Deer season is wrapping up so many hunters put their guns and bows away until next fall. If you still have the hunting bug or there is still room left in your freezer then I have good news. Hogs can be hunted year round! Texas just so happens to be one of the best states in the country to hunt free-range wild hogs. There is no doubt that hogs are a nuisance to most and cause millions in damage to our land. However, as they saying goes… when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. In other words, look at this as an opportunity to extend your season.
Here are a few things to consider when hunting hogs this time of year.

1) Bait heavily.
By now there has been so much rain that many of the acorns have washed away or been eaten.  Most hunters have let their feeders run dry, and there are a few months left before new growth begins to appear.  If a desirable food source is available on a consistent basis, you can bet that hogs will be near by.

2) Use trail cameras.
This is one that I haven’t been doing and it has lead to may wasted hours and several unproductive hunts. Hogs usually get on a schedule and stick to it. If you have hogs showing up at two in the morning every day then there is not much chance that you will see one at 4 pm. Hunt all you want, but if they aren’t coming you will just be bird watching. By using your camera to pattern these animals, you will suddenly become much more successful. It’s almost like cheating, but it’s not! A camera definitely gives you the upper hand.

3). Pay attention to scent
I put this in every single article I write about hunting big game animals. The reason is simple, an animal’s nose is often it’s very best defense against possible danger. Hogs have a scenting ability that is far superior to whitetail deer and is possibly only rivaled by a bear. If a big mature boar gets downwind, he is almost certain to smell you. You can use scent control measures to help your odds, but the best option is to set up where the hog will first appear up wind. If the wind is in your favor, success is a high probability.

4). Make the shot count.
Hogs are very tough and it takes a good shot to bring one down. If shooting a rifle, I recommend shooting right behind the ear and if shooting a bow I would try for a low shot just above the elbow. With archery equipment, always make sure the animal is calm and either broadside or slightly quartering away. As a rule of thumb, shoot for the exit. In other words, aim where your arrow will exit just above the opposite elbow. In order to make the shot when it counts, lots of practice is necessary. I encourage you to spend plenty of time on the range to be prepared when the moment of truth arrives!

It’s time to quit reading and start hunting! Good luck and may God bless you this year!

•

Brian Johnson, originally of Port Neches, is pastor of First Baptist Church of Winnie, owner of DuckDogTrainer.com and outdoors writer for The News.