Pigsticking

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Pigsticking, boar-hunting, or hog-hunting is a form of hunting in which wild boars are pursued on horseback and killed with spears. It was popular among British officers in India during the Victorian era. According to the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica, it was encouraged by military authorities as good training because "a startled or angry wild boar is ... a desperate fighter [and therefore] the pig-sticker must possess a good eye, a steady hand, a firm seat, a cool head and a courageous heart."

Pigsticking was a favorite recreation of Major R.S.S. Baden-Powell, who wrote about it at length in his 1889 book Pig-Sticking or Hog-Hunting. In Lessons from the Varsity of Life he says that "I never took the usual leave to the hills in hot weather because I could not tear myself away from the sport." To those who condemned it, he said "Try it before you judge. See how the horse enjoys it, see how the boar himself, mad with rage, rushes wholeheartedly into the scrap, see how you, with your temper thoroughly roused, enjoy the opportunity of wreaking it to the full. Yes, hog-hunting is a brutal sport—and yet I loved it, as I loved also the fine old fellow I fought against." Michael Rosenthal quotes him as saying "Not only is pig-sticking the most exciting and enjoyable sport for both the man and horse as well, but I really believe that the boar enjoys it too."

Willie Rushton suggests that Baden-Powell's love of pig-sticking is a good reason for any self-respecting boy scout to "hand in [his] woggle and garters".

Spear hunting for razorbacks is practiced in some parts of the U.S. although it is uncommon.

See also blood sport

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Bloodsports
Baiting • Bullfighting • Cockfighting • Dog fighting • Falconry • Sport fishing • Fox hunting • Hare coursing • Hunting • Insect fighting • Pigsticking
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