So, you have decided that you would like to hunt feral pigs. But, how do you locate a place to hunt them in your area? Well, I too have asked the same question numerous times and, after spending several months thinking about it and perusing leads, I have several sources of information to pass along to you; some that you are probably already familiar with and others that you might not have thought of yet.

The first place to start is with your state's Wildlife Resources Commission (or whatever name it goes by in your state) by either viewing their web site or taking look at your regulations digest and then viewing the section where their contact information is listed. There, you will usually find a contact number for the one or more wildlife biologists that they employ and these biologists will often have a very good idea of exactly where the problem populations of feral hogs are located in your state. Furthermore, because feral hogs are a problem in so many areas of the U.S., most biologists will be more than happy to provide you with information on where to find them! A second source for information on where to find populations of feral hogs is to check out the National Feral Swine Mapping System located at:

http://swine.vet.uga.edu/nfsms/

A third source of information on feral hogs is online hunting forums such as the one found at www.wildhoghunters.com. By joining such online forums, you will have access to a large pool of information and knowledge as well as a place to brag about your latest monster hog. In fact, joining such a forum is like having a huge number of hunting buddies; all of whom are eager to share both stories and advice.

Also, due to the easy access to favored food sources, farmers have an especially high risk of invasion by feral hogs and thus, I guarantee you that if one farmer in your area is having trouble with feral hogs, then all of his neighbors know about it because they may be next. Thus, another source of information on locating problem populations of feral hogs in your area is your county agricultural agent. Because their job is to specifically act as a liaison with the local farmers, they are acutely aware of what is happening on local farms and thus, they are very likely to know if any local farmers are having trouble with feral hogs. Plus, another possible source of information you may not have thought of is to speak directly with some of your local farmers by visiting a local farmer's market. That way, if you do find someone with private land that is having a problem with feral hogs, then you can ask for permission to hunt them then and there instead of having to find their contact information and then visit them at home or call them. Last, once you have located a place on either public or private property where you believe there is at least one population of feral hogs, then you will need to get out and scout the area in person.

However, before putting on your boots and strapping on your revolver, try taking a look at the area you intend to hunt online via Google Maps which provides an excellent aerial view of the landscape and the terrain. That way, you can then get some idea of where the food sources and the water sources are located before heading into the woods. Next, you will want to look for obvious signs such as rooting and rubs. But, keep in mind that while pigs do consume roots and tubers year round, they mostly do so in the winter when other food sources are unavailable and thus, rooting is not always a reliable sign of feral pig populations. Rubs on the other hand are usually found near bedding areas and they appear as trees that have both the bark and the wood rubbed away by the pig's wiry hair rubbing against it to remove ticks and fleas and thus, you will see rubs year round. In addition, hog wallows are another permanent fixture of a hog's life because the mud they cake in their hair helps to protect them from biting insects and smothers ticks. But, like rooting, wallows will be most heavily used in the warmer months of the year. Another obvious sign of feral hog habitation is pig dung and believe me, when you see it you will know it because it looks entirely different from deer droppings. Last, keep a sharp eye out for pig tracks at possible water sources and in any areas where there is exposed, soft, soil or sand. If you are paying attention, pig tracks will appear to you just as readily as deer tracks do in such areas.

So, if you give any or all of the information sources I mentioned above a try, you are sure to be able to locate any populations of feral hogs in your state and/or county. Also, once the people who are having a problem with them find out that you are wanting to hunt them, then you will likely be welcomed with open arms!