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The Hog Gazette Gone Hog'nTM Lately? Razorback Outfitters Announces Availability of Two New Hog Attractants Two of the biggest names in the world hunting scents have created a brand new line of attractants strictly for the boar hunting community. Both Code Blue and Tinks now offer a Sow in Heat as well as a Dominant Boar Urine. Razorback Outfitters is one of the first companies to carry these new products and we hope they bring you much success. Get yours today!
Edward McCormick,President
Razorback Outfitters, Inc.
Hoggie Stamp of Approval 
Hoggie says "Damn this stuff smells good!" Understanding the Behavior and Characteristics of Hogs The Nature of the Beast Physical Characteristics
Feral swine are highly adaptable to a broad range of environmental areas and climates within the United States. These animals are medium sized hoofed mammals with a long, triangular shaped head and a low stocky build. Wild pigs exhibit great variation in skin pigmentation, hair distribution and size.
Average size variations include:
Sow – range from 80 to 330 pounds, average 110 pounds
Boar – range from 100 to 440 pounds, average 130 pounds
Occasionally, trophy sized feral swine have been harvested at over 500 pounds, three plus feet tall, and six feet long.
Boar hair is coarse with long bristles and has been historically prized in the manufacturing of cosmetic and artistic brushes. Skin pigmentation, color, patterns in the skin (spots and belts of coloration) vary from white, blond, red, brown, gray to black. Commonly the pigs are black and the adults will develop a thick mane with stiff hair bristles.
Feral swine are known to have a very strong sense of smell. Their sense of smell is considered their main “defensive” sense because it is so keen. Of course the main purpose for a hogs keen sense of smell is so that they can locate food sources buried under inches of dirt. They have good hearing and although it is commonly thought that their eye sight is not particularly good their ability to see may be better than some hunters and researchers have given them credit for.
These pigs use their elongated, tough, flattened, flexible nose to sniff and to root out their favorite foods which includes acorns, plant roots, and tubers. They will browse and eat most any kind of vegetation that they come upon and are roaming browser like is seen with deer. In fact in the areas that they populate they compete with deer for food. Pigs love agricultural crops like corn and will graze on various kinds of grasses. Feral swine are omnivorous and will eat small animals or carrion. In addition to the diseases that these wild hogs are known to carry they are maligned because they are so destructive to native and agricultural plants and crops.
Feral swine have four cloven feet, similar in appearance to a deer's hooves but the track marks that they leave tend to have smoother or rounder edges. Boars have four continually growing tusks that can be razor sharp. It is not recommended that the tusks are touched with a bare hand because they can cut as effectively as a razor blade. The upper canine tusks are typically 3 to 5 inches long, but have been recorded at up to 9 inches in length. The upper canines curl up and out along the sides of the mouth. The lower canine tusks turn out and curve back toward the eyes. Frequently the tusks are broken or worn from use and they are sharpened by the hogs through rubbing them together. The boars use their tusks for self-defense and to determine their dominate position over other boars and with sows for breeding. When fighting for dominance boars will develop a thick, tough skin of cartilage and scar tissue around their shoulders which can be a barrier to bullets and arrows.
Territorial Behavior
Wild hogs are very territorial. The home territory of a wild hog normally covers an area of 10 square miles or less. If food is in short supply, the swine may range up from 30 to 50 square miles. They nest and rest in dense vegetation and thickets and are frequently found in dense brush piles and deadfall areas. Their bedding areas and nests are grass-lined hollows made of piles of grass and twigs.
Boars tend to lead solitary lives, though several may join together in what is called a “sounder”. Sows forage with their young, usually about six in a family group. Several family groups may join together to live in a sounder of 50 or more individuals. There is at least one reported sounder of more than 40 to 60 individual hogs in the Midland, Michigan area.
Hogs migrate in search of food, due to hunting pressure, and as piglets mature they spread out into new feeding and breeding areas.
Reproductive Behavior
Feral swine can mate and reproduce by the age of 6 months to 1 ½ years (1 ½ years is most common) and they can mate any time of the year. If a sow is not successfully bred during the two or three days she is in estrus, she will become sexually receptive again 21 days later. Hogs will mate during two peak breeding seasons:
1. Winter (December through February).
2. Early summer.
The sexual maturity and the reproductive ability of hogs varies upon a number of factors including:
1. General nutrition and the availability of food.
2. Weather and environmental conditions.
Sows can produce up to 4 litters of piglets per year with each litter numbering between 4 to 12 piglets. The average number of piglets per litter is 8. Larger litters and more frequent litters are seen in the areas of the country with more temperate climates and in the northern climates sows tend to only given birth to 2 litters per year.
