Author: Hogman Team
When it comes to hog hunting, one of the most effective tactics you can employ to bring the animals out in the open is by using hog bait. While hog bait can be bought straight off the shelf at your local outdoors store, at HOGMAN-OUTDOORS we’ve had great success in creating our own DIY hog hunting bait. Check out our tips for drawing out feral hogs below.
HOGS ARE ONMIVORESBecause hogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals, a wide variety of baits can be used to successfully draw them in to the open. And hogs think with their stomach – the saying isn’t “eat like a pig” for nothing – meaning they’ll readily come out of cover when they smell food. That being said…
NOT ALL BAITS ARE CREATED EQUALAlthough hogs aren’t picky eaters, there are some smells and flavors that will draw their attention more readily than others.
- Stick to Something FamiliarSweet corn is a staple in hog baits, because hogs can easily recognize the smell. Corn will “sour” once soaked for several days, creating a smell that will attract hogs but keep other animals, such as deer, away. Additionally, corn is a versatile bait that can be used in all kinds of different mixes (corn + Kool-Aid; corn + Jell-O; corn + beer). Hogs also have a liking to pecans and acorns, which can be used in your bait mix, or around the feeder area.
- Play Up the Sweet StuffIt’s no secret that hogs have a sweet tooth, so play up the sweet stuff to really attract their attention. As mentioned above, corn can be mixed with low-budget drink powders, such as Kool-Aid, or with sweet gelatin-flavored packets. Effective hog bait can be created by mixing corn with sugar and several packets of Kool-Aid or Jell-O, and letting the mix soak together for a while. Here’s a great recipe from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that does just that:
- 150 pounds of corn
- 8 pounds of sugar
- 1 packet of yeast
- 4 or 5 packets of grape, strawberry, or raspberry flavored gelatin or drink powder. Place the corn in a 40 gallon metal trash can and fill it with water to 3 to 4 inches above the corn. Mix in all the other ingredients. Place the trash can in the sun with the lid secured. Stir it with a shovel or paddle daily for 10 to 14 days.
KNOW THE LAWKnow what’s allowed before you make your hog bait. The use of toxicants and chemicals in the baiting of feral hogs is illegal in all 50 states; additionally, check your local hunting regulations to ensure that baiting is allowed on public lands.
PRE-BAITPre-baiting is a great way to condition hogs to associate your feeder area with a food source. This involves leaving your bait out in the open for several days (or using an automatic feeder with a timer). This will encourage hogs to lower their defenses and become accustomed to the area, making it easier for you to slide in and make the kill.
Get hunting!
ADVANTAGE: HUNTER
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