Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are a common species of wild pig native to much of Eurasia and North Africa. They were introduced into parts of the United States in the 1900s for the purpose of sports hunting.
Closely related to domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), wild hogs mixed and bred with feral animals escaped from farms and turned into one of the most invasive species in the country.
Today, the terms wild hog, feral pig, and feral swine are used interchangeably when referring to populations of pigs (wild or feral) living in the wild. Most jurisdictions try to control and eradicate them, and these are the current wild hog population by state trends*.
Topics
Key Facts
- There are an estimated 7 to 7.6 million wild hogs in the USA, excluding states that provided no census or population density data.
- Texas has the largest population of wild hogs in the USA, estimated around 2.6 million.
- In 2020, Colorado became the first state to eradicate invasive feral swine. In recent years, feral hogs were eradicated in 16 other states.
- Alaska is the only state that never had an established population of wild hogs, even though they were introduced in the state in the 1950s.
- Wild hogs are a non-native and invasive species. In ideal conditions, an uncontrolled population can double in size in only four months.
| Jurisdiction | Estimated Wild Hog Population* | Wild Hog Sighting Frequency** |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 255,000 | Common |
| Alaska | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Arizona | 500 - 1,000 | Rare |
| Arkansas | 200,000 | Common |
| California | 400,000 | Common |
| Colorado | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Connecticut | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Delaware | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Florida | 500,000 | Common |
| Georgia | 200,000 - 600,000 | Common |
| Hawaii | Unknown | Common |
| Idaho | Unknown | Rare |
| Illinois | Unknown | Rare |
| Indiana | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Iowa | 52,000 | Common |
| Kansas | 400 | Rare |
| Kentucky | Unknown | Common |
| Louisiana | 700,000 - 900,000 | Common |
| Maine | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Maryland | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Massachusetts | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Michigan | Unknown | Common |
| Minnesota | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Mississippi | 500,000 | Common |
| Missouri | 100,000 | Common |
| Montana | Unknown | Increasing |
| Nebraska | Unknown | Rare |
| Nevada | Unknown | Common |
| New Hampshire | 200 - 400 | Common |
| New Jersey | 1,000 | Common |
| New Mexico | 500,000 | Common |
| New York | Unknown | Common |
| North Carolina | 100,000 | Common |
| North Dakota | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Ohio | 1,000 | Rare |
| Oklahoma | 750,000 | Common |
| Oregon | 2,000 - 5,000 | Common |
| Pennsylvania | 3,000 | Common |
| Rhode Island | 0 (None) | Rare |
| South Carolina | 150,000 | Common |
| South Dakota | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Tennessee | Unknown | Common |
| Texas | 2,600,000 | Common |
| Utah | 0 (None) | Rare |
| Vermont | 0 (None) | No sightings |
| Virginia | 200 - 500 | Rare |
| Washington | 0 (None) | Rare |
| West Virginia | Unknown | Common |
| Wisconsin | 0 (None) | No sightings |
| Wyoming | 0 (None) | No sightings |
*Wild hog population estimates were sourced from Game and Fish or Wildlife Departments in relevant states, public authority reports, research papers, news outlets, and other official sources cited throughout the article. All data is correct as of January 2023 and intended to be used as a reference only. Relevant authorities may update census data at any time.
**Sighting frequency estimates are based on reports received by government departments and agencies from residents, tourists, and hunters in each specific state. They are not an indicator of population density and are intended to use as a reference only.
Wild Hog Population Trends By State
Alabama
- Estimated population size: 255,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and management area permit or license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
With an estimated 255,000 wild hogs in Alabama, the Heart of Dixie is one of the states where you can easily come across these mammals.
According to the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Central Alabama’s Lowndes WMA has the highest density per acre, but smaller populations can be found in 35 other wildlife management areas throughout the state.
Wild hog or feral hog hunting is open year-round with no bag limit. Hunters harvesting these mammals on private land need no license, but a license is needed when pursuing them on public land. Live trapping and moving live hogs from the harvest place to another area is illegal.
Alaska
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Alaska is one of the states with no viable population of wild hogs, and the only one of all 50 states that never struggled with this invasive species.
While private individuals attempted to introduce wild swine to Alaska in the 20th century, the hostile conditions prevented the population from establishing. Alongside wild hogs, another failed game transplant in Alaska were the raccoons.
