Hunting for Feral Hogs: Using Bait vs. Spot and Stalk

Why Hunt Feral Hogs?

Feral hogs are destructive, adaptive, and incredibly prolific. Hunters pursue them for:

• Year-round opportunity in many states.

• Exciting close-range action in brush, creeks, and crop fields.

• High-quality meat when harvested cleanly.

• A chance to hone shooting and stalking skills.

• Population control, helping landowners reduce crop and habitat damage.

Whether you hunt with rifles, thermals, bows, or traditional optics, feral hog hunting offers endless flexibility.

Baiting for Feral Hogs

Baiting is one of the most consistent and beginner-friendly ways to hunt hogs, especially in thick cover.

Why Bait Works

Hogs are highly food-driven and have exceptional noses. Bait sites draw them into predictable areas and create controlled shot opportunities.

Best Baits for Hogs

Common and effective options include:

• Corn (whole, soured, or flavored)

• Grain mixes or livestock feed

• Attractants like berry or anise scents

• Fermented mash

• Commercial hog attractants

The key is consistency—bait the same spot for several days and refresh it lightly to keep hogs returning.

Ideal Bait-Site Locations

Place bait near:

• Creek bottoms

• Thick brush edges

• Overgrown pastures

• Fence lines

• Travel corridors between bedding and water

Hogs prefer shaded, secluded areas where they feel safe.

Hunting Bait Sites

Most hunters use:

• Ground blinds brushed into cover

• Tripod stands overlooking openings

• Tree stands along trails

• Night-hunting setups with thermal or infrared optics (where legal)

Sit quietly, control your scent, and be ready—sound travels poorly in brush, and hogs often appear suddenly.

Spot-and-Stalk Hog Hunting

Spot-and-stalk is a fast-paced, mobile method ideal for open terrain, crop fields, or habitat where visibility allows good glassing.

When Spot-and-Stalk Shines

This method works best in:

• Rolling ranchland

• Crop fields with recent hog activity

• Open oak flats

• Pastures with tall grass edges

• Burned or recently cleared areas

• Low-light periods when hogs move openly

How to Spot Hogs

Scan for:

• Fresh rooting and churned soil

• Muddy wallows

• Tracks and droppings

• Movement at dawn, dusk, or nighttime

• Groups feeding on crop edges

Use binoculars first—hogs blend into shadows surprisingly well.

Stalking Techniques for Beginners

• Keep the wind in your face—hogs smell better than they see.

• Move slowly using cover such as brush, trees, or terrain dips.

• Stay low when crossing exposed areas.

• Watch for multiple hogs—groups often split, circle, or run in different directions.

Shots often occur between 20–120 yards, making this method perfect for rifles, crossbows, or heavy-arrow compounds.

Baiting vs. Spot-and-Stalk: Which Should You Choose?

Most hog hunters use both depending on conditions, time of day, and property layout.

Best Weapons for Hog Hunting

Rifles

• .223 / 5.56 for small to medium hogs

• .308, .30-06, 6.5 Creedmoor for larger boars

• Suppressed rifles for night or thick-cover work

Archery

• 60+ lb compounds

• Heavy arrows with fixed-blade broadheads

• Close-range setups with excellent penetration

Optics

• Red dots for quick shots

• Low-power variable scopes (1–6x, 1–8x)

• Thermal or night-vision units for after-dark success (check regulations)

Timing Your Hog Hunts

Early Morning

Hogs return from feeding and move toward bedding.

Late Afternoon

They emerge from cover and hit food sources.

Nighttime

Prime movement period in warm climates and pressured areas.

Hog behavior varies widely by region and season—scouting pays off more than relying on general rules.

Safety Tips for Hog Hunts

• Always identify what’s beyond your target—hogs are low to the ground.

• Watch for aggressive boars, especially when wounded.

• Keep distance from sounders with young piglets.

• Use proper lighting at night.

• Bring gloves and a tarp if hauling meat—hogs can carry parasites.

Why Book a Feral Hog Hunt Through Find A Hunt?

Feral hog hunts range from easy sit-and-shoot setups to exhilarating spot-and-stalk or thermal hunts. Booking through our hunt marketplace gives you:

• Access to experienced hog outfitters across the South and West

• Prime private-land properties with year-round hog activity

• Guided thermal or night-vision hunts

• Lodging options and family-friendly packages

• A simple way to compare prices, locations, and hunt styles

Whether you want a relaxed bait-site hunt or a fast-moving spot-and-stalk adventure, experienced guides boost success and safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are hogs more active during the day or at night?

Nighttime is typically best, especially in warm climates or pressured areas.

Is baiting legal for hogs?

Often, yes—many states allow baiting for feral hogs, but always check local regulations.

What’s the best caliber for hogs?

The .223 works for small hogs, but .308-class calibers offer more stopping power for large boars.

Do hogs see well?

Not especially—they rely heavily on smell and hearing, which is why wind direction matters more than concealment.

Is a thermal scope worth it?

If legal, thermal or night-vision optics dramatically increase nighttime success.

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