May 2026 Texas Wild Pig Hunting Skills Camp with Hank Shaw
There are experiences that change how you think about hunting, food, and conservation, and then there’s the Texas Wild Pig Hunting Skills Camp with Hank Shaw. This immersive 3-night, 4-day program combines expert instruction in shooting, hunting, butchering, and cooking wild pigs with the camaraderie of like-minded outdoorspeople. Set in the rugged beauty of North Texas and featuring award-winning chef and outdoorsman Hank Shaw, this camp is more than a weekend trip; it’s a holistic journey from field to table.
If you’ve ever wanted to deepen your outdoor skills, put ethical harvesting into practice, and return home with not just stories but actual wild pork ready for your table, this is the camp for you. No matter if you’re an experienced hunter or have never pulled a rifle’s trigger, this weekend is designed to teach, inspire, and elevate your understanding of wild game and self-sufficiency.
Dates: 14-17 May 2026
Duration: 3 nights, 4 days
Where: near Jacksboro, TX (1.5 hours from DFW airport)
Cost: $2850 per person (deposit option available)
Discover Wild Pig Hunting: Why It Matters
Wild pigs are one of the most destructive invasive species in the United States. Texas, in particular, has a significant wild hog population that wreaks havoc on ecosystems, farmland, and native wildlife. By participating in this camp, you’re directly aiding landowners in ethical animal control while also harvesting incredibly flavorful and nutritious meat.
This isn’t just about going on a hunt. It’s about understanding your role as a responsible sportsman or sportswoman, balancing sustainable practices with skill development and appreciation for the land. You’ll learn not only how to harvest responsibly but also how to maximize what you take, turning wild pork into memorable meals long after the camp ends.
A Camp Built for All Skill Levels
What sets this experience apart is its inclusivity. The camp is structured to meet you where you are and push your abilities forward.
Expert Shooting Instruction
Your journey begins with foundational firearm safety and shooting practice. The camp’s professional instructors spend significant time with you on the range, boosting your comfort and confidence before transitioning to real hunting scenarios. This focus on preparedness ensures that you’ll be ready when it matters most.
Hunting in a Free-Range Setting
Once your skills are sharpened on the range, it’s time to apply them in the field. You’ll hunt wild pigs in genuine North Texas terrain, practicing ethical shot placement and fair pursuit in a free-range environment. Depending on conditions and your success, hunters often take meat home from one to two pigs.
Butchering and Processing Education
Harvesting an animal is only part of the equation; processing it properly is where the real value lies. After the hunt, expert butchers walk you through breaking down your game, preparing cuts for long-term freezer storage, and vacuum-sealing meat to ensure quality. These are practical skills you’ll use for the rest of your hunting life.
Cook Like a Pro: From Game Cuts to Gourmet Plates
What truly makes this camp unique is the culinary component. Every evening after the day’s fieldwork, you’ll enter the kitchen with professional chefs, including Hank Shaw, whose field-to-table philosophy has influenced countless hunters, anglers, foragers, and cooks.
You’ll learn practical cooking techniques that respect the game and bring out its best flavors, including:
- How to prepare a variety of pork cuts you harvested
- Methods for enhancing flavor without masking it
- Cooking skills that transfer to other wild game species
This isn’t a sit-and-watch demonstration. The chefs teach hands-on, giving you the confidence to return home and wow your friends and family with dishes they’ll be talking about for years.
What’s Included: A True All-Inclusive Outdoor Experience
The camp experience is designed to be immersive and welcoming. Here’s what’s included in your registration:
- Three nights lodging and four days of meals prepared by expert chefs
- Comprehensive shooting instruction to build confidence and skill
- Hands-on butchering and packaging lessons
- Cooking instruction with professional guidance
- A free copy of The Hog Book by Jesse Griffiths and Jody Horton
- Curated beverages from local breweries to enjoy around camp
This is an experience where every detail is accounted for, letting you focus fully on learning and enjoying the adventure.
Practical Details: What to Bring and What to Expect
The camp is near Jacksboro, Texas, about 1.5 hours from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Airport, combining the rustic charm of a North Texas ranch with the comforts of an extended stay.
You’ll want to bring:
- Your hunter safety card
- A rifle, scope, and appropriate ammo (rental options may be available)
- Appropriate clothing and boots for variable weather
- Binoculars and coolers for transporting meat
Beginners are fully supported, and there’s no minimum hunter age, so long as hunter safety certification is in place. For those who want to attend without hunting, half-price tickets are available.
Beyond the Camp: Skills That Stay With You
What makes this camp truly transformative is not just what you do during those four days, but what you take home. Participants leave with:
- A deeper understanding of ethical, sustainable hunting practices
- Field-tested shooting skills
- Butchering and processing know-how that’s becoming rare
- Culinary techniques that bring wild game to life
- Friendships and shared experiences with outdoor enthusiasts
In short, this camp equips you with skills and memories that extend far beyond a weekend in Texas.
Registration and Limited Spots
Spaces for this camp are limited and highly sought-after. It’s hosted only once or twice a year and sells out rapidly. Whether you choose to pay in full or secure your seat with a deposit, registering early ensures you don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure.
If you’re serious about hunting, culinary skills, wildlife management, or simply growing your confidence outdoors, the Texas Wild Pig Hunting Skills Camp with Hank Shaw is unrivaled. More than a trip, it’s a complete educational experience that blends tradition, skill, and passion into one unforgettable weekend. Click through to learn more and secure your place now: Texas Wild Pig Hunting Skills Camp with Hank Shaw