Types

• There are two types of hogs in the wild. One is the Russian or Eurasian Boar, which has tusks and thick, long hair. The other type are domesticated pigs that have become wild and are called feral hogs. Sometimes they interbreed, and in some states the wild hogs are a combination of the two. Either way, hogs have a great sense of smell, are very fast and big, and can be dangerous when encountered in the wild.
  
  Hogs are disliked because they destroy crops and wildlife habitat. They are known to kill small animals, and they spread diseases to other animals. They also reproduce rapidly, and even with almost unlimited hunting, their population is still growing.
  
  

History

• The first boars were brought to the United States by the Spanish, who brought them in the 1600s for food. Later, in the 1800s, the British brought them to Texas for hunting on ranches. They eventually escaped and became wild.
  
  Domesticated pigs brought by settlers also escaped and became wild over time. Some settlers would let their pigs run wild until they needed one, which just encouraged them to become wild.
  
  Wild hogs have spread to most of the Southern states and on the West Coast. They are spreading and have been spotted as far north as southern Illinois and southern Indiana.
  
  

Legal Aspects

• In most states there is no hunting season for hogs, so it is open all year long. Some states limit hog hunting during the fall turkey season. There is no limit on how many hogs you may shoot or on size or age. Wisconsin wildlife officials are encouraging "aggressive measures" to eradicate hogs.
  
  In many states no license is required to kill hogs since they are not game animals. Some states require a general hunting license if you are hunting on public land such as those run by a wildlife management agency.
  
  The largest number of wild hogs are in the states between the Carolinas and Texas.
  
  

Places to Hunt

• Hunting hogs on private land is the easiest as there is no license required, but you must have permission from the landowner. You must also be careful to not shoot a domestic pig by accident.
  
  Some landowners lease their land for hunting, for which you purchase hunting rights for a set amount of time.
  
  Public lands such as wildlife areas, many state parks and national parks are open for hunting. Check local regulations.
  
  Another option is to go with a guide. Hunting outfitters provide the place to hunt and put you in the best position to make a kill. Meals and lodging may be included. They will also help you get your animal out of the woods and with processing the meat.
  
  

Methods

• There are three ways to hunt hogs. The simplest is to wait in a stand--such as a deer stand--until a hog comes by and take your best shot. Usually these type areas are baited and have been scouted. The stands are put where people believe the hogs will be.
  
  Another means of hunting is called stalking. This involves scouting and tracking down the hog. It is a bit more challenging because you have to find the hog.
  
  A third method is the most dangerous: hunting with dogs. With this method you scout for the pigs, and dogs assist by chasing the animal down and cornering it. You then move in for the kill.
  
  

Hunters for the Hungry

• Several states have started a program where wild hogs that hunters have killed may be donated to feed people in need. Hunters drop their animals off at meat processor operations, which process the meat and turn it over to an agency. The agency then distributes the meat.