It’s understandable that you and a few friends or workgroup want to get together and hunt. That being said, hunting for the wrong animals or in improper locations can result in a lot of trouble for you. Therefore, it’s best to ensure that you’re within the confines of local and national laws while hunting. Considering that, one way to do this is by going on hog hunting trips. These trips are extremely popular in Oklahoma, where feral swine populations have been observed across all 77 counties in this state. It’s important that you hunt for hogs in a safe manner. With that in mind, here are four tips to follow before you begin hunting hogs.
- Book a Hunt with a Reputable Company
The first step to take before going on a hog hunting trip is finding a company to help you out. Whether you’re new to hunting or consider yourself a seasoned hunter, it’s wise to choose guided tours. In turn, you’re able to book a hunt while avoiding a lot of risks associated with trying out your own hunting spot including breaking the law. - Communication is Key
Whether you’re hunting with one other person or are in a group of 10 hunters, communication between all parties is essential. Considering that all of you are likely to have weapons, it’s important to communicate when and where hunters will be firing their weapons. If you’re out in the deep wilderness, cell phones might not be able to have reception. Therefore, walkies talkies and two way radios are popular items to consider bringing on hog hunting trips. - Hunt Where You Feel Safe
It’s understandable that this might the first hog hunt for you. With that in mind, let the hog hunting trip provider know there are beginning hunters on this upcoming expedition. In turn, the company will likely be able to provide an experience more suited to those hunting for the first time. Considering that, it’s important to always hunt from a safe position. Many hunters prefer to hunt while in treestands or box blinds. - Always be Aware of Your Surroundings
While hunting hogs certainly isn’t as dangerous as more fierce types of prey, don’t underestimate these animals. This means always being aware of your surroundings. Considering that, you’ll want to avoid hunting with headphones on or wearing anything that could possibly hinder your vision. It’s important to be aware that these animals could be around you and your hunting party at any time.
To summarize, hog hunting trips aren’t always done for the sake of the hobby. Throughout many states, feral hogs and pigs remain a problem. In fact, estimates from the United States Department of Agriculture estimate that there are over 6 million feral pigs throughout 39 states. Unfortunately, these animals create an estimated $1.5 billion in damage throughout the nation due to eating crops and infecting nearby water sources. Therefore, hog hunting trips help to reduce the population of this nuisance. If you are interested in hunting hogs, consider booking your trip right away.