Advise please - DIY hogs

[talkingcabbage]

I posted this over in pow-wow also.

Hey guys. Me and a buddy are wanting to do a diy hog hunt this fall and have no idea where to start. We both have families, so it has to be as inexpensive as possible. We're planning on primitive camping (tents, fire, no electric) at least 5 days and spot-n-stalk hunting. We're from Southern Iowa, so drive and gas will be a factor. It doesn't matter to me if we're on public or private land, but we'd really like to connect with a hog.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to be looking? Maybe a favorite piece of ground or area that is thick enough with hogs that a couple Iowa boys could make it work? Maybe a private area that we could get permission to hunt on? I'm not opposed to paying to hunt private land, but it needs to be within reason for us. We both have wife and kids at home that we need to care for too!

Thanks in advance for some suggestions!

[Brett Leinmiller]

Have you found anything Joe? I'm from Kansas and trying to do the same thing. I'm told Oklahoma, a short drive for me, has public land hogs. I'm also told that without hunting a highly populated area over a feeder, or hunting behind dogs, a hunter doesn't have much chance. This would be particularly tough for a bowhunter.

[dringge]

Another Iowan here that would love to connect on hogs on a DIY hunt.
Im new to the forum but been a bowhunter for many years.

[Mitch Edwards]

Missouri guy here that has also wanted to go after some hogs for many years. Would love to get on some hogs in a free range spot and stalk environment. As much as everyone seems to hate them they don't hate them enough to let people shoot them for free from what I've seen

[Sam McMichael]

If you could head south, a lot of guys could help you out.

[swampcrawler]

Obviously I'm a little late here, and it would be about a 13 hour drive, but the Pearl River wildlife management area here in southern Louisiana is quite densely populated with piggies.

There is a "camping area" which is just an open area with a water faucet and portapotties.  But it's right by a boat launch, swamp tour place, and a little area where the game wardens stash their equipment so it certainly doesn't have that wilderness feel.

[Terry Green]

Moving to the POWWOW

[JamesV]

Panther swamp in Mississippi has lots of hogs. Can bowhunt during deer or turkey season.

James

[JohnV]

Finding a good public area to hunt hogs is a lot like asking someone where their favorite fishing hole is located.  Lots of people are looking for a good spot and people are reluctant to divulge where they go as they don't want that spot overrun with others.  I suggest you do a lot more work on your end to identify potential places.  You can gain a lot of information with google searches.  You can get hog density maps for almost every state that has them with a quick search.  They will show you where to focus your search in each state.  You can contact biologist/managers at public refuges to ask them how numerous hogs are and perhaps some tips on where to find them.

[Jerry Russell]

Southern Georgia has countless WMA's  that are loaded with hogs.  Hunt them in January and February and you will most likely be alone on thousands of acres and the snakes, bugs and gators won't be a nusance.  You only need a $20 apprentice license to hunt them along with a WMA STAMP.  Information on the many WMA's can be found at gohuntgeorgia.com.  

If a man hunts down there for 4-5 days, he will see plenty of action on hogs.

[sam barrett]

Great information!

[sam barrett]

Great information!

[JakeD]

Thanks for some great info Jerry.  This is something I have been interested in for awhile.

[Jerry Russell]

I did want to add that my advice was for Southern Georgia.  The mountains of North Georgia hold a decent population of hogs but they are much more difficult to hunt due to a nomadic nature and terrain that is much more difficult to stalk hunt.
South Georgia has MANY more hogs and the sandy soil helps with showing hog sign and easy stalking conditions.  

Good luck to those that are going to give it a try.  Georgia is a fantastic place to hunt.

[YosemiteSam]

The very idea you propose is nearly laughable out here in CA.  Hogs hardly exist off private land in these parts.  Best deal I've heard is $600 per person for 2 days and 50/50 odds at getting a shot.  Going in without knowing the area ahead of time is something I wouldn't even consider.  Hope you have better options than that at your disposal.