History

• It has been estimated that wild--also called feral--hogs have inhabited Georgia since the 1520s. As immigrants established settlements, they would allow their livestock, including domestic hogs, to roam free. Gradually, the domestic hogs would roam into the wild and would turn feral in a short time. The habitat of Georgia served as a perfect breeding ground for the wild hogs, and the population grew rapidly.
  
  

Significance

• Wild hogs are considered to be an invasive, exotic species because they wreak havoc on vegetation, crops and other habitat. Hog hunting plays an important role in managing the hog population. Feral hogs also carry infectious diseases such as brucellosis and pseudorabies. It is highly recommended that hunters wear rubber or latex gloves while handling wild hogs.
  
  

Regulations

• Residents and nonresidents need a valid hunting license, but no special permit is required. There is no closed season and no limit. Hogs may be harvested during the deer, turkey and small game seasons. If you are hunting during a firearms season, blaze orange must be worn. Hogs may also be hunted at night with a light.
  
  

Public Land

• Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) are available in every Game Management region with a wild hog population. Drew Hall, from "Georgia Outdoor News," advises hunting hogs on a WMA during the small game season that opens on Aug. 15. He also recommends several different WMAs, including John's Mountain, Sugar Hill Creek, Little Log Creek, Cooper's Creek, Chestateee and Chattahoochee. Before hunting a WMA, review the specific regulations on hog hunting.
  
  

Outfitters

• Despite the variety of public land opportunities to hunt wild hogs, several outfitters throughout the state offer guided hog hunts. The majority of these outfitters will also offer combination hunts where you can hunt multiple species, including wild turkeys or deer, on one trip. Outfitters who offer hog hunting on private land include FJ Graddy Hunting, Blue Ghost Outfitters and Hog SWAT.