Doves off the Menu, Roast Feral Pig Instead

Feral pigs are fair game
Hunters have state's OK to kill beasts that damage crops and can spread diseases.

Doves may be off the firing line after Tuesday's election, but it's open season on wild pigs.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have given permission to licensed hunters to fire at will at feral pigs in 23 Michigan counties where the swine have been spotted.

While the pigs aren't a serious threat in Michigan, they have caused huge damage to crops, wildlife and the ecosystem in a number of states, especially Florida and Texas. In California, droppings from the wild pigs are thought to be a possible cause of the outbreak of E. coli bacteria on spinach that killed several people and sickened hundreds.

Because reports of the pigs have been sporadic, the DNR doesn't have information on the number of pigs on the loose.

"The idea is to cut the pigs off at the pass before they become a big problem," said Bridget Patrick, zoonotic disease communications coordinator for the state Department of Agriculture.

"In some counties we've only had one sighting, but the worry is that these pigs will reproduce and we'll end up with herds of wild pigs."

The pigs can be shot by any hunter who possesses any valid Michigan hunting license, including one for birds.

In Pinconning, farmer Bill Schmidt said he's keeping an eye out for the animals. "I personally haven't seen any yet, but I know they're around here," he said.


Feral pigs can carry diseases such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis and trichinosis, which can be transmitted to people and livestock. The meat of feral swine should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170 degrees.

When shooting a pig, aim for the shoulder or slightly ahead of the shoulder. The vital area of a pig is more forward than a deer.

If you see or shoot any feral pigs, contact the DNR at (517) 336-5030 or e-mail brownkr @ michigan.gov.

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