Hog Hunting in Commerce, Texas

Commerce, Texas is a small town at the northeast edge of the Dallas metropolitan area. Even though close to a large city, it has plenty of hunting areas and wide open spaces. The Caddo National Grassland is nearby, as well as Cooper Lake State Park. Hog hunting is popular in Texas, and Commerce could be a good home base for a hunting adventure.

  1. History

    • Boars were brought to the U.S. by the Spanish in the 1500s for food, and they have since become wild and spread through a large area of the country. Many were brought to Texas. The British brought some later for hunting, to add to the herd.

      There are also domesticated pigs that have become wild, and have interbred with the boars. Domesticated pigs that have become wild are called "feral" hogs. In Texas, most wild Hogs are boars, though there are some feral hogs to be found.

    Effects

    • Boars have no natural predators and multiply quickly. The animal is considered a nuisance in most areas, including Texas. You must have a license, but there is no limit on how many or when they may be killed.

      Wild hogs like to dig, and are destructive to crops and animal habitat. They also kill small animals, and can be aggressive toward humans. Most wildlife officials see them as nuisance animals. They are not protected by game and fish laws in most states.

    Types

    • Hogs may be hunted with guns, or bow and arrow. There are outfitters in the Commerce area who offer bow hunting for hogs and other animals.

      The most common method for hunting hogs is to use a stand and wait for the animal to come by. Often bait is used to attract them. Another method is to scout areas and then track the hogs. A third option is to use dogs to chase the hogs. Dogs corner the animal and hunters then move in for the kill.

    Guides

    • Outfitters, or guides, are a popular option for hog hunting. Guides provide the area for hunting, and meals and lodging are often provided. The guide can put you in the best position to make a kill. They take care of all the details so you may concentrate on hunting. Often outfitters will process the meat, and some offer taxidermy services.

      Leases, either short or long term, are also available. Landowners rent out their land for hunting, and you may have exclusive hunting rights for the term of your lease.

    Public land

    • There are many areas for public hunting in Texas. The Caddo National Grassland allows public hunting during season, and hogs may be hunted anytime. The Cooper Lake State Park also allows hunting, and offers a good place to fish after a day of hunting. There are other wildlife management areas throughout Texas where public hunting is allowed.