Before we get into the specifics of wild boar hunting it’s important to get a better understanding of what you will be hunting. Knowing more about your prey will prepare you for the field when you’re stalking and going for the kill. Also, it’s important to know how hogs behave, sleep, and defend themselves. Learning more about them could one day save your life.
What is a Wild Boar?
Prior to the 1700s, there was the Eurasian boar and the domesticated boar. They existed in the thousands in Southeast Asia. They eventually spread across the globe with colonization and transportation between continents. It was during the founding of the North American continent by explorers Christopher Columbus and Hernando de Soto that the domesticated boar population grew further.
From the 1700s to the 1900s the boar population exploded. Their meat was highly valued and mass-produced across the nation. Domesticated boars would escape hunting grounds, cross-breed with older generations, and continue to reproduce. Slaughterhouses and processing plants increased in numbers providing more pork to people in growing cities.
After the 1900s, with the import of boars from wealthy huntsmen, escaped ones from hunting grounds, and continued interbreeding throughout the United States, the wild hog population grew out of control. Today, it’s reported that more than 4 million wild hogs roam the country.
Human’s History of Hunting Boar
As with any record of the earliest hunters, it all began with a spear. The first mention of boar hunting was made by the great Homer. Hercules and King Arthur were both known to have hunted wild boars. There are images of boar hunting on horseback in India and the use of spear hunting in ancient tombs. They are known to be a respected hunting game due to their primal nature and tough hide. Even one hog hunter wrote, “If fox hunting is the sport of kings, then pig-sticking is surely the sport of everyone else.” The first known hunters did so in groups. They would lure the hog into a vulnerable area where it could be put down with ease. Going back to the 1800s, boar hunting grounds were established by wealthy sportsmen, which is one reason their population grew to such an amount. Herding feral boars was also a practice in colonial times. The use of enclosing them in a fenced area was used for a short period, but they proved to be too strong and breakthrough. Mankind has come a long way from spears.
The Prey – The Traits of a Wild Boar
The wild boar has become a formidable opponent to hunters across the planet. They are extremely defensive animals, especially if threatened. The difficulty of hunting them has led to hunting groups to scare and ambush. It’s not advised to solo hunt a feral hog or wild boar, but if experienced then it can be quite an adventure.
They can have a very aggressive nature if with piglets. The mother, like any mother in the wild, will protect its young at any cost. If shot at, it’s highly likely that it will prepare for an attack. This could start with a fierce look and growling noises. Hunters should always be prepared for a second shot or run to safe ground or higher elevation like in a tree. It’s also a possibility that you could be blind-sighted by an unknown boar in the group.
As for their defenses, they rely on their sense of smell. Their large, long snouts are used for sniffing and burrowing through the ground to find food. It’s also used to sense potential threats from far off (the boars’ sense of smell is stronger than that of a deer). However, their sense of hearing isn’t as strong, and they are very near-sighted. So the possibility to sneak up on them isn’t impossible.
While in the hunt, they can spawn as a single or in groups. These groups tend to consist of 2 males, and 3 females within a sounder (a herd of wild pigs).
On the kill itself, a wild swine’s coat is quite thick and can be difficult to penetrate. Their individual hairs, or bristles, are long and coarse. The coat below the head is much thicker. That’s where the chosen caliber comes in.
Wild Boar Hunting Gear Guide
Before the excitement of your hunting trip, before the stalk and tracking down your swine, and before the much-awaited shot, you must be prepared. More important than understanding your prey is having the right gear to hunt, kill, and bag your prey. The right gear includes your choice of weapon, stalking equipment, clothing, safety, and legal documentation.
Let’s start with the fun part – guns!
Everyone has their own choice. Everyone has their preference. The on-the-ground stalk for an up-and-close kill with a shotgun, the sit, bait, and wait method for a long-distance shot, or maybe a more primal way using a carefully aimed bow and arrow. So here are some of the preferred guns of choice for wild boar hunting…
Pump Action Rifle
Remington 7600
This is a popular choice amongst hunters. With four caliber selections, it is also versatile. The carbine model is a good all-purpose gun. It’s also known for its good accuracy. For boar hunting, the .270 or the .30-06 are recommended for effective penetration. It has a 5-round capacity.
