Cellular Hog Traps vs Boar Blanket: If you’re a landowner battling feral hogs, you’ve likely come across high-tech solutions like cellular hog trap systems — loaded with cameras, app control, remote triggers, and solar-powered gear. They promise precision and convenience, but often come with a hefty price tag, learning curve, and an unfortunate reliance on something hogs don’t care about: cell service.
In this article, we’ll walk through the difference between cellular hog trap setups and the Boar Blanket, a passive ground-based trap system with no tech requirements and a proven track record for full sounder capture.
What Is a Cellular Hog Trap System, and How Does It Work?
A cellular hog trap system typically includes:
- A steel cage or drop trap
- A camera system (like HogEye)
- A 12v battery box and solar panel
- A cellular-enabled controller or app-based trigger
Brands like Jager Pro, Big Pig Trap, and GameChanger Traps offer setups that combine heavy-duty structures with surveillance systems. The idea is to observe a sounder via a live camera feed, then remotely drop the trap when all hogs are inside.
In theory, it’s precise. In reality? Not always reliable.
- Cell signal can be spotty in remote areas
- Battery boxes require maintenance and sunny weather
- Costs climb quickly with add-ons like HogEye ($775–$1,250)
- Timing is critical, and user error can lead to missed opportunities
These systems are popular among government contractors or outfitters with the tech infrastructure to support them. But for everyday landowners? Not always the best fit.
What’s the Real Cost of a Cellular Hog Trap?
Let’s break it down with Jager Pro’s pricing:
- M.I.N.E. Trap Packages: $3,500 – $4,750 depending on gate and panel configuration
- Camera Systems (M.I.N.E./HogEye): $775 – $1,250
- Battery + Solar Power Setup: $200 – $400
- Optional Trapping Trailer: $2,750
- Recurring Costs: Monthly cellular data plans and maintenance
A complete setup can easily surpass $6,000–$7,000 per site before baiting, labor, or land prep.
In contrast, the Boar Blanket is a one-time investment of $2,199.99, including all core components with no ongoing tech expenses.
Cellular Hog Traps vs Boar Blanket: Want more pricing comparisons? Review our full feral hog trapping cost breakdown.
How Does Boar Blanket Trap Hogs Without a Cellular System?
The Boar Blanket offers an entirely different experience. It’s a net-based, passive system that requires:
- No power
- No signal
- No app
Pigs enter the open baited area during the conditioning phase. Once the group is consistently feeding, the side nets are quietly dropped to the ground. From then on, pigs push under the net to feed — but can’t escape once inside.
It’s a smart design that works wherever the hogs are, including brushy woods, ravines, or remote pastures where cell coverage is nonexistent.
- Price: $2,199.99
- Setup: Under 1 hour, solo-capable
- Includes: Anchors, netting, carry box
Learn how whole sounder trapping works without needing to press a button.
Cellular Hog Traps vs Boar Blanket: Is All That Tech Really Necessary?
For most landowners, the answer is no.
Cellular hog traps require:
- A solid understanding of camera monitoring
- Perfect timing for sounder drops
- Constant signal and power reliability
What happens when your battery dies? When a tree blocks your signal? Or when your app freezes and the hogs leave?
Boar Blanket eliminates these failure points by letting hogs enter naturally. No triggers. No learning curve. Just pigs getting caught while eating.
Still asking yourself, do hog traps really work? The trap style you choose makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts: Cellular Hog Trap vs Boar Blanket — Which One Makes More Sense?
Cellular hog traps are flashy. But do they fit your land? Your skill level? Your budget?
Boar Blanket is designed for landowners who want:
- A simple, passive trapping system
- No power or cell requirements
- Solo setup in under an hour
- Whole sounder results without tech stress
See Boar Blanket in action in our Case Study — video included.
You’ve done the research. You’ve weighed the costs. It’s time to trap smarter — not more expensively.
Boar Blanket does the job better, cheaper, and without the headaches.
Cellular Hog Traps vs Boar Blanket: FAQ
Q: What is a cellular hog trap?
A: A steel trap with a remote-trigger gate system, controlled via camera feed and app — often requiring solar, power, and signal.
Q: Is HogEye a trap?
A: No. HogEye is a cellular camera. It pairs with other traps but doesn’t trap hogs on its own.
Q: How does Boar Blanket trap pigs without a trigger?
A: Hogs enter through ground-level netting. Once inside, they cannot escape — and new pigs continue entering.
Q: Can Boar Blanket be set up without any equipment?
A: Yes. It includes anchors and hardware, and requires no cell signal or external gear.
Q: Which is more cost-effective?
A: Boar Blanket offers a lower upfront cost and no recurring tech expenses — with better results for whole sounder capture.