TEXAS FERAL HOGS
{Sus scrofa domesticus}
Kenneth ‘Doc’ Waltz, Certified TX Master Naturalist/TPWD Hunter Ed Instructor, Bonham, TX

The problem with feral hogs is that they just will not go away. They have been in TX since 1689.

TX Extension estimates for 2006 is that there are over 2 million feral hogs in Texas. For example: a two-year-old sow will bear a litter of 6-10 piglets (half males/half females); in six months female offspring mate and each bear 4-6 piglets; while the older sow continues producing 6-10 every six months. This calculates to roughly 54 new feral hogs per 1.5 years from one sow. They’re omnivorous, eating vegetation, grubs, birds & eggs, goat, sheep and even calves. Mountain lions are the only natural predator of mature feral hogs, leaving man next in line.

Hunting them is a growing sport, however the annual hunting harvest accounts for only 1% of the harvest. A valid hunting license is required; there is no annual season or bag limit on private land, although certain state and federal properties may set seasons. Landowners or lease agents are exempt from licensing, but their family members are not. Hogs are mostly nocturnal, so check with local game warden to let them know you are night hunting hogs, which saves you and wardens unwanted calls.

Trapping is the most productive method of control. Commercial box traps are ineffective due to limited capture capacity, feel of mesh on hooves is uncomfortable, and older hogs soon become trap wary. Using large 60-foot shaped teardrop trap pens with drop gates, called ‘Rooter Gates’ is the most productive method, and if employed correctly can trap up to 20 or more per trap/pen. Check traps every 24hrs providing food & water as a bait enticement. A variety of commercial hog baits work fine, but varieties of homemade baits of sour corn mixed with molasses, strawberry and grape cool-aid (or Jell-O), and fish by-products work very well. It is legal in TX to sell live feral hogs to buyers. Buyer’s rates vary on the market price, size, and quantities. Feral hog stockyard in Ft. Worth processes thousands of pounds of pork each month, exporting to Asian and European markets. State law requires a 2-week quarantine required by TAHC to test for pseudorabies (PRV) [not a threat to humans], and brucellosis [a threat to humans] but both are concerns to domestic livestock. Wear rubber gloves, goggles/face shield when field dressing. Is feral hog meat safe to eat? Yes indeed. Cooking pork at 160 degrees F (internal) kills both viruses and potential parasites. Properly prepared wild pork is very lean & tasty and best of all free for the taking.

Feral hogs caused over $56 million damage to TX Ag cropland in 2006. TX Extension spent an equal amount in control & eradication expenditures, but the end is not in sight without landowner cooperation. Contact TX Extension, TX Animal Health Commission, TX Parks & Wildlife, TX Dept of Agriculture, or USDA for more information. ~Waltz is a freelance wilderness survival guide//hunter- fisherman and avid outdoorsman~