Wild hogs could be past point of elimination in Ohio – Dayton Daily News
January 11, 2010 · Print This Article
By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer
Ohio could be past the point of being able to eradicate destructive wild hogs from the state, a federal wildlife specialist said.
The swine, popularly dubbed “Hogzillas” capable of growing to 500 pounds or more, have taken a foothold here as they have rapidly spread across the United States in a population explosion, a new survey shows.
So far, Ohio’s animals are apparently free of diseases that could harm people, said Craig Hicks, a wildlife disease biologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture based in Reynoldsburg.
But they remain a serious threat to native wildlife and the environment, and hunters should still use caution when harvesting them, Hicks noted.
“Their existence here can only wreak havoc on the natural environment,” he said. “We may be beyond the point of removing all feral swine from Ohio.”
In 2009, the first year of an ongoing program to test the wild hogs for diseases, Hicks examined samples from 14 swine killed by hunters. Tests came back negative for classical swine fever, swine brucellosis and pseudo rabies.
That doesn’t mean hunters shouldn’t be vigilant, he added.
As with deer or any wild animal, hunters should wear rubber gloves when handling raw meat and properly bag discarded pieces after field dressing, Hicks said. Hunters should also wash their hands and clothing. And, as with any pork product, the meat should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
The total number of wild Ohio hogs — a mix of farm escapees and much larger European boars that fled game hunting camps — is 500 to 1,000, according to estimates.
They’re in 26 of 88 counties including Belmont, Gallia, Guernsey, Lawrence, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Ross, Scioto, Vinton and Washington in the southeast.
They’re also in Adams, Brown, Butler, Darke, Preble and Shelby counties.
Reports also have located them in Auglaize, Champaign, Fayette, Logan, Mercer and Pickaway counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
As wild hogs have spread, they have developed permanent populations in more regions, said Jack Mayer, a scientist with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River National Laboratory in Aiken, S.C.
In a Scripps Howard News Service report, Mayer said he’s tracked the spread of the pigs to 44 states. America’s wild pig population more than doubled in size and range in the past 20 years. Two decades ago, 500,000 to 2 million roamed the United States. Now the population is 2 million to 6 million. In 1982, they were documented in only 17 states.
Mayer said that when a wild hog community is large enough, it reaches a critical mass and gains what scientists say is a permanent foothold.
Twenty-one states fall into that category of having an “established” hog population. When the population is smaller, it can still be removed by hunting and trapping.
Twelve states have so-called “transitional” or “emerging” populations including Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
Wildlife experts have said the hogs are increasingly running roughshod in rural areas, suburbs and even a few cities. They’re digging up cemeteries, gardens and lawns, causing car wrecks — and occasionally attacking people.
In 2009:
• A wild pig attacked a St. Petersburg, Fla., woman in her backyard in April, goring her leg. Seven months later, an Avon Park, Fla., driver was killed when her sports utility vehicle flipped after colliding with a wild hog.
• In Detroit, a wild pig wandered through downtown, making its way to the home of a family in nearby Warren, Mich.
• In September, in a Redding, Calif.-area subdivision, an estimated 100 feral hogs tore out landscaping and turned lawns into muddy messes.
According to the Scripps Howard report, no national strategy or program exists to corral what is a cross-border problem. Without federal intervention and enforcement of laws that limit transporting animals, the battle against the pigs — which each year cause an estimated $800 million in property and crop damage and 27,000 auto collisions — could very well be lost, Mayer said.
The USDA’s Hicks said wild pigs are challenging to kill.
“They’re a pretty smart animal, and they learn from our mistakes,” he said. “They are prolific breeders. In our southern counties, trying to find them on a large tract of land can be difficult.”
via Dayton Daily News.
Hi I’m a very happy hunter that would love to be able to hunt these hogs in Ohio but finding the landowners in these places is difficult. If someone who has land being destroyed by these hogs and wants them gone, just e-mail me at baquasty@yahoo.com and i will be there. thank you.
