Feral hogs, a blend of escaped domestic swine and Eurasian wild boar, represent a significant invasive species problem across at least 39 states in the U.S. These highly adaptable animals reproduce rapidly, with sows capable of producing two litters per year. The damage caused by their rooting and foraging behaviors is substantial, contributing to an estimated $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion in agricultural and property losses annually. Feral hogs also pose a serious health risk as vectors for diseases like swine brucellosis and pseudorabies, which can be transmitted to livestock, native wildlife, and humans. A successful removal strategy requires a systematic plan for effective population reduction and exclusion, not merely hunting individual animals.
Exclusion and Habitat Modification
Exclusion and habitat modification offer preventative methods to discourage hogs from establishing residence before lethal removal is implemented. While standard wire fences are ineffective, the most robust physical barrier combines fixed-knot woven wire and electric fencing. The woven wire should be 35 to 49 inches tall, with small mesh openings near the bottom and post spacing between 12 and 20 feet.
The physical barrier is supplemented with an electric fence component. A single strand of 12.5-gauge galvanized high-tensile wire should be offset from the main fence and placed 6 to 8 inches off the ground. The energizer must be low impedance and deliver at least 3,000 to 5,000 volts to ensure a shock, even through thick hide. The bottom wire must be low enough to hit juvenile hogs, and vegetation must be cleared to prevent grounding out.
Habitat modification focuses on removing attractants that draw hogs to a location. Securing human-related food sources is important; livestock feed, pet food, and garbage should be stored in secure containers. Standing water from irrigation or puddles, which hogs use for wallowing, should be drained or fenced off. Removing dense brush or thick understory can also reduce the cover hogs use for bedding and travel, improving the efficacy of control measures.
Systematic Trapping Strategies
Systematic trapping is the most efficient method for significant population reduction because it targets entire family groups, known as sounders. Effective trap designs are large, continuous-catch systems, such as corral traps or drop nets, which can hold a dozen or more animals. Box traps are less effective because their limited capacity often catches only a few hogs, which can teach the rest of the sounder to avoid traps.
A successful trapping strategy relies heavily on pre-baiting. Bait, commonly whole corn or soured corn, is initially placed outside an open trap to draw the sounder. Soured corn, fermented in water for about a week, often deters non-target animals like deer due to its strong odor.
Once trail cameras confirm the entire sounder is routinely feeding, the bait is moved progressively inside the trap, leading up to the trigger mechanism. The trap door is only closed or triggered once all individuals in the sounder are inside. Trap placement should be near established travel corridors, feeding sites, or water sources, ideally upwind of bedding areas so the bait scent is carried to the hogs.
Direct Removal Methods
Direct removal methods are often used alongside trapping programs or to address localized issues. Ground shooting, or hunting, is effective for eliminating small, isolated groups. To increase effectiveness and avoid conditioning hogs to human presence, many operations incorporate night hunting techniques using thermal or night vision optics.
Aerial control, involving shooting from a helicopter, reduces large populations across extensive or inaccessible terrain. It is useful when hogs are concentrated or avoiding ground-based methods. Professional teams utilize semi-automatic rifles or shotguns. Aerial operations are most effective during cooler months or dry periods when hogs are more active or concentrated near limited water sources.
Snaring offers a low-cost option for catching individual animals. Snares are typically constructed from 1/8-inch galvanized steel cable with a locking mechanism and are strategically placed in confined spaces like fence crossings or well-used trails. A deer stop is often used to prevent the snare loop from closing completely, minimizing the risk of accidentally capturing non-target wildlife.
Legal Considerations and Safety Protocols
Feral hog removal requires navigating regulations that vary significantly by state and local jurisdiction. Although hogs are often classified as exotic or non-game animals, specific permits are frequently necessary. Specialized methods like night hunting, the use of thermal optics, or aerial control require explicit authorization from state wildlife or agriculture departments.
Safety protocols are paramount due to the risk of disease transmission. The most significant health hazard is swine brucellosis, which can be transmitted to humans and dogs through contact with blood or reproductive organs. When handling a carcass, protective gear is essential, including rubber or latex gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves.
Proper carcass disposal prevents disease spread and contamination of water sources. Carcasses should be buried or burned, taking particular care when disposing of reproductive tissues. If the meat is consumed, it must be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 160°F or 170°F. Uncooked meat or offal should never be fed to dogs, as they can contract the disease and potentially transmit it to humans.