4 Signs of Wild Hog Activity

While pigs can be quite elusive, but there are several things that you can look for to be able to tell if there have been pigs in the area. They are often found in dense vegetation, under trees or in open fields near sources of water and food. Here are a few things that I look for when I am out scouting for pigs on the ranch…

Tracks

Tracks are a key sign to know if there are pigs in the area. It is easiest to find tracks after a rainstorm, but you can find them fairly easily in loose/sandy dirt as well. Wild hog tracks are similar to a whitetail deer, but there are 3 main differences. One, is that the toes of pigs are more rounded, while whitetail come to more of a point. Two, is that the shape of the track is also more round when compared to a deer track, which deer tracks are more oval in shape. Finally, the dew claws of hogs are wider in proportion to the width of the track and are often more pronounced than that of a deer.

Wallows

These are mud pits near water, or in low spots that hold water for an extended period of time after a rain, that the hogs will roll around to cover themselves in mud to regulate temperature as well as repel biting insects and parasites and protect their skin from the sun. Look for a depression that looks like an animal has been laying or rolling around in the mud and that is most often a tall tale sign that pigs are or have been in the area. Pigs will also defecate in the wallows as well leaving an obvious odor indicating that it has been recently used.

Mud markings on trees

Look near the bases of trees, telephone or power poles for dried mud and hair, this is a definite indicator that pigs are in the area. They do this to itch as well as remove any excess mud from them. Creosote from telephone and power poles will also help deter and remove biting insects and parasites. When hogs rub on trees they can remove the bark, and can cause morality of the tree over an extended period of time.

Rooted up soil, overturned cow pies, and stirred up ground cover

Another obvious sign of wild hogs is rooted up soil, this is extremely destructive to the land but is the easiest sign to see. Using their snouts and teeth they will plow up the ground, leaving obvious turned up soil, looking for edible roots as well as ground dwelling insects like worms and grubs. Also look for overturned cow pies, and ground cover (such as leaves, dirt and sticks) that has been recently disturbed, especially under nut producing trees, such as oak trees.

Hog Trails

Pig trails are often pretty obvious, and they also will use other big game trails such as deer. They are usually narrow, well-worn paths or paths through dense brush, and are most obvious when they intersect with a road or other open areas. When traveling up and down hills, hogs will generally go in a straight line, whereas generally a deer will have more angled trials on hills. Pig trails are usually the shortest path to the destination, weather that be food, water or shelter. Check for tracks as well as excrement (which is sausage shaped and 1 to 2 inches thick and 3 to 9 inches long, and varies with the size of the hog), which will indicate how recent the activity has been.