Plans to regulate wild boar hunting could complicate efforts of wildlife managers
Fenced hunting facilities that offer wild boar hunts have thrown a wrench in the state's goal to eradicate the animals.
Wildlife officials want feral pigs, a designation that includes non-native boar, out of Michigan. A shooting preserve in northern Washtenaw County is one of at least 50 statewide offering boar hunts, and an unregulated wild boar breeding industry has emerged in Michigan to satisfy the demand.
While a Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment order declared feral pigs an invasive species in the summer of 2010, questions about how to regulate wild boar at the hunting facilities, and what to do with breeders supplying them, were left unanswered.
The MDNRE set a July 8 deadline for lawmakers to come up with a solution. After that, possession of the Russian boar would become illegal in the state, said Mary Dettloff, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Environment.
A Washtenaw County resident snapped this shot of a wild hog. Feral pigs were declared invasive in the summer of 2010.
MDNRE photo
“In any industry, you can have people who can do things properly, and people who don’t, but an outright ban would hurt those trying to do the right thing, and we don’t think that’s appropriate,” said Ari Adler, press secretary for House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, a supporter of the regulatory effort.
Feral pigs include escaped domestic pigs, the non-native Eurasian or Russian boar, or a combination of those breeds. The tusked animals can be aggressive, can cause crop damage, and reproduce prolifically. They can also endanger farmers by wallowing in fields, creating potholes that have caused tractors to flip in other states, Dettloff said.
MDNRE officials encourage anyone with a state hunting license to shoot the animals on sight in the wild.
In general, pigs are good at escaping. So good, the pig’s ability to take on any fence has its own adage: “When you build a fence that can hold water, you’ll build a fence that can hold pigs,” Dettloff said. When MDNRE officials set traps for feral swine in the day time, the animals notice and become nocturnal to evade capture, Dettloff said state wildlife officials have observed.
“We don’t want them to become established in the wild,” Dettloff said.
Washtenaw County residents reported two feral pig sightings and two kills in 2010. The sightings and kills occurred in Bridgewater and Saline, Lodi and Pittsfield townships. Since 2001, Michigan residents have spotted or killed 533 wild pigs, Dettloff said. Female swine can breed at 6 months old and can have as many as two litters of piglets per year with between four and 12 piglets per litter, experts say.
Shannon Hanna is an MDNRE wildlife biologist in charge of licensing shooting preserves. While she said she's aware that a high-fence hunting facility exists in northern Washtenaw County, MDNRE officials can’t give the location under a state law that aims to protect the facilities from groups that might try to free the animals.
Hanna said the MDNRE is working with lawmakers to create regulation that would be acceptable to everyone, in order to “get a handle on what we’ve actually got out there.” She said she knows of five or six breeders around the state that are providing wild boar to hunting preserves, and that none is in southeast Michigan.
Wild hogs aren't just Michigan's problem.
A recent Smithsonian Magazine article on the problem called the hogs "the most destructive invasive species in the United States today."
What are your thoughts on the issue? Take our poll and leave a comment below.
Comments
Dave Spratt
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 11 p.m.
Could someone PLEASE copy edit this story? It's MDNRE. Dettloff. What else is wrong?
Kelly Davenport
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 11:14 p.m.
The typos have been corrected, thanks.
arborani
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
Friends, can we at least agree that pigs gone rogue are "feral", and "ferrel" (sic) is an SNL emeritus?
tdw
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 4:51 p.m.
I was wondering if anyone was going to point that out
Peter
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 2:17 p.m.
I live in a rural area now. The deer eat every damn thing I plant, flowers, vegetables, shrubs, pine trees you name they eat it. If I see any feral pigs, bid them farewell. If it was legal I would do away with the deer as well.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
They are not in cages when shot that is the problem. When the shooter misses the animal escape. Read the article they are very smart animals. When they set traps for them they changed their habits. The breeders who supply these Hunting Ranches should have to nueter the animals before selling them.
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 1:58 p.m.
I was refering to the Russian boars.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 4:15 a.m.
