Still Hunting Hogs in the SE US

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I was just notified last minute that I won a draw hunt for a wild hog hunt. I have never specifically set out to target hogs and do not know much about them. I only really know that their tracks are different than deer, they roll in the ground/mud a lot and leave mud streaks on trees. I am not really even sure what they would be eating in April.

Can anyone share feedback on what to look for? Food during this time of year? Things to look for that hint at hogs frequenting the area? I have read that they are difficult to pattern and travel a lot. Is sitting down waiting even worth it or should I move the entire time?

Details on the hunt are:
- Hunt is public land but draw only so pressure is nothing crazy.
- 2 weeks from now so early/mid Spring
- No baiting
- Mixture of oaks, pine thickets, mostly flat, creek systems running through so often wet, but not truly a swamp
- Primarily looking to still hunt and maybe ambush if I found a promising spot that made since
- Not able to scout in advance other than e-scouting
- Rifle hunt, probably using an AR, but may bring the bow for fun

 

[KyleR1985]

If it’s flat with creeks it’s pretty simple to kill hogs.

Walk the creek edges into the wind very slowly still hunting. You’re going to hear see or smell em before they know you’re there, if you’re going slow enough.

I don’t live down there anymore but I have friends who can and do live on pigs just Walking creeks.

Hunting it with an AR will make it pretty simple to fill the truck - if the pigs are there.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

If it’s flat with creeks it’s pretty simple to kill hogs.

Walk the creek edges into the wind very slowly still hunting. You’re going to hear see or smell em before they know you’re there, if you’re going slow enough.

I don’t live down there anymore but I have friends who can and do live on pigs just Walking creeks.

Hunting it with an AR will make it pretty simple to fill the truck - if the pigs are there.

Sounds simple enough. I think a good bit of hogs are pulled out of there every year (enough that they do actually hog drawings) so hopefully I will stumble upon some.

 

[kcm2]

I've killed several hogs with a bow by spot and stalk for bedded hogs. In the creek, or near the creek, a slow walk with binos can be very productive. And it is a lot of fun.

 

[AlabamaMountainMan]

I've killed several hogs with a bow by spot and stalk for bedded hogs. In the creek, or near the creek, a slow walk with binos can be very productive. And it is a lot of fun.

I did a similar strategy last year for white-tail on a draw hunt. I don't think I can go back to all day sits anymore. Way more fun to walk and sneak up on them. It has motivated me to extend my range with a bow though.

 

[Krolly]

Not hard to find sign. They tear up everything. Very destructive. Last one I killed was picking my way through some low land with tree cover during the middle of the day. It never knew I was there. Mornings/ evenings you might catch them up and about more in the open.
Good luck. Go have fun!

 

[glennjones]

They have poor eyesight. Slipping up on them isn't very hard. Like others have said if pigs are there you will know it, ground tore up, mud rubbed on trees. They do travel so a place that might be covered up in March might not have a pig anywhere around come April. As far as stalking or sitting and waiting both can be effective depending on the terrain.

 

[kcm2]

I did a similar strategy last year for white-tail on a draw hunt. I don't think I can go back to all day sits anymore. Way more fun to walk and sneak up on them. It has motivated me to extend my range with a bow though.

No, I've killed a bunch at 13 yards or less, down to 5 yards. That's a load of fun...trust me.

 

[kcm2]

They have better eyesight than you think. They will pick up movement and sometimes, your outline. They do sleep during the day, so you might get away with a stalk if you are quiet and most importantly, the wind does not shift. I've had them not move when another pig crosses the creek nearby, but if the wind shifts they explode out of the beds. When all goes well, they explode out of their beds carrying an arrow......

They have poor eyesight. Slipping up on them isn't very hard. Like others have said if pigs are there you will know it, ground tore up, mud rubbed on trees. They do travel so a place that might be covered up in March might not have a pig anywhere around come April. As far as stalking or sitting and waiting both can be effective depending on the terrain

 

[Boltgun]

- 2 weeks from now so early/mid Spring

So how did it go?

 

[Boarmaster]

The hogs on my lease in Alabama mostly hang out in the thick bottoms and edges of swamps or wet areas. They can also be found around oak trees. If I couldn't bait I would spend my time covering ground
In bottoms and along creeks. They are likely to be anywhere but more possible in those remote wet , dark thick areas.

Look for places with fresh sign they been rooting or pushing up pine straw.
Oh boy looks like I am late on advise.