Hog hunting in central Fla.

[Howitser]

I visit the St. Pete area during the winter and would like to hunt hogs next winter. Don't want a pay to hunt situation. Any advice?

[fnshtr]

It's really tough not going with someone that sets you up. The WMAs usually have drawings for hunts on specific days. You might find some private land to hunt, but it's likely to be very time/effort consuming.

I hunt with Irv.

Good luck!

[Buckeye1977]

X2 on Irv! Just got back from hunting with him. He doesn't charge much and it's a totally fair chase hunt just the way I like it. He works very hard to get you in good areas and is an outstanding guy. Also has some great bowfishing too

[Greg Szalewski]

X3 on Irv

[Rick Butler]

Irv is your guy.

[Howitser]

Thank you, gents. I'll look into Irv for next year

[Sam McMichael]

Do folks do much hog hunting in the Ocala Forest? I have been going to the TBOF shoots for about 10 years and have seen both pigs and bears, but I have never heard much discussion about hunting there.

[gregg dudley]

Edited from the Florida Page:

Hog Hunting in Florida is the number 1 inquiry that we get on this conference from out of state hunters so I thought i would feature a thread on the topic.

OK, here goes...I know everybody watches TV and hears stories about hog hunting in Florida and thinks that pigs are thick as thieves down here so here is the skinny. They is and they isn't!

Access is the key and it can be hard to come by. MOST good hog hunting is on private property and despite what you may have heard about nuisance hogs, they are widely viewed as a financial commodity to be exploited. Remember this is the SOUTH where the concept of leasing land for hunting is as old as I am.

I am going to break it down in terms of public land hunting and private land hunting.

On public land:
Public land is only open for hog hunting in conjunction with other open seasons. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Public land in Florida is generally in the form of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). There are 175 WMAs in Florida and the all have their own unique rules and regulations. To explore information concerning public land hunting opportunities, got to myfwc.org and select hunting, then WMA maps or WMA regulations.  As to Sam's question above, ONF is NOT one of the more sought after locations for hogs.

On private land:
The best way to assure yourself of a good hog hunting experience is join a lease that is geared towards hog hunting. If that is not a practical consideration, the next best bet is to consider an outfitter that is known for hunting hogs.