Arizona
- Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000
- Hunting permitted: No laws or regulations
Until recently, Arizona was one of the states with no feral swine population. Recently, a small population of feral hogs was confirmed in the state. According to experts, wild hogs are spread in four counties, with a total population estimated between 500 and 1,000 animals.
The Grand Canyon State considers wild hogs a nuisance, but it has no clear management laws. Hunting may be possible on private lands.
Arkansas
- Estimated population size: 200,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
The wild hog population in Arkansas is estimated around 200,000. Like Arizona, this state considers feral swine a nuisance and employs a variety of management methods.
In 2021 alone, the state’s Feral Hog Eradication Task Force removed around 30,000 animals. However, the government encourages hunters to join efforts and help eliminate as many hogs as possible.
Hunting is permitted year-round, day and night on private lands without a hunting license. Hunting on public lands is only possible during the day, and a valid license is required. There is no bad limit, but you are not allowed to possess or transport live hogs.
California
- Estimated population size: 400,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license and wild pig tag required
- Hunting season: Year-round
There are around 400,000 wild hogs in California, and they are classified as game mammals. The season is open year-round with no bag limit in all counties.
However, in addition to a valid hunting license, hunters also need a wild pig tag. Hunting on private land may be allowed without a license in some areas, but you should check with the local Game and Fish Department beforehand.
Colorado
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes
- Hunting season: Season closed
Wild hogs are considered an invasive species in all 50 states, and in 2020, Colorado became the first state to eradicate the wild hog population successfully. The mission was a joint effort of state officials and hunters who had been given an open-season permission to shoot the swine on sight.
Even though there are currently no wild hogs in Colorado, these mammals are still on the state’s black list and can be hunted.
Of course, considering that there are no feral swine left in the state, the wild hog season is currently closed.
Connecticut
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Alongside Colorado, the Constitution State did everything it could to keep the feral hog population under control – and it succeeded. Today, there are no wild hogs in Connecticut. To prevent their invasion, state officials were granted permission to shoot any hog on sight.
However, Connecticut never allowed hunters to take down the hogs.
Wild hogs are classified as non-game mammals in this state and are lumped into a broad category with other mammals, including black bears and moose.
Delaware
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Fall; Winter
There is no breeding population of wild hogs in Delaware, and the state doesn’t plan to allow one to develop.
Considering that feral hog sighting reports increase throughout the state, Delaware permits wild or feral hog hunting during the deer season.
The rules are the same that apply to deer hunting, so hunters must possess a valid license. There is no tag required and no bag limit for hogs.
Florida
- Estimated population size: 500,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid license required on public lands
- Hunting season: Year-round
Florida’s population of wild hogs is thriving. Currently, public authorities estimate there are around 500,000 animals in the state, but their number could actually be higher.
While this destructive and invasive species competes for resources with some native species, wild hogs actually boost the state’s hunting industry.
The season is open year-round. A valid hunting license is required to hunt in wildlife management areas, but unnecessary to go after hogs on private lands. As long as you have the landowner’s permission, you can hunt or trap feral hogs on private land all year round, during the day or night.
Georgia
- Estimated population size: 200,000 to 600,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required on public lands
- Hunting season: Year-round
Georgia is another state with a thriving population of wild hogs. The Wildlife Department estimates there are between 200,000 and 600,000, and allows for year-round hunting with no bag limit to lower their numbers.
Similar to Florida, Georgia allows feral hog hunting on both private and public lands. Rules and regulations are lax on private lands, where hunters need no license and can use any legal weapon. On private lands, a hunting license isn’t required either.
However, on federal lands or wildlife management areas, hunters must possess a valid license. In this case, hunting hogs is only allowed if there is an open season for other types of wildlife, and hunters may only use weapons approved for that specific season.
Hawaii
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Hawaii is one of the states that doesn’t worry much about invasive or dangerous wildlife species. For instance, there are no bears, coyotes, or mountain lions on the island.
Yet, there are plenty of wild hogs. While the exact number of wild hogs in Hawaii is unknown, there are so many that the state established a year-round open hunting season.
A valid hunting license is required for residents and non-residents alike, but there are few restrictions beyond that. There is no bag limit, and hogs of any sex may be taken.
Idaho
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting or trapping license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Idaho’s population of feral hogs is only defined as “not sizable.” It is uncertain how many wild hogs are there in the state, but a certain thing is that they aren’t considered wildlife.
Thus, there are no rules or regulations about hunting them. This means that you can hunt or trap them year-round during other open seasons, using the approved weapons if you’re hunting on public land. Any weapon may be used on private lands.
