Hog Hunting

[TxHunter73]

This year will be the first year that I hunthogs. My 9yr old came to me this summer and asked, "Daddy, I want to shoot a pig this year." Without hesitation, I responded, "Absolutely!" Now here comes the silly part, I have plenty of hogs where I deer hunt so taking one shouldn't be a problem. My question is, do you clean a hog the same way you do a deer? Feild dressing, skinning, quatering, the whole thing. I know this sounds silly, but I have nere hunted hogs ever...

Thanks

[falcon]

First, you need to know that a hogs vitals are in a somewhat different location than that of a deer. The heart is very low. See:

http://www.texasboars.com/anatomy.html

Field dressing a hog is about as straight forward asfield dressinga deer. Getting the skin off a hog is a chore and you can easily gethair and crap all over the meat. This is why i just take the field dressed hog to the butcher.In this hot weather you need to get the pig on ice ASAP if it is going to a butcher shop. If you cut the hog up in the field the meat must go on icevery quickly.

Good luck: Get those hogs!!!!

[The Rev]

Don't mess with all the dressing business. Take out the back strap... Take off the two hams, and shoulders, and leave the rest..

I don't even field dress one, unless it's a real small pig and we are going to roast it whole.

If you intend to skin it, I use a hook blade knife like they use on roofing shingles. I cut the skin about four inches apart and the skin comes off real easy. Just remove the strips.

Cleaning a pig is easier than a deer. Just try not to gut shoot one,,, it will stink to high heaven. Another reason, I don't field dress a pig.

[Rebel Hog]

Dr. Hillman urges hunters to:


1. Avoid eating or drinking (or reaching for cigarettes or chewing tobacco) when field-dressing or handling carcasses. Don"™t risk putting "œgerms"� directly in your mouth.
2. Put on latex or rubber gloves before making the first cut.
3. Wear long sleeves to avoid getting animal blood into scratches, open wounds or skin lesions.
4. Wear a dust mask and glasses or safety goggles to prevent blood or bodily fluids from splashing into eyes, nose or mouth.
5. As much as possible, avoid contact with reproductive organs and fetuses.
6. Wash hands thoroughly and disinfect knives when finished.
7. Launder hunting clothes in hot water as soon as possible.
8. Follow safe-handling procedures with the meat and cook it to at least 160 degrees.
Although rarely seen today, humans can contract swine brucellosis with symptoms that can include night sweats, swollen joints, back pain and general illness.
Consult doctor
A hunter who is cut while field-dressing a feral hog, exposed to the animal"™s blood or bodily fluids, or develops symptoms comparable to those listed, should consult a physician, so appropriate diagnostic tests can be run. Medical care and antibiotic treatment are essential for recovery, says Hillman.
"œHunters should not be overly concerned, but they should practice good hygiene when handling carcasses of any animals,"� he says. "œThese basic bio-security measures are a good habit to develop and can protect your health."�

[falcon]

Rebel Hog, everything that you say one should do when field dressing or butchering a hog. i knew a guy in the Army who came down with trichinosis from eatingpartially cookedsausage. He was one sick puppy fora fewmonths. On top of that he is Jewish and his very rich Orthodox grand parents took him out of their will.

[TxHunter73]

Thanks guys for your responses....