Series of hunts for feral swine begin in February
The Tenoroc Public Use Area has long been popular for its freshwater fishing, shooting ranges, and sporting clays course, but hog hunters are about to get the first crack at its resident population on this 6,094 acres northeast of Lake Parker near Lakeland.
Beginning in early February, a series of hunts for feral swine will be held on a first-come, first-serve basis. Forty-five no-cost, daily permits will be issued each day of the hunt at the check station. One youth under 16 years of age may accompany an adult permit holder and may hunt under the supervision and in the presence of the permit holder.
Thought to be first introduced to the state through Spanish explorations in the 1500’s, wild hogs are not indigenous to Florida. This original stock was further supplemented by other settlers over the centuries. Like other non-native critters roaming our woods, hogs have thrived in the mild weather and with ample supplies of food.
Highly adaptable, prolific breeders, wild hogs are also a terror on natural environments. They’ll eat just about anything, from agriculture crops to nesting birds. Oftentimes, hogs use their tough snouts to root up the ground in search of food. A large sounder of hogs can tear up an oak hammock or cow pasture to the point it appears to have been plowed by heavy machinery. This habit leads to erosion, destroys native plant habitats, and upends roads and trails. According to studies from the US Department of Agriculture, wild hogs annually cause over a billion dollars worth of damage nationwide.
Fortunately, they’re a fine sport and perfect for a BBQ, and hunters are constantly clamoring for new places to chase wild hogs. I expect that 45-person daily quota to be easily filled, even though the hunts are mid-week. And hunters will have the joint to themselves - public access during the hog management hunts will be prohibited except for the permit holders and their guests.
As for dates, hunts will be held on February 8-9, 22-23, March 8-9, 22-23, and April 5-6, 19-20. All the paperwork that is required is the daily quota permit and a management area permit. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. Centerfire rifles, pistols, shotguns, crossbows, bows, and air guns are all permitted, though full-automatic firearms and centerfire semi-automatic rifles having a magazine capable of holding more than 5 rounds are prohibited.
And sorry to those who run hog dogs. This is a still-hunting deal only. Hunting wild hogs with dogs will be prohibited, though dogs on leashes may be used for blood trailing purposes. Though permissible on private lands, it will be illegal to hunt over bait for this hunt. As with any public land hunt, be sure to carefully read the rules in the Tenoroc brochure which can be found at myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures
I have to be honest. I’m hoping my boss isn’t reading this as I might have to call in sick for one of these hunts. There is no shortage of wild hogs in this area, and it’s awfully close to home.
Roy Fuoco can be reached at roy.fuoco@theledger.com or at 863-802-7526. Follow him on Twitter: @RoyFuoco.
This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Series of hunts for feral swine begin in February
