Missouri's feral hog population out of control. This forum will discuss the threat and control this invasive species. Feral swine are protected mammals in Pennsylvania and, thus, are under the authority of the Game Commission. Texas is home to an estimated 2.6 million feral hogs with an impact that may exceed $500 million annually. We desperately need to move forward in combating the feral hog population, but we are doing very little to stem the tide. Feral hog hunting is what is feeding the growing feral hog problem, even if hunters have good intentions and desire to … A new study predicts that invasive wild pigs could soon be a major problem from coast to coast. There are an estimated nearly seven million and have established themselves in 35 states. They nest and rest in dense vegetation and secluded thickets. Feral Pig Control and Hunting Feral pigs have become a threat to agriculture and native plants and animals. The home territory of a feral pig covers an area about 10 square miles or less. Editorial on 03/03/2019 The presence of these animals in this country is solely attributable to man-made introductions, some of which were intentional while others were accidental. The Georgia Department of Agriculture has new rules regarding the transportation and holding of live feral hogs. According to the USDA, they cause $2 billion in damage every year. Virginia also has a population of the swine over several of its counties. Lobbying and misinformation aim to derail the public comment process on banning hog hunting in national forest, two groups' leaders say. feral swine population will also change the how the agricultural industry operates and create additional human health concerns. The Feral Hog in Texas was written by Rick Taylor, Wildlife Biologist as an informative booklet describing the feral hog and control practices. Feral hogs (also called wild hogs), belonging to the species Sus scrofa, are not native to the United States. Feral hogs (feral pigs, wild pigs, wild boar, etc.) Feral pigs are running rampant. Wild Boar Population is Growing. What is their legal status? These rules will be effective January 1, 2019. However, if food is in short supply, the pigs may range up to 50 square miles. Moving feral hogs and releasing them to the wild in Virginia is illegal, according to the Code of Virginia and regulations 4VAC15-30-20 and 4VAC15-30-40. ... “This bill, although a small step, gives landowners some ammunition in the ongoing battle against the growing feral hog population,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said. Aug 30, 2019. Get Information on Feral Hog Hunting and Frequently Asked Questions ». The recreational hunting of feral hogs does not control populations, just like hunting does not effectively control coyote populations. However, one hunt I have always wanted to do but still have yet to do is to hunt feral swine, wild boars, feral hogs, wild pigs or what ever you want to call them The idea of helping an over population issue, plus harvesting delicious meat, along with greater flexibility on hunts (bag limits, seasons, etc), is all very appealing. Email Richard Mason at richard@gibraltarenergy.com. I have hunted deer, bird, and coyote for many years now. It is estimated that 70% of a feral hog population must be harvested every year to continue reducing the population size. There are an estimated 3,000 feral hogs now in at least five counties in Pennsylvania with reports of feral hogs in West Virginia as well as a few of the hogs noted in Maryland. Their nests and beds are small, grass-lined hollows made of piles of grass and twigs. Feral hog holding facilities will require a Feral Hog Facility License and anyone transporting live feral hogs will require a Feral Hog Transport Permit.