My family and I are going to Southwest Florida (St. Petes) for spring break. It doesn't sound like we have a lot planned as of yet during the week, so I thought I'd look into the hog hunting.

Is there anyone who hunts hogs in this area? Do I need a license? What should I bring and how should I go about this?
Tell me all about it  :D

Thanks to all who reply

Zack

This will be during April. And will I need to worry about snakes?

Hog hunting on public land will have closed by then.  The good news is that you don't need a license to hunt hogs on private land in Florida.  The bad news is that you need access.  

Nickie Roth runs Archery Outfitters out of a St. Pete address, though I think they hunt more towards the center of the state.  I have not hunted with him myself, but he has been VERY good to TBOF.  You should be able to google his company and find some information about hunting hogs with him.

Gregg

Try Little Lake Lodge near Okechobee. They have  hunts resonaly priced and would be about 2 hours from St. Pete, I hunted there 2weeks ago and shot a nice hog......Tim

Hey Tim, good to see you here! Are you coming to the SDBI convention in Rapid in March?

I have never been able to get my husband to let me hunt while on a vacation. I hope you have better luck with that than I do! I think wives are more understanding about those things.   :p  Good luck!

You will have a blast at Little lake lodge. The guy who runs it is Darryl.

Darren

I took my largest hog to date in that part of Florida, in fact it was my first hog.  With the temps being more stable that time of year, I would suggest that you expect to see a few snakes.

Florida has a wealth of snakes from rattlers, to cotton mouths, to coral.  There are a whole bunch of others that should not be a problem.

While living there, in the service of Uncle Sam, I did wear snake leggings,  I have since moved to Texas and wear snake boots.  Of the two, I prefer the boots, although they have a combo available now, snake proof shoes, with detachable leggings.

I would be lying if I told you I wore snake protection each and every time I went out, but I have seen snakes, big ones in the middle of Jan., so it is good to keep your eyes open.

The hog hunting is fantastic, and the weather mild.  Get some protection, that way you will be able to concentrate on that tight shoulder shot....

Zack,

A good friend and hunting partner of mine here in Sarasota guides for fishing trips, Turkey and hog hunting. I will contact him tomorrow and forward his contact information to you.

I grew up here and have seen my share of snakes. In my opinion you have to pay attention to your surroundings yet not be so worried about stepping on a snake that you let it ruin your hunt.

Eric

You guys need to time your florida hog hunts around the first full weekend in March.  You can hit the TBOF state championship AND then go hunt hogs somewhere.

Gregg

absolutely.. Nicki Roth and archeryoutfitters.com
He has a nice nice opporation.  Tree stands over feeders and buckets of hogs.  I've hunted with him a few times and always shoot ( at )hogs.  

Joe

Ps If you talk with him please tell him Hi...

That sounds great Eric, just send me a PM.

Naw, there are no snakes in south Florida...





Near Palmdale Florida in February.....

I used to guide in Florida (for 14 years) and it amazed me how many tourists could be standing 10 feet from a 6-foot shaker, and not see it.

That is a big eastern      

My family as lived in NW FL for over 20 years and I personally have never seen a live rattler but cotton mouths well that is a different story    :eek:

Just pay attention to where you are stepping and you will be fine.

Have a great hunt...lots of piggies in S. FL.

Chris