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Feral Hogs as Predators of Whitetail Deer

Feral hogs can be a major predator of whitetail deer, specifically of fawns on your hunting land in North Carolina.  While predation exists naturally, feral hogs are a non-native animal that kill whitetail fawns and pose a threat to the environment.  Feral hogs are omnivores that will eat just about anything that gets in their way, from leaves and grass to fawns, lambs, calves, and even larger animals.

Not only are they predators of whitetail deer, but they compete with the deer for food, habitat and space.  In areas were feral hogs are present, it is even more important to practice quality deer management to allow your deer populations to continue to thrive in the presence of these predators.

Feral pigs are very tough fighters that reproduce quickly and easily, so they’re not going to go away on their own.  They tend to live near swampland, woods and areas close to agricultural fields, so North and South Carolina are big targets.  Feral pigs can destroy native habitats and are responsible for the population decline of several animals.  They can also transmit diseases to livestock.  If you see a feral hog on your hunting land, your best bet is to remove it as soon as possible.

Fortunately, most states allow for the aggressive removal of feral pigs, with no harvest limits or closed seasons, as long as the hunter has a small game license.  However, landowners are allowed to shoot feral pigs on their own property, with or without a license, under the Department of Natural Resource’s animal nuisance control authority.  Feral hog meat is also thought to be of excellent quality.

If you have an interest in hunting feral hogs, you may want to start with your own property and then request permission to hunt them for other landowners, particularly those with livestock and agricultural fields.