Lever Action Rifles
Winchester 1895
Known as a legend in its class. Also called “Big Medicine”, this rifle was designed for superior accuracy, has a boxed magazine, and a refined finish. It’s been known to take down some of the largest beasts, such as a rhino, so it can surely handle a wild boar. Get it in a .30-40 Krag, .30-06, or a .405 caliber. It has a 5-round capacity.
Marlin Guide Gun
This rifle provides excellent maneuverability and packs a punch with its .45-70 caliber. A nice weapon to have during your hunt either in a stand or a blind. It has a 5-round capacity.
Winchester Model 94
A simple but elegant look and feel with a classic-style barrel. Designed to be minimal and effective in the field, which it is. A smooth lever action, reduced hammer drag, and smooth loading are among some of its features. All great when stalking your swine. For boar hunting, the .30-30 is more than suitable. It has an 8-round capacity.
Marlin Model
The .444 model is reliable and shoots cleaner with much less recoil than its predecessors. It’s a great addition to your hog-hunting arsenal, or even as your first firearm. It has a 5-round capacity.
Bolt Action Rifles
Blaser R8
If you’re looking for an upgrade to your rifle, the Blaser R8 collection offers a wide variety of rifles to choose from. Their designs are made with performance in mind. Synthetic or wood stocks, illuminated scopes, safari barrels, and more. The .300 is a common caliber for hog hunting. It has a 5-round capacity.
Savage II FCNS Hunter
With an adjustable trigger and its free-floated blue barrel, it provides great accuracy. For those patiently awaited long shots, you wouldn’t want your firearm to fail you. With its accuracy and .30-06 caliber you won’t fail a kill, just aim straight. The .338 is also a sufficient caliber. It has a 5-round capacity.
Winchester Model 70 Alaskan
A strong reliable model designed for the rough hunting grounds of the Alaskan wilderness. A great choice for those extended hunts and long stalks. Like many caliber choices for boar hunting, the .30-06 is a good pick. It has a 5-round capacity.
.450 Bushmaster Rifle
Bolt action Bushmaster rifles are a great alternative to ARs and other options. The .45 caliber was designed for big game and one-shot kills, no size boar stands a chance. It has a 4-round capacity.
Tikka T3 Hunter
A rifle with shooting performance, style, and feel in mind. A versatile weapon for any hog hunter that comes in a variety of caliber selections. The .300 caliber is a common and effective choice when swine shooting. It has a 4-round capacity.
Semi-Assault Rifles
Nemo Omen M-210
A beautifully crafted gun for a professional hunter. This beast comes equipped with an adjustable gas system, recoil reduction carrier, 15″ 6061 M-LOK modular rail, and much more. Highly customizable and ready for a hardcore hunt. It’s a .300 caliber and has a 14-round capacity.
Smith & Wesson M&P 10
An often go-to rifle for quick aiming and mobility. It’s optics-ready and can be quite accessorized. With 5R rifling and its Armornite finish, it’s tactical and one of the more affordable options. It’s a .308 caliber and has a 20-round capacity.
Browning BAR ShorTrac Hog Stalker
This semi-automatic resembles more like a traditional bolt action, but with an upgrade. It’s equipped with scope rails, a detachable box mag, and gas piston operated. A very practical hunting weapon. It’s a .308 caliber with an 11-round capacity.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15
Definitely an upgrade from the M&P 10, this AR is built for hunting. It’s extremely durable and rugged, but can still be accessorized like the M&P 10. This model supports 5.56 calibers and has an upgraded 30-round capacity.
Wilson Combat SBR Tactical
The look of this gun puts others behind in the competition. Among features like the SBR Tactical barrel and tactical trigger guard, it is also the most compact of the Wilson SBRs. It comes in many calibers but the 6.8 SPC is recommended for wild boar hunting. It has a 30-round capacity.
