- Hunt areas:
- Conner Preserve
- Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve—Hampton Tract
- Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve
- Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
- Starkey Wilderness Preserve
- Upper Hillsborough Preserve—Alston Tract
PLEASE NOTE: Permit registration for the 2009–2010 hog hunts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, online only, starting at 9 a.m., October 12, 2009. To register, click on the appropriate hunt area in the hog hunt schedule below during the registration period. Permits will be available through 5 p.m., October 26, 2009, or until sold out. Cost is $50 for each permit.
Feral Hog Hunts
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) considers feral hogs an invasive exotic species. Hogs negatively impact wetlands and other habitats by “rooting” up the soil while searching for food. They prey on native wildlife, compete with native species for food and transmit diseases to other wildlife, livestock and humans. Additionally, hogs may facilitate the spread of exotic plant species by transporting seeds and/or providing germination sites through rooting.
Hog hunts are being conducted on District lands (view a map of this year’s hunt locations) to alleviate and decrease these impacts. Removing the animals from the landscape through hunting or trapping is the only viable method of hog control in Florida. For more information about feral hogs on District lands, see the “frequently asked questions” page.
Hog hunt schedule
| hunt areas | hunt dates | duration | type | permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starkey Wilderness Preserve | December 1–3, 2009 | 3-night hunt | hog‑dog | 55 |
| February 9–11, 2010 | 3-night hunt | hog‑dog | 55 | |
| Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve—Hampton Tract | December 8–10, 2009 | 3-day hunt | still | 41 |
| February 2–4, 2010 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 41 | |
| March 2–4, 2010 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 41 | |
| Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve | February 23–25, 2010 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 25 |
| Upper Hillsborough Preserve—Alston Tract | November 17–19, 2009 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 11 |
| January 19–21, 2010 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 11 | |
| Conner Preserve | February 15–18, 2010 | 3-day hunt | hog‑dog | 11 |
| Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve | January 26–28, 2010 | 3-night hunt | hog‑dog | 22 |
| March 23–25, 2010 | 3-night hunt | hog‑dog | 22 |
