Hog Scent Field Trials
Feral Pigs are more than a hunting prey.
The United State Department of Agriculture describes them as “...a destructive, invasive species that causes extensive damage to natural ecosystems, croplands, pastures, livestock operations. The USDA estimates that feral swine are responsible for $2.5 billion in damage to U.S. agriculture annually." 1 “Feral swine have been reported in at least 35 states,” as reported in “History of Feral Swine in the Americas.” 2
The geographic expansion and population growth over the last 41-years is shown in the “Maps: Feral Swine Populations by County.” 3 The effort to harvest them if to put the meat in a freezer is a popular, if not beneficial, past time enjoyed by many. It is sport. But “a sport” with additional benefit. The USDA committed $75 million for a “Feral Swine Eradication and Control Project.” The results of their study were reported in the article titled “No panacea attractant for wild pigs...” My (Justin’s) interest is from that of a hunter, but there may be more to learn from these efforts.
- USDA Climate Hubs, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Feral Swine Bomb
- USDA Animal and Plant health Inspection Service
- Maps: Feral Swine Populations by County.
The following information was collected by Justin Edwards, Director of Cervicide, a nationwide group of hunters who share the same passion for the outdoors.
Read the Report: