Hunting for Feral Hogs: Using Feeders vs. Bait Sites

Feeders vs. Bait Sites: What’s the Difference?

Feeders

Mechanical devices that dispense feed on a schedule.

Typical feed:

• Corn

• Soybeans

• Mixed pellets

Feeders attract hogs consistently and help establish patterned movement over time.

Bait Sites

Manually placed food piles, attractants, or scent-based baits.

Common bait types:

• Fermented corn

• Diesel-soaked corn (reduces raccoon depredation)

• Sweet attractants

• Scent lures

• Fruit scraps

Bait sites are fast to set up and effective for short-term or targeted hunts.

When Feeders Work Best

1. Long-Term Property Management

Feeders shine when you want to pattern hogs over weeks or months. They create reliable routines that make targeted removal easier.

2. High-Density Hog Areas

Where hog numbers are strong, feeders sustain continual traffic, allowing for repeated harvest opportunities.

3. Daytime Hunt Potential

Consistent feeding schedules sometimes shift hog activity into daylight hours, especially mid-morning and late afternoon.

4. Trail Camera Monitoring

Feeders pair perfectly with trail cameras to identify:

• Group size

• Boar-to-sow ratio

• Time-of-arrival

• Frequency of visits

This intel helps build high-success sits.

Pros and Cons of Feeders

Pros

• Create predictable patterns

• Work year-round

• Easier to monitor with cameras

• Attract hogs away from sensitive crops

• Support bow, rifle, or thermal setups

Cons

• Require maintenance

• Can be damaged by hogs if unprotected

• More expensive than simple bait sites

• Overuse can educate mature hogs

When Bait Sites Work Best

1. Short-Term Hunts or Travel Situations

When time is limited, bait sites provide quick attraction without needing weeks of conditioning.

2. Targeting Specific Boars

Placing bait directly on travel corridors, creek crossings, or bedding edges is ideal for intercepting solitary, nocturnal boars.

3. Remote Areas Where Feeders Aren’t Practical

Backcountry, heavily wooded, or steep terrain is better served by simple, lightweight bait sites.

4. Night Hunts With Thermal or Night Vision

Hogs often hit bait piles aggressively after dark, making short sits highly productive.

Pros and Cons of Bait Sites

Pros

• Cheap and easy to set up

• Work within hours or days

• Highly customizable (location, scent, type)

• Easy to refresh

• Less likely to attract non-target animals when scents are used

Cons

• Less predictable over time

• Require more scouting

• Scent or food may dissipate in rain

• Hogs may hit inconsistently if competition for food is low

Choosing the Best Setup for Your Hunt

Use Feeders If:

• You hunt the same property regularly

• You want long-term patterns

• You need consistent camera intel

• You prefer daylight hunting opportunities

• You’re targeting large sounders

Use Bait Sites If:

• You’re hunting new land

• You have only a weekend to hunt

• You're targeting lone boars

• You want to hunt bedding-to-feeding transitions

• You need quiet, low-impact attraction

Many hunters use both—feeders for long-term conditioning and bait sites for surgical, short-term setups.

Placing Feeders for Maximum Hog Activity

Ideal Locations:

• Woodline edges

• Creek crossings

• Travel corridors

• Field corners

• Natural funnels

• Near water sources

Height & Protection

• Raise feeders high enough to prevent hog damage

• Use varmint cages around spinner plates

• Build hog panels if needed to protect legs and batteries

Timing

Most hunters use:

• Twice daily feed cycles

• Dawn and late afternoon schedules

Mall adjustable timers for seasonal changes.

Building an Effective Bait Site

Placement Matters

Focus on:

• Thick edges

• Hardwood flats

• Swamp margins

• Overgrown pastures

• Active hog trails

Best Bait Options

• Fermented corn (gold standard)

• Corn + beer + sugar combinations

• Fruit mixes

• Commercial hog attractants

• Molasses drips on stumps

• Gloopy “slops” that hogs root aggressively

Add Scent

Scent-based attractants bring hogs from far away. Examples:

• Sour mash

• Hog-specific lures

• Anise oil mixes

• Strong fruit scents

Use sparingly—too much can overwhelm the site.

Using Trail Cameras on Feeders and Bait Sites

For Feeders:

• Place camera 10–20 feet back

• Angle slightly downward

• Use regular photo mode for patterning

For Bait Sites:

• Use video mode to watch boar behavior

• Look for aggressive posturing vs. sow-and-piglet groups

• Identify arrival windows for night setups

Trail cameras tell you when to hunt—not just where.

Hunting Strategy Around Feeders

Best Hunting Times

• 30 minutes before scheduled feed times

• Late afternoon during heat

• Early mornings in cool seasons

Ideal Setups

• Elevated stands

• Ground blinds downwind

• 50–120 yard rifle shots

• 20–40 yard bow shots

Avoid approaching from upwind—hogs will leave instantly.

Hunting Strategy Around Bait Sites

Best Hunting Times

• First hour after dark

• Last hour of daylight

• Midday in hot weather (shade sites)

Ideal Setups

• Thermal night hunts

• Tripod or tree stand downwind

• Still hunts near active trails

Move quietly and keep scent to a minimum.

Safety Tips for Hog Baiting and Feeder Hunts

• Always be aware of aggressive boars

• Never approach feeding hogs head-on

• Use red or green lights carefully at night

• Keep a sidearm for close encounters

• Track wounded hogs cautiously—boars can charge

Hog hunting is exciting but requires respect and caution.

Why Many Hunters Book Guided Hog Hunts

Experienced hog outfitters offer:

• Pre-established feeder patterns

• Prime bait site setups

• High-success night hunts

• Access to heavily used travel corridors

• Safe retrieval assistance

• Thermal or night-vision equipment

For a high-action hog hunt without the prep work, compare trusted outfitters through our hunt marketplace.

FAQs About Hunting Feral Hogs Using Feeders & Bait Sites

Do hogs prefer feeders or bait piles?
Both work—feeders create patterns, but bait piles can trigger aggressive, immediate feeding behavior.

How long does it take hogs to find a bait site?
Anywhere from hours to a few days depending on density and wind conditions.

Will hogs visit feeders during the day?
Yes—consistent schedules can shift hog movement earlier.

Can I hunt multiple bait sites at once?
Yes, rotating sites reduces pressure and increases success.

What’s the best bait for feral hogs?
Fermented corn is the most consistently effective attractant across all habitats.

Feeders and bait sites are two of the most effective tools for attracting and hunting feral hogs. By understanding their strengths, choosing locations wisely, and using wind and timing to your advantage, you’ll dramatically increase your success in hog country. When you're ready to plan a reliable, high-success hog hunt, compare vetted outfitters and book through Find A Hunt.