Let’s tackle a critical issue plaguing landowners, farmers, and agencies across the U.S.: the feral hog crisis by understanding the difference between two net solutions – Boar Blanket and Pig Brig. These highly invasive animals are wreaking havoc on agriculture, infrastructure, ecosystems—and solutions are desperately needed.
With an estimated population exceeding 6 million hogs across 35+ states, the threat is growing. Left unchecked, projections show that number could reach 21 million within a decade.
In this post, we compare two of the leading hog trap systems: Boar Blanket and Pig Brig. We’ll explore the history of the hog invasion, the technologies behind these traps, and ultimately—help you decide which system is best.
The Feral Hog Crisis: How We Got Here
The wild pig problem began centuries ago. Spanish explorers like Hernando de Soto brought pigs to the Americas in the 1500s. Some escaped, adapted, and over time spread across the southeastern U.S.
In the 1800s, wealthy hunters imported Eurasian boars, which interbred with escaped domestic pigs. By the 1980s, the hybrid feral hogs were deeply rooted in the South.
Illegal releases, hunting popularity, and human expansion accelerated the crisis. Today, Texas is the epicenter, but feral hogs are also well-established in Florida, California, Georgia, and more.
They thrive in swamps, forests, farms—even suburbs—and cause over $2.5 billion in annual damage, impacting:
• Infrastructure (fences, irrigation, landscaping)
• Crops (corn, soy, peanuts)
• Livestock (predation on lambs, calves, and deer fawns)
Trapping Wild Pigs: Why Sounder-Style Traps Work Best
One of the most effective feral hog control strategies is whole-sounder trapping. Rather than picking off a few hogs at a time, these systems capture entire family groups, which reduces the chance of survivors becoming trap-shy.
Passive net traps, like Boar Blanket and Pig Brig, rely on conditioning hogs to view the trap site as a safe feeding zone. Once the trap net is covertly dropped and secured in place, the hogs—already familiar with the spot—continue entering on future visits, unaware of the change. This results in full sounder captures without the need for real-time monitoring or remote triggering.
Detailed Comparison: Boar Blanket vs Pig Brig
| Feature | Boar Blanket | Pig Brig |
| T-Post Mounting Points | 8 (or trees) | 10 |
| Inner Ground Anchors | Not Required | 5 Required |
| Trigger System | Cable trigger supported | Passive only |
| Steel Rings & Sleeves | Built-in, no clamps or tools needed | Requires tools & separate clamps |
| Net Strength | 100% knotted, diamond orientation | Mixed materials |
| Net Design | Fully tapered, double net from top to skirt | Wadded taper; partial double net |
| Adjustability | Cap, mid, and inner rope adjustability | Limited |
| Mesh & Mud Handling | Larger mesh on apron sheds mud, stays light | Dense mesh gets heavy when wet |
| Visibility to Pigs | Uniform mesh less visible | Thick interior net (“Boar Shield”) more visible |
| Trap Width | ~20 feet | ~20 feet |
| Trap Cap | Included | Optional |
| Live Loadout Option | Cable/rope seam (TX & OK legal) | Also present |
| HogEye Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
Field Experience: What Matters Most for Ranchers in Battling the Feral Hog Crisis
Boar Blanket was designed from the ground up to address the limitations ranchers experienced using Pig Brig and other net systems.
Example: Setting up Pig Brig requires:
- 10 T-posts
- Ground anchors
- Clamps & wrenches
Meanwhile, Boar Blanket uses:
- 8 T-posts
- No inner anchors
- Steel rings sewn into the net, allowing cam buckle straps to thread through directly
In rocky or dry terrain where post driving is brutal, this means Boar Blanket saves hours and prevents injuries or broken equipment.
The Future of Battling the Feral Hog Crisis: Tech, Traps & Teams
Beyond net traps, other tools are emerging:
- HogEye Remote Cameras: Trigger traps from your phone.
- Helicopter Gunning: Used in open areas like Texas.
- Corral Traps: Large metal pens with drop gates.
However, passive net traps are still the most accessible and scalable solution for most landowners. Systems like Boar Blanket offer an affordable and practical option with minimal labor.
Which Trap Should You Choose?
If you value:
- Speed of setup
- Ease of use
- Adaptability in terrain
- Durability
- Smarter design
…then Boar Blanket is the clear winner.
Pig Brig is a solid system, but it’s heavier, slower to set up, and less adaptable. Boar Blanket was built by experienced trappers who knew what needed fixing—and fixed it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the best trap for large sounders?
Boar Blanket’s 20-ft diameter and full double netting make it ideal for catching large groups of hogs in one go.
Do I need special tools to set it up?
No! Boar Blanket includes built-in sleeves and rings—no clamps or wrenches needed.
Can I move the trap between locations?
Yes. With fewer posts and lighter netting, Boar Blanket is easier to relocate.
Is it compatible with HogEye or other remote systems?
Absolutely. Boar Blanket is designed to work seamlessly with popular camera-triggered trap systems.
Final Word about the Feral Hog Crisis
The feral hog crisis isn’t going away. If you’re serious about making a dent in local populations, your trap system matters. With Boar Blanket, you get a thoughtfully engineered, battle-tested solution built to trap smarter, faster, and better.
The fight against feral hogs will require everyone—landowners, agencies, hunters, and companies—to bring their best. Boar Blanket is doing just that.
Ready to reclaim your land? Choose the Boar Blanket.