Hunting and Kids...Florida Children Invited to Participate in Feral Hog Hunt

In an effort to control Florida's overpopulation of feral hogs, the state has enlisted the help of children. Florida kids have been invited to hunt and kill "nuisance" hogs. "Hunting is part of our heritage here in Florida," says Kenny Barker of the Florida Wildlife Commission. "Kids need to learn that food doesn't come from a grocery store. This is an effort to recruit and retain some hunters for our future."

The Florida Wildlife Commission began hosting youth hunts 3 years ago. The agency also offers instructions on hunting hogs, deer, turkeys and water fowl. At least 300 youths participated in hog hunts last season.

There is no denying that Florida has a serious problem with an ever increasing feral hog population. The animals have no known predators and can be found in every county in Florida. Next to Texas, Florida has the largest feral hog population, estimated to be over 500,000. Like invasive plant control, feral hog control is an integral part of conservation land stewardship in Florida.

Feral hogs were brought to Florida by Spanish explorers in 1539. Some of the animals found freedom in the New World. Today, nearly 500 years later, it is estimated that there are some 3 million descendants of these "pioneer pigs" living in the United States. Florida's large conservation areas with limited public access, dense vegetation and abundant water supply, provide an excellent environment for their survival. Except for hunters, feral hogs have no predators.

The hogs come in conflict with people, wildlife and domesticated livestock. They carry many diseases and parasites. For this reason it is not wise to eat them as food. They stand nearly 3 ft. tall and can weigh over 200 lbs. They breed twice a year and can have up to 6 piglets. They are extremely fast and aggressive and will attack with their tusks if cornered or injured

Acorns are their favorite food. They will, however, eat anything including small animals, nesting birds, reptiles and sea turtles. They will also invade farmers' crops and livestock feed. They will eat tree seed pods and seedlings, causing significant damage to forest re-growth.

They trample and knock down large amounts of native vegetation and crops. Their rooting behavior (digging for food) damages lawns and fields and causes erosion. Their wallowing in small ponds and streams affects water quality. They compete for food with other game animals and livestock. They will consume young domesticated farm animals including poultry, lambs, and goats. Millions of dollars are spent each year to prevent damage from feral hogs.

When the problem gets especially bad on state lands, the Swiftmud water management district opens up the land for adult hog hunts. This year they decided kids should be invited. The agency created a contest inviting children statewide, ages 8 to 16, to fill out an application and write a short essay. Winners would participate in a hog hunt at the Edward Chance Reserve's Gilley Creek Tract in eastern Manatee. The agency had space for 24 winners, but since only 20 kids entered, every applicant will be able to go.

Volunteers will act as guides for the young hunters. Bright orange vests and low caliber rifles and shot guns will be provided for those who need them. Swiftmud representatives will instruct the kids on proper hunting techniques. Guns will remain unloaded and will be carried by parents or volunteers.

Groups such as the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida are opposed to these hunts. Nick Atwood, a spokesperson for the group said, "We don't think having a young child shoot an animal and watch it die before his or her eyes is a positive thing in any way. Children these days are disconnected from nature and wildlife.

Killing an animal is not going to reverse that trend. No one denies the hogs are a nuisance, but if you can tolerate them for awhile, they usually move on."

Sources:

St.Pete Times

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/hoghunt/faq.html

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/06/050607012122.html