10-4, just curious.

I'm all for hog killing, however it gets done.

It is more complex than it appears on the surface.

Traditional Methods of hunting, whether it be guns, dogs, archery, etc, should be fully utilized before supplementing them with alternative methods.

That is just my opinion, though.

Most do not realize that most all of these 'new' methods are expensive. Therefore, they are primarily done 'for profit'. They are NOT viable means for the average Joe or the most hunting clubs. The cost is exorbitant AND it is not a one-time Hit It & Quit It. It is a process that will need repeating for many years.

Most of these properties that you see these large numbers of hogs coming off of are exclusive properties with restricted access. Usually belonging to, or being leased by, extremely wealthy individuals or groups. These areas are also brood areas that furnish hogs to all of their neighbors! LOL
Same as I have been saying for years!

A landowner or hunting club has to decide how much they are willing to spend to work on their problem. Just like lime and fertilizer, hogs and coyotes are items that these individuals have to decide if their budget will allow them to address them.

While good traps are costly, they last for years and thus that brings the price per year down.

It all goes back to the old saying about the difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.

Yep!
Because I do not own a dog that I would take $2500 for!

The hardaway killing was at frank Thomas property.

Poor folks........ barely can afford to pay attention.......

Helicopter came back today for one more day flight. 2 flights in Autaugaville yeilded 67 dead pigs and one flight in hardaway yeilded 22 pigs, all confirmed dead. 307 confirmed in autauga and 175 in hardawsy total



Many of these landowners were participating in some hog trapping and/or research on hogs with the USDA animal damage. Some had a $$ contract, some didn't but allowed the USDA to try this aerial gunning experiment out on their places that adjoined these others to make one large zone. The actual cost to do this is to be determined.



I disagree that "traditional methods" should be used first. ANY method that can kill LOTS of pigs with little money, effort and/or time should be used first. When the poison program is worked out, I will use that as well. Anything that kills pigs in large numbers is fine with me.

If the State gets serious about the problems pigs are causing, maybe they or the Feds will get a helicopter, certify some gunners and kill them for free on anyone's land that has them - also fine with me.



Yes Cole, you do know ONE of the approximately 10 properties in Hardaway that were gunned on. See if you can guess the other 9. It's not a secret otherwise it would not be posted on aldeer!

haha yeah. I did know it was over a good bit. It's pretty cool. I think they shot again today. I just know of that one and another just because I talked to them recently.

I wonder what the actual cost per dead hog was?

Sorry, gobbler.......I normally agree with most everything you say:post.

But, I just do not think that feral hogs eating up the groceries put out and planted for the deer and turkeys is a Government problem that the taxpayers should be forced to pay for.

Ahhh, the dilemma This is a hard one for me also. My Libertarian bent tells me the same. I encourage landowners to use costshare programs for longleaf, etc, but don't agree with this "welfare" program and wish it didn't exist. I see the reasoning to encourage planting of a native tree that has environmental and historic value though. Pigs however are very environmentally destructive and controlling them is cost prohibitive to many folks, farmers and such. They impact severely my ability to burn correctly for other target species and also for non target species and non game. They eat EVERYTHING so directly impact not only the vegetation but lizards, turtles, songbirds, not to mention quail/turkey eggs, fawns, etc.

IN general I hate government welfare programs for rich or poor but understand the need for some. I would love to not have them but if we do, programs to eradicate fescue, bermuda grass, kudzu, cogongrass, privet, hogs, housecats, etc would be on my list.



I am hoping they can tell us that shortly. I do think you will see more of this in the future.

It is not the Control that I am against. I am all for it! I am NOT a fan of poison, though.....

And, the irony of the 'welfare' plight is that it is almost ALWAYS the people that can afford it the easiest that get the benefit of these hog eradication plans. They do not allow any access to their properties. But, they will accept all the tax dollars that the Public will allow to be contributed!

if somebody figured out how to eradicate PRIVET id volunteer a lot of my free time to help make it extinct of the face of the planet. I HATE PRIVET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It actually funny that although most (not all) will participate in a govt cost share program, most would like to see them gone as well. They just work in the system that is available. If the govt is throwing out free $$, most will take it. Some who get it would like and are working to get the programs shut down. Farmers are one of the biggest welfare recipients in the country.

I totally agree.

And, I also agree that if we allow the Govt to give our money away, folks would be crazy not to take it!!

Wish I could get some instead of being a net contributor!

Amen, brother!!!

To those that know how to play the system, it can be a big money maker and be right out of the taxpayers pockets.