7 Wild Hog Facts Every Hog Hunter Should Know

We have said it before – and will say it again – wild hog has become very popular game to harvest. The numbers of these animals are rapidly growing throughout the United States, causing them to be easily accessible to many hunters. 

So, whether you have hunted wild hogs before or you're considering adding these animals to your list of hunted species, here are seven facts every hog hunter should know.

Fact 1: It's Hard To Fool Their Nose

Hogs might not have the best eyesight compared to other game you hunt, but they do have very good noses. Hogs can sense odors in excess of five miles away and can detect odors underground as deep as 25 feet. 

This is why many hunters use the "spot and stalk" tactic, as you can fool the eyes if careful, but hunters can rarely fool a wild hog's nose. 

Using this tactic, hunters scout a spot where they can watch and "spot" hogs. Then, choose a hog they want to take and stalk it very slowly to get within shooting range, being careful to keep the wind in your face to avoid triggering the hog's sense of smell and alerting them to your presence.

Fact 2: Hogs Do Not Have Sweat Glands

Now, we know what you're probably thinking: why do I care if hogs have sweat glands or not? Well, hogs do not have sweat glands, so they must resort to drastic measures to keep cool in heat. 

Considering many hog populations that are becoming hard to control are in the south (Texas, Alabama, and other southern states), knowing this information helps you better plan your hunts. 

Hunting the weather to the best of your ability requires getting into the mindset of a wild hog. In extremely hot temperatures, hogs will stay near water or the thickest cover possible, depending on what's available. You can also catch wild hogs laying in the mud or moving late at night when temperatures drop. 

With this information, it makes sense that the best time to hunt wild hogs is during colder months, as they do not need to put in as much effort to stay cool. However, now that you know where they will also be during warm months, they might be easier to locate if you plan to hunt during those months.

Fact 3: They Are Runners and Jumpers

Have you ever seen a wild hog run or jump? These animals might not look agile, but they can reach speeds up to 30 mph. 

They are also known to jump over fences lower than three feet high. Researchers have also seen wild hogs make their way out of traps five to six feet high. 

What does all of this mean for hunters? Hunt with caution. 

As we mentioned above, wild hogs have a great sense of smell. They are also large, aggressive animals that can charge you at high speeds. 

So, if you plan on hunting or trapping these wild hogs, you must be careful with the techniques you intend to use. Texas A&M recommends setting traps at least five feet tall in a teardrop shape, avoiding "hard" corners (i.e., 90-degree angles) because hogs tend to pile in corners and can make it over the top of the trap. 

Fact 4: They Can See Objects Up to 100 Yards Away

Although we noted that hogs don't have the best eyesight compared to other wild game, they can still see things up to 100 yards away. 

This means that if you plan to spot and stalk a hog, be careful and quiet. They can hear and see you at a distance – and remember, they might charge you when they spot you!

Fact 5: Find Uprooted Soil

One of the most tell-tale signs to look for when harvesting a wild hog is locating uprooted soil. Uprooted soil is one of the most recognizable signs of hogs in the area. 

Wild hogs use their snouts to root through vegetation in search of food. So, spotting disturbed soil can help you harvest a nice pig. 

Fact 6: Many Wild Hogs Become Nocturnal

As wild hogs become increasingly popular to hunt to help control their increasing numbers, many hogs have adapted to hunter behavior and strategies by becoming nocturnal. This nocturnal behavior means that one of the best time to hunt wild hogs is when they feed at night. 

Several states allow hog hunting on private and public land, with and without artificial light. To hunt at night, make sure you have the right equipment. The Game Alert Hog Hunting Light can be attached to the bottom of feeders to provide illumination when a hog is within range. 

Doing this simplifies the process of hog hunting at night and helps you see hogs move in the dark.

Fact 7: Their Population Increases Significantly Each Year

Studies show that the wild hog population increases across the United States by 18-20% annually! With this species causing damage to our crops, agriculture, and forests, a rapidly growing population is a good reason to hunt these animals. 

We must start taking the rapid growth of these animals seriously and take advantage of hunting rights. 

Use the HuntWise app to learn where you can hunt wild hogs and the related regulations to the area, as they can vary from state to state. However, more states are loosening their regulations yearly due to the rapid growth of wild hog populations.

Bonus Fact: HuntWise Helps You on a Wild Hog Hunt

Wild hogs are smart! They are good at adapting to different habitats and the weather in their regions. These characteristics are some of the reasons why their numbers are growing at an outrageous rate. 

With these seven facts about hogs in your mind and your HuntWise app to guide you along the way with predictions of the best times to hunt in your area, mapping and marking features, and more, you improve your chances of harvesting a wild hog. Plus, with how smart and mischievous these guys are, it is nothing short of fun to hunt hogs!

Content updated December 12, 2023.