Hunting Hogs in Rain?

[FarmerMarley]

Hey Guys,

What experiences/insights do you have about hunting hogs in rainy/wet/coldish weather?

Strategies?
Special Considerations?
Personal Experiences?
Thoughts?

Any input would be much appreciated!

[Kituwa]

Here in south bama when its a light rain its the best time there is to hunt hogs.For one thing when it rains they seem to be out in force and also its easier to walk quiet in the woods.I usualy just go to where i know they hang out and look for fresh rooting sign witch is not hard to find.Then i just slowly follow it till i find them.Most times you will be all in amongst them befor you see one.If you are following the rooting signs and they stop all of a sudden, that means they have prolly smelled me.They cant see worth a toot so as long as you dont make too much noise and stay down wind they are not hard to get close to.

[Knawbone]

They like the wet ground I take it? I would think they would prefer to stay close to water- yes/no question?

[petalumapete]

Wet lousy weather is the best as far as I'm concerned. You should try the Lake Sonoma area. Lots of hogs running with little pressure

[Kituwa]

Yes they will almost always be close to a creek, river or swamp unless there is some kind of feed around like a corn field or peanut field or something like that.If no crops and its fall,,they will be looking for acorns.That is one reason they are hated by most deer hunters where i live.They go through the woods like a vacum cleaner suckin up everything.The deer wont get much of a chance at acorns if there are hogs around.Even though they are a plauge they are a blast to hunt and seem to be made to order for hunting with a bow.They are not as easy to pattern like a whitetail as far as sitting on a stand unless over bait but i dont care for hunting that way.I like to spot and stalk i guess you would call it.If there are any around it is easy to see their signs, its unmistakable.

[Bjorn]

Hunt hogs in the rain?

 

Be sure to bring binocs and look everywhere. Some will be up, and many will be sleeping. Look in every root tangle and comfy bedding area.

[Ryan Sanpei]

Cool pic Bjorn!  

[Izzy]

A super cool pic Bjorn. Ive seen them very active in the rain and pre and post rain as well. Wasnt during cool temps but it was a wet weekend and I saw a LOT of hogs.

[FarmerMarley]

Thanks guys,

I have been hunting Lake Sonoma, CA since opening weekend and will be canoeing in to camp and hunting this week with my buddy. It has been pretty wet lately for sure.

I know the pigs like the wet ground for rooting, and the wet weather can make stalking easier. I was just wondering about strategies and experiences. I know lots of guys hunting bedding areas.

Unfortunately, the whole hunt area is crawling with hunters. Mostly compound and crossbow, haven;t seen another trad shooter yet. I haven't seen pigs since opening weekend, I'm worried a lot of em have gotten the idea and skee-daddled.

Great photo Bjorn! That is exactly what I'm talking about!

Petalumapete, you must be talking about the private ranches around the lake cause there is A LOT of pressure at the lake. Everywhere I look I see guys.

[BigBucksnTrucks]

I saw an interesting piece on hippos over the weekend and it may apply to pigs.  Hippos usually only come out of the water at night to feed bc their skin is sensitive to the sun.  However, in the piece I saw the hippos have been seen out feeding in the middle of the day bc it was overcast out so they were protected from the sun.  This is my guess why the pigs would be more active in rain.  They like to wallow in mud so they can cover themselves in mud to protect them from the sun and to cool off.  When it's raining the sun is behind the clouds allowing the pigs to come out and stay cool and protected from the sun.  Well, that's my 2 cents.
Merry christmas y'all!