[K3]

Now that Art has put the Muy Thai thread out of its misery :D, I'm interested to see who has hunted/killed hogs up close and personal.

Knives and dogs being the preferred method. If you haven't, would you want to? See poll.

[Art Eatman]

Rob Pincus from the Valhalla shooting school did the dogs'n'knife thing, back in 1999 or thereabouts.

I really don't think I'd have tried that, even back when I was younger, dumber and healthier. :)

[K3]

Rob Pincus from the Valhalla shooting school did the dogs'n'knife thing, back in 1999 or thereabouts.

I really don't think I'd have tried that, even back when I was younger, dumber and healthier.

I wasn't keen on it myself, and I'm in decent shape, but the guy I was hunting with convinced me to try it. The predator hunting was bad because of wind, and he thought I'd have more fun with hog hunting instead of calling when critters were laid up. He was right. I got 3 hogs, but the biggest was only 150#. Only. :D The catch dogs did a pretty good job.

[TCB in TN]

Getting up close and personal with a big 250lb+ hog is not something for the faint of heart. I enjoyed it a lot back in the day, but have grown up and grown smarter since those days.

[3pairs12]

I have done a couple of times and it was very exciting and I would recomend it to anybody looking for a new and thrilling way to harvest and animal.

[mbt2001]

It is a stupid practice...

Period.

There are several people that have been maimed and one story wherein the guy lost one of his balls. As said above, it is a stupid thing to do. After it is over, you are not more macho. I liken this to hunting pornography. If I did that kind of stuff short of having to, my grandfather would look down from the great hereafter and be disappointed in me.

Just my $0.02.

[CoRoMo]

I'd try it, but not with a knife. I'd rather have a heavy spear.

[SuperNaut]

and one story wherein the guy lost one of his balls.

I know I'm not supposed to laugh, but evidently I lack discipline.

[MCgunner]

Knew a guy that ran dogs. I went with him a few times and stuck a pig. He had a pet lion, used to feed 'em to the lion. I just went along with him. It's pretty physical stomping through rice field and I'm a lot less physical now days. I'd rather shoot 'em in the trap or at the most, from a stand. :D

Incidentally, this guy used a fillet knife, stuck 'em in the throat to cut the carotid.

[3pairs12]

Have you ever done it MBT2001...If not than all you have are stories to back up your line of thinking. I take some offense to you calling it stupid. At the end of the day I didn't feel more macho so you are right there. I also didn't go out and do it to feel macho. I did because it was something that I wanted to say that I had done when I look back and guess what now I can. The guys I go with have really good dogs there are always at least three people and you wouldn't believe how safe it actually is when you know you are doing. I am sure there are a lot of horror stories out there but I have yet to expierence one. Maybe that day will come but I try like hell to stay away from the buisness end of a hog. Besides that before you go rushing in there you make damn well sure that your catch dog has a mouth full of pig head and you grab the hog by the back legs. Once you have him by the back legs hes yours no matter what you want to do with it. We once brought home a 450lb russian home live with no injuries to even the dogs. So these stories you heard maybe from a group of STUPID guys but that doesn't make the whole practice stupid.

[mio]

i have a rifle so i dont have to

[testar77]

Now that Art has put the Muy Thai thread out of its misery

don't forget about the rest of us, he ended our misery too!!!

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

In a survival role I'd probably go for it with spear with knife as backup.
Hogs is mean! And I likes me testicals right where they are -thank you!:D

I'd hunt hogs with pistol at close range.

I wish I'd have taken my Blackbear with pistol. Could have, but the rifle was in my hand. I don't know if it'd make me feel more macho if I did. Taking Deer at close range with pistol hasn't.

Killin somethin with a knife might make more guys (or gals), feel more like a bad a$$ I guess. I don't think it's a smart move, to put yourself in harms way to make a kill. I hunt for meat, and occasionally get rewarded with a trophy. That's enough for me.

-Steve

[MCgunner]

3pairs12, same here, did it because I'd never done it and I got invited and, well, if you never do it, you won't be able to say you did. I raced Daytona on motorcycles for the same reason. That's pretty dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, too. :D Of course, you don't get a license in that case. Not just anyone gets an AMA pro license.

Oh, I ain't gonna say hog hunting with a knife and dogs ain't dangerous. The hog CAN get loose of the dogs. It happens. I know a guy that has a scar from his navel to his left nipple from just such an incident. The guy I went with had a suture kit on him for the dogs. He's had dogs torn up pretty good before. Hog guys take care of the dogs, cost a lot in time and money.

BUT, hunting 'em this way, while not as safe as sitting in your tripod stand and sniping 'em from 50 yards, isn't all THAT dangerous. I mean, it's not a suicidal sport. I've never heard of anyone killed by a hog. The hog generally, if he gets loose, will take a few swipes at whatever's near by and high tail it outta Dodge. They aren't about to try fighting to the death with a pack of dogs and humans. I can believe the story about the guy being one nutted, for instance. Hey, it happens. If I got cut up, I'd heal. That motorcycle racing thing I did for all those years and still dabble in has had me laid up more'n once, casts and stuff. I got over it. Ernest Hemmingway ran with the bulls, same sort of thing. I won't say it makes you feel more "macho", but some folks like adrenalin. Just put it that way. For all I've been able to do in my life, I ain't flying to Pamplona, Espana to get chased by a toro. I have my limits. :D

[John828]

So do "testicals" equal "tacticool?"