I will hunt them in Ohio as well… Just email me at rodgersemail@yahoo.com , put “wild hog” in the subject line, tell me your situation and where the hogs are located. Thanks
As a land owner and hunter I can understand the efforts put into maintaing a property… And to have any type of wildlife that reaks havoc on the landscape must be beyond frustrating…And to these landowners who have issues with wild hogs, I would request that you feel free to contact me in reguards to hunting them. I have at least one other friend who would be able to assist me…We are capable of hunting w/ firearms and/or archery equipment dependant on the owners request.
Thank you…God Bless!
I am offering my services and my hounds to any property owner in Ohio dealing with feral hogs of any number. We have five hounds trained to eradicate and track hogs and coyotes. My services are free at this time. Contact me via email or phone 740-397-9278 leave message. This is a busy time of year for coyotes, pre-litter time. So I will contact you back guaranteed within 24hrs. Results vary depending on established population of hogs but you WILL see our methods are humane and respect for property owners land is above and beyond our most important necessity.
If any land owner would like to get rid of there hogs email me or give me a call.i am a very dedicated hunter.i will take care of your land as if it was my own. phone number 937-270-0321 or email at kingtuny@yahoo.com
i have been interrested in hunting hogs in ohio for a while.
have not found an area or farmers who have a problem and need them hunted. iam tetired and have hunted all of my life.,
i have a farm of my own so i do respect other people and there property
if you can help out please contact me.
thanks
ed
Send me an email with your wild hog problem,I wont bring dogs.If the noise is an issue I also carry My Compound bow,for delicate areas.
I am looking for farmers with hog problems. Myself and a friend are looking to help with the problem and fill our freezers at the same time. We are very respectful of others and their property. No property or equipment would be damaged. I only hunt with a bow and if you do not want guns on the property my friend will hunt with a bow also. If guns are allowed my friend will use a shotgun or handgun. Any info would be appreciated. Pleas e-mail me at imn8iv@yahoo.com.
My son and I would like to lend a hand to any farmers with a hog problem. We carry bows and do not hunt with dogs. If anyone is looking to get rid of some hogs, please give us a call at 717-557-4427 or email me at ahostler@embarqmail.com
Thanks
My husband and I have talked about going on a hog hunt for some time now. If there is anyone that is having problems with hogs on their property, we would be happy to have the opportunity to take as many of them off your hands as we can. We also have many family members and friends that would be interested in joining us. We live in nebraska and would be willing to travel, but would be very interested if there are any farmers in Iowa, missouri, or kansas that would be willing to welcome us. Please shoot me an e-mail if we can help each other out. jolson_68701@yahoo.com
We would be respectful of any rules you would want us to comply to. Thank you.
As all above if you have a hog problem e mail and give ph# will be glad to give you a call and see if I can help you get rid of some. The meat will get used . Thank You.
Id really like to hunt these problem hogs here in my home state of Ohio, Ive been hunting for more then 25 years and respect the rights of land owners. Please e-mail me and let me know if you have any problem pig’s you would like to remove and I will try to help you out , the meat will not be wasted as I have a large family that loves wild game.
GOT A HOG PROBLEM IN SOUTH WEST OHIO?
BUTLER, PREBEL, OR HAMILTON COUNTIES.
GIVE ME A SHOUT. warrenh@fuse.net YOUR HOG
PROBLEMS WILL BE RESOLVED. THANKS, JAMES.
