Top 3 tips for Beginner Feral Pig Hunters

Feral pigs or hogs are a huge nuisance to farmers all over Australia and are responsible for hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of agricultural damage. For that reason, pig hunting has become very popular and is a common way to keep the numbers of feral pigs at bay. Hunting these pigs is not as easy as you might think, as these animals are intelligent with a great sense of smell and sight. If you are venturing into the world of pig hunting for the first time, we have put together the top 3 tips to make sure it's a successful trip!

1. Research your target

Before you go out on your first pig-hunting trip, do as much research as you can about your prey. Read up on their appearance and their preferred habitat. Learn to see and recognise their trail signs, which will help you know if a pig is nearby. One of the best ways to do this is to go on hunting trips with experienced hunters before you venture out on your own.

2. Invest in the right equipment

Having the right equipment is very important when embarking on a feral pig hunt. Some of the basics that you should have include a good quality outdoor gear bag, hunting weapon of choice – firearm or hunting knife and suitable clothing and footwear. You should also carry a basic first aid kit in case of injury and many first time pig hunters and experienced pig hunters like to carry a GPS unit to reduce the risk of getting lost while on a hunt.

3. Get a trained hunting dog

Pig hunting dogs are great trackers and are a fantastic help to a beginner pig hunter. Popular breeds of dogs used for pig hunting are Bull Arabs, Staghounds and Bull Mastiffs. These breeds of dogs have the speed and strength to catch a feral pig as well as the endurance to track a pig for as long as it takes. When taking a dog on a pig hunt, make sure they are fully trained and experienced in pig hunting so as to provide the best assistance to you as a beginner.

So there you have it - our top 3 tips for anyone who is beginning their initial expedition into pig hunting. Before you grab your canvas gear bag and head out the door, always remember that pig hunting, just like any other form of hunting, can be extremely dangerous. While the main aim is to get that pig, make sure that you ensure your own safety at all times.