Just wondering what it's like in other states. Seems we hear a lot about how destructive these critters can be. But, when you start trying to look for somewhere in my state to hunt them.......they're SO hated......they draw a $300/day fee to come help them out with their problem. I've seen $400/day thrown around. I'm headed to SC/GA to hunt 'em in May. I was hoping to hunt them, here, before then. Don't see it happening, for them $$$$. You guys in states where they're more prevalent.......is it like this, there? Do you find hog hunting land as or more easily as you find deer hunting land (or, as difficult)? Just curious.
Me and a couple buddies were planning a hog hunting trip sometime this year, but for that price, there is no way I'm going
Farmers are very protective of their land. They see the pigs as a cash crop if someone is willing to pay to shoot them. Yes it's dumb. If they really want to get rid of them... or at least thin them, they should let more people in at no cost or at least reasonable. 3 and 4 hundred a day to help with their problem is stupid. I have a buddy in South Georgia(Americus area) who has a couple thousand acres. When I was thinking of moving back there he said, "Please get back here and help me kill off some of these damn pigs". He'll let me hunt his land but he won't even consider letting others in.... yet he *****es about the pigs. When I left there in 1981 he had no pigs. Now they're tearing up his fields. He still has great deer hunting but the pigs are really a problem. 2000 acres on the Flint River bottom can hold a lot of pigs in a lot of hiding places. He finally leased a 750 acre parcel to a couple doctors from Florida a couple years ago. The lease isn't cheap. LOL And he still *****es about pigs. The doctors could care less about a pig, they're after the deer.
David saved me alot of typing...this is the scenario all across Georgia. & years ago, knock on any farmers land and he would beg you to shoot em all, now he will say what is it worth to you. We use to lock up deer land just based on the fact we would shoot them on sight...everytime. Alot of clearcut land down around Columbus that is absoulutly atrocious for deer (8-10 year old cut), still lease for 15 an acre because they may hold a hog or 2.
I feel ya Jeff. Its the same here in Texas. Ranchers I know complaining about hogs tearing up pastures, then when I offer to kill a few, I am asked how much I'll pay for the privledge. I would like to think we could do each other a favor. But alas no. Many of the deer hunters here in Tx won't shoot a hog unless they get so bad on the lease they HAVE to just to keep numbers and damage down. I understand David's point about ranchers wanting to protect their land. I think hunters can help, yet many land owners want the payday along with having the hog problem reduced. I am fortunate to have several places to hunt hogs for free. On the place I hunt north of Abilene to population is getting out of hand. I may have to arrange a GTG to thin the population some. As always Jeff, there is a hog hunt waiting for you in Texas any time you wish!
Thanks, Greg. WHy would they not (landowners) open up some hog hunting AFTER deer season? Seems like the best of both worlds. I dunno...
We have enough that travel in and around 40 acres that I wish they all were dead. Deer actually have to compete for food with these piggies. They repro every 3 months and that means "hard to terminate". I hate em'.
Being an outsider, I never understood this at all. If they were really such a problem, why wouldn't people just "mow em down" when they came into a feeder and shoot every single one they saw? I do want to hunt them myself as I keep hearing how much fun it is.
My thoughts exactly. Is there even a positive to have pigs on your land except to make money from people?
Just think what they'd charge if the hogs had headgear? LOL It would become like hunting deer in Kansas, Iowa or Illinois. LOL
HAH! Its already started! There are now "Trophy Fees" for boar hogs with big "cutters". So if you kill a big boar with big tusks it will cost you more than a comparable weight sow. Even though the sow is MUCH better table fare!
Well if they want to slow the population they should make it attractive to shoot a sow. Get rid of the baby machines. A domestic pig gone wild with big cutters? Really.... who cares. I'd shoot me a nice 80 pounder... no.. make that 2 or 3 if I were looking for food. Honestly, why else shoot a hog except for food. They'll be complaining and *****ing forever when the pigs keep exploding. Next thing you know they'll want the government to pay for the crop damage on top of the hunter fees. LOL Oh wait, they probably already do that.
