What Part of the Pig Does Hog Jowl Come From

The 12 Best U.S. States to Go Hog Hunting

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There are millions of wild hogs living across the country in as many as 39 different states. Legend has it that Spanish explorers introduced the animals to North America back in the 1500s, and ever since, the population has steadily grown. Many see the hogs as nuisances that attack humans, raid garbage cans and destroy crops, while others see them as good eating and big game. Either way, if you're a hunter looking for a great place to go hog hunting, try these states.

Florida

Not only were hogs most likely introduced to North America via Florida, but the weather conditions in the Sunshine State are ideal for hogs to thrive. Today, the state has one of the largest hog populations in the nation. The animals tend to live in areas where water is plentiful, and when you hunt on private land for wild hogs, you don't even need a license.

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California

California may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of hunting, but it does have a large wild hog population. You'll need a license and a hog tag to hunt here, but you can do it year-round. Also, keep in mind that much of the wild boar population in this state is on private land.

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South Carolina

Most of South Carolina's wild hog population lives along the coast in the marshes and maritime forests that make up the lowcountry. Regulations are few — you can hunt at night and without a license on private land — and the population is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands.

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Alabama

Wild hogs tend to be more prevalent in the Southern states, and Alabama is a perfect example of that. The animals live in every corner of the state, and you'll need a basic license for hunting small game to pursue them. Otherwise, you're free to hunt as you wish, whether you go solo or head out on one of the many guided hunts offered in the state. There are approximately 17 wildlife management areas in the state where you can hunt, too.

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Hawaii

The upside to hunting hogs in Hawaii is that there are plenty of them living on the state's islands. The downside is that there are several regulations to follow, and each of the five islands that allow hog hunting has its own rules. That said, wild hogs are a huge part of Hawaii's culture and traditions, so if you want to hunt here, consider using a guide who can show you the ropes.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 77 counties, and wild hogs reside in at least 74 of them, so the odds are good that you'll be successful when you hunt here. Many of the creatures live near water sources along the Texas border. While rules and regulations vary by county, you'll find that there aren't many of them, and you can hunt in most places year-round.

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Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that's true even when it comes to the wild hog population. It's estimated that over 1.5 million hogs live in the state, and the population is growing at a rate of 20 percent per year. The state encourages hunting year-round, with few limits and restrictions.

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Louisiana

Louisiana has one of the biggest wild hog populations in the country, and that means the animals can be a nuisance to locals. For this reason, the state has virtually no regulations when it comes to hog hunting. Do it at night, do it year-round and don't worry about a bag limit. Hunt on public or private land.

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Arkansas

The state of Arkansas is home to a large hog population, and that's not a joke about the University of Arkansas's sports mascot. The wild creatures have been known to ruin many a farm in "The Land of Opportunity," but, unfortunately, hunters who want to shoot them on public land are subject to several regulations. Private land, however, is a different story.

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Georgia

Hogs love heat and humidity, so the state of Georgia is the perfect place for them to call home. Not only is there a huge population here, but they tend to get pretty big compared to those in other states, which can make hunting even more exciting. You'll find few regulations on public land and none on private land. Hunt year-round, at night, with dogs — it's a great opportunity.

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Tennessee

After the animals were released in Tennessee with game hunting in mind, farmers quickly found out that wild hogs and planted crops were a poor combination. If you know a farmer in the state, you can hunt on his or her land with permission and without having to worry about many regulations. On public land, you can hunt hogs during deer season.

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Missouri

Missouri is one of the top spots for hunting in the nation, with an abundance of wild turkey, deer and wild hogs. This is especially true along the southern portion of the state, near Oklahoma, where water sources are plentiful. And while the state doesn't allow the hunting of hogs on public lands, hog hunting is permitted on private property.

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