Hunting of wild boar or wild hog is not permitted all over the United States. It is confined to just 15 states. The popular states are Kentucky, South Carolina, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Alabama, Ohio, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma and California. Each state has its own set of hunting laws. A satisfying hunting trip demands familiarity with all of them. If the hunter decides to take the services of an outfitter complete with guides and hog hunting dogs, some amount has to be shelled out as license fees.
The wild boar is found in regions which have dense thickets. Big in size, it is known to be very alert and ferocious. Also, the animal senses danger from the whole group stalking it and so is cautious enough to keep itself well hidden. Therefore, the hog hunting dogs have to be exceptionally strong to be able to pin down such a wild creature!
Like all other forms of game, there is a season set aside for hunting the wild boar. December and later is not a good time since it is mating time for these animals, and young ones are likely to be born. The sow digs out a shallow depression in the ground and places her litter in it. The sides are lined with branches and grass. Woe betides any hunter who dares to harm her or her young at this time--the encounter could prove fatal!
Coming to the breed of hog hunting dogs, there are some that hunt the wild hogs which weigh between 200 to 400 pounds with the same ease that they hunt small squirrels! Actually, either personal conversation with an experienced hunter or with seasoned hunters via online blogs and forums, will give any hunter a fair idea about which dogs are best suited to hunt wild boar.
There is the cur, which is loyal, energetic and versatile. It obeys all of the master's commands instantly, whatever the task might be! So one set of people recommend getting another breed of dog like the Cane Corso or the American Bulldog to partner with the cur. Of the two hog hunting dogs, the cur is to be used as a bay dog, while the other one is meant for catching work.
There are hybrid varieties of the standard American Bulldog. When the combination is that of a Mastiff, American Bulldog and English Bulldog, it is referred to as Johnson lines. The early settlers of America were keen on using Old English Whites and Scott lines American Bulldogs, believing them to be great hog hunting dogs. In fact, these breeds even hunted wild bulls!
Another group of people swear by the abilities of the Pitt Bull mixes or Pitt Bull Terriers. Of course, the skeptics wonder how a hog weighing 400 pounds can be beaten by a Pitt!
Australians and Argentinians keep other breeds as hog hunting dogs. While some prefer the Argentina Dogo, others go for the Blackmouth cur. The best one is supposed to be the Australian Bullarab. It has come from a 30-year mixed lineage of Grey Hound, Pointer and Bull Terrier. Both, wild boar and scrub bulls are easy prey for this dog!