Illinois
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: During firearm deer season.
The population of wild swine in Illinois have been described as the most threatening and invasive species on a number of times. To control it, state authorities allow feral hog hunting during the firearm deer season.
To take a feral hog in this state, hunters must only use a weapon approved to use for shooting deer. They must also ensure that the hog is actually feral and not escaped livestock.
Trapping, transporting, or releasing feral hogs on public or private grounds is illegal. It is also illegal to hunt wild hogs in an enclosure.
Indiana
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes, on private land only
- Hunting season: Year-round
According to the state’s Department of Natural Resources, there are no wild hogs in Indiana. Yet, the department recognizes the species as invasive.
Thus, even if there is no open season for wild hog hunting, the state allows year-round hunting of feral hogs on private lands. Landowners, tenants, or any other person who has a written permission of the landowner can shoot or trap a feral hog on that private property without a hunting permit or license.
Trapped animals must be killed at the trap site or euthanized immediately, as transporting or releasing them on any other property or in the wild is illegal.
Iowa
- Estimated population size: 52,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
The population of feral hogs in Iowa is relatively small, counting around 52,000 animals, and relatively newly established.
For this reason, wild swine isn’t classified as a game in this state. There are no official hunting rules or regulations in place, but the state allows feral hog hunting on public lands, in areas where hunting is normally permitted for other types of wildlife.
Hunters must have a valid small game license and can only use weapons approved for that specific season.
Kansas
- Estimated population size: 400
- Hunting permitted: No, except on private land
Kansas has one of the smallest populations of feral swine in the USA, with only 400 animals out in the wild. However, wild pigs were once thriving in the state.
For effective management and removal of the population, Kansas banned feral hog hunting. In this way, the state prevents illegal imports from other states, which could get the situation out of control.
Shooting feral hogs is still permitted on private lands. Landowners or tenants bothered by feral hogs can take them down using any approved weapon, anytime during the year and both during the day and during the night.
Kentucky
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
Kentucky adopted a similar policy to Kansas to deal with this invasive species. While the feral hog population size in Kentucky is unknown, the state discourages feral hog hunting and asks the public to report sightings and damage.
Landowners are allowed to take down hogs damaging their property or threatening their pets or livestock. However, the state doesn’t consider wild hogs a game species.
Louisiana
- Estimated population size: 700,000 to 900,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Unlike Kansas and Kentucky, the Pelican State deals with an out-of-control situation. The population of wild hogs in Louisiana is one of the largest in the United States, and is estimated between 700,000 and 900,000 mammals.
Not only does the state allow wild hog hunting year-round in all wildlife management areas where hunting is permitted, but state officials are also involved in reducing the numbers.
Between 2019 and 2020, for instance, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, together with hunters, harvested 213,300 mammals.
Maine
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
There are no wild hogs currently in Maine – at least, no established breeding population that the Wildlife Department knows of. However, sightings do happen, and the state authorities are concerned about these pests establishing themselves in the region.
Yet, Maine doesn’t classify wild hogs as game mammals, and they cannot be hunted on public grounds.
Landowners are allowed to shoot feral hogs year-round, but not for sports. A hog can only be taken if it has damaged the property and if there is enough reason to believe it is not escaped livestock.
Maryland
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Maryland has no breeding population of wild swine, the same as Maine. In this state, too, wild hogs aren’t classified as game mammals and cannot be hunted.
Similar to Maine, the only exception is shooting a feral hog on private land. Sightings are rare though, with most reports turning out to be escaped domestic pigs.
Massachusetts
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
As far as the number of wild hogs in Massachusetts is concerned, authorities claim that there are no established breeding populations. Yet, feral hogs have been spotted on occasion, and sometimes they were even killed on the road.
Massachusetts classifies wild hogs as nuisance and invasive animals, the same as coyotes. While there are no official rules and regulations yet, it is expected that the same rules that now apply to coyotes will apply to wild hogs too.
Hunters will likely be allowed to harvest them year-round with no restrictions and only with a valid hunting license.
Michigan
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
The actual size of the wild hog population in Michigan is unknown, but these invasive mammals are considered a pest statewide.
Initially, the state allowed wild hog hunting in an attempt to lower their numbers. However, this only led to the animals being illegally imported or released from farms, allowing game ranch owners to make a lot of money from sports hunting.
Since they were banned, the population of wild hogs in Michigan was eradicated from most areas. Today, they are only found in three of the state’s 83 counties.