AAC Micro 7 Remington Blackout
A covert sniper rifle that supports sound reduction ammo and a suppressor. With .300 blackout subsonic calibers, your pig prey won’t even know what hit them. A lightweight rifle for any marksman. It has a 6-round capacity.
Benelli R1
The Benelli is a beautifully designed semi-automatic hunting rifle. Designed from the M4 shotgun and upgraded with the ARGO system, this is an ergonomic high-end rifle. The .300 and .30-06 are recommended for boar hunting. It has a 3-round capacity.
Rock River Arms LAR-8 X-1
This AR is ready to go out of the box. Equipped with its carbine stock, low-profile gas block, and Hogue grip, it’s a powerful gun to have on the field. It’s a .308 caliber and has a 30-round capacity.
Shotguns
For on-the-ground and close encounters, a shotgun can be a great choice. When shooting through brush or defending from charged attacks, a shotgun’s power, spray, and loaded 12 gauge shells are extremely effective.
Benelli M4
Designed for the U.S. Marine Corps, this 12 gauge ARGO system shotgun is field-ready and very durable. Proven to handle rough situations and fully customizable. It has a 6-shell capacity.
Mossberg 500 Tactical Tri-Rail
An adjustable, low-maintenance tactical 12 gauge. It’s another great option for your hunting collection. It has a 7-shell capacity.
Handguns
While stalking through thick brush, close proximity shooting, and quick defense from ambushing wild hogs, handguns are the go-to selection. Many boar hunters will carry sidearms as their secondary defense firearm.
Smith & Wesson .460VXR
A great sidearm for long-range shots or defensive purposes. This powerful handgun has long-range accuracy at 200 yards at shoots at 2400 lbs/ft. With its interchangeable compensator, it’s a great field weapon. Recommended calibers are .45, .454, and the .460. It has a 5-round chamber.
Glock 30
America’s trusted handgun that can withstand any condition or terrain. A perfect sidearm for quick access and defense. This model is a .45 caliber and has a 10-round clip.
Taurus Model 991 Tracker
Another great option for secondary protection while in the field. Affordable, multi-action handles on a .22 caliber revolver that can carry 9 rounds.
Ruger Super Blackhawk
A higher-end revolver with a traditionally styled grip and an adjustable sight. A powerful .44 magnum for extreme defensive situations that can hold 6 rounds.
Choose the Right Caliber for Hunting Hogs
You can have a fine-tuned, oiled, cleaned, and ready-to-shoot top-of-the-line rifle. You can aim straight and true with a perfectly calibrated scope in front of well-trained eyes. But, having the wrong ammunition could ruin the entire shot with a misfire, a too-powerful impact, or worse render the animal injured. Every hunter has a different selection of his or her caliber and every hog is different. In the end, it’s your choice which ammo you use, but here are a few suggestions to help with your hunt.
Some popular calibers used for hunting wild boar include Winchester .243 which is a popular sporting rifle cartridge. The Winchester .270 which has been long used by hunters for decades. The Winchester .308 has become the most popular big game hunting caliber used worldwide. The Remington 7mm is a great all-around hunting choice. The Nosler .30 is considered a high-quality and consistent caliber.
Some other excellent choices include the Remington 7mm-08, the Barnes Triple-Shock X (TSX), or the Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTSX). The TSX is deadly and dependable while the TTSX provides a faster expansion at long range with 100% weight retention. The .308 or .30-06 TTSX are great choices for dropping boars. For an AR, the AAC .300 Blackout is a common choice that provides subsonic or supersonic variances at close quarters or at long distances.
Some specific ammo that are widely used, or specifically manufactured, for wild boar hunting include:
- Remington Hog Hammer for deep penetration and rapid expansion.
- Hornady Full Boar for controlled expansion and 95% weight retention.
- Allegiance Hog Strike which is designed for one-shot kills with quick expansion.
Other Weapons for Hunting Hogs
For a year-round hunter or a more primal preference to your hunting experience, the bow and arrow is quiet, deadly, and quite fun! It has been a prehistoric weapon for hunting prey. In modern times, the compound bow has provided a much greater advantage in power, distance, and accuracy. Below are some great options.
