Where and how to get pigs in SW FL?

average_shooter · Nov 15, 2012

So I searched on here for any threads about Florida pigs, and the latest thread was from almost a year ago. I would like to get out for some pig hunting, because I know they're out there, but I have some questions for you fine folks who might know.

I'm presently working out of Naples and frequently travel between Naples and Tampa. So my first question is, as a non-resident with no private property currently available to me, where are some good places to go for pigs in this area?

Secondly, I've checked out the FWC website, and I'm pretty familiar with looking up hunting regs, but that site doesn't seem to offer much clarification regarding what licenses are required for which parts of public property and how to acquire those licenses. Can I go to any sporting goods store and get a license, or do I need to stop into a FWC office? Or do I go to the office managing the particular area I'd like to hunt (USFWS or State for example)?

If anybody could help shed some light on this for me I would be greatly appreciative.

threefortyduster · Nov 15, 2012

On public property, you'll need a Florida Hunting License. If you use a state Wildlife Management Area, you'll need the WMA stamp. Wal-Mart does licenses, many small stores stopped when the state required the employees to undergo more training.

The difficult part comes if the WMA you want requires a special quota permit, because they're pretty much all spoken for the week they're issued. For the WMA you prefer, its probably best to call the state and speak to them directly. Green Swamp just north of Lakeland is one of the highest volume pig producers in the state (I have property that butts up against it) and it doesn't usually require any special license, just hunting and WMA stamp.

As far as other items, there are TONS of outfitters down in the Arcadia, Wauchula, and other areas out there, there are so many pigs they can't control them.

Patocazador · Nov 15, 2012

The above info is all correct but there is an omission or 2. You don't need a hunting license on private land since the hogs belong to the landowner but you will have a hard time (read impossible) to get a landowner to give you permission. Your best bet is to contact a commercial hunting preserve or an outfitter and pay for a hog hunt. I have heard of hunts for as low as $50.
The other thing is most WMAs that have lots of hogs have a small game season that allows hogs to be killed as well as squirrels, etc. You need a non-resident license and WMA permit which together would cost more than some commercial hog hunts.

average_shooter · Nov 16, 2012

Thanks for the info guys!

A couple more questions for clarification:

So if I'm reading right (probably not) there's a general hunting license that covers multiple species? Not a pig-specific license? I'm used to needing to put in for different licenses for different game.

Also, it seems that there's "a" license that covers small game (like squirrel) that also covers birds, or at least quail. Do the pigs fall under this license as well?

Part of my reason for the many questions is that I was hoping to live a little cheaper and get some cheap meat. Probably not realistic. At any rate, I didn't want to have to do an outfitter hunt, rather try to get out on my own.

I'm also going to talk to some of the state guys I work with, maybe they can give me some info.

countertop · Nov 16, 2012

I assume your from out west. Hunting in the east is generally different. Small game covers everything that isn't waterfowl or big game. In most places, Florida included, hogs are a terrible menace. A nuisance species, and not regulated as game. On public lands, you will generally find some restrictions, designed more to manage hunters generally and limit excuses for poachers. And while in some places general hunting laws apply, in other areas Rs basically kill what you can't and when your done for the day go out and kill 20 more.

But the pigs themselves, they are all over. A couple of years ago, sitting on the runway in Ft Meyers preparing to take off I looked out the window and there were hogs INSIDE THE FENCE running parallel to the runway.

Tipi tapi Tapa talky

Where and how to get pigs in SW FL?

average_shooter

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threefortyduster

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Patocazador

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average_shooter

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countertop

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