How to Stay Safe When Wild Hog Hunting in Alabama

Wild hog hunting in Alabama is a tradition. Alabama offers hunters a lot of opportunities, but wild hogs are unpredictable and can cause serious injuries. Staying safe while staying in the hunt is a tightrope act.

Let's review some tips for staying safe, following state regulations, and understanding hog behavior when hunting them in Alabama.

Follow Alabama Hunting Regulations

Know Alabama's hunting regulations before heading out.

These include:

• Public vs. Private Land Rules: Alabama allows wild hog hunting year-round with no bag limits. However, the rules for public and private lands differ. Check WMA rules before baiting and trapping on public lands.
• Necessary Permits: Hunters must obtain a valid Alabama hog hunting license. Learn more about licensing requirements through Outdoor Alabama.
• Seasonal Considerations: You can hunt hogs year-round, but some public lands restrict access.

Check the state website to learn more about Alabama hog hunting regulations.

Understand the Behavior of Wild Hogs

Knowing how wild hogs behave is critical for staying safe during a hunt!

Hogs can be highly aggressive when cornered or threatened. Be ready when tracking them, especially boars and sows with piglets.

These animals are also unpredictable. Hogs charge suddenly, so always be prepared to retreat or defend yourself safely.

Hogs are also very destructive — one of their most notorious characteristics. Look for rooting areas, fresh tracks, and scat to find where they've been. 

Use Proper Equipment

The right gear makes the difference. We recommend a high-caliber rifle (.30-06, .308) or shotgun. Also, a sharp, durable knife is essential for field dressing, and dispatching bayed and caught hogs.

Choose tough boots and thick gloves for handling hogs. Reinforced clothing helps, too.

Don't forget to outfit your dogs properly as well. If you hunt with dogs, you already know how dangerous hogs are to them.

Hunt in Groups and Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Hunting with a group is safer and more enjoyable!

Teamwork can make a big difference. Have roles assigned to your group. One person is the lookout, and another is the shooter.

Hunting with partners also helps heighten your awareness. Hogs often hide in dense brush. Pay close attention at all times, watching for signs of hog activity or aggression.

Remember: when hunting with friends, know your location and theirs. If you encounter areas with fresh signs of aggression, be on the highest alert and communicate with others on your team.

Choose the Right Time and Place

Timing and location are vital. For the best chance of a productive hunt, remember that hogs are most active at dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Use night vision and thermal optics in low-light conditions.

Alabama offers excellent public hunting areas. The NW corner of the Black Warrior WMA is loaded with hogs, and you can also scout other WMAs for more opportunities.

Keep in mind that apps like HuntWise can help you plan hunts and simplify scouting by providing detailed maps of public and private hunting lands.

Utilize Baiting and Calling Safely

Baiting and calling are effective strategies for attracting wild hogs, but there are some ground rules to remember.

In Alabama, baiting wild hogs is legal, but keep a safe distance from bait stations. Avoid placing your bait in areas with limited visibility or escape routes.

You can also use calls — but when the hogs come in hot, be ready. Put yourself in a location with a clear line of sight and a safe retreat path.

Combining bait and calling can be very effective, just be smart about it. Safe use of bait will increase your chances of success while keeping you out of harm's way.

Plan for Emergency Situations

Hunting wild hogs in Alabama usually means remote and challenging terrain. Being prepared for emergencies is part of that.

Here are a few ways to be ready for anything:

• Bring a First-Aid Kit: Be ready for cuts, punctures, and sprains. Include antiseptics and bandages suitable for treating tusk wounds. Don't forget a kit for the dogs that has staples and wound cleaners.
• Use Communication Tools: Use a GPS device or smartphone with reliable mapping software. Have a radio to contact someone in case of an emergency.
• Share Your Plans: Tell someone your hunting location and expected return time. Make sure they know where to find you if something goes wrong.

Safety must be a priority when hunting wild hogs!

Use Tracking Dogs Wisely

Dogs can be valuable companions for hog hunting, but they need proper training and care.

Use dogs specifically trained for hog hunting to minimize their risk of injury. Then, watch them closely. Keep dogs within sight and monitor their behavior for signs of distress. Be ready to assist if they encounter aggressive hogs.

Protect your dogs throughout the hunt! Equip your dogs with protective vests (including blaze orange gear) and cut collars to shield them from cutters.

Watch Out for Disease Risks

Wild hogs can carry diseases that pose risks to hunters, so proper precautions are necessary.

Always wear gloves when field dressing hogs. Avoid direct contact with their blood or bodily fluids, which can carry diseases like brucellosis or pseudorabies.

When handling the meat, cook it to an internal temperature of 160°F. And, of course, always wash your hands and tools thoroughly after handling hogs.

Stay Physically Prepared

Tracking hogs through Alabama's swamps and forests can be physically demanding, so train for hunting. The key thing to remember is to make sure you don't get yourself out there beyond your fitness level. 

Additionally, you can never have too much water on a hunt. Bring plenty of water and energy-dense snacks to stay hydrated and fueled. Pace yourself to avoid exhaustion — respect the Alabama heat.

Hunter-Ed Helps You Stay Safe When Wild Hog Hunting in Alabama

Wild hog hunting in Alabama is an exciting statewide tradition that helps manage an invasive species. You'll be successful if you follow state regulations, understand hog behavior, and prioritize safety.

Remember, fortune favors the prepared! An online hunter education course from Hunter-Ed can sharpen your skills and understanding of ethical hunting practices. With the right mindset and careful planning, you'll be ready to tackle a wild hog hunt.

Before you head out for a hog hunt, take our Alabama course to put safety first!

Plan a successful wild hog hunt in Alabama with HuntWise! 

It's the best tool for scouting hunt areas, learning about real-time animal movement, and forecasting the best times to hunt based on weather and wind. 

After finishing your Hunter-Ed course and passing your final exam, take advantage of an exclusive HuntWise 30-Day Free Trial! 

Head to your student dashboard for details after completing your course.