Wildlife

Wild Boar Hunting and Welfare Standards

Wild boar are hunted across Europe and North America in large numbers, and the welfare of hunted animals depends critically on shot placement, caliber selection, and hunter skill.

Key Facts

Wild boar are among the most difficult game animals to kill cleanly due to their anatomy and running behavior
Wounding rates in boar hunting are estimated at 15-30% in some studies, meaning many animals die slowly after being shot
Night hunting using thermal sights improves shot placement accuracy and reduces wounding rates
Dogs used in boar hunting can be severely injured or killed during hunts, adding a secondary welfare concern

Welfare Considerations

Wild boar hunting welfare involves both the welfare of hunted boar and of hunting dogs used to locate and bay them. Wounded boar that escape die slowly from infection and internal bleeding. Dogs used in hunting suffer injury from boar tusks and are exposed to significant predation risk. Improving hunting standards through accuracy requirements and wounding follow-up reduces suffering.

What You Can Do

Advocate for hunter proficiency testing requirements that reduce boar wounding rates
Support mandatory reporting of wounded animals and follow-up obligations for hunters
Engage with hunting organizations on welfare standards for both quarry and hunting dogs
Support non-lethal population management alternatives for wild boar where feasible
Never use hunting dogs in conditions that expose them to severe injury risk without protective equipment