"Another thing to look for is an area with a lot of blown-down timber that's rotting," Ayers said. "Decaying timber is full of forage opportunities for pigs. Also, leftover mast crops that have been covered by leaves are great natural places to look. These places are usually bypassed by deer and squirrels, but hogs will root them out. Fresh rooting is the sign you're seeking here as well."

Airey noted that natural food is at a premium during midwinter for most animals, and hogs are certainly no exception.

"They have food they can survive on, but this is probably the easiest time of the year to bait them in to corn, which is legal for hogs," Airey said. "We like to find an area where they're already using, then use the corn to funnel them to the exact place we want them to go."

Airey said even though they are really tuned in to bait at this time of year, they still don't get too careless. Proper planning is still the key to success.

"Just as with deer hunting, you've got to play the wind just right to be successful. The sense of smell is their number one ally and if they get wind of a human, they'll just stay put and not feed. Or they won't walk out until you're long gone for the evening."

Another highly interesting concept Airey and Ayers are working on is the use of scents for wild hogs.

"Tinks is coming out with hog scents in 2008 and we're field testing them right now," Airey said. "We've got 'Sow in Heat' hog urine and 'Dominate Hog' urine. We've not had the opportunity to test the products much before now, but it's showing some real promise. While using the scent, we've had some hogs come out into the open earlier than we'd normally expect. Plus, we know it doesn't disturb them from eating when it's placed around bait."

Ayers added it seems logical that hog scents will work, at least to some degree.

"With hogs having such an excellent sense of smell, it's only logical it will have an effect," Ayers said. "I know if we play the wind wrong and they smell us, the game is over. But if they get the scent of other hogs, it should have a positive impact for the hunter. This is something that's got us pumped up to learn how they will react to the scents."

Both Ayers and Airey also like to stalk hunt for the pigs during the winter months.

"The cold, wet time of the year is the ideal time to stalk hunt pigs," Airey said. "Not a lot of hunters seem to try this, but it is a great sport and one that will certainly help you improve your woodsmanship skills."

Ayers added that he begins a stalk in an area that's full of fresh hog sign.

"It's easy to see when you're in a good area, there's fresh rooting and tracks everywhere you look. I like to hunt areas that are in the major drainages of the larger river bottoms. It's good to start out knowing there are a lot of hogs in the area. If I can determine the basic route through the river bottom the hogs are working, I'll stalk with the wind in my favor. That way, when I do see a hog, or usually a group of hogs, I have the opportunity to slip in close for a good shot. Many times, you can simply use the natural cover and terrain in the area to hide your movements and you can get in close for a 40- to 60-yard shot."