NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal recently participated in a nighttime feral hog hunt in East Texas, joining the crew from Texas_NightHunter. During the outing, O'Neal was recorded stating, "I smell pigs. Some people need nightvision. I am the nightvision." The video footage shows O'Neal firing his weapon in the darkness before successfully taking down a hog.
The hunt took place near Paris, Texas, with O'Neal collaborating with East Texas native Matthew Prescott and other members of the local hunting group. This group has previously hosted other notable guests, including two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith.
Feral hogs are considered an invasive species in Texas, causing significant agricultural and environmental damage. According to Texas A&M AgriLife, these animals are responsible for over $670 million in annual agricultural losses across the state. Landowners also incur an additional estimated $130 million annually in costs associated with controlling the hog population and repairing damage to crops, fences, roads, and waterways. Feral hogs can also degrade habitats for native wildlife and transmit diseases to livestock, wildlife, and humans.
Texas has the largest population of feral hogs in the United States, with millions of the animals present throughout the state. Their rapid reproduction rates and lack of natural predators contribute to their widespread presence. Texas A&M researchers have indicated that to effectively reduce the feral hog population, approximately two-thirds of the population would need to be removed each year for several consecutive years.
In Texas, there are no closed seasons or bag limits for hunting feral hogs on private property, provided hunters have landowner authorization. A hunting license is not required under these conditions. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department actively promotes nighttime hog hunting, particularly during warmer months when the animals tend to be more nocturnal.
This hunting excursion marks O'Neal's continued engagement with the outdoors. The four-time NBA champion has a long-standing interest in hunting, having pursued various game animals including waterfowl, wild boar, and goats. His 2001 autobiography, "Shaq Talks Back," reportedly includes a section dedicated to his hunting experiences. O'Neal also appeared on the survival show "Running Wild With Bear Grylls" in 2016, where he trekked through the Adirondack Mountains.