The term "feral hog" is often also used to refer to Eurasian wild boar (also known as Russian wild boar) and a hybrid between a Eurasian wild boar and feral hog. In New Mexico law, the term "feral hog" is used as an umbrella term to describe all three types of animal.
It is legal for New Mexico residents to hunt feral hogs without a license, but hunters from out of state need a hunting license--of any kind--to legally hunt feral hogs. There is no "feral hog season." Feral hogs can be hunted all year. However, if the feral hogs are on private land, the hunter must get permission from the landowner to hunt on that land.
Feral hogs and Eurasian wild boar should not be confused with the javelina, also known as the collared peccary, which looks similar but is in a different family. Javelina are smaller than feral hogs, do not have a tail and are more social than feral hogs. In addition, they have a white stripe of hair near the shoulders and neck, which give them the nickname "collared peccary."
Feral hogs are found in several counties in New Mexico: De Baca, Eddy, Harding, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, Socorro and Union--mostly located in the southeast area of the state. If possible, it is a good idea to scout game trails in these areas when not hunting to determine the locations with the largest populations.
There are many methods used to hunt a feral hog, and all are legal in New Mexico. For example, a hunter can wait in a tree stand or blind; hunt over bait, use food to lure in the hog; trap the hog; or use trained dogs.
Hogs have thick hide and lots of gristle, so a hunter should choose a weapon that will be sure to penetrate such as a sufficiently sharpened knife, an arrow or a rifle. Because feral hogs can be very dangerous and can cause harm to humans as well as dogs and horses, hunters should travel in pairs or larger groups.
Hunters are not required in New Mexico to hire a guide, but inexperienced and out-of-state hunters might have a better experience using a hunting guide. If a hunter chooses to use a guide, she should check references and ask for a supply list before choosing a business.
Despite the loose rules on hog hunting, New Mexico has strict rules about increasing the population of feral hogs in the state. It is illegal for anyone to bring feral hogs into the state for any purpose, including for breeding or for releasing the hog into the wild for others to hunt.
