Just posted a sticky thread on the Florida conference.
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 taken 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.
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.
I have NEVER PERSONALLY used any of the outfitters that I am about to list, but TBOF members who I respect have.
Archery Outfitters with Nikki Roth (very good to TBOF)
Osceola Outfitters with Hoppy Kempfer (if Don Davis recommends him that is good enough for me).
True South with Jim Dussais (Tarponnut here on tradgang)
There are others I am sure, but this is a good start. If other TBOF members or tradgangers care to add to this list feel free to do so.