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North Texas group to host feral hog hunting contest
by CHRIS HAWES / WFAA
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Updated today at 6:18 PM
HOPKINS COUNTY - Texas is tapping its sportsman to fight the growing hog population.
Allowing year-round hunting by nearly every method possible, just outside of Dallas has become a hot spot for the growing sport.
More than two million feral hogs cause an estimated $50 million in property damage a year in Texas.
"You got farmers that got these hay meadows out here nice and pretty and then you wake up one day and it looks like somebody pulled a disc over it," said Jeremy Sickles, a spokesman for the Bluecollar Bowhunter club in Hopkins County.
Feral hogs can be hunted year round with no bag limits. Practically every weapon - from guns to bows and arrows and even pit bulls - are used to hunt down the hogs. When pit bulls are used, the dogs latch onto the hog as the hunter finishes it off with a knife.
Right now, ranchers can get a permit for population control, allowing them to hire a helicopter and gunner to thin feral hog herds destroying their land. It’s expensive.
Landowners say the state needs to expand further, allowing them to sell the aerial shooting rights to interested hunters. Opposed by groups such as the Texas Humane Legislation Network, legislation to legalize the selling of aerial feral hog hunting died in the Texas Senate last year. The groups say there is a potential for hogs to be wounded but not killed. The bill’s sponsor said he plans to file again in the next session.
About 90 minutes east of Dallas, the Bluecollar Bowhunter club has come up with a new way of encouraging hunters to target the swelling hog population.They're putting on the "Texas Big Nasty Hog" contest. Entrants have to take down a hog with a bow and arrow and turn in a videotape as proof of the kill.
"It's more challenging," said Jared Brumley, a club member. "The biggest hog turned in last year was 264 pounds."
Most hunters eat the meat.
Already, they're getting inquiries from around the country, including some out of state hunters who pay hundreds to fly in and hunt the feral hogs. The trip could pay for itself. The total pot's more than $6,000. The competition lasts a month.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache...cal/Texas-Big-Nasty-Hog-Contest-84808637.html
by CHRIS HAWES / WFAA
Posted on February 19, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Updated today at 6:18 PM
HOPKINS COUNTY - Texas is tapping its sportsman to fight the growing hog population.
Allowing year-round hunting by nearly every method possible, just outside of Dallas has become a hot spot for the growing sport.
More than two million feral hogs cause an estimated $50 million in property damage a year in Texas.
"You got farmers that got these hay meadows out here nice and pretty and then you wake up one day and it looks like somebody pulled a disc over it," said Jeremy Sickles, a spokesman for the Bluecollar Bowhunter club in Hopkins County.
Feral hogs can be hunted year round with no bag limits. Practically every weapon - from guns to bows and arrows and even pit bulls - are used to hunt down the hogs. When pit bulls are used, the dogs latch onto the hog as the hunter finishes it off with a knife.
Right now, ranchers can get a permit for population control, allowing them to hire a helicopter and gunner to thin feral hog herds destroying their land. It’s expensive.
Landowners say the state needs to expand further, allowing them to sell the aerial shooting rights to interested hunters. Opposed by groups such as the Texas Humane Legislation Network, legislation to legalize the selling of aerial feral hog hunting died in the Texas Senate last year. The groups say there is a potential for hogs to be wounded but not killed. The bill’s sponsor said he plans to file again in the next session.
About 90 minutes east of Dallas, the Bluecollar Bowhunter club has come up with a new way of encouraging hunters to target the swelling hog population.They're putting on the "Texas Big Nasty Hog" contest. Entrants have to take down a hog with a bow and arrow and turn in a videotape as proof of the kill.
"It's more challenging," said Jared Brumley, a club member. "The biggest hog turned in last year was 264 pounds."
Most hunters eat the meat.
Already, they're getting inquiries from around the country, including some out of state hunters who pay hundreds to fly in and hunt the feral hogs. The trip could pay for itself. The total pot's more than $6,000. The competition lasts a month.
http://74.125.93.132/search?q=cache...cal/Texas-Big-Nasty-Hog-Contest-84808637.html