If you are constantly updated on the latest in hunting, then you may have heard about pig hunting. This, of course, does not involve shooting swine out of the barn, or getting some pigs into the open and then shooting them down. The real pig hunting involves you going after the feral wild pigs, which are deemed in many parts of the world to be exotic and non-native species that can pose threats to the environment. In many cases, wild pigs – often referred to as boars or feral pigs – can destroy farms and kill livestock. In some cases, however, they can be deemed as a valuable addition to an environment, especially where they are the scavengers or cleaners.
In some Australian states, the wild pig is considered as an unprotected species that can be hunted all year round, and with no limits to their harvest. As long as the hunter hunting them has a valid license, as well as the express permission of the person who owns the land on which they wish to hunt, then the hunter may hunt as many wild boar as he or she pleases. If you own property and have feral pigs, then you can hunt them in some states without having to present a license.
Here are a few more facts about wild pigs that you may have to be aware of if you wish to engage in wild pig hunting.
- It is illegal to herd feral pigs in a facility or space and then use them for hunting in some states. If you are offered the chance to hunt at a facility and you know that your state has a law against operating hunting facilities, then steer clear of the offer.
- It is illegal in some states to release hogs out into the wild, as domesticated pigs can indeed turn wild once let loose. You will simply be adding to the feral pig population if you do this. If you discover people doing this in your area, you have the duty to talk to your local conservation facility or game warden immediately.
- Feral pigs are not your small and cute pigs – they can weight over a hundred pounds each, and if you wish to take the trophy-size ones down, they can be as tall as three feet, as long as six feet, and even as much as two hundred + kilograms in weight. They can therefore be vicious and difficult to fend off if they start attacking you, so know your safety procedures.
- Feral pigs will often keep a small home territory, which can often be about a several square kilometers. However, if they start running out of food, they can start expanding their home territory quickly, so you may need to do some speculation. There may be feral pig territory maps at your local conservation and game center, so you can consult them for more information on where you should go, and how far you should go to start hunting pigs.
- Never underestimate pigs. They can swim and run as fast as fifty kilometers an hour.
These are only a few facts that you should be aware of as you start pig hunting. For more information, talk to local pig hunters and ask for tips about getting yourself started in pig hunting. Talk to your local game hunters for more details on what you should or should not do during your pig hunt, and ask for tips on what you should bring just in case the weather changes. If you have a lot of research under your belt, and if you know a lot about hunting in general, then you will find it easy and enjoyable to hunt wild pigs, and help the environment in your state at the same time!
By: Richard Simm
About the Author:
Richard Simm is the CEO of Active Merchandise, a company specializing in quality surveillance, hunting and recreational equipment. Go to http://www.activemerchandise.com.au