Feral Hogs: A Menace to Wildlife

Feral, free-roaming hogs degrade wildlife habitat, compete directly with native wildlife for food, and can pose a threat to humans and domestic livestock through the spread of disease. At present, Missouri has small isolated populations of feral hogs in Barry, Howell, Iron, Texas, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Shannon, Cedar, Dade, Wayne, Barton, Laclede, Clark and perhaps other counties. Some of these hogs have escaped from captivity. However, some have been intentionally released on public lands for hunting purposes, although it is illegal to do so. These hogs pose a very real threat, and if left unchecked, their numbers can expand rapidly. You can help.

SHOOTING:

Pursuing feral hogs in Missouri is not for everyone because our feral hog populations are relatively small and isolated. While small, isolated populations offer us a chance to eliminate them, it makes them hard to find and requires extensive scouting and persistence.

Whether or not people pursue hogs specifically, it's important that deer, turkey, and squirrel hunters, and private landowners, be aware that hogs may be around and that they can take as many as they can, year around. (See hog hunting regulations below.) Several hundred hogs have been killed in Missouri so far and that has helped reduce their rate of increase. Every sow that is harvested means 8-10 fewer wild pigs the next year.

To this point, landowners and their neighbors have dealt effectively with feral hogs on private land. Hunters who are willing to put in the time can be of most use on public lands at Fort Leonard Wood, Mark Twain National Forest, Corps of Engineer properties, and MDC's Conservation Areas. However, be aware that hunters and landowners may be held liable if s/he shoots a conspicuously marked stray, domestic hog. And as always, you must have permission from the landowner before you enter private property.

APPEARANCE & HABITS:

Feral hogs come in all shapes and sizes. They can look like common domestic barnyard pigs, or Russian/European Boars (black or red razorbacks), or something in between. They will eat anything they can find, including deer fawns, and can grow to 450-500 pounds. They are mostly night-active (nocturnal), but can sometimes be found during the day loafing in clear-cuts and brushy areas. They require abundant water and spend considerable time near seeps, ponds, and streams. Sows and pigs often travel in groups called "sounders".

SIGN:

Rooting activity can look as if a plow or heavy disk has been at work. Hogs wallow in streams and ponds, leaving tracks and the imprint of their coarse hair in the mud. After wallowing, they rub on nearby trees, leaving mud and hair on the bark. Their scat differs from that of deer and is variable, but can contain acorns, grain, or the hair/scales/feathers of what they have eaten. The tracks of an adult hog are similar to that of a deer, but the points are more rounded.

SAFETY:

As with any game, do not shoot unless it is safe to do so and you are sure of your target. Both boars and sows with pigs may be aggressive, especially if one is wounded or feels threatened. A weapon with adequate stopping power is a must, and multi-shot capacity is preferred.

DISEASE:

Feral hogs can be infected with swine brucellosis and leptospirosis, bacterial organisms that can also affect humans but which are killed during cooking. Also of concern is pseudorabies, a viral disease that is not related to rabies and does not affect humans, but which does affect livestock, pets, and wildlife.

A hog's appearance does not indicate if it is infected, so it is important to wear rubber gloves while dressing and processing the animal in order to keep blood and body fluids away from any cuts or scratches on your hands. Also, take care that none gets into your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not feed raw meat or internal organs to pets because they can become infected. If you field dress the animal, it is best to bury the offal.

REPORT:

If you see feral hogs, their sign, or shoot one, please contact Wildlife Services at (573) 449-3033 ext. 13 or Private Land Services Division at P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180, (573) 751-4115 ext. 3147 to provide location information. With your help, we can protect our native wildlife from this unwelcome invader. Document ID: --
Content revision: 20030924
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