Wild hog hunting is a long-standing tradition in North Carolina. Wild hogs, also known as wild boars or feral pigs, have inhabited North America for more than 100 hundred years. However, in North Carolina and eastern Tennessee, hogs are considered a nuisance for their ability to pass on diseases to livestock. Therefore, hog hunting is a tradition that is both dangerous and exhilarating.
Although hogs are not native to America, they were brought by settlers in the early 1500s and have grown into a large population in the wild.
Since there is an increased interest among hunters as they are looking for the best hog hunting guides in North Carolina, we have gathered all the information here in this article. So, stick with us until the end to learn more about hog hunting in North Carolina.
What Hunting regulations should you bear in mind while hunting in North Carolina?
Although a few years back, there were no restrictions for hunting wild hogs in North Carolina. However, the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has introduced certain regulations which are mandatory to follow.
Here are key regulations for local and visiting hunters who hunt for wild hogs.
- Wild hog hunting is allowed throughout the year, except on weekends.
- Daylight hunting is prohibited; the commission has allowed hunting between thirty minutes after sunset and thirty minutes before sunrise.
- Hunters can use registered firearms or archery to hunt down hogs.
- All hunters must obtain a feral swine hunting at night permit; the license charges are around $20 per year.
- The permit does not allow the authority to enter private property and North Carolina game land.
- The limit is set to one hog per day, and you get a heavy fine in case of over-limit hunting.
- For hunting on private grounds, hunters only need permission from the landowners. Private hunting is allowed on weekends as well.
- Dogs are also allowed for hunting.
Hunting Season and Limitations
The North Carolina Wildlife Commission regulates six counties: Graham, Macon, Cherokee, Swain, Jackson, and Clay. All other remaining 94 counties do not fall under the commission and have their own rules and regulations.
The best season to hunt wild hogs in these regulated six states starts in early September and ends in late February. Likewise, the seasonal limit is 2 hogs per season in regulated six counties. Moreover, using dogs to hunt hogs in sanctuaries having bears is also illegal. Best Hog Hunting in North Carolina guide can support you in developing strategies to make a memorable hunting session.
The Razorback Hog’s Natural Habitat
The razorback has biological relations to domesticated dogs. The male hog weighs up to 300 pounds and has a height of up to 5 feet. These hogs love to live in Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. Likewise, 39 other states have also reported razorback hogs.
The natural habitat of razorback hogs is cool, as they do not have sweat glands. Moreover, they prefer dense forests and vegetation. Likewise, they eat bugs, small birds, frogs, and rodents.
Wild Hog Hunting in North Carolina
Hog hunting in North Carolina is a cherished adventure. Many families plan hunting during the end of the year when festival periods approach. To protect their population, North Carolina State provides permits for hog hunting.
Wild Hogs
Wild hogs are identical to domestic pigs but differ in characteristics and habits compared to their cousins. They love to eat various plants and vegetables and can destroy fields.
Moreover, they love to roam around and spend days wallowing in forests and dense vegetation. Research shows that the U.S. has over 4 million wild hogs.
Attracting hogs to hunt
One of the best ways to attract hogs is to use an identical voice. Therefore, learn to make their own sound before planning a hunt. Likewise, camouflage is another key aspect not to suspect them.
Moreover, the smell of a mixture of corn soaked for several days will attract hogs, as they love eating them. Corn is the best bait while hunting down hogs.
Guns and Bullets
An appropriate weapon is vital for hunting hogs. Generally, centerfire rifles are perfect for close and long-range hunting. Moreover, a high-velocity projectile bullet is best if you plan to hunt in the open. Additionally, a 7.6mm cartridge is the most suited option for hunting hogs. Pellets contrarily are not suited for long-range hunting of wild hogs in North Carolina.
Strategy Benefits
Understanding hogs’ nature and personality traits can improve your hunting experience. Therefore, having a guide is a better option than returning home empty-handed.
Likewise, you can set meetings with fellow hunters to learn the best strategies. Moreover, you can seek advice from online platforms before finalizing your hunting session. Like, using baking soda will help you to neutralize human odors.
Effective Hog Hunting methods for hog hunting in North Carolina
Knowing the hogs’ location is not enough to attract them to you for hunting. Hunters must also understand the psyche of hogs not to alert them, as they may run away. Therefore, you can use the following methods to hunt hogs effectively.
- Calling hogs is one of the best ways to attract wild hogs. Therefore, always have a friend with you who can sound hog. Moreover, you can also train and master it, as hogs are more attracted to their sound than anything else.
- Hunting dogs are perfect for hunting hogs. Since they can smell, follow, and catch hogs from distance is an added advantage.
- Driven hunts is another form of hunting hogs, as it confirms multiple kills. Likewise, it provides the best shooting positions.
- Stand hunting generally works if you spot a nearby hog. However, you must hide behind a tree or bush to make this hunt happen.
- Spotting and stalking are key to hunting hogs, as patience makes it happen since there is a risk that hogs may startle and run away into swampy habitats.
The best hunting grounds in North Carolina
Although North Carolina has numerous places to hunt hogs, as there are plenty of hogs roaming around, the following are the best hunting grounds.
What makes these places better is their accessibility, hunting options, and nearby facilities. Therefore, for hunters planning for hog, below places mentioned below make the right cut.
Since hogs move a lot, however, the grounds below offer plenty of hog hunting options.
- Garcia’s Hunting Preserves
- Hoss Hog Hunting
- Frontera Hunting
- Four Oaks
- Ahoskie
- Scotland Neck
- Polkton
- Greenville
- Jackson
- Woodland
- Tarboro
- Magnolia
- Selma
Terms of hunting on private versus public land in North Carolina
Other states have large space for public hunting, which is not the case with North Carolina. Therefore, you need to hire a private place for successfully hunting hogs. Luckily, numerous private landowners are willing to rent out their acres of property for private hunting.
One benefit of private hunting is that you can do so even on Saturdays and Sundays. Since, it is illegal to hunt on public land on weekends. However, private lands are expensive and offer limited hunting options.
FAQs
Can You Hunt Wild Hogs in North Carolina?
Yes! You can hunt wild hogs in North Carolina but need a basic hunting license. Likewise, certain states have limitations, such as hunting being permissible only half an hour after sunset until half an hour after sunrise.
What is the Problem with Feral Hogs in North Carolina?
Feral hogs damage plants and wildlife habitats during rooting activities. While searching for food, they significantly destroy native species and help spread disease among herds.
What US State has the most wild hogs?
Here are the top five US States with the most wild hogs.
- Texas with 2,425 feral hog
- Georgia with 1,377 feral hog
- Florida with 1,193 feral hog
- Mississippi with 731 feral hog
- Oklahoma with 665 feral hog
Final Thoughts
Best hog hunting in North Carolina guide is the best way to learn about hogs, their preferences, and hunters’ plans. Since, hogs love to roam around, thus finding and hunting them is a challenging task. Hunters need to develop strategies and bring the right equipment to hunt hogs.
Likewise, the Carolina State Department regulates hog hunting by issuing general hunting licenses. Again, hunters can only hunt hogs at night during the weekdays.