Millions of wild pigs are wreaking havoc in the United States and causing billions of dollars in destruction. Many states allow the hunting of feral hogs -no license necessary- all year long on private land to control their population. A few places even offer feral hog bounties for dead hogs. Killing hogs may sound drastic at face value, but it’s a necessary proactive approach to protect native species on the brink of destruction.
Hogs on the Rampage
Pigs are relentlessly digging and rutting in search of food. As omnivores, the feral hogs will eat just about anything—a patch of grass in the woods, home gardens, the eggs of ground-nesting birds, and even unsuspecting amphibians.
If not checked, they can facilitate the extinction of native animal species or change the distribution of plant species. Allowing nature to take its course just doesn’t cut it in the case of wild hogs.
Human beings created the problem by introducing domesticated pigs to the wild. Early explorers released domestic pigs into the wild to have a food supply for themselves and future settlers. The population has exploded. Turning a blind eye to the problem is the equivalent of polluting the planet and suggesting that the affected species are victims of natural selection. This situation is not ethical or healthy and a major headache for taxpayers and farmers.
Wild Swine Populations are Out of Control
While a few wild pigs are manageable, the problem arises when they roam in the millions. Since most feral hogs are a hybrid of European wild boar and domestic breeds, they inherit the year-round fertility and size of domestic pigs—and the acute sense and survival attributes of boars.
The outcome is an invasive species that reproduce at an alarming rate and are equipped to handle harsh conditions. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, more than 2.6 million wild hogs roam Texas, approximately 40% of the total US population. There are wild hog populations in 38 states as of 2019.
As the pigs continue to overrun states, it may be up to people to take personal responsibility by going for a hunt—and maybe cashing in on a few bucks in the process. Another great bonus – wild hogs are delicious to eat.
Gum Log Plantation
For people looking to engage in feral hog hunting as a sport, Gum Log Plantation in Abbeville, Georgia, offers plenty of wild hog habitat for you to practice your aim. Call (229) 318-9015 to learn more about what makes Gum Drop Plantation a great place to unwind while helping control an invasive species.
