ferealhog

Introduction

Early Spanish explorers probably were the first to introduce hogs in Texas over 300 years ago. As
colonization increased, hog numbers subsequently increased. They provided an important source of
cured meat and lard for settlers.

During the fight for Texas independence as people fled for safety into the United States or Mexico, many
hogs escaped or were released. It was not until the mid 1800s when hostilities between the United
States and Mexico ended that settlers once again began bringing livestock back into Texas. The
livestock included hogs that ranged freely. Many escaped, contributing to the feral population.

In the 1930s, European wild hogs, "Russian boars," were first imported and introduced into Texas by
ranchers and sportsmen for sport hunting. Most of these eventually escaped from game ranches and
began free ranging and breeding with feral hogs. Because of this crossbreeding, there are very few, if
any, true European hogs remaining in Texas.

Feral hogs are unprotected, exotic, non-game animals. Therefore, they may be taken by any means or
methods at any time of year. There are no seasons or bag limits, however a hunting license and
landowner permission are required to hunt them.

Description
Feral hogs may appear basically the same as domestic hogs and will vary in color and coat pattern. A
mature feral hog may reach a shoulder height of 36 inches and weigh from 100 to over 400 pounds.
The extreme larger hogs are generally not far removed from domestication. Males are generally larger
than females. European wild hogs are about the same size; however, their legs and snouts are usually
longer and they have a larger head in proportion to the body. Their body is covered with long, stiff,
grizzled colored hairs, long side whiskers, a longer straighter tail, and a nape on the neck giving the
European hog a razorback, sloped appearance. The crossing of European and feral hogs often
produces an offspring with some European characteristics. Feral hogs are more muscular than domestic
hogs, and have very little fat.

Additionally, the hairs of European appearing hogs and their hybrids frequently have multiple split ends.
The young are born a reddish color with black longitudinal stripes. As they mature, the coat color
becomes predominantly dark brown or black.

Hogs have four continuously growing tusks (two on top, two on bottom) and their contact causes a
continuous sharpening of the lower tusks. They have relatively poor eyesight but have keen senses of
hearing and smell.

What do feral hogs eat?
Feral hogs are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. They are very opportunistic
feeders and much of their diet is based on seasonal availability. Foods include grasses, forbs, roots and
tubers, browse, mast (acorns), fruits, bulbs and mushrooms. Animal matter includes invertebrates
(insects, snails, earthworms, etc.), reptiles, amphibians, and carrion (dead animals), as well as live
mammals and birds if given the opportunity. Feral hogs are especially fond of acorns and domestic
agricultural crops such as corn, milo, rice, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, potatoes, watermelons and
cantaloupe. Feral hogs feed primarily at night and during twilight hours, but will also feed during daylight
in cold or wet weather.

Where do feral hogs live?
Feral hogs are found in a variety of habitats from moist pine forests in East Texas to the brush country
of South Texas. They prefer bottomlands such as rivers, creeks, and drainages when available. Hogs
are generally found in dense vegetation cover often associated with water, but also do well in drought
prone environments. During hot weather, feral hogs enjoy wallowing in wet, muddy areas and are never
far from dense protective cover. They will concentrate in areas of food availability, especially where
there are nut producing trees or agricultural crops.

Their home range is based mainly on food availability and cover. It is usually less than 5,000 acres, but
can range up to 70,000 acres. In general, boars have a larger home range and will also travel greater
distances

Will they harm livestock or wildlife?
Feral hogs compete directly with livestock as well as game and nongame wildlife species for food.
However, the main damage caused to livestock and wildlife is indirect destruction of habitat and
agriculture commodities. Rooting and trampling activity for food can damage agricultural crops, fields,
and livestock feeding and watering facilities. Often wildlife feeders are damaged or destroyed. They also
destabilize wetland areas, springs, creeks and tanks by excessive rooting and wallowing. In addition to
habitat destruction and alteration, hogs can destroy forestry plantings and damage trees. While not
active predators, wild hogs may prey on fawns, young lambs, and kid goats. If the opportunity arises,
they may also destroy and consume eggs of ground nesting birds, such as turkeys and quail.

How long do hogs live?
The average life expectancy, under good conditions, in a wild hog population is about four to five years;
however, they may live up to eight years.

What about feral hog mortality?
Mortality in feral hog populations is greatest in the young less than three months of age, mainly due to
accident, starvation and predation. Adult mortality is largely due to hunting, parasites, disease and tooth
deterioration. Predation by mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats is only a minor limiting factor.

Do feral hogs carry disease?
In general, diseases from wild hogs do not pose a significant threat to humans; however, some diseases
can be transmitted to livestock and wildlife. It is important to keep all livestock vaccinated, especially
where large feral hog populations are concentrated.

Various diseases of wild hogs include pseudorabies, swine brucellosis, tuberculosis, bubonic plague,
tularemia, hog cholera, foot and mouth disease, and anthrax. Internal parasites include kidney worms,
stomach worms, round worms and whipworms. Liver flukes and trichinosis are also found in hogs.
External parasites include dog ticks, fleas and hog lice.

What is pseudorabies and swine brucellosis?
Pseudorabies, also known as "mad itch" is a swine herpes virus that may affect the respiratory, nervous
and reproductive systems. Despite its name, it is not a rabies type disease but derives its name from the
symptoms similar to a rabid animal. It is transmitted primarily through breeding but may also to be
transmitted through respiratory secretions of the infected animal. Infected adult swine typically develop
flu-like symptoms whereas young pigs can have severe respiratory and digestive symptoms and
ultimately die. Pseudorabies poses no threat to humans but may be fatal to domestic livestock and pets.

