If you’re itching to get after wild hogs, you’ve got options. Feral pigs are spreading fast, and a handful of states have turned into year-round hotspots. The best part? No need to wait for deer season—hog hunting’s open most of the time and in many places, tags aren’t even required. You just need to know where to go and how to get started. Here’s the breakdown.
Texas
Texas is the undisputed capital of hog hunting. With millions of feral pigs and relaxed regulations, it’s open season every day of the year. You can hunt by day, by night, from the ground or the air.
Private land is key, though, so you’ll need landowner permission—or book a hunt with one of the many outfitters who specialize in it. Thermal scopes and ARs are common tools of the trade here.
Florida
Florida has a long hog hunting tradition, and it’s one of the few states where you can find hogs on both public and private land. No closed season and no bag limits on private land make it a solid place to start.
Water management areas and wildlife management areas offer walk-in options, though rules vary. Bug spray and snake boots aren’t optional—this is swamp country.
Georgia
Georgia’s hog population isn’t as famous as Texas or Florida, but it’s quietly reliable. You can hunt hogs year-round on private land with very few restrictions.
WMAs offer decent chances too, especially during small game seasons. Southern Georgia’s farm country and river bottoms are some of the better areas to focus on.
South Carolina
South Carolina’s hog hunting laws are some of the most hunter-friendly in the country. There are no closed seasons or bag limits on private land, and night hunting is legal with proper equipment.
Public land can be tougher, but the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests offer opportunities if you’re willing to scout. Hogs move at night, so plan accordingly.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s hog numbers have exploded over the last decade, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the state. Landowners are usually glad to have hunters help knock the population back.
There are some restrictions on public land, but private land hunting is wide open year-round with no license required for residents. It’s a good mix of opportunity and access.
Alabama
Alabama has hogs in just about every county, and private land is fair game all year long. Thermal scopes and night vision are legal with permission from landowners.
The state’s public lands are a bit more restrictive—check dates and zones carefully—but the potential’s there if you’re willing to put in the time.
Mississippi
Mississippi offers generous access for hog hunters. Private land rules are relaxed, and public lands like national forests provide some decent hunting during certain seasons.
Hogs in Mississippi tend to stick to swampy river bottoms, so bring gear that can handle wet, thick cover. Spot-and-stalk works, but baiting is legal on private land if you want to sit and wait.
Arkansas
Arkansas has some solid hog numbers, especially in the southern part of the state. Hunting them on private land is allowed year-round, but the state has started to discourage recreational hog hunting on public land.
That said, if you can find a willing landowner or book a guided trip, you’ll be in business. Night hunting is legal on private land with the right permits.
Louisiana
Louisiana’s bayous and pine forests are full of feral pigs. Private land hunters can go after them year-round with no bag limit. On public land, things tighten up a bit, but you still get decent opportunity.
The terrain is thick and swampy, so mobility and patience are both tested here. Bring light gear, good boots, and a flashlight you can depend on.
California
Surprise, California’s not bad for hogs—especially central and coastal regions. Most of the land is private, but there are several large ranches and outfitters offering day or multi-day hunts.
There are also public land options, especially in the Los Padres and Mendocino National Forests. Tags are required, and rules are more detailed than in the Southeast, but the pigs are big, and the scenery isn’t bad either.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
