Regardless of whether you’re hunting wild hogs or feral ones, knowing when the best time to hunt a pig can mean the difference between getting your trophy and spending an entire day searching for one. Feral hogs are notorious for their aggressive behavior, so it’s best to locate any carcass as soon as possible. In addition to avoiding the heat of the day, dead pigs tend to decompose very quickly in the summer, making the process of processing the meat more challenging. Once you’ve tracked down a hog, skin it, debone it, and put it in a cooler until you’re ready to prepare it for cooking.
Spot and stalk method
While hunting hogs is similar to hunting large game, there are a few differences in the tactics. The first difference is in the concealment. Since hogs are highly mobile and don’t stay in one spot for long, scouting hideouts beforehand is essential. This way, you can use the best cover possible without leaving any lingering scent. Spot and stalk hunting is also more effective if you can find a hideout with active signs of use, including tracks, fresh excrement, and piggies rolling around.
Using night vision
The latest generation of night vision technologies are essential for feral hog hunting. Feral hogs require the ability to see and hear in the dark, so thermal imaging is an essential tool. These scopes are often worn by hunters and must be able to stay out until two in the morning to see and hear what they are missing. Thermal imaging is a better way to detect animals that are far from the beating path. Using thermal imaging to hunt hogs can also increase your chances of catching your target fast.
Scouting
The best time to hunt hogs is early morning or late evening, as pigs have a pattern of feeding. They will group together under large mature oaks, especially if there are still acorns available. As the pigs feed on these food sources, they may become difficult to spot unless you scout for them. For this reason, scouting is a better option than looking for damaged areas.
Using natural seeps
To make the most of your hunting trip, use the natural seeps to your advantage. These natural seeps create a localized disturbance in the habitat, which means that you can use methods reserved for big game. Because hogs prefer thick cover, you can hunt them in areas where they are most active at night. You can also set up an ambush downwind of multiple trails and then use pruning snips to create a shooting lane in these seeps.
Tracking male hogs
While hunting for pigs, the best time of day depends on several factors, such as the moon phase and the location of the hogs’ prime food sources. In semi-open country, such as California or Texas, a hunter’s best bet is early morning or late afternoon, when the pigs are most active. However, even when hunting during these times, timing is everything, as hogs are notoriously difficult to spot. They spend much of their day traveling, and they’re most active in the first and last hour of daylight.
Using an elevated stand
Using an elevated stand to hunt hog is an excellent strategy for hunters with limited hunting experience. If you are not sure if a hog has been in your area before, you can easily find it by using the scat. Hogs are omnivores, meaning they eat just about everything, including soil. The snout and paws of a hog allow it to dig up the ground. A hog’s poop is typically oatmeal-colored. While a hog may be a few yards away, you can still detect its presence, especially if the scat is fresh and not too far away.
Using a bow
Using a bow to hunt pigs is an excellent way to get into close quarters with a large hog. Feral hogs are very active and can be difficult to locate with a single shot, but with proper practice, you can get close enough to take a single, well-placed shot. If you’re planning to hunt a feral hog, you should remember that their sense of smell is excellent and will greatly assist you in your hunt. To make the experience more effective, use a squealer or predator call to lure a hog out of cover and make a charge.
