Oklahoma is home to an estimated 500,000 feral hogs, with populations spreading rapidly through farmland, river bottoms, and forests. For sportsmen, Oklahoma hog hunting has become both a challenge and a necessity as these invasive animals cause tens of millions in agricultural damage each year, uprooting crops, destroying pastureland, and competing with deer for acorns and other natural food sources.

For hunters, Oklahoma offers unique opportunities: hogs may be hunted year-round with no bag limits, but hunters must follow state licensing rules and regulations for night hunts and trapping. As the 2025 deer season approaches, hunters should understand how hog pressure affects whitetail success and land management.

See how the Boar Blanket Hog Trap in Oklahoma allows landowners to capture whole sounders quietly and efficiently.

Do You Need a License for Oklahoma Hog Hunting?

Yes. Oklahoma requires a valid hunting license for both residents and non-residents to pursue feral hogs.

  • Private Land: License required; hunting allowed year-round with landowner permission.
  • Public Land: License required; hog hunting tied to other open game seasons.
  • Special Memberships: Some outfitters require an Oklahoma Feral Swine Control Association (OFSCA) membership for guided hunts.

Deer vs. Hogs: Deer hunting requires tags, harvest reporting, and specific season windows. Hog hunting requires only a license — no tags, no bag limits.

Can You Hunt Feral Hogs Year-Round in Oklahoma?

Yes. Feral hogs are legal to hunt every month of the year with no bag limits.

SpeciesSeason Dates (2025)Notes
Feral HogsYear-roundPrivate land, no bag limit
Deer – ArcheryOct 1 – Jan 15, 2026Longest deer season window
Deer – FirearmsNov 22 – Dec 7, 2025Strict harvest rules
Deer – MuzzleloaderOct 25 – Nov 2, 2025Limited opportunity
Deer – YouthOct 18 – Oct 19, 2025Ages 16 & under only

Night Hunting Rules:

  • Allowed on private land with landowner consent.
  • Must notify the county sheriff’s office 24 hours before hunting.
  • Night vision, thermal scopes, and suppressors permitted (with ATF paperwork).

What Types of Hogs Are Found in Oklahoma Hog Hunting?

Oklahoma hogs include:

  • Domestic feral hogs – Escaped farm pigs, highly prolific.
  • Eurasian wild boar – Larger tusked animals, introduced for sport.
  • Hybrids – Most common, highly adaptable across the state.

These hogs thrive in Oklahoma’s Cross Timbers, Red River valleys, and Panhandle farmland, making them a statewide challenge for hunters and landowners.

How Do Feral Hogs Affect Deer Hunting in Oklahoma?

  • Food Competition: Hogs consume acorns, corn, and crops deer rely on.
  • Plot Destruction: Rooting tears up winter food plots intended for whitetails.
  • Feeder Domination: Hog sounders quickly overtake corn feeders, pushing deer aside.
  • Predation: Hogs prey on fawns and ground-nesting bird eggs.
  • Habitat Damage: Rooting and wallowing damage forest understory and creek beds.

Whitetail hunters report fewer sightings in hog-heavy regions, particularly along river systems where hog populations are dense.

Legal Methods for Hog Control in Oklahoma Hog Hunting

  • Trapping: Effective year-round. The Boar Blanket provides quiet, full-sounder captures with minimal setup.
  • Night Hunting: Allowed on private land with consent and sheriff notification. Thermal and night vision permitted.
  • Public Land: Hog hunting tied to open game seasons and weapon restrictions for those seasons.
  • Aerial Control: Permits available for helicopter-based hog eradication.
  • Transport Restrictions: Transporting live hogs requires registration with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

FAQs

Can I use night vision to hunt hogs in Oklahoma?
Yes, with landowner permission and sheriff notification.

Do I need tags for hogs like I do for deer?
No. A license is required, but hogs have no tags or bag limits.

Can non-residents hunt hogs in Oklahoma?
Yes. A non-resident hunting license is required.

Can I trap hogs on public land?
Only with permits and during open game seasons.

Are hogs dangerous to hunt in Oklahoma?
Yes. Large boars can be aggressive. Always hunt safely and use proper firearms.

Related Resources

Final Thoughts

Feral hogs are one of Oklahoma’s biggest wildlife challenges, with populations expanding every year. For hunters and landowners, hog control is essential not only for protecting crops but also for preserving deer season success.The Boar Blanket offers a legal, efficient way to capture entire sounders, giving Oklahoma hunters the tools they need to protect whitetails and farmland alike.