Hog hunting is a big business in the United States. However, there is a lot of controversy surrounding its legality. Fortunately, the state of Arkansas has taken steps to regulate its practices. But there are still plenty of hog hunters unaware of the state’s laws. Here are five reasons why you should be aware of these laws.
Brucellosis
Brucellosis is a bacterial disease transmitted through contact with blood, fluids, and animal tissue. It can cause fevers, chills, sweating, joint and muscle pain, headaches, and fatigue. The symptoms may last several months and can lead to severe conditions, such as liver and heart valve abscesses.
Brucellosis is not uncommon, particularly in wild hog populations. There are three main ways to acquire the infection: consuming meat from infected animals, through direct contact with blood, or through sexual contact.
Hunters should be cautious in handling carcasses. Using a sharp knife, washing hands with hot water, and putting the corpse in a freezer after taking it, can help keep hunters healthy. In addition, hunters should be cautious when handling reproductive organs, as these can be used as vectors.
Hog hunting can be dangerous for both hunters and wildlife. Some states require hunters to wear protective gear when handling hogs or carcasses.
Pseudorabies
Pseudorabies is a disease that can affect feral hogs, domestic pigs, and wild animals. It is a highly infectious virus that can lead to reproductive problems and stillbirths. The disease is usually contracted through direct contact or contaminated water, tissues, or air.
In Arkansas, feral swine have been known to carry a variety of diseases. Some more common ones include brucellosis, pseudorabies, and swine influenza. Wild hogs should be handled with care to avoid contracting any of these.
Feral hogs can also be carriers of anthrax, a severe bacterial infection. Most often, anthrax breakouts occur during scorching and dry weather.
Swine brucellosis can be contracted by direct contact with an infected hog or through ingestion of contaminated blood or saliva. The disease can be fatal to humans.
Pseudorabies can be a disease that is transmitted through contact with contaminated animals or water. Symptoms of the disease include itching, swelling, and facial swelling.
Damage to fragile habitats
Wild hogs are an invasive species that have become a problem nationwide. They have caused $400 million in damage annually and threaten wildlife, ecosystems, and property.
In the United States, wild hogs are the most destructive invasive species. They disrupt ecosystem processes and alter biodiversity. They consume crops, small animals, and native vegetation. They can also carry parasites and diseases. These pests can cause severe damage to plant communities, watershed function, and soil health.
Wild hogs are known to carry a variety of pathogens, including Cryptosporidium, Campylobacter, and Giardia. These pathogens can impact drinking water and cause disease. Their presence can lead to increased leaching of nutrients from leaf litter and upper soil horizons.
Hunting and trapping feral hogs is a highly effective way to reduce the population. However, they can re-establish themselves in food plots. Therefore, it is essential to properly fence and corral groups of feral hogs to prevent their re-entry.
Laws
Wild hogs threaten many types of wildlife, pets, and humans. They destroy row crops and flower beds and are a pest in many areas. Hogs also spread disease to domestic livestock. In Arkansas, there are several hog hunting laws to protect people and wildlife.
A person may hunt feral hogs only on private property if the landowner gives permission. Unlike wild deer, there are no limits to the number of hogs that can be killed. However, hunters may only use weapons approved for the hunting season.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission estimates that there are 50,000 to 70,000 hogs in the state. These invasive animals are not native to the state and can carry 45 diseases.
Landowners can trap wild hogs year-round. This is one of the most effective ways to control the population. Depending on the time of year, a hunter can shoot a hog or chase it away with dogs.
