The Tri-County Journal
& Chattahoochee Chronicle
PO Box 850,
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Buena Vista, GA 31803
229-649-6397
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Wild Hogs in Schley County
By LINDA ADAMS
(From the Feb. 28, 2007 issue)
The over-population of wild or feral hogs in Georgia is becoming apparent in Schley County. The only native hog in North America is the collared peccary or javelina of the southwestern states. Columbus brought hogs to the West Indies in 1498 and in 1539, Desoto set hogs free from southwest Georgia all the way to Augusta. Then in 1912, Eurasian wild hogs were introduced in Tennessee and North Carolina. The custom of letting swine herds roam free was practiced for years in
This week's
Photo of the Week
is a wild hog killed
recently in Ellaville.
Feral hogs damage agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and natural ecosystems, primarily because of their habit of rooting while foraging. Hogs compete with over 100 native species of wildlife for food, especially acorns. These species include deer, wild turkey, and quail, which are important to out of area hunters who add to our economy. These hogs are omnivorous and will eat everything from grain to carrion. They have even been known to take fawns.
Diseases can be carried by these feral swine which can be transmitted to domestic populations of swine, and to other domestic animals, including dogs. Hogs that are harvested must be handled carefully, and, of course, wild pork, just like that from the grocery store, must be cooked correctly.
"There is a liberal season on hunting feral hogs in Georgia," Brandon Rutledge, Biologist with Region V of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, states. "The season is open all year and there are no limits on the number of animals taken. Hogs can even be hunted at night, with up to a 6 volt light, without a permit, but permits are required to use a 12 volt light and to shoot over bait."
Several local Schley County landowners are actively hunting feral hogs. A combination of hunting, trapping, and hunting with dogs is suggested as the best way to reduce the populations.
Feral hogs, popularly known as wild hogs, are domestic hogs that escaped from farms and began living off the land. They lay waste to corn and peanut fields and deprive more than 100 species -- including squirrels and deer -- of food.
"It's a big problem and it's getting worse," Kammermeyer said. "If you have a lot of hogs, you're going to have problems. Hogs are very aggressive. They run deer off and they can be dangerous if wounded or cornered."
"They say bears get mad when you mess with their babies," Holyoak said. "Hogs don't need a reason to get mad and come after you."
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Letter to the Editor
Military principles could also apply to good local government
LOCAL NEWS
• Buena Vista, Preston residents nominated for GOAL Award
• Fuller to speak at Marion Habitat for Humanity event
• 2007 Webster County Market Hog Show
• Area Agency on Aging meets in Ellaville
• Chattahoochee Adult Learning Center is ready to help
• Registration Day is Saturday for Marion Youth Ball
• MCHS Lady Eagles fall in State Playoffs
• Chattahoochee boosters says thanks to Panthers for great season
• Schley Senior Citizens prepare for Yard Sale
• McAllister wins speech competition
• Webster Habitat chapter plans Yard/Bake Sale
• Kasihta Garden Club makes annual scrapbook
• Bryan Wells places 3rd at Jr. National Livestock Show
• Schley Concerned Citizens plan BBQ Sale
• Cusseta Chamber of Commerce News
• ‘Chicken Que’ back by popular demand
• Wells is Marion County High Teacher of the Month
• Infantry Center Band performs at Chattahoochee County High
• Marion High FCCLA donates food to Share the Season
• Parent Support Group to meet in Buena Vista
• Brown Springs Church of God members minister in Ecuador
• MCHS celebrates National FCCLA Week
• Webster County School News
• MMS’ Clark competes in District Spelling Bee
• Entrepreneur Ginger Starlin speaks to Phi Beta Lamda
• Mike Cheokas: Under the Gold Dome
• Farm Credit hosts Annual Stockholder’s Meeting
• Bottoms is MCHS Student of the Week
• MMS names Brown Student of the Week
• Taylor, Maxwell names Students of Week at LK Moss
• Marion 4-H Club Upcoming Events
• Westville plans Native American Festival
• Buy some BBQ, register to win a free shotgun
• Harris celebrates 6th birthday
• Archery Tournament set for March 10
• Help with addiction
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