Hogs... where to start?

1. I'm in Missouri, and I know that there are some here in state to the south. Are they easily found?-- I would search around shady, desnly bushed areas near water.

2. What kind of rifle will work for Missouri hogs? I have a 12 gauge Benelli SNT, and a converted 7.62x39mm Saiga. I assume those would work well.--Yes to both.

3. What kind of techniques does one use when hunting hogs? Tactics, suggestions?-- Aim for the head, neck or shoulder. Tactics.. learn to climb trees lol umm... be quiet and cover you scent.

4. Do landowners ever pay outside help to take care of hogs, or is it usually the other way around? Is there any way to do such an activity as a summer job?--- Looking into this myself.

5. Any and all other info is appreciated.-- They can be mean and boars have very sharp, dangerous tusks, so be careful. Sows will also defend the piglets very aggressively even if they're not HERS.

Oh yeah, they're not dumb. They're hearing and sense of smell is very keen which makes them a special challenge to hunt, but if you can bait, then well, the scent of fish and sweeties tends to get their attention. They also don't always stick to set travel paths so determining they're travel routes/schedules can be a pain.

I don't know about Missouri, but I just came back from a hog hunt in Tn. The 762X39 worked very well. I was using Wolf 154gr soft points in an SAR1. Complete pass thru the shoulder area, and the hog didn't take a step before going down. Nice to have the back up rounds just in case using the AK type rifle.

Do landowners ever pay outside help to take care of hogs, or is it usually the other way around?

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Here in Texas it's most usually the other way around. And it ain't cheap, and yes it is also part of the problem.

Basically, I've never hunted before, and while I know hogs are dangerous, they seem to be easier to hunt...

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Your lack of experience would be a handicap with landowners and hogs. Hogs can be anywhere between easy, and very dificult to hunt. Some going totally nocturnal with the least amount of pressure. In my humble opinion, you would be very hard pressed to find free hog hunting in Texas, much less being paid to do it.

I'm in kc also we have/had hogs in one place, south of the city, but I spent three years hunting them, never found more than a couple and never got a shot on any, I spent 8-12 hours stalking wet fresh signs.. never found them. I had a shot on one but it was on private land. and another but only had a 12ga with turkey loads and it was considerably out of range.. the signs have disappeared and I believe they have left the area.. I have been looking for a place to shoot them myself

I used these guys. I highly recommend them from my experience.

http://www.tnboar.com/index.php

For MO or any other state for that matter, start here: http://128.192.20.53/nfsms/

Yes, the resolution sucks, I've tried to get access to better resolution but they don't allow it to non-researchers.

Secondly, call your state wildlife biologists, particularly one versed in feral hogs. How do you find such a person in your state? Simple: Google "[your state] feral hogs". Ten to one you'll see one or more papers written about the problems of feral hogs in your state (assuming your state has a feral hog problem), get the name of the author, google his name and contact him via his state wildlife phone or e-mail.

Failing that, just call your local fish and wildlife game office. If there's feral hogs in your area and/or state, they'll direct you to the right information.

In north Alabama, I call the local NF office and it's like they keep tabs on all feral hogs in their area, they have up to date info on where they are and they want'em killed, so they're motivated to help get feral hogs.

Good luck.

Have you ever passed Hunters Ed ? If not I would suggest you start there. I know most outfitters require it and hunters appreciate it.
Good luck on your search for a hog hunt.

I kill at least one or more when checking cows iin my pastures, overrun with them.. what ever rifle I got in my pickup...cant kill em fast enuff...

Yes, those guns are enough, I would personally use slugs in the benelli. Here in TX, it is hard to find places that will pay you to hunt them.

If I find someone who will let me hunt their land for free I am thrilled. I get a free hunt, and if I am nice and courteous (always am), I get to come back! It never hurts to barbeque with the landowner

As far as tactics go, unless the area has been over-hunted, let them come to you. Try to hit the head/neck area because the last thing that you want is a wounded hog.

I myself am fairly new to the hog hunting arena, but it can be alot of fun! Just stay safe, and know the anatomy of a pig. If you are fortunate enough to be allowed to hunt on someone else's property, be courteous, and leave it better than you found it (with fewer piggys )

You will be very hard pressed to find someone to pay you to hog-hunt on their land... For you, it will probably the other way around.

Hog hunts in FL are ~250.00/ a day to hunt, with generally no limit on # you can shoot.