Boar Hunting in Canada

It's important to know rules and recommendations when boar hunting in Canada.

A boar is a strong, aggressive feral pig that lives in the dense forests and mountains of Canada. Although elk, deer, caribou and bear hunting reign as the most popular game, some hunters prefer boar because they make prized trophies and produce a variety of meat cuts. Resident and visiting tourists travel there to hunt the animal on private land, reserves and in the boar's natural habitat.

Where to Hunt

It's best to hunt boars in the dense forests of Canada. Boars are cautious animals that do move about throughout the day, but are most active at dawn and dusk.

There are several hunting reserves and firms that allow hunters to stalk and kill boar. You can visit one of these reserves to hunt, as some firms offer guidance, big game trophy guarantees, lodging and hunting packages.

What to Wear

Canada's temperatures vary drastically from summer to winter, so it's important to dress accordingly for the time of year you hunt boar in Canada. In the winter months, temperatures fall below freezing throughout most of the country, although the southwestern coast has a relatively mild climate then.

The summer months in the southern provinces have high levels of humidity and have temperatures that can surpass 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

The western and southwestern areas of Canada experience high rainfall throughout much of the year, but the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba remain mostly dry.

Weapons to Use

A Canadian hunting license and other identification cards are required in each province where you want to hunt boar. Be sure you have the proper identification and licensure for each province before hunting in Canada, and if you are a nonresident, you must declare your firearm(s) to U.S. Customs.

Nonresidents are permitted to bring hunting and sporting weapons into Canada, but handguns, semi-automatic and automatic weapons are prohibited.

A boar is about 3 feet high and 4 ½ to 6 feet long. Male boars can weigh anywhere from 160 to 450 pounds, while females weigh about 75 to 325 pounds, so it's recommended you use a rifle when hunting them. However, a bow is also a weapon that will take down a boar, although the use of one requires accuracy, good track work and familiarity with the terrain.

Trophies and Meat

Boars are very large animals that can have tusks as long as 9 inches, making them prized trophies for hunters. Many reserves and hunting firms in Canada offer taxidermy services to preserve your prize.

Boar can also be dressed for variety of meat cuts, including loin chops and roasts, ribs, sausages, shoulder chops, bacon, leg steaks, smoked hams, pepperoni, tenderloin, French racks, hocks, shoulder, and leg and butt roasts.

Tips to Remember

Never hunt alone. This helps ensure your safety. It's also useful to have a partner to help carry your trophy back to your vehicle.

A boar has an excellent sense of smell and can detect scents such as body order, cigarette smoke, cologne or even human urine. If they smell you, they will not come around that area. However, there are many products that can help hide your scent.

Be quiet. Don't bring a radio unless you have an ear piece to go with it. It will frighten off the animal.

References

• Big Tusks: Meat
• Discover Canadian Outdoors: The Quest for Canada's Famous Wild Game
• Hunting Society: Boar Hunting
• Hunting Tips R Us: Wild Boar Hunting Guides and Outfitters -- Trips and Hunts
• Trail Canada: Climate and Weather in Canada