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Feral hogs are wild hogs which were once domesticated or which have grown wild over time. Hogs are large creatures and are dangerous, so caution and care are needed when hunting them. According to the New Georgia Encyclopedia, feral hogs are found throughout the state of Georgia, though they are most widespread near coastal regions. They are known to destroy crops and pass diseases to livestock.
Thirty-nine states in the United States have free-range populations of feral hogs, with an overall estimated population of more than 4 million. Feral hogs, also called wild pigs and feral swine, can be found in nearly every county of Alabama. In an attempt to assist in controlling the population of feral hogs, hunters are given very few restrictions on hunting them.
The term "feral hog" is often also used to refer to Eurasian wild boar (also known as Russian wild boar) and a hybrid between a Eurasian wild boar and feral hog. In New Mexico law, the term "feral hog" is used as an umbrella term to describe all three types of animal.
With about 2 million feral hogs roaming the state, as of 2010, Texas has plenty of opportunities for the hog hunter. Feral hogs can have a negative impact on the environment, wildlife and waterways. Feral hog hunting in Texas is popular because of the vast population around the state, limited regulations and mild year-round weather.
Crop damage and livestock predation are the worst of the feral hog's depredations in Oklahoma. Hogs root through crop fields and will make a meal out of young livestock. They also carry diseases that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. For these reasons, landowners in Oklahoma want feral hogs eradicated. Hunting feral hogs has even become a business. Guiding businesses have sprung up, and landowners charge fees to let hunters test their skills against the creatures. And hunters are eager to pay for the extra time hunting outside of the standard fall seasons.
Iowa might be the pork producing capital of the world, but feral pigs are a nuisance to farmers and hunters alike that aren't welcome. Feral pigs have been known to damage crops, attack livestock, destroy local ecosystems and even attack people. Feral hog hunting is not only legal in Iowa, it's encouraged by the state department of natural resources (DNR). There are rules to be aware of, but in Iowa every season is open hunting season on feral hogs.
Feral hogs can be a terrible nuisance and a threat to property. Their rooting can destroy acre after acre of arable land. They can also drive out other wildlife in the area, including deer, turkey and other various small game. Hunting feral hogs is often the only way to recover a piece of land. Because hogs are judged as such a nuisance, many areas throughout the country allow the hunting of feral hogs at any time of the year and without special license. To succeed in this kind of hunting, however, you need a strategy.
Hog hunting is among the most exciting kind of hunting a sportsman can undertake. Feral hogs are extremely intelligent and can offer some real hunting challenges. These animals are also savagely brutal if cornered or wounded. There are many commercial hog hunting operations throughout the United States that offer wild hog hunting packages to those seeking a true feral hog hunting excursion. Use the following tips when hunting feral hogs.
Feral hogs, usually found in the southern part of the United States, can be a problem because they spread disease to domestic hogs, other livestock, pets and people. They do damage to pastures and crops. They don't have many natural predators, so feral hogs tend to grow in population fairly quickly if preventive steps aren't taken. You can trap feral hogs using a corral trap.