How to Trap Wild Hogs

Wild hogs have become a huge problem not only in the United States but all across the globe. They not only ravage crops but can also pose bodily harm and raise havoc on ecosystems. Their rapidly growing numbers suggest that things could become even more complicated as time goes on. They’re also smart, adding another layer of difficulty when it comes to control and capture. Wild hogs are dangerous and challenging to capture, but there are many ways to deal with them.

Before you start anything, be sure to check with your local game and wildlife association on the rules and regulations regarding hunting, trapping, or even killing wild hogs. Every state in the United States and every country in the world is different. This will prevent you from getting mixed up in some sticky situations and will give you confidence knowing what you are doing is legal. Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way let’s start simple. If you’re looking to trap one wild hog, you’ll need to secure a large cage. These can vary in shape, size, and material. Still, a majority are built tough and can withstand an enormous amount of abuse. Remember, wild hogs have mass and aren’t afraid to use it. If they feel threatened, they will try and escape using their brute strength and body.

SINGLE TRAP

While single catch traps will have trap doors, some will be single-use, others will be for multiple catches. A single catch trap will have its door often connected to some kind of trigger. Once the wild hog sets off the trigger, the door will close, sealing it in. A multi-use trap will have a spring-loaded door that can allow entry but won’t allow exit. There are also root doors that offer a similar design to the spring-loaded option, allowing multiple pigs to enter the trap but not allowing them to exit. Besides the noticeable difference between the two types of traps, the single catch trap will require baiting the trigger to properly close the trap door when necessary. The spring-loaded door does not require such a set to freely let wild hogs in but not out.

Regardless of the kind of trap, you’ll need to survey the area you’re dealing with. To have the best chance of success, you’ll want to place your trap or traps in an area that will have high traffic. That means trying to find a reliable path that pigs use to get from one place to another. You’ll want to focus on shaded areas or areas that provide cover. Also, food sources that wild hogs can return to would be ideal. Once you think you’ve found the best spot or spots, set out bait in those areas to see if it will attract any wild hogs. Perhaps the most accessible type of bait to work with is dried corn. If you are in an area with an abundance of other wildlife, you’ll want to change your approach by making fermented corn. Without setting out traps, just set out the bait and observe. If the bait consistently can attract wild hogs, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you’ll have to search for a new area and start the process over.

Once you have consistently attracted wild hogs to your site, you can set up the trap and begin baiting the area. Baiting the area means spreading your bait around the trap area to make wild hogs feel comfortable. Wild hogs are smart and won’t instantly hop into the trap just to please you. They will need coaxing, meaning you’ll need to have them be naturally drawn to the area where the trap is and eventually into your trap. This can take time, so be patient. Only when you’ve mastered each step should you move onto the next one. Remember, this process could take days or even weeks. It really depends on the wild hog and its familiarity with traps. If all goes to plan, it should enter your trap, allowing you to capture it.

MULTIPLE TRAPS

If you’re looking to capture a high volume of wild hogs, you’re going to want to avoid using a cage and step up to something more suitable for the job. Corral traps are best when capturing a large number of animals. The corral trap can be similar to a multi-use trap, offering a spring-loaded door that will allow hogs in but won’t let them out. There are also variants that have a remote-controlled door. The cage’s size is virtually unlimited as it is a fenced-in area that can be adjusted depending on your needs. Perhaps the only downside of corral traps is that they require much more work and equipment to succeed.

Much like trying to catch a single wild hog, you’ll want to scout your area. After finding an active area, you’ll want to make sure that it is indeed active by baiting it. To confirm that you have a group of wild hogs, you’ll want to install some kind of camera that can take photos or videos. This camera will be vital in determining how many are coming each time you set up bait and what kind of wild hogs are present.

Once you’ve determined the volume, you can then set up your corral cage. You don’t need to set up the door yet. Just let the group come in and feel comfortable. Of course, you’ll be baiting the entire time in and around the corral trap. After the group or sounder of wild hogs comes consistently, you can add the door. This can be set up in various ways, but the best is a remote trigger, giving the most control. Once your camera has confirmed the maximum number of wild hogs in your corral trap, you can activate the door to shut. There is a chance that the sounder will try and flee, so having a sturdy corral setup is ideal.

While this all might sound complicated, it just takes some patience and time. First, you’ll want to gain the wild hog’s trust by baiting the site. Once you gain their trust, you’ll want to set your trap, continue to bait the site, and gain their trust regarding the trap. If it’s for a single wild hog, bait your trap and capture. If it is for multiple, you’ll want to monitor the quantity and traffic of the wild hogs. Once you’ve confirmed patterns and groups, you can capture when you believe you have the maximum number that will come at one time. As stated before, time will vary depending on the wild hog’s intelligence. Some will waltz in without issue, while others will play hard to get for weeks on end. Be patient and trust in your methods. You will catch them.

REMOVAL

For the most part, once wild hogs are caught, many will quickly and humanely eliminate them. But if you are more adventurous, you can go with a non-lethal approach by transporting the hog in a trailer or hog getter. The challenge in this is to try and get the hog from the trap into the trailer. You can try bait, tying it, and other various means, but in the end, just be careful.

The wild hog is a powerful animal with the potential to host various diseases. Keep calm and work safely. When you manage to get your wild hog in the trailer, you’ll want to contact your local authority to see what can be done.

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