Compound Bows
Hoyt Carbon RX-4 Alpha / Hoyt Axius Alpha
These high-end, compact bows are used by many hunters. Equipped with a ZTR Cam, custom framing system, shock pods, adjustable grip, Fuse custom strings, and an X-ACT grip system. Both are rated at 342 FPS and 29.5” axle to axle (ATA). The Carbon RX-4 weighs 3.9 lbs while the Axius weighs 4.3 lbs.
Elite Ember / Kure
Known for their extreme shooting ease and adjustability, Elite bows are another great choice for experienced hunters. The Ember, at 3.6 lbs, can shoot 310 FPS at 31”+ ATA, and the Kure, at 4.6 lbs, can shoot 335 FPS at 31”+ ATA.
Prime Black 1 / Black 3
The Prime compound bows have amazing designs with a multitude of accessories. The Black 1 performs at 332 FPS with a 31” ATA at 4.3 lbs. The Black 3 is at 337 FPS with a 33” ATA at 4.4 lbs.
PSE Carbon Air Stealth Mach 1 / EVO NXT 33
PSE compounds are made in the USA and have been redesigned for hunting. They’re especially great for stalking boars due to their stability and reduced shock. These bows are rated at 332/322 FPS, 32”/33” ATA, and 3.5/4.5 lbs.
Bear Status EKO / Divergent EKO
The EKO bows are equipped with EKO Technology for adjustable strengths and Align Lok Technology for better aiming. The Status/Divergent specs are 344/338 FPS, 33”/30” ATA, and 4.3/4.1 lbs.
Bowtech Revolt & Revolt X
These bows are very meticulously crafted for superior shooting and accuracy with their locking cam mechanism. Great for locking your assurance in when aiming at roaming boars. 335/340 FPS, 30”/33” ATA, and 4.4/4.5 lbs.
Mathews VXR 28
With the extended six-bridge riser, the Mathews bow provides extreme stability when taking those long shots at your hog. The newest VXR 28 shoots at 344 FPS, a 28” ATA, and weighs 4.44 lbs.
Gearhead Disruptor 30
With a unique design that’s built for strength and durability, this is a compound bow that stands out from the rest. Its specs are 335 FPS, 30” ATA, and 4.61 lbs.
Knives
No hunt preparation is complete without a good blade. And if a kill shot is made, the field dress is impossible. Shapes, sizes, use, brand, and other specs are all considered when making a decision when buying a quality knife. Are you looking for a 5” full-tang blade for defense or a high-quality surgical skinning blade? There are a lot of options, here are a few.
From the Gerber collection, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife is a 4.75” serrated knife with an ergonomic grip, a sheath, and a Ferrocerium rod for fire starting. It’s very highly rated and could be your last blade. The Gerber Strongarm Fixed Blade Coyote is a full tang knife with a pommel base. It also has a multi-mount and measures 4.8”. Another Gerber knife is the Myth Fixed Hunters Blade. It is a 3.75” full tang knife with a rubber handle, a sheath, and a blade sharpener.
Buck Knives are classic, durable, and sleek. The most highly rated ones are the Buck 119 with a 6” blade and the Buck 124 Frontiersman which is a 6.25” bowie knife.
Another great brand is ESEE. Created from Peruvian jungle survival that forged high-quality field knives. Some of the best blades include the ESEE ESLSP-BRK Laser Strike at 4.75” and the ESEE 5P Black Hunting Knife at 5.25”.
Other great survival knives are the 5.25” Ka-Bar Becker BK2 which is full tang with Ultramid handles and the tactical 3.75” Cold Steel Hunting Knife by Mini Tac.
Skinning Knives
Besides having a field knife for practical or survival purposes, you will also need a skinning knife once you have made your kill shot. Skinning knives should have a short blade, be compact, and be very sharp for slicing the skin from the meat. Here are some high-quality skinning blades.
Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter – 2.67” Compact
Havalon Piranta Edge – 2.75” super sharp, extra blades (Piranta Z all black)
Lone Wolf Skinner Hunting Knife with Plain-Edged Blade – 4.23” full tang
Victorinox Skinning Curved Black Fibrox – 6” curved thin blade
Other Hunting Gear
Rifle Scopes
Whether you’re chillin’ in a tree stand or spot n’ stalkin it, having effective and accurate scopes can be crucial. Take into account shooting 200-300 yards away with a 3-9x adjustable zoom. But this can vary depending on terrain, weather, and your wallet. Here are some of the top-rated rifle scopes:
The Vortex Optics Diamondback comes in various magnifications like the 1.75-5×32 or the 3-9×40. It’s durable and reliable.
The Leupold VX-1 5-10×40 is waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
The Bushnell Trophy XLT is a high-def, highly durable 4-12×40 scope.
The Nikon ProStaff 7 4-16×50 is a high-performing waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof scope.
Binoculars
Hunting across mountain ranges and through valleys? Or even in marshlands and swamplands, some high-quality monoculars and binoculars can help you gain the advantage of tracking and planning your attack.
With 15-45×65, 20-60×85, angled, or straight options the Vortex Optics Viper HD is a high-end HD optical system.
The Leupold BX-2 Acadia comes at various price points, numerous magnifications, HD glass, light management systems, and more.
The Bushnell Falcon is powerful, reliable, versatile, and made for the outdoorsman.
The Bushnell Green Roof Trophy are rugged, durable, and compact multi-proof binoculars.
The Bushnell H2O is 100% waterproof, compact, and powerful.
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD has RainGuard tech with a 340ft wide view.
The Nikon 16002 PROSTAFF 7S has an advanced optical system, ergonomic grips, custom fit, and multi-proofed.
The Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 comes with Nikon extra-low dispersion tech, multicoated eco-glass, and user-friendly features.
The Vanguard Endeavor ED has HOYA extra-low dispersion, a lightweight body, advanced lens coating for low light, and multi-proof.
Hunting Clothing
So you’ve got your seek & destroy gear. Now for protective gear. Hogs have an amazing sense of smell, but their eyesight is lacking. Of course, any gear choice depends on terrain, climate, hunt technique, and wallet size.
Some name brands worth mentioning are Realtree, Mossy Oak, Scentlok, Sitka, Badlands, Pnuma Outdoors, Kryptek, Under Armor, 5.11, Cabela’s, and RedHead.
Common camo patterns include Mossy Oak, Realtree, Sitka, and Kryptek.
An Every Hunt Carry (EHC) Guide
You never know what you might encounter on a hunt. That’s why a good hunter is always prepared no matter what may happen. Here is a basic list for an EHC, or Every Hunt Carry.
- A hunting license, for residents or nonresidents. Here’s a holder.
- Tags for selected prey
- A cooler to store your meat from the field to processor, like Bison, Yeti, or RTIC.
- Water (for drinking and cleaning)
- Food (sugar snacks for waiting, carb snacks for stalking)
- Scent Eliminator
- Wind indicator
- A Compass
- Binoculars
- Hog squealer call like Knight & Hale
- First aid kit
- Square-sized gauze pads
- 1.5-2 inch roll of gauze
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Safety pins
- Tweezers
- Snake bite kit
- Equipment for field dressing
- Rope (strong nylon) to tie up the hog and drag it
- Towels
- Rubber gloves (not latex)
- Night hunting – night vision goggles/night vision scope/lights
Hunting a Wild Boar
Now comes the question that may not be obvious to some. You can’t just walk into the woods behind your house and start shooting. You have to know where you can hunt and when you can hunt. These change depending on the animal, state, time of year, and weapon (archery, crossbow, muzzleloader, and general gun seasons)
Where to Hunt a Wild Boar
During the normal deer hunting season, which is around the beginning of November until the end of February, there are usually two choices on the location: private land or public land.
Private land provides seclusion and less competition but can be very difficult to find someone who agrees to let you hunt on their land. Public land, like a Wildlife Management Area (WMA), may require an additional cost, and encountering other hunters is common.
The true benefit of hunting on private land usually means you can hunt year-round.
