Hog Hunting.....WHAT????

Okay, so the first time I met what would turn out to be my Bayed Solid Team (or my Bayed Solid Boys, as I like to call them), I had heard of hog hunting before, but I wasn't exactly sure of what it REALLY was.  The recent run of television shows with trendy topics and crazy characters are everywhere ~ so it is no surprise that Hog Hunting was yet another one of them!  I know that is where I was allowed to peek into this world of blood pumping sport!  Even though part of me even thought these shows were making fun of those 'poor' hunters.....I quickly realized that these guys are the real deal!  They thrive on adrenaline pumping hog chases that ultimately result in a freezer full of pork!

So....for all of you newcomers to the hog hunting world, here are some pointers for getting starting in this unique sport:

(Just an FYI, there is no season on hog hunting and very few regulations.)

1) First, you really need a good population of hogs and enough land to hunt them, always of course, with the land owner's permission!  Lack of land to pursue the hogs could become a problem, if the hogs are driven off the property that you are allowed to use.  If too much hunting pressure is applied to the hogs, they will leave the immediate area.

2) You have to get a couple well rounded hog dogs that know how to find and bay a hog.  The catch dog, typically a bulldog, needs to be an experienced dog that has caught hogs before.

3) The 3rd thing you need is a good tracking system, such as the Garmin Astro 220 GPS.  This system allows you to keep up with your dogs' movements....you always need to know where your dogs are!

4)  A good first aid kit for you and the dogs is a must have.  Hogs have a tendency to be extremely dangerous when agitated.   Always be prepared to treat yourself or your dog, should one of you be injured during the hunt.

5) It’s important to have a couple of good hunting partners. These guys or gals can help you handle the dogs and/or hogs when the catch takes place. They can also help if something goes wrong!

6) Last but not least, you’ll need some type of weapon. The weapon should be as the law allows. My weapon of choice is a fairly large, sharp knife, such as KA-BAR's Bacon Maker. My opinion of a gun is that it’s just too dangerous to be waving around the dogs and fellow hunters!

These are my personal preferences and I'm sure opinions differ. So if you decide to chase these wonderful game animals, I hope some of these essentials will give you a head start.  Your style of hunting will likely change as you learn more. Thank you for reading BAYED SOLID and good luck!