Whether you're new to hog hunting or a seasoned pro, it's essential to invest in the best apparel, equipment and supplies. In addition to improving your odds of having a successful expedition, having the right hog hunting gear will help ensure the safety of both you and your hunting dog. Before heading out on your next hunting next trip, make sure you have the following items in your pack.
Hunting Apparel
It's important to think carefully about what you're going to wear when planning for a hog hunting trip. Weather can get cold, especially if you're in the forest, and you may be sitting still for long periods of time while waiting for your target. Having warm, comfortable and durable clothing is a must if you want to fully enjoy your experience.
This includes a pair of tough waterproof hog hunting pants. We love this pair from Nite Light because it's heavy-duty while still being breathable. It features a hard-wearing nylon shell and double-layered front legs, as well as non-insulated mesh lining for all-season comfort. It also has two front hand warmer pockets with storm flaps, an elastic waist with belt loops and 18-inch leg zippers that make it easy to put the pants on or take the pants off over your boots.
Finally, you'll need a heavy-duty gear bag like this one from Nite Lite, which is made from brush-tough, PVC-laminated fabric. It features waterproof seam tape and has durable handles and compression straps for added comfort.
Tools and Supplies
A good light is one of the best hog hunting gear investments you can make. We recommend this hog hunting light, which has 36 green LEDs, a 360-degree PIR motion sensor, a CDS light sensor and fade-on/fade-off light activation. Housed in a weather-resistant ABS, it's exceptionally durable and has an extreme temperature rating of -4ºF to 140ºF.
First aid tools are also essential, including a staple gun. Look for models with fully rotating cartridges for easier access to wounds. It's also wise to have a trauma pack to buy time and stop bleeding if there's an accident and you're waiting for medical care. This pack from Adventure Medical Kits has QuikClot, which is a chemically inert material that can safely stop moderate to severe bleeding in both humans and dogs.
Dog Gear
Speaking of your hunting dog, it's wise to invest in a tracking collar. This Nite Lite Hog Dog Collar is designed like traditional cut collars but includes compatibility with Garmin tracking units. Featuring bound edges all the way around, it's made of ballistic nylon and Cordura overlaid on a piece of felt, and it's sewn down with two pieces of heavy-duty webbing. It also has one-inch, nickel-plated buckles as well as a loop and D-ring on the back to connect to a lead.
High-quality outerwear is also a must for your dog. This durable Nite Lite Premium Hog Bay Dog Cut Vest is made of 135 ballistic Bulldog Nylon and 12-denier Cordura. It comes in two lengths - regular and long - to accommodate dogs of all shapes and sizes, including females that have recently had puppies.