Boars may be said to exist to breed and will travel in search of receptive sows. The dominate male will mate first followed by less dominate males after the dominate male has completed his breeding activity.
The gestation period for sows to give birth to piglets is approximately 115 days and at birth the piglets will each weight between 1 to 2 pounds. Hog young grow rapidly and are able to follow their mothers around after about two weeks of suckling. Weaning of the piglets occurs after about 3 months. Hog offspring spend about 1 year with their mothers and then move off on their own. One sow is capable of producing 1000 piglets within 5 years.
Diet and Browsing Behavior
Wild hogs are omnivores that eat whatever plants or animals happen their way.
Their typical diet will include:
Acorns
Nuts like hickory or beech nuts
Various leaves
Berries
Forbs
Grasses
Fruits
Roots
Tubers
Corn
Small mammals
Crayfish
Frogs
Salamanders
Snakes
Mice
Eggs
Rabbit (young)
Deer fawns
Livestock (young) – lamb and calves
Weakened animals of any kind
Carrion
Activity Behaviors
70 percent of all successful kills (hunting) of feral swine occurs at night 30 percent of all kills occur during the day light hours. Feral swine have many of the feeding characteristics of white tail deer and seasoned deer hunters should be comfortable hunting these animals. Like white tail deer wild hogs feed heavily at dusk and dawn which is also the best time to hunt them.
During the day the hogs are either resting in dense vegetation or wallowing in a mud hole.
Population Numbers in Michigan
The number of feral swine in Michigan is difficult to determine at this time. When attempting to estimate the number of any species of animal researchers will use several different statistical methods to derive an approximate population number. Because our experience with this new alien animal species in Michigan is very limited accurate numbers have not been determined at this time and all attempts to derive a population number are very speculative. The various methods used to determine estimates of an animal population may include:
Quadrant counts
Road kill numbers
Hunting kills
Hunter surveys
Sightings
Mature animal breeding rates
Climate and food availability
In order to determine an estimated number of hogs in Michigan we need to first know how many animals have been released in the wild, and we do not have accurate numbers for that. Some of the releases have been accidental and at least one major release in mid-Michigan was reported and documented. Other releases may have been intentional and performed by individuals attempting to “seed” wild hogs for sport and personal gain. There are a number of unregulated private hunting facilities in Michigan that stock wild hogs and there may be more accidental releases than have been reported. Hogs are intelligent animals and they will dig under fences.
Feral swine numbers have been growing in a number of states adjacent to Michigan and of course hogs have no knowledge of state boundaries and they simply follow the food sources so some of the hogs in Michigan have migrated into Michigan from states like Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin where hog populations are known to be increasing.
Keep in mind that a single sow can produce 1000 piglets within 5 years.
Over 45 Michigan counties presently allow the shooting of feral hogs. All that is required is a valid Michigan hunting license, such as a small game license. Hunting blogs that focus on reported hog sightings in Michigan are increasingly carrying reports of sightings of more individual hogs and larger groups or sounders in both areas where reports of hogs have been originating since the year 2001 and in new locations as apparently the hogs are migrating into new feeding and breeding areas.
In 2008 the Detroit News reported that the state of Michigan has accumulated 116 separate hog sightings and that there are now 56 Michigan counties where hogs have been sighted. It would appear from these statistics that Michigan has passed the tipping point of being able to eradicate a small number of released hogs and now has a full blown hog wild epidemic on its hands.
Hogs have no effective natural predators in Michigan, or at least none that will successfully affect their populations numbers (other than man). States like Texas, which has the largest number of estimated hogs, report hog population numbers of 1.7 million.
Unless there is an effective organized effort to eradicate feral swine in Michigan their population numbers should rival those of Michigan’s white tail deer population with the next 10 years.
Happy hunting! Staff of the MHHA The State of Michigan Recommends Aggressive Action to Eliminate Feral Swine Threat April 13, 2007
LANSING--Michigan’s Commissions of Agriculture and Natural Resources have adopted a resolution to take action to prevent a feral swine population from establishing in the state. At a joint meeting held yesterday, members cited the non-native species’ destructive impact on the environment and threat to animal and public health as key concerns. Feral swine have been reported in 32 Michigan counties.
