Wild Hogs Central NY

[shantysitter]

While out scouting on a WMU this weekend I came across an area that was ripped up and the only thing I think it could be was from hogs. This was in Schuyler County, was wondering if anyone has heard of populations of them up there?

[MuzzyLoader]

Haven't heard of any... could it have been skunks after grubs?

[shantysitter]

Muzzy, don't think so at first I thought a flock of turkeys, big area , couldn't make out any hoof prints, to dry looked for droppings didn't see any. Some of the area was dug 4-6 inches deep. Gonna call the ranger tomorrow

[Doc]

Gonna call the ranger tomorrow

Good idea. I think they are all very interested in tracking the signs of feral hogs spreading in the state. I think they will appreciate the report.

[landtracdeerhunter]

What is the official position of the DEC. as for harvesting feral hogs? They are in how many counties now and spreading. I'd like to see something in the 2013 NYS Hunting and Trapping Guide on this matter.

Edited April 23, 2012 by landtracdeerhunter

[Doc]

As I understand it, their "official position" is that they want them gone. There is no closed season. There is no bag limit. There is no restrictions on hunting methods or weapons. All that is required to harvest them is a NYS hunting license.

There was an interesting quote in a recent issue of New York State Outdoor News that indicated that they did not necessarily want you actively hunting them for fear of dispersing them and driving these feral hogs into new territory and hastening their introduction. The quote was from some official in the DEC, but I can't think of the name or position. I thought the comment was a bit strange. It's kind of one of these "having your cake and eating it too" kind of remarks ..... lol. But anyway, hunting them is not controlled, regulated or illegal.

I thought there was something in the syllabus about hogs in NYS, but I could be wrong.

[Sogaard]

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/70843.html

"As stated above, DEC's goal is to eradicate feral swine from the state's landscape. In New York, people with a small game license may shoot and keep feral swine at any time and in any number. All other hunting laws and firearms regulations are still in effect when shooting feral swine. If you are in an area that prohibits the use of rifles during big game seasons, you cannot use a rifle to shoot feral swine during any open deer season (including archery seasons)."

[Dave]

As I understand it, their "official position" is that they want them gone. There is no closed season. There is no bag limit. There is no restrictions on hunting methods or weapons. All that is required to harvest them is a NYS hunting license.

There was an interesting quote in a recent issue of New York State Outdoor News that indicated that they did not necessarily want you actively hunting them for fear of dispersing them and driving these feral hogs into new territory and hastening their introduction. The quote was from some official in the DEC, but I can't think of the name or position. I thought the comment was a bit strange. It's kind of one of these "having your cake and eating it too" kind of remarks ..... lol. But anyway, hunting them is not controlled, regulated or illegal.

I thought there was something in the syllabus about hogs in NYS, but I could be wrong.

Doc, I have read the same thing. Shoot'em when you see'em.