Swine Brucellosis is an infectious, bacterial, reproductive disease that can cause abortion, low
conception rates and other problems. It is transmittable to humans, known as undulant fever, and
causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, aches and pains. It is treatable with specific antibiotics.

How do I keep from contracting diseases?
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recommends all hunters use disposable plastic or rubber gloves
when field dressing or cleaning wild swine. Bury or burn the gloves and entrails and then wash your
hands with soap and hot water. And finally, make sure the meat is thoroughly cooked.

Is the meat good to eat?
Yes, meat from feral hogs is extremely tasty and much leaner than penraised pork. The meat from older
boars may be tougher and rank tasting if not prepared adequately. As with all pork, care should be
taken and the meat well cooked. Otherwise, it should be prepared just like market hogs. The slower the
meat is cooked, the more tender and tasty it becomes.

What is the difference between a hog and a javelina?
Although somewhat similar in appearance and habits, feral hogs and javelinas are not related. While
feral hogs are indeed true pigs, javelinas belong to a totally separate family of mammals. Javelinas are
smaller, have an unnoticeable tail, only one dew claw on the hind foot, a scent gland near the base of
the tail, a grizzled-grayish coat with a white band of hair around the shoulder or "collar," and are more
social or herd-like animals. Although feral hogs and javelinas inhabit the same range in South and
Central Texas, they are not compatible.

What is a hog shield that I hear about?
Feral hogs are equipped with a tough shoulder hide, which is made of a tough scar tissue. This is
formed through continuous fighting and it hardens as the animal ages and survives more fights.

What are feral hog signs?
Because feral hogs are largely nocturnal, the visible signs they leave behind are often all there is to
indicate their presence. These signs include wallowing, rooting, rubs, crossings, trails and scat
(droppings). Wallows are found in muddy areas and are made where hogs root and roll in the mud.
They do this to cool off and also the mud protects their skin from the sun and insects. Rubs are then
made when hogs scratch or rub themselves on tree trunks, telephone poles, fence posts, and rocks
leaving a noticeable sign with mud and hair often left clinging. The height of the rub often indicates the
size of the hog.

Rooting is easily recognized because it looks as if the soil has been plowed. Most often rooting takes
place over a large area. Some rooting holes can be as much as three feet deep, which possibly could
cause vehicle damage. A hog track is similar to a deer track except the toes are more rounded and
wider in comparison to length. Hog hair is easily distinguished from other mammals and may be found at
fence crossings and rubs. Scat appears very much like that of a small calf, being dropped in several
small piles, which is very distinct from deer pellets or predator cord-like droppings.

Are feral hogs dangerous?
All wild animals have the potential of being dangerous, especially when wounded or cornered. In a
natural state, feral hogs will prefer to run and escape danger, and are not considered dangerous.
Extreme caution should be maintained when tracking wounded animals, trapping animals or
encountering females with young. Their razor sharp tusks combined with their lightning speed can cause
serious injury.

How do I hunt feral hogs?
Although feral hogs are not classified as game animals, a hunting license is required to hunt them. Feral
hogs are very intelligent and considered to be challenging quarry. Many hunters consider the long tusks
and mean appearance a genuine trophy, in addition to the quality of meat. They also provide a great
off-season challenge and opportunities to hone hunting skills and spend time in the field.

There are many hunting techniques used, including stand hunting over a baited area, quite often
incidental to white-tailed deer hunting. Stalking or still hunting over baited areas and areas indicating
recent hog activity, such as wallows, are commonly used techniques. Corn or milo, often soaked in water
and allowed to sour and then buried underground is good bait.

Night hunting with a spotlight is often used; however, the local game warden must be notified
beforehand. (There are certain laws which prohibit using artificial light where deer are known to range.)
Hunting with well-trained dogs is another hunting method utilized and can be very exciting. Because the
feral hog has such a tough hide the best rifle calibers to use should be a .243 or greater to prevent
wounding and loss of the animal. Bowhunting, muzzleloading, and handguns are also popular among
sportsmen to hunt feral hogs.

Additional control methods?
Trapping is a common method utilized by sportsmen and landowners. Live trapping enables the
individual to harvest the animal, fatten it up, or sell it. It also allows numerous individuals to be caught at
once without an active participant. Several types and designs of live traps can be utilized. The most
common design is a 4 foot by 8 foot heavy duty cage with a spring door, root door (see diagram, p. 19),
or drop door. Snares can also be used effectively when placed under fences in travelways that surround
active areas; however nontarget animals may also be captured. In some areas of Texas, aerial gunning
from a helicopter is an efficient technique. There are currently no birth control, toxicants or repellents
registered for the control of feral hogs.

Can I wipe out a hog population through hunting or trapping?
The feral hog has managed to survive, adapt, and increase their numbers despite attempts at
population control. While it is possible to keep the population in check with continuous control, it is
highly unlikely to eradicate a hog population within an established range.

Should I stock feral hogs?
No, feral hogs are prolific breeders and can cause considerable damage. They can destroy habitat, and
compete directly or indirectly with all other species of wildlife. While many hunters might like hogs as part
of the lease, the adverse effects often counter any potential economic incentives. TPWD considers feral
hogs nuisance animals and does not support the introduction of feral hogs. Feral hogs are considered
an under-utilized resource on many Texas ranges.

The Texas Animal Health Commission has enacted regulations requiring all feral hogs in Texas to be
tested and certified to be disease free before being released into the wild for whatever purposes. They
may however, be legally transported to slaughter or livestock sale for slaughter. If stocking is desired,
only castrated males (barrows) should be considered. Because they cannot reproduce, they will grow
larger, fatter and often produce larger tusks.

*All information Courtesy Of Texas Parks & Wildlife

Texas
Fereal Hogs