Minnesota
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Minnesota is one of the states with no feral swine population, and it plans to stay that way. Hence, the Game and Fish Department doesn’t allow wild pig hunting.
State officials do encourage residents and landowners to report feral hog sightings. Landowners are also allowed to take down hogs threatening their pets or livestock or damaging their property.
Mississippi
- Estimated population size: 500,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Like most states with a thriving population of feral swine, Mississippi allows wild hog hunting year-round and with no bag limit.
According to state officials, sports hunting and wild hog control programs managed by the state should help lower the numbers of this invasive species, which is now estimated at 500,000 mammals distributed in most counties.
Besides shooting, hunters and landowners are also allowed to trap the swine. However, all trapped hogs must be killed at the trapping site or euthanized immediately.
Missouri
- Estimated population size: 100,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. A valid hunting license required and restrictions apply
- Hunting season: Year-round
Missouri’s population of wild hogs is estimated around 100,000 animals, and the states does everything it can to lower the numbers.
Currently, taking down feral hogs is allowed in Missouri year-round in areas where hunting is permitted. However, feral hog hunting is prohibited on conservation areas and on all lands owned, leased, or managed by the Department of Conservation.
State officials also discourage wild pig hunting on other lands, encouraging hunters and citizens to report sightings rather than shoot the feral animals.
Montana
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
Historically, there were no wild hogs in Montana. However, sighting reports are on the rise, with over a dozen happening in 2022 alone.
There is no official census or information regarding a breeding population in the state, but the truth is that wild hogs might be present in the region.
However, hunting them is not permitted. All that residents can do is report them to the local authorities or state departments.
Nebraska
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
Similar to Montana, Nebraska’s population of wild hogs should be inexistent. Yet, authorities admit that there are feral swine in the state – the officials just don’t know how many and can provide no data at the moment regarding their real distribution.
What is clear is that wild hogs pose a major economic health threat, especially in the counties of Valley, Harlan, Nance, and Seward.
In all these regions, feral hogs have been known to get into agricultural fields and destroy crops. They also carry and can transmit diseases to pets and livestock.
Nevada
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
The population size of wild hogs in Nevada is unknown, and the state admits that this is one of the most destructive non-native species on its territory. Yet, wild hogs are not considered a game mammal and cannot be hunted in Nevada.
These mammals are under the jurisdiction of the state’s Department of Agriculture. This only allows landowners to take down those hogs that are damaging their property. Otherwise, the state encourages citizens to report sightings.
New Hampshire
- Estimated population size: 200 to 400
- Hunting permitted: Only on private land
Similar to Nevada, New Hampshire treats wild hogs as escapees from farms and other private properties. They are not considered game mammals and can only be hunted on private land, with the landowner’s permission.
That said, feral hogs seem to establish themselves in the region. Currently, one small breeding population of wild hogs counting around 200 to 400 mammals is already known to live in New Hampshire.
New Jersey
- Estimated population size: 1,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Regular deer season
New Jersey’s population of wild hogs also seems to be on the rise. According to estimates, there are around 1,000 feral pigs in the state, but the population size could be larger.
Wild hogs are classified as game mammals as well as nuisance animals in New Jersey. They can be hunted during the regular deer seasons with the weapons permitted during that given season.
Hunting aside, state authorities also try to manage the population and asks citizens to report sightings.
New Mexico
- Estimated population size: 500,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
The population of wild hogs in New Mexico is one of the largest in the USA. There are around 500,000 feral swine in the Land of Enchantment, which are not protected or regulated by any wildlife or agricultural laws.
In other words, hunting wild hogs in New Mexico is legal, both on private and public lands.
Hunting on public lands can be done in areas where hunting is normally permitted, year-round during daylight hours. There is no bag limit, but the hogs can’t be trapped and transported alive or released in other parts of the state.
New York
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: No
State officials provide no census data regarding the population of wild hogs in New York, but admit that there are breeding populations in the state.
The general consensus is that these groups emerged from escaped or abandoned wild boars held in captivity or hunting preserves.
As such, New York has banned wild hog hunting. These measures are meant to prevent the illegal import of Eurasian wild boars in the state and help manage existing populations.
North Carolina
- Estimated population size: 100,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
North Carolina’s population of wild boars is estimated around 100,000. Like most states with large wild pig populations, North Carolina allows hunting.
These mammals can be taken year-round during normal hunting hours (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset). There is no bag limit.
North Dakota
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Unlike North Carolina, North Dakota has no wild hogs. While these animals roamed the state in the past, they are now believed to be eradicated.
