Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion

Feral hog (left) and European wild boar (right). Both are the species Sus scrofa.

Fencing is generally not practical except in small areas around yards and gardens. Heavy wire and posts must be used, but if hogs are persistent, exclusion is almost impossible. Electric fencing on the outside of the mesh may be of some help, but it is difficult to maintain over large areas. Electric fencing has been used effectively in New South Wales, Australia. See the Deer chapter for details on electric fencing.

Frightening

No methods are effective.

Repellents

None are registered.

Toxicants

No toxicants are currently registered for controlling wild pigs in the United States.

Trapping

Cage Traps. Trapping, especially where pig densities are high, is probably the most effective control method. Traps may not be effective, however, during fall and winter when acorns or other preferred natural foods are available. Hogs seem to prefer acorns over grain and other baits. Leg snares and hunting may be more productive control methods during fall and winter. Stationary corral-type traps and box traps have been used with success. The corral or stationary trap is permanent and should be constructed in locations where large populations of hogs are evident and where more than one hog can be trapped at a time (Fig. 3). Build the trap out of steel fence posts and 2 x 4-inch (5.1 x 10.2-cm) welded 12-gauge wire fencing. A gate frame can be made from 2 x 4-inch (5.1 x 10.2-cm) boards. Make doors from 3/4-inch (1.9-cm) plywood and mount them so that they open inward and close automatically with screen door springs. Heavier material may be used for the gate and frame in areas where exceptionally large hogs are to be trapped. Also, more steel fence posts may be needed to reinforce the wire fencing. The wire fencing should be put on the ground as well as at the top of the trap to prevent hogs from going under the sides or over the top. Fasten the sides to the top and bottom. One or two small hogs can be left inside the trap with adequate food and water to act as decoys.

Figure 3. Stationary hog trap.

Materials for Wildpig trap

2" x 4" x 24' wood
36" x 48" x 3/4" plywood
36' x 2" x 4" mesh welded wire
4 6" strap hinges
2 12" screen door springs
8 6" steel fence posts
4 lbs. 16-penny nails
1 lb. 12-penny nails
2 lbs. 1 1/2" staples
1 100' 12-gauge wire

A portable trap with a drop gate has been used very effectively and can be moved from one area to another (Fig. 4). It is especially effective where hogs occur intermittently. Build the trap out of 2 x 4-inch (5.1 x 10.2-cm) welded 12-gauge wire over a 2 x 4-inch (5.1 x 10.2-cm) wooden frame using a 3/4-inch (1.9-cm) plywood drop gate. Place loose barbed wire fencing around the outside of the trap to prevent livestock from entering and to protect both the traps and bait material. When traps are not in use make sure trap doors are locked shut to prevent the possibility of trapping livestock.

Figure. 4. Portable hog trap with drop gate

Materials for Portable Wildpig Trap
8 2" x 4" x 6'
4 2" x 4" x 3'
6 2" x 4" x 2'
1 3/4" x 24" x 36" plywood
2 3' x 6' welded-wire fencing (12-gauge)
2 2' x 6' welded-wire fencing (12-gauge)
1 2' x 3' welded-wire fencing (12-gauge)
2 3" strap hinges
1 12" x 20" plywood
2 8' cable or nylon
2 1" x 1" steel pin
16-penny nails

There are a number of different styles of live or cage traps. The two de-scribed here have been used effectively in California. As many as 14 hogs have been trapped during a night in one trap. It is important that the material used in the construction of these traps be strong and heavy enough to pre-vent escapes. Corral-type traps have captured up to 104 hogs in a single night and may have to be reinforced with extra fence posts and heavier fencing material.

Persistence and dedication are required if a feral hog control program is to be successful. Traps must be checked daily to be reset and to replace bait when needed. Many times control measures fail because operators fail to check their traps or provide bait in adequate amounts. Trapping hogs that are feeding on acorns may be difficult because they seem to prefer acorns to grain or other baits.

Traps should be checked from a distance when possible. If several large hogs are in a trap, the presence of a person or vehicle will frighten them and escapes can occur even out of well-built traps. A well-placed shot to the head from a large-caliber rifle will kill the hog instantly without greatly alarming other hogs in the trap. Shoot the largest hog first, if possible. When a trapping program is being conducted, all hunting in the area should cease, especially the use of dogs, as this may pressure the pigs to move to another area.

A prebaiting program should be con-ducted before a trapping program is initiated. Grains such as barley, corn, or oats make good attractants, as do vegetables or fruits, if a supply is available. If bait is accepted by hogs, replace it daily. Make sure enough bait is out to induce hogs to return the next day; if no feed is available, they may move on to other feeding areas. A place where hogs have gathered in the past and seem to frequent often, is probably a good place to build a corral-type trap. If only one or two hogs are attracted to the prebait, a portable trap should be installed.

If a swing gate corral trap is prebaited, prop the doors open so that hogs can move in and out. When it appears that the number of hogs that are accepting the bait has peaked, position the doors so that they will close after hogs enter the trap.

Steel Traps. Steel leghold traps are not recommended for pigs.

Leg Snares. Leg snares can be used with success where terrain prohibits the use of cage traps. Snares are not recommended if livestock, deer, or other nontarget animals are in the area. An ideal location for leg snares is at a fence where hogs are entering pens or on trails that hogs are traveling. Fasten the snare to a heavy drag, such as an oak limb, 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.6 m) in length, or longer if large hogs are in the area. Make sure the size of the cable is heavy enough to hold a large hog.

Shooting

Sport hunting is used in certain areas to reduce wild pig densities and can be a source of revenue for ranchers. Success is highly dependent on local situations and terrain. Hunting is not recommended if there is a serious depredation or disease problem. Unsuccessful hunting will make wild pigs keep to cover and change their feeding habits. The use of dogs can increase hunter success. Good dogs chase pigs from cover where they can be shot by hunters.