How To Hunt Hogs At Night?
A fast-breeding and non-native species, The feral hog has exploded entirely in America. Some states have opened hunting to ensure that 70% of their population will be killed each year, preventing further harm to native animals and crops. Many hunting enthusiasts have taken advantage of states’ non-binding hunting laws to hunt these species. If you’re looking to learn how to hunt hogs at night, remember that it’s not a sport for beginners. It would be best if you had previous experience hunting.
Before going, you can go hog hunting. Feral hogs can be a risky game and are often very violent. Therefore it is necessary to learn about how to hunt wild hogs before going on your hunting trip.
Here are hog hunting basics guidelines regarding tracking and calling that will ensure an enjoyable hunt if you are learning to hunt. We’ll also list the top three states with minor limitations to hunting wild animals.
How To Hunt Hogs?
As the population of hogs has increased, so too has the game of hunting for hogs. But hogs have loosened up and have adapted to a more active lifestyle that is nocturnal. Thus, hunters now find themselves often hunting at night, which requires their own set of capabilities.
The ideal time to hunt for hogs in the evening is when they are out to eat. To chase them, you’ll require the right equipment and hog hunting gear like a hog hunt alert system that will warn you when hogs are close by. It can also save the eyes from searching the area and provide information about where hogs are.
Bow hunting is a favoured method for many hunters of hogs. However, it is essential to ensure your equipment is safe. It’s necessary to buy an excellent waterproof bow case. If you’re a fan of shooting with a rifle, be sure that you keep your ammunition dry in an ammo storage case. It is also important that you wear the right clothes for hog hunting.
How to Track Hogs?
When you begin to learn what is hog hunting, it’s also a good idea to sharpen your tracker skills. It’s good to know that hogs have specific indications and tracks. Here’s what to look for to find out if hogs have crossed the region and are present.
- Rooting: As a type of swine, hogs prefer to plant roots to find food. One of the most simple and obvious ways to locate wild hogs is by looking for soil that has been uprooted.
- Tracks of hogs appear like deer tracks. However, they are broader and more round.
- Wallowing: A different recognizable indication of wild hogs is “wallows,” an area frequently found near lakes and streams where they’ve been laying in the mud to keep cool.
The Essentials: Gear and Clothing for Hog Hunting at Night
Preparing for a night hog hunt? Equip yourself with the following:
- Rifle: A bolt-action rifle is a trusted ally for its power and precision.
- Night Vision or Thermal Imaging Scopes: Spot and target hogs even in the dark. Night vision amplifies ambient light, while thermal imaging detects heat. Your choice depends on preference and budget.
- Hunting Lights: An excellent headlamp or spotlight aids in spotting hogs. Opt for red or green spectrum lights – harder for hogs to detect.
- Camouflage Clothing: Blend with the environment, reducing chances of detection by hogs.
- Monoculars or Binoculars: Essential for scouting and locating hogs from afar.
Calling Feral Hogs
Hogs are much more aggressive – and more speedy! It’s not what you’d think, and therefore, do not be a fool to these wild animals. However, you can leverage this advantage by making predatory calls to get them into the open. You can call feral hogs using an upward position by using predator sounds in rapid and short bursts. Another method to alert wild hogs is to play recordings of the sounds made by piglets that are in trouble. This will undoubtedly draw your attention and the interest of the cautious sow! No matter what you do, keep your eyes on the ball and stay an appropriate distance. Feral hogs can hurry from the bush in a flash. Moreover, you can also use hog hunting dogs to get the hogs into the open.
Hog Hunting 101
Here are some hog hunting tips to aid you in shooting hogs at night.
Setting up a Bait Site
Hogs are opportunistic eaters. Bait sites with corn, acorns, or persimmons can attract them to a designated area. Patience is key, as it can take days for hogs to find and get used to the bait site.
Stalking
Stalking means moving quietly through hunting grounds in search of hogs. This challenging tactic requires understanding hog behavior and signs like tracks or rooting damage. Always approach from downwind to avoid detection.
Stand Hunting
Stand hunting involves waiting in a strategic, often elevated location for hogs to come within shooting range. This works well with a bait site.
Bring Enough Gun
There is no doubt that hunters have snatched the hog using any weapon. It’s also true that hunters have killed several hogs using small-calibre weapons. If you’re determined to eat bacon, you’ll never shoot anything smaller than a .243. A gun designed for hunting hogs will be of great assistance. If you can locate it, get it. Moreover, it is also important to carry the right night vision scope for hog hunting. It will help you shoot the hogs from a distance and ensure safety.
Shoot And Keep Shooting
Hogs travel in the form of a sounder or group. Most often, sows travel together, and sometimes there are 40 people in the group. Big boars hunt with smaller parties or by themselves. Experienced hunters are aware that if they shoot a headshot using an unrestricted weapon and the hog falls without any sound, they might be able to get a second shot of high quality.
If the hog makes a sound and the group moves all over the place. Be ready for that and swiftly move from the target to the goal. Shooting hogs can be hard to deal with. Even if you get one doesn’t mean that he’s down to the wire. The best tip for shooting in huge groups is to keep shooting and shooting.
Use The Right Type of Light
Flashlights are an essential element of a kit for hunting when you’re hunting in the dark without the aid of night vision equipment. But, you shouldn’t choose just any flashlight. The use of standard flashlights that emit white or yellow light will make the job more difficult.
White light is known to frighten animals who are a distance away. It is better to utilize a colour-based light source, like either green or red light. Both alternatives have been tested to keep game and other wildlife in the dark and, in general, unaffected.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year for hog hunting at night?
Hogs can be hunted year-round, but the cooler months of fall and winter often prove the best. These seasons see hogs actively foraging for food to build up fat reserves.
Can you hunt hogs at night with dogs?
Yes, hunting hogs at night with dogs is popular. This method requires trained dogs and is not recommended for beginner hunters or those unfamiliar with hunting dogs.
Is thermal imaging or night vision better for hog hunting?
Each has advantages. Thermal imaging detects hogs through their body heat, while night vision scopes amplify existing light. The choice often comes down to personal preference and budget.
Conclusion
Hunting hogs at night can be enjoyable, but only so that you’re taking it with care. As you can see, hunting at night does not have to cost a lot, but it could. Determine what equipment you’re willing to purchase, Find a great place for hunting, and do your best to get your hands sweaty. You can be an improved hunter regardless of the season or equipment you use to go hunting out there.
