Hog hunting, specifically night hog hunting, with thermal imaging and an AR in a caliber like .308, can be a real rush, and most southern states have exceptionally liberal regulations that verge on minimal to nonexistent. This can make hog hunting an exhilarating, fast-paced experience, and one of the few outdoor sporting pursuits that you can take up with gusto under the cover of darkness.
With all of that said, there’s little more exciting than dropping the hammer on a massive hog in the Florida brush (or on several) after the lights have gone out - but you’ll still want to make sure you’re prepared.
Start here, for that.
Hunting Licenses, Permits and Stamps
Feral hogs are a non-native species so most states have very liberal regulations, but they still vary. In many states, all you need is a general hunting license and the appropriate tackle. In most if not all instances, you will not need additional stamps or permits to hunt hogs, and in some states there are no bag limits - still, consult your state’s fish and game digest or directly contact the state’s DFW if you have questions as this will set the record straight on what you need to keep it legal.
If Necessary, Landowner Permission
If hunting on private land or a semi-wild preserve, you may (that is, you will almost definitely) need landowner permission. Make sure you get it in writing and do whatever else you need to do, according to your state’s game code, to stay legal if you hunt private land.
A Note on Outfitters
Just a note for you if you’ve never done this before. Even though most game regulations are very liberal and hog hunting is not exactly rocket science, it might be worth it to take your first trip with an outfitter. An outfitter that has experience under his or her belt can show you the ropes of hog hunting, help you scout, show you what to look for, and deliver on the countless other minutiae involved in hunting an unfamiliar species. There are some things you can only learn by doing and an outfitter can probably help accelerate the pace.
An Appropriate Caliber AR and Plenty of Ammo
One thing you will definitely want is a rifle in a caliber appropriate for hog hunting. Many hunters prefer AR platforms because they are semi-automatic, offer decent capacities, and can be expanded with furniture and accessories like lights, scopes, slings, and other essentials.
Popular calibers include 6.5 Creedmoor, .350 Legend, and .300 Blackout, but a perennial favorite is the tried-and-true .308 Winchester, around which the venerable AR-10 is chambered. If you’re going to build your hog gun from the ground up, we carry much more than just .308 uppers (complete) here on our website - we have parts kits, muzzle devices, barrels, bolt carrier groups and more - everything you need to spec out a hog rifle.
A Sidearm
Most hog hunters will tell you that even if a sidearm isn’t an absolute necessity, they wouldn’t be caught out there in the brush without one. Rifles jam and can be less than ideal in cramped spaces in thick brush, and a wounded boar is a dangerous thing. Carry a reliable sidearm chambered in a hog-appropriate caliber, such as .44 Mag, .454 Casull, or .460 S&W Mag.
The Right Clothing
What you wear will depend on the conditions where you are hunting, as well as the time of year, but there’s one thing hog hunting has in common pretty much across all state lines - even if you hunt from a tower, getting that hog back is going to require some bushwhacking.
So, even though it’s uncomfortable to suit up in the summer in southern states, briars, bramble and deep muck will do you a bit worse than just the temperatures - and throw the bugs in there, too.
So, tough canvas pants and a jacket with protection against thorns are a must, as are thick gloves and, depending on how muggy it is, a mosquito veil. Also, you’ll want thick, protective, supportive, waterproof boots appropriate for the weather and temperature.
Not that there’s anything wrong with lace up boots, but if you’ll be hog hunting low country, pull-on waterproof snake boots or Muck Boots might offer better value as they will keep you dry and prevent your laces from getting bramble scrambled - and believe us, that is a thing you won’t want to deal with at night.
Also another note: make sure you are adhering to hunter orange laws.
Lights and Extra Batteries or a Power Bank
While thermal scanners are nice to have, a strong, reliable, durable flashlight is a deal breaker. A strong light is not only necessary for navigating the woods and fields, but for spotlighting and then recovering your quarry.
Some flashlights accept disposable batteries and others are rechargeable. Whatever the case, make sure you have spares or a backup power bank. Remember, two is one and one is none.
Whatever You Need to Be Sure of Where You Are
The woods and swamps take on a different character under the cover of darkness. Not literally, but it’s so much easier to get turned around even on land that’s familiar to you when it’s dark out.
So, carry whatever you need for orienteering. If you’re a beginner, that includes a GPS unit, but backing that up with maps and a compass is never a bad idea.
Thermal Scanners for Canvassing the Field
Depending on the type of hunting you’ll be doing, a thermal spotting scope might be more of a cool accessory to have than one that is necessary. Just be aware of the limitations of thermal scopes as you must be 110% sure of what you’re looking at before pulling the trigger. Therefore, for some hunters, spotting with a thermal scope, and then spotlighting a hog before shooting, is the way to go.
The Gear You Need for After the Shot
At minimum, this includes a reliable fixed blade and puncture-resistant gloves, as hogs can carry diseases and parasites that are transmissible to humans through fluids.
Unless you plan to field dress and pack out immediately, a cooler with ice is also recommended.
Also, be ready with tags if tagging is required in your state.
Building from Scratch Beyond the .308 Upper (Complete)
This list should cover the bulk of what you need to hunt hogs at night with an AR in .308. One way to make the experience that much more enjoyable is to build the rifle yourself.
We carry .308 uppers (complete uppers and parts) along with parts kits and sundry rifle parts for putting together your build. Check them out here and get in touch with us at Sales@MCSGearup.com if you have any questions before buying.