Wild Boar, (or feral hogs)
Ok, just in case anyone out there takes offense to the idea of me wanting to use my new AR to hunt wild boar (feral hogs) in Michigan:
Take into account,
*The feral hog population in Michigan is growing very quickly. *The Michigan DNR is very concerned about this growth. *The DNR say’s the hogs present a major problem for wildlife and agriculture. *There are now, a least 45 counties in Michigan, with a feral hog problem. The DNR say’s “Once feral hogs get a foothold, they are impossible to eliminate”.
Feral hogs weight between 100 to 150 lbs, with very large boars going over 300lbs. Their attitude has been described as similar to that of a JUNK YARD DOG! Sows are capable of breeding at 18 months old, and can have 4 broods a year. Litters average between 4 and 6 piglets each. You do the math. They will eat ANYTHING, ground nesting birds, their eggs, and their young, (Turkey, Grouse, Woodcock, etc.), any small mammals including Whitetail fawns, (and in extreme cases small human children). And most agriculturally importantly is their ability to destroy huge patches of feild crops, hay, corn, beans, etc. Plus, they seem to have insatiable appetites!!
To top it off, they are known to habor and spread disease, particularly diseases know to infect humans.
The DNR suggests that if you’re out hunting, and see a wild hog, that you eliminate it immediately. Afterwords they request that you call them and report the kill.
So far, I’ve not determined the exact legallity of hunting them. I’ve read nothing about specifically hunting just the hogs. I assume you must have some sort of hunting license, even though there is open season on them. Bottom line, if I get a line on a nearby area with a feral hog problem, I think I’ll talk with the conservation crew, learn the legal methods, and offer the services of my newest aquisition.
~~>GB