Also, there are guided hunts known as outfitters. If you have the money you can get a full experience hunt with almost guaranteed kill shots, meat, lodging, a shop, and probably hundreds of acres available. Outfitters usually run about $600-$1,200 per hunt, plus tips.
The Different Hunting Methods
Hunting is typically done by luring the prey towards you and not searching for them. Most of the early mornings are spent in a tree blind or other fashion and rarely moving.
Spot-and-stalk involves walking slowly, watching for pig signs, trails, or any matted-down grass indicating a bedding area. Use binoculars at high points (glassing) to “spot” your prey and literally track them down.
Still hunting is a slower method than spot-n-stalking. You scan your ground and choose a good traffic area. Then you sit and wait for the action to come to you.
Luring involves using a hog caller or hog scent spray to attract the boars. This method takes time and they approach slowly. Often they will come straight to you so be careful of attacks.
Baiting is just as it sounds. You leave food out for some time to establish a feeding ground. Hog hunters have used corn soaked in sugar, water, and beer. One method is to dig a 1-2 foot deep hole, 1-2 feet wide, and put bait at the bottom covered with dirt. Place it in an easy-to-get place, away from bedding areas, next to trails if possible.
Dog hunting provides even more advantages with their better sense of smell for tracking, and barking alerts, and their training provides reliability as well.
Stalking and Finding Your Prey
If your method is spot-n-stalk you should know some tracking basics relevant to hunting wild hog. When actively hunting for boar you should be looking for pig tracks/hoof prints, droppings (scat), digging tracks/uplifted roots, and removed bark from trees with hair on it where they scratch themselves.
Wild boars sleep in patches of dense foliage and they use their snouts to dig up soil and dirt known as rooting. They also dig around ponds and other water sources to wallow in the mud to cool off.
Making The Kill Shot
The vital organs of a wild boar are not the same as a white-tailed deer. The kill shot is at the top of the shoulder, just behind the ears. A .30-30 will penetrate a big boar’s shoulder armor. The best shot is a quartering shot from its hoofs to a straight line up vertically to the base of the ear. Don’t aim behind the shoulder. A headshot at the base of the ear is a lethal shot that will drop a hog immediately if you are not interested in mounting it. Look for blood on a brush, not on the ground. Keep a good eye on the direction he ran off to. A good shot is the head or neck. Not so good is the lungs or heart. Pigs that watch a companion fall in front of them often change direction rather than continuing the beeline. So choose a low-magnification optic like an Aimpoint or 1X-6X scope, then pick the rear pig, fire, and swing forward to the next in line. If it flees, follow its tracks and try to spot it with binoculars, take your time.
Field Dressing a Wild Boar
You should always practice precaution when field dressing any animal. Wild boars carry a lot of diseases so it’s important to make sure the threat is neutralized and you wear protective gear like gloves and glasses.
Main Rules: 1. Always use safety 2. Keep the meat clean.
Approach your supposed kill carefully. Watch for breathing or any movement. Tag the carcass. Hang it from a tree or position it on flat ground if you can.
To begin, make shallow cuts just above the anus to the base of the sternum, around the genitals, and be careful not to nick the bladder, organs, or digestive system. Slip the knife under the skin and guide it as you cut, the blade facing out of the boar, not down into it. Open the abdomen and scoop the guts out.
If you have a saw split the sternum for more room. Discard all innards away from any trails/bedding areas/rest areas.
When you’re skinning, pull the skin hard to separate it from the carcass, making small cuts to the connective tissue as needed. Remove the hooves and head. Bag the meat, and keep it dry and dirt-free. Don’t take any bullet-damaged meat.
Wild Boar Meat
The age of a boar, like any wild animal, changes its flavor. The best ones are under 200 lbs. When dressing one, you’ll want to save all four limbs, backstraps, and tenderloins. Maybe even the liver, heart, and head.
Cooking Wild Boar
Always cook wild boar to at least 160F. Cook the meat slowly. Cook it by smoking, braising, barbecuing, roasting, stewing, or any other slow method.
