Originating in Southeast Asia and Spanish countries, the wild boar is now native to North America. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in their population. There are six million wild pigs nationwide, but an estimated three million in Texas alone.
Forty-five of the United States are home to wild pigs. Wild hogs, also known as Wild Swine, Feral Pigs, or Razorbacks, are most commonly known for sport and hunting. These pigs have a long history of association and interaction with humans. It has a high adaptability rate and can adjust and flourish in various settings.
The average lifespan of the hog is four to eight years. They are known for having a keen sense of smell, sensing odors up to 5-7 miles away; they can even detect an odor 25 ft under the ground. Once they have tracked down their dinner for the night, they are not picky! When wild pigs swine and dine, I mean wine and dine; they eat any and everything. Being omnivores, they devour meat and vegetation. Luckily, they can run off all those calories. These nocturnal creatures can run up to 30mph!
Fun Fact: The wild pig is popular in the Ozarks, giving the Arkansas Razorbacks their mascot!
Habitat
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Wild pigs can adapt to a wide range of terrain. However, they thrive in vegetation-dense areas and near a water source. Hogs can be found in grasslands, rainforests, deciduous forests, and taiga. They tend to reside near low shrubbery, an easy food source in these areas. They often use the nearby water source for drinking and bath.
Their environment impacts their food choices as well. Wild pigs eat roughly 90% vegetation from their surroundings and only 10% meat. When animal control becomes involved, we make sure the wild pigs are released back into an ideal habitat and environment.
Benefits
Bacon. No, seriously, one of the main benefits of this animal is that it provides a meat source to humans. Their meat is protein-rich and has high nutritional value. For example, their meat is heart-healthy, providing a high count of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is a healthy alternative to fish oil. The resale value of their meat is high, too. Boar’s Head deli products are one of the top in the nation.
Wild Hog Problems
Whenever pigs are present, they pose a problem. Wild animal control must be contacted if a hog is found on your property. They pose a high risk to you or your pet’s health. These creatures have a plethora of problems they bring:
First, wild pigs are host to over 20 different parasitic worm species. These parasites can infect humans and cause gastrointestinal problems, similar to exposure to e-Coli.
Their skin is commonly filled with ticks and hog lice. These two can quickly transfer to another animal or a human. Due to enjoying being near a water source, they spread these through actual physical contact and from being in the water.
Depending on the location, their filth washes off into the water and onto other animals or humans and spreads like wildfire. It often leads to bacterial contamination and turbidity (excessive particle and silt suspension). Wild pig feces in water occasionally increased coliform levels and caused human health problems.
Additionally, blood-sucking flies loom around wild pigs. These insects, along with the actual swine, are known to spread the epidemic we all know as the Swine Plague. They have also been known to contribute to Foot and Mouth Disease.
Lastly, the feral hog is North America’s most destructive and invasive species. Due to being able to survive in diverse habitats, they can invade and dominate an area. These pigs have distorted ecosystems due to pushing out other animals in a particular area. Boars have also terrorized people in national parks and recreational areas, causing economic damage.
Are wild boars a problem in Texas?
In Texas alone, pigs cause $400 million in damage annually. Soil damage is one of the most common contributors to that number. Rooting, wallowing, and trampling activities done by the pigs cause agricultural problems. They compact the soil, disrupting water infiltration and nutrient cycling. Pest control and wild animal control help save these agricultural-based lands. Feral pigs, too, prey on livestock. See below for catch and release practices by pest and animal control.
What part of Texas has the most wild hogs?
Wild hogs can be found throughout Texas but are particularly abundant in certain regions. The eastern part of Texas, including areas such as the Piney Woods and the Gulf Coast, tends to have the highest populations of wild hogs. The Hill Country region of central Texas also has significant populations of feral hogs.
However, it’s worth noting that wild hogs can be found in many different parts of Texas. Their populations vary depending on habitat, food availability, and hunting pressure. It’s always important to check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before hunting wild hogs in any area.
Can you eat wild boar in Texas?
Yes, you can eat wild boar (also known as wild hog or feral pig) in Texas. Wild boar are considered game animals and are hunted by many people for their meat. Wild boar meat is often described as lean, flavorful, and rich in protein, and it can be used in various recipes such as sausages, stews, and roasts.
It’s important to note that wild boar can carry diseases and parasites, so it’s essential to properly handle and cook the meat to reduce the risk of illness. Hunters should also follow all regulations and guidelines for hunting wild boar, including obtaining the necessary licenses and permits and respecting property rights and safety guidelines.
Hog Hunting in Texas
Hog hunting in Texas can be done on both private and public lands. Here are some general guidelines on how hog hunting works in Texas:
Obtain necessary licenses and permits.
Before hunting wild hogs in Texas, hunters must obtain the necessary licenses and permits. These requirements may vary depending on the location and type of hunting (e.g., rifle, bow, night hunting).
Choose a hunting location.
Wild hogs can be found throughout Texas, but some areas have higher populations than others. Hunters can hunt wild hogs on private land with permission from the landowner or on public land in designated hunting areas.
Use appropriate hunting methods.
Various hunting methods for wild hogs in Texas include spot and stalk, hunting with dogs, and night hunting. Hunters must follow state regulations and guidelines for each scenario.
Practice safety.
Wild hog hunting can be dangerous, so always practicing safety is essential. This includes using appropriate equipment, wearing proper gear, and being aware of your surroundings and other hunters.
Follow proper meat handling and disposal.
If you harvest a wild hog, appropriately handle and dispose of the meat to reduce the risk of disease transmission. You should also follow local regulations for disposing of unused animal parts.
It’s important to note that hog hunting regulations may vary depending on the location and the type of hunting. It’s always good to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department or a local hunting guide for the most up-to-date information and regulations.
Helicopter Hog Hunting
Helicopter hog hunting, also known as aerial hog hunting, is a method of hunting wild hogs from a helicopter. It is legal in Texas and a popular and effective way to control the population of feral hogs, which can cause significant damage to crops and property.
Helicopter hog hunting is a method used to control the population of feral hogs in Texas. Feral hogs are an invasive species that cause significant damage to crops, property, and natural habitats. They also carry diseases that can be transmitted to other animals and humans.
Here is a general overview of how helicopter hog hunting works in Texas:
- Book a helicopter hog hunting trip: Many hunting outfitters in Texas offer helicopter hog hunting trips. These trips typically include a helicopter, a trained pilot, and a guide who helps hunters locate and shoot the hogs.
- Get a hunting license and permit: In Texas, hunters must have a valid and specific permit for aerial hunting.
- Attend a safety briefing: Before the hunting trip, hunters usually receive a safety briefing covering the basics of helicopter safety and hog hunting from the air.
- Take off in the helicopter: Once in the air, hunters use a firearm to shoot the hogs from the helicopter. The helicopter flies low and slows over the hunting area, and hunters must aim carefully to ensure a humane and safe kill.
- Land and collect the hogs: After the hunting session, the helicopter lands and the hunters collect the hogs that have been shot.
Due to the high reproductive rate and adaptability of feral hogs, traditional hunting methods like spot and stalk or hunting with dogs may not be as effective in controlling their populations. Helicopter hog hunting offers a way to quickly and efficiently locate and shoot feral hogs from the air, which can help reduce their numbers and limit the damage they cause.
Helicopter hog hunting is controversial because it can be dangerous, and some people view it as unethical. However, it is legal in Texas and is considered by some to be a necessary and effective method for controlling the feral hog population.