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.