James L. Cummins

Controlling Wild Hogs by James L. Cummins 

Hogs are becoming one of, if not the worst nuisance animals to control. Crop depredation is devastating in areas where there is a substantial population of hogs. Furthermore, competition with local wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey, can be a major problem.            

When trapping wild hogs, the type of equipment used is critical. First, the trap should be large enough to capture what you’re targeting and strong enough to hold your target. One of the most important aspects of hog trapping for population control is to make sure you catch as many pigs as possible with each trip of the trap.            

The second most important tool is a trail camera. I have found that a camera, if used properly, will increase one’s catch significantly. Keep the camera set where you can tell what’s going in the trap and, more importantly, what’s still outside the trap! Don’t set the trigger until all the hogs in the group are entering the trap comfortably.            

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When setting traps, check state laws concerning bait. Depending on time of year and food availability you may have to try different baits.           

Also, trap placement is extremely important. When trapping any animal, you want to set the trap in an area that the target animal feels comfortable. You also must have a little patience if you want to trap the maximum number of hogs.            

One of the biggest mistakes people make trying to catch hogs is baiting the trap and immediately setting the trigger. Usually, if they make a catch, it will be younger hogs. In other words, they got the “least educated” ones and those that were outside of the trap just got smarter. Hogs are smart enough to start with; we don’t need to educate them further.            

You must also be persistent in your efforts. A variety of factors can cause hogs to relocate from one area to another. It can be frustrating if you are baiting a trap and the hogs never seem to come to it. Don’t get discouraged! Instead of moving the trap to every place you see fresh sign, set up bait sites with cameras. Once you have the hogs on bait, then you move the trap to the site being utilized the most. Remember that you need to set the bait site in a location that is good for trapping with good cover and good access. If you start pre-baiting in an open area (like a food plot) then set up a trap, you may do nothing but spook the hogs.            

If building a permanent trap, make sure you put the effort into it to “HOLD” your catch. Hogs are strong and will easily tear down a poorly constructed trap. The trap door is the most important part of the trap and can often be your weakest point. “Bigger is better” regarding doors! A wide door opening makes pigs more likely to enter the trap comfortably. You can contact your county extension office for information on how to construct a trap.

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