Not mentioned anywhere here: farmers can get mass-kill permits for deer which are damaging their crops. The deer carcasses are bulldozed into pits and covered over. So - it follows that farmers are tight with the DNR and will be able to eradicate the FAR less common wild hogs on their property with the same gusto they apply to killing dozens of deer at a time. (and probably enjoy a grand pig roast or two along the way) Also, years ago a friend and I did cull hunting for farmers about 60 miles from here. We went after packs of feral dogs which were ravaging sheep herds and causing a lot of damage (and posing a threat to humans). So there's another "invasive species" which has been handled successfully without a lot of ballyhoo and new regulations. Dog lovers: feral dogs are not "pets" - they're smart and dangerous wild animals very similar to wolves on the loose.
Epengar
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 6:09 p.m.
The new regulation allows anybody, including farmers, to kill pigs on their land with no permit required. They have the same deal in Texas, and yet they have 2 million hogs there, and suffer tens of millions of dollars a year in agricultural damage. This is not something we should have to put up with in Michigan.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:44 a.m.
The disdain and emotion over preserve hunting (aka, "canned hunting" ) is understandable but also obviously misguided and over-reactive. That game hunting preserve some are so upset about has been in operation for decades. And - it's important to remember that the meats we eat are from commercial factories which produce and then kill confined animals by the millions each year. Every time you see cattle in a pasture: you're looking at captive-killed meat on the hoof. Those who hunt on game preserves, by contrast, are just doing the killing and processing part on their own, rather than driving their SAAB to the grocery store. So lets not be so uppity about it. There're an estimated 4 million wild boar in the U.S. They do an estimated $800 million in damage. That's about $200 per animal. But woodchucks dig holes which over-turn tractors too! So - killing off the wild population would not "solve" that. - Not that it's a big problem because these "pigs" have commercial value too. Wild pig is a gourmet meat. Roast boar has been on royal menus as long as there've been writers to write of it - and longer. Go to Germany or the UK: you'll see roast wild pig at the finest restaurants (with prices to match). Finally, wild pigs are one of the word's most successful and widely distributed species: they're on every continent between 40 degrees North and 40 degrees South latitudes. That contradicts the suspicious "invasive species" label 100%.
Epengar
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 6 p.m.
Oh, and the current damage costs associated with feral hogs are estimated at $1.5 billion *per year*.
Epengar
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 5:56 p.m.
The damage costs of feral pigs are rising as the population of them grows, and it's not a straight line relationship. If swine brucellosis or pseudorabies (both diseases carried by feral pigs) gets into commercial hog farms, the costs promptly jump into the millions. Also, that's $800 million *per year* *per pig*, right? As the pig population grows, so do the damage costs. Our state's economy is stressed enough as it is, why should we oblige farmers to put up with this new pest problem? The meat argument is ridiculous. In Texas they shoot thousands and thousands of them per year, and still have a massive damage problem. As the guy put it in the video "with over 2 million hogs in Texas, we're not going to barbecue our way out of this problem"
jcj
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 4 a.m.
"Finally, wild pigs are one of the word's most successful and widely distributed species: they're on every continent between 40 degrees North and 40 degrees South latitudes. That contradicts the suspicious "invasive species" label 100%." You can also find zebra mussels around the world. BUT they came from southeast Russia spread on the hulls of ships! But to say they are not an invasive species would be ill informed at the least! You "logic" is full of holes!
jcj
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 12:36 a.m.
While I feel it is important to stop these feral pigs before they get a major foothold in the state. I do not share the panic expressed by some of the commentators. As someone that spends countless hours each fall in the woods and driving back roads scouting for deer I have never seen a feral pig. I have also had trail cams out on different pieces of property. I have countless photos of coyotes, owls, hawks, turkeys and deer. But no feral pigs. That does not mean I don't think they exist or that they cannot become a problem. I can assure you if they invade my hunting ground they will be dealt with irrespective of what "solution" the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or the legislature settles on. @rsa221 I am not a fan of "canned hunting" I have never and don't see any circumstances where I would ever do a high fence hunt. But to say that these canned hunts are not for food is only partially correct. While a great number of people that do canned hunts are only doing it for the "trophy" most of the time the meat is utilized. I try not to judge other hunters against my preferences except that if you can't or won't eat it don't shoot it. @SemperFi There are many different types of high fence hunts. Many are what you describe as "caged hunts". But there are high fence hunts that if I took you in blind folded you could hunt all day and never know you were on a high fence hunt. Still it is not for me. But it can be just as "sporting" as some of the "free range" hunts in places like Texas where they feed the deer with timed feeders and it is like cattle coming to a feeding trough at the same time every day. I have hunted in places in Canada for a week and never even see a plane fly over. And I have hunted where I can see houses just beyond the 450' limit.
