Hog hunting, as many know, is more of a culling than a sport. The USDA estimates that hogs have inflicted somewhere around $1.5 billion in damages, nationwide.
This makes hog hunting trips an important part of protecting property and potentially lives. If you want to go on these wild boar hunting trips, however, you need to make sure that you're safe and well-prepared. You'll obviously need essentials like a first aid kit and ammunition, but there are other things on the list that can make for a successful hog hunt.
Some other items to include in your wild boar hunting trips include:
- Hunting License
Because wild hogs are considered non-native, invasive, and dangerous, hunting regulations vary from state-to-state. Texas, for example, has no restriction on hunting hogs year round. As with any hunting for sport or otherwise, you need the proper licensing. A general hunting license is required to hunt on public land, and permission from the landowner in addition to a hunting license is required to do so on private land. Check your state's regulations before each hunt to see what you need. - Appropriate Clothing
Because many states allow wild boar hunting trips year round, your clothes can depend on the season that weather conditions. You should generally wear pants that can withstand woodland conditions and parasites, as well as boots for foot protection. You should wear camouflage or dark colors, but make sure to have the level of hunter's orange required by law on your garments. - Handheld GPS and Two-Way Radios
These two items are vital. You need to take the proper precautions when hunting to be able to navigate and communicate with others quickly and clearly. Particularly if and when your party splits up. Cell phone connections can be limited and so turning to a radio instead can be a good back up. In addition, you may want to bring a compass and map as a backup plan, should the GPS fail. - Flashlight and Extra Batteries
Flashlights are particularly important when hunting animals like hogs, which are nocturnal. Tactical flashlights can be used for navigating through the woods in the dark, and scanning and locating game to hunt. You should bring at least a few sets of batteries for all your equipment.
These are just a few of many items essential to having a successful hog hunt. Bringing these items as a general rule can help increase safety standards and potentially make for a more successful hog hunt. Contact us if you have any questions about the kind of gear you should bring, or if you want to know if your gear is up-to-standard.
