What’s new for hog hunting in 2026

If you hunt feral hogs long enough, you learn that these pests adapt, spread, and reproduce like crazy. Luckily, hog hunting gear is evolving at the same pace. New gear, smarter tactics, and shifting regulations are changing how American hunters go after feral hogs — and making it more effective (and a whole lot more fun). Here’s what’s new in 2026 and what matters most if you’re serious about laying down some hogs.

Smarter Night Hunting Tech (and Wider Adoption)

Night hunting has been a thing for a while now, but 2026 is the year for it to go officially mainstream. Thermal optics are lighter and clearer than before, and batteries have longer lifespans and faster recharge times. The visuals some of this tech offers make you feel like you’re in a real-life video game.

Clip-on thermals have become a game-changer too, enabling hunters to modify their existing rifles rather than purchase a dedicated hog hunting rifle. Clip-ons are pricey, but there is good news for those who want a dedicated hog rifle – entry-level thermal scope prices continue to drop.

2026 Caliber Trends – Practical Over Flashy

The caliber wars have settled down a bit (how many internet worm holes have you crawled down reading such debates?). In the new year, hog hunters are choosing what works. After all, these are hogs that we are hunting, not some rare and elusive African prey. If you’re looking for a new hog hunting set-up, spend some time researching the following:

• .223/5.56 with proper bullets for volume shooting
• .300 Blackout (especially suppressed)
• .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor for open land and longer shots

What’s not trending for 2026? Overpowered novelty calibers that beat you up and slow follow-ups. The focus now is accuracy, control, and speed.

Suppressors Are Becoming Standard

Suppressors are becoming commonplace with hog hunters leading the pack. They offer less recoil, better follow-up shots, reduced noise fatigue on long hunts, and minimize disturbance to livestock and nearby properties.

In 2026, suppressor-ready rifles and threaded barrels are basically assumed when building a hog setup. If you’re not hunting with a suppressor, 2026 is your year to fix that.

Side-by-Side and Truck Setups For Hog Hunting

Hog hunters love their rigs, and manufacturers are paying attention. For example, new to the market (FINALLY) is a rugged, built-to-last gun mount for your side-by-side or truck. XFrames, based in Kentucky, manufactures several SxS gun mounts made from American steel, for over 75 rifles. Best of all, they are affordable! They are sold at a fraction of the cost of most hog-hunting gear and accessories.

Final Thoughts on Hog Hunting in 2026

Like most things, hog hunting in 2026 is smarter, more efficient, and more gear-driven than ever — but at its core, it’s still about problem-solving, marksmanship, and time spent outdoors with good people. Whether you’re running thermals from a side-by-side at midnight or stalking creek bottoms at dawn, one thing hasn’t changed – there are still too many hogs, and hog hunters are still desperately needed.

Author bio:

Kat Hobza, daughter of nationally acclaimed gunsmith, Andy Cannon, grew up in the mountains of Western Montana, where Andy taught his girls to hunt, fish, and shoot handguns competitively. Still a resident of Western Montana, Kat continues to enjoy all the outdoor recreation her dad shared with her in her youth. When Kat isn’t helping her clients with their marketing, she can be found fly-fishing, golfing, on a riverbank, or enjoying some dirt church on the backroads of Montana.