New wild pig regulations announced in Ontario - OFAH

Following years of OFAH advocacy, the Ontario government has finally taken someimportant steps to prevent wild pigs from becoming established in the province.

In 2019, we urged the government to make wild pigs a priority and enactchanges that would reduce the risk that they pose. Yesterday, it was announcedthat wild pigs will now be listed under the Invasive Species Act, making itillegal to allow a pig to escape into the wild. The government also announcedthat Eurasian wild boar farming will be phased out, removing a major risk forboars being introduced into Ontario’s ecosystems.

“This is a huge win for Ontario’s wildlife and ecosystems, as wild pigsdamage plant communities and complete with and prey on native wildlife such asdeer and turkeys,” says Lauren Tonelli, OFAH Resource Management Specialist.

THE ROLE OF HUNTERS

Hunting and trapping of wild pigs is not permitted unless it is to preventthe destruction of property. This is important, as many other places that aredealing with pigs have shown that hunting wild pigs is not effective atcontrolling them and can make the problem worse.

However, hunters can still play a key role in protecting Ontario from wildpigs by reporting any sightings and by using the OFAH’s Wild Pig Trail Camera DetectionProtocol to help with surveillance.

As long as government in involve in wild hog I have complete confidence they won’t become a problem. :)

Much more effective to call the MNR to report it than to kill it. :)

Invasive species should be shoot on sight like in Manitoba.

Does anyone have a link to information explaining why hunting them would not help eradicate the population?

In the meantime should I see one on my property it will be shot and the smoker will be fired up. :D

Well,I guess I won't need that new smoker I wanted to buy,now,will I? Four years ago,New York state (among a few others south of the border) decided to use the same approach. So far,it's been an unmitigated failure with sounders ripping up farm land throughout the entire state prompting farmers to sue the state for damages which is likely to take years to wend it's way through the court system. Meanwhile,Hog populations expand exponentially from inaction. Quite clearly,the approach doesn't work. Why our province insists on making the same mistake,especially,with obvious evidence to the contrary from other jusidictions,defies logic. It seems like junk science and the political correct bureaucracy has ruled supreme.

As much as I don’t want them here, it would be fun to place some lead threw their ear hole. A few years back a buddy of mine went down to Texas and had a great hunt. :smoker


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https://www.ofah.org/insider/2021/04...-program-wpsp/

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

Does anyone have a link to information explaining why hunting them would not help eradicate the population?

In the meantime should I see one on my property it will be shot and the smoker will be fired up. :D

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Originally Posted by FISH-ON

https://www.ofah.org/insider/2021/04...-program-wpsp/

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This link did not work. In the meantime I found this article from the Atlantic that gives some insight including Ontario content. Good read.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/...ywhere/616389/

So what is the consensus on the best round for wild pig defense? 12 gauge slug or 44 mag would be my choices.

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Originally Posted by FISH-ON

Following years of OFAH advocacy, the Ontario government has finally taken someimportant steps to prevent wild pigs from becoming established in the province.

In 2019, we urged the government to make wild pigs a priority and enactchanges that would reduce the risk that they pose. Yesterday, it was announcedthat wild pigs will now be listed under the Invasive Species Act, making itillegal to allow a pig to escape into the wild. The government also announcedthat Eurasian wild boar farming will be phased out, removing a major risk forboars being introduced into Ontario’s ecosystems.

“This is a huge win for Ontario’s wildlife and ecosystems, as wild pigsdamage plant communities and complete with and prey on native wildlife such asdeer and turkeys,” says Lauren Tonelli, OFAH Resource Management Specialist.

THE ROLE OF HUNTERS

Hunting and trapping of wild pigs is not permitted unless it is to preventthe destruction of property. This is important, as many other places that aredealing with pigs have shown that hunting wild pigs is not effective atcontrolling them and can make the problem worse.

However, hunters can still play a key role in protecting Ontario from wildpigs by reporting any sightings and by using the OFAH’s Wild Pig Trail Camera DetectionProtocol to help with surveillance.

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New York and a few other states have found this strategy - barring hunting and then having pros bait and night shoot - has been largely ineffective. It is based on trying to remove a single sounder - that works better than hunting them since hunting makes them wilder/smarter. But as a whole it doesn't work on a large scale because it requires too many (*paid*) people. Better to turn it over to an army of unpaid volunteers (hunters).

