Wild boar, also known as feral hogs, are invasive and destructive across many parts of the United States. Because of this, states have developed individual regulations to control their populations. Whether you’re planning your first hog hunt or exploring new hunting grounds, understanding each state’s rules is essential.
This detailed 2025 guide breaks down wild boar hunting laws and regulations by state. From licensing requirements to hunting seasons and legal methods, here’s what you need to know before you hit the field.
Why Wild Boar Hunting Laws Vary
Each state classifies wild hogs differently—some as nuisance wildlife, others as big game or non-game species. These classifications affect:
- Hunting seasons (or lack thereof)
- Permitted weapons and gear
- Use of dogs, bait, or night vision equipment
- Licensing requirements
Some states promote aggressive eradication, while others allow limited hunting only during specific game seasons. Now, let’s explore the laws by state.
Wild Boar Hunting Regulations by State (A–Z)
Alabama
- Feral hogs can be hunted year-round on private land.
- No bag limits; night hunting allowed with special permit.
- License required.
Alaska
- No established wild boar population.
- Hunting not applicable.
Arizona
- No feral hog population recognized.
- Hunting not applicable.
Arkansas
- Feral hog hunting permitted during open game seasons on public land.
- Year-round on private land with permission.
- Dogs, traps, and firearms permitted.
California
- Hogs classified as big game.
- License and pig tag required.
- Year-round hunting with no bag limit.
Colorado
- No established feral hog populations.
- Hunting not applicable.
Connecticut
- No wild boar population.
- Hunting not applicable.
Delaware
- No wild boar population.
- Hunting not applicable.
Florida
- No closed season on private land.
- No license required on private property.
- Dogs, bait, night hunting allowed.
Georgia
- Year-round hunting on private land.
- License required; bait and night hunting allowed on private land only.
Hawaii
- Hogs are considered game mammals.
- Seasonal regulations vary by island.
- License required.
Idaho
- No established wild hog population.
- Hunting not applicable.
Illinois
- Feral swine may be shot during hunting seasons for other game.
- Permit required for specific control efforts.
Indiana
- Feral hogs may be hunted on private land year-round.
- Must have permission; no specific license required for nuisance control.
Iowa
- No known wild boar populations.
- Report sightings to authorities.
Kansas
- Hog hunting banned on public land.
- Allowed on private land with permission.
Kentucky
- No feral swine hunting on public land.
- Allowed on private land; must report kills.
Louisiana
- No closed season on private land.
- Night hunting, baiting, and dogs allowed.
- License required.
Maine
- No wild boar populations.
- Hunting not applicable.
Maryland
- No wild hog populations.
- Not regulated.
Massachusetts
- No wild boar population.
- Hunting not applicable.
Michigan
- Feral swine classified as invasive.
- May be taken year-round with valid license.
Minnesota
- No wild boar population.
- Report sightings; do not hunt.
Mississippi
- Feral hogs may be hunted year-round.
- No bag limits on private land.
- Night hunting allowed with permit.
Missouri
- Feral hog hunting prohibited on conservation lands.
- Allowed on private land with landowner permission.
Montana
- Feral hogs not present; importation banned.
Nebraska
- No known wild boar population.
Nevada
- No wild boar populations recorded.
New Hampshire
- Feral hogs not established.
New Jersey
- No recognized population.
New Mexico
- Feral hogs are considered nuisance species.
- No closed season or bag limit.
- License required.
New York
- Feral swine eradication enforced.
- Hunting prohibited to avoid interference with trapping programs.
North Carolina
- Wild hogs classified as nuisance animals.
- Can be hunted year-round with landowner permission.
North Dakota
- No feral hogs present.
Ohio
- No bag limits or closed seasons.
- Landowner permission required.
Oklahoma
- Year-round hunting allowed.
- Night hunting on private land with permission.
Oregon
- Limited feral hog presence.
- Can be hunted without permit if encountered.
Pennsylvania
- Classified as nuisance animals.
- Hunting allowed during other open seasons.
Rhode Island
- No feral hog population.
South Carolina
- Year-round hunting on private land.
- Night hunting allowed with restrictions.
South Dakota
- No wild hogs present; importation illegal.
Tennessee
- Regulated as destructive species.
- Can only be taken during specific game seasons or under control permits.
Texas
- Year-round hunting with no bag limit.
- License required; dogs, night vision, helicopters allowed.
Utah
- No feral hogs; importation banned.
Vermont
- No wild boar population.
Virginia
- Year-round hunting allowed.
- License required; baiting and night hunting restricted.
Washington
- No established feral hog population.
West Virginia
- Limited hog presence in some counties.
- Hunting permitted under general game laws.
Wisconsin
- No license required for landowners to shoot feral hogs.
- No closed season or bag limits.
Wyoming
- No wild hog population.
Conclusion
Wild boar hunting regulations in the U.S. are a patchwork of local and state rules. In states where hogs are invasive, hunters are often encouraged to take as many as possible. In others, populations are low or nonexistent, and hunting isn’t permitted.
Always check with your local wildlife agency before hunting, especially on public land. Laws change, and the penalties for breaking them can be steep.
Looking for the best places to hunt wild hogs? Explore our in-depth guide to top hog hunting states and outfitters in 2025.