Dangerous Hogs
It is open season 12 months a year in Missouri on feral hogs. Hunters are urged to shoot and kill them on sight.
There have always been feral hogs, but they were kept under control by normal hunting until the 1990's when they were sought as sport. European or Russian boar were introduced and they have mixed with the domestic hogs.
It is not unusual to see a 300 or 400 pound boar, with some reaching records of 600 pounds!
These hogs do damage agriculturally as they root for food. They are not particular about what they eat and consume acorns - which deer and other small animals need.
They are prolific breeders and the population has grown rapidly. The Ozark hills provide them with a comfortable habitat.
Shooting, trapping and baiting are encouraged by the conservation department.
