Most hunters have already wrapped up their deer hunting season, so now it’s time to look for something else. If you are like me, then you are always looking for something to hunt. One of my favorite winter and early spring activities is hog hunting at night in Texas. This is the time of year when hogs will be on the move. Food sources are at an annual low and hogs are on the move. There is no better time to intercept a big boar hog.
When January hits, I know it’s time to head out hog hunting. However, after the holidays I just had not had the fire to get up and go. Finally, just last night I got the urge to wake up at 2:30 am and go hunt in the morning. I know it’s early, but that’s when these nocturnal beasts are on the move. I had an idea o where these pigs had been working, so I made a bee-line for that spot.
Instead of just riding around in the jeep, I went for a hot spot with some good hog habitat. I did the tried and true method, and set at a spot known to deliver hogs. As soon as I cut off the engine I heard pig squealing in the distance. I thought to myself, “This is going to be easy.” Well, not so fast. It was going to take a little more than driving up on them to get the job done.
I thought the hogs were moving my way at first, but after an hour the squealing had stopped altogether. I did not know which way the pigs had gone, but held my ground hoping that they just shut up, which is unusual. At about 3:45 I saw a good boar hog cut the corner of an open field, but he kept moving with other things on his mind.
Then, about 4:15 am I saw this boar come in and stop at an oak tree, and he was chowing down on some acorns at the edge of the field. I knew this was my opportunity to make a move on this big boy. I got my gear and started my stalk on this big boar. Using the wind to my advantage, I was able to get with 36 yards, where I raised my gun and squeezed the trigger. The big boar lurched and took off like a bullet. He didn’t go far.
I like hunting everything, but hog hunting at night in Texas is about as good as it gets for me. My first hog hunting trip of the year paid off with this big boar, so hopefully this is a indication of things to come. For those of you that have never tried hog hunting at night, get out there and give it a shot. It does pay off and it’s a ton of fun. Get you one!
I am really interested in hog hunting at night. Thinking about using subsonic ammo with a suppressor. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts on the subject!
Morgan, glad you found this article helpful. Feral hog numbers are always on the increase. Hunt them during the day and hunt them at night… just hunt them. Best of luck!