jcj
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 8:08 p.m.
I agree that there is no need to wait until a major problem is upon us. There is no question that these hogs can and do cause major problems once a foothold is established.
SemperFi
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 7:34 p.m.
I realize that there are quality hunting preserves with plenty of room to roam. The problem with these wild hog preserves is that they are unregulated. They can be as small as 50 acres, which is very much like shooting fish in a barrel. I certainly don't want to wait until we have a Texas-like problem before we address the issue.
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 4:21 a.m.
I do understand SemperFi's liking for "hunting wild" but not his disdain for preserve hunting. I've never hunted a preserve, instead I go deer hunting (often alone) in places like Manistee National Forest. But I might consider hunting large game in a preserve which was set up sportsmanlike and provided at least a simulation of "real hunting." And - I'd rather see liberalized wild hog hunting to cull that population. I don't think we need prohibitions and "animal rights" parades to solve this minor problem.
BHarding
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 10:16 p.m.
I assume bugjuice is just kidding. To Atticus: 200 years ago everyone was out hunting. In the 20th century our kitchen refrigerators changed things. North Carolina is a treasure, but hogs are a problem for farmers, for wildlife, and native shrubs and trees. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb3R1bnN8RU" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb3R1bnN8RU</a>
oldblueypsi
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:56 p.m.
A recent Smithsonian Magazine article on the problem called the hogs "the most destructive invasive species in the United States today." But at least they forage for their own food. Second most destructive = those who feed at the public trough: politicians.
GreenPus
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
If it is an invasive species why is a hunting license required to bag them? A bit ridiculous to require people to pay for the "privilege" of helping the DNR!
Epengar
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
A permit is only required to shoot them on public lands, and it can be any valid hunting permit for whatever is in season, or a concealed weapon permit. I think it's to prevent poachers from claiming "oh, we're just hunting pigs." On privately-owned land you can shoot them whenever you want, as long as you have the permission of the landowner.
Rork Kuick
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:16 p.m.
I'm concerned about game ranches for ungulates(deer,elk, etc) or other exotics besides boar too because of the disease issues (CWD for example). I strongly advocate no movement of wild animals among ranches for that reason. I can live with outlawing all of them, but it really will destroy some people's livelihoods (serious money invested), and that might need some compensation. There are devilish details like what to do if the rancher is just making them for meat. I might still be against wild boar and exotics but permit deer/elk/bison, but now I see I am splitting hairs about what breed of pigs farmers are allowed. Clearly I could use some advice about how to draw all these lines, or if you can point to states with good plans. Perhaps serious and expensive oversight could make a bit of this ranching stuff acceptable (as per SemperFi's comment).
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
Wild boars have been a part of the ecosystem in rural southern states for 200+ years. I traveled to the mountains of N. Carolina last spring, and I can tell you that the natural beauty in that area far surpasses what I've seen here...in spite of fact that there are wild boars in the area.