[Geno]

Yes. A WWI Colt 1911 reproduction in .45 ACP. Distance...far side of a pine tree. It wasn't one of my smarter moments. Face-to-face with a Russian boar isn't a smart situation.

It was much smarter when I carried my Encore pistol.

[3pairs12]

MC I wasn't saying it can't get dangerous because I know it can. It just helps when you are with good dogs and people who know what they are doing. It just irks me when somebody that hasn't done it can call something stupid only knowing third hand stories. As far as racing Daytona you sir definitely are braver than I maybe more "macho" too :)

[JimmAr]

If any of you embark on this adventure Id hope you are a big boy with some lean mass on your frame and some steel toe's on otherwise you'll be at the mercy of the beast..

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I would try it, provided that the dogs have it held pretty good. Without dogs, no - I'm not crazy and don't heal up so fast anymore.

[TCB in TN]

If you are not interested in doing it, fine don't do it. I know people who race cars or motorcycles. Not really my cup of tea, but I don't go around calling the stupid. I know others who sky dive, haven't done it yet, but think it sounds fun. I killed a few with a knife, I also helped to live catch a few. Now there is a certain element of risk, but if you want to live your life "safely" then stay home, cover yourself with bubble wrap, and "ENJOY".

[mbt2001]

Ok, let's get this straight the "hunters" are dependant on the athleticism, strength and talent of the dogs to run the hogs, corner and catch them.

I have seen it done in an ethical manner (in Hawaii and Africa), I have seen it done the opposite. You may be doing it one way, but as a rule I am not that interested (outside of a survival situation) in doing it.

As to having offended you, I honestly do not care. I made no rude remarks, merely stated my opinion on what I view to be a negative practice, one that certainly doesn't enhance the PR image of hunters in a PC society.

[MCgunner]

view to be a negative practice, one that certainly doesn't enhance the PR image of hunters in a PC society.

I never worried to much about that. I've been chastised much worse as unethical by HUNTERS for using a feeder. You use a feeder? I took no offense to any comments, BTW.

In the end, all the PETA vegetarian types want to end ALL hunting. They sensationalize anything they can, it's their MO. I often wonder how they can pull a potato out of the ground and live with theirselves. I mean, a potato is no less a living creature than a human. Yet, you see movies about slaughter houses and chicken houses, not potato farms or potato chip manufacturers. Heck, I don't even know if the PETA morons even KNOW people hunt with knives. I know they were on a binge after bow hunters for a while. That didn't work for 'em, either. I think their cause is a losing cause. The general public isn't yet that stupid and people ain't ready to give up their hamburgers and leather jackets. Lets face it, naugahyde wears rapidly and tofu tastes like crap.

[3pairs12]

MTB2001 These wild hogs aren't even a game game animal so as far as ethical treatment I don't care. I am not to worried about that. Guess what the live hog was used for... training other dogs. Thought you may like to know that. I have also hunted them onpublic land with out the use of dogs archery only. You labeling a group of people as "hunters" relying on dogs is "ignorant". In my opinion. Here in Texas the FERAL hog caused $1,000,000 dollars a week in damage to agriculture and/or livestock. So killing them by any means is pretty much legal. So as far as PR goes when PETA starts paying my bills maybe I'll care about the treatment of a non game animal a little more.

[TCB in TN]

It is a stupid practice...

Period.

There are several people that have been maimed and one story wherein the guy lost one of his balls. As said above, it is a stupid thing to do. After it is over, you are not more macho. I liken this to hunting pornography. If I did that kind of stuff short of having to, my grandfather would look down from the great hereafter and be disappointed in me.

Just my $0.02.


Ok, let's get this straight the "hunters" are dependant on the athleticism, strength and talent of the dogs to run the hogs, corner and catch them.

I have seen it done in an ethical manner (in Hawaii and Africa), I have seen it done the opposite. You may be doing it one way, but as a rule I am not that interested (outside of a survival situation) in doing it.

As to having offended you, I honestly do not care. I made no rude remarks, merely stated my opinion on what I view to be a negative practice, one that certainly doesn't enhance the PR image of hunters in a PC society.

Might wanna go read your own words (stupid, macho, liken it to pornography etc). BTW you didn't offend me. I could not care any less about your opinion. Just think it sad that so many folks cannot live and let live. You do your thing your way, I will do mine my way, and until you or I infringe upon the rights of another person then it should not be anyone's business. Further more as for the PR image, again I am not worried about damaging the Image of people who hate hunting, guns, and hunters to begin with!

[crebralfix]

The dogs do the work. Get some catahoulas to flush them and a kill dog (such as a pit bull) to strangle it.

[TCB in TN]

The dogs do the work. Get some catahoulas to flush them and a kill dog (such as a pit bull) to strangle it.

Curs can do a good job, but many don't have the smarts for it. (They get into to big a hurry and get got!) In my experience good plots or plot crosses work better as bay dogs (have had some real good plot/redbones before), and a good pack of them will catch all but the biggest hogs pretty well.

[qajaq59]

We didn't have any hogs where I lived when I was young and foolish enough to hunt one with a knife. I had to find other ways to get busted up.

But.... if we did have them I'm darned sure I'd have been first in line to do it. That has to be a real adrenalin rush! :D

[Art Eatman]

My junior year of high school was in Manila, in 1949/1950. My mother had some friends who went on a hog hunt on Palawan Island. Thick jungle. Huge mahogany trees. All the Hollywood movie stuff.

