It's not folk lore, i've smelled and tasted several that were rank. I used to take guys from work out all the time, they always wanted hogs. And of course they would bring some to the shop for everyone. Lots of times them bigger boars the meat smelled like piss and tasted like it too. Yes, they were gutted, skinned and iced properly... I usually did it.
Now, all of these came out of the piney woods. I've never experienced or heard anything bad from boars in other regions, mainly grain country and cattle country. So i'm assuming their diet has a lot to do with it.
Once you've smelled or tasted a bad one, you won't forget it. The old timers have always said to cut a chunk out and through it in the skillet. If it stinks... feed it to the coyotes.
