Why Bowhunting Hogs Is A Popular Sport
Bowhunting hogs require several things. Obviously, one of these is to have some skills as an archer. Another is patience, which is required to come close enough to an animal to take a good shot. The third thing is an ability to flirt with danger, as bowhunting hogs is not for the faint of heart. Some bow hunters go after hogs simply for the challenge it brings, others go for trophy animals, and most go for the fact that if nothing else, hog meat is delicious.
Wild Hogs Aren't Cute Pigs - Anyone who has spent some time around pigs, know that they aren't all like Babe, the talking pig, cute, pink, and entertaining. Adult pigs can be a little touchy at times, some even become aggressive. Wild hogs can be downright dangerous to go after, and being able to get off an accurate and telling shot is extremely important. A wounded hog may run away from you, or decide to head in your direction. Although bow hunters prefer the bow over a rifle when hunting, many are known to carry a pistol when hog hunting. You can get off several shots much more quickly with a .357 Magnum than you can with the bow and arrow.
Many Places To Hunt - There are ample opportunities for bowhunting hogs in both the United States and in Canada. In the U.S., more hunting for wild hogs is done in Texas, especially the Texas Hill Country, than most anywhere else. Other states, like Missouri, and South Carolina also have a fair share of hog hunting opportunities. Wild hogs are considered a nuisance in many places, and the population of wild hogs and feral pigs is actually growing. Consequently, the hunting season is generally quite long, and in some areas hogs can be hunted the year around.
Besides wild hogs, which can be made up of several breeds or species, the most frequently hunted animals are the javelina and the Russian boar. The Russian boar is a very large hog, which has a mean streak to match its size. The javelina is smaller, but no less mean. One of the challenges facing the bow hunter, is that these animals usually are found in groups. They tend to be spooky, and are difficult to sneak up on. When you do get close enough to take a shot, you're probably closer than you'd really care to be. Once spooked, the hogs will try to run away given the chance. You certainly don't want to corner them, at least you don't want to corner more than one, as they will most likely turn aggressive and prepare to fight.
Tough To Bring Down - If you do manage to hit a hog, the chances of it going down immediately are probably 50-50, maybe a bit less. These are very tough animals and have a very tough skin, so getting a lethal hit isn't always easy, and you may find yourself chasing after a wounded animal for quite a distance. You may never find it, or find yourself in a situation where maybe you wish you hadn't. This is where carrying a pistol can be a good idea.
Bowhunting hogs can be quite an adventure, especially for those who really like a challenge, and don't mind if a brush with a little danger is involved. An inexperienced bow hunter probably shouldn't even try to tackle wild hogs, at least not until he, or she, is very comfortable with his or her archery skills. The best way to get started would probably be to go on a guided hunt. There are many ranches, especially in Texas, providing this type of hunt, and on these ranches are guides who can make your hunt a successful one, and a safer one to boot.