There are some whopping big myths about feral hogs and we need to clear them up.
Feral hogs are NOT an invasive species in North America. All pigs, domestic and feral, have the same DNA. As a matter of fact, swine were present here millions of years before Columbus found the Americas. Native hogs have been providing nutritious protein for humans all over the world throughout history. Hunting wild boar was well-known to our ancient ancestors. It was an easy step to begin raising hogs when humans began devoting themselves to agriculture.
Did you know that any domestic pig that escapes from confinement will quickly become feral? They soon begin developing traits that help them exist in the wild. They become hairy, grow tusks, and become more aggressive. They adapt and scavenge like other feral hogs. And they can become very large. In short, there is no difference between domestic pigs and native hogs.
These native hogs are not a separate species from other pigs. They are a wonderful source of meat protein. They are an abundant natural resource that has fed humans for thousands of years. Our citizens have the right to hunt and farm them. Properly confined, native hogs pose no more risk to the public than any other pigs.
You will hear that feral hogs have diseases and that they must be eradicated. This is false. Native hogs have existed here longer than people have been raising hogs on farms. The Spanish and other explorers brought hogs with them to provide food when they came to explore the country, losing some along the way. For hundreds of years, native hogs have thrived in the wild. Now we are supposed to believe, thanks to the Humane Society of the United States, that native hogs are so diseased in the last few years that they pose a health risk? We’re supposed to believe that our native hogs should be banned and completely destroyed nationwide? This is ridiculous.
The truth is that HSUS knows that people would not vote to ban hunting or farming so they try to ban one animal at a time. They can’t ban hog hunting or farming? They try to ban the native hogs.
Native hogs are not subject to any more diseases than domestic pigs. Anyone raising native hogs in a confined area would be free to meet the same health standards as other pig farmers. Not a problem.
Individual hunters can harvest numerous native hogs each year without waste, without eradicating all native hogs. Hunters harvesting native hogs also don’t cost the taxpayers any money. In fact, hunters contribute to the state coffers through hunting licenses and other fees.
By contrast, animal activists are asking for the complete eradication of these native hogs. Not only is this shocking and cruel, especially coming from people who claim to care about animals, but it would cost the state a fortune.
The USDA, driven by HSUS, is awarding millions in taxpayer grants to state animal agencies to exterminate native hogs. But task forces in other states have been ineffective compared to hunters. Feral hogs can be destructive if their numbers are not controlled. There is no need to wipe out all native hogs when the population can be wisely managed by working with hunters in the state.
We ask you to learn more about the BIG MYTHS of Feral Hogs. Things are not what you have been led to believe. Native hogs have been here for a long time. They are not riddled with diseases. They should NOT be exterminated.
Native Hogs are an abundant Natural Resource that has fed Man for ten thousand years, citizens have the right to hunt and farm them. It’s that simple.
Please ask your Lawmakers to sponsor this simple Bill Language:
“Properly confined, all Swine are held to same laws and health standards, regardless of origin or breed characteristics.”
Carlotta Cooper is vice president of Sportsmen’s and Animal Owners Voting Alliance and contributing writer for The Cavalry Group. Follow The Cavalry Group on Twitter, @TheCavalryGroup, and Facebook
