Hunting wild pigs with dogs is a strategy that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Today, hunting feral hogs with dogs is still a popular practice for sport, business, and feral hog management. In this method, dogs are trained to find, pursue, and contain a hog at bay until a hunter can catch up to them. Some hunters will also use a catch dog to physically hold the hog until the hunter arrives to dispatch it. Equipment for theses hunts often included GPS collars to monitor the location of the dogs and protective vests or collars to help keep the dogs safe while interacting with the pig.
Like shooting, this management option typically removes only one hog at a time. However, unlike shooting, hunting with dogs can put pressure on a sounder of pigs that will make them more likely to leave an area at least temporarily. Additionally, since the dogs rely on scent to find the hogs, this tool can be a great option for removing trap shy pigs.
Training and Working Considerations
The primary class of dogs used in hog hunting are known as “strike” or “bay” dogs. These dogs rely on their sense of smell to locate fresh sign of feral hogs. These dogs follow the trail to find the pigs and bark at them to control and contain them. Often, several bay dogs are used together to better control the hogs. In a well-training and well-practiced team, these dogs will all join in on a fresh trail and hold the hog at bay until the hunter arrives to dispatch it.
A second class of dogs, which catch and hold the pig after the bay dogs locate it, are called “catch” dogs. Catch dogs are typically large, powerful dogs that have strong jaws and are heavily muscled. Catch dogs are trained to bite and hold a wild pig by biting it until the hunter is able to dispatch it. Often, catch dogs are not capable of running long-distances due to their heavy build. They are most often used along with bay dogs, who are more suiting to running and tracking.
While many curs, hounds, and bulldogs take to this work instinctively, it is important to note that hog dogs are specifically trained to perform this job safely and efficiently. Hog dogs must be compatible with others in their team and have enough experience with wild hogs to avoid injury in the field. Additionally, hog dogs must be well-trained to avoid chasing non-target species, such as javelina and deer which cannot be hunted in this manner in Texas. Finally, the handler must have control over the dogs off-lead in order to recall them when needed. As such, it is important to work with an experienced hog dog hunter and trainer if you are interested in building your own team of hog dogs or hiring a service to remove hogs from your property.
Hunters must be cognizant of the environment and weather conditions in which they will be hunting with dogs. In very high temperatures and humidity, it is unsafe to run dogs for long distances. Therefore, many hog hunters work at night. It is also very important to recognize and be familiar with environmental hazards both to the dogs and hunters. Hogs are often tracked in thick brush, which may include spines dangerous to truck tires and dog paws. Non-target species like javelina and rattlesnakes pose dangers to hunting dogs. Hunters must always be prepared to follow dogs into adverse conditions to dispatch their query, so they should prepare to encounter spines, sharp rocks, and other challenges on their hunt.
Dog Breeds
Many breeds of dogs are used in hunting wild pigs. Bay or strike dogs are most often curs or hounds. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are capable or running in adverse environments for long distances. Many hog dogs are a mix of several working breeds. Hunters will breed their own hog dogs with an eye for the environment they will be working in. As such, the list of breeds used in hog hunting is large and variable by the area in which they are used.
Some common dog breeds used as bay dogs in Texas are…
Catch dogs must be strong and have a strong drive to catch and hold their query. Bully breeds of many varieties are used for this job and hunters often have a pair catch dogs on each hunt. Some common dog breeds used as catch dogs in Texas are…
Hog Hunting Gear
In order to hunt hogs with dogs safely, dogs should be outfitted with appropriate safety gear. Many bay dogs wear thick collars known as “cut collars” to protect their necks from hogs’ sharp tusks. Catch dogs often wear “cut vests” as well, which cover the dog’s chest. These collars and vests are usually made of thickened materials like Kevlar and are designed to cover the dogs’ most critical areas that would be at highest risk of being cut by a hog’s tusks when hunting.
Hunters often carry a GPS device to find their way in the field. GPS collars can be used on dogs to monitor them during the hunt. These high-tech collars can be synced with handheld units and even cell phone applications to keep track of locations of multiple dogs and hunters on once screen. Some of these collars are also capable of using static stimulation to correct a dog from chasing non-target animals.
A well-stocked first aid kit is critical for this type of hunting. Hunters should carry first aid supplies for themselves as well as their dogs. Often, hog hunters are far from hospitals or veterinary clinics, so first aid knowledge is very important. Sutures and skin staples are commonly used for dogs injured by pigs or brush. Bandages and veterinary wrap are important for covering wounds in the field. Water is one of the most important things a hunter can carry with them for themselves and their dogs.
Legal Considerations
As with other forms of hog hunting, a hunting license is not required, but hunters education requirements must be met (those born after September 1st 1971 must complete an approved hunters education course. Those born prior to that date are exempt). It is also important to remember that property boundaries apply to the dog as well as the hunter. Dogs can only operate on property that you have permission to hunt on. To avoid potential issues, you should ensure that the dogs have been trained thoroughly and can follow commands.
