I Need A Place To Hunt Pigs

[jbielecki]

Hi everyone. I've never hunted pigs before but would like to try it. Since the population is increasing I'm hoping someone can give me permission to hunt pigs if they've got em. It's a long drive for me so I'm hoping to find a place with a problem population to maximize my chances. I'm not sure when I can plan a trip but finding a location is the first step. I'd like to avoid an outfitter but won't rule it out if it's in my budget. I also want to avoid hunting locations that are enclosed. Send me a personal message to avoid traffic on this topic or if you have any questions. I'm not opposed to paying a few dollars for permission if it's within my budget. I think it's a fair gesture of appreciation to offer a few dollars for letting a stranger hunt. I'd much rather prefer giving my money to someone who really needs it than a high priced outfitter.

[oneshot]

Ok I will be straight with you.I have been hunting them since September Stand Hunting and Spot and Stalk.I have shot twice killed one Hog.

They stay nocturnal,only weakness I've found they need Wallows during Hot weather,if you can put up with sweat rolling off you and many Bugs,you have a pretty good chance.If you can find someone that runs them with Dogs you will have a Good chance.

I have a High Fenced place I have hunted Not Guaranteed have never killed a Hog there,did kill a Ram took two days to do it.Seen plenty Hogs just couldn't get everything together for the kill.

oneshot

[jdmidwest]

Your best bet is to contact the MDC and find out where there are concentrations of them they want to target. Many call in to report them and they are more than happy to share the info with you. I think if you search the MDC web, you will find contact info. Corps of Engineer lands, MDC lands, and Federal Forests in SE MO are all free for the taking and have populations. Mules and dogs are helpful. Best time is in the winter months of Jan thru March. There is no season in MO. They are feral and need to be eliminated. No licenses needed other than hunting license unless you are hunting during a firearms deer or turkey season.

http://mdc.mo.gov/landwater-care/invasive-species/invasive-animal-management/feral-hog-control

[Stoneroller]

Because the Conservation Department seeks to discourage the hog-hunting culture in Missouri, it will not provide any information about known feral hog presence or location.

Why Is Hunting For Feral Hogs Discouraged?

Although it seems a contradiction, hunters who target feral hogs interfere with efforts to eradicate them. For example, weeks may be spent conditioning a group of hogs to come to a specific location so they can be eliminated in a single control action. If, during that time, a hunter kills one or maybe two of the hogs, the rest of the group moves to a new area, which means that the lengthy and expensive eradication process must begin again at a new location. Because the goal is to eliminate feral hogs, the Conservation Department seeks to discourage the hog hunting culture. If you want to hunt specifically for feral hogs, you should do so in another state, not in Missouri.

(all taken from that link, those are their words, not mine)

seems MDC has other ideas.

[gotmuddy]

look in the national forest, they are getting thick.

[jdmidwest]

Because the Conservation Department seeks to discourage the hog-hunting culture in Missouri, it will not provide any information about known feral hog presence or location.

Why Is Hunting For Feral Hogs Discouraged?

Although it seems a contradiction, hunters who target feral hogs interfere with efforts to eradicate them. For example, weeks may be spent conditioning a group of hogs to come to a specific location so they can be eliminated in a single control action. If, during that time, a hunter kills one or maybe two of the hogs, the rest of the group moves to a new area, which means that the lengthy and expensive eradication process must begin again at a new location. Because the goal is to eliminate feral hogs, the Conservation Department seeks to discourage the hog hunting culture. If you want to hunt specifically for feral hogs, you should do so in another state, not in Missouri.

(all taken from that link, those are their words, not mine)

seems MDC has other ideas.

I noticed that also. I was reading the article after I posted and noticed it. It used to have a link to a person in charge of the feral hog elimination, that is gone also.

One thing I have noticed, locals in Wayne, Iron, Washington counties are actually promoting the hog business and are having guided hunts. But that kind of management leads to more hogs. More hogs are bad.

Like Oneshot stated, it is a tough hunt. They are nocturnal for the most part, MDC does not allow spotlighting or night vision. They never seem to stay in one place long and travel alot. A friend along the Castor River has seen problems twice in a hayfield. But, they came, damaged the field, and left.

[jbielecki]

Yes, I have contacted the MDC and they said the same thing.....the hogs are a problem and when they know of a location they'll bait it for weeks and trap as many as they can before they move on. If they reveal those locations, it negatively effects their efforts to erradicate them. A hunter usually takes one or two animals, the MDC can trap several at a time if their isn't any interference from hunters. I'm not sure how to go about a hunt without a reliable location. It's a long drive for me and know that