"Our experience with disease in free-ranging animals supports that every precaution should be taken to stop their establishment," said William Moritz, Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division Chief. "The presence of diseased animals would cause economic hardship to both swine producers and the hunting community."
The free-ranging or feral swine populations that exist today are escaped or neglected domestic swine, Eurasian wild boar originating from farms, and privately owned breeding and shooting operations.
While the importation and release of feral and cross-bred swine is a felony punishable by a fine not less than $1,000, wildlife and agriculture officials advise that typical penalties are not curbing illegal activity in other states. Currently, there are no provisions in state law for regulatory oversight of the pursuit of swine and at least 40 facilities offer some sort of exotic swine shooting opportunities in Michigan. Further, ownership and ownership responsibility of escaped exotic swine from registered facilities often cannot be established because current law does not require these animals to be tagged with official, unique identification.
"The strong potential exists for feral swine in Michigan to carry and transmit disease," said Dr. Steven Halstead, State Veterinarian. "Aggressive action is needed to protect the state’s hard-earned pseudorabies- and brucellosis-free status in domestic swine, as well as to protect the environment and natural resources."
The joint commissions directed the Michigan Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources to pursue the following recommendations:
1. Ban all recreational shooting of swine behind fences.
2. Depopulate swine from all Michigan Privately Owned Cervid (POC) ranches, game ranches, wild game breeding facilities and other enclosed ranches.
3. Depopulate and seek indemnity for those swine described above not otherwise shot for profit or sent to slaughter by a determined date.
4. Prohibit husbandry practices that involve raising swine for recreational shooting (such as wild pigs, razorbacks, piney-woods rooters, Russian and Eurasian boars and crosses) for sale or transfer.
5. Prohibit the sale, importation, or transfer of swine for the purpose of recreational shooting.
6. Allow year-round shooting of feral swine as nuisance animals.
7. Increase fines related to the importation and release of feral swine into Michigan from other states and Canada.
8. Use federal funds to trap, test, and remove feral swine from private property.
Copyright © 2008 State of Michigan
Feral/Wild Pigs:
Potential Problems for Farmers and Hunters
United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 799
Free-ranging populations of wild pigs (also called feral swine) exist in at least 39 States in this country. Experts estimate their numbers at over 4 million, with the largest populations located in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas.
These animals have been known to tear through livestock and game fences and consume animal feed, minerals, and protein supplements. Not only do wild pigs feed on field crops such as corn, milo, rice, watermelon, peanuts, hay, turf and wheat, but they are also efficient predators and—when given the opportunity—will prey upon young livestock and other small animals.
Wild pigs don’t all look alike. Some take after the Eurasian wild boar; others look almost like domestic pigs. The javelina, or collared peccary is native to the Southwestern United States.
Wild pigs in the United States are referred to by many names, largely because of their mixed ancestry. Wild pigs are not native to the United States and should not be confused with the collared peccary (javelina) of the Southwest. Swine were first introduced to the United States in 1539, when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto brought them to Florida. After that, it was common practice for settlers to allow their domestic swine to roam freely. Many years later, sport hunters introduced true Eurasian wild boars into certain areas of the United States, and their bloodlines have become mixed with those of the wild pig.
The feral swine population that exists today is a combination of domestic, escaped, or neglected domestic swine, Eurasian wild boar, or feral pigs that have been captured for the purpose of starting wild, free-living populations.
The intentional movement of trapped feral pigs has resulted in extensive crossbreeding of feral populations, producing variations in appearance. Wild pigs today are often hybrids: some look like wild boars, and others look more like the common domestic pig in body shape and color. It is often difficult to distinguish wild pigs from domestic swine based on appearance alone.
Wild pigs are susceptible to several serious swine diseases: swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, classical swine fever, and African swine fever.
African swine fever—a major foreign animal disease—has never been found in the United States. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) eradicated classical swine fever (formerly known as hog cholera) from this country in 1976. Although swine brucellosis and pseudorabies have been eliminated from U.S. commercial-production swine herds, hunters and farmers need to be aware that wild pigs may be infected with these diseases and can readily transmit them to domestic pigs. Moving untested wild pigs to new areas or allowing them onto farms that have domestic pigs is illegal and can have disastrous consequences.
