Hunting wild pigs with dogs is a strategy that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Today, hunting feral hogs with dogs is still a popular practice for sport, business, and feral hog management. In this method, dogs are trained to find, pursue, and contain a hog at bay until a hunter can catch up to them. Some hunters will also use a catch dog to physically hold the hog until the hunter arrives to dispatch it. Equipment for theses hunts often included GPS collars to monitor the location of the dogs and protective vests or collars to help keep the dogs safe while interacting with the pig.
Like shooting, this management option typically removes only one hog at a time. However, unlike shooting, hunting with dogs can put pressure on a sounder of pigs that will make them more likely to leave an area at least temporarily. Additionally, since the dogs rely on scent to find the hogs, this tool can be a great option for removing trap shy pigs.
Training and Working Considerations
The primary class of dogs used in hog hunting are known as “strike” or “bay” dogs. These dogs rely on their sense of smell to locate fresh sign of feral hogs. These dogs follow the trail to find the pigs and bark at them to control and contain them. Often, several bay dogs are used together to better control the hogs. In a well-training and well-practiced team, these dogs will all join in on a fresh trail and hold the hog at bay until the hunter arrives to dispatch it.
A second class of dogs, which catch and hold the pig after the bay dogs locate it, are called “catch” dogs. Catch dogs are typically large, powerful dogs that have strong jaws and are heavily muscled. Catch dogs are trained to bite and hold a wild pig by biting it until the hunter is able to dispatch it. Often, catch dogs are not capable of running long-distances due to their heavy build. They are most often used along with bay dogs, who are more suiting to running and tracking.
While many curs, hounds, and bulldogs take to this work instinctively, it is important to note that hog dogs are specifically trained to perform this job safely and efficiently. Hog dogs must be compatible with others in their team and have enough experience with wild hogs to avoid injury in the field. Additionally, hog dogs must be well-trained to avoid chasing non-target species, such as javelina and deer which cannot be hunted in this manner in Texas. Finally, the handler must have control over the dogs off-lead in order to recall them when needed. As such, it is important to work with an experienced hog dog hunter and trainer if you are interested in building your own team of hog dogs or hiring a service to remove hogs from your property.
Hunters must be cognizant of the environment and weather conditions in which they will be hunting with dogs. In very high temperatures and humidity, it is unsafe to run dogs for long distances. Therefore, many hog hunters work at night. It is also very important to recognize and be familiar with environmental hazards both to the dogs and hunters. Hogs are often tracked in thick brush, which may include spines dangerous to truck tires and dog paws. Non-target species like javelina and rattlesnakes pose dangers to hunting dogs. Hunters must always be prepared to follow dogs into adverse conditions to dispatch their query, so they should prepare to encounter spines, sharp rocks, and other challenges on their hunt.
Dog Breeds
Many breeds of dogs are used in hunting wild pigs. Bay or strike dogs are most often curs or hounds. These dogs have a keen sense of smell and are capable or running in adverse environments for long distances. Many hog dogs are a mix of several working breeds. Hunters will breed their own hog dogs with an eye for the environment they will be working in. As such, the list of breeds used in hog hunting is large and variable by the area in which they are used.
Some common dog breeds used as bay dogs in Texas are…
Texas Lacy Dogs
Also known as Blue Lacys or Texas Lacy Game Dogs, Texas Lacy Dogs were developed in Texas in the 1800s to herd free-ranging domestic pigs. The breed instinctively tracks and bays wild pigs. They are also often used to herd cattle, run trap lines, and recover wounded game. Their short hair is well-suited to hot Texas climates. This breed is useful on relatively small tracts as they tend to follow newer, fresher hog trails. They are medium-sized dogs. Lacys are athletic and have good endurance for tracking wild pigs. Their smaller size allows them to be quite agile and dexterous in tight, brushy areas while baying.
Catahoula Curs (Catahoula Leopard Dogs)
Catahoulas originated in Louisianna and are a popular all-around hunting breed. They are often used for hog hunting, recovering wounded game, herding cattle, and treeing small game. Catahoulas are stocky and long-legged, allowing them good endurance for tracking wild pigs. Catahoulas are hardy and well-muscled and their general brave demeanor on a hunt drives them to bay their queries closely and aggressively.
Black Mouth Curs
Developed in the southeastern United States, Black Mouth Curs are a medium to large breed used for pursing a variety of game. They can be used to tree large and small game, recover wounded game, and bay large animals such as wild pigs. Black Mouth Curs are capable of tracking long distances, making them ideal for covering large tracks of land. Black Mouth Curs are often mixed with other breeds to develop dogs that have both high endurance and a strong nose.
Hounds – Red Bone, Blue or Red Tick, Plott, Treeing Walker, etc.
Hounds are a group of breeds developed and used for tracking, treeing, and baying a wide variety of game. Several breeds of hounds are used to hunt hogs. Hounds are “cold nosed”, meaning that they can pickup on older trails and will follow those. Due to their extreme sense of smell, hounds will track wild pigs for very long distances. They are also often “open” on trail, meaning they will bark or bay while tracking when they find a good trail.
Patterdale and Jagd Terriers
Despite their small size, terriers can be used to hunt wild pigs as well. Their strong prey drive and high levels of energy allow hunters to use them to pursue many kinds of game. Patterdale and Jagd Terriers are often used in larger groups of four or more dogs. Their small size allows them to easily access tight areas in pursuit of their queries.
Catch dogs must be strong and have a strong drive to catch and hold their query. Bully breeds of many varieties are used for this job and hunters often have a pair catch dogs on each hunt. Some common dog breeds used as catch dogs in Texas are…
Pit Bulls
Pit Bulls and mixes are very commonly used as catch dogs. These dogs have strong jaws and are well-muscled. Pit Bulls are often incapable of running for long distances due to their very heavy musculature. Many hunters will leave their catch dogs in the truck until the bay dogs find and stop a pig, then walk them in on-lead or release them closer to the bay.
American Bulldogs
American Bulldogs are taller than Pit Bulls but are similarly muscular and have strong jaws. It is important to differentiate American Bulldogs from other bulldogs. American Bulldogs have a longer muzzle than English Bulldogs, allowing them to breathe easier and handle more physical activity. American Bulldogs are large, powerful dogs capable of holding wild pigs once bayed.
Dogo Argentino (Argentinian Mastiffs)
The “Dogo” has become more popular in Texas as a catch dog over the last decade. Dogos are typically all white with a few black spots on their short coat. They may have cropped ears. They are large dogs and are very powerful. Some hunters may use this breed without bay dogs as they are capable of finding and taking down a pig on their own.
Hog Hunting Gear
In order to hunt hogs with dogs safely, dogs should be outfitted with appropriate safety gear. Many bay dogs wear thick collars known as “cut collars” to protect their necks from hogs’ sharp tusks. Catch dogs often wear “cut vests” as well, which cover the dog’s chest. These collars and vests are usually made of thickened materials like Kevlar and are designed to cover the dogs’ most critical areas that would be at highest risk of being cut by a hog’s tusks when hunting.
Hunters often carry a GPS device to find their way in the field. GPS collars can be used on dogs to monitor them during the hunt. These high-tech collars can be synced with handheld units and even cell phone applications to keep track of locations of multiple dogs and hunters on once screen. Some of these collars are also capable of using static stimulation to correct a dog from chasing non-target animals.
A well-stocked first aid kit is critical for this type of hunting. Hunters should carry first aid supplies for themselves as well as their dogs. Often, hog hunters are far from hospitals or veterinary clinics, so first aid knowledge is very important. Sutures and skin staples are commonly used for dogs injured by pigs or brush. Bandages and veterinary wrap are important for covering wounds in the field. Water is one of the most important things a hunter can carry with them for themselves and their dogs.
Legal Considerations
As with other forms of hog hunting, a hunting license is not required, but hunters education requirements must be met (those born after September 1st 1971 must complete an approved hunters education course. Those born prior to that date are exempt). It is also important to remember that property boundaries apply to the dog as well as the hunter. Dogs can only operate on property that you have permission to hunt on. To avoid potential issues, you should ensure that the dogs have been trained thoroughly and can follow commands.