How to Hunt Super Pig in U.S. and Canada?

An Associated Press story about super pigs in Canada is getting a lot of attention. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of super hogs in Canada, and if the trend continues, it will most likely spread to the United States. The report said that northern states such as Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana are taking steps to stop the invasion. In Canada, feral hogs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba pose a new threat. Residents, both in the U.S. and Canada, are constantly watching the news that the proliferation of super hogs will have a serious impact on people's lives, and will bring hundreds of millions of dollars in damages and even viruses.

This also raises a thought, how to hunt these terrible invaders?

Catalog

1. Super pig
2. Hazards of Feral Hogs
3. Which U.S. states and Canadian provinces are most infested with feral hogs?
4. Hunting wild boar

5. Summary

1. Super pig

The origin of the "super pig" dates back to the last century. At that time, farmers in Canada were encouraged to breed feral hogs and crossbreed them with domestic hogs. These wild pigs were the offspring of domestic pigs that had either escaped the farm or were deliberately released into the wild. Originally, Canada didn't have many feral hogs, and over the past few years the population has grown explosively. Over time, these wild populations have settled in certain areas of Canada.

Feral hogs are known for their hardiness, adaptability and destructive behavior. They negatively impact local ecosystems, farmland, and wildlife. Their root-seeking behavior damages crops, vegetation and natural habitats, destroying ecosystems and potentially spreading disease to other animals. Experts at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada say they have recorded more than 62,000 sightings of feral hogs in Canada in recent years. As a result, efforts are being made to control and manage these wild boar populations to minimize their negative impacts.

2. Hazards of Feral Hogs

The emergence of the "super hog" problem suggests that it has caused a significant degree of harm. Although it takes a long time for organisms to evolve, it is clear that the wild boar has adapted to the harsh environment of the wild, such as surviving in extremely cold, frozen snow, or relying on its omnivorous food system, which greatly enhances its vitality. Wild boars are known for their destructive foraging habits, their huge appetites and their ability to eat anything and everything, without exception, wreaking havoc on ecosystems, agriculture, and more. They will even tear up the land. Superpigs are incredibly fertile, with sows typically producing six piglets in a litter and two litters a year, which means that even if more than 65% of superpigs were killed each year, their numbers would continue to grow. If left unchecked, then this invasive species will proliferate and get out of control.

Grabbing our gear and going boar hunting is a great option.

3. Which U.S. states and Canadian provinces are most infested with feral hogs?

Several U.S. states have been struggling with serious feral hog infestations. While the severity of the infestation varies over time, some of the following states are particularly affected by feral hog populations (some data from the University of Georgia Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health):

1. Texas: 2,425 reported feral hog sightings this year
2. Georgia: 1,377 reported feral hog sightings this year
3. Florida: 1,193 reported feral hog sightings this year

It is important to note that feral hog populations can be found in many other states in the U.S., including Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

(Image from CBC, a group of wild pigs roam in a grass field)

Data from Canada on feral hogs can be seen in the Scientific Reports article by Ruth A. Aschim and Ryan K. Brook. From 1990 to 2017, feral hogs in Canada increased exponentially. The vast majority (92%) of feral hog expansion has occurred in the three prairie provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Fifty-eight percent of the national distribution of feral hogs has occurred in Saskatchewan. British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec also have localized populations of wild boar. Only four Canadian provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia) have no confirmed feral hog sightings.

If the super pig spreads to the United States, then combined with the local problem of feral hogs proliferating in parts of the U.S. states, the superpig population will further get extremely large, and that would be a scary situation. Authorities in both countries are working hard to monitor and prevent such incidents.

4. Hunting wild boar

If the problem of feral hogs is dealt with, it is a goal that we need to consider urgently at this time. Both Canada and the United States have specific regulations regarding wild boar hunting. However, it is important to note that individual states and provinces may have different rules and regulations. In Alberta, Canada, you can get a $75 bounty for hunting wild boar. All you need to do to participate in the program is to submit a pair of ears from a wild boar. Wild Boar Control Program, the program is administered by participating cities and runs from April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2024. Feral hogs can be hunted in Alberta by people who want to help remove pests from their property, and there are no licenses, seasons or restrictions on the harvest of feral hogs. Please note that general laws regarding firearms and trespassing apply and must be followed. Protocols may vary from province to province, so it is important to consult the relevant local authorities for the most accurate information.

In response to the threat of feral hogs, several U.S. states have taken steps to control their spread. Some states even offer bounties or rewards for hunting and harvesting these animals. Specific regulations and policies, including hunting licenses and bag limits, vary from state to state, so it's crucial to consult with your local authorities before participating in any hunt.

In some parts of Texas, they use helicopters to hunt feral hogs. Some people will use hunting dogs to stalk the boar, but there is a problem with getting the boar to be lethal to the hunting dogs. If you use a hunting dog against it, then your hunting dog may be eaten by the boar. They can also be aggressive toward humans.In 2019, a woman was fatally attacked by a wild boar in Texas. Feral hogs seem to be too smart for conventional hunting and it is very difficult to just use conventional hunting gear and methods to reduce the wild hog population. You need more hunting gear. If it is used for long distance tracking of wild hogs or spotting wild hogs at night, I recommend that you can use Infiray T2 PRO thermal monocular, which helps to improve your efficiency in hunting wild hogs and also able to track wild hogs very clearly at night. Because as a hunter, visibility is limited, you have to detect wild boar from a distance to ensure your safety.

5. Summary

The growing concern over the spread of super pigs into the United States warrants attention and proactive measures. By staying informed, complying with local hunting regulations, and supporting conservation initiatives, we can work together to mitigate the threat of feral hogs and protect our natural ecosystems. If you are interested in hunting, then the challenge of hunting feral hogs would be a great choice. You can help protect the ecosystem and have fun at the same time. By following hunting regulations and guidelines, we can ensure that we protect our ecosystems while meeting the challenges posed by invasive species. Grab your hunting gear and go get your own trophy and bounty.