There is an invasive pig problem that stretches from California all the way to the east coast. Texas has it especially bad and they've found a way to make money off it.
Things happen at about the 2 minute mark and after that it's just more of the same.
Story and discussion about the appropriateness of this and what to call in in Field and Stream,
Helicopter Hunting for Feral Pigs In TX begins next Thursday
Also some not so informed commentary from the NYT, not a go to place for most things woodsy, Central Park is only informative up to a point.
High Above the Hog NYT Opinion
The Lacavore Hunter pointed out where the NYT strayed from the fact based path here.
The Essig Approach to Feral Pigs at Lacavore Hunter
For a little background on the actual invasion of the species
Invasion of the Feral Hogs over at High Country News
We don't have pigs where I live,,, yet.
But they are one state south of us and a predator that has been reintroduced to the neighborhood is one state north of us and reproducing so fast it too is being culled via helicopter.
My thoughts are meh.
I guess it's not any worse than prairie dogs which also are left unused, or coyotes. I've had wild pig and thought it was great, I could certainly see how it might be a good thing to change the laws such that they allow market hunting of hogs.
One thing it certainly crosses the line of meat hunting but not the line of the ethics of the North American Model of Wildlife Management. Shooting to maintain desired populations of species is certainly kosher. I'd rather walk and stalk with a bolt gun but that's me.
One thing I know is that I'd be a lot more comfortable with government contractors doing the job so it doesn't blur the line between hunting and culling for game management. On the other hand Fish and Game Department budgets are often slim. Out here in the Rockies the states above me have been bled dry with litigation over wolves and populations have been allowed to double every 3 years, helicopters might well be the fate of lots of those dogs if they aren't able to reach desired population levels in other ways. I'd guess it costs well over a thousand a day up north in the mountains, can't fly those tiny piston jobs like in the video, probably closer to a couple thousand a day.
Pigs are supposed to be very intelligent and make good pets.
What do you think?
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