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

This link did not work. In the meantime I found this article from the Atlantic that gives some insight including Ontario content. Good read.

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/...ywhere/616389/

So what is the consensus on the best round for wild pig defense? 12 gauge slug or 44 mag would be my choices.

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If you're concerned about knockdown power, the 12ga slug is in a whole different league than the .44mag.
My choice - since I use it for everything else, because its big and nasty and mean: 444 marlin.

I think that Texas has been thru the gamut of 'trail and error' methods in how to stop the buggers from destroying their ranches.....I don't think they are winning the battle. :)

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Originally Posted by MikePal

I think that Texas has been thru the gamut of 'trail and error' methods in how to stop the buggers from destroying their ranches.....I don't think they are winning the battle. :)

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Texas is almost all private land, and hunting is either paid for or through contacts. If ranches need more help with the pigs, they need to let in more hunters. From what I understand, the Texas ranch/pig problem is largely self-inflicted. When you're charging $300 USD per hog, you really shouldn't be complaining about having too many of them.

An extremely adaptable fugitive is on the loose and is posing a serious threat to Ontario’s natural resources and agricultural industries. Last seen causing widespread problems in Canada’s prairie provinces and many American states, wild pigs (Sus scrofa) have been reported in central, southern, and eastern Ontario in small, localized groups, but their ability to reproduce quickly, destroy native ecosystems, and spread disease have landed them on the list of Ontario’s Most Un-Wanted.

To help stop the problem before it grows, the OFAH has launched a program with volunteers to deploy, bait, and monitor trail cameras with the goal of increasing the level of wild pig surveillance in Ontario.



THE ISSUE



Wild pigs (other aliases include wild boar, feral domestic pigs, and even hybrids of the two) are an exceptionally successful invasive species in many regions all over North America. In places like Florida, where pigs were intentionally introduced in the 16th century by the Spanish explorer, Hernando DeSoto, they have established and spread. Then, in 1912, the Eurasian boar was introduced to the state of North Carolina. This introduction of the Eurasian boar then led to subsequent introductions as far west as California and into adjacent states like Louisiana, Georgia, and others. Today, it’s estimated that wild pigs account for approximately $1.5-billion in economic losses to the agricultural industry each year in the United States. In many other regions, they have been introduced to native habitats through escapes from farms as well as being intentionally introduced. Once free, their reproductive capabilities are incredible, as they mature at six months and can have two litters per year with 4-10 piglets per litter. This results in exponential growth and it is suggested that to prevent further growth of an established population, at least 70% of the population would have to removed—every single year. Moreover, they destroy native ecosystems through their feeding habits and compete with native species for food and habitat resources, ultimately reducing biodiversity.







CAN HUNTING WORK?



Simply, and scientifically and historically, put – no. This may seem like a strange thing for a hunting organization to say, but we know, in this case, hunting makes the situation much worse, as research and management experience from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service has repeatedly demonstrated removing small portions of the population via hunting has an insignificant impact. Recreational hunting doesn’t work because wild pigs are highly developed psychologically and intellectually, and they are very successful when it comes to being elusive when there are disturbances. What hunting does result in is a smarter wild pig, as they scatter and break up their groups (also called sounders). This teaches the wild pigs to avoid hunters while also expanding their distribution as they evade and disperse. The only real solution is to capture and remove an entire sounder, which can only be conceivably done by trained professionals using specialized techniques, such as baited trapping.



SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM GOAL



The OFAH has always believed in making conservation decisions that are guided by science and the science on wild pigs is clear: they are an invasive species. In the world of invasive species, the most important and impactful component in preventing an established population is education, early detection, and rapid response. But, a response cannot occur without information. The early detection of any free-ranging pigs is vital to preventing the establishment of this invasive species. Therefore, in addition to increasing public awareness of wild pigs and the threat they pose, we are working to increase Ontario’s surveillance capacity. With funding received through the Green Shovels Collaborative, we have established the Wild Pig Surveillance Program to harness the power of engaged citizens of Ontario.







HOW CAN YOU HELP?



