DFG Wild Pig Hunting Opportunity

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News Release Sep. 16, 2010

Contact:
Marc Kenyon, Wild Pig Program Coordinator, (916) 445-3515
Dana Michaels, Information Officer, (916) 322-2420

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is calling on hunters to help control pig populations in northern Colusa County. In cooperation with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), DFG has announced an additional public hunting opportunity for wild pigs on USBR-managed lands at East Park Reservoir, 20 miles west of Maxwell.

This new opportunity will allow 24 additional hunters to access USBR lands this December in an effort to control the wild pig population inhabiting the area. Marc Kenyon, DFG's Wild Pig Program Coordinator, met with USBR officials earlier this year to develop a plan to control local pig populations.

"The USBR maintains lands that are prime wild pig, deer, elk and turkey habitat, comprised of grasslands, mixed oak woodlands and riparian areas," Kenyon said. "Because there are so many pigs, they are frequently wandering onto adjacent private lands. We wanted to quickly enact control measures designed to alleviate the impacts pigs are causing there."

Wild pigs are capable of altering landscapes by their normal feeding habits, called rooting, where pigs unearth tubers, acorns and grubs with their snouts. After the pigs expose the soil, invasive weeds usually take hold, replacing native species.

"We agreed to construct pig-resistant fencing to protect native vegetation and offer a third hunting opportunity," Kenyon added. "Pig eradication was discussed, but total pig removal is logistically challenging and cost-prohibitive in these situations. At this point, controlling the population is the best we can hope for."

The new hunt is scheduled for December and will be in addition to two other hunts currently offered in April and October. The hunts are limited entry and permit-only, available to all holders of a valid California hunting license and a wild pig tag, which are available at license providers throughout the state. Hunters may apply for the two-day, muzzleloader pig hunts by mailing their information on postcards to DFG. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Oct. 27. Entry permits with maps and additional information will subsequently be mailed to successful applicants. For application details and additional information, please visit the wild pig special hunts website at www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/hunting/pig/specialhunts.html or contact Marc Kenyon, Wild Pig Program Coordinator at (916) 445-3515.