Wild Hog Population by State 2026

Where Do Most Wild Hogs Live?

In general, wild hogs are animals that live in warmer weather. Therefore, most of them tend to live in the south. Looking at distribution maps of wild hogs by county, almost every county in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas has wild hogs. They are also extremely prevalent in California, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

USDA reports show that feral hogs have been seen in at least 35 states. Over the past 40 years, their population has expanded. There are now about 6 million wild hogs in the United States, and the number continues to grow quickly. Because of this quick growth, it is difficult to estimate each state’s wild hog population.

Are Feral Hogs Dangerous?

Yes, feral hogs are dangerous, although they are not necessarily dangerous to people. People are generally encouraged to hunt feral and wild hogs because they are an invasive, destructive species. Many conservationists believe it is very important to contain the population of wild hogs to prevent them from damaging the habitats of other animals and to keep them from destroying human property.

In addition, hogs can be a significant threat to deer and birds, which is why so many official agencies request that people hunt and kill feral hogs. At the same time, pigs can be very smart creatures, so hunting wild hogs can be a significant challenge for some people.

Are There Any Regulations That Must Be Met for Hunting Wild Hogs?

Yes, some states have regulations regarding hunting this specific pig species. In general, states fall into three categories. The vast majority of states allow people to hunt hogs and consider them unprotected species. Then, a few states have made hunting illegal, but there are usually exceptions and permits available.

Finally, there are states where regulations do not apply because they do not have a very large population of hogs. States such as Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wyoming do not have any regulations. People need to research the regulations in their local area to understand what they can and cannot do.

How Do You Hunt Hogs Successfully?

There are several tips that people need to keep in mind when they start hunting these animals. First, it is important to blend in with the background. Hogs are very smart and will detect someone approaching if they smell them, hear them, or see them. Try to blend in with the background, and be as quiet as possible. Wear some perfume to camouflage your scent. Finally, make sure to have a powerful weapon to penetrate the tough hide. These animals are surprisingly strong.