Where to shoot a hog?
Hunting wild hogs is a total blast - but different from deer! So all you off-season deer hunters switching over, listen up. We'll cover the beastly hogs' anatomy, weapons, and kill-shot secrets for safety and success. Let's go stick some bacon!
First up: Feral hog vital organs ain't the same as Bambi's. Peep the picture. See their heart and lungs way up near the shoulder? Go for the usual lung shot and you'll likely punch straight through their gut instead - not good. We want quick, clean kills for ethical and safe hunts.
Vitals, Neck, or Head?
- If you're new, aim behind the shoulder. Smack those vitals and shoulderbone to instantly drop 'em where they stand. No tracking a thrashing wounded hog through the brush - risky stuff! We're all about efficient kills here.
- A neck shot works great too, severing the spine to put 'em down fast. But stay clear of spine-only hits - paralyzed pigs still have teeth!
- Headshots kill if you penetrate the brain. But hogs' brains are shockingly small. And their skulls? Crazy thick. Lots of folks swear they popped a pig in the melon just to have it violently wake up and charge when they got close! Not ideal.
Headshots Ain't Easy
Small brains + concrete skulls + moving targets = tough headshots. Bring serious ammo that can smash through their thick noggins and deliver major shock. Soft rounds flatten. Heavy slugs demolish.
Killing Safely
Most important: kill ethically and stay safe! Wounded animals can get nasty fast. A pig with giant tusks thunder-charging your position ain't pretty.
Use a solid rest and wait for a broadside or head-on shot. If that angry porker survives the hit, you want a quick follow-up ready. Never approach a downed hog right away - confirm the kill first. A .30-06 to the lungs should do the trick.
Here's my best kill-shot advice...
- Vitals: Aim behind the shoulder, catching lungs and heart. Penetrate deep through vitals and shoulder bone. Pigs can twist their bodies, so this wider target helps connect. The bone smash and tissue trauma will drop them instantly.
- Neck: Severing the spine is lights out. But a clean slice requires perfect accuracy. I'd only try this with a steady rest dialed in on a stationary pig.
- Head: Skull shots should be angled from behind the ear, towards the off-eye. Punch through that thin ear opening into the brain for an ethical end. Easier said than done on those bobbling noggin targets though!
- Backup: Things go south, you'll need immediate follow-up. Lever guns are great since you can quickly chamber another round. Semi-autos also allow rapid response. Or have a pistol or second rifle ready.
When Pigs Charge
A pissed off charging hog is terrifying. But with the right gear and tactics, you can stop 'em cold:
- Heavy magnum pistol like a .44 or .357 loaded with penetrators. Aim between eyes for a brain hit.
- Shotgun with slugs. Punch 'em in the face or neck. Solid OO buckshot works too.
- AR platform semi-auto rifle. Rapid fire if needed.
- Climb a tree! No joke, hogs can't climb. Get elevation and finish the job.
Parting Shot
- Use quality expanding ammo designed for big game. Weight retains energy and expansion stops 'em.
- Play the wind. Keep it in your face so your scent doesn't give away your position.
- Lights out! ATN Night vision and ATN thermal scopes help ambush unsuspecting hogs.
- Practice shooting from awkward positions in case you need to take a shot on the move.
Alright folks, go fill those freezers! Remember: patient shot placement and the right tools ensure clean, ethical kills. We always advocate for quick, humane harvests - even on big ugly pigs.
Follow these tips and you'll be feasting on pulled pork sandwiches in no time. Now grab your weapon of choice and let's go stick some bacon!
