Hog hunting is fast, rugged, and intense. Whether you’re tracking wild boars through dense woods or night-hunting feral pigs on Texas ranches, the right gear makes all the difference. Wild hogs are tough animals, and poor gear choices can lead to missed shots, failed stalks, or even unsafe encounters.
This guide covers the best hog hunting gear for 2025—including firearms, optics, lights, clothing, and essential accessories—to help you gear up smart and stay one step ahead of your prey.
Best Firearms for Hog Hunting
When it comes to hogs, stopping power is non-negotiable. You’ll want a firearm that can deliver quick, lethal shots—especially if you’re facing multiple pigs at once or dealing with thick brush.
Top Rifle Picks:
- AR-15 in .223/5.56 or .300 Blackout: Great for fast follow-up shots; .300 BLK offers better terminal performance
- AR-10 in .308 Winchester: Excellent for big boars at longer ranges; more stopping power
- Bolt-action .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor: For longer-distance stalking hunts
Top Shotgun Choice:
- 12-Gauge Pump Shotgun with Slugs: Perfect for up-close hogs in brushy environments
Top Handgun (Backup):
- .44 Magnum or 10mm Auto: Effective in close encounters or as a secondary weapon
Best Optics for Hog Hunting
1. Night Vision & Thermal Scopes
Hogs are mostly nocturnal, so night optics are essential if you’re hunting after sunset.
- ATN ThOR 5 Thermal Scope: HD thermal imaging, smart rangefinder, and video recording
- Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50: Top-tier clarity with rangefinding and ballistic support
- AGM Rattler TS25: Great entry-level thermal for the price
2. Red Dot Sights (for Close Quarters)
- Holosun 510C: Wide window, solar backup, shake-awake tech
- Sig Sauer Romeo5: Reliable, waterproof, and budget-friendly
3. Riflescopes (Daytime Hunts)
- Vortex Viper PST Gen II 1-6×24: Ideal for fast target acquisition
- Leupold VX-Freedom 3-9×40: Lightweight and crystal-clear for daylight stalks
Best Lights for Night Hunting
Whether you use night vision or not, you’ll need dependable lighting.
- Wicked Lights ScanPro iC: Long-range red or green beam with adjustable focus
- Streamlight TLR-1 HL Weapon Light: Durable, bright white light for rifles and pistols
- Orion H30 Red LED Hog Light: Designed for night hunting hogs without spooking them
Best Clothing for Hog Hunts
Hog hunting often involves mud, thorns, bugs, and brush—so durability and comfort matter.
Top Picks for Clothing:
- Sitka Equinox Guard Hoody: Lightweight, breathable, and built-in bug protection
- Kryptek Dalibor Pants: Rugged stretch fabric, perfect for stalking
- Drake MST Guardian Bibs: For colder hunts or night sits
- LaCrosse Grange Rubber Boots: Waterproof, snake-resistant, and lightweight
Best Calls and Attractants
While not always necessary, calls and bait can improve your success rate—especially in areas with heavy pressure.
- Convergent Bullet HP Game Call: Bluetooth-controlled predator call with hog distress sounds
- Boar’s Delight Hog Attractant: Strong-smelling formula proven to draw pigs from a distance
- Sow in Heat Aerosol Spray: Spray near bait or on brush to simulate active sows
Best Feeders and Traps
If you’re running feeders or managing land, quality trapping gear and feeding systems make a difference.
- Boss Buck Gravity Feeder: Durable and rain-resistant, perfect for wild hogs
- Capsule Game Feeder: Ground-based and safer to fill—ideal for small food plots
- Hog Slammer Steel Trap: Heavy-duty trap for population control on private land
Other Essential Hog Hunting Gear
- Headlamp: Bright, hands-free lighting for tracking or field dressing
- Field Knife: Benchmade or Havalon knives make processing fast and clean
- First Aid Kit: Always bring one—boars can be dangerous when wounded
- Game Cart: Hogs are heavy—don’t drag one a mile through mud without help
Top Hog Hunting Gear Picks by Category
| Category | Top Product | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | AR-10 in .308 | Powerful, semi-auto for fast follow-up shots |
| Thermal Scope | Pulsar Thermion 2 XP50 | Elite thermal clarity and features |
| Red Dot | Holosun 510C | Wide view and rugged durability |
| Clothing | Sitka Equinox Guard Hoody | Lightweight, breathable, and protective |
| Boots | LaCrosse Grange | Waterproof and snake-resistant |
| Attractant | Boar’s Delight | Strong draw power for baiting setups |
Tips for Choosing the Right Hog Gear
- Match your gear to your hunting style—Are you stalking or sitting over bait?
- Consider the terrain—Thick brush calls for closer-range optics and durable clothes
- Plan for recovery—Always bring tools to help move a heavy hog after harvest
- Go hands-free at night—Use mounts and lights that don’t need hand-holding
Conclusion
Wild hogs are unpredictable, strong, and fast. That’s why the best hog hunting gear is designed to keep you mobile, accurate, and safe. Whether you’re new to hog hunting or refining your loadout, the gear above will give you the edge when it matters most.
Planning your next hog hunt? Let us know what gear you swear by, or ask questions if you’re unsure what to bring. The right tools could be the difference between success and frustration in the field.