Epengar
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
I'm not claiming that an area with feral pigs will be destroyed, I'm saying it can be *damaged* in permanent ways. The "hill folk" in North Carolina do indeed hunt pigs in the mountains, a couple thousand hunters, probably more, go out every year, according the North Carolina Wildlife Commission: <a href="http://www.ncwildlife.org/wildlife_species_con/WSC_Wild_Boar_Facts.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.ncwildlife.org/wildlife_species_con/WSC_Wild_Boar_Facts.htm</a> The rest of North Carolina, where they have massive pig farms, is very worried about feral pigs, because of the disease threat. <a href="http://www.kinston.com/articles/feral-70288-swine-know.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.kinston.com/articles/feral-70288-swine-know.html</a> I'm as or more concerned about the agricultural damage as damage to wild areas. Here's an article about feral swine in Oklahoma that quotes a blueberry farmer who lost over a thousand bushes to pigs in just a couple of years <a href="http://www.noble.org/press_release/2008/InTheNews/feral_swine.html" rel='nofollow'>http://www.noble.org/press_release/2008/InTheNews/feral_swine.html</a> The berry crops in Michigan are worth millions every year. Why should we tolerate a big new pest that will mess with that?
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 10:02 p.m.
epanger, if they area is being destoyed, as you claim, then it's taken over 200 years, and I personally haven't seen any of the destruction that you claim is so prevailent. Also, if these animals were such a problem in this area, we would have scores of 'hill folk' actively hunting these beast. remember there are no hunting limits or hunting season to regulate the taking of these animals. Hunters have a green light to hunt these animals, unrestritced. And I have yet to hear of one hunter actively going after them. Seems like the whole situation stinks of anti hunting propaganda.
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
That's not to mention what they're spending on surveillance testing for livestock disease or crop damage. I didn't dig for that.
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
I imagine you were in the Smoky Mountains, where the National Park is obliged to trap pigs constantly. The killed 620 of them in 2009. That area actually has one of the best sets of studies showing the damage that pigs can do. They tear up beech and oak woods, eating acorns, nuts, and seedlings -- the adult trees survive, but can't reproduce. No mast for deer or turkeys. They also root in wetlands and mess up water quality. Hell they even like to eat the tubers of lady slipper orchids, one of our rarest native wildlflowers. Just because you couldn't see the damage doesn't mean it wasn't happening. <a href="http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jan/23/running-wild/" rel='nofollow'>http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2010/jan/23/running-wild/</a>
Rork Kuick
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
Is NC better off with the boars than without? That would be the relevant question I think.
BHarding
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:44 p.m.
These animals can grow to enormous weights, 400 and even 600 lbs. The sows breed twice a year and some until they're 14 years old. Very destructive. California and the southern states are buried in them, now Michigan is on the way. See: <a href="http://128.192.20.53/nfsms/" rel='nofollow'>http://128.192.20.53/nfsms/</a> There should be no Game Ranches for any species. Breeding them just to kill them for sport? There are are plenty of wild boar to kill in the South. Take a trip and do some good.
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:24 p.m.
Feral pigs are obnoxious pests, they create real disease and crop damage problems for farmers. Agriculture is the one sector of the state economy that is doing pretty well. Why make it harder? We know the boar hunting "industry" (really, is it big enough to call it an industry?) can't be trusted to keep their animals contained, we've already had escapes in Michigan, and thousands and thousands of escapes in other states. Michigan shouldn't permit captive breeding of wild pigs or hunting preserves for them. Speaker Bolger is wrong, it's entirely appropriate to shut them down. The economic cost to the state of a feral pig problem will grossly outweigh any economic benefits generated by private hunting reserves. We shouldn't have to pay for this. Juliana, since you seem to be following this topic -- it would be interesting to know if it's possible to get a wild pig butchered in Michigan. I know there are places you can take a deer carcass to have it cut up. Will these places take pigs too?
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:02 p.m.
We've had domestic pigs on farms in Washtenaw County since the mid 1800's, and elsewhere in the state further back than that. Why are feral pigs only becoming a problem now? They clearly are more common and are spreading, what has changed. Did we suddenly get more pig farms? I doubt it. Did we recently get more private boar hunting operations? I wouldn't be surprised. It's ridiculous to claim that a pig farm offers the same risk of escapes as a recreational boar shooting operation. On a domestic pig raising operation the animals are kept in fairly small areas -- it's easy for the farm managers to see if pens or fences need to be repaired. The boar shooting place is going to have thousands of yards, maybe miles, of fencing to inspect and maintain, and much of that out in the woods. Also, an escaped boar from the shooting operation is much better prepared to survive on its own than a domesticated animal. The boar is used to living in the open, and finding its own food. The domestic pig has had at least some shelter, and has been supplied with food every day. Sure both have a chance of surviving, but the odds are much better for the boar. There's an economic argument too. Every domestic pig is worth money to the owner -- he or she can sell each one. In a boar shooting operation, they're not selling the animals, they're selling the experience. They just need to have enough animals so that their customers can shoot some. If a few go under the fence once in a while, it's no real cost to them. Farmers control the breeding of their animals. The hunting preserve people can't. What happens If their boars breed too fast and their reserve gets over-crowded? What's cheaper and easier, shooting a bunch of them, and then having to deal with the carcasses, or just not bothering to repair the fence for a few weeks?