The deal was that the hogs were wild boars with serious tusks. 300 to 400 pounds. They had tunnels through the underbrush; at most, waist high. The Intrepid Hunter had a spear. His backup had a Garand or a GI-type BAR.

The spear had a cross-piece to keep the boar from working forward down the shaft and doing Bad Things to the Intrepid Hunter. Apparently somebody had learned from experience.

The method was to squat walk along until you got into hog home. When a hog approached in his charge, plant the butt of the spear on the ground and hold with a foot, aiming the point at the hog. A good aim was essential, because a miss meant you had to rely on your backup buddy--and not get shot. Sure, you can hold the spear in your hands, but when you stab that hog, you're gonna take a backwards trip. You're not gonna stop 400 pounds of POed pork chops just really quickly...

They were successful, and it took a lot of bourbon for them to get through all the war stories...

[redneck2]

I've never got a wild hog, much less one with a knife. However, I did grow up on a hog farm. I can tell you from personal experience that a hog is pretty much helpless if you hold their back legs off the ground. They have virtually no power in their front legs.

We had hogs in confinement that didn't want to go up a loading chute. While it's much easier if they decided to cooperate, the piggy wheelbarrow is a viable option. It does, however, get tiring rather quickly. The hog seems to see little humor in this activity. Fortunately at that time, I was bailing hay most every week and was in quite good condition.

I met a guy that had a game ranch in Florida. They would catch wild hogs, casterate them, and let them go so the meat would be better when they finally shot them. Holding the hind legs in the air was the answer.

[crebralfix]

Curs can do a good job, but many don't have the smarts for it. (They get into to big a hurry and get got!) In my experience good plots or plot crosses work better as bay dogs (have had some real good plot/redbones before), and a good pack of them will catch all but the biggest hogs pretty well.

Interesting...a safer way to handle it is to setup a pen. Have the dogs pick a fight with the pig, run into the pen, and jump out when the hog goes in.

[Doc_Jude]

I'd try it if I had the chance, but I'd probably be more comfortable with a spear.

Hog hunting with shotgun+dogs, now, that's a good time!!!

[TCB in TN]

Interesting...a safer way to handle it is to setup a pen. Have the dogs pick a fight with the pig, run into the pen, and jump out when the hog goes in.

I guess that would work in some instances, but most of the hunting we did was out in the woods. A lot of work to carry a pen out into the boonies and try to lure the hogs in. A lot easier just letting the dogs bay and taking care of the hog where you find'em.

BTW redneck2, I was raised on a hog farm myself, and you are right you get the back end up you take their power. used that fact to our advantage when live catching some off a few big farms. Get a couple of guys on the backend and wheelbarrel it to where you can get a big 4 wheeler, jeep, or truck. We had a small trailer to pull behind the 4wheeler, or jeep, or loaded them in the back of the truck. Ended up having to carry a few out or real rough stuff. Parachute cord is your friend then.

[Myles]

I've hunted some big ones with a bow, in tight scrub oak and saw palmetto.

Older now, I realize that was too close with only one realistic shot. Now, though, I do prefer a .357 wheelgun for up close, or a .375 Win 94 for the longer shots.

[H&Hhunter]

Yes I've done it multiple times. There is nothing "macho" about it. I use dogs to track wounded hogs and when they catch one it is the safest way to dispatch a hog with the dogs lives in mind.
Occasionally they will catch a non wounded hog and I've dispatched those with either a spear or a knife if a clean shot isn't available, once again with the dogs safety in mind.

Like most dog hunting threads most do not have faintest little tiny clue as to what goes into hunting hogs or other mammals with dogs. Dog hunting is usually by far the most physically demanding form of hunting possible. People have preconceived notions of what it is to hunt with dogs and they are 99.9% wrong.

It is good to know however that the PETA PC message is starting to sink in with some of you hunters out there. It starts with the division and infighting of different forms of hunting and eventually it ends with us cutting our own throats.

[frogomatic]

I have a standing invitation to knife hunt hogs, and as soon as I can afford the plane ticket, I'm going to take him up on that offer. Nothing stupid about it. It's just another way of putting meat in the freezer.

[Tom Krein]

I voted yes I have done it and yes I would do it again!

As has been said it is not that crazy or macho. I love watching the dogs work!!

Here is a picture of one of my "Ultimate Boar Knives" in pumpkin G-10

http://kreinknives.net/images/ubkblackandorange0222-10.jpg

Here is a shot of me and the last hog I killed.

http://kreinknives.net/images/HogHunt018.jpg

Tom

[thebaldguy]

Hunting hogs with a knife is like hogging catfish with bare hands. It might be amusing to watch, but it's something I'm not sure I'd try.

[Dr.Rob]

I bought a knife for this purpose and never got around to it.

[CoRoMo]

I'm currently in Texas for the holidays.
An extended family member on my wife's side invited me on to a dog & knife hog hunt just a couple days ago, so it looks like I'll eventually do this. He has a team of pits that are trained, so all I need is a good knife... any suggestions? When/if I get a pig, I'll post back to this thread (might mot be until summer).

[mbt2001]

I could not care any less about your opinion.

Good, I could also care less about yours. Just isn't my cup of tea. It was part of the OP and the poll, so I reckon we are supposed to advise our stance.

So *** is the problem with me thinking it is stupid? I haven't joined PITA over it. I also don't dig bow hunting, so what?

You guys who like it, most likely you are doing it respectfully. Youtube is full of people doing it and 7 out of 10 of the video's have heavy metal playing and teens mobing a hog and jamming the camera in it's face as it bleeds out.

