A Guide to Public Hog and Boar Hunting in Texas

Texas has been a place for many hunters searching for earthen treasures within the confines of wild animal hunting. With the sprawling land and diverse ecosystems, plus the highly populated wild hogs and wild boars of the state, there's a hunting experience unique and challenging to novices and seasoned hunters. 

Whether private ranches or adventuring within public lands, this guide to public hog or boar hunting in Texas will navigate the best hunting places in Texas, giving you the ways to hunt, prepare, and expect.

Why hunt a hog and a boar in Texas?

Wild hogs and boars are quite invasive into the environment of the State of Texas. They pay no heed to natural habitat and agricultural damage as well as messing up the local infrastructure. Such activities not only make hunting much more exciting but also a mandatory endeavor in good land and wildlife management practices. 

In fact, Texas has the largest frothing pod population across the entire United States, above 2.5 million wild hogs roaming the state. Such animals are generally known for being clever, fast, and aggressive, making them one of the hunter's hardest targets.

Open Public Hog Hunting in Texas

There is a fantastic option for public hog hunting in Texas, wherein you would hunt without the cost of a private hunting ranch. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) manages many public hunting grounds across the state. These encompass thousands of acres where hunters can pursue wild hogs and boars. The variety of public hunting grounds in Texas looks from very thick forests to wide open fields, with changing scenery providing an interesting hunt.

Popular public hunting grounds for hog hunting are the Sam Houston National Forest, Big Bend Ranch State Park, and Davy Crockett National Forest. These are some of the most popular places that have large populations of wild hogs and mixed forms of hunting with rifles and bows.

Best Place to Hunt Boar in Texas

Texas has many places for boar hunting, where the wild boars dwell. Boars are usually larger than wild hogs, and they are more aggressive compared to them. So they become very attractive to the hunters. Boar hunting in Texas is usually best up in the thickets and hidden areas; it is where they actually hide from the thick foliage for cover.

Aside from these public lands, you might want to try the South Texas Plains, as its rugged terrain and its boar population have made it one of the hunting places in Texas for boar hunting. The Hill Country is another of the best places, with that blend of limestone hills and oak forests being considered the perfect backdrop for boar hunting.

Prep for your Hunt

Hunting hogs and boars in Texas requires preparation. A few tips to ensure success include:

Know the Regulations

Each public hunting area in Texas has different hunting seasons, firearms, and permits. Become knowledgeable about the specified regulations in the area where you are going to hunt.

Bring the Right Gear

Bring a good-quality hunting rifle or bow to track the feral hogs and boars, along with binoculars, camouflage, and a hunting knife.

Hunt at the Right Time

Hogs are nocturnal. Most of the time, the best hours to hunt are during early mornings or late evenings. That way, when planning a trip to the best hunting places in Texas, the schedule should correspond to this.

Conclusion

Hunters find public hog and boar hunting in Texas an interesting experience. With so much wild hog and wild boar in the state, there are countless hunting spots in Texas to enjoy. Whether budding or experienced, hunters will enjoy what public lands offer: a cheaper way to get that adventure thrill. Adequate preparation, plus the right spot, will definitely make for an exciting and memorable boar or hog hunt through the Lone Star State.

To know more about hunting in Texas, contact Texas Hunt Ranch.