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
The point is that we don't have a problem yet, but if we don't take action, we will. The DNR only started keeping records in 2006. One of the few general rules about invasive species control is that costs balloon fast over time. It's vital to act as early as possible, or we pay much much more in damage and disease control efforts.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:55 p.m.
Epanger, I'm not so sure that ferrel pigs have become a significant problem recently. I've spent alot of time in the country, and I have yet to hear from any of my friends who own farms that have seen one. Also, wild boars have been a part of the ecosystem in rural southern states for 200+ years. I traveled to the mountains of N. Carolina last spring, and I can tell you that the natural beauty in that area far surpasses what I've seen here...in spite of fact that there are wild boars in the area.
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:35 p.m.
If pig farms were a significant part of the problem, why didn't we have a feral pig problem 50 years ago? I'm sure a lot of the outcry is motivated by caged hunting, but there are lots of other good arguments too. I think the strongest is the looming cost to agriculture.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.
Your arguement lacks credability once you consider the large numbers of animals kept on livestock farms in comparision to the small numbers kept on hunting ranches. You should also note that the ferrel Pig on the front page is clearly a domesticated pig that has gone ferrel, while the other photo is that of a russian boar. It just seems to me that all of the outcry is more so based on people feelings about hunting, and caged hunting in particular...If peoples true concern was the possibilty of ferrel pigs, then you would think there would be calls to shut down any farm that raises pigs.
Moose78
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:59 p.m.
I mean spayed.
timjbd
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 11:03 p.m.
Danger animals?
Moose78
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:57 p.m.
I will shoot them if they are on my property no matter what. I will protect my livestock and other pets. Luckily, I haven't seen any coyotes on the property yet. What difference does it make that we are being begged to sprayed our cats and dogs to help reduce the population. Well, before you know it, we'll be seeing all these danger animals around.
Epengar
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:20 p.m.
"...no matter what." Nobody says you can't or shouldn't. I'm pretty sure the regulations specifically say that you can shoot pigs on your property any time you want, no permit required. In fact I think they probably encourage you to do so.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:08 p.m.
With all due respect Top Cat, according to the 14th Amendment if they were born here they are American citizens. FREE FERAL PIGS!!! FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS!!!!! Tin soldiers and Nixon coming....
4 Fingers
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
@ Top Cat - you got that right. And with that comment, I'd shoot one on sight, and perhaps have some good BBQ afterward.
lynel
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:30 p.m.
Dang, I didn't know there was beer involved! I'll be there.
Top Cat
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:38 p.m.
I'll bring the beer.
Top Cat
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:34 p.m.
@bugjuice, feral pigs are an "invasive" species. Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution gives the legislature the power to "To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions." We got it covered, right ?
rsa221
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:54 p.m.
What do you think about breeding them in captivity? from article: "questions about how to regulate wild boar at the hunting facilities, and what to do with breeders supplying them, were left unanswered"
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
Atticus F, one huge difference between the Domestic escapee, and an imported for hunt Eurasian or Russian, Tusks! If I have the facility correctly, this is a huge recreational area. There are also many endangered species that nest or house themselves on the ground, which the Hogs tear up. We already know they are a problem, so why would we allow them to be imported for a barbaric sport that has nothing to do with hunting? If this is so on the up and up, why besides "people breaking in to release them" are they not mandated to notify their neighbors? Why aren't residents being told come to Township Meeting on X date, voice your opinion on this new venture?
