Description

Sus scrofa, the wild boar, was imported from Europe to Florida in 1500s by Spanish settlers, and raised as livestock. In the 19th and 20th century more European boars were released into the wilds of New Hampshire, North Carolina, Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee to establish a game population for hunters. Since then they've hybridized with domestics pigs and have dramatically expanded their population to more than 5 million with a range through the South, Midwest, and West—three-fourths of the continental United States. An invasive species, feral hogs have caused an estimated $1.5 billion in agricultural and environmental damages. A passel of hogs can effectively bulldoze a farm field, golf course or lawn. Most states have no limit on the number of pigs that can be taken. Any implement can be used any time of the year. Hunting them generally involves shooting them near a livestock feeder, or after a pursuit with dogs. When hounds are involved, “chase dogs” run the pig to exhaustion. When it turns to fight, “catch dogs” are released and the hog is pinned down. Knives, spears, and other primitive tackle are sometimes used to dispatch the pig. Many outfitters prefer them, as they're not keen on guns going off near their prized dogs.