Just sickens me that people put video's up there that damage our cause... Doubt you guys are one of them, but there you go.

[H&Hhunter]

I'm currently in Texas for the holidays.
An extended family member on my wife's side invited me on to a dog & knife hog hunt just a couple days ago, so it looks like I'll eventually do this. He has a team of pits that are trained, so all I need is a good knife... any suggestions? When/if I get a pig, I'll post back to this thread (might mot be until summer).
Today 09:25 AM

A good old K-bar from your military surplus is the cheapest way to go. Now I am not talking about one of the new short ones but the standard old USMC K-BAR with the long blade.

[H&Hhunter]

Youtube is full of people doing it and 7 out of 10 of the video's have heavy metal playing and teens mobing a hog and jamming the camera in it's face as it bleeds out.

mbt,

Do you often formulate opinions based on Youtube videos? I try to actually have some first hand knowledge before I formulate an opinion about something much less do so before expressing that opinion on a public forum.

[mbt2001]

Do you often formulate opinions based on Youtube videos? I try to actually have some first hand knowledge before I formulate an opinion about something much less do so before expressing that opinion on a public forum.

It would be impossible to formulate all your opinions on "first hand knowledge" further to that, it would be crazy to do so.

Regarding hog hunting with a knife, I haven't done it, don't want to. Do I dislike people who do, not necessarily, I can tell you that there is a whole RAMBO death culture behind spearing and knifing wild hogs.

I have a problem with that depiction of it.

and H&Hhunter, be careful in cultivating your "first hand knowledge" otherwise you might not be in a condition to post on a public forum. :p

[TCB in TN]

Good, I could also care less about yours. Just isn't my cup of tea. It was part of the OP and the poll, so I reckon we are supposed to advise our stance.

So *** is the problem with me thinking it is stupid? I haven't joined PITA over it. I also don't dig bow hunting, so what?

You guys who like it, most likely you are doing it respectfully. Youtube is full of people doing it and 7 out of 10 of the video's have heavy metal playing and teens mobing a hog and jamming the camera in it's face as it bleeds out.

Just sickens me that people put video's up there that damage our cause... Doubt you guys are one of them, but there you go.

Again there are plenty of ways to express your opinion w/o being offensive. Just because I don't like something doesn't make it stupid, or like "hunting porn". When I was growing up we learned to make home made bows and arrows, spears, as well as making more than a few crude steel knives, knapping some flint, and using bone to make spear, and arrow pointns. I grew up small game hunting with a bow, as well as a gun, and have taken a few squirrels and rabbits with a thrown spear, as well as a sling and stone. I loved reading about the native American hunts and did my best imitation of them in many cases. I do not consider taking a boar with a knife to be a macho thing. I do think it takes courage, but don't think any less of anyone who doesn't want to do so. Hunting boar with dogs, baying them, and killing them with any weapon is an exciting, and physically taxing endeavor, and it is certain not one that is for just everyone. My thing is that each of us should do as we see fit, and would hope that we could discuss it here on the HR in a polite way.

[H&Hhunter]

H&Hhunter, be careful in cultivating your "first hand knowledge" otherwise you might not be in a condition to post on a public forum.

mbt,

Thanks, I'll try and be careful.:)

[JWF III]

What do you need a knife for? A friend of mine that has hog hunted for many years, hunts them with dogs and handcuffs. They carry them out and put them in pens behind his house.

BTW I think they are borderline insane. They got a good case for it if ever prosecuted for any crime IMO. I voted No, and I don't care to. Them things got knives attached to their head, and know how to use 'em.

Wyman

[MCgunner]

Some guy posted this on a handgun forum and I just had to bring it into this thread. Now then, the perfect hog weapon for guys that are afraid of hogs............

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b20/imakechips/gun%20stuff/IMG_1751.jpg


Bwaaaaa, ha, ha!

[MCgunner]

BTW, don't try to pocket carry that thing. :what:

[mbt2001]

BTW, don't try to pocket carry that thing

uhhhh

ouch... No IWB carry either.

[MCgunner]

Thunderwear????? Guess not. :D

[TheTriggerHappyIrishman]

Hog hunting with shotgun+dogs, now, that's a good time!!!

i agree. i done it here in La once and the three of us got five hogs (3 boar- biggest was bout 200lb)

i have hunted hogs with knives (less than) half a dozen times. used dogs and a Benchmade 141 Nimravus or a KA-BAR. in all, about ten hogs (i killed myself), 150- 400 lb. havent hunted for em in five or more years though.

let me tell ya, it is an adrenalin rush.

[cbrgator]

Maybe I'm just a wuss, but I couldn't slice open a live animal like that. Too personal.

[MarkChiarello]

Let me suggest that hunting hogs with dogs and a knife can be the safest and most efficient way in heavy cover.

In the saw palmetto swamps of Florida visibility is often less than ten feet. That is not nearly enough time and space for me to reliably stop a charging hog with a firearm.

When working with dogs they do the work of stoping the hog. The hunter's only job is the actual kill. As the dogs have been nice enough to do the hard part, it seems unrasonable to deafen them with report and risk their safety with a badly aimed or overpenetrative shot. Making the kill with a knife is not particularly difficult once the dogs have it stopped.

Whether you think it is cool or not is a personal matter. But many people rely on this method to harvest meat that their family needs or to protect their crops.

