So I’m considering getting into the hunting hobby (I’ve heard that feral hogs are going to become a problem in KS in the near future, and I want some free pork). As of now, I can’t hunt hogs in KS, but if they get bad enough, that might change. Coyotes are definitely a problem as well.
Does anyone have any advice to someone who has absolutely zero hunting experience? Where should I start, etc. Would using my AR or my AK work?
Thanks all
For the hunting hobby in general, what did it for me was availability of hunting grounds. If it’s a pain to get to where you can hunt, you’re less likely to do it. I never hunted regularly until it was reasonably practical to get to the grounds.
For hogs in particular, I really hope that Kansas allows it, because honestly, they’re some of the most fun game to hunt because you can hunt them pretty much anywhere it’s allowed, with no tag issues or limits that you have to worry about. A semi-auto is recommended. AR, AK, or similar are all good. Caliber becomes a matter of art and personal preference, depending on the distance you’re shooting and girth of your local population. I’ve seen some 400-600 pounders shot with .308 and similar that didn’t go down immediately. But in general, it’s not like hunting deer or some other solitary animal. A sounder of a whole lot of them can become a dangerous issue for you if you’re not careful. I’m not sure on what the Kansas hunting regulations are, but more ammo, more speed, and perhaps a suppressor for your own sanity with the expected volume of fire is a good start.
There’s a million YouTube videos that focus on primarily Texas, but it applies to everywhere. I’m in Georgia and anyone who has any hunting license at all can hunt feral hogs. Some county specific regulations apply, which is likely the same for you, especially around urban areas, but there’s no reason not to get prepared. As ever, obey your local regulations to avoid getting in trouble.
Start by taking a hunting education class. Nobody wants to take or go hunting with someone unsafe.
Walk the parking lot of your job to identify the owner of the truck with NWTF.org or hunt club stickers and ask them if you can shadow them for a season. Expect to pay for a lot, do a lot of work, and shoot nothing the season you are accepted.