Hog hunting has also gained a great deal of popularity throughout the United States and elsewhere due to the challenge and thrill, in addition to the utilitarian values such as controlling feral pig populations. Timing is everything when you’re planning a 2025 hog hunt. Having the season, time of day, and even the weather in your favor can greatly affect your hunt.
Here, we’ll dissect the best time to hunt hogs in 2025, from seasonal cycles to moon phases, weather conditions, legal hunting seasons, and expert tips to optimize your hunt. Whether you are a veteran hunter or new to the game, this guide will give you all you need to know. “Want to make sure you’re fully prepared? Check out our guide to the best rifles for hog hunting and gear up for success!”
Why Timing Matters When Hunting Hogs
Feral hogs are intelligent, highly adaptable, and mainly nocturnal animals. Their activity patterns also follow a seasonal timetable, depending on weather, available food, and hunting pressure. Being aware of the time of day that hogs are active is the difference between an unrewarding trip and a successful hunt.
Hunters have no idea how much small factors like a full moon or cold front will influence pig movement. To hunt smarter and not harder, you need to plan for these.
Best Seasons for Hog Hunting in 2025
Spring (March to May)
Spring is often considered the prime time for hog hunting. After winter, hogs are highly active, searching for food as new plant growth appears. Warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours cause hogs to move more frequently.
- Pros: High activity levels, easier tracking
- Cons: Thicker brush as the season progresses
- Tip: Hunt near water sources and crop fields where new vegetation is flourishing.
Summer (June to August)
Summer can be tricky. The extreme heat, especially in southern states like Texas or Florida, pushes hogs to become more nocturnal.
- Pros: Predictable patterns; hogs stay near water
- Cons: Hunting during daylight is almost impossible due to the heat
- Tip: Focus on night hunts using thermal optics or plan very early morning hunts before the sun gets intense.
Fall (September to November)
Fall offers another excellent window for hog hunting. The cooling temperatures and harvest season in agricultural areas attract hogs to crop fields for easy food.
- Pros: Abundance of food sources; increased hog activity during dusk and dawn
- Cons: Deer season overlap in some regions can limit access
- Tip: Set up around cornfields, peanut farms, and other crops at twilight.
Winter (December to February)
Winter hunting has its own advantages. Cold weather forces hogs to move more during daylight hours to stay warm and find food.
- Pros: Daytime hunting opportunities
- Cons: Tougher tracking if snow is present; unpredictable weather
- Tip: Hunt midday when temperatures are slightly higher and hogs are more likely to be moving.
Best Time of Day to Hunt Hog
Generally, hogs are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the early morning and late evening. However, factors like temperature and hunting pressure can push them to become fully nocturnal.
Morning Hunts (Dawn to Mid-Morning)
Morning hunts can be highly productive, especially in the cooler months. Hogs feed heavily overnight and often linger into the early daylight hours.
- Best Time: 5:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Tip: Set up near bedding areas or food sources before dawn.
Evening Hunts (Late Afternoon to Dusk)
As temperatures cool, hogs begin to emerge again in the late afternoon. This is an excellent time for ambush hunting.
- Best Time: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Tip: Position yourself near trails leading from bedding areas to food plots.
Night Hunts (After Dark)
In warmer climates and summer months, night hunting becomes almost mandatory. Many states allow the use of thermal or night vision optics for feral hog control.
- Best Time: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Tip: Invest in quality night optics for effective nighttime tracking.
How Moon Phases Affect Hog Hunting
The moon has a surprising effect on hog activity. Like many nocturnal animals, hogs tend to move more during bright nights, but not always in ways that benefit the hunter.
- Full Moon: Hogs may feed all night long but become more cautious and harder to approach.
- New Moon: The darkness encourages hogs to move more openly; great for ambushes.
- Best Strategy: Hunt during the days leading up to or just after a new moon for increased hog movement without the added caution.
Weather Conditions and Their Impact
Weather can either enhance or ruin a hunt. Understanding how hogs react to weather shifts is key.
Rainy Days
Light rain can be great for hunting hogs. They feel safer moving during low-visibility conditions and the noise of rain masks your movements.
- Tip: Hunt immediately after a rainstorm when hogs come out to feed.
Cold Fronts
Cold snaps force hogs to move more during the day in search of calories.
- Tip: Target midday hours after a cold front passes through.
Wind
Windy days can scatter hogs and make tracking more difficult, but a light breeze can actually help mask your scent.
- Tip: Always set up downwind of known hog trails or feeding areas.
Legal Considerations in 2025
Always check your local regulations for hog hunting. In many states like Texas, hogs are classified as nuisance animals, meaning you can hunt them year-round without bag limits. However, some areas have specific rules around night hunting, landowner permissions, or equipment use.
New laws coming into effect in 2025 in some states include:
- Expanded night hunting permits: Easier access to thermal equipment.
- Year-round open seasons: Some additional states joining Texas and Florida.
- Aerial hunting adjustments: Updated rules around helicopter hunting in certain states.
Always double-check with local wildlife authorities to stay legal!
Expert Tips to Maximize Your Hog Hunt
- Scout Early: Use trail cameras and scouting trips to locate hog patterns before your hunt.
- Use Bait: Corn feeders, sour grain, or commercial attractants can bring hogs in reliably.
- Stay Silent: Hogs have exceptional hearing. Avoid unnecessary noise near your setup.
- Invest in Gear: Thermal scopes, night vision optics, and suppressors (where legal) can massively increase success rates.
- Hunt the Water: In hot weather, hogs rarely stray far from rivers, ponds, or mudholes.
- Team Up: Group hunts allow for better coverage and higher harvest rates.
- Learn Their Language: Recognizing hog vocalizations (like grunts and squeals) can alert you to nearby groups.
Best States for Hog Hunting in 2025
If you’re willing to travel, certain states will offer prime hog hunting opportunities in 2025:
- Texas: Over 2 million hogs; extremely lax hunting laws
- Florida: Dense hog populations and abundant public lands
- Georgia: Public and private land hunting options
- Alabama: Expanding feral hog population makes it a hot destination
- Oklahoma: Growing reputation for high-success hog hunts
Each state has slightly different seasons and restrictions, so again, always verify local laws.
Final Thoughts: When Should You Plan Your 2025 Hog Hunt?
If you’re aiming for the absolute best time to hunt hogs in 2025, here’s the winning formula:
- Season: Early Spring (March–April) or Fall (September–October)
- Time of Day: Early morning or just after sunset
- Moon Phase: New Moon
- Weather: Following light rain or a cold front
Pair these factors with good scouting, quality gear, and sound hunting practices, and you’ll be setting yourself up for a highly successful hog hunt.