Hog Hunting in Kansas: Is a Hunting Ban Good Policy?

In this article, we’ll cover these things:

• The trouble caused by wild hogs to private property
• Why Kansas banned hunting them, even with a valid hunting license
• Reasons to reverse this ban and issue an annual hunting license for feral swine

Are you a competent and respectful hunter? If so, this article’s for you.

History of Feral Swine in Kansas

Wild hogs are descended from domesticated pigs that escaped or were intentionally released as well as from truly wild European boar. These animals were first introduced to America in the 1500s.

The first major sign of any hog populations in Kansas came from the Fort Riley military base back in 1993. Pigs were spotted and then confirmed by a team from the Fort Riley Natural Resources Division and the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research. 

Here’s a quick recap of what they tried:

1. They recommended killing all the hogs due to the potential for crop damage and competition with local wildlife.
2. Four take methods were trialled: live trapping, snares, sport hunting, and intentional killing by a team of biologists.
3. Live trapping was most successful, with 31 boars removed in the first year. Live traps accounted for 75-80% of the total pigs eliminated.
4. Sport hunting was spectacularly unsuccessful. 100 hunters went into the field in the first season and only four pigs were shot.

Other methods might have been possible, but there was a local problem: artillery. The Fort Riley military base used some of the swine’s range area as an artillery range, so no people could enter to hunt.

State of the game in 2024

Kansas banned sport hunting of hogs in 2006. Since then, the KDWP and other organizations have been working together to reduce or eliminate wild hogs completely. Their efforts have been mostly successful.

• Kansas is the only one of the states with a swine problem that has fewer hogs now than it did in 2004. 
• Most killing is done by biologists through trapping. They have removed over 11,000 wild swine from Kansas during the past 17 years.

The ban on hog hunting remains in effect in Kansas. It has proven to be remarkably effective for reducing and eliminating wild boar populations.

Wild Boars: Pest or Profit?

Should sport hunting of wild hogs be permitted? This is actually a very complicated question. But let’s try to boil it down to three things.

Let’s take Texas as an example of the economic argument for sport hunting. In Texas, wild hogs are responsible for an estimated $400 million in damages per year, highlighting a significant economic impact on agriculture and property. While specific numbers on the economic benefits brought in by hunting are harder to pinpoint, the activity is a key component in managing these populations and mitigating damage. Hunting, especially through organized activities like helicopter hog hunting, contributes to local economies by offering recreational opportunities, supporting outfitters, and in some cases, providing bounties for harvested hogs. This economic activity, combined with efforts to control the feral hog population, forms an essential strategy to offset the extensive damages caused by these animals.

Feral hogs cause extensive environmental damage, impacting a wide range of natural resources across the United States. These invasive species contribute significantly to the degradation of water quality, hinder forest regeneration, and displace numerous native wildlife species. Their behaviors, including rooting, wallowing, and feeding, not only alter the landscape but also decrease biodiversity by killing or displacing native plants and animals. According to the USDA APHIS, the comprehensive costs associated with feral swine damage and control efforts in the U.S. exceed the initial estimate of $1.5 billion each year​​.

In terms of their impact on specific environments, feral hogs:

• Damage lawns, gardens, hay pastures, and native ranges through their rooting behavior, reducing the number of plant species in affected areas.
• Compete with native wildlife for critical food resources like acorns and pecans during drought conditions.
• Pollute water bodies with waste, contributing to bacterial and pathogen spread in stream systems​​.

The role of hunters in mitigating these environmental impacts is crucial. By controlling hog populations, hunting helps limit the extent of damage hogs cause to ecosystems. Although the exact numbers on the mitigation provided by hunters are not detailed, the effort to control these populations is a critical component in protecting and preserving natural habitats from the extensive damages caused by feral hogs.

Feral swine carry over 30 diseases and nearly 40 parasites that can affect humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife. Diseases like leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and brucellosis are particularly concerning. The primary transmission route to humans is through handling or consuming undercooked feral swine meat. Protective measures, such as wearing gloves when handling carcasses and ensuring meat is thoroughly cooked, are crucial. Sport hunting plays a role in controlling feral swine populations, potentially reducing the spread of these diseases​​.

Feral hogs cause problems and hunters fix problems. With that in mind, why did Kansas ban hunting?

Why the Kansas Government Banned Feral Hog Hunting

 The simple reason the state banned hunting is because it simply doesn’t work.

Did you know hogs are the third smartest animal species on the planet? They rank third behind the bottlenose dolphin and the chimpanzee.

Why is that important?

Because the animals often outsmart the hunters.

Here’s what happens with sport hunting:

1. Hunters find a herd and kill some of them – maybe three or four.
2. The herd of smart animals disperses and moves away from the hunting pressure.
3. Hogs breed rapidly, so the dispersed herd becomes two or three (or more) new populations.

