Josef, good photos. I'm several hours northwest of you in Brown County, and while I have pigs show on game cameras occasionally, fortunately they are sporadic, and no big sounders, just one or two at a time. Rumor has it that a couple of years ago one of the neighboring ranchers had a "shoot fest". He supposedly invited a bunch of hunters out and they spent several days doing nothing but hog eradication. If true, it seems to have made a dent, but eventually they'll be back.
As most know, feral hogs are a HUGE problem in many parts of the country, and no end in sight. My understanding is that sows can have up to three litters a year, with as many as a dozen piglets per litter. And that young sows begin having their own litters after 18 months. Do the math!!!!
Feral hogs can decimate crops, and crop lands in a hurry. I've seen photos of pastures where pigs have moved in, and the land looks like someone with a bulldozer has ripped it up - almost overnight.
Like you, I have a problem just shooting to kill with no thought of salvaging any meat, but the farmers and ranchers in my area preach just that - shoot as many as you can, and don't worry about just letting them lay.
I've heard also that there is a lot of research going on at the Universities to develop birth control methods for feral hogs - maybe introduced through a specific feed/feeder - that won't impact other species. Not sure if true, and I am always leary of any type of chemical introduction into the habitat, but something will have to be done. Literally tens of millions (or hundreds) of dollars are being lost to this infestation.
As most know, feral hogs are a HUGE problem in many parts of the country, and no end in sight. My understanding is that sows can have up to three litters a year, with as many as a dozen piglets per litter. And that young sows begin having their own litters after 18 months. Do the math!!!!
Feral hogs can decimate crops, and crop lands in a hurry. I've seen photos of pastures where pigs have moved in, and the land looks like someone with a bulldozer has ripped it up - almost overnight.
Like you, I have a problem just shooting to kill with no thought of salvaging any meat, but the farmers and ranchers in my area preach just that - shoot as many as you can, and don't worry about just letting them lay.
I've heard also that there is a lot of research going on at the Universities to develop birth control methods for feral hogs - maybe introduced through a specific feed/feeder - that won't impact other species. Not sure if true, and I am always leary of any type of chemical introduction into the habitat, but something will have to be done. Literally tens of millions (or hundreds) of dollars are being lost to this infestation.
