Airboat, Dog or Still: Choosing the Right Team for Ground Hog Hunts

When you set out to control feral hogs on your property, the first decision is how you will move and locate the animals. In Acadiana the options usually fall into three categories - an airboat, a dog team or a still hunt on foot. Each method brings a different rhythm to the day, and each can be paired with a veteran partner who brings experience and purpose to the effort.

Airboats excel in the marshes and shallow waterways that hug many of our bayous. The speed of a boat lets you cover a large area quickly, and the noise can flush hogs into view. The trade-off is the fuel cost and the need for a skilled operator who can handle the craft safely in tight channels. When you pair an airboat with a veteran who knows the water, you gain both efficiency and a shared sense of stewardship.

Dog teams add a level of intelligence and excitement that many hunters cherish. A well-trained hog dog can locate a sounder, keep it moving, and help you stay on the animal's trail. The partnership between dog, handler and veteran creates a rhythm of communication that can be therapeutic for all involved. Remember to bring enough water and a quiet spot for the dog to rest, especially in the heat of summer.

Still hunting works best on open fields, hardwood stands or near known wallows where you can set up and wait. It requires patience, good camouflage and a keen ear for the hog's grunt. This method allows a small crew - often just a veteran and a volunteer - to move quietly and leave minimal impact on the land. With feral hogs causing about 76 million dollars of agricultural damage in Louisiana each year, every successful hunt helps protect neighbors and farms, and gives veterans a purpose that can counter the sad reality that about 23 veterans a day are lost to suicide in this country.