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About Florida Hogs
It is believed that hogs were
first brought to Florida, and possibly the U.S., in 1539, when
Hernando de Soto brought swine to provision a settlement he
established at Charlotte Harbor in Lee County.
However, it is possible that hogs
had been brought to the same site in 1521 by Ponce de Leon during a
brief visit.
During the next 4 centuries,
explorers and settlers brought pigs with them throughout Florida.
Many of these animals were given to or stolen by Native Americans
who expanded pig numbers and distribution in the State.
Europeans and Native Americans
alike often raised their swine in semi-wild conditions where hogs
were allowed to roam freely and rounded up when needed.
Many of these animals and those
escaping from captivity established feral populations throughout
Florida. These feral populations have been further supplemented
through deliberate releases of hogs in many areas by private
individuals and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Commission to improve hunting opportunities (although the State no
longer does this). (1)
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The Problems Caused
by Wild Hogs
 (3)The
opportunistic and omnivorous tendencies of wild hogs lead to many
conflicts with people and wildlife. With hard mast, including
acorns, as their preferred food, hogs directly compete with many
popular game animals, including deer, turkeys, and squirrels. This
competition is considered to be a significant limiting factor for
populations of these native species in some areas. In addition, hogs
may consume the nests and young of many reptiles, including sea
turtle, ground-nesting birds, and mammals (including deer fawns).
Wild hogs have also been known to consume young domestic livestock
including poultry, lambs, and goats.(2)
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The Solution,
Florida Cracker Outfitters
Hunting is an important
control method for wild hogs because it provides recreational
opportunities, is inexpensive, and can be useful at reducing numbers
of adult animals. However, hogs are intelligent animals and can be
challenging quarry.
Many hunters consider large
boars with prominent tusks to be a desirable trophy, and the lean
meat is excellent fare. Typically, hogs are hunted with dogs or from a stand over
bait. (2)
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 Florida Cracker Outfitters, LLC.
Provides exciting
North Florida Hog Hunts,
whether its with
the sound of the dogs or hunting from a stand
Florida Cracker
Outfitters provides a unique outdoor experience .
With dogs, the sound of the
chase is exciting, using this method you can see why our ancestors
have use dogs for hunting for thousands of years.
The Dogs are released and
the hunter follows or heads off the animals to complete the hunt.
The only thing then left to do is let your heart calm down and talk
about the adventure.
These memories will last a
life time and you will know you have lived.
Call Florida Cracker
Outfitters today.
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Hogs
Harvested at Florida Cracker Outfitters
(Prices)
(1)
University of Florida, IFAS:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW220)
(2)
University of Florida, IFAS:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW221
(3) Photo from
Fotoseacrch
http://www.fotosearch.com/DSN014/1790669/ |
