What Is a Net Hog Trap?

Net hog traps are lightweight, high-performance systems designed to capture entire groups of feral hogs—also known as sounders—without relying on metal gates or drop panels. These traps are circular or skirt-style enclosures made from heavy-duty netting, staked to the ground, and reinforced by tension.

Net traps like the Boar Blanket are gaining traction because they:

  • Deploy faster with fewer components
  • Are easier to transport
  • Provide a lower profile that’s less visible to hogs
  • Cost less than metal corral systems

With rising demand for scalable, mobile hog trapping methods, net traps are becoming the go-to solution for modern landowners and wildlife managers.

How Net Hog Traps Work: Boar Blanket as a Case Study

Unlike panel traps, net traps rely on behavior—not force—to capture feral hogs. The Boar Blanket is a prime example of passive trapping done right.

Phase 1: Conditioning

The trap area is baited and the net is raised above ground and secured to nearby posts or trees. Hogs are encouraged to enter the feeding area and learn that it’s safe.

Phase 2: Transition to Trap Mode

Once the sounder is feeding consistently, the net is lowered to ground level. Because they’re already conditioned to the location, hogs walk into the trap area none the wiser.

Phase 3: Passive Capture

As hogs move deeper under the net to feed, the net tension naturally captures them. No gates slam. No human interaction required. The structure tightens, and pigs are unable to exit.

For a full guide on this approach, visit our dedicated post.

Net Hog Traps vs Panels: Why Lighter Traps Work Better

FeatureNet TrapsPanel Traps (Traditional)
Setup TimeUnder 1 hour2–4 hours or more
PortabilityLightweight, come in a small boxHeavy panels need trailers
Hog Education RiskLow (passive setup)High (noise, gates, visual cues)
CostMore affordableExpensive (panels, gates, tools)

\As detailed in our feral hog net trap comparison blog , Boar Blanket outpaces traditional systems in almost every category that matters.

Common Misconceptions About Net Hog Traps

Let’s bust some myths:

  • “They’re not strong enough.”
    Boar Blanket uses #36 knotted nylon, a proven standard used in commercial fishing and industrial-grade barriers.
  • “Hogs can chew through it.”
    The double-layer design and downward force tension prevent chew-through or escape.
  • “They’re only good for small sounders.”
    The Boar Blanket trap spans ~20 ft across and has caught entire sounders, as highlighted in the whole-sounder blog.

Expert Endorsements & Field Results

According to our research, field results show that net traps can remove 70–90% of a local hog population when deployed correctly. Agencies like the USDA and Texas Parks & Wildlife increasingly recommend full-sounder capture methods over one-off shooting or single-pig snaring.

Trap designs like Boar Blanket align with these recommendations and reflect best practices endorsed in modern wildlife management.

Final Thoughts: Smarter Trapping Starts with the Net

If you’re serious about reducing feral hog damage—whether it’s crops, fencing, pastures, or wildlife habitat—net traps offer a smarter, simpler, and more scalable solution than steel panels.

Boar Blanket isn’t just a net. It’s a proven system backed by research, real-world use, and evolving trap science.

Need more details?

  • Visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions
  • Review the product page for specs, setup, and pricing

Explore the whole-sounder blog to understand our full trapping methodology