Feral hogs are a growing threat across the United States, causing over $2.5 billion in damages annually. For landowners, ranchers, and agricultural producers, this isn’t just an environmental problem—it’s an economic crisis. Whether you’re managing 50 acres or 500, the presence of wild hogs means daily threats to crops, livestock, fencing, and native ecosystems. So what are the true hog trapping costs? We’ll break down the cost to trap hogs in this article.
Yet for many, the cost of trapping remains an unknown. How much does it actually cost to trap hogs? What kind of trap should you buy, and how do those costs compare over time?
In this blog, we’ll walk through the full breakdown of hog trapping costs—from entry-level setups to commercial-grade systems—and show why the Boar Blanket is one of the most affordable and scalable solutions available today.
Learn how the Boar Blanket system is set up in under an hour.
FAQ: Hog Trapping Cost Questions Answered
Here are some of the most common questions landowners ask when considering hog trapping systems and what to expect financially:
1. How much does it cost to trap hogs?
Costs vary, but depending on the system and time investment, it can range from $15–$150 per hog when factoring in equipment, bait, and labor.
2. Are passive net systems cheaper over time?
Yes. Unlike tech-based traps, passive nets like the Boar Blanket don’t require subscriptions, batteries, or repairs—making them more affordable long-term.
3. What’s the average hog trapping cost?
Entry-level box traps may cost $600–$2,000, while drop traps and high-tech corral systems can cost upwards of $5,000. The Boar Blanket offers a premium net system at around $2,200.
4. Are DIY hog traps a viable option?
DIY traps can be cheaper upfront but often underperform, require more labor, and may not capture entire sounders—leading to recurring damage and costs.
5. Do I need to budget for accessories or tech with a net trap?
No. The Boar Blanket includes all required ropes, rings, and seams. There are no ongoing tech or monitoring costs.
6. How often will I need to replace or repair my trap?
That depends on the type. Steel and electronic traps often need maintenance. The Boar Blanket is made with UV-treated nylon and designed to last years with minimal upkeep.
7. Can I move the Boar Blanket to different areas of my property?
Absolutely. It’s built for portability and fast redeployment, making it ideal for rotating trapping across large properties.
8. Is hog trapping cost -effective compared to hunting?
Yes. Hunting rarely eliminates entire sounders, while traps like the Boar Blanket can capture full groups in one session—saving time and money.
9. What’s the return on investment for a $2,200 trap?
If a Boar Blanket traps just 20 hogs at an average damage value of $100 per pig, the system pays for itself.
10. Where can I learn more about the Boar Blanket and its setup?
Visit our Trap Setup Guide
The Cost of Hog Damage: Why Trapping Is a Smart Investment
Before comparing trap prices, it’s important to consider the cost of doing nothing. According to the USDA, feral hogs cause more than $2.5 billion in agricultural and property damages each year across the U.S. In states like Texas, that means tens of millions lost to ruined pastures, broken fences, and trampled crops.
For individual ranchers, damages typically fall into these categories:
- Crop destruction (corn, soybeans, peanuts, rice, etc.)
- Infrastructure damage (fencing, irrigation systems)
- Livestock injury or displacement
- Soil erosion and water contamination
The hidden costs? Time, labor, and emotional toll. Chasing pigs out of fields at night, patching torn fences, or explaining damage to clients or insurers all adds up.
Understand how feral hogs are taking over the South
Common Hog Trapping Methods & General Cost to Trap Hogs
Let’s look at common hog trapping systems available on the market and how much they typically cost:
Box Traps ($600–$2,000) – Hog Trapping Costs
- Pros: Inexpensive, simple, portable.
- Cons: Capture only 1–2 hogs, labor-intensive, hogs become trap-shy quickly.
- Verdict: Better for isolated problem pigs—not effective for whole sounders.
Corral Traps ($2,500–$5,000) – Hog Trapping Costs
- Pros: Capture larger numbers, reusable, durable materials.
- Cons: Heavy equipment needed for setup, fixed location, high upfront cost.
- Verdict: Best for large ranches with manpower and equipment access.
Drop Traps ($5,000+) – Hog Trapping Costs
- Pros: Effective for entire sounders, remote-trigger options.
- Cons: Expensive, require power, cameras, and cell service.
- Verdict: High tech, high risk—especially in remote areas.
Passive Net Systems (~$2,200) – Hog Trapping Costs
- Pros: No tech required, scalable, captures full sounders, easy setup.
- Cons: Requires proper placement and site selection.
- Verdict: Most efficient all-around investment for landowners without infrastructure.
View Boar Blanket product specs here
The Boar Blanket Advantage: Performance Without Complexity
Unlike cage or drop traps that depend on gates, gravity, or tech-triggered systems, the Boar Blanket uses a passive net design that hogs push into while feeding. Once inside, the tapered net structure prevents escape, allowing the entire group to be captured.
Benefits:
- No batteries, signal, or apps needed
- Can be set up in under 60 minutes by a single person
- Durable UV-treated materials
- Captures entire sounders, reducing trap-shyness
- Relocatable, allowing multiple trapping zones
This makes the Boar Blanket an ideal solution for ranchers in remote areas without cellular access or those managing trapping on their own.
Ready to buy? View the trap system options here
Total Cost to Trap Hogs: The Hidden Savings
Buying a trap is one thing—maintaining it is another. Systems with cameras, gates, motors, or electronics often break, rust, or fail due to weather, mud, and hog activity.
By contrast, the Boar Blanket has no moving parts, no electronics to troubleshoot, and is made of industrial-strength materials designed to last. There are also no monthly fees, no SIM cards, and no gate triggers to worry about.
Over 12–18 months, ranchers typically spend hundreds less on repairs, re-baiting, and missed catches. And the time saved from not babysitting the system? Priceless.
Compare Boar Blanket setup vs tech-heavy traps
Final Thoughts on Hog Trapping Costs : Affordable, Effective, and Built for the Field
Trapping hogs is not optional for most landowners—it’s essential. But that doesn’t mean you need to overpay for overengineered systems. The cost to trap hogs should not be astronomical.
With the Boar Blanket, you’re investing in a proven, rugged tool that delivers real-world results without hidden costs or complex tech. It’s the smart middle ground between expensive drop traps and outdated box traps—designed to deliver value year after year.