Juliana Keeping
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:24 p.m.
Hi Rural Mom. I learned yesterday from the MDNRE that domestic pigs have their tusks cut off so they can be handled safely. But once they escape to the wild, the tusks grow back, the pigs grow a coat and all the survival instincts kick in. If there are any pig farmers out there who can attest to this or share stories along these lines, I'd be happy to hear from you for my next article.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:22 p.m.
Ferrel pigs are like ferrel cats. Usually the biggest meanest ones, are the ones that reproduce. Even escapees from live stock farms evolve tusk, since reproduction hinges on the male being able to dominate other males in the rut...just as a male whitetail without antlers would not be able to reproduce due to competion in the rut.
SemperFi
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:50 p.m.
These ranch hunts are absurd. Clearly for guys with big guns and small accessories. If these jolly ranchers want to offer caged hunts to the wannabe big-game hunters, then they should pay the full cost of regulation. When there is no oversight or regulation by a public entity, we're left with anarchy. Left to their own devices, most of these, so called, ranches will do the minimum to turn a profit. So what if some of the critters escape, they breed prolifically so nno great lo$$. I support hunting. Shooting fish in a barrel isn't hunting, it's target practice.
SemperFi
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
Atticus, It's not hysteria to expect these entrepenuers to insure that their hogs don't escape, especially when the fallout affects the public at large. Please check out the Texas problem with these animals. They cause millions of dollars in damage to public and private land, attack peoples pets and harrass hikers and campers. I couldn't find where it was stated that wild hog ranches were no more danger for creating the potential for ferrel pigs than a commercial pig farm. The big difference is that a domestic pig farmer has more money invested in his pig than a hunt ranch owner, so they tend to invest in their operation more heavily to inhibit escapees.
arborani
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 2:41 p.m.
"(S)mall accessories" - good one.
arborani
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
"(S)mall accessories" - good one.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
As stated earlier, these places are no more of a danger than a pig farm as far as creating the potential for ferrel pigs. So under your brand of hysteria, we should also regulate Michigan pig farms to the point that bacon is no longer availible. I do agree with you that their is little sport in these hunts. But far be it from me to judge how another person puts food on their table.
Edward Vielmetti
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:36 p.m.
Hunting boar with hounds in Tennessee, Life Magazine, 1942 <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=PE4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA90&dq=boar%20hunting&pg=PA91#v=onepage&q=boar%20hunting&f=false" rel='nofollow'>http://books.google.com/books?id=PE4EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA90&dq=boar%20hunting&pg=PA91#v=onepage&q=boar%20hunting&f=false</a>
dotdash
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
So we really don't want them around, except to shoot for sport behind a fence? Next we'll be breeding Asian Carp to shoot in barrels.
rsa221
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:34 p.m.
"Canned hunting" is barbaric and dumb no matter what is being hunted. How about a more humane solution?
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:04 p.m.
Glad we can agree about factory farms. As a responsible hunter, it sometimes angers me when people get complain at people who hunt to put food on their tables. ..While at the same time, they see nothing wrong with eating an order of chicken nuggets at McDonalds.
rsa221
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:48 p.m.
Also, Atticus F. if you google a term like "canned hunting" and read about this sort of "facility" and the "hunting" penned animals, I think you will find it is not food by any means. Also, I don't see how it makes sense to breed these animals in captivity, if they are such a nuisance, except for profit by a few. In terms of volume and method, "I'm far more offended by the way Kroger get their meat than by anything going on at these places" yes, me too.
rsa221
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.
Hi Atticus F - yes I think I can agree with that! Good point.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:02 p.m.
rsa221, in my oppinion, any hunting that is not for the purpose of food is barbaric. I don't know alot about these hunting ranches... but if the animals are being hunted for food, I'm far more offended by the way Kroger get their meat than by anything going on at these places.
tdw
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
Not a good poll.I'll shoot them anywhere, license or no license
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
Be careful about shooting them too close to my house...I'm liable to misinterpret and return fire.
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:18 p.m.
