to track them, the signs to look out for, and other basics for successful hunting.

Where to Hunt

If you’re still in need of options for where to plan a trip, we already mentioned that almost half of the hog population in America; can be found in Texas. Other states with large populations include Florida, California, North Carolina, and Georgia. These places give plenty of opportunities for hog hunting.

Licenses

Already, over 15 million people in the United States have their license to hunt, and this goes to show the undying love for this sport, even in modern society. Hunters should always check state and local hunting regulations before starting. Most states require a general hunting license to hunt hogs.

Is Hog Hunting Seasonal?

Although hogs are not the only hunted animals, there are usually set seasons for hunting animals like deer, waterfowl, squirrels, etc. Hogs can be hunted year round or during any other designated hunting season (check local regulations). Most states encourage hog hunting because of the costly damage they cause to farms and property, and in most areas, there is no bag limit.

Food Source

Hog hunting is a significant source of livelihood as the meat contains essential vitamins and minerals that are good for the human body. Hog meat is all-natural and an excellent substitute for grocery store meat that comes with additives.

Gum Log Plantation

If these hog hunting tips already make you eager to hunt, book an excursion at Gum Log Plantation. Our expert guides have all the information and experience for you to have a successful hunt. Contact them today at 229-318-9015 and book an adventurous and rewarding hog hunting experience.

 

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Trophy vs. Sport Hunting

Once, rich men paid small fortunes to travel abroad and hunt rare, exotic, and dangerous animals. People still do that, but now it’s much more frowned upon as many of the animals sought are endangered and their habitats protected. As a result, sport and trophy hunting has fallen out of favor, and many consider the two synonymous. However, there are important distinctions between the two, especially now that fewer people need to hunt to survive.

Sport Hunting

Generally, sport hunting is hunting for fun, including the part where the hunters keep the animal for meat. Sport hunting is recreational hunting where folks test their mettle against nature and experience the wilderness. Turkeys, deer, and boars are common targets, and there is nothing wrong with such activities as long as they are done legally and responsibly. Animals that can be legally hunted have regulations to protect their populations. Sometimes, though, as with wild boars, hunting helps the ecosystem as the feral creatures damage the local environment. Hog hunting tips are incredibly useful in reaching the generous bag limits in states where they have run rampant.

Trophy Hunting

While sport hunting is in itself not an issue, it’s still essential to make use of as much of the animal as possible. Wild meat is flavorful and just as versatile as domestic meats, and the pelts and other parts can be used as well. The main difference between sport hunting and trophy hunting is that trophy hunting focuses on its goal. A trophy hunter desires to hunt the pinnacle of prize-worthy animals, worthy of being mounted on the wall to commemorate the hunt’s challenge and the power of the animal itself. As a result, using the entire animal is of much less concern in trophy hunting, as usually only the head may be mounted on the wall. However, with smaller animals, the entire critter might go to the taxidermy.

When done legally, responsibly, and with the idea to use as much of the animal as possible, there’s nothing inherently wrong with sport or trophy hunting. Trophy hunting has a lackluster reputation in the modern era. Still, as long as it follows sport hunting laws, it can be done without affecting the environment or animal populations detrimentally. The key is to know the rules and follow them.

Gum Log Plantation

Hog hunting falls under the sports hunting category. Wild hogs are challenging to hunt, and their meat is delicious. Gum Log Plantation can plan the perfect experience for you. Our expert guides will supply the hog hunting tips that you need to have a successful hunt and fill your freezer with food. Contact us at 229-318-9015 and schedule your trip today.

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Essential Hog Hunting Gear For 2021

When it comes to hog hunting tips, there’s a relatively well fleshed out list of gear that’s needed to both survive and make the most of the trip. Apparel might not be at the forefront of those unfamiliar with hunting, but considering that most hunting seasons occur during fall and winter, what a hunter wears is just as important as the other functional equipment they bring. Here’s a list of the essential gear any hunter should bring with them in the 2021 hunting seasons.

Hog Hunting Tips for Essential Gear

Rain Gear

Though it would be wonderful if the weather cooperated when on a hog hunt, it won’t always be a clear, pristine day. Always bring along quality rain jackets, pants, and boots just in case the weather turns sideways. The key to good rain gear is that, when worn, it will keep moisture from getting in while also not trapping sweat and other moisture that’s already on the body.

