Once upon a time, in the land of Ohio, there roamed a mischievous band of wild pigs, descendants of those cunning escapees from domesticity. Legend has it that these porky rebels trace their lineage back to the daring escapades of early explorers who brought pigs from Europe to the New World as early as the 1500s. Little did they know the chaos that would ensue!
You see, wild pigs are descendants of domesticated pigs that escaped captivity.
Hogs Wreak Havoc
Now, imagine this: the peaceful countryside of Ohio, with its rolling hills and quaint farms. Has now become under siege by these snouted raiders. It’s estimated that there are as many as 2,000 of these wild hogs wreaking havoc across the state.
Forget about your neatly manicured lawns, these pigs turn them into real war zones. Digging up to two feet deep in search of sustenance, leaving behind a landscape that resembles the aftermath of a rowdy frat party.
But fear not, brave citizens of Ohio, for we shall delve into the depths of this swine-infested saga and emerge victorious! Let us embark on a journey to understand these creatures and the havoc they wreak upon our fair land.
That’s right, feral hogs are estimated to cause up to to $2.5 billion in damage annually by digging in search of food. This digging can cause crop fields, grass, and woodlands to resemble irregularly plowed fields.
Identification and Signs of Hogs in Your Area
Identifying these porky perpetrators can be a challenge, for they come in all shapes and sizes. From the adorable piglets with their unique striping to the mammoth adults tipping the scales at a hefty 350 pounds! Adult hogs can weight from 125 to 200 pounds. Although bigger individuals do exist. These pigs are as diverse as they are destructive.
Let’s talk about what there is to know about these creatures. As well as how and why they’re terrorizing residents in 13 of the 88 counties in Ohio.
Keep an eye out for their telltale tracks. You will notice a broader dew claws and more curved toes distinguishing them from their deer counterparts.
The look of feral swine can vary widely. Strongly Eurasian – influenced piglets have unique striping from the snout to the tail that fades as they become older. Depending on the ancestry and maturity, the sizes can differ substantially.
Most Common Area for Wild Hogs
Ah, but where do these rascals roam? Southeast Ohio is their stronghold.
The following counties have reported breeding colonies of feral pigs:
- Adams
- Athens
- Champaign
- Gallia
- Hocking
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Scioto
- Vinton
Efforts to eradicate them have been ongoing, with the USDA APHIS National Feral Swine Damage Management program leading the charge since 2014. But the battle rages on, as these pigs continue to multiply and wreak havoc on our fields and forests.
The damage wrought by these wild hogs is no laughing matter – well, maybe just a little. These hogs are the ultimate party crashers. From uprooting crops to spreading infections to their unsuspecting neighbors, these pigs spare no one in their quest for chaos.
Hunting Wild Hogs in Ohio
But fear not, for we have weapons in our arsenal! Armed with our Ohio hunting licenses and a healthy dose of determination, we can rid our land of these pesky pigs, one trap at a time.
So Can You Hunt Wild Hogs in Ohio?
Ohio hunters are urged to report any feral pigs they come across to help stop the spread of swine population. To report and observations of damages contact USDA/APHIS at 1-866-4USDA-WS or 1-866-487-9897. You can also report sightings with the ODNR Wildlife Species Sighting Report.
Hunting has minimal impact on lowering wild hog populations. Hogs will travel up to an eight mile radius making them rather difficult to locate. Furthermore, feral swine can have up to 10 piglets twice a year.
Trapping them is a humane alternative to hunting these creatures.
Most of the time, wild pigs are nocturnal. Sleeping in thick vegetation or lazing around in mud holes during the day. Feeding and hunting at night. Anybody with a current Ohio hunting license can legally hunt these pests.
Also homeowners on their own properties may legally hunt these bothersome animals at any time of the year.
YES YOU CAN legally hunt wild hogs in Ohio. If you want to make sure you are staying compliant. Check out the ODNR website wildohio.gov.
A current Ohio deer permit is necessary to harvest feral pigs throughout the deer gun and statewide muzzleloader seasons. Hunters should only use weapons that are allowed to be used during that particular season.
Finding and Harvesting Wild Hogs
Signs of Wild Pigs
Being a highly migratory species, wild pigs frequently relocate to new locations within their environment. They typically leave behind observable traces as they move about. The undeniable harm done as they root in the quest for food is pure destruction. It’s a distinguishable indication that a wild hog is in the area.
Wallows
Wallows are yet another obvious indicator. Wild pigs dig wallows in areas around wetlands, streams, and sloughs in the summer to obtain mud that keeps them cool. This mud bath also keeps insects from attacking them. Pigs that are feral will rub objects to get rid of parasites, hair, and dried mud after they’ve wallowed. Thick mud keeps their internal temperatures regulated.
Tracks and Trails
Wild hog traces, another indicator, can occasionally be difficult to differentiate from those left by native animals like white-tailed deer. Wild hog tracks often have a more rounded toe shape, something a little more blunted. While deer tracks typically feature sharp, pointed hearts or spades.
The feral pigs tend to take the same route as they migrate over the land, leaving a well-used trail. Pigs frequently track mud and hair onto the wires beneath fences where these pathways cross them. If you’re walking your fenceline and think you’ve spotted “pig hair”? Maybe you have wild hogs crossing your area.
Whatever the primary component of their food, the form and substance of wild pig droppings might vary. Their excrement is frequently tubular and contains plants such as mast, although it can sometimes resemble that of domestic dogs or horses.
Bedding
Beds and bedding areas are more challenging to spot. A wild pig area may be underfoot and you don’t even realize it. In order to expose the cold dirt to lay in, they will shift the soil over to make shallow beds, and they will be spending a lot of their time in these areas throughout the hottest part of the day.
These sites offer wild pigs security and cover. Thus, making them prefer resting amidst dense vegetation such as vines, fallen trees, and other sturdy or thorny plants. The thick vegetation shields them from predators and provides a sense of safety, allowing them to rest undisturbed.
Harvesting
Like any wild game, feral pigs can be eaten. Anyone thinking hog roast? I know I have been while writing this and my stomach is growling.
It is advised to employ correct field dressing methods and properly cook the meat to 165°F to remove pathogens and parasites, due to potential infections and parasites.
Conclusion
So, dear reader, heed my words and be vigilant! Keep an eye out for signs of these porcine invaders – from their muddy wallows to their well-trodden trails. Together, we shall reclaim our land from the clutches of these wild pigs and restore peace to the countryside once more!
In conclusion, hunting wild pigs in Ohio offers a unique and exciting experience for hunters of all levels. From the thrill of tracking their signs to the challenge of navigating dense vegetation, pursuing these elusive creatures tests both skill and patience. As we continue to monitor and manage their populations. Please follow responsible hunting practices ro preserving the balance of our ecosystems.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, Ohio’s wild pig hunting opportunities provide a chance to connect with nature and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. So gear up, explore the great outdoors, and embark on an unforgettable adventure in pursuit of Ohio’s wild pigs.
Get out and Got Hunt Ohio!
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