Hogs gone Wild on discovery channel

[Finfeatherfur]

Originally Posted by Ray

Hogs have the potential to damage property, destroy the marshlands, and even spread diseases.

"They are carrying diseases, we are testing them now and collecting blood samples," said John Robinette, a biologist with LDWF.

Robinette said the rapid increase of these feral hogs is due to people releasing them into the wild at a very rapid rate.

"They breed at rapid rates as well," said Robinette. "They usually have two litters a year and 10 to 12 of them per litter."

A new piece of legislation is expected to give hunters more time to catch the hogs and put a dent in the population increase.

"This measure will allow hunters to hunt for feral hogs, coyotes, beavers, nutria, at night after legal shooting hours with a shot gun no larger than 10 gage with a buck shot or a smaller shot or a 22," said Marceaux.

The new law goes into effect on February 28th. If residents spot a wild hog that needs to be trapped or picked up, contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at (337) 491-2580.

Ray, I am part of the study ongoing in the state and have been for some time. Dr. Jim Lacour from Slaughter, LA is the state vet and has actually come on some hunts with us. We collect blood, tissue and sometimes hair samples. One of the guys I hunt w/ is a biologist w/ USFW service in Lafayette and I was at his office on Cajundome Blvd yesterday. I think the new law about reloacting hogs will be useless to the control of the hog problem, no matter what state you are in. Just my $0.02!

I think we need to come up with a "good samaritian" law that gets landowners involved in education and eradication. Texas was too slow at implementing a response and look at them now. We will be like them in 5 years if we don't do something soon!