Europeans have been doing it for years — and even here in Canada it has caught on in some regions. Manitobans can do it year-round.

I'm talking about hunting wild boars. Actually, to be correct, hunting "feral hogs." They're not wild because they're not native — most are escaped domestic boars from failed boar farms the Feds encouraged in the 1980s. But that's what they're not.

What they are is a challenging hunt. What they are is delicious. And for Albertans, what they are about to become is a certified "pest." This means hunters and landowners are free to eradicate them.

What this means for me, and more than likely many of you, is the prospect of a new hunt opening up province-wide, one we never have to wait for an opening day to engage in.

But more experienced boar hunters than me have let me in on a few secrets. First, despite what the government and some farmers would have you believe, the countryside is not overrun with boars. In fact, I've never seen one in the wild. Have you?

Also, boars have some habits that are the exact opposite of what a hunter wants to hear. First, they're practically nocturnal. They are rarely seen out in the open during legal light. Not good. Second, they prefer extremely heavy bush, again, making spotting them difficult.

And third, they are almost always found on private land — so be nice people, and make sure whoever gives you access is rewarded with a juicy leg of boar for his troubles. And above all: no means no. Move on, there are boar elsewhere.

As far as your gear — a .30-06 will do the trick, but make sure you're firing a bullet that will hang together to provide adequate penetration through those thick hides. And bowhunters — I'd say 50 to 55 pounds of draw would be the key, with a 125-grain broadhead.

Which leads me to my final thought — bowhunting for boars; it sounds like the perfect match. Think about it: the heavy brush will call for close range shots, the fact that you need to ambush these things as they make their way from bedding to feeding grounds means a treestand could work well (which also puts you out of range of gnashing teeth and goring tusks) and for those landowners who may not want rifle shots year-round on their properties, bow hunters again will have the upper hand.

Any other tips? I'd like to hear them. Comment below!