There’s no doubt that lots of the folks who normally read this column are enjoying time this weekend at their deer camps. Unfortunately, some of those same hunters have reported a new game species on their land, which most do not like — feral hogs. 

Jim Vantrease, who lives and hunts near Eagle Lake, mentioned hogs had become much more of a problem since this spring’s flooding at the camp where he hunts in northwestern Warren County. It is certainly possible that the flooded condition caused some hog populations to relocate this year. In other words, if you did not have them last year, it may not mean they are not there this year. Other factors may contribute to the problem, as well, such as the kinds of crops that are planted in the area or the increase in wildlife food plots.

The problem with feral hogs has prompted a seminar to teach folks how to manage the hogs and the damage they do. The seminar is a group effort by the Mississippi State University Extension Service, USDA Wildlife Services, Delta Wildlife and others, and will be at the Rolling Fork Community Center Dec. 10, from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Registration fee is $10.

In addition to learning the foundations of wildlife damage management, participants will also learn the history, biology and ecology of wild hogs; feral swine diseases, parasites and potential implications to humans and domestic livestock; wild hog trapping techniques, trap designs and removal methods; and laws governing removal of animals.

As you can see, I’ve used the terms feral and wild interchangeably. Actually, the word feral means returning to an untamed state from a point of domestication. The largest percentages of the hogs running loose in the countryside today are ancestors of a once-domesticated group. An estimated 5 million feral hogs can be found in 38 states in the United States.

One reason feral hogs can multiply so quickly is that the females begin to reproduce when they are only 8-10 months of age.

Females are capable of producing 10-12 piglets per litter and their gestation period is only about 115 days, so more than one litter per year is probable. Feral hogs are referred to as omnivores, meaning they can and will eat both plant and animal matter.

There are numerous reasons why feral hogs are not a good addition to rural property.

In addition to competing for food and habitat resources with native animals, they also foul water sources for other wildlife species and carry parasites harmful to livestock.

One of the most recent changes in the law regarding live, cage-type trapping wild hogs is that “trap tops or roofs must be constructed in a manner with ample opening in the top to allow non-target deer, turkeys, or bears to escape.”

Death or injury to any black bear in Mississippi as a result of failure to comply with trap design is subject to fines and penalties as provided in the Federal Endangered Species Act.

So, if you have feral hogs on your property or hunting camp it is certainly wise to know and understand all the laws that regulate their trapping or hunting.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu