What are your thoughts about the Missouri Department of Conservation proposing to ban hunting of feral hots on lands they own or manage?

By Grant Woods,

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Question
What are your thoughts on MDC proposing no hunting of feral hogs on MDC managed lands? It really aggravates me that they are trying to put a stop to it. I personally have seen the destruction that hogs can do to deer population and the surrounding habitat. What can a person do to help convince the MDC to not pass this proposal?

Trent,

I agree with you that hogs can do a HUGE amount of damage to habitat and other wildlife populations.  This is why I support the Missouri Department of Conservation’s proposal to ban hog hunting on lands they own and/or manage.  Folks aren’t likely to release hogs in areas where they can’t be hunted.  This is the same approach others states have used.  

I’ve pre-baited hogs, moved in traps, monitored the traps, etc., and then had the sounder move because someone disturbed the hogs.  Hogs are very intelligent.  

Even more than supporting the current proposal I wish the fines would be significantly increased for those caught transporting feral hogs, poaching deer, etc.  Most of these fines are so low in Missouri that they are not an effective deterrent.  

Enjoy creation,

grant

February 7, 2016