Current regulations permit killing on private land by the land owner

 The current laws in Kansas permit the killing of hogs on private land in every county of Kansas provided the landowner does not use the hog for any purpose. This is called “kill and let lay.” The hogs become food for coyote or can be disposed of by the wildlife management team. Landowners can get a permit to allow someone else to kill animals on their property. But this does not extend to creating a hunting preserve or promoting sport hunting.

Hunting Alternatives in Kansas

So, hog hunting’s off the table in Kansas, but don’t worry—there’s a whole world of other game out there waiting for you. First things first, make sure you’re up to speed with the Kansas Hunting Seasons. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about respecting the game and making sure there’s plenty to go around for future seasons.

If you’re itching to roam the great outdoors, you’ve got to get the lowdown on how to hunt public land. Kansas has got some killer spots, from wide-open prairies to hidden woodland retreats. And hey, getting your hands on a hunting license is a breeze—just pop over to KSOutdoors.com and you’ll be all set.

Now, for those of you who prefer a bit more privacy or are dreaming of that trophy buck, diving into the world of hunting leases in Kansas might just be your golden ticket. Sites like Hunting Locator are perfect for finding that sweet spot. And don’t forget to nail down the details with a solid hunting lease agreement; trust me, it’s a game-changer for keeping things clear and above board.

So, there you have it. Even without the wild hog hunts, Kansas is a hunter’s paradise, packed with opportunities to follow your passion, respect nature, and maybe even bag that next big catch.

The Case in Favor of Hog Hunting Seasons

Should wild hogs be permitted? Some people think allowing sport hunting is a good idea. Here’s why there are hunters in favor of sport hunting of wild hogs:

1. Year-Round Hunting Opportunity: Unlike hunting deer, which often has specific seasons and limits, hunting wild hogs offers a year-round opportunity without closed seasons. This flexibility allows hunters to engage in hog hunting at any time, contributing to the reduction of the invasive species’ population.
2. Property Damage Control: Wild hogs are known for their aggressive behavior and property damage, including destruction of crops. By allowing hunters to target these animals, individuals can help control the damage caused by wild hogs and contribute to managing their population effectively.
3. Wild Species Management: In areas where wild hog populations are rapidly expanding and causing significant damage, hunting is seen as a necessary measure for managing these species. By controlling the population through hunting, the negative impact of overpopulation can be mitigated, benefiting both the environment and local ecosystems.

The Ethics of Hog Hunting

At Hunting Locator, we are big fans of hunting. But we also recognize the ethics needed to ensure quality hunting and taking care of the land.

Here’s where we stand:

1. We think every hunter should read and follow the local hunting regulation guide for the place they are hunting. If the local laws or regulations are wrong, unethical, or too restrictive, hunters can come together to lobby for change.
2. Hunters stand on the shoulders of the generations of hunters who have gone before. All of us have a responsibility to protect and enhance the environment. Where sport hunting fails to do this, then we should reconsider whether hunting is the best choice for the local area.

Because of these two things, hunting feral hogs in Kansas is maybe not the best idea right now. It’s better to take a trip somewhere else and hunt on the hundreds of thousands of acres available to you.

Where to Go Hog Hunting

Since Kansas isn’t the best choice for hog hunting, where should you go? Here are our top five states hunting feral swine:

1. Texas: Texas stands out as the top state for hunting feral swine in America due to its conservatively estimated population of upwards of 1.5 million hogs and its substantial hog hunting opportunities. The state actively encourages hog hunting, with an average increase in feral hog populations of about 20% per year. Get out in the field for hog hunting in Texas.
2. Florida: Florida is another prime destination for hunting feral swine, with an estimated population of over 500,000 hogs and ample hunting opportunities on both public and private land. The state offers year-round hunting with no bag limits, making it an ideal choice for hog hunters. Check out hog hunting in Florida.
3. Georgia: With an estimated population of around 600,000 feral hogs, Georgia provides extensive hunting opportunities for wild swine. The state permits year-round hog hunting on private lands with no bag limits, attracting hunters looking for a challenging and fulfilling experience. Explore hog hunting in Georgia.
4. Louisiana: Louisiana is home to approximately 750,000 feral hogs, making it a significant state for hog hunting. Wildlife officials have responded by loosening restrictions on hog hunting, providing hunters with opportunities to harvest these invasive species. Find the best spots for hog hunting in Louisiana.
5. Alabama: Alabama rounds out the top five states for hunting feral swine in America with a substantial population of around 250,000 hogs found across all 67 counties. The state’s permissive regulations allow hunters to pursue hogs with a small game license, offering plenty of opportunities for successful hunts. Discover the best places for hog hunting in Alabama.

Pick any of these states, find a hunting lease, sign a hunting lease agreement, and get out in the field.