[tggdeer]

Dogs run em untill they nearly have a stroke, then you jump in there and grab his back feet, pick them up off the ground,,,,, got him,,,

[JShirley]

That's a hell of a knife, Tom. :)

John

[MCgunner]

You don't need no 500 dollar knife to stick a pig. Any good, sharp knife from walmart will do. Guy I went with used a fiskers fillet knife to cut the carotid. Worked fine. Save your Benchmades for impressing your friends. :D Oh, it'll work fine, but is far from necessary.

[41 Mag]

I haven't used a knife, but have used dogs and handguns, or no dogs and handguns or rifles in thick river bottoms.

I crawled up on my belly to within less than 10ft of a pack a couple years back, that were holed up in a cane break. Once I got up there I had to focus in on the biggest one with my binocs to see which way the hair was going so I knew which end to shoot. Touched off the first round and a 30' piece of property came alive. Must have been two dozen hogs in there. We ended up getting three of the bigger ones.

I prefer using handguns or what used to be my, Ruger Compact in .308. In the thick stuff we head into anything longer is just too much of a pain. I have found that most any of them succumb to my 41 magnum even out to ranges of 100yds but especially up close and personal. I have been hit and knocked sideways in tunnels similar to what was mentioned earlier, it will test you metal for sure. The bad part is not shooting the one coming down the tunnel towards you, it's the 8 - 15 or more that are laying up in the crap on either side of the tunnel when you fire that head for somewhere other than where they were when you shot.

[Rob Pincus]

As Art noted, this was something that I did several times around the turn of the century..... moved out west and sorta let it go, but I'd do it again in a minute if convenient enough to the schedule!


This was a small Florida sample.... Notice the bent up head of the spear. The spear was ruined (bent in two places) while dancing with the hog. Ended up walking down the spear and killing it with knife the old fashioned way (up under front leg into heart). I decided the spear was a dumb idea.
.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q214/vtcrob/Rob_hogknife.jpg

In that case, I was testing out the spear concept. I had already taken a few with dogs & knife and enjoyed that much more... particularly in northern Texas.

As McGunner noted, you don't need a special knife. The first time I did it with a borrowed 6 or 7" blade from the guide. Then I had a larger one custom made for the task, but it proved to be longer than needed. To date, I've killed more hogs with the knife in the above picture than any other... it is a custom "Pincus Thing" double edged 3 & 3/4" Mad Dog that Kevin made for me in '98 or '99 after I trained with him in Georgia.

-RJP

[LeonCarr]

Went on a hog hunt with dogs once upon a time and had a blast. Went on a first date with a girl (I know, I should have married her...5'10" blonde rodeo girl. Ok, I'll stop). Anyway, we turned the Catahoulas loose, they bayed the hog, sent in the Pit Bull catch dogs, and it was on like Donkey Kong :).

We did not knife the hogs, we hog tied them(where the term comes from :)) and pulled them out alive. This was in the Post-NAFTA days when people were buying live wild hogs and paying more per pound than cattle were going for at that time (one dealer paid 55 cents a pound for live hogs over 300 pounds). Once we got the hogs in the trailer, we spent the rest of the time looking for the dogs. We did as much dog hunting as we did hog hunting. Even with tracking collars on the dogs, trying to find dogs in the middle of the night on several hundred acres is a chore by itself. When the sun came up I was covered head to toe in mud and beat down exhausted. It is still the most fun you can have with your clothes on, especially when they are caked with mud and you have to go back to your date's house to take a shower ;).

[DigMe]

Never have done it but I've hunted plenty with my Ruger Blackhawk .357 and have had times when I'm crawling through pig tunnels on my belly in thick briars.

[MCgunner]

Went on a hog hunt with dogs once upon a time and had a blast. Went on a first date with a girl (I know, I should have married her...5'10" blonde rodeo girl. Ok, I'll stop).

Just one question, did she dip or chew? ROFL!

[Grassman]

Has anyone told these guys you can take em with rifles? This sounds crazy, these things are crazy.

[MCgunner]

It's fun, but the dogs required are high maintenance. I just went a few times with a guy a friend knew. It is something everyone should try IMHO, I mean, if you're up to it physically. It's a lot of work, especially if, as we were, you're tromping through rice fields at 1AM. I'm not a night person, either, which don't help. LOL

[LeonCarr]

Didn't dip or chew, but could shoot a rifle almost as good as me and had a 13 point whitetail scoring 173 on the wall in her living room :).

The one that got away.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

[V.Oller]

Funny, the only thing I haven't hunted hogs with is shotgun and bow & arrow. Rifle, handgun, spear and knife... yes and I would definitely do it again with a blade!

[rat31465]

Cold Steel sells a Boar Hunting Spear just for said purposes. I'd do it if and when I had to. Probably not just for the sport of it.

http://www.huntsmart.com/hunt/Hog-Hunting_38/View-All-Items-in-Hog-Hunting_88/Item_Cold-Steel-Heavy-Duty-Boar-Spear-_CS95BOA.html

[Harley Man]

Here's my take on this hunting hogs with a knife...I figure there are and always will be guys / gals that want to do it for the rush or whatever they get out of it....without these people there would be no "They Walk Amoung us" stories.
For me if I have not dropped a hog with my 30-06.....or my 45 ACP then my knife is just going to PI-- the hog off, and that just wouldn't be right for the hog. Besides like they say about old people ....don't get in a fight with us....we don't like fighting anymore....We will just shoot your A--!

