Wild Hog Hunting Texas – Go Where the Hogs Are!

Considering wild hog hunting Texas? There are plenty of great places to do it, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before heading out. Here are the best places to hunt wild hogs in Texas, as well as some tips and tricks to make your hunt successful.

A Plague of Pigs in Texas

Texas is struggling with an overpopulation of wild or feral hogs. The estimated population in the U.S. is 4 to 5 million, with 2.6 million hogs living in Texas. Although many people think wild hogs are a different species, in fact most of the time they are simply escaped domestic pigs. In the wild, these pigs grow to look like exotic animals with long coarse hair and tusks, but they are in fact the same species.

These wild hogs have very few natural predators, and a mature hog can grow to substantial sizes of several hundred pounds or more.

These hogs are tearing up farmers’ fields, rooting up vegetation, and crowding out other wildlife. In an effort to control the population, farmers are resorting to hunting the hogs. However, this is not an easy task.

The hogs are smart and difficult to track. They also reproduce quickly, so the population continues to grow. The situation is becoming dire for Texas farmers. The hogs are causing millions of dollars in damage each year, and they show no signs of stopping. If something isn’t done soon, the hogs could take over the entire state.

Farmers are urging the government to take action. They want to see more research done on the best way to control the population. Although most acknowledge that hunting is not the most efficient way to thin them out, based on current options it is a great way to at least slow down their growth.

In the meantime, they will continue to wild hog hunt and hope for the best. For sportsmen and women, these provides a great opportunity to get out for their first hunt.

The Best Places for Wild Hog Hunting Texas

When it comes to wild hog hunting, Texas is definitely a hotspot. Unfortunately, Texas has proven to be the perfect habitat for domestic hogs, as well as feral swine that have escaped farms and ranches and began to breed.

With so many places to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to go. It’s both a positive and a negative that wild pigs have spread so far across Texas. From South Texas to the northern reaches of the state, it’s a huge problem, but it does provide plenty of places to hunt.

Both public and private property are typically readily available as both the State and Federal Government and private land owners need help managing the feral pigs.

A quick search online for wild boar outfitters or guides in the state of Texas should give you a number of choices to choose from. Various professional guides will specialize in different aspects, such as day hunts while rifle hunting, bow hunts, and helicopter hog hunts to name a few.

What Equipment Should You Bring Hog Hunting?

• A weapon – obviously in order to hunt you’ll need to bring your firearm or bow. Some outfitters may supply a firearm, but you’ll want to be sure to confirm that ahead of time!
• In Texas you do not need a license, but non-residents will need a Non-Resident 5 day Hunting pass to hunt rams or predators – check with your outfitter if this is needed or not.
• Camouflage – You absolutely need camo to hunt hogs. Hogs are very smart, so you’ll need to blend in, whether hunting during the day or at night. Be sure to check the weather to bring the appropriate types of camo for either warm or cooler weather.
• Personal items – toiletries, etc. Many outfitters who provide lodging will provide bed linens, etc. but again, confirm ahead of time with them!
• Flashlight – Often hunts occur at night, be sure to bring a reliable flashlight, and check with your guide on night vision, thermal optics, etc. and whether they are allowed and if so, if you need to bring your own.
• Skinning and butchering knives – different guides will provide different levels of service in processing the animals you harvest and may or may not skin hogs for you, so double-check what you need here as well.
• Ice chest(s) – You’ll need a way to transport your harvest home!
• Trash bags – useful either for dirty clothes, or to wrap meat and keep it clean while transporting.

What to Do With a Dead Hog After the Hunt

If you’re a hunter, chances are you’ve had to deal with a dead hog at some point. And if you’re new to hunting, you may be wondering what to do with the carcass afterwards.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when dealing with a dead hog.

• First, gut and dress the hog as soon as possible to avoid spoilage of the meat.
• Second, butcher or process the meat properly so that it can be safely consumed.
• And third, dispose of any unwanted parts of the hog in an appropriate manner.

Let’s go over each of these points in a little more detail. When gutting and dressing a hog, it’s important to do so as soon as possible after the kill. This will help to prevent the meat from spoiling. You’ll want to remove the entrails and organs, as well as the hide. It’s also a good idea to wash the carcass with clean water to remove any blood or other contaminants.

Once the hog is gutted and dressed, it’s time to butcher or process the meat. This step is important to ensure that the meat is safe to eat. You’ll need to remove any fat, as well as any blood vessels or connective tissue. It’s also a good idea to remove the hair, as it can be a source of contamination.

After the meat is processed, it’s time to dispose of any unwanted parts of the hog. This includes the entrails, organs, and hide. The best way to dispose of these parts is to bury them. This will help to prevent scavengers from getting to them and will also help to break down the carcass.

Gut and dress the hog as soon as possible, process the meat properly, and dispose of any unwanted parts in an appropriate manner. By following these steps, you can ensure that the meat is safe to eat and that the carcass is properly disposed of.

FAQs About Wild Hog Hunting Texas

Conclusion

There are plenty of great places to hunt wild hogs in Texas. Just be sure to keep a few things in mind before heading out, and you’ll be sure to have a successful hunt.