Wild hogs can be exceptionally vicious due to their destructive nature but they can be specially difficult to stop when angry.Also, they can be easily missed in a densely forested area.
Therefore, wild hog hunting is a high risk activity that requires a commitment to safety.
Take a look at a few of these hog hunting safety tips so you can remain unharmed while on the hunt.
Bring Hog-Stopping Firepower
Sometimes the hunter becomes the target. An adult hog can weigh 150 to 300 pounds, or more. If one charges you, stopping it quickly requires firepower. It will also fight to the death using its sharp tusks and hooves. For hunting these animals and also for self-protection, you need a weapon with a minimum caliber of .260 that can deliver multiple shots in rapid succession. Often one shot will not bring down a wild hog.
“Pick Your Tree” – Choose a Safe Hunting Position
A threatened or injured hog is an angry and deadly hog. Safety when hunting wild hog is often dependent on height. Get yourself into a high tree using a tree-stand. Sitting in a properly elevated position for the hunt will protect you while also providing a greater field of vision.
For those who simply must hunt from a ground position, it’s vital to pick out a nearby tree that can be climbed easily should trouble arise. Crucial time will be saved by knowing which tree to use instead of choosing when it’s too late. The proximity and height of the tree are two critical safety elements.
Protect Yourself Against Hog Diseases
Wild hogs are known to carry numerous diseases, like brucellosis. Disease is one of the biggest safety risks for any hog hunter. To protect yourself, specialists advise taking numerous precautions:
- Avoid contact with hogs killed by others or found dead.
- Avoid contact with hogs that exhibit any signs of illness.
- When handling a hog carcass, hunters should wear safety gloves and goggles to prevent contact with the hog’s blood.
- Wash hands thoroughly when butchering an animal.
- Avoid direct contact with hog fluid and organs.
- Burn or bury all parts of the hog that you don’t keep, along with the gloves.
- Clean and disinfect all tools thoroughly.
Bring Communications Devices
A leading safety mistake made by wild hog hunters is underestimating how dangerous a pack of wild hogs can be. An individual hog, while vicious, might not be a significant threat to some hunters, but in large groups, hogs can surround an individual and make it very difficult to evade their tusks and hooves.
Ensure help is available at a moment’s notice by carrying good and reliable communication devices. And carry a back up! Satellite-based communications are often required when hunting in areas with limited cell phone reception. This type of tool can help save a hunter from serious injury or death.
Hunters who are cautious and respect the wild hog can achieve lasting success in their hog hunts. Use good hunting calls effectively, follow safety advice, be thoroughly prepared and limit all unnecessary contact with hogs while out in the wilderness. Happy hunting.
Creative Commons Attribution: Permission is granted to repost this article in its entirety with credit to Dan Thompson Game Calls.
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You are not the only one to cry for a wild 4-H steer being taken away on the Sunday of a county fair. This blog relaly hits close to home for me as I had 3 sister and there is nothing else like competing with all of your siblings at fair. I am happy to hear your daughter gets to experience her first year just remember to take too many pictures and document what ever ribbon was won for because she will treasure those items later in life. Ps. Some times just picking the pretty one works.