Like the other posters above, I also am looking to hunt Hogs that you are wanting to get rid of. I am a military man and understand respect. I will respect your property as my own. I have hunted for years and take weapons safety extremely important. My email address is the_5farrs@yahoo.com
i am just like all the other’s i and my son live in in ohio and have hunted for close to thirty years and have hunted all over ohio but have not seen any wild hogs but would really like to stick an arrow in one for sure i am an avid bow hunter if anyone has a problem with hogs and want someone to remove some of them just leave me a message on my e-mail and i will respond very quickly my e-mail adress is ohiomom0277@yahoo.com feel free to contact me anytime
I am an avid outdoorsman looking to hunt hogs. Very respectful of others property and rules. My uncle and I would love to turn a local farmer’s hog problem into our dinner. Please send an Email if we can help anybody with a hog problem. donerickspub@gmail.com
i would love to find some places to coon hunt, coyote hunt, and hog hunt in champaign county but finding permission is very difficult. i hunt on public hunting land (very crowded) at times, and hunt where i find the hunting with permission only signs. if anyone would be willing to allow those animals to be hunted please contact me by the email address or at (937) 232-6408 thank you
me and my 10 year old son would love to go hog hunting and i would love to see him get his frist hog so if enyone has land they wont hogs off of in ohio pease contaced me at matt9819@ hotmail.com or call at 330-407-4958 thanks
I am a life long ohio resident and experienced hunter.I live in north west ohio and iam interested in hunting hogs any where in ohio i would be willing to come help you with any work on your property in exchange for the privilage to hunt . Thank You
Please contact me at s.stahl@tds.net
me and my dad would like to put a dent in the coyotie and hog population we live around circleville ohio and were exilent shots me shot a 3-d target from 40 yards and hit the vitles evrey time and dad usto shoot for barnet in tourniments weve been needing places to take coyoties or bors around our area (we will respect any rules the landowner has!!!!!)please contact me worthingtonfootball55@yahoo.com
I am from PA. On the border of Ohio. I am retired from the U.S. Army. I would love to be able to help anyone out who has a problem with Feral pigs on your farm(s). You may email me at: bigbiackbear@yahoo.com. Thank you. Rich. U.S. ARMY(RET.)
I’d suggest leaving the coyotes alone (they don’t bother anything), and wipe out any hog you see. They are out there, and are getting less and less shy.
i will hunt your hogs e -mail or call anytime car23ny@yahoo.com
8434087707 thank you and i will respect you land like it was my own
does anyone know where the most heavily populated areas where hogs are located??
I would like the chance to hunt problem hogs on private property.
I will respect any landowner requests and treat your property like it was my own. I strive to leave the property better than it was when I arive. I can hunt with a bow, rifle or pistol. If you need some help just email me and I will try to help. Thanks for your time.
thetyohouse@yahoo.com
Chris
I am a landowner and livestock farmer in northern Ohio. My two sons and I would like to hunt ferrel or wild hogs in Southern Ohio. If you have a population of them on your property and would allow us to hunt on your property we would appreciate it. We would be respectful of your land and that of your neighbors, by only hunting where we have permission. I have a family of 7 and the meat would be eaten.You can call me at 4192174854 anytime during the day up to 9pm. I have hunted for over 30 years.Thanks for your time and consideration. James
I live in Indiana, my son is 33 and I’m 64 we would like to help get rid some of thos troublesom hogs.We wouldnt waste the meat and would get the land owners meat also.We have always respect the land oowners rules.If you need help with alittle work around you place for the privalige of hunting we are willing.My e-mail is chezmeister@sbcglobal.net Thank you
We run a small predator hunting company in southeastern ohio. R&K Predators has been hunting coyotes from North to south in ohio. we know how to deal with problem animals. most of the pro- staff are hocking college students and are in the ranger or wildlife management major. we hunt hogs with 3 man min. hunting parties with a rifleman, military grade rifle and a backup man with a 12 gage sluggun specializing in protecting the other hunters. hunters are skilled in hunting, tracking, and trapping. if you have a problem with hogs or coyotes on ur land feel free to email me or u can find me on facebook. look up the group R&K Predators. thank you and good hunting
Hello to everyone with a hog prolem!
Just email me.
I have two friends and we will travel to hunt your hogs. Or I can come alone. We are up by Lake Erie and can be there with-in two 2 1/2 hours. We can hunt them with any firearm, from rifles to pistol or bow arrow or cross bow. What ever the land owener wants! Feel free to Contact me anytime at gebusler@aol.com or call 4409260060. Thanks you very much!
