Hello- I would like to go hog hunting. We live in Naples, and would like to hunt either on public land or private land. I don't want to do a canned hunt, but am not exactly the florida equivalent of crocodile dundee either. I don't even have hiking boots. I do have a 4x4 truck, but it does not have mud tires, and hasn't been jacked up.

That said, does anyone have advice or even better, knowledge of land where pigs can be found to shoot with the landowner's permission?

I have read the hunting regulations for public land hunting, but that is not 100% clear. I think we are restricted to 5 rd magazines on public land. No limit, but then some of the areas here have quotas?? if you don't need a permit, and no record is kept, how do they know the status of the quota?

it might be best to find a hunting partner.

I have looked extensively at this, and am located in Central Florida

Private land with permission (written) is absolutely the best, as hogs are considered an invasive pest. Pretty much the only restrictions I can remember is that you can't transport live hogs. Probably not an issue if you are successful hunting... There may be restrictions on hunting at night without some form of permit if you plan to use NV scopes, but spotlight and gun is ok with private landowner permission.

The public land thing is more of a nightmare. You are restricted to the various hunting seasons for each regional WMA or State Forest, which are set out at myfwc.com. Certain WMA's also have quota or special permit hunts and aren't generally open. There are rules for applying for these permits, and there are additional rules for finding out if permits on a particular day aren't being used so in some cases you might be able to "walk on" to a hunt.

Finally, the land where this takes place can be pretty hard to penetrate, with brush, swamp, etc. The best thing you can do if you are going to do public land hunting is go on the myfwc.com website, identify WMA's or other public hunting land near you, and set up a scouting plan so you know the roads, and space in there before hunting season. Then do your permit applications after you are familiar with the hunting area and actually get on the land to do the hunt. Absolutely the best is to find someone to hunt with that knows what they are doing in your area and get to tag along and learn the local process, including how to interact with the locals, which during hunting season in Florida can be "interesting".

"Quota" hunts in Florida generally mean pre-registration for access to the hunting area. Near me, the Hilochee WMA has three weekend quota hunts for hog. They allow 40 hunters on the parcel for each three day period. Regrettably, the application periods are in May, June and July. All 40 permits are issued, and currently, none have been turned back in to be available.

Good luck, and let us know what you find out for your area.

More info https://myfwc.com/hunting/wild-hog/

A

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ArtieS,

DJ When you figure it out let me know I am in Boca and would love to join in on a first hunt. Never been hunting but have plenty of guns and ammo to handle it. Also, trails have to be Escalade rated, if you know what I mean. 4X4 is a must, but lets not scratch my rims

We are serious about hunting them up here in the panhandle because they are so destructive. You do not need a license to hunt feral hogs in Florida-just legal access to the land. Most landowners are happy to have someone kill the damn things. You will have the best luck at night-hogs have gone nocturnal. Thermal sights are the best but expensive. A less expensive alternative is the kill light from Elusive Wildlife. Hogs do not fear the green light. If you have a feeder out and a trail camera you can pattern them. Unlike deer which will eat some corn then move on, hogs will stay in one place and eat like, well, hogs, until the available corn is all gone.

https://elusivewildlife.com/sh...ght-3x-brighter.html

We recommend you kill the adult sows. They breed like rabbits and the meat of the sows is much better than the boars. If she is pregnant you just took about a dozen hogs off the board. Good hunting, kill a bunch

Gotta get out and meet some people who do it. This can be done by joining a hunting forum (maybe http://fohaf.com/phpbb3/index.php.) Keep an eye out for hunting clubs looking for members. Just ask for insights. Could also be done by joining some outdoors/conservation groups and going to banquets. Ducks Unlimited, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, NRA, etc.

Take your hunter's safety class and talk to the DNR guys some about hunting public land; ie. what is required legally, areas where they know have pigs, etc. Wardens are typically eager to offer info like that, especially on an invasive species like pigs.

As with most things in life, breaking into something new is best done by finding a buddy who already knows how. Ask for guidance but just know that your own research will be the most help to you and that most people will not offer a lot of help unless they reasonably think you are putting in the effort.

Be prepared to do work around someone's land/farm, buy the gas, pay club dues, obey landowner's rules, scour the internet for clues about areas and about pig sign, etc. When hunting, prepare to be patient and frustrated. Prepare to both hike long distances and sit still for hours. Prepare to get your hands dirty and bloody. When sportsmen see the effort that is when they'll share the good stuff.

A few links:
https://myfwc.com/hunting/wild-hog/
https://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures/

From the top link, the best public land in SW Fl is: Green Swamp has the largest harvest each year, followed by Green Swamp West, Babcock/Webb, Chassahowitzka and Myakka State Forest.

Thanks @YellowJacket - I found a forum similar to the one you showed and it too seems pretty unoccupied. SIGForum seems to be as active as they can be. The hunting ones not so much.

I would like to meet someone who has hunted so I can learn. I don't have an issue dressing or butchering- or at least I don't think I will. have butchered a half pig on our kitchen table a few years ago.

They are fun to shoot but I only tag them on my own property - I don't have much land (9 acres) and very restrictive lanes of fire due to other property so I don't let anyone else hunt with firearms - my family & redneck friends do hunt it with bows & crossbows and have pretty good success when the pigs show up.

We bait them in with corn and other stuff, putting it right next to the tree stand to give a safe lane of fire.

I'm lazy and hate waiting all damn night so I just try to get them around dusk or dawn, since the ones around here get lazy and come out early / head home late sometimes. The family guys sit in the trees all night sometimes.

Recommend a semi-auto rifle, AR-15 with 62gr is fine IME on the <115lb pigs.

I did a guided pig hunt at night in TX this summer and the stalking / hunting was definitely an art that our guide was great at. We used Thermal sighted AR15 firing 762x39. Lots of movement in vehicles, then single file dismounted approaching from downwind to get really close to them (<20M). A ton of fun but this guy had the run of several large properties to hunt on.

I'm a Wis. resident but recently bought a place in Ft. Myers. I've hunted up here but REALLY want to go hog hunting in Florida. Hoping to meet some locals eventually and give it a try.

Try this: https://floridashootersnetwork.com
At one time the forum owner was an FFL/SOT on Marco, may still own it.