Cage Traps vs Boar Blanket: It’s easy to assume cage traps are the default solution for trapping feral hogs — they’re visible, durable, and often promoted as “standard issue.” But for landowners dealing with clever sounders and hard-to-reach terrain, that standard may be more of a burden than a benefit.
You’ve probably been there: you’ve set up the steel trap, baited it, and waited. Maybe you caught a couple hogs, maybe none. Meanwhile, the rest of the group scattered — never to return. The truth is, traditional cage traps often fall short when it comes to whole sounder capture and ease of use.
In this post, we’ll compare the Boar Blanket, a passive net trap system, against the typical cage-style setup. If you’ve been frustrated with the results (or the sheer weight) of your current trap, you might just find the smarter alternative right here.
What Is a Cage Hog Trap, and How Does It Work?
Cage traps are the most recognizable hog trapping system. They’re typically made of heavy steel panels, come in various sizes, and are often paired with trip wires, root sticks, or remote-triggered gates. Once a pig enters and triggers the mechanism, the door slams shut — ideally with the whole sounder inside.
But here’s the problem:
- Pigs are smart — they notice when one gets trapped
- They don’t always all enter at once
- Heavy traps are hard to move
- Rigid panels require level ground
- Many cage traps only catch a few pigs per drop
Systems like these often require trailers, teams, or tractors to set up — making them less than ideal for remote areas or solo trappers.
Want a full breakdown of trap costs across styles? Check out our hog trapping cost comparison.
What Makes Boar Blanket Different from Traditional Cages?
The Boar Blanket is not a cage. It’s a net-based passive trap that uses behavior, not barriers, to capture hogs.
Here’s how it works:
- During the conditioning phase, side nets are suspended off the ground.
- Hogs are allowed to enter and exit freely to feed.
- Once the sounder is patterned, the side nets are quietly dropped to the ground.
- Pigs push under the net to access bait — but can’t escape once inside.
This design allows for continued entry without stress, making full sounder capture not just possible — but likely.
Advantages of the Boar Blanket:
- Lightweight & portable — one-person setup in under 1 hour
- No power, no signal required
- No trigger mechanisms or user error
- Silent, passive operation
- Effective even in brush, woods, or uneven terrain
It’s a smarter way to trap — and the Boar Blanket Case Study proves it.
Why Cage Traps Often Fail to Capture the Whole Sounder
One of the biggest frustrations for landowners is seeing hogs escape while a few unlucky ones are trapped. Cage traps rely on timing and group entry, which is rarely perfect. Here’s what typically goes wrong:
- One hog trips the door too early
- Others outside panic and never return
- Cage is too small to accommodate full group
- Trapped pigs make noise — alerting others
- System requires reset before next drop
Compare that to the Boar Blanket, where pigs keep entering until the group is fully caught.
Still wondering if hog traps really work? Read our full post: Do Hog Traps Work?
Cage Traps vs Boar Blanket: Terrain Matters: Why Flexibility Is Key
Most steel cage traps require:
- Flat, cleared ground for stability
- Access for trucks or ATVs
- Time and labor to reposition
But feral hogs don’t always show up where it’s convenient.
The Boar Blanket is designed for:
- Remote pastures
- Ravines and brushy terrain
- Dense woods
- Stealth setups with no noise or power
If you’ve ever had to drag a 600 lb. steel cage across rocky terrain, you already know — it’s not ideal.
How Important Is Baiting for Hog Trap Success?
No matter which trap you choose — cage, drop, or passive net — baiting is the foundation of a successful hog trap strategy.
Here’s why baiting matters:
- Routine is everything — wild hogs are smart, cautious animals. To trap them effectively, you need to condition them to return to the same location over multiple days.
- Volume counts — small piles of feed won’t establish the kind of pattern you need. Most successful setups use 150–200 lbs of corn in rows or streamers to encourage herd feeding.
- Competition kills success — multiple bait sites spread across your property can confuse sounders and delay trapping efforts. Focus on one bait zone at a time.
- Trail cams help you time it right — you’ll know how many pigs are visiting, when they’re showing up, and whether the whole group is feeding together.
- Patience pays off — rushing into a trap setup without a few days of successful baiting is a common reason trappers fail to capture the whole sounder.
Whether you’re using a heavy-duty cage trap or the low-profile Boar Blanket, your results will always come down to how well you bait and condition the hogs before deploying the trap.
For more baiting advice, read our guide: Hog Trapping Bait — What Works Best?
Final Thoughts: Cage Traps vs Boar Blanket?
Cage Traps vs Boar Blanket: Cage traps can work — but they’re heavy, limited, and easy for hogs to outsmart. They require more infrastructure, more timing, and more frustration.
The Boar Blanket is different.
- It doesn’t rely on tech.
- It doesn’t scare hogs.
- And it doesn’t leave pigs behind.
It’s the smarter trap for landowners who want results without the hassle. You’ve done the research. You know what’s out there. It’s time to choose the trap that actually works.
See it in action — watch the video and read the Boar Blanket Case Study.
Cage Traps vs Boar Blanket: FAQ
Q: What’s the main difference between cage traps and Boar Blanket?
A: Cage traps use barriers and trigger systems; Boar Blanket uses passive entry and containment through a net.
Q: Can Boar Blanket catch a full sounder?
A: Yes. Its open design allows pigs to enter naturally, even after others are already inside.
Q: How long does setup take for Boar Blanket?
A: Under an hour. It requires one person and no special equipment.
Q: Are cage traps bad?
A: Not inherently, but they often miss full sounders, require level ground, and are harder to transport.
Q: Where can I buy Boar Blanket?
A: Directly from the Boar Blanket Product Page