If this is the Game Ranch on N.Territorial, between Madden Road and Hankerd Road, be prepared for a fight! Be prepared that if these "hunts" are allowed and there is any release of Ferrel Hogs into our little humble abode, there will be legal consequences. It would be very ill conceived in light of the fact this is a recreational area, with the Potawatamie Trail used by many coming in contact with this property. I am praying to God I am wrong. Oh and by the way hunting a caged animal is not hunting, its a lame person who hunts in this manner.
Rork Kuick
Wed, Mar 2, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
I won't jump to conclusions. Their fences seem good, maintained, and monitored. I've not heard of escapes. With giant elk and perhaps other things inside, they do have cause to worry that idiots will try to poach them, or harm their fences, so some security is necessary. I'm not nearly expert at their operation though. I've never actually seen pigs there even. Mapwashtenaw indicates that owners of parcels there are "HILLTOP PARTNERS LIMITED".
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 9:17 p.m.
Rork they do have many activities on that "Game Ranch" Ann Arbor News has done stories on it too, only those were for Mob related activities. I heard recently the property changed hands, not sure how accurate, was it really sold or did one branch of the family pass it on to another? It also has very strange security for being a "game ranch". If they (ferral hogs) are already causing us issues, why invite more problems?
Rork Kuick
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:43 p.m.
Mom, I know where you mean. I go to see the elk. I have always assumed they DO have the "hunts" you fear already.
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:34 p.m.
Well Atticus F. it was insulting that you would want me to consider a commercial outfit, above and beyond my family, my neighbors, the thousands of human beings that use this recreational area. Additionally in my RURAL area, you can't have chickens period. So don't be so quick to think those areas as not regulated. We also can't have fences beyond 3ft in height. Yet a Game Ranch can import more nusance animals and hunt them penned up for "sport", yep that right neighborly!
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 8:06 p.m.
Ruralmom, I was not trying to be insulant. I was simply pointing out that there is little regulation in rural areas. And if you choose to live in a rural area, you need to accept that your neighbors are entitled to property rights as well. I live in the CITY of Ann Arbor, and I'm well aware of the trade-offs between property rights, taxes, city services, and local zoning ordinance. And while I know A2 would never allow a hunting ranch in my back yard, I did fight like heck to allow people to keep chickens in their back yards.
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 7:28 p.m.
Atticus, you are rude. I don't think my rights are greater than my neighbors. I do think a commercial operation needs to be courteous to their neighbors. Or maybe they need to come bunk with you, you don't seem to mind if they sneak in a new sport in my area, so lets send them to yours. As I have stated numerous times, IF I am correct, this is no place for this type of program. We have thousands of people who utilize that area for recreational purposes, adding in Hog Hunting after the fact without public input in secrecy is bunk.
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:57 p.m.
Then perhaps you should move into the city where there is more regulation, ruralmom. Also, in what way do you believe that your property rights outwheigh the property rights of your neighbors?
RuralMom
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:49 p.m.
Atticus Ferral Hogs are already a problem in Washtenaw County, allowing a "Hunting" Ranch to operate would only add to this problem. Additionally, they don't have to tell us where this is at due to PETA or Animal Rights activists threats to break in and release the animals. Well how about home owners rights? No one asked me what I thought about this, there was no meeting posted about this agenda. I can tell you this if I have the facility right, there is going to be protests.
dading dont delete me bro
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 6:10 p.m.
i read that in as little as 6 months an 'escaped' domestic pig will show feral swine features and tendencies. not to mention can breed immediately w/a suitor
Atticus F.
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:57 p.m.
RuralMom, anywhere there are pig farms, there is a potential for ferrel pigs. And as you know, michigan has alot of pig farms in rural areas. After a few domestic pigs escape, it only takes a couple years before you have ferrel hogs roaming the area. Pigs are good survivors.
bugjuice
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 4:55 p.m.
We need less government regulation. The constitution makes no reference to feral pigs therefore they must not be subject to nanny state government regulation regardless of the damage they do to the environment.
SemperFi
Tue, Mar 1, 2011 : 5:54 p.m.
Excellent use of sarcasm.