Does the Moon Phase Affect Wild Hogs?
Hunters love to talk about moon phases when it comes to deer and other game, but what about wild hogs? Do hogs act different on a full moon? The short answer: not really.
Full Moon Behavior
Wild hogs are creatures of habit — they’re going to eat, root, and travel no matter what the moon is doing. But on bright nights, they tend to stick closer to the cover of trees or stay tucked along brush lines instead of walking wide out into the open fields. The reason is simple: in the open, they’re easier for predators like coyotes (and hunters like us) to spot.
How It Affects Hunting
A full moon doesn’t stop hogs from moving, but it can make it harder for us to sneak up on them. In open fields, hogs may be more alert since there’s more light, so you’ll often find them hanging back near cover instead of charging into the middle of a pasture. With the right equipment — especially thermal optics — hunters can still catch them slipping out of the brush, but you might have to adjust your approach.
The Bottom Line
The moon doesn’t shut hogs down like it can with other game, but it does change where they feel comfortable moving. They’re still out there, still rooting and feeding, just a little more cautious when the night sky is lit up.
👉 Want to see how we hunt hogs no matter the moon phase? Book a hunt with Pork Police and let us show you how thermal gear and spot-and-stalk tactics keep the action hot even on the brightest nights.