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 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.
NOTE: Some hunts initially scheduled for the 2012–2013 season are under review for legal interpretation. This modified schedule lists all currently approved hunts.
| hunt area | hunt date | duration | type | permits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alston Tract at Upper Hillsborough Preserve (2,698 ac.) |
October 30-November 1, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 11 |
|
Coker Prairie Tract at Edward Chance Reserve (2,116 ac.) |
October 30-November 1, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 6 |
| Conner Preserve (2,809 ac.) |
November 6-8, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 11 |
|
Deep Creek Preserve (2,000 ac.) |
November 27-29, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 6 |
| Deer Prairie Creek Preserve and South Schewe Tract (7,700 ac.) |
December 11-13, 2012 | 3-night hunt | hog dog | 30 |
| March 19-21, 2013 | 3-night hunt | hog dog | 30 | |
| Hálpata Tastanaki Preserve (7,736 ac.) |
December 4-6, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 30 |
| Hampton Tract and Closed-Area Tracts at Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve (10,316 ac.) |
December 4-6, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 41 |
| Little Manatee River Southfork Tract (971 ac.) |
November 6-8, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 4 |
| Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve (6,818 ac.) |
January 22-24, 2013 | 3-night hunt | hog dog | 22 |
| McGregor Smith Scout Reservation at Flying Eagle Preserve (4,964 ac.) |
November 23-25, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 20 |
| December 14-16, 2012 | 3-day hunt | hog dog | 20 | |
| Starkey Wilderness Preserve (14,105 ac.) |
January 8-10, 2013 | 3-night hunt | hog dog | 55 |
Dog hunt only: One hunter, two assistants and three dogs per hunter; please see “Hunt Rules” section for each hunt for more information.
