East Texas Hog Hunting

East Texas Hog Hunting is an extremely popular event for archers and riflemen. And although Texas isn't the only state offering feral hog hunts, Texas is by far the most popular place to do it. Why? Shear numbers. Texas is home to over 2 million feral hogs, which accounts for over 50% of the population of feral hogs in the entire US. Feral Hogs are densely populated in just about every county of this State, particularly in east Texas.

While hog hunting in Texas may be less popular than deer hunting, turkey hunting or duck hunting, in many ways it can be more challenging. Hog hunting requires different skills and knowledge, so if your intent on success, here are 5 important tips that will make your next feral hog hunt more pleasurable and productive.

1) Hunter Safety - One of the most important things to remember about hogs is they can be very dangerous animals. And although they will choose "flight over fight" under most circumstances, they can also become extremely aggressive if wounded or cornered. Simply stated, hogs won't hesitate to attack humans (or anything else for that matter) if necessary.

I have seen the speed and agility of feral hogs first hand. Hunting with a partner, or hunting from a tree stand are two of the best forms of safety.

2) The Greatest Challenge - If you're looking for the greatest test and challenge, try hunting feral hogs with a bow. Using a rifle may be a sufficient challenge for many hunters, and it certainly has its advantages if you are intent on "bringing home the bacon". But hunting with a bow presents the full test of wits, skill and good fortune. If nothing else, a bow will require that you take a closer, more deliberate shot.

3) Hunting Season - One of the other unique aspects of east Texas hog hunting is there are no restrictions on the season, the bag limit (if you can call it that), the species, or the sex. You can shoot hogs in Texas year round, and you can shoot as many as the landowner, and your hunting skills, will allow.

Hogs are so prolific in Texas they are akin to dove hunting in Argentina. The dove population in Argentina is so large that many of the local farmers and ranchers are just happy to see the out of control population temporarily diminished.

Hogs reproduce at an alarming rate, often having up two litters per year with up to 10-12 piglets per litter. They eat anything and everything (plant and animal), they are destructive to the land, and they compete with other wildlife for limited food sources. And they are also known to be disease carriers. It's no wonder the State has such an open hunting policy when it comes to feral hogs.

4) Time of Day - Like deer, hogs are nocturnal and forage primarily after dark. So the best time for east Texas hog hunting is late afternoon or early morning. Night hunts are tricky, so make sure you have permission from the local game warden, and your land owner in advance.

5) Licensing - I have read several articles from presumably well meaning authors who have completely misstated the laws of Texas relating to licensing for feral hog hunts. I'm not a lawyer, so I'll refrain from giving advice about what the law says, but my best non-legal advice to every hunter is that the safest and most iron-clad approach to licensing is to keep a valid hunting license with you at all times. I'd even go so far as to say that licensing is comparable to the old American Express Card mantra, "Don't leave home without it". You never know when it might come in handy.

The State of Texas has adopted an on-line licensing program, which allows hunters to obtain a license without having to waste time in long lines at the retail store. It's stress free and 100% of the fees charged for licensing go to support the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. It's nice to know the fees aren't being funneled to other state projects, or funding the activities of some unrelated program.

So now that you are ready for the challenge of Hog Hunting East Texas take a look at one of the most accommodating places in to do it. Hog Hunting East Texas.com is a true haven for hogs and hog hunters.

David Lange is a freelance writer for sports and sporting events.

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