Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter and Outdoorsman
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A spear is a traditional weapon used to hunt for boar. It is one of the best ways to put your skills to the test. I’ve always been curious about using this technique; here’s what you need to know about hunting a boar with a spear.
There are two options you have when hunting boar. You can either stalk the animal or try still hunting. Both will have pros and cons. Either way, you’ll need to practice your spear-throwing technique. This will give you the best penetration.
Hunting boar with a spear is one of the oldest ways to harvest these animals. But it’s also one of the most dangerous; if the boar charges, you can be facing severe injuries. Let’s look at everything you need to know to have a safe and successful hunt.
What’s the Best Way to Hunt Boar With a Spear?
Hunting for boar with spears, also known as pig-sticking, isn’t new. It was prevalent in the 19th Century. However, when tools like the rifle and the bow and arrow became more popular, spear hunting became less popular. Today, though, spear hunting is still commonly practiced.
If you want to give it a go, there are two effective techniques that you will be able to use. You can either stalk the animal or use still hunting. Each of these will be best for different types of hunters.
How Do You Stalk a Boar?
Some hunters will prefer to stalk their prey. This means that you will be actively moving through the environment, trying to get closer to the animal. By doing this, you will be able to get into the perfect position for an excellent shot.
To successfully stalk a boar, you will need to move slowly. They will be able to detect signs of movement and hear any twigs snapping. This is even more important in rough undergrowth. You don’t want to risk falling over. You will also need to use scent-blocking sprays, so the boar can’t detect your scent.
While stalking can get you into a better position, it’s also a potentially dangerous technique. You will be leaving yourself open to attacks. If threatened, boars have been known to charge at the hunter. These attacks can be fatal, resulting in four deaths. This is one of the reasons why it’s recommended that spear hunters carry a gun with them.
You will also need to think about where you are stalking the boar. If you are doing this on public land, you could upset other hunters. You might end up blocking their shot or spooking the boar. Because of this, it’s better to stalk on private property.
How to Still-Hunt a Boar?
The other technique that you can use is known as still hunting. This will require you to pick a spot and lie in wait. This can be on the ground or in a tree stand. Because boar have good eyesight, you will need to be very still and quiet. When the boar comes into position, you can take your shot.
If you’re doing this, you shouldn’t have any problems with fellow hunters. However, you will need to put your patience to the test. There is no guarantee that a boar will appear. You could spend days waiting for your shot.
Even if it does, there is only a limited distance from that you can throw the spear. You’ll need to wait for the boar to move towards you.
Where Should You Hit For a Kill Shot?
Once the boar is in place, it’s time to take your shot. The key is to aim between the shoulder blades. This is where the vital organs are located. A good hit to this area should kill the boar within minutes.
Missing this area can spook the animal. Even worse, they can charge you. Because of this, it’s a good idea to practice your throw before you start hunting. You’ll also need to build the physical strength to throw the spear. This workout will get you into shape before your next trip.
How to Throw a Spear?
The throwing technique you use is key to determining how well you will be able to do against a boar. If you don’t throw the spear properly, you won’t penetrate deeply enough to do any real damage. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll make it angry, causing it to charge at you.
The first thing that you need to do is find the balance point. You can do this by moving your finger up and down the spear, trying to see where it will balance naturally. Often, this will be towards the front of the spear because of the heavy head. When throwing, you want to grip the spear at the balance point. Hold it like a pencil. This will give you a smooth release.
Next, you’ll need to position your body. You don’t want to be facing the boar head-on. Instead, you’ll want to be on the side. This will allow you to twist your body as you throw, putting more force behind the spear. Bring your throwing arm back, keeping it straight. You can use the other arm to aim. This video goes into more depth on how to aim and throw your spear.
Before you start hunting, you’ll want to spend some time practicing. Use a soft target, like a hay bale. This will ensure that you don’t accidentally dent or damage the point of the spear.
How Can You Find a Good Spear For Boar Hunting?
Unlike ancient spears, modern weapons are far more than just sharpened wood. They have been designed to be able to kill a large boar with a single throw. You’ll need to look for a few things to find the ideal spear for you.
First, you’ll need to consider how much it weighs. A heavier spear will deliver deeper penetration and cause more damage. But they will be harder to throw. This means that you will need to get closer to the boar to be effective.
It’s essential to consider what the spear will be made from. You need a strong material that will prove durable. Most modern spears will use things like steel and carbon fiber. However, they might still use wooden handles to improve your grip. Often, this wood will be polished to make it stronger.
Lastly, you’ll need to consider the type of head. When hunting for boar, you will need to use a larger head. You want something that will go deep under the skin and cause a lot of damage. Ideally, it should be able to open up a large wound.
This will weaken the boar and create a blood trail. Before you start hunting, remember to sharpen the head.
Even if you are carrying a good spear with you, you’ll also want to take a gun. This is vital in emergencies. If you land the shot, but the boar doesn’t die, shooting it is humane. Also, if the boar starts charging, you’ll want a way of defending yourself.
Final Thoughts
Spear hunting is one of the most exciting ways to harvest boar. It requires a lot of skill to stalk your prey and get into the perfect position to throw your spear. Hopefully, you’ll be able to use these tips to kill these dangerous wild boars with a spear successfully.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.