Handling Feral Hogs After a Successful Hunt: Best Practices?

Preparing for Handling

Before approaching the downed feral hog, put on gloves and safety glasses to protect against potential infection from brucellosis or other zoonotic diseases. Ensure your hunting gear, such as knives and firearms, are secure and out of the way. For night hunts, use a red-light flashlight to preserve your night vision.

Field Dressing and Transport

Perform field dressing within an hour of the kill, focusing on removing the organs and entrails to prevent spoilage. Remove the hide and organs from the abdominal cavity, taking care to avoid contamination. Use a clean, dedicated knife for this process and keep it separate from other gear. When transporting the hog, use a sturdy, leak-proof container to minimize waste and prevent attracting other pests.

Post-Hunt Procedures

After transporting the feral hog to a designated area, use a meat saw or sharp knife to make a precise incision and begin the skinning process. Remove excess fat and hair, then proceed with boning or quartering the animal for easier handling and storage. Consider donating the meat to local food banks or processing it for consumption.