Wild hogs entering pen
photo by TWRA
Wildlife biologists and officers survey wild hog populations through remote cameras
photo by TWRA
Wildlife biologists, wildlife officers and homeowners building pen.
photo by TWRA
Wild hog populations have drastically increased in Tennessee since the late 1990’s. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) has been working with landowners since this time to help reduce property and agricultural damage issues.
Ronnie Matthews of Overton County recently contacted TWRA about extensive property damage and some agricultural damage.
Well over two dozen hogs frequented his yard and fields.
TWRA officials said, "Wild hogs are incredibly invasive and can start reproducing at a very young age. Because they can have multiple litters each year and very large litter sizes, wild hog populations can potentially double in a single year.
"Add to this the richness of food available in Tennessee and it’s easy to see how quickly populations can increase. Wild hogs can weigh up to and even exceed 300 pounds and their tusks continually grow. They can also carry and spread diseases that affect livestock and humans. While it is generally thought that complete eradication is unattainable, it is possible to control populations."
Mr. Matthews said he has watched the spread of wild hogs in Overton County. He has lived in this county his entire life and recalls as a boy listening to men talk about hunting wild hogs. “I heard the stories, but I never saw a hog,” claims Mr. Matthews. “In my adult years, however, they’ve become common and they’re a nuisance now.”
He was surprised to look out his window on a stormy night and see a couple dozen wild hogs rooting very close to his home. “I knew I had to do something,” he stated. “I contacted the state to see about shooting them, but quickly realized this wouldn’t solve my issues.”
Shooting troublesome hogs is difficult, he was advised. “TWRA was willing to help educate me and give me ways of reducing the populations on my property,” stated Mr. Matthews. Ben Layton, wildlife biologist with TWRA, along with Johnny Poston, the Overton County Wildlife Officer, and biologist Casey Mullen worked with Mr. Matthews to resolve his issues utilizing trapping methods.
Wildlife officers and biologists often provide technical assistance to homeowners with wildlife concerns. In addition, property owners must also be invested. “If you’re a homeowner with an issue then get involved and get rid of them. If you don’t we’ll eventually have an even bigger problem,” Mr. Matthews said. “I really do appreciate what they’ve done and all their hard work. They’re excellent at their jobs.”
Although Mr. Matthews realizes hogs are not gone from the area, the property damage he has incurred will decline with fewer hogs. Overall 29 hogs were removed from his property and for now, the monitoring will continue. Mr. Matthews summed up his experience by sharing, “I know what to do now. The issue isn’t gone, but it’s under control.”
Contact a TWRA District Office or visit tnwildlife.org for more information.