August 2020 Articles

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LDWF Update

LDWF Update Jim LaCour, DVM, Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Feral swine (Sus scrofa) also known as feral hogs, piney woods rooters, and wild boar are not native to North America. They are considered an invasive species and are classified by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as “outlaw quadrupeds.” Feral swine have been sighted in all 64 parishes in Louisiana and their population is estimated to be in excess of 700,000 animals. Feral swine reach sexual maturity before one year of age and some have been documented to be reproductively active as young as 6 months of age. Their gestation period is 114 days (3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days) and they average 6 piglets per litter. They can have 2 litters per year. Feral swine cycle year-round but research in Louisiana has shown peak breeding occurs around January 1 & July 1. People in possession of a Louisiana Basic Hunting License can shoot feral swine year-round on private property during daylight hours with no restrictions on limit, firearm caliber, or magazine capacity. They can also use cage or corral traps to catch and dispatch feral swine. Enclosed traps must have an opening in the top 22 x22 inches square or 25 inches in diameter if round to allow the escape of turkeys and bear. Individuals who desire to snare feral swine must possess a Louisiana Trapping License. During the 2020 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, laws were modified to allow year-round nighttime shooting of feral swine on private property without permit. People engaged in shooting feral swine at night on private property have to notify the parish sheriff within 24 hours prior to hunting OR immediately upon nighttime harvest of feral swine. Also during the legislative session, a law was passed protecting people which donate feral pork to food banks from any liability associated with disease transmission from that meat. On public lands including state-owned Wildlife Management Areas and federal lands which abide by LDWF rules, feral swine may only be hunted during concurrent hunting seasons with gear appropriate for that season. For example, during squirrel season a licensed hunter may utilize a rimfire rifle or shotgun with small shot to kill pigs. During archery season they may use a bow or crossbow. During the firearms season for deer they can use a centerfire rifle or shotgun with buckshot or slugs. There are a few special feral swine seasons on specific WMA’s. These can be found in the pamphlet referenced below. Hunters pursuing feral swine on any land during the open firearms season for deer must wear hunter orange or blaze pink for their safety. More information on feral swine is available in the 2019-2020 LDWF Hunting Regulations pamphlet on pages 49, 75, and 76. The pamphlet is available at sporting goods stores, LDWF offices, or online at https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/Resources/ Publications/Regulations/2019-2020_Hunting_Regs_low_res.pdf