Believe being the key concept, since sighting reports are on the rise in multiple counties.
Yet, shooting feral hogs in this state is illegal. The only exception is made for landowners who can take down a hog damaging their property or threatening their livestock or pets. Citizens are also encouraged to report any sightings.
Ohio
- Estimated population size: 1,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
There are around 1,000 wild hogs in Ohio, mostly concentrated around the state’s rural southeast. They are considered nuisance animals and can be harvested with no restrictions year-round.
Hunters do need a valid hunting license to take down wild hogs on public land, but a license isn’t needed when hunting on private lands.
Landowners can also take down feral pigs that are destroying their property. There is no bad limit.
Oklahoma
- Estimated population size: 750,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. An exemption might be required
- Hunting season: Year-round
With one of the largest populations of wild pigs in the United States, Oklahoma is one of the states where shooting feral hogs is possible year round.
While regular hunting is not permitted, wild hogs can be taken from private lands either by landowners or third-parties that have a landowner authorization.
Hunting is permitted without restrictions during daylight hours, but banned during the night unless the hunter has a night shooting exemption. Night shooting exemptions are available from the state’s Department of Wildlife.
Oregon
- Estimated population size: 2,000 to 5,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
While Oregon’s population of wild hogs is small compared to other states, these animals are still considered pests.
They are classified as non-game and highly invasive species on public land. On private land, they have predatory status, which means that landowners can shoot them to protect their property or livestock.
Wild hogs in Oregon can also be hunted on private lands, year-round, in areas where hunting is normally allowed. There are no restrictions or bag limits, but hunters must possess a valid hunting license.
Pennsylvania
- Estimated population size: 3,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required and restrictions may apply
- Hunting season: Year-round
With a small but thriving feral swine population, Pennsylvania is one of the states concerned about the rapid growth of these mammals.
Currently, there are about 3,000 wild hogs in the state distributed in the southern, southeast, and northern regions.
In all counties, wild hogs are protected mammals, but the Game Commission allows hunting in all areas except for regions where official trapping operations are occurring.
To hunt feral pigs on public lands, hunters must possess a valid hunting license.
Rhode Island
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
There are no feral hogs in Rhode Island, but this is one of the states that allows wild hog hunting nonetheless.
These mammals are classified as non-game and nuisance mammals. Similar to other nuisance species, they can be taken year-round with no bag limit. There are also no restrictions for shooting feral hogs on private lands.
South Carolina
- Estimated population size: 150,000
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
South Carolina’s population of wild hogs is estimated at around 150,000 animals. They have no special status in the state, and are classified as non-game mammals.
Hunters with a valid license can shoot feral hogs during all regular hunting seasons. They can also be taken year-round on private lands.
Similar to most other states that allow hunting, South Carolina imposes no gender restrictions or bag limits.
South Dakota
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Officially, there are no wild hogs in South Dakota. Unofficially, it looks like these animals are on the loose, with experts claiming they are an invasive species that must be killed.
This goes for Eurasian wild hogs as well as domestic pigs turned into feral hogs after escaping from farms or captivity.
So, even if the state doesn’t allegedly have hogs, hunting them is permitted. These non-game mammals can be taken year-round with no bag limits.
Tennessee
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required. Restrictions may apply
- Hunting season: Year-round
The wild hog population size in Tennessee might be unknown, but state officials admit that they are a problem.
Beyond official trapping and removal, landowners and hunters are also invited to join the efforts and help eradicate the mammals. Landowners are allowed to take down wild hogs year-round during the day, without bag limit. Trapping is allowed outside of big game seasons, and night exemptions can be granted.
Hunters can take wild hogs during normal deer seasons in hunting regions I and III. In region IV, wild hogs can be taken during any big game or turkey or deer hunt. A special hog permit is required on the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Texas
- Estimated population size: 2.6 million
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
The largest population of wild hogs in the USA is in Texas, estimated at around 2.6 million animals. This is about 1 million over the 1990s estimates of around 1.5 million mammals, and the situation isn’t expected to improve anytime soon.
Loose hunting regulations are most likely the reason why the wild hog population is still thriving in the state, due to illegal imports.
Hunters can hunt and trap wild hogs year-round with no restrictions and bag limits, during all big game seasons. Landowners may also shoot hogs without a license or trap them. However, a trapping license is required.
Utah
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
Utah is one of the states with an eradicated population of wild hogs. However, this state had troubles with the species in the past.