Swine Brucellosis
Swine brucellosis is caused by bacteria very similar to the organism that causes brucellosis in cattle, and both diseases are a public health concern. Swine brucellosis causes abortions in sows and infertility in boars. Although this disease does not kill pigs outright, it causes losses in reproduction that decrease profits for swine producers.
The swine brucellosis organism is transmitted in reproductive discharges, particularly the afterbirth, from infected sows or in semen from infected boars. Infected swine are disease carriers for life, and there is no effective treatment. Detecting infected swine through blood tests and culling these animals is the only way to remove the disease from the herd.
Swine brucellosis has been reported in wild pig populations in at least 14 States based primarily on serological prevalence. The disease can be spread to domestic swine if wild pigs are introduced into local herds. Introduction could be intentional, or wild pigs could break into pastures or pens to breed with domestic sows.
Pigs infected with swine brucellosis can serve as a source of infection to domestic animals. Cattle can also become infected if they come in close contact with infected wild pigs.
Humans can get swine brucellosis through handling infected tissues of wild pigs. Hunters are at risk when they field-dress and butcher wild pigs and should take the following precautions:
1. Always wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves when field-dressing, cleaning, and butchering a wild pig carcass. Avoid direct contact with blood and reproductive organs.
2. As soon as possible, wash hands with soap and hot water after dressing wild pigs.
3. Burn or bury gloves and remains from butchered wild pigs.
4. Cook wild pig meat thoroughly.
The symptoms of swine brucellosis in humans are not distinctive enough for a clear-cut diagnosis. Most people report recurring fever, chills, sweating, weakness, headaches, pains in muscles or joints, loss of appetite, and weight loss. People with these symptoms who have been exposed to wild pigs should consult their doctor about swine brucellosis.
Pseudorabies
Another important disease harbored by wild pigs is pseudorabies. Despite its name, this disease, caused by a herpesvirus, is not related to rabies and does not affect people. However, pseudorabies is of great economic importance to the domestic swine industry. It weakens pigs, leaving them susceptible to other problems, and causes abortions and stillbirths.
A cooperative State, Federal, and industry program managed by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has eradicated pseudorabies from commercial-production swine herds in the United States. Because commercial-production swine are now free of pseudorabies, reinfection via feral pig exposure would be economically devastating to the pork industry.
Adult swine can be silent carriers of pseudorabies and will periodically shed the virus through the nose and mouth. Once infected, the pig is a lifetime carrier, and there is no effective treatment. Pseudorabies can be detected by blood testing, and evidence of pseudorabies infection in wild pigs has been found in at least 11 States.
Pseudorabies is a fatal disease in other farm animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, and in dogs and cats. Wild mammals, such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, opossums, and small rodents, also can be fatally infected. The virus attacks the nervous system in these animals and can produce intense itching followed by paralysis and death. Although people are not directly at risk, hunters need to know that their dogs could become fatally infected through exposure to wild pigs with pseudorabies.
To minimize the threat wild pigs pose to domestic swine operations, farmers should take the following precautions:
1. Do not introduce wild pigs into herds or attempt to market pigs caught in the wild.
2. Before transporting breeding swine, have blood tests performed according to State or Federal guidelines.
3. Blood-test all new stock before adding them to the existing herd.
4. Fence out feral and wild pigs from areas with domestic swine.
5. Do not butcher wild pigs on the farm or feed offal from field-dressed wild pigs to domestic swine.
Both State and Federal laws govern disease control programs for swine brucellosis and pseudorabies in all classes and types of swine. Relocating wild pigs without negative blood tests for these diseases violates the law. Before wild pigs are moved, they should be blood-tested by a veterinarian to certify that they are free from disease.
Wild pigs are highly adaptable, prolific animals. Thus, wild pig control requires a sustained and integrated approach, which may include various forms of exclusion fencing and cage traps, plus ground shooting, trained hunting dogs, and aerial hunting. Check State laws and regulations concerning feral or wild pig hunting permits, if required, for the various control techniques. Individuals should contact their State Veterinarian or the Wildlife Services unit of APHIS before moving wild pigs intrastate or interstate.
Following the sanitary procedures outlined in this brochure is important to prevent human infection with swine brucellosis and to make sure that this disease, pseudorabies, and other potential infections do not make their way into farm livestock and companion animals from infected feral pigs.
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