[hoji]

If torturing an animal before you kill it with your "compensation" tool is what floats your boat ....knock your selves out, but please, if you should ever meet me in person, do not regale me with your masturbatory Tarzan stories of "gittin em wit a knife".:barf:

I kill more pigs in any given year than most of you will in your lifetimes, and see absolutely no reason to torture them for kicks before exterminating them.

That is what you are doing, don't try to kid yourselves.

[Kentucky Windage]

Did it once... younger and dumber and all that. Wouldn't care to do it again -- particularly on a hog like this one (my most recent harvest). :D

[3pairs12]

Hoji when the pig is trying to get the dogs that are baying it is that the torture part? Or is it the part where I put my knife in the arm pit for a direct stab to the heart? I strongly disagree that this is torture. Even if it were considered torture in some circles, they cause millions of dollars in damage to property and agriculture each year in Texas alone. Last year to the tune of $1,000,000 per week. These animals need to be removed by any means legal. Also all the anti hunting groups that exist today love to see these type of arguments among fellow hunters because we are doing their jobs for them. If somebody doesn't agree with a certian legal practice of taking an animal espcially a non game animal they really need to choose their words wisely. Words like torture are what is going to get all kinds of hunting practices abolished whether it be trapping archery or hunting with the aid of dogs.

[Vic303]

No and don't want to. Would prefer to rifle hunt hogs as I do not want to put the dogs at risk. I fully support hog hunting though--they're destructive pests. I just have no desire to hunt over dogs, or kill the hog with a knife.

[mbt2001]

If torturing an animal before you kill it with your "compensation" tool is what floats your boat ....knock your selves out, but please, if you should ever meet me in person, do not regale me with your masturbatory Tarzan stories of "gittin em wit a knife".

Excuse me, but who do you think you are saying that? I grow tired of the female psyche at work in saying that because I own a gun, I have a small penis...

That is a disgusting, below the belt, sexually charged remark and frankly, if someone said that to me in a work context I would sue them for sexual harassment, because it is. It is a form of intimidation.

If you don't like hog hunting with a knife (I don't, because it is like gangster rap, SOME good stuff, mostly not) then say so. But to make some kind of sexual judgment is far worse than disgusting.

[Girodin]

I am endlessly amused by someone that thinks that shooting a pig from far away with a high powered rifle is more sporting than using dogs to hunt and kill one with a knife. This is particularly true of those that hunt by sitting in a stand and waiting for an animal (even more amusing if it is baited) to come wondering in front of them so the can rest their rifle and line up the cross hairs.

It is also not surprising that such a person cannot come up with a logical arguement to express that belief but rather results to childish type of "arguement" found above.

[hoji]

It is still torture. As I stated I kill hundreds of feral pigs in any given year. I find the use of dogs to be unusually cruel. The dogs chase the pig, corner it, and if using catch dogs, will grab the hog and hold it till some goober comes along and stabs it to death{ if you are good, it will be one poke behind the shoulder into the heart}

You are doing absolutely nothing to control the population, and making the pig live its last 10 minutes in terror. There is no place among ethical hunters for the "bloodsport" types.

For me it is about reducing the number of pigs in the most efficient manner available.

I stand by my statements.

[H&Hhunter]

For me it is about reducing the number of pigs in the most efficient manner available.

Dogs, aerial shooting and trapping are the three most efficient ways to eradicate feral hogs. Check with the agencies that do it professionally don't take my word for it. Trapping in your eyes must even be more cruel than dogs they might have to wait several days in shear terror before being executed with a knife or a gun. So it's not about eradication to you it's about gentle kind genocide?

I also kill several hundred feral hog in an average year. I use guns and dogs but occasionally the only choice I have is a knife or spear depending on the situation. In some areas dogs are the only way to get it done effectively. The other thing I use my dogs for is blood trailing wounded hogs after they've been shot by a high powered rifle and wounded.

[hoji]

I trap and all traps are checked daily. I use only corral traps and they are located in deep shadewith a 40 gallon water trough inside. I shoot from the stand as well{ works well when they become trapwise, pick out dominant sows and the juveniles get easier to trap} and no, I have never lost a pig,{ did have one get up, I have a thread about it} if a clean shot does not present itself, I do not take it

Aerial gunning IS the most effective method of reducing population, just does not work in a dense canopy setting. I have watched aerial gunners work and I do not believe it is inhumane. These guys will kill 1500 pigs in a week if they have the right conditions. They shoot til the animal collapses and is no longer moving.

Dogs for tracking a wounded animal is a totally different scenario than using dogs to hold an animal for 10 minutes or so until the "hunter" catches up with them and stabs the animal to death.

Check with the agencies that do it professionally don't take my word for it.

I do not need to check with the agencies. I work for one. The agencies you are speaking of are Wildlife Services from the USDA, as well as other state, county and city divisions. The general consensus is you will kill a hog or two with using dogs, but you are really just driving them onto someone elses land, and doing nothing to the problem, save for making it someone elses problem.

[Geno]

Hoji:

I don't see any personal attack. I see a gentleman's opinion. H&H and I sometimes disagree; we do so respectfully. He did so with you respectfully.

With respectful and disagreement,

Doc2005

[bikerdoc]

Guys,
We can feel stongly about a subject and still be HighRoad.

[H&Hhunter]

If you work for one of the agencies in Texas that control feral hog surely you've read the official reports that state that trapping, areal shooting and dog hunting when used in a combined fashion are most effective for feral swine control.

