How to Make Saloon Style Hog Traps

Locate a level surface in an area that has seen recent feral hog activity. The area should be far enough away from trees that the root systems won't interfere in driving the T posts into the ground. Feral hogs care little for the cover of trees unless they are being chased, so an open looking saloon-style hog trap in the middle of a field shouldn't frighten them.

Prop up one of the cattle panels using three T posts, one at either end and one in the middle. Don't drive the T posts in fully just yet, the trap must be shaped first.

Set up a second panel next to the first and overlap the two panels by 12 inches. Begin a curve in the second panel to start shaping the trap into a circle. In square traps, the hogs have a tendency to pile up in the corners and climb out on each other's backs. The saloon-style round traps prevent that.

Continue the curving with a third, fourth, fifth and sixth panels until the trap resembles a circle. Once the circle is sufficiently rounded and complete with each panel overlapping the previous one by 12 inches you can begin securing the panels together.

Inspect each T post to make sure the cattle panels are securely fastened to the panels. Note the small "hooks" facing downward on the T posts every 2 to 3 inches. Guide each wire on the cattle panels to be tucked under a hook. Drive the T post into the ground with a rubber mallet when each wire on the cattle panel has been "hooked." Repeat this step with each T post.

Measure the double door frame length and width. Use wire cutters and beginning in the center of the remaining cattle panel, cut out an open space in the panel to match the size of the double door frame. The door to the trap must be strong to prevent the hogs from forcing their way out and at the same time must allow easy access to the interior of the trap. A door that is too difficult to push open to get at the bait will discourage hogs who are "trap-shy" from entering. Since these doors are sold separately from the whole trap, it's best to get a commercially manufactured door.

Weld the cattle panel edges in the area you just cut out to the door frame. If you are planning on moving the trap to different locations, use eight-gauge wire to "tie" the door to the cattle panel frame. Reinforce the left and right sides of the door by using the additional T posts and driving them into the ground.

Dig a hole in the center of the saloon-style hog trap and drop some bait in the hole. Soured corn should draw them in easily.