Wild hogs (feral hogs) are a significant concern in Missouri’s natural landscapes and agricultural areas. Not native to the state, their established populations pose considerable threats to ecosystems and farming operations. State agencies and partners are working to manage and reduce their numbers.
Presence and Spread in Missouri
Wild hogs are primarily found in southern Missouri, with established populations in many Ozark and east-central counties. Though some free-ranging hogs existed historically, their populations significantly increased and spread in the 1990s. This expansion was largely due to the intentional release and escape of European wild boar, often associated with recreational hunting operations. These highly adaptable animals reproduce rapidly, with a single sow capable of producing two litters of about six piglets per year.
The Harmful Impacts of Wild Hogs
Wild hogs inflict extensive damage across Missouri’s environments and agricultural lands. Ecologically, their rooting behavior, where they dig into the soil for food, causes significant habitat destruction, leading to soil erosion and reduced water quality in streams and ponds. They also compete with native wildlife, such as deer and turkey, for food sources like acorns. Their wallowing further degrades sensitive natural areas like glades, fens, and springs.
Beyond ecological harm, wild hogs pose serious threats to the state’s agriculture. They destroy crops and hay fields, causing economic losses. They can carry and transmit diseases, including swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, trichinosis, and leptospirosis. These diseases can spread to domestic livestock, threatening the agricultural industry. While generally avoiding humans, aggressive encounters can occur. Diseases can also transmit through handling infected animals.
Missouri’s Wild Hog Management Strategy
Missouri employs a comprehensive strategy to manage wild hog populations, led by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). This collaborative effort, known as the Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership, focuses on eradication rather than simple population control. The primary methods involve trapping programs, where specialized traps are used to capture entire groups of hogs, known as sounders.
Aerial operations, utilizing helicopters, are also deployed in certain areas to effectively remove hogs, particularly in rugged terrain or when hogs become wary of traps. Since 2016, these coordinated efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the areas occupied by wild hogs, with a decrease of 64.9% in occupied watersheds by 2022 and an estimated 84% reduction in the overall population by 2024. This strategic approach aims to eliminate the invasive species from the state’s landscape.
Hunting Regulations and Public Involvement
The public, including hunters and landowners, plays an important role in Missouri’s wild hog management. The Missouri Department of Conservation strongly discourages recreational hunting of wild hogs, particularly on public lands, where it is prohibited. While not illegal on private property, hunting is still discouraged because it can scatter sounders, making the remaining hogs more wary and harder to trap or remove through organized efforts.
Instead of hunting, the MDC emphasizes public cooperation through reporting wild hog sightings and damage. Individuals should contact the MDC to report observations, allowing trained professionals to implement removal strategies. This approach supports eradication goals by preventing hog dispersal and facilitating targeted removal by management teams. Public awareness and adherence to these guidelines are crucial for successful statewide elimination.