You've probably already read it being a professional animal control officer and all. But just for the rest of our members here it is.

http://texnat.tamu.edu/symposia/feral/feral-23.htm

Here are some high lights.

GARY A. LITTAUER, District Supervisor, Texas Animal Damage Control Service,
Courthouse #19, Uvalde, Tx. 78801

Abstract: Methods of controlling feral hog damage are described. Literature on fence designsto exclude hogs indicates hog-proof fences must be net or diamond mesh wire with small (< 15 cm) wire spacings. Several designs of electric fences or electrifying existing fences are reported to be effective in excluding most hogs. Lethal techniques described include neck snares, cage or pen traps, hunting with dogs, and aerial hunting with helicopters. These techniques accounted for 55%, 14%, 6.3%, and 17%, respectively, of the hogs taken by the Texas Animal Damage Control Service during 1983-1992. An integrated approach to controlling feral hog damage is recommended.


And some more..

Hunting with Dogs

Using dogs to trail and bay hogs is an age-old technique that is still used today. The technique consists of walking or riding horseback through hog inhabited areas while allowing the dogs to work and cast about for hog scent. Once a hog is started by the dogs, the chase is relatively short and the hog bays to defend itself. The hunter then catches up to the dogs by approaching the sound of their barking and kills the hog with a firearm.

Published studies evaluating this method indicate variable success (McIlroy and Saillard 1989). Undoubtedly, the experience of the hunter and dogs as well as that of the hogs being hunted are important factors in determining success.

A variety of dog breeds have been shown to be useful in hog hunting including several breeds of hounds (walker, blue tick, black and tan, and plott), and livestock working dogs such as blue lacy, pit bull (used primarily to catch and hold the hogs rather than trail), and even border collies. Dogs of mixed breed have also been used with success. Experienced hog hunters that use dogs have a wide range of opinions on what constitutes good hog dogs. Nevertheless, certain attributes that seem to characterize the more successful packs of hog dogs are:

1. At least one dog should be a good scent trailer and experienced in trailing hogs. The dog preferably has the ability to detect and follow a trail that is several hours old, and will bark upon striking the trail.
2. The dogs must be aggressive enough to consistently bay the hogs once they catch up to them. They must bark to let the hunter know the hogs are bayed.

An advantage of hunting with dogs is that many hogs can be taken in a relatively short time. The method can also be selective for taking individual depredating hogs. Where net wire fences surround the area to be hunted, snaring all exit holes just prior to hunting with dogs can increase hog take as hogs that escape from the dogs may then be caught in snares. Disadvantages are:

1. It is often difficult to find and train good dogs. An experienced proven dog may cost $500 or more. A great deal of time and commitment are required to train dogs. The dogs must be hunted often to keep them in condition, and dogs that perform poorly must be culled. Dogs must be broken from chasing or attacking livestock, deer, and other nontarget animals.
2. Dogs often are injured or even killed when baying hogs, particularly larger boars in dense cover. Veterinarian bills can be costly.
3. In hot weather dogs can only hunt for a short while in the morning, or must be used at night. Many areas have terrain that is not conducive to night hunting. Rattlesnakes (Crotalus sp.) are more active on cool summer nights than during hot days and can pose a hazard to dogs and hunters.

[Art Eatman]

Hoji, stand wherever you like. But remember that this is a public website and there are rules about how one expresses himself. Everybody who ever posted at this website agreed to those rules at registration.

Viewpoints about hunting abound. Many claim that the very use of firearms is not sporting. Many of these state that only primitive methods should be allowed at all--such as bows, spears and knives in hand-to-hoof combat, up close and personal.

"For me it is about reducing the number of pigs in the most efficient manner available."

Nothing wrong with that reality. Just remember that you do not have any right whatsoever to define reality for other people.

[hoji]

Using dogs to trail and bay hogs is an age-old technique that is still used today. The technique consists of walking or riding horseback through hog inhabited areas while allowing the dogs to work and cast about for hog scent. Once a hog is started by the dogs, the chase is relatively short and the hog bays to defend itself. The hunter then catches up to the dogs by approaching the sound of their barking and kills the hog with a firearm.

That report... Really, I see nowhere in that report { and I have read it before} that says anything about sticking them with a knife.

Abstract: Methods of controlling feral hog damage are described. Literature on fence designsto exclude hogs indicates hog-proof fences must be net or diamond mesh wire with small (< 15 cm) wire spacings. Several designs of electric fences or electrifying existing fences are reported to be effective in excluding most hogs. Lethal techniques described include neck snares, cage or pen traps, hunting with dogs, and aerial hunting with helicopters. These techniques accounted for 55%, 14%, 6.3%, and 17%, respectively, of the hogs taken by the Texas Animal Damage Control Service during 1983-1992. An integrated approach to controlling feral hog damage is recommendedUpdated: Mar. 17, 1997

Good lord, the report was written 17 years ago, and the "update was 12 years ago.

I was just at an AgriLife Extension feral hog workshop today. They had an old time dog hunter speaking and even he admitted that it is good for a couple of hogs , but really just drives them to another location.