PS: We willl get your bacon for you!!
Hi there if you have a feral hog problem email me an I would be more than happy to come an take care of some for you my email address is jnealt22@yahoo.com
To anyone out there who has a feral hog problem please contat me at shawnyoung45@embarqmail.com I have 3 other guys that would help me take care of your problem. With the planting season coming on you’ll need us.
Thank You
If anyone is having probs with feral Hog destroying your property feel free to contact me i live i’n Wv not to far from the State Line ..we have dogs to help i’n the removal of these damaging Hogs or can hunt with out the Dogs this is up to the land owner . Contact us at tickridgecurs@yahoo.com i’n the subject line put Ohio feral Hogs
I am a hunter relocating to Ohio in June 2011. I currently live in South Texas and I am very familiar with hog hunting since we have a huge hog population. I would be willing to eliminate hogs on private property for any owner having issues. My email is kris.cosme@yahoo.com I will gladly share all the meet of any hog taken. Please put hog elimination in the subject line and I will gladly return the email. I have a team of three including myself and we do not charge we do it for the love of the hunt and a good ole fashion hand shake.
Along with these other Hunters I too am very interested in Hunting wild hogs. Several of my friends (we are Deputies) are looking for a place to come in and spend time helping our neighbors out by removing free ranging hogs from your property. A split in the meat would not be an issue. Thank you for looking at my request. You can contact me at charlesmassie@hotmail.com or my cell number of 419-651-2795
I as all the rest am interested in coming to hunt wild pigs
cell number 920-216-0433, email treinke@new.rr.com
I took two of my sons on a wild pig hunt in Ohio a few years back. Both would be happy to help eliminate these pests. Just give me a call 812-614-8748 and I’ll pass on the information to them.
I might even give it a try this time. LOL!
Thanks
My son in law and myself are interested ,l In hunting these
wild hogs , we will be considerate of your property as we remove these distructive animals and promise to do it in the safest manner possible , please do not hesitate to contact me so to discuss this matter in detail.
Hello, I will be glad to hunt any nuisence hogs that any landowners have. I will also set traps for ant hog problems or we can use our bay and catch dogs any method that the landowners would like. I am from north Florida and south Georgia area I now live in Southeast Ohio so I can tell you from experiance. You want to get rid of these hogs before it is to late. Jay Oliver 740-559-2877
I’m retired .I am very interested in the ferel hog problem..I’m willing to go antwhere in Ohio to hunt these pigs down..
The population of wild and feral hogs has become a problem here in Ohio just as it has in many other states and counties. It is up to our fellow hunters to act on this issue. Our government and state officials are still in a daze as to how this can be resolved. For those of you with a problem, feel free to contact me or any other hunters in this post. Most of us are ethical hunters who respect landowners property and wishes. As land and property is becoming scarce to hunt, we need to stick together and keep our hunting pastime alive and well without wild and feral hogs. If we do not take care Of our problem soon, deer, turkey, and other game will suffer and harvesting quality animals will be a thing from the past. If you have any questions, concerns, or hog issues, feel free to email me at ggallaro@aol.com or call 419-366-1105.
Best wishes and happy hunting,
Giovanni Gallaro
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
Hello,
I am yet another hunter who would like to extend my services to any landowner in Ohio who would like feral hogs removed from their property. Will use bows or guns if you have a preference, if not then guns and dogs. The meat will not go to waste as I know several families that would be willing to take it. My email is maka_me@yahoo.com in the subject line type hogs or something of that nature. Thank you
looking to hunt wild boar in ohio, if you have property or know someone who does that has a hog problem, please contact me @ wwolfe16@columbus.rr.com
I am a hunter safety instructor for Ohio, and a retired range master from my police dept, I am an ethical hunter and would love to help anyone remove wild hogs from thier farm or land.The meat would go to family’s in need. I can hunt with gun or bow
Please contact me by e mail or phone
330-297-1598
God bless
and Thank you
Will hunt hogs on your property and remove the kill
call for permission 330-944-0016
I have been in the Army 7 years. Ohio is my home and I come home often to visit family. I would love to come help any land owner clear their property of hogs and fill my freezer. No dogs, no vehicles , just got old fashion hunting. Please call anytime or email. I am stationed in VA. Thank you.
