Hog Hunting: 12 States Where You Can Hunt Year Round in 2026

Throughout the United States, the number of wild hogs has rapidly increased over the years, which has caused this species of wild game to be much more popular to trap or hunt. Not only is it important to keep the numbers in check and help control the population, but many hunters also see hog hunting as a way to help protect their crops and properties. 

Estimates indicate that a single wild hog can cause significant damage to 6.5 square feet of land in a minute or less. Therefore, many states have added wild hog hunting regulations to support the popularity and necessity of curbing species population growth. 

However, twelve states allow you to hunt wild pigs year-round. To take advantage of this opportunity, keep reading to learn where to hunt and why!

Updated February 19, 2026

States Where You Can Hunt Hogs Year-Round

The numbers can grow more rapidly if a significant portion of the wild hog population is not reduced throughout the year. So, where can you help hold off the hogs? 

The following states allow you to hunt wild pigs year-round. These are also some of the best states for hog hunting!

• California
• Florida 
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Michigan (allowed to hunt during open season for any other game)
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• South Carolina (allowed to hunt during open season for other game on permitted WMA or year-round on private property)
• Texas
• Virginia
• Wisconsin 

Bonus States for Year-Round Hunting on Private Land

A few additional states allow year-round hog hunting, but it's primarily restricted to private land. These states include:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Indiana
• Mississippi
• New Hampshire
• Tennessee
• Oklahoma (with specific regulations for public land)

Keep in mind that some states have specific requirements or regulations, so check your HuntWise app or area websites to follow the rules. Remember, even though you can hunt hogs year-round in many areas, using HuntWise can help you target the best times to hunt hogs to improve your odds of success!

Why You Should Hog Hunt

Now that you know where to go for a wild pig hunt, let's talk about why you should consider adding this game to your hunting plan during the year.  

1. A Year-Round Opportunity to Hunt

We've mentioned this already, but let's talk about it further. One of the first (and probably most fun) reasons you should try hog hunting is the year-round opportunity to hunt this game. 

Let's face it: the wait for fall deer season is extremely long in the eyes of a hunter, and it can feel like forever. From turkey hunting in the spring to fishing in the summer, you can easily keep busy. 

However, you will soon be done with that season and start the wait until the next, just like waiting for whitetail. Hog hunting can give you that same thrill and help you sharpen your skills for the next primary hunting season. 

Again, you will want to check your state regulations or visit one of the 12 states above and make a trip out of it, but there are a lot of opportunities for more hunting when you add wild hogs to your species list. 

2. Damage Control

Another good reason to hunt wild hogs is the damage they cause to property. They are destructive animals. 

Whether they cause damage to your crops, your cattle, or your property, they are very harmful. A statistic from the Mississippi State University Center for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflict notes, "a conservative estimate of the cost of wild pig damage to agriculture and the environment in the United States currently stands at $1.5 billion annually." 

Therefore, it has become crucial to control the population of this species as they cause significant harm and damage to our agriculture and the environment.

3. It's Tasty

A third compelling reason why you should hog hunt is that it fills your freezer. 

Wild hog is a delicious cut of meat. From sausage cuts to pulled pork sandwiches, this game can be helpful to fill your freezer when deer or turkey season isn't here quite yet. After bringing home your hog, try this wild hog BBQ recipe we found from Hunt Gather Cook. 

Hunting wild hogs doesn't have to be only about controlling the population. Hunting to put food on your table, no matter the species you prefer, is a good enough reason to hunt the game of your choice. 

Key Regulations and Tips for Year-Round Hunting Hogs

Hunting hogs year-round can be an effective way to manage populations and protect habitat, but hunters must know the rules in the area before heading out. Regulations can shift not just by state, but by county and even by land type (public vs. private). A quick check with your local wildlife agency can save you a hefty fine.

Licenses and Tags

Even in states where wild hogs are considered invasive, you probably still need a valid hunting license. Some areas also require a specific wild pig tag. 

Don’t assume that “open season” means “no paperwork.” Make sure you’re covered before you squeeze the trigger.

Night Hunting

Hogs are often most active after dark, but night hunting rules can be strict. It’s commonly limited to private land and may require special permits or approved lighting equipment. 

Thermal and night-vision gear might be legal in one area and restricted in another. Always verify before planning a nighttime hunt.

Baiting

Baiting is legal in some states and can be an effective hog-hunting strategy, especially in heavily wooded areas. That said, it’s tightly regulated in others or prohibited altogether. 

Check current rules on bait type, placement, and timing before using it.

Vehicle Restrictions

In most places, hunting from a vehicle is prohibited. This includes shooting from or across roads. Some areas, however, do allow hog hunting from a helicopter. Texas, for example, allows it due to the abundant feral hog population. 

Always respect property boundaries and safety zones, and approach your hunt the right way—on foot and with proper backstops in mind.

Staying informed isn’t just about avoiding citations—it’s about being a responsible hunter and steward of the land. Many areas may allow the year-round hunting of wild hogs, but the rules around how and where you hunt them still matter. When in doubt, double-check with your local wildlife agency and keep your hunt legal, ethical, and safe.

Use HuntWise to Hunt Wild Hog Successfully

Whether you've never hunted wild hogs before or consider yourself a hog-hunting pro, we want you to succeed in the field. We also love seeing hunters expand their hunting skills to new species to spend more time outdoors. 

There's no need to wait for a specific season to start when you could sharpen your skills by practicing during another season. Take the white-tail "off-season" to hunt other game and fine-tune your skills. 

To improve your chances of success and bring home a hog, make sure you have the HuntWise app. Use the app's animal movement features to check out the predictions for wild boar in your area, find public and private land boundaries, mark where you've seen hog activity, and plan your path into your set-up. 

Download and try the app for free for a week! 

Content updated February 19, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to some of the top questions about year-round hunting for wild hogs!

Q: Can you hunt hogs year-round?

A: In many states, yes, you can hunt hogs year-round. Wild hogs are often classified as invasive or nuisance animals, which means there may be no closed season. That said, regulations still apply. Licenses, land access rules, weapon restrictions, and local ordinances can all affect when and how you hunt. Always check your state wildlife agency before heading out.

Q: In what states can you hunt hogs year-round?

A: Several states allow year-round hunting on private land, including Texas, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Oklahoma. Rules on public land can be more restrictive, sometimes requiring hog harvest during established game seasons. Because regulations change, always confirm with the state’s wildlife agency for the specific property you plan to hunt.

Q: Can you hunt hogs year-round in Texas?

A: Yes. In Texas, feral hogs can generally be hunted year-round on private property with landowner permission. A hunting license is typically required, and certain methods (like night hunting) may have additional rules. Public lands often follow different regulations, so check site-specific guidelines.

Q: How do you hunt hogs in the winter?

A: Winter can actually be a productive time to hunt hogs. With less vegetation, visibility improves and sign (tracks, rooting, wallows) is easier to spot. Focus on food sources like agricultural fields, acorns, or feeders, and hunt during warmer parts of the day when hogs may be more active. Cold weather also makes tracking and meat care easier.