Hunting has been banned in 2012 and since then, there is officially no breeding wild pig population in Utah. Yet, a new invasion is expected to happen sooner rather than later, as sighting reports become more and more frequent.
Vermont
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Vermont has no wild hogs, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t shoot them if you happen to stumble upon one.
These mammals are not classified as a game or protected species in the Green Mountain State, which means that anyone with a hunting license can take them down during regular hunting seasons.
Like other predatory species, landowners may also take wild hogs that have damaged their property or are a threat to their livestock or pets.
Virginia
- Estimated population size: 200 to 500
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Virginia’s population of wild hogs is one of the smallest, but it could easily grow out of control if the state doesn’t adopt adequate eradication measures.
Currently, there are around 200 to 500 feral pigs in the state, but instead of running official trapping activities, Virginia allows wild hog hunting.
These mammals are classified as a nuisance species and can be taken year-round. Hunters need a valid license for harvesting on public lands, but there are few restrictions otherwise. Hence, the eradication of the species is not controlled, and things could go downhill quickly.
Washington
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: No
There are no feral pigs in Washington, the state considering wild hogs illegal. In this state, it is illegal to import, hold, propagate, offer for sale, release, or transfer feral swine.
It is also illegal to hunt them, even though landowners are permitted to shoot feral pigs to protect their livestock or property. Generally, though, it is discouraged to take down feral pigs yourself. Instead, you should report the sighting and let the authorities deal with them.
West Virginia
- Estimated population size: Unknown
- Hunting permitted: Yes, but residents only
- Hunting season: Year-round
The number of wild hogs in West Virginia is unknown, but according to experts, there are populations scattered across various areas of the state.
Similar to Washington, West Virginia classifies feral swine as an exotic species that is illegal to import, hold, sale, release, or transfer in the state.
Hunting is prohibited for non-residents. However, residents are allowed to shoot wild hogs year-round with no restrictions. A hunting permit is not required.
Wisconsin
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
While there are no wild pigs in Wisconsin, the state allows year-round hunting. The rule mostly applies to hunting on private land, and a small game license is required.
Taking feral swine on public land in Wisconsin is subject to regulations that can change from county to county.
It is recommended to check with the authorities in your area before shooting wild hogs on public land – if you happen to see them. Sightings should be reported immediately.
Wyoming
- Estimated population size: 0
- Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
- Hunting season: Year-round
Similar to Wisconsin, there are no feral hogs in Wyoming. Nonetheless, the state allows for year-round hunting – a regulation that enables landowners to shoot intruders if necessary.
Hunting feral hogs on public lands is also permitted, as long as you have a valid hunting license.
Hogs can be harvested during regular hunting seasons; however, since there are no wild boars in the state, the regulation is mostly in place to help deal with a potential invasion.
Wild Hog Identification
Wild hogs are a species native to Eurasia and North Africa. They have been imported into North America and are closely related – albeit different – from feral and domestic pigs.
Wild hogs, also known as wild boars or Eurasian hogs, are larger and heavier than feral or domestic pigs. They have a coarse fur that is usually black or dark brown in color, although brownish-red and even white could occur.
Wild hogs also have enormous tusks that protrude from the animal’s lower jaw – the tusks are this species’ trademark and are not visible in domestic pigs.
Domestic pigs are smaller but fatter than wild hogs, which are usually lean. They vary in color from pink to black, and tusks are usually not visible.
Feral hogs can be domestic pig escapees that have adapted to living in the wild or wild hog-domestic pig hybrids.
Feral hogs are generally smaller and leaner than domestic and wild pigs alike, and their color and fur texture can vary from dark and coarse to pink and smooth.
Most states consider wild boars and feral hogs the same species, classifying them as invasive.
What To Do In Case Of Encounter
Wild boars and feral hogs are usually shy animals that only attack if they feel threatened.
However, remember that they are equipped with tusks and are, generally, stronger than humans. Thus, a conflict could result in severe to fatal injuries.
In case of an encounter:
- Remain calm and move away from the animal. Don’t attempt to approach or feed the hog.
- Never put yourself between a wild hog female and her piglets. These animals are very protective of their young and could attack if they see you as a threat.
- Do not corner or provoke the animal. Avoid startling the hog with flashlights or loud sounds. Retreat calmly and slowly to the safety of a vehicle or building.
- To avoid attracting wild hogs to your property, dispose of kitchen waste in locked bins and keep the compost pile in a container if you’re living in an area with a large population of feral pigs.