seems to me that if these hogs were as bad as they say , they would answer request for info on where to hunt them or give leads or contact names of infected areas , my sons and i would gladly hunt them if we knew where . thanks
adding to my last post , i have tried to contact game wardens in said counties with no response from any of them , what gives ?, seems like all request on this subject is taboo for some reason , or its a big secret
i have always loved hunting, and heard that there are wild pigs in need of being hunted, would like to know of anyone in need of services.
call cell at anytime or email me at aaronsmith520@gmail.com
Hog removal within 60 Miles of Cincinnati,
I have a team ready to hunt you destructive hogs.
We are rifle hunters.
Thanks
513-535-6342
Protect are small game & Deer population. for any help removing your feral Hogs Please respond to the email. Thanks & happy hunting
Protect are small game & Deer population. for any help removing your feral Hogs please respond to my email (rickysnow00@Gmail.com) Thanks & Happy Hunting.
I have a friend that hog hunts and was having me look for a site to post something where we can get out a way to have people contact us. We live in franklin county but are more than willing to travel. If you have a problem with hogs and would like us to take care of it we can. We usally kill but we can set a trap. We use both guns and bows. So if you want us to kill them we will use a bow if you do not want us to be shooting a gun on your land. You can reach me at brooks.alex12@yahoo.com just put “hog help” in the subject.
Thankyou
I am a licensed nuisance wildlife control operator here in Ohio, send me an email with hog removal in the subject line if you have problem hogs, we will do whatever we can to remove the nuisance hogs from your property for free.
If there is a landowner that needs someone to hunt hogs off their property I am interested. I am a responsible hunter and will respect the land. contact me by email I will hunt anytime. I also have a family to provide for and will donate any meat I wont need.
I am a us marine. I and my friend would pay to let us come to your farm and kill these devils . We would hunt with 12ga buckshot and smith wesson 500 magnum they will die quick the meat would be donated to homeless shelter or those less fortunate. email me at cfout4050@gmail.com
Has anyone had luck hunting wild pigs in Shawnee State Forest? I have heard there are many there …. Thanks
will hunt hogs coyotes 4free bow /gun or/trap however the landowner wishes 2solve the problem .call me at 740 887 3951 thank you.or 740 253 9444.
As a avid hunter teaching my youngest son about the wonderful world of hunting . If you are a land owner having hog problems I would love to come help you with your problem . Just email me at randyball33@hotmail.com .
would come all the way from north florida to help.we use dogs and no guns.phone #8509267883
Me and a friend in ohio are trying to find places in ohio to hunt hogs if you have land and hogs are being a problem we’ll hunt them. Just want to hunt some hogs if you know of any places can email me or call leave a message on my phone 937-309-4898 or email me at red.dragon2007@gmail.com just really whana go hunting for a first time too.
We are looking for farmers needing assistance with hog erradication. I and my friend have been hunting Ohio for years and own land here as well. Please e-mail us with your problem and we’ll be happy to help!
wild hogs are a big problem in many states damaging crops and are very dangerous. i would love to hunt hogs are white tail deer or elk. on my first deer hunt my stock om my 30,30 marlin had a hair line crack in it. i saw 3 deer that day on my first deer hunt. they where coming across a field with a creek and trees in between us and the deer. i went down through the dry creek bed and layed my gun on the bank on the other side. well my stock fell apart on me. this is a true story. it is embrassing but true.. you got to remmber this was my first deer hunt ever. larry from ks