By Chris Eger
Ever since the first European pig slipped away from Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto in the 1500s, the Magnolia State has had a wild hog problem. These predators are ruthless, going after juvenile mammals such as baby deer, rabbits, and other easy to catch woodland creatures. Never one to turn down a meal, they also dig for roots, destroy crops and food plots, and generally vandalize field after field. While the state allows very generous hunting tactics when going after hogs including dogs, night hunts and bait, it is only through trapping that any sort of dent can be made in the feral pig population.
Regulations
Unlike every other species trapped in Mississippi, no Trappers License is needed for hog. However, unless you are otherwise exempt because of age or disability, you still need to have a hunting license if you do not have a Trappers License. For hog trapping MDWFP accepts Lifetime, Sportsman, and All Game Hunting.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks are very lenient with hog trapping but still expect hoggers to follow a few rules to put the bacon on the table.
All traps must be as humane as possible, with cage type traps being used almost universally. The trap must contain a trap door or sliding gate. Since hogs aren't well-known for their vertical climbing and jumping ability, live traps in the Magnolia state have to have an open top to allow the random deer, turkey or bear who wandered in your awesome trap to escape. If anything but a wild hog is captured in your trap and it is still there when you come up on it, you are expected to set it free.
You have to be accountable for your trap and it must be tagged, labeled, or stamped with your name and address. Moreover, whenever the trap is set it must be checked every 36-hours period.
Trap Types
There are several different types of traps that are popular and effective. With the above-mentioned criteria in mind, box traps and cage traps can be found to accommodate one or an entire family of hogs. The MSU wild pig website has in depth descriptions and several plans for these traps. In addition, many fabrication shops all over the state produce any number of designs locally. Another source of traps is the various sportsmen's website classifieds such as those at MS Sportsman. Typically, a durable trap can be had for $300-$500 or constructed if you are handy from cattle gates and angle iron for half as much if you are handy enough.
Tips and tricks
Traps can be baited with almost anything, as hogs are well-known garbage disposals. Often sweet potatoes, pecans, and peanuts are sure bets for hog traps. Several local hoggers have their own special goodies they like to use.
"Whole crabs," advises Marty Kemp, a Harrison County trapper. "They love the things like candy bars. Drives them crazy. It's for the calcium in the shells."
Other delectable treats that hogs are reputed to fall for is sour corn, fish, soybeans and squash. It must be remembered that when using traps during the regular hunting seasons for deer that you need to keep your local MDWFP officer aware of where and when you are setting traps, so everyone is on the same page.
When setting your trap be sure to set it in a scouted area where you have found hog activity. Rivers, streams, and creek bottoms where pig sign has been seen are good choices. Pick as level ground as possible so that the door of the trap works properly. Being close to a good useable 4x4 or ATV trail is advisable so you can transport the trap in and out, as well as Porky.
With a little luck and the right traps and techniques, you too can soon be bringing home the bacon.
For more information on trapping hogs visit http://www.ms-sportsman.com
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