Reading the Signs: Spotting a Feral Hog Sounder on Your Land

When you walk your fields early in the morning, look for fresh soil that has been turned over in a circular pattern. A sounder will often root in a tight area, leaving a mound of loose earth about the size of a garden hose coil. The disturbed soil will be darker and may have a faint, sweet odor from the hogs' scent glands.

Wallowing sites are another clear indicator. Hogs create shallow depressions that fill with water after rain, and the edges will be slick with mud and broken vegetation. Fresh wallows may have a glossy surface and a faint, metallic smell. If you see a wallow that still has ripples, the sounder is likely nearby.

Tracks can be subtle but tell a story. Look for a series of small, round prints about the size of a quarter, often crossing in a loose, erratic line. In soft ground, the prints may be shallow, but in wetter areas they can be deeper and more defined. Follow a trail of tracks for a short distance; a sudden change in direction or a break often means the sounder has moved to a new feeding spot.

Finally, listen for the sounds of activity at dusk. Hogs are most vocal in the evening, making grunting noises as they move through the brush. If you hear a low, repetitive grunt, pause and scan the area for the signs above. Identifying these clues early helps you protect crops, supports the tournament’s goal of reducing damage, and gives veterans a purposeful way to engage with the land.

Remember that feral hogs cause about 76 million dollars of agricultural damage in Louisiana each year, and that about 23 veterans a day are lost to suicide in this country. By learning to read the signs, you contribute to a safer environment for both the community and the veterans who hunt alongside you.