Hunting

Show Only ...
Maps - Photos - Videos

Texas is Losing the Fight Against Feral Hogs – The Truth About Guns

|

More Hunters Wanted: Texas is Losing the Fight Against Feral Hogs – The Truth About Guns

Even though hunters and trappers are killing approximately 30 percent of the hog population in Texas annually, hog numbers are still growing by about 20 percent each year. Biologists and wildlife managers estimate that 70 percent of the hogs in the state will have to be killed annually just to maintain current population levels and even more must be taken to actually reduce their numbers.

You read that right: 7 out of every 10 hogs in the state must be killed just to keep their numbers where they are now.

So why are wild hog populations experiencing such explosive growth in this portion of the United States?

The main reason is that hogs breed almost as fast as rabbits. They become sexually mature before they are a year old and can produce as many as three litters of 6 to 8 piglets every year.

Another reason they are difficult to control is because feral pigs are very intelligent and resilient animals. They quickly respond to hunting and trapping pressure by changing their habits or just leaving the area for greener pastures when things get too hot.

Since they are known to roam over extremely long distances in search of food, this makes long-term hog control measures difficult and complicated.

America’s Wildlife Values Research TeamColorado State University – Fish and Wildlife Agency Culture Survey Data for NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife

|

America’s Wildlife Values Research TeamColorado State University – Fish and Wildlife Agency Culture Survey Data for NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife

 

As part of the America’s Wildlife Values Project, NYS Division of Fish and Wildlife participated in a survey of agency culture that measured employees’ perspectives on fish and wildlife management and the culture of your agency.

New findings give insight into a varied wolf diet — Furbearer Conservation

|

Predator eat predator: New findings give insight into a varied wolf diet — Furbearer Conservation

When thinking about the parameters of a typical wolf diet, a common conjuring of likely candidates resembles common prey species such as wild ungulates and ranched livestock. Perhaps the occasional hare or small rodent.

Many studies focusing on the dietary trends of wolves across North America do, in fact, point out that ungulates are a staple. Multiple studies have referenced moose (Alces alces) as making up over 80% of a wolf’s diet. White-tailed deer (the most common prey in Minnesota), elk, caribou, and domestic livestock tend to also be popular and common fare - polarizing the debate of both wolf management and reintroduction in many parts of America.

However, as the Voyageurs Wolf Project of Minnesota highlights in a recent social media post, skilled predators like wolves can sometimes leave us all surprised with what they fancy for a meal.