State Trad Bowhunting Orgs > FLORIDA - Traditional Bowhunters of Florida

Hog Hunting Florida

(1/2) > >>

gregg dudley:
Hog Hunting in Florida is the number 1 inquiry that we get on this conference from out of state hunters so I thought i would feature a thread on the topic.

OK, here goes...I know everybody watches TV and hears stories about hog hunting in Florida and thinks that pigs are thick as thieves down here so here is the skinny.  They is and they isn't!

Access is the key and it can be hard to come by.  MOST good hog hunting is on private property and despite what you may have heard about nuisance hogs, they are widely viewed as a financial commodity to be taken exploited.  Remember this is the SOUTH where the concept of leasing land for hunting is as old as I am.

I am going to break it down in terms of public land hunting and private land hunting.

On public land:
Public land is only open for hog hunting in conjunction with other open seasons.  There are very few exceptions to this rule.  Public land in Florida is generally in the form of Wildlife Management Areas (WMA).  There are 175 WMAs in Florida and the all have their own unique rules and regulations.  To explore information concerning public land hunting opportunities, got to myfwc.org and select hunting, then WMA maps or WMA regulations.

On private land:
The best way to assure yourself of a good hog hunting experience is join a lease that is geared towards hog hunting.  If that is not a practical consideration, the next best bet is to consider an outfitter that is known for hunting hogs.

I have NEVER PERSONALLY used any of the outfitters that I am about to list, but TBOF members who I respect have.

Archery Outfitters with Nikki Roth (very good to TBOF)

Osceola Outfitters with Hoppy Kempfer (if Don Davis recommends him that is good enough for me).

True South with Jim Dussais (Tarponnut here on tradgang)

There are others I am sure, but this is a good start.  If other TBOF members or tradgangers care to add to this list feel free to do so.

gringol:
Good post, Gregg.  Typically the hogs are thick were hunting is not allowed, e.g. the edge of suburban neighborhoods with conservation easments.  On public land (i.e. the WMAs) where hunting is legal, hogs are relatively rare and hard to spot in the daylight.  I primarily hunt public land, and have seen enough hog sign, but never a hog.  On private land managed for hogs, they can be like the tv shows.  If I were coming from out of state, I would go straight to an outfitter or find some kind of private land managed for hogs.

Fisherking73:
Ditto. Public land has hogs, but you gotta know were to go. Easiest way is with an outfitter. I wish I could find an affordable lease for hogs, but as much a "nuisance" as everyone says they are, they sure do love trapping and selling them to outfitters.

Rick Butler:
Thanks for the info Greg. My daughter lives in the Palm Bay area and I've always wanted to plan a Hog hunt around a visit.

tarponnut:
Gregg hit the nail right on the head!
On the WMA's I've hunted, the hogs are mostly nocturnal from the hunting pressure.Private land is the way to go for bowhunting, in my experience.
It has taken me years of trying to be able to finally secure a couple of hog leases.
I have heard good things about Hoppy's place mentioned above and have hunted Nickie Roth's place with success(he's a trad guy).
At True South Adventures, we are bowhunting-only(about 90% trad guys so far),free-range, no dogs or buggies.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page