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West Virginia
Archery Hog Hunts
by Ted Lake
Archery Hog Hunting
Archery hog hunting is a great choice for the hunters looking for
an additional challenge, and I good meal. Archery hog hunting is one
of the most popular forms of bow hunting. Bow hunters by nature are
looking for a challenge by not choosing to hunt with a rifle. Bow
hunting takes more physical effort, skill, and patience. The
challenge of archery hog hunting can also be dangerous, because wild
hogs are aggressive animals: particularly when wounded or cornered.
Hog hunting is legal year-round in many places, because wild hogs
are considered a nuisance to their environment, people, and other
animals. They also have high reproduction rates, with six to ten
people litters. These hogs can destroy land and carry along
diseases. The long amount of time that hogs are legally allowed to
be hunted adds to the popularity of the sport. Another reason that
hog hunting is popular is because wild boar meat is considered a
great meal. The danger of hog hunting also attracts many archers.
The prime time for hog hunting is in the late afternoon to early
evening. This is when the hogs are most mobile and increases hunters
chances of spotting one. Many hunters set up still hunting spots.
These spots can be baited trails to attract the hogs, and a
successful method is by setting up corn feeders. Hunters can wait
around the feeders and ambush hogs when they appear. A more
demanding method may be by stalking hogs. This can be extremely
physical, as it often requires crawling under brush and prolonged
walking. When stalking hogs, hunters may use a calling device or
travel near known hog trails and feeders. Whichever method you
choose, just remember that archery hog hunting can be as dangerous
as it is challenging. Hunting these animals is not for the faint of
heart. Hogs can weigh several hundred pounds and some male hogs have
large tusks. Hogs are also difficult to kill with an arrow, because
they have around two and a half inches of cartilage beneath their
skin. This may prevent the arrow from penetrating enough to kill,
and may only wound the animal. Hogs are naturally aggressive and
will only be angered when wounded. The hunter must be careful to
pull away from the animal and hide. If a wounded hog is approaching,
the hunter should fire another arrow when the animal is five to six
feet away. Many hunters have been wounded while hunting hogs, so it
is important to be careful. Archery hog hunting is a fun and
demanding sport than can be a proud kill for any archer. However,
even experienced hunters must be careful when hunting these animals.
My name is Ted Lake and have been into the sport of archery
since 1956. I was only five at the time and didnt start hunting
till I was around 12 years old. My dad, Deuaine Lake was
admitted into the Michigan Bow Hunters Hall of Fame in 1989. He
has taught me and my own two sons the sport of Archery and
hunting and now my grandchildren are being taught the same
respect for the sport of Archery.
www.complete-archery-information.com
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