[H&Hhunter]

Feral Hog Picture


To many outdoor enthusiasts, feral hogs are an exciting animal to hunt. Some consider them trophy animals worthy of being mounted by a taxidermist to adorn their game room wall for admiration and memories of the hunt. Feral hog meat can also be quite tasty and is often leaner than domestic pork.
Feral Hog Control - Hunting
The feral hog is not classified as a game animal in Oklahoma or Texas but a hunting license is required to hunt them in both states. Some hunting techniques result in the live capture of feral hogs and subsequent transportation of those hogs within the state or across state borders. Currently Oklahoma laws regarding transportation of feral hogs within the state require blood tests for brucellosis on hogs six months of age or older only if there is a change of ownership. Hogs, domestic or feral, transported into Oklahoma, are required to have a blood test for pseudorabies if they are under six months of age and blood tests for pseudorabies and brucellosis for hogs six months of age or older. A veterinarian certificate and permit are required regardless of age.
(See also: New Feral Hog Legislation in Oklahoma - December, 2000 article)

Texas law requires all hogs brought into the state to be domestic with appropriate blood tests. Transportation within the state is legal provided they are moved directly from the premise where they were trapped to a slaughter facility or feral swine slaughter holding facility. They may also be transported directly from where they were trapped to a livestock market for sale only to slaughter. Feral hogs may also be transported directly from where they were trapped to a game preserve provided they test negative for brucellosis and pseudorabies within 30 days prior to movement.

Domestic hogs are occasionally raised as free-ranging animals, particularly in southeastern Oklahoma and eastern and central Texas. Generally, free-ranging swine found in other parts of these states are feral and not considered livestock. However, where feral hogs are hunted, a reasonable effort should be made to be sure the population is feral and landowner permission is granted before hunting.

Hunting is probably less successful than trapping in terms of controlling feral hogs. However, hunting and trapping combined can prove to be a very effective combination for control. Hunting can be effective throughout the year and in many areas is becoming a popular sport as well. Some landowners are receiving as much as $1,500 for a guided trophy hog hunt with an average of $200 per hog. Landowners who do not wish to lease their land can still use hunting as a tool for control and may even opt to barter with hunters for other services.

Hunting with dogs
Above: Using trained dogs to hunt and catch feral hogs provides a unique sport as well as a means to help control problem feral hogs. Once caught, hunters can move in to dispatch of the hog or tie it up and remove it as well as any problems it may have caused. Photo: Randy Reed

Below: Feral hogs can be, and often are, successfully hunted with mules and dogs. Captured hogs can be sold for slaughter or butchered at home.
There are many ways to hunt feral hogs, which include hunting from tree stands or blinds, still hunting, and hunting with dogs. Stand hunting and still hunting are probably the two most popular methods of hog hunting; however, hunting with dogs is becoming increasingly popular. Aerial hunting, as well as the use of snares, are very effective means for controlling hog populations. However, Oklahoma or Texas state laws may prohibit one or both of these methods, and in some cases, special licenses are required.

Feral hogs taken while stand hunting are most commonly incidental to deer hunting. Stand hunting can be done over baited areas or in areas with abundant sign such as rootings, wallows or trails. Still hunting also can be done in baited areas or in areas with abundant sign. This method may be more successful due to the hogs' mobility. Too often hunters make the mistake of hunting areas hogs are no longer using. Hogs are a formidable game with gun, bow, primitive firearm or hand gun.

Feral hog hunting with dogs is a relatively new sport to many areas of Oklahoma and north Texas. But dogs have been used in pursuit of feral hogs for years in other parts of these states. Trained dogs have proven themselves to be efficient at catching feral hogs. Like trapping, hunting hogs with trained dogs has been a proven way to remove feral hogs from suburban areas, golf courses and other populated areas where discharging a firearm may be illegal. Hunters using dogs generally ride horses or mules in order to keep up with the dogs. Most hunters have dogs that track and eventually bay the hog and/or dogs that catch the hog. Often catch dogs are led by the hunters until the other dogs bay the hog and are then released to go in and catch and hold the hog until the hunters arrive.

The disadvantage to any type of hunting is that if pressure is intense, hogs may shift their home range areas, causing them to leave the property, or change their activity periods to night. Night shooting or hunting with dogs at night then become the best hunting methods. Night shooting should be done only with the explicit permission of a game warden. Intense hunting pressure needs to be considered if trophy fees are collected for feral hog hunting due to the possible shift in activity periods or home range.


< Previous: Feral Hog Control - Trapping Next: Feral Hog Control - Fencing >

Contents
Introduction
History
Current Status
Biological Characteristics
Range, Reproduction, Activity Periods
Food Habits
Competition & Environmental Concerns
Habitat
Feral Hog Signs Disease
Depredation
Control - Trapping
Control - Hunting
Control - Fencing
Control - Toxicants
Control - Predators
Summary
Reference

contents © 1996 & 1999 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
© 1997-2008 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.

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Hoji once again your mistaken,

I said lets keep it honest meaning that dogs are mentioned in just about every study done on the eradication of feral hogs. If you felt threatened by that I apologize. It does seem odd to me that you would not have read any of these reports being a natural resources agent. Surely you don't think that I am not doubting that you are who you say you are?

[Art Eatman]

Kinda got away from both the subject and the intent of the OP.

[rbernie]

There is no place among ethical hunters for the "bloodsport" types.Being willing to get your hands dirty isn't bloodsport - it's a reminder of what hunting is really all about. Sitting in hunting stands out of the fray and placing crosshairs on an unsuspecting hog from a distance makes you no more 'civilized' than those who choose to hunt via more primitive means.

I always have to pause just a little bit when folk start lecturing on how 'my kind of hunting is more sporting/humane/manly/whatever than yours' - I just do not understand why it is that people feel the need to impose their fears or values on others.