Moultrie Feeder

This tool is used for hog hunting because it lures hogs to provide a clear shot. They can smell food from miles away, meaning it’s crucial to time the feeder food releases at even increments generally, 2-4 times per night (about once an hour). Having it released at the same times each night ensures they develop a ‘schedule’ and return consistently.

Multitool

Along with a couple of good hunting knives, a multitool outfitted with scissors, a screwdriver, and an assortment of other small tools will go a long way. These can significantly diversify the capabilities of other equipment brought along.

GPS

Historically, anyone interested in hunting would subsequently have to be an experienced tracker to be successful. While this still holds true and creates a divide between good hunters and great ones, GPS units have become a mainstay for hunters. With all the technology available today, it would be foolish not to take advantage of it. It can be the difference between life and death in some instances.

Emergency Supplies

Bringing along emergency gear should be a given, but it can be hard to know what to take without overpacking. When creating an emergency bundle, extra food, lamps/flashlights/etc., a fire-starting kit, shelters, and water/water purifiers should be included to cover all bases.

Trash Bags and Toilet Paper

Finally, a staple of hunting and interacting with nature as a whole is that a hunter should always respect the land and only pack in what they know they can pack out. Accordingly, bringing along trash bags can provide a place to put any trash without leaving it behind. And, of course, toilet paper speaks for itself – it’s imperative not to forget it.

Gum Log Plantation

When it comes to planning hunting trips, we are the experts. Leave the planning to Gum Log Plantation. Our experienced guides will give you all the hog hunting tips you need to complete a successful hunt. Call us at 229-318-9015 and schedule a trip today.

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Simple Steps To Keep Yourself Safe From Wild Hog Disease

When hunting wild hogs, you want to take some safety precautions. Many people hunt wild hogs for recreation and to help reduce overpopulation. However, these animals can spread diseases to humans and other animals. So, in this post, we will go over some simple hog hunting tips to keep you safe from wild hog disease.

How is Wild Hog Disease Spread?

Wild hogs can carry over twenty-four different strains of the disease. For the most part, transmission happens after the hunt. Hunters who consume wild hog meat and don’t cook the meat sufficiently can get sick with hog disease. In some cases, though, if you come into contact with hog’s blood or other body fluids, you can contract Brucellosis. This bacterial infection can originate from a hog.

What Steps Should You Take to Prevent Wild Hog Disease?

Minimize Contact. If you see an animal that looks sick or discover a dead animal, avoid it. Even if a hog isn’t ill, minimize your contact with the animal as much as you can.

Use Sharp Knives. When hunting or butchering your hog, always use sharp knives. A sharp blade reduces the mess, and you can cut up your hog more easily.

Wear Protective Equipment. When handling dead hogs, always make sure to wear protective equipment. This way, you don’t come into contact with body fluids that cause infection. Rubber gloves and protective eye gear are a must. You want to avoid getting into direct contact with body fluids on your hands and bare skin.

Dispose of Your Gloves. You want to get rid of the gloves used for butchering and bury them if they are disposable. If they are reusable, wash your gloves thoroughly. Otherwise, bury or burn your gloves with the other parts of the hog you aren’t using.

Clean Your Tools. Along with your gloves, you also want to clean up any hunting tools. Killing any bacteria from the dead hog is the goal. Diluted bleach is the best option for cleanup. But you can also use other types of anti-bacterial disinfectant.

Wash Your Hands. Make sure to wash your hands, as well. Run them under warm water for at least twenty seconds and lather up your hands well to get rid of all the germs.

Prepare Your Hog Meat Safely

If you plan on consuming your hog meat, you want to prepare the meat correctly. Make sure to separate your hog meat from other cooking ingredients such as vegetables (this is especially important if the vegetables will be consumed uncooked). Use a different knife to cut the flesh so there is no cross-contamination. Cook the meat to at least an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Gum Log Plantation

People hunt wild hogs because, besides the thrill of the hunt, wild hog meat is delicious. The Gum Log Plantation experts will share hog hunting tips and some great cooking tips to keep you and your meat disease free. Call 229-318-9015 for more information or to make a reservation.

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