5 Reasons Why You Should Hunt Wild Pigs

I've been on many a spring turkey trip in places such as Florida, Texas, and even California when a pig hunt broke out.

Why? Read on . . .

1. Property Damage Control

Pre-hunt discussions by friends, outfitters, ranch owners and others often conclude with statements such as: "And kill as many pigs as you want."

Damage control on properties is often one aim. There are four others as well.

Gear tip: Keep an eye on roaming hogs with the Covert Scouting Cameras Night Stryker in Realtree Xtra.

Bonus read: More on damage by wild pigs.

2. Year-Round Hunting Opportunity

Let's face it, the weeks and months between spring turkey and fall deer seasons are long.

Fishing, as fun as it is, doesn't always provide the variety you might need. You may want, to put it simply, hunt.

Pigs provide the answer.

Some states, like Alabama, just require a small-game license to target them; others, like Georgia, ask for regular hunting paperwork. In Oklahoma, no license is required to hunt wild pigs on private land.

Often, too, there are no closed seasons on these feral swine; even night hunting and other opportunities.

Always check your state's regulations though, as they vary. Have fun but stay legal.

Bonus photo gallery: Hogs by Helicopter

3. Let's Be Honest: It's Fun

Do it from a treestand. Do it from a blind. Do it with a spot-and-stalk. Do it with chase-and-catch dogs.

And I dare you not to grin while up in the air, on the ground, on the move or following dogs on foot.

Squirrel hunting is popular for the same reason. An abundance of pigs, like bushytails, makes the sport anything but boring.

Bonus read: Go here for more on how to stalk wild hogs.

4. Wild Game Management

In some parts of the country wild pigs are overpopulating habitats. Managing them is not only an option but also a necessity.

Some ranchers even offer free hunts to help apply some population controls on feral hogs.

Bonus read: Go here for 10 hog hunting guns.

5. Meat on the Hoof

Special cuts. Sausage. Slow-cooked quarters for barbecue sandwiches.

Eating wild pork extends the hunt to the supper table.

Bonus read: Check out Timber 2 Table for wild pig recipes (and others). Follow Realtree on Facebook.

[Editor's note: This Realtree.com post was first published July 11, 2016.]