If you live or hunt anywhere in Arkansas, you’ve seen the damage wild hogs leave behind shredded pastures, destroyed crops, and mud-wallowed creek beds. Arkansas hog hunting has become more than a pastime; it’s a necessity for protecting land and wildlife. Feral swine have now been confirmed in nearly every county, and their population continues to climb despite decades of control efforts. Each sounder can uproot acres overnight, competing directly with deer and turkey for food and habitat.
That’s why the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) calls feral hogs the state’s most destructive invasive species. They reproduce faster than almost any other large mammal, and traditional hunting alone rarely keeps up.
For landowners and hunters, the key to success in 2025 is knowing what’s legal, what works, and which tools actually make a difference.
This guide breaks down Arkansas hog-hunting laws, permit requirements, and public-land access rules, plus a look at how the Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap offers a modern, portable way to contain full sounders quietly and efficiently—without the weight or power needs of older cage traps.
Arkansas Hog Hunting Regulations (2025)
Arkansas permits feral-hog hunting year-round with no bag limit, but details vary by land type:
| Land Type | Allowed Methods | Key Notes |
| Private Land | Firearms, archery, trapping | Landowners & agents may hunt without license; guests need written permission. |
| Public WMAs | During open game seasons only | Valid seasonal license required. |
| National Forests / Refuges | Follow local unit rules | Check for restrictions on night vision or suppressors. |
Night Hunting
- Legal only on private property year-round.
- Prohibited on WMAs outside AGFC control programs.
- Thermal optics and spotlights allowed with landowner consent.
Transport & Release Rules
- Transporting live hogs is illegal without USDA approval.
- Violations can result in $5,000 fines and forfeiture of gear.
Read official guidance at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Feral Hog Portal.
Arkansas Hog Hunting Licenses & Permits
| License Type | Purpose | Resident Cost |
| General Hunting License | Needed on public land | $25.00 |
| Trapping Permit | Required for commercial or live capture | $10.50 |
| Night Hunting (Private) | None | — |
Tip: Register volunteer trapping efforts through the Arkansas Feral Hog Task Force to stay compliant with reporting rules and carcass disposal.
Best Public-Land Areas for Hog Control
1. White River National Wildlife Refuge – Bottomland hardwoods; access via Clarendon and St. Charles.
2. Ouachita National Forest – Mixed hills ideal for portable net systems.
3. Bayou Meto WMA – AGFC-monitored hog-damage area with active trapping projects.
When trapping on public land:
- Obtain written authorization from land manager.
- Remove traps within 48 hours after use.
- Use only approved grain baits; avoid fermented corn.
- Compare different hog trap systems to ensure compliance and efficiency on Arkansas terrain.
Arkansas Hog Trapping Options: What Works Best in Your Area
| Trap Type | Advantages | Drawbacks |
| Drop Trap | Quick drops for big sounders | Heavy, needs level ground & power trigger |
| Cage Trap | Durable, reusable | Expensive, highly visible |
| Net Trap (Boar Blanket) | Silent, portable, no power needed | Requires T-posts & anchors |
Boar Blanket Advantage: Designed for Arkansas terrain—works on rocky Ozark slopes and muddy Delta fields.
See the Boar Blanket Case Study for real field data and deployment images.
Step-by-Step: Legal Net Trap Setup
- Select Private Land Site – away from public roads and waterways.
- Pre-bait 3–4 Days with corn rows to pattern sounders.
- Stake T-Posts & Anchor Net per AGFC spacing.
- Monitor Quietly; no cellular signal required.
- Dispatch & Report via AGFC coordinator form.
Arkansas Hog Hunting FAQs
Can I hunt hogs at night in Arkansas?
Yes—on private property with owner consent.
Do I need a license to trap hogs on my own land?
No; landowners are exempt from permits for private-land trapping.
Are Boar Blanket nets legal on public land?
Yes, with written approval; they meet AGFC standards when properly anchored.
Final Takeaway
Feral hogs aren’t just a nuisance in Arkansas—they’re a full-scale ecological crisis. Each year, they cause millions in agricultural losses and long-term habitat degradation. But with the right combination of knowledge, equipment, and persistence, landowners can take back control.
The Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap isn’t a high-tech gadget or a permanent structure—it’s a practical solution built for real-world ranchers, farmers, and wildlife managers. Whether you’re trapping in the Ozarks, the Delta, or along the White River bottoms, its lightweight net design lets you work quietly and effectively, without power, crews, or expensive infrastructure.
By combining local law awareness, smart baiting practices, and the right gear, you can protect your property and contribute to a larger statewide effort to suppress Arkansas’s feral hog population.
Trap smarter. Work quieter. Capture entire sounders.Start by exploring the Boar Blanket Wild Hog Trap or see it in action in the Boar Blanket Case Study.