Early settlers in America kept domestic pigs as pets, but provided no pens to house them in. As a result, with a free run of the land, the animals began to scatter and got more and more habituated to following their own instincts. They not only began damaging fences and crops, but also managed to kill livestock. And thus, the wild boar or wild hog was born! Hog hunting with dogs is therefore seen to be the only way to keep their growing population under control.
The entry of wild hogs caused the entry of diseases like triginosis and disease of the foot and mouth. These diseases can be transmitted to the livestock in surrounding areas.
A survey conducted in Florida revealed that wild hogs could fall prey to 45 kinds of parasitic as well as infectious diseases. Among them, eight of them could be transmitted to humans. Additionally, the four species of tics that fed on the wild boar could also be transferred to man.
The animals become sexually active at a very young age–six months. Two litters are given birth to annually, with at least six piglets in each one. Despite the mortality rate being high, the numbers refuse to come down!
Thus, the wild hog is responsible for spreading disease, destroying livestock and damaging the surrounding habitat. And that is why hog hunting with dogs is advocated.
A wild boar can be vicious and will stop at nothing to mortally wound something or someone it considers a threat, especially if it is a mother sow guarding her new litter in the brush. Hence, though seasoned hunters may prefer to go it alone with just the services of a guide, it is still advisable to give a thought to going hog hunting with dogs. Not that there is a guarantee that the dogs will be safe either!
Most hunters avoid the wild boar. They much prefer the milder duck, pheasants, quail and deer. It is only those who are hungering for unique experiences, who come forward to go hog hunting with dogs. For them, it has all the markings of a memorable adventure!
Coming to the qualities expected in this type of dog, it has to be very tough. The enemy is extremely intelligent and ferocious. So the dog has to possess an equal amount of shrewdness and smartness to outwit the boar. A keen sense of smell is essential. By and large, the hunter has to go hog hunting with dogs that are able to stand up to anything and everything without fear. Also, give a thought to the type of environment to be provided for these dogs after a hunt.
Some of the breeds chosen for hog hunting with dogs are–pit bull terriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Blackmouth Cur, Jack Russell terriers, pit bull mixes, hounds, German short-haired pointers and bulldogs.
In conclusion, the Appalachians have an ample supply of food, adequate water supply and can provide excellent cover for the wild hogs. This is therefore the area where the majority of wild hogs love to stay! If the need arises to diminish their population in this region, there is always hog hunting with dogs!
By: Abhishek Agarwal
About the Author:
Download Abhishek’s FREE 66 Page Ebook, “How To Play And Enjoy Hunting Video Games” from his website http://www.Hunting-Guru.com/100/index.htm. Only limited Free Copies available.
