Pennsylvania is home to many different types of wildlife, including some that may be considered a nuisance to residents. One such animal is the wild boar, which can cause damage to crops and property. While some people may advocate for the eradication of these animals, others believe that they can be managed through hunting. In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of wild boar hunting in Pennsylvania. We will also give you some tips on how to safely and effectively hunt these animals.
Wild Boar Hunting Laws in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, wild boar hunting is regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The commission sets the hunting season dates and bag limits for each county. Wild boar may be hunted with firearms, bows, and crossbows during the regular deer season in all wildlife management units except WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D. In these units, wild boar may only be hunted with firearms during the special 4-day early muzzleloader season.
During the regular deer seasons, a hunter may take one antlered or two antlerless wild boar per day. There is no limit on the number of wild boar that can be taken during the early muzzleloader season. All hunters must have a valid hunting license and must comply with all other hunting laws and regulations.
Wild boar are not native to Pennsylvania and were introduced to the state in the early 1900s for sport hunting. They are now found throughout much of the state and cause damage to crops, property, and natural habitats. For this reason, the Pennsylvania Game Commission encourages hunters to harvest as many wild boar as possible.
Do you need a license to hunt Wild Boars in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you need a license to hunt wild boar. The cost of the license depends on the type of license you need. If you want to hunt with a rifle, you need a hunting license and a furtaker’s license. If you want to hunt with a shotgun, you need a hunting license and a furtaker’s permit. You can get these licenses from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Wild Boar Hunting Seasons in Pennsylvania
There are two wild boar hunting seasons in Pennsylvania: the regular season and the extended season. The regular season runs from the first Saturday in November to the last day of February. The extended season runs from the first Saturday in September to the last day of February.
During the regular season, hunters may take one wild boar per day and possession limit is two. There is no size limit on wild boars taken during the regular season. During the extended season, there is a bag limit of two wild boars per day and a possession limit of four. Wild boars taken during the extended season must be at least four months old and weigh at least 100 pounds.
Can you hunt Wild Boars at night in Pennsylvania?
Although Pennsylvania does not allow hunting of any kind at night, there are some areas where wild boar hunting is allowed during the day. In these areas, wild boar populations have become a nuisance and pose a threat to public safety. For this reason, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has issued permits to allow hunters to thin the population of these animals.
Bag limits for hunting Wild Boars in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s bag limits for hunting Wild Boars are two per day and six per season. These bag limits apply to any combination of male and female hogs. There is no size limit for hogs, but all hogs must have a visible tusk that is at least one inch in length. Hogs may be hunted with dogs, but only during the daytime. It is illegal to spotlight or shine a light on hogs while hunting them at night.
Legal ways to hunt Wild Boars in Pennsylvania
There are many ways to hunt wild boars in Pennsylvania, but only a few of them are legal. Here are some of the most popular legal methods for hunting wild boars in Pennsylvania:
-Using dogs: Dogs are often used to hunt wild boars because they can track the animal’s scent and help to corner it. However, dog owners must be careful as wild boars can be very dangerous when cornered.
-Baiting: Baiting is a method of hunting where food is used to lure the animal into an area where it can be shot. This method is often used in areas where there is a lot of cover for the animals.
-Trapping: Trapping is another popular method for hunting wild boars. Traps can be set up in areas where the animals are known to travel and will capture them when they step on the trigger plate.
Can you use dogs to hunt Wild Boars in Pennsylvania?
Yes, you can use dogs to hunt wild boars in Pennsylvania. There are a few different ways to do this, but the most common is to use a pack of hounds. The hounds will track the wild boar and then corner it so that the hunter can shoot it. Other ways to hunt wild boars with dogs include using baited traps or shooting them from a stand.
Can you hunt Wild Boars from a vehicle in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, you can only hunt wild boars from a vehicle if you are actively pursuing the animal and it is legal to do so in the area where you are hunting. If you are found to be hunting wild boars from a vehicle without a valid reason, you may be subject to penalties.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like a day spent out in the wild, hunting for wild boar. Pennsylvania is home to some of the best wild boar hunting grounds in the country, and if you’re lucky enough to bag one of these impressive animals, you’ll have a story to tell for years to come.
When it comes to wild boar hunting, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, always hunt with a partner. These are dangerous animals, and it’s not worth risking your life to try and take one down alone. Secondly, make sure you’re familiar with your weapon of choice and comfortable using it. You don’t want to be fumbling around with your gun when a boar is charging at you. Finally, be patient. These animals are notoriously difficult to track and even harder to kill. If you stay calm and focus on your target, you’ll eventually get your trophy.
