Swine, Hogs, Pigs, Razorbacks, Piney Woods Rooters….whatever you want to call them; parts of the country have populations reaching epidemic populations.
Like Zebra Mussels, Lamprey Eels, and Fire Ants…these eating machines are raising havoc wherever they live. Capable of three litters a year (6-12 per litter), these predators (yes, predators) are destroying habitat and wildlife at an alarming rate. Like Vacuum cleaners on 4 legs, nothing is safe in their path. A hogs diet can include, (and not limited to), snakes, acorns, farm crops, grubs, road kill, turkey eggs, whitetail fawns, etc. Bottom line? Nothing is safe in their path.
I have witnessed a single hog run a herd of deer, and flock of turkeys off a food plot. A dozen hogs can turn a $1000 clover patch into a rooted up mud hole overnight. With no natural enemies, mostly nocturnal, and arguably the smartest animal in the woods, populations are exploding out of control all across the country.
State Wildlife Agencies are worried, with many states allowing hunting at night and spot lighting. Several states have no closed seasons, which tell me they are taking this invasion serious. A well-known wildlife biologist told me, “If you don’t have hogs now, it’s only a matter of time and you will”.
We (sportsmen, landowners, farmers) have a responsibility to address this epidemic by hunting, trapping, and using trained dogs……whatever it takes. Just because you live north of the Mason-Dixon line, don’t think you are immune. These rooting devils are showing up in places like IL, WI, MI, and PA.
Trust me, I pledge to do my part to keep their populations in check, and when I do……Please pass the biscuits and gravy.
