txmarshmonkey.. what caused the tree to be so ravaged? I'm from Wisconsin and never hunted hogs but intend to next year. Was there some kind of salt or bait put around that tree to cause the hogs to do such damage? I've seen deer do that kind of damage if you bait next to a tree or salt a tree.

I've been watching hunting shows of hog hunts in Texas and Florida and have finally decided I just have to get down there and try that. I want to hunt them with a muzzleloader which should make it more interesting. So excuse me if I ask a lot of what seems to be simple questions. I hate to be uninformed when I hunt something. I think the first time out, I will hire a guide just to make sure I do things right, see hogs, and learn something.