Feral swine

[GreenMachine]

I think this is the right section to post this in..

anyway, with the DNR asking us to shoot these things for free, I figure it might be worth some time. Only problem is, I have no idea how to hunt the things. Main problem being finding them. Anyone have pointers?

I'm assuming that a) it's not this easy, and b) I won't need a shotgun. ..at least unless it really IS this easy VV

http://cellar.org/2005/MsPiggy.jpg

[crittergetter]

Heard there's some over by Cheboygan, Alpena area. Rifle is usually used to get through their tough hides. 308 or bigger, but I'm sure there are other smaller rifles that would work too.

[cgc Zephyr]

unless you talking about a place called renegade ranch. that place is enclosed. Never really heard about any real wild pigs in Michigan i imagine theres a few that have gotten out but i wouldn't expect them to last to long with all the hunting and such that goes on.

[Wildwood_Deckers]

Zephyr,
You have obviously not been following the posts going on.... There are a number of larger groups (20-25) of feral hogs in michigan.
One group near me is probably in the neighborhood of that size and the ones near Gladwin and Midland, there are also a number of smaller groups throughout the state.

Clyde

[cgc Zephyr]

Sorry guess so, looks like it's time to get them undercontrol now or they will really get outa hand. Is some one releasing them? Seems farm raised pigs going ferral would be less of a possibility given the hunters that are out especially now with deer season going on and with seasons pass. I know the pigs i've shot in my past were in the states where the terrain and area would support a group or herd on observed for good number of years. I know michigan is big but theres not that many places that aren't able to be observed to let people know the pigs are around. a heard of say a dozen pigs will really make there presence know by being seen or there distruction, especially the fields they would frequent due to the food available.

[adc_69_2000]

i know i would love to shoot a pig. it said there spose to be in montcalm county i think ionia to. anyone seen them? point out a spot for me to shoot them and i will :)

[NorthernCatahoulas]

I have a list of the counties with feral hogs:Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Baraga, Bay, Cass, Cheboygan, Clinton, Dickenson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Isabella, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Lake, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Marquette, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscota, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saganaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, and Washtenaw. These are counties with known populations.
About how to hunt them, I am hoping that we can use dogs, I just happen to have some of the best hog dogs that can be got. Louisiana Catahoula Leopard Dogs, the original hog dog.
Somebody was wondering if these were domesticated pigs gone feral and I would have to say no, these hogs are just spreading.
The good news about these things is that they will be fairly disease free after the culling of a few Michigan winters and will be safe to comsume (as safe as any swine anyway).

[Joeker51]

Link from the DNR with maps of sightings.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10370_12145_25065-155439--,00.html

[DrCherry]

Some friends and I are planning a trip up in the neighborhood of Lake, Wexford, and Oceana Counties in February for some swine huntin'.

Any specific information that'd help us get in touch with land-owners with swine problems would be greatly appreciated.

We're planning on bringing our shotguns and rifles since we don't really know what it'll take. Think a 16GA slug would bring one down?

Thanks in advance.

[Buddwiser]

For those of you wondering about where and when sightings of feral swine have taken place, go to the General Hunting section at this site and look up the thread entitled Feral Swine Updates....you may be surprised at the amount of wild pig activity in the state. There was also a large write up in the Free Press you could probably check into.

[croshair]

Actually, Michigan has a substantial hog population and growing. I've seen several over the last 2 years. All of which were feral hogs. I have reported most of my sightings to the DNR and they encouraged actively hunting them. Any valid hunting license, any firearm, no closed season. I am looking for targets of opportunity and not spending much time pursuing them. Baiting works well if you can find an area where they frequent. Try corn mixed with strawberry jello. The smell of the jello really works to draw them in. They were hitting my electronic corn feeder about twice a week until the feeding ban. Mostly hitting the bait during the day while I was at work, of course. We are hoping for a pig roast ;)

[wally-eye]

Plenty of reading here:

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194817

[THUMBTRAPPER]

Saint clair co. has them also...I shot 2 a few years back...Tell you what...Good eating!!!:D I will post some picks if i can fin them...