Hog Hunting Intro

Hogs. Just the mere mention of the critter sends chills up my spine. Having grown up in a small town just north of Corpus Christi called Sinton, I’ve sure spent my fair share of time chasing them.

Hogs are not considered game animals in Texas; therefore, they can be hunted year round, daytime, nighttime, and with any firearm or bow of your choice. And the best part…they are incredible table fare. Hogs plus springtime equals the solution to a major case of cabin fever.

Because most ranches that cater to hog hunters are literally over-run with them, hogs are also a great way to introduce youth or a significant other to the outdoors. There is usually ample opportunity to watch wild game and possibly harvest a first critter, not to mention spend quality time with a loved one in the outdoors.

At the time of this writing I am planning a hog archery hunt with a friend of mine, Brooks Barkley. Brooks owns a chain of sporting goods stores in Boerne, TX and most recently, San Marcos, TX called Barkley’s Wildlife Sportsman. Bow hunting for hogs mixed in with campfires and story telling is just what the doctor ordered.

As much fun as the actual hunting is, for me personally, the anticipation leading up to the hunt is just as much fun. I’m notorious for being completely packed for a hunt days in advance. This gives me time to think about what I need and what I have forgotten well in advance. I like to think I’m organized and well prepared. My friends call it anal-retentive. What do they know?

Hogs are also very inexpensive to hunt. Most ranches offer a modest daily rate and may even include a lodge to stay and cook your food in. In any case, chasing wild hogs can be a lot of fun. It also gives someone a chance to hone his/her skills in the off-season, as well as, put delicious protein in the freezer. So whether you like to hunt with bow, muzzleloader, rifle, handgun, or even a spear, give hogs a go this off-season. The rush and reward will be nothing short of incredible.


By Randy Miller
Randy works for Keith Warren and decided to give him a break from writing while he is out slaving away filming fishing shows.