Hog Hunting Gear: 11 Must-Have Items for Success

Hog hunting gear can overlap some of the gear you use to hunt other wild game, but before you grab what you've got — and assume it will get the job done — take a look at this list of eleven items we recommend for a successful hog hunt.

Wild Hogs Are Destructive (and Challenging to Hunt)

Wild boar destroy fields and native wildlife, and they reproduce at rates where they can double their population in as little as four months! 

They are relentless, and they will disrupt the ecosystem. However, they are challenging to hunt and will give you plenty of opportunities to use or justify all the hunting gear you have or want. This includes dogs, thermals, tripods, night vision, trail cameras, traps, drones, new rifles dedicated to pest control, and the list goes on.

All of this being said, there still needs to be respect for the animals throughout your hunt. Bringing the proper equipment helps!

11 Hog Hunting Gear Items for a Successful Hunt

So, what should you add to your hog hunting supplies and gear? Here are eleven must-have items.

1. Firearms and Ammunition

First, be sure you use something that is legal where you plan to hunt. I recommend rifles in calibers like .30-06 or .308 for long-range shots and shotguns with slugs for closer encounters.

Also, powerful handguns (.357 Magnum or higher) can work for experienced hunters.

No matter which firearm you choose, use bullets designed for deep penetration, such as bonded or solid-core rounds, to account for the hog's tough hide and bones. 

2. Archery Equipment for Bowhunters

Hogs are tough, so if you want to use a bow — like a compound bow — make sure you have a bow that meets the requirements where you are (typically, a draw weight of 50 lbs or more is sufficient). 

I also recommend fixed-blade broadheads for maximum penetration, but mechanicals can work with higher draw weight and lower let-off at close range.

Bring your quivers and spare arrows, as hogs often move in groups, providing multiple opportunities for shots. One of my buddies was able to take two hogs from his stand before they dispersed. He was shooting a mechanical Grimm Reaper. 

3. Hunting Optics, Scopes, and Binoculars

I tend to use low-light or illuminated scopes for evening hunts and binoculars for scouting in the daylight. Look for a large objective lens.

Then, thermal or night vision gear is essential for nocturnal hunting to give you visibility in darkness. 

4. Clothing and Scent Control

Your clothing should keep you hidden so the hogs can't see you coming while also protecting you from the terrain.

Lightweight camo clothing helps you blend into the environment. Snake boots are great (depending on where you hunt) for navigating brush and swampy terrain.

Also, consider scent control measures (like clothing or sprays) to avoid getting winded.

5. Gloves and Eye Protection

Shield your hands and eyes when clearing brush or field dressing the hog because they can carry lots of nasty diseases that can transfer to humans.

It can be smart to ask your local vet if there are any concerns about diseases among the local wild hog population.

6. A First Aid Kit

Make sure it includes supplies to treat bites, cuts, bites, or other common injuries that can happen in the field when in pursuit of wild hogs. This means carrying things like band-aids, antiseptic ointments, over-the-counter pain meds (like ibuprofen), and other items.

7. Personal Defense Gear

I mentioned a handgun earlier to use for the hunt, but you might also consider carrying a sidearm for personal protection, especially when dealing with feral hogs.

These animals can charge you and have the ability to leap into the air. I've seen them get chest-high plenty of times, and they hit hard. Having a handgun can help you stop a hog at close range before it gets to you.

8. A Communication Device

You probably have your phone with you, but if you're deep in the brush without cell service, you'll need another way to communicate with your hunting buddies (or someone back home in an emergency).

Consider carrying a reliable set of walkie-talkies with you to keep in touch with your partners or if something goes wrong.

9. Game Retrieval and Transport Items

Have a game plan for finding a downed hog and bringing it home. Using tools like a side-by-side or a game cart really helps. 

You'll also want some straps or ropes. Having a cooler in your truck helps you keep the hog meat at the right temperature to prevent it from going bad before you get it home.

10. Lighting

Always take a good headlamp as part of your hog hunting gear. There are lots of options, but something with an RGB light as well as a white light is preferable. 

11. A Hog Hunting Map (aka HuntWise)

The right GPS or hunting app (like HuntWise) with your hunting area saved locally — in case you have data coverage issues — helps you plan and execute a successful hunt in an area with plenty of wild hog activity.

Before going into the field, I save all my hunt areas for offline use. It doesn't take any time to use the HuntWise app, and it provides peace of mind. Plus, you can scout and plan your day ahead of time, using the 3-D mapping layers, markers, and animal and weather forecasting tools to target the best times and locations to hunt.

Then, share your maps and markers with your hunting party so everyone is on the same page with the plan for your hog hunt.

HuntWise and the Right Hog Hunting Gear Brings Home the Bacon

This list of hog hunting supplies and gear should be enough to get you started for a successful hunt. The good news is that hogs aren't super complicated to hunt, and you can probably see where they are based on how they tear up the earth in your area.

Plus, with HuntWise, you can see where they're most likely to be and hunt around the weather, so your hunt is efficient and successful.

If you haven't downloaded it yet, get HuntWise and try it free for your first week!