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Boar Hunting In Florida: What You Need To Know

Boar Hunting in Florida: What you need to Know – the Best Hunting Spots and Tips for a Successful Hunt

Thinking of Boar Hunting in Florida? Here’s what you need to know.   Boar hunting is a popular pastime in Florida, with thousands of hunters heading into the wilderness every year to test their skills against these formidable animals. With an abundance of wild boars throughout the state, Florida offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the country. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at boar hunting in Florida, including the best hunting spots, tips for a successful hunt, and some important information you need to know before heading out into the wilderness.

Do You Need a Hunting License to Hunt Boar in Florida? No you do not need a hunting license to hunt boar in Florida.  You may need a permit to hunt on specific lands and there may be a limit to the number of hogs you can harvest. Here’s a link to the Florida Wildlife site.  https://myfwc.com/hunting/wild-hog/

Does Florida Have a Specific Season for Hunting Boar? No, Florida does not have a specific season for hunting boar. Wild boars are considered a non-native and invasive species in Florida, and there are no restrictions on when or where they can be hunted. However, it’s important to note that some public hunting areas may have specific regulations or restrictions, so be sure to check with the managing agency before heading out on your hunt. Check out the link above.

More Bore Hunting in Florida Tips

What are different ways to hunt boar? 

In Florida, there are several methods of hunting boar that you can choose from. Below are the 6 most common.

1. Archery

During boar hunting in Florida, you’ll likely find that archery is one of the most popular ways to hunt for boar. The reason for this is because it allows hunters to be a little more comfortable in their surroundings and doesn’t leave them so exposed as other methods might. When hunting deer, hogs and turkeys in Florida , you’ll have a good chance of hitting a target during this method because you can use your rifle scope to sight-in on the animal.

2. Confined Hunting

Hunters who are looking for boar need to keep some things in mind when they plan their hunt. The average size of a boar is around 200 pounds which means that they are strong, fast and capable of inflicting serious damage upon anyone who gets too close to them. Hunting in this way gives you the opportunity to let your prey get a little closer to you without also becoming its dinner.

3. Walk Through Hunting

One of the more popular ways of hunting boar in Florida is via “walk-through” hunting in which you follow your scent trail. You won’t be able to see the animal, but they will become more visible as they follow their own trails and leave their own scent marks behind. This is one of the most useful ways to hunt boar in Florida during the wet season, which is most of the year.

      4.Baiting

Baiting is also an effective way to hunt boar during the wet season in Florida. You’ve likely seen this method in some of the best hunting films and shows because it works better than any other way of hunting and it’s very realistic. You’ll need to purchase some feed bait and build a blind or “boneyard” close to where you plan on hunting in Florida . Then, start your hunt and wait for the boars to come to you.

       5. Still Hunting

Still hunting is a method of hunting in Florida that is practiced by the most experienced and seasoned hunters over the others because it makes you so vulnerable to attack. You’ll need to be completely quiet during this type of hunting and move slowly and carefully while you track your prey. You’ll need to camouflage yourself with any available natural materials or simply hide your scent by wiping yourself down and by wearing the appropriate clothing to keep you cool and out of sight

1. 6. Spot Hunting.   

The last method of hunting boar in Florida is called spot hunting. This method involves recognizing boars in the area you want to hunt and then following their trails until you catch up to them.

What Is the Best Caliber Bullet to Hunt Boar with? When hunting wild boars, it’s important to use a powerful and accurate firearm. Many hunters prefer to use rifles chambered in .30 caliber or larger, as these cartridges are capable of delivering enough power and penetration to take down a boar. Popular choices include the .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, and .300 Winchester Magnum. However, it’s important to choose a caliber that you are comfortable with and can shoot accurately, as shot placement is critical when hunting wild boars.

Where to Hunt Boars in Florida: Florida is home to a variety of ecosystems, from pine forests and swamps to grasslands and coastal areas. Here are some of the best spots for boar hunting in Florida:

1. Ocala National Forest: With over 600 square miles of public land, the Ocala National Forest offers some of the best hunting opportunities in Florida. The forest is home to a large population of wild boars, as well as deer, turkey, and other game animals.
2. Big Cypress National Preserve: Located in southern Florida, the Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast wilderness area with plenty of opportunities for boar hunting. The preserve is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including the Florida panther, black bear, and of course, wild boars.
3. Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area: This wildlife management area in central Florida offers over 63,000 acres of prime hunting territory, including pine forests, cypress swamps, and freshwater marshes. The area is known for its large population of wild boars, as well as alligators, deer, and other game animals.

In addition to these areas there are many outfitters and hunting clubs that offer fantastic hunting on privately owned lands. You can check out these related posts  Florida Hog Hunting Outfitters     Florida Hunt Clubs

Tips for a Successful Boar Hunt: Boar hunting in Florida can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your hunt:

1. Scout your hunting area ahead of time: Before you head out into the wilderness, take some time to scout the area and look for signs of wild boars, such as tracks, droppings, and rooting marks.
2. Use the right equipment: When hunting wild boars, it’s important to use the right equipment, including a powerful rifle or bow, a hunting knife, and sturdy boots.3.
3. Be patient and stealthy: Wild boars have a keen sense of smell and hearing, so it’s important to be patient and stealthy when hunting them. Move slowly and quietly, and try to approach from downwind.
4. Aim for the vitals: When shooting a wild boar, it’s important to aim for the vitals, which are located in the chest and shoulder areas. A well-placed shot will quickly take down the animal.

Boar hunting in Florida is a thrilling and challenging experience, with plenty of opportunities to test your hunting skills against these formidable animals. By following these tips and choosing the right hunting spots, you can increase your chances of success and come away from your hunt with a trophy wild boar.

 

Something to think about

Boar are bigger, stronger and faster than you might imagine. Make yourself a little more comfortable during your hunt by wearing eye protection and boots that fit snugly around your ankles. Also, bring along some scent neutralizing wipes to help mask your odor. When hunting wild boar, it’s always a good idea to stay together as a group so you can help each other if need be.

My recommendation is to go hunting with a local guide. They usually know the area where the hogs are likely to be located, they can offer insight into how to hunt them and they will keep you from getting lost.

Whether you’re planning on hunting boar in Florida this year or any time in the future, it’s never too early to start planning your next trip. You’ll be able to find boar in almost every corner of our state and it’s important that you know what to do before you head out for the hunt.

Boar Hunting Season

The season for boar hunting in Florida runs year-round so the opportunities are there whenever you choose to visit our state. You’ll find wild boar in all of the southern counties and they’re fairly easy to spot if you know what you’re doing.

Conclusion

Boar hunting in Florida is one of the most popular methods used by hunters every year and it’s a great way to take some time out to go alone and enjoy the outdoors. With all of the different types of hunting boar, you’ll need to put some thought into how you plan on hunting them.