Before You Go Buying Those Dogs...

Hog hunting with dogs is a popular and growing sport in the Southern states. If you have been fortunate enough to hunt with a friend or go on a guided hunt, then you have definitely felt the rush of excitement that comes from catching a truly wild hog with nothing more than a pack of dogs. Many folks get addicted and catch the "bug" within a couple of successful hunts and feel the desire to participate on the next level by owning their own hog dogs. Obtaining dogs to hunt hogs is the easiest and least planned aspect of beginning the hog dog adventure. The expense of owning and properly caring for a pack of dogs is rarely taken into consideration before getting started.

Individuals wanting to be involved in hunting with hog dogs first need to apprentice with an experienced hunter for at least a year in order to get the proper amount of knowledge and experience in the field. Handling hog dogs is different than any other dog hunting sport and requires much more participation on the handler's part.

To be a true outdoorsman worthy of calling yourself a "Hog Hunter", takes years of experience, knowledge, and respect. The respect needs to be earned on several different levels, based on tradition and heritage by "paying your dues" to the dogs, land owners, fellow hunters, neighbors and communities you live and hunt in. If this sounds like a lot of responsibility, it is because that is exactly what it is.

Dogs have to have a good quality feed containing proper nutrition levels, monthly worming for both intestinal parasites and heart worms (totally different parasites that require different medications), vaccinations, fresh water, shade and adequate shelter. Protective gear, collars, name tags, leads, tracking systems, kennels, chains, dog boxes, first-aid supplies, and a "hog dog friendly" emergency veterinarian are just a few more expenses to be listed.

Before getting loaded down with all the above mentioned necessities, also consider how much time you must dedicate to training and maintaining a pack of dogs. Whether you have a pack of two or ten, all dogs take a great deal of time to be properly cared for and worked. Sooner or later owning a hog dog will result in an injury of some degree. Basic knowledge of dog anatomy, wound care, medications, first-aid, and the ability to react in the field can mean the difference between life-or-death.

Starting out with a puppy can be initially cheaper, however providing for a pup for many months can be more costly in the long run. You must remember that not all puppies turn into hog dogs. Purchasing a good quality dog that is already experienced or finished is costly, however will result in less time waiting and more time hunting and learning for the rookie hunter.

Having considered the pack of dogs themselves, acquiring places to hunt is the next major challenge. If you do not have access to several properties that have hogs to hunt, getting dogs is putting the cart before the horse. Farmers and ranchers do have trouble with an over-population of wild hogs being destructive on their land. Getting written permission from the land owner is the avenue to pursue, but not always an easy route. Earning the trust and respect of an individual that could be held liable, or risk damage done to his or her assets, requires time and dedication. Once securing permission, maintaining communication and a good relationship is of the utmost importance.

In order to have a good neighbor, you have to first be a good neighbor, and landowners have neighbors as well. Hunting one person’s property also requires respecting the landowner's neighbors. Crossing land boundaries, leaving trash, gates left open, livestock harassed, making ruts with vehicles, traveling in and out at late hours are always things that can cause conflicts that may result in permission to hunt being withdrawn. Many landowners are apprehensive to give permission for these reasons to begin with. All previously mentioned aspects must be considered and never overlooked or minimized.

There are public hunting lands available, but not all allow hunting with dogs. Most are only open to hunting certain times of the year and require a hunting license and permits. Entering properties without permission, even if is only to retrieve your dogs is trespassing, and punishable by law. Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, and will be treated as just that…an excuse. After you consider all the dedication required to hunt hogs with your own dogs and you are still determined to own your own dogs, then put forth as much effort as possible to get the types of dogs that will suit your needs as an individual. Here’s what you need to take into consideration.

Are you going to be hunting from a truck, 4-wheeler, horseback, walking, or hunting from a boat? All methods can be very effective but different methods require different styles of dogs. Strike dog, bay dog, pack dog, long range, short range, medium range, help dog, catch dog, running catch dog, rig dog, stop dog, silent, open, semi-open, and gritty are all terms that you need to learn and be able to distinguish between when talking hog dogs. Breeds such as Blackmouth, Mountain cur, Catahoula, Walker, AB, APBT, and Dogo are all breeds utilized by successful hog hunters. All these terms can be used in many different combinations to describe a dog and style of hunting.

Another important decision you must make is how you are going to handle your hog once he is caught. You must decide whether you are going shoot, stick or catch your hogs alive. Determine if you are going to use catch dogs and if so what breed and style. This decision should be based on what you hope to accomplish. Be prepared for the dangers ahead of time such as the possibility of having to go hands-on with a monster boar to save your dog. Some folks are physically or mentally not able to go in and grab a big nasty boar hog that is throwing dogs around. Know your own limitations before turning dogs out. Some people are better suited to have baying dogs that you can shoot a hog over instead of dealing with catch dogs which can be much more dangerous at times.

Some dogs can be very versatile and can be very good at hunting many different ways, but those dogs are very hard to come by and will require extremely deep pockets or many years of training to own one.

When looking to get ones own hog dogs, it is best to know how much land you have available to hunt, how you will be hunting it, and how much time you have to work with the dogs. Take all the facts and details into consideration and then start building a pack of dogs from that point. You owe it to the dogs and your fellow hog hunters. Good Luck & Happy Hunting!