Hi SER
The hog may just have turned up early for the food. Usually at this time of year, if they are planning on using somewhere, even for an over-day stay, they usually take in, at least some, ‘bedding’.
I would be inclined to check to see if the hog is there about half to an hour before dark, if possible and put the food in then. Then if you disturb a hog, it isn’t too long before it would be out and about anyway. So I wouldn’t put it out in the morning.
Having said that, hogs do sometimes decide to make their nests in feeding boxes – one did here last year and I had to get another box to put the food in! I had a cat problem too. Hogs very much have minds of their own and don’t always do what we would like them to do, but if you find one is using a box to nest in, it’s best not to disturb it.
