Tips for Pig Hunting

November 15, 2012

Question: What are the rules for hunting wild pigs and where can I find maps or private farms were I can go to hunt them? (Isaac G.)

Answer: According to Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Wild Pig Program Manager Marc Kenyon, “I am asked this same question all the time!” Before going into the field, Kenyon suggests you first read the California Mammal Hunting Regulations, especially sections 352-355 and 368 (http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/current/mammalregs.aspx).

A good reference publication is DFG’s “Guide to Hunting Wild Pigs in California.” It details some of the finer points of hunting pigs and provides hunting information for public lands. To download, go to: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=23231. DFG also offers some special pig hunts, some of which are on private lands (see www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/specialhunts.html). In addition, commercial hunting club information can be found at: https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=38624&inline=true.

Lastly, you may benefit from attending an advanced pig hunting education clinic. These clinics take basic hunter education to the next level by having experienced hunters teach advanced techniques, pig behavior, hunter ethics and more. They also provide a discussion of places to go and a demonstration of cleaning and butchering a pig. More information and a schedule of upcoming classes are available at: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/advanced/.