Be on the lookout for wild pigs! We are currently encouraging members of the public to become engaged by following our OFAH Wild Pig Trail Camera Detection Protocol and putting out your own trail cameras to look for wild pigs. During your surveillance or any other time, if you think you’ve seen a wild pig, take a photo, mark your location, and report to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or by sending an email to [email protected]

In closing, we’d like to extend a special Thank you to the Green Shovels Collaborative for supporting the WPSP.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

Does anyone have a link to information explaining why hunting them would not help eradicate the population?

In the meantime should I see one on my property it will be shot and the smoker will be fired up. :D

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Originally Posted by werner.reiche

Texas is almost all private land, and hunting is either paid for or through contacts. If ranches need more help with the pigs, they need to let in more hunters. From what I understand, the Texas ranch/pig problem is largely self-inflicted. When you're charging $300 USD per hog, you really shouldn't be complaining about having too many of them.

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I never knew about how that business worked till I saw that TV show .."American Hoggers" ..HaHa..

Yes having a closed range for 'game' hunting is profitable for some...but the cost to try and eradicate them from working ranches can be quite costly.

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Originally Posted by Badenoch

Does anyone have a link to information explaining why hunting them would not help eradicate the population?

In the meantime should I see one on my property it will be shot and the smoker will be fired up. :D

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Here's one I found,although,not likely what we want to hear:

https://www.petersenshunting.com/edi...ld-hogs/272366

Very disappointed to hear we won’t be able to hunt them. Even though hunting them won’t be the most effective way of dealing with the pigs. They still are an invasive species and should not be protected from hunting.

My old man would shoot me if I told him I seen a pig in his field and didn't shoot it.

Don't shoot them because it educates them? Southern Ontario would be like heaven for feral pigs. So many non hunting areas and tons of crops to destroy. Once they are here it should be all out war on them, $$ for every pig shot, Instead of just paying compension to farmers.

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You know how the government will do this just report if you see two hogs. Hogs move into woods ravines appear again as 12. Oh then it’s 100. Gov will bring in Swedish snipers with silencers.

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Originally Posted by SongDog

My old man would shoot me if I told him I seen a pig in his field and didn't shoot it.

Don't shoot them because it educates them? Southern Ontario would be like heaven for feral pigs. So many non hunting areas and tons of crops to destroy. Once they are here it should be all out war on them, $$ for every pig shot, Instead of just paying compension to farmers.

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That will happen soon enough after farmers and landowners crops and livestock and pets are completely destroyed. Wild hogs have no problem attacking people,either. The whining,screaming and gnashing of teeth will be epic.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

Here's one I found,although,not likely what we want to hear:

https://www.petersenshunting.com/edi...ld-hogs/272366

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Thanks. Excellent article. It and the others posted seem to make the case why they shouldn't be hunted. Unless you get the entire sounder then all you do is compound the problem.

Has anyone encountered a wild pig in Ontario? Former owners of Hay Island in Georgian Bay apparently brought pigs in to hunt years ago. They are still there and they've shown up on the mainland. Here's a link to an article with a picture of a wild pig on Hay Island.

https://www.thepost.on.ca/news/local...38f7ef5ab/amp/

I do not want wild pigs more then anyone here..but.

Why all this crying and whining from the OFAH and from the Government ,for this cause. "only"?
Where they were/are for other,more pressing issues(moose depoplulation,EAB,other devastating insects, the MPB threat,all invasive fish issues-You name it ).
This all out crying against wild pigs comes to remind me of the "assault weapon"issue...deflect attention,and feed the masses with something to chew on.

Did we ever dealt with any invasive species effectively-or BETTER yet,did we ever LEARNED from one,made steps to prevent the next one taking hold?

At the end-i already said,i do not want them more then any of us here-BUT do they "really"destroy the whole environment?
Back in Europe-all countries would be a waste land if half of what they say would be true.

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Originally Posted by alfoldivandor

Good point I am from Europe to

And there is a tradition to hunt wild boar and there they don't have natural predators ...

Us we have here Wolf Coyote Bears .

In Slovenia if there is more wild bores in a year , then they shoot more that year ...

How can they do it ...?

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Good point. Europeans have been hunting wild boar for many decades. The only difference I've seen through videos is that there's a selective harvest system with heavy emphasis placed on taking females to control populations. If using those criteria has been sustainable in Europe,why can't it be used here? I'm not the least bit impressed with the "no hunting" concept. I guess we'll just need to adopt a "wait and see" posture. If Wild Hogs start to be established in this province,we'll find out soon enough.

