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Hogs cause at least $1.5 billion worth of food crop destruction annually across the US. Their existence is a menace to wildlife, plants, and communities due to their invasive and destructive nature. Also, they have disease-carrying tendencies that pose a threat to human beings, livestock, and wildlife. For these reasons, the NCWRC is working with hunters to help eradicate the hog. In this guide for hog hunting in North Carolina we will try to give you all the information you need for a successful and legal hunt.
What Hunting regulations should you bear in mind while hunting in North Carolina?
- What are the best hunting grounds in North Carolina?
- What are the terms for hunting on public versus private land?
- How do you attract hogs to hunt?
- What Hunting methods are best suited for hog hunting in North Carolina?
- What are the best hunting shops in North Carolina?
- What are the best hunting guides in North Carolina?
Hog hunting regulations in North Carolina
Hog hunting in North Carolina is legal all year for both local and visiting hunters. Hunting is to be done between thirty minutes after sunset and thirty minutes before sunrise. During this period, hunters are allowed to use registered firearms and archery to take down the hogs. There is an exemption to this law during weekends; however, where hunting cannot be carried out. Also, where there are local hunting laws, they are allowed to prevail over this one.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, all hunters are required to have a feral swine hunting at night permit or a GS 113-276. The annual license will set a local back some 20 dollars. There is no limit to how many hogs you can hunt. But you must understand that the permit does not give you access to any property, and neither does it authorize hunting on North Carolinas game land.
The best hunting grounds in North Carolina
Hunting hogs in North Carolina might be a bit challenging because the hogs move a lot. But the most common hog hunting areas include:
- Four Oaks
- Ahoskie
- Scotland Neck
- Polkton
- Greenville
- Jackson
- Woodland
- Tarboro
- Magnolia
- Selma
Terms of hunting on private versus public land in North Carolina
Compared to other hog hunting states, Public land is hugely scarce in North Carolina. Therefore, for a successful hog hunting trip, you might need to lease private property with the more acres, the merrier. In any case, private landowners are happy to rent their property through sites like the HLRBO. The main advantage of hunting on private land in North Carolina is the fact that you can hunt on Saturdays and Sundays too.
Attracting hogs to hunt
Over the years, hunters have come up with various bait ideas to attract hogs. Some use sweet potatoes for their sweet smell. But the most common bait is corn because you can obtain it locally anywhere in North Carolina. Also, it can be mashed up with beer, Jell-O, Kool-Aid, among other solutions to make it sour and smelly enough to attract hogs.
Effective Hog Hunting methods for hog hunting in North Carolina
Merely knowing the hogs’ location cannot do it for you if you are unfamiliar with hog hunting methods suitable for use in North Carolina. These include:
Calling unto Wild Hogs during winter and spring, most hogs have offspring. Therefore a distress call from someone who has mastered their sounds will be the most advisable to get the hogs headed your way.
Spotting and Stalking require patience, especially during scouting for hog habitats to understand a particular hunting ground. This is because there is the risk of startling them and having them get deeper into their swampy habitats or disappear for days. However, it is a given guarantee for multiple kills, particularly from an advantage point.
Stand Hunting mostly works when you spot out a hog at a close distance. But still, you might need a tree or bush to hide behind and to get a clear shot.
Hunting Dogs are the best for hunting hogs because they can smell hogs and follow them from a distance. However, you must check our hunting dogs’ guide to getting the right dog for tracking and attacking.
Driven Hunts guarantee multiple kills because traps can be set to capture the hogs. And the beaters drive hogs towards the hunters to give them a better shot range.
Most hog hunting techniques will apply in every State mainly because hogs live in swampy areas and behave similarly. For first-time hog hunters, I would recommend you take our beginner hunting guide.
The best hunting shops in North Carolina?
There are various hunting shops across North Carolina with weapons and rifles that are handy for hog hunting. The best of them include:
- Hyatt Gun Shop
- Ed’s Gun Shop
- Faquay Gun
- Gun Shack
- Triangle Gun Vault
- Four Seasons Sport
- Carolina Gunrunners
- Carolina Sporting arms
- Backwater Guns
Remember, you must adhere to the hunting regulations and safety measures to avoid lethal accidents and minimize wildlife disruptions.
The best hunting guides in North Carolina
Hog hunting is common in North Carolina; therefore, various hunting guides clubs have been formed over the years. Based on hunters’ reviews, these are the best there is in North Carolina:
- Carolina Razorback Outfitters
- Cutawhiskie Creek Outfitters
- T & M Hunting Properties
- Backwoods Trophy Outfitters
- Creek Side Hunting Outfitters
- BBD Outfitters
- Backwoods Hog Hunters
- Buffalo Creek
It is important to note that hunting hogs are a complicated but altogether fun affair, especially in North Carolina. This is because they are widespread and more cunning than dears. Therefore it is advisable to link up with a couple of local folks via NC hog hunting forum for guided hunts. This is because they understand the terrain better and may have ideas on where hog sightings may have been reported recently. Also, you might end up be saving yourself the trouble of purchasing full hunting gear by renting some of theirs.
Final Thoughts
North Carolina hog hunting has its legislative challenges, but we are sure no hunter wouldn’t want to kill a fat one. Therefore, you had better find your way around them and your hunting dogs and gear ready for some unforgettable adventures!
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36 years old, been hunting and fishing my entire life – love the outdoors, family, and all kinds of hunting and fishing! I have spent thousands of hours hunting hogs and training hunting dogs, but I’m always learning new stuff and really happy to be sharing them with you! hit me up with an email in the contact form if you have any questions.