Post by bowtech on Feb 5, 2006 9:46:11 GMT -5
[blue]Distribution and Abundance[/blue]
Wild hogs are reported in all 67 counties However, large portions of 12 counties with extensive agricultural operations and urbanization lack wild hog populations.
The area of high hog populations in counties immediately north and west of Lake Okeechobee contain many large, private landholdings where public access is limited.
Habitat conditions in these counties are favorable for hogs. The flatwoods community predominates and is interspersed with freshwater marshes, ponds, sloughs, and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) hammocks.
Most low and medium level populations occur where habitat quality is limited.
In some areas trapping, sport hunting, and agricultural depredation control measures may have suppressed populations.
Wild hogs were first declared game animals in Florida on the J.W. Corbett, Eglin Field, and the Everglades Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) during 1956.
They are now game animals on 45 WMAs; 2 Wildlife and Environmental Areas; and in portions of Collier, Dade, and Monroe Counties.
Public hog hunting is also allowed on the 3 National Forests in Florida although wild hogs have not been declared game animals on these lands due to Forest Service policy which recognizes them as domestic livestock.
Although hunting regulations are specific for each area, in general, wild hogs may be taken only during the open deer season, generally mid-November through the first weekend after New Years, either sex is legal, and hogs less than 15 inches high at the shoulder are protected.
The bag limit is 1 per day with no season limit.
Outside of WMAs, wild hogs are considered domestic livestock and are the property of the landowner upon whose land they occur. With landowner permission on private property, there is no closed season, bag limit, or size limit.
They may weigh over 150 pounds, and be 5-6 feet long. They travel in herds containing several females and their offspring