If you have ever seen the damage that hogs do then you would know that you are likely going to shoot one if seen, especially anywhere that has agriculture. There is no such thing as a hog that isn't causing damage and therefore your duty to dispatch them to prevent the destruction of property.

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

If using those criteria has been sustainable in Europe,why can't it be used here?

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Have to keep in mind that most of Europe is densely populated, ie: Germany has twice the population of Canada in an area about the size of New Brunswick. They have very few 'wild' spaces where a herd of wild boar can grow and populate and are more easily controlled.

I was speaking with a taxidermist last fall and he said some were spotted up near his hunting land. That is was open season on them because they were invasive.

Does anybody know what happened with Big Tusks near Mount Forest? I called them years ago about a hunt and they had just recently shut down. Said something about OFAH being the ones behind the closure.

http://www.bigtusks.com/

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Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

I was speaking with a taxidermist last fall and he said some were spotted up near his hunting land. That is was open season on them because they were invasive.

Does anybody know what happened with Big Tusks near Mount Forest? I called them years ago about a hunt and they had just recently shut down. Said something about OFAH being the ones behind the closure.

http://www.bigtusks.com/

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what the hell i nevber knew this place ever existed!? my father always wanted to harvest a boar! oh man tough luck.

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Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

I was speaking with a taxidermist last fall and he said some were spotted up near his hunting land. That is was open season on them because they were invasive.

Does anybody know what happened with Big Tusks near Mount Forest? I called them years ago about a hunt and they had just recently shut down. Said something about OFAH being the ones behind the closure.

http://www.bigtusks.com/

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I'm in lock-step agreement with those who advocate for a complete and total shutdown of all wild game high fence hunting outfits like "Big Tusks" or exotic animal farms. When farmed animals escape (as they eventually do at some point) the ecological damage can be catastrophic (like CWD).

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Originally Posted by trimmer21

I'm in lock-step agreement with those who advocate for a complete and total shutdown of all wild game high fence hunting outfits like "Big Tusks" or exotic animal farms. When farmed animals escape (as they eventually do at some point) the ecological damage can be catastrophic (like CWD).

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im with you on that trimmer 100%.

i dont consider it hunting at that point but to each their own i guess.

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Originally Posted by Bushwhacker

I was speaking with a taxidermist last fall and he said some were spotted up near his hunting land. That is was open season on them because they were invasive.

Does anybody know what happened with Big Tusks near Mount Forest? I called them years ago about a hunt and they had just recently shut down. Said something about OFAH being the ones behind the closure.

http://www.bigtusks.com/

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I think they were shut down when Ontario made a rule of no high fence hunting allowed-like 10years ago or so.
It was a nice outfit-i hunted there once,the guy was great.

Agreed though with closure of these things due of potential issues.
I wish they close every farm like that(like elk farms for instance)

There was another boar farm near Badjeros as well when the one in Mount Forest was around. Owner is a taxidermist as well, He told me he's pretty sure none of his escaped, LOL but I don't he'd admit it if they did.

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Agree 100% 2 different landscapes

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Originally Posted by MikePal

Have to keep in mind that most of Europe is densely populated, ie: Germany has twice the population of Canada in an area about the size of New Brunswick. They have very few 'wild' spaces where a herd of wild boar can grow and populate and are more easily controlled.

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It is likely they will eastablish themselves at some point in Ontario and may already be at that point. Parts of Ontario that can have snow pack at depths that hammer deer will likely be better off where boar are concerned. Consumption by eastern coyote and wolves in those conditions will likely be significant and while it won't eliminate them it will help keep them in check.

https://sidorovich.blog/2021/02/22/d...eir-carcasses/

SW Ontario where that is rare though will be a different story.

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Originally Posted by Species8472

It is likely they will eastablish themselves at some point in Ontario and may already be at that point. Parts of Ontario that can have snow pack at depths that hammer deer will likely be better off where boar are concerned. Consumption by eastern coyote and wolves in those conditions will likely be significant and while it won't eliminate them it will help keep them in check.

https://sidorovich.blog/2021/02/22/d...eir-carcasses/

SW Ontario where that is rare though will be a different story.

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Yes and too many sightings here now. But unbelievable living conditions if they are smart sounders could grow undetected for years

i suppose if it were running the field here i could always snap a pig trace tag on it's ear and yogi can't prove a thing! :P