Hogs are all over the state of Texas. They eat and breed in both open fields and forests, sometimes not far away from large metropolitan areas. This is why hunting hogs has become such a popular sport in Texas, but it is important to remember that hogs can be dangerous. If you are not used to hunting this type of game, you could wind up getting hurt, so make sure to follow these safety tips.
Disease & Parasites
The primary concern when hunting hogs in Texas is disease and parasites, both of which feral pigs can carry in great abundance. Hogs are excellent carriers for parasites, which can make their way into human bodies when ingested. Internal parasites are of particular concern, according to Noble.org, including roundworm, whipworm and trichinosis. If you cut open your hog and discover worms or parasites, immediately discard the carcass.
Diseases are also important to consider when hunting hogs in Texas. Pseudorabies and swine brucellosis are most common, and both can be spread by orally ingesting hog meat. If you think that your hog might carry a disease, again, it is important that you discard the carcass rather than eating it. You can also have the meat tested at laboratory facilities, but this is often an expense that hunters cannot afford.
If you are hunting hogs with your dog, you might consider keeping him on a tight leash. Feral pigs are omnivores and include both vegetation and meat in their diets. Large specimens have been known to eat rabits, dogs, cats, birds and even colts. This is why hog hunting has become so popular in Texas; farmers and ranchers are eager to reduce populations on their land.
Generally speaking, however, a feral pig will not go after your dog unless provoked. Additionally, only a large hog can take down a large dog, so you don’t have to worry as much if you are hunting hogs with a golden retriever or Labrador. If you live on the property where you hunt, however, make sure that you have a sturdy fence with no gaps to ensure your outdoor pets are safe.
Ideal Weapons
Hunting hogs is notoriously difficult because many feral pigs will not die from a single gunshot wound. Unless it is perfectly placed, such as a head- or heart-shot, the possibility exists that the pig will go down but not actually die. When the hunter approaches, it can jump up and attack. For this reason, I do not recommend hunting hogs in Texas with a muzzleloader or single-shot rifle. Instead, use high-powered weaponry that is considered more devastating on impact.
The Approach
After you’ve shot a feral pig, approach it cautiously and with plenty of noise. Again, hog hunting is dangerous because pigs will “play dead” until you are close enough to attack. Their teeth are sharp and many hunters have died as a result of confrontations with these animals. Plus, if they are carrying any diseases that can be transferred through saliva, a bit is doubly dangerous.
Even if you think the pig is dead, the safest and most humane method of hunting hogs is to approach within twenty feet or so, then shoot the animal again in the head or chest. This will greatly increase the chances that the animal has died, and will keep you safe from an attack.
Hunting hogs is popular in Texas, and most counties have “open season” for feral pigs. Just make sure you keep your hunting grounds to your own property, and be sure to ask if you want to track a pig onto someone else’s land.
Source:
Noble.org, The Feral Hog in Oklahoma: Disease & Depredation
