Feral Hogs

Feral hogs were first introduced into Texas by the explorer Hernando de Soto in the mid-1500′s. However, it was not until the 1980′s that populations of feral swine exploded across the state due to a number of reasons including supplemental wildlife feeding and hog relocation for hunting purposes.

Population Control

Challenges

Feral hogs are smart. Inefficient attempts to control their numbers make them wary and less susceptible to control measures and often result in the hogs becoming nocturnal.

They also have a tremendous intrinsic rate of increase. Mature sows can have two litters per year and their female offspring can become sexually mature at 6 to 8 months of age and therefore are capable of producing a litter of their own before their first birthday!

Methods

With current technology, we cannot hope to eradicate feral swine. However, applied research projects have shown that we can effectively reduce the damage that feral hogs cause.

Trapping

For most landowners, trapping using large traps, pre-baiting and varying baits among traps that appeal to the feral hogs’ keen sense of smell increase the odds of trapping success.

Hunting

Since feral hogs are not protected wildlife in Texas, they may be taken at any time on private property. The only license requirement for feral hogs is a hunting license. For more guidance, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife Region 5 office at 210-348-7375.

NOTE: San Antonio has laws prohibiting firearm discharge within the City limits.

Please refer to the Texas Animal Health Commission for feral swine programs (PDF) and requirements.

Do Not Use Toxicants

There are no products registered for use as toxicants for feral hog control. The Texas Department of Agriculture has successfully prosecuted landowners that have chosen to try and reduce feral hog populations via the use of toxicants. Don’t do it–it is illegal!

Disease Risks

Feral hogs can carry a number of diseases, the most common being pseudorabies and swine brucellosis. Of these two diseases, swine brucellosis warrants particular concern because an infected hog can transmit the disease to humans. Hunters should take precautions by wearing rubber or latex gloves and eye wear while field dressing hogs and then thoroughly wash their hands and disinfect equipment used during that process.

It is impossible to simply look at a feral hog and determine if it carries swine brucellosis. Therefore, better safe than sorry on all hogs field dressed! These diseases cannot be transmitted by consuming feral pork but as is the case for domestic pork products, thorough cooking (160°F) is a must!