Are you new to wild boar hunting in Texas? This fun and exciting sport is guaranteed to get your heart pounding, with plenty of action in the field followed by a freezer full of delicious results.
It's also a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of West Texas, relax and take some time for yourself, and maybe even make a new friend or two.
If that sounds like a good time, you're in the right place. Read on to learn all that you need to know to before you go to West Texas to hog hunt. We'll cover everything from the state's legal requirements and successful field strategies for Texas hog hunting to tips on finding the best Texas hog hunting ranches.
SandFork Hog Hunting Package:
- $570 Hunt
- 2 Hogs Any Size
- Additional Hogs are $200
- 2 Days of Hunting, 2 Nights of Lodging
- Arrive at 1PM on the First Day and depart at 11am on the Third Day
Texas Wild Boar Hunting Basics
According to TPWD, There is currently an estimated population in excess of 1.5 million wild boars in Texas. And, while they are exceptionally fun to hunt, they are also considered a nuisance animal, sometimes causing extensive damage to property.
During a successful hunt, you can expect to spend time in stands, making shots of up to 80 yards. Spot and stalk hunting will also be allowed, but during alternate hours so as not to interfere.
A hunting license is not required so long as your chosen hog hunting spot is on private property and you have the landowner's permission.
For an up-close look at your potential prey and some happy hog hunting customers, take a look at this gallery.
What You Need for Wild Boar Hunting in TX
First and foremost, you'll need to invest in proper boar hunting gear. This will include your choice of weapon, gun or bow, as well as a good knife and potentially a pistol or additional sidearm. You'll also want to bring binoculars and camouflage clothing for both warm and cool weather.
Wild boars have an excellent sense of smell, so it's also helpful to have some scent eliminator handy.
While you're away from home, you'll also need some comfortable clothing for relaxing around the lodge and basics like a field backpack, water bottle, and snacks. Don't forget to bring any medications and toiletries that you'll need and a couple of hefty coolers for taking your freshly processed meat home.
Lastly, it's important to mention that many hunting outfitters are self-catering, including Sandfork Ranch. So, you'll need to bring all of your food and drinks from home, but you will find a fully stocked kitchen where you can prep and cook meals.
What Its Like Staying at a Wild Boar Hunting Ranch in Texas
Texas hunting lodges are typically built in rural or undeveloped areas where wild game is naturally present. They feature casual and comfortable bunkhouse style accommodations, with plenty of dedicated spaces for cleaning and storing your gear.
There may be other opportunities for hunting local species like turkeys and deer, but you'll need a license. You can also enjoy fishing, range shooting, and plenty of peaceful landscapes, too.
Book Your Wild Boar Hunting Trip Today
With the help of this guide, you're ready to try boar hunting in Texas. And, there's just one outfitter to trust - SandFork Ranch.
We're a family-owned and operated business with over 15 years of experience, and we're happy to work with hunters of all skill levels. A stay at our ranch includes comfortable accommodations, fun and fairly priced packages, and highly skilled West Texas hog hunting guides who are happy to help with whatever you might need.
Contact us today and find out why we're among the top Texas Hog Hunting Ranches!
Wild Boars:
The History Behind the Texas Hog Population
The population of feral hogs in Texas, and in many other parts of the United States, has grown significantly over the years due to a combination of historical, ecological, and human factors. Here are some key reasons for the proliferation of wild hog in Texas:
- Historical Introduction: The introduction of domestic pigs by European explorers and settlers in the 16th century led to the establishment of feral populations. Pigs were released or escaped, and over time, they adapted to the wild, becoming wild hogs.
- High Reproductive Rate: Wild pigs have a high reproductive rate. They can breed throughout the year, and a single sow can have multiple litters in a year, each with a large number of piglets. This contributes to rapid population growth.
- Adaptability: Feral hogs are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats. Texas provides a range of ecosystems, from forests to grasslands, which allows feral hogs to find suitable environments for feeding and breeding.
- Limited Natural Predators: Feral hogs in Texas have few natural predators, allowing their populations to grow unchecked. While young piglets may fall prey to predators like coyotes, adults are relatively free from natural threats.
- Agricultural Impact: Feral hogs cause significant damage to crops and agricultural lands. Their rooting behavior destroys crops, and they can carry diseases that affect livestock. As a result, landowners sometimes hesitate to limit their populations, contributing to their unchecked growth.
- Lack of Effective Control Measures: Controlling feral hog populations is challenging due to their adaptability, intelligence, and elusive nature. Conventional hunting and trapping methods are not always sufficient to keep their numbers in check.
Efforts are being made to manage and control feral hog populations in Texas, including hunting, trapping, and other control measures. However, due to their prolific nature and adaptability, it remains a persistent challenge for wildlife management authorities.
Words from the Wise:
"This was our first experience on a Texas hog hunt and we couldn’t be happier! Group of 5 AZ boys with some youth hunters. Accommodations are excellent, hogs are plentiful, and Brice was an amazing host. Great communication before and during hunt and he was happy to share his knowledge and let us pick his brain about all things “hog hunting”. Came home with plenty of wild hog meat and great memories. We’ll be back for sure." -Don G.
"Brice, I wanted to say thank you for the tremendous experience we had at the ranch. It was the best experience we’ve ever had. Being able to hunt with three generations was fantastic. The bunk house has turned into a home away from home, comfortable and complete. We’re already talking about next year. Stacey and I will see you in October. Thanks again, you’re a great host." -Dave M.
"Brice runs a top notch operation. The facilities are very clean and comfortable and he provides a great family fun environment. We saw hogs every time we were on the ranch rather it be in the stand or spot and stalking. The opportunity to harvest a 200+lb pig is very good. My two sons and I harvested 2 whitetail does, 1 4 horn ram and 5 large hogs during our last hunt at SandFork Ranch. I've hunted with Brice many times over the years and he goes above and beyond to make your experience at SandFork Ranch a huge success." -Tim S.