Return to TFB Main Page
Return to Current Edition
Texas Agriculture Archive

February 21, 2003

Open Season

Proposed legislation: No hunting license required
for landowners to hunt wild hogs...

By Lana Robinson
Field Editor

A bill introduced by Sen. Troy Fraser (R-Horseshoe Bay) this legislative session brings the words to Woody Guthrie's old song, "root hog and die," to mind. SB 236, supported by the Texas Farm Bureau, would exempt landowners from the requirement of obtaining a license to hunt feral hogs on their own land.

Feral hogs (Sus Scrofa) are members of the family Suidae and in Texas include the European wild hog, feral hogs, and European-feral crossbreeds. Wildlife experts estimate some one million feral hogs are currently roaming around, wreaking damage in the Lone Star State. TFB Assistant Legislative Director Jill Turner, speaking to a group of Farm Bureau leaders attending the organization's Leadership Conference in Austin earlier this month, explained that as an unprotected, non-game animal, they may be taken by any means or methods at any time of year. There are no seasons or bag limits. However, under current law, a hunting license and landowner permission is required to hunt them.

"Texas Farm Bureau policy supports the right of landowners, within legal limits, to control hunting and fishing on both fenced and unfenced property. We feel like with so many other costs to the farmers and ranchers, license fees are one they don't need. Therefore, Texas Farm Bureau is in strong support of SB 236," said Turner.

Problems with feral hogs destroying crops and livestock all across Texas are increasing.

Extension Wildlife Specialist Dale Rollins said hogs have a way of multiplying.

"There are two kinds of Texas landowners—those who have feral hogs on their property, and those who will some day," he predicted. "The average litter size of a feral hog may be four to five pigs, but eight survive."

These wild hogs are very fond of domestic agricultural crops such as corn, milo, rice, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, potatoes, watermelons and cantaloupe. They feed primarily at night and during twilight hours, but will also feed during daylight in cold or wet weather. Feral hogs are omnivorous, and also prey on young lambs and kid goats. They have been known to kill and eat ground-nesting birds, such as turkey and quail. The hogs are also in direct competition with livestock, game and non-game species for food. Another negative is that feral hogs are carriers of a number of diseases that can be transmitted to livestock, including pseudo rabies, hog cholera, swine brucellosis, tuberculosis, and anthrax. They are also potential carriers of FMD (food-and-mouth disease).

Primarily, feral hogs do indirect damage to livestock and wildlife by destroying habitat and pastures. Rooting for food can harm agricultural crops and fields, as well as livestock feeding and watering facilities. The wild hogs are also notorious for damaging or ruining wildlife feeders, and excessive rooting and wallowing activities. They also disrupt wetland areas, springs, creeks and ponds. It isn't uncommon for hogs to tromp forestry plantings and damage trees.

In his book Feral Hog in Texas, wildlife biologist Rick Taylor says a wild hog can live anywhere from four to eight years under good conditions. Taylor notes that feral hogs look much like domestic hogs and will vary in color and coat pattern.

"A mature feral hog may reach a shoulder height of 36 inches and weigh from 100 to 400-plus pounds," Taylor writes. "Males are generally larger than females."

Dale Rollins suggested that hunters often exaggerate.

"Whenever a feral hog hunter tells you his trophy boar weighed a certain amount, divide that amount by two and you'll be pretty close," he said.

Rick Taylor says feral hogs are more muscular than domestic hogs, and have very little fat.

"Hogs have four continuously growing tusks (two on top, two on bottom) and their contact causes a continuous sharpening of the lower tusks. They have relatively poor eyesight but have a keen sense of hearing and smell," the wildlife specialist explains.

Taylor points out that feral hogs, although somewhat similar in appearance and habits, are not related to javelinas.

"While feral hogs are indeed true pigs, the javelina belongs to a totally separate family of mammals," says Taylor. "Javelinas are smaller, have only one dewclaw on the hind foot, a scent gland near the base of the tail, a grizzled-grayish coat with a white band of hair around the shoulder or `collar,' and are more social or herd-like animals. Although feral hogs and javelinas inhabit the same range in South and Central Texas, they are not compatible."

Feral hogs are capable of breeding at six months of age with average litter size of four to six, but under good conditions may have 10 to 12 young. Sows may have two litters a year which may be born throughout the year.

Although feral hogs inhabit much of Texas, the highest population densities occur in East, South and Central Texas. North and West Texas have very low or no populations, but recent reports indicate populations may be venturing into those areas. Feral hog populations generally inhabit the white-tailed deer range. The are also thrive in the moist pine forests in East Texas. They prefer bottomlands such as rivers, creeks, and sloughs when available. Hogs are generally found in dense vegetation cover often associated with water, but do well in drought-prone environments.

"Their home range is based mainly on food availability and cover. It is usually less than 6,000 acres but can range up to 70,000 acres. In general, boars have a larger home range and will also travel greater distances," says Taylor. "Feral hogs generally travel in family groups comprised normally of two sows and the young. Boars are generally solitary, only joining a herd to breed."

Beyond hunting with rifles, some sportsmen and landowners trap feral hogs. Harvested hogs can be eaten, but just as with domestic pork, meat should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.

Finally, Taylor notes that the adaptability of feral hogs makes it highly unlikely that hunting could effectively eradicate a population within an established range.

(Cover photos by Robert Burns, Texas Cooperative Extension Service and by Noble Foundation.)