In 1540, Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto imported the first wild pigs to the Americas. As the swine escaped, De Soto’s gift became a real-life trojan horse and today there are an estimated 5-7 million feral hogs in North America with about half living in Texas. These wild hogs have a penchant for rooting up crops, waterways and forests, causing $2 billion in damage a year. In order to keep the exponential growth of the hog population in check, 7 out of every 10 wild pigs must be harvested each year.
Today, hog hunting and trapping operations in Texas are taking about half of the number of animals necessary to keep the population steady. Solving the feral hog population one rifle shot at a time is not the long-term solution to this massive problem – but it sure is fun. Hunters can contribute to the cause with an enjoyable and affordable hunt, plus meat from feral hogs is extremely tasty and much leaner than pork raised in a pen. And just like pork from the market – it becomes more tender and delicious the slower it cooks.
This week’s episode of Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey features hog hunting at night with Pulsar’s Media Relations Specialist Kevin Reese utilizing thermal imaging scopes, binoculars, and riflescopes. Feral hogs may be hunted year-round in Texas with no limits and hardly any regulations besides owning a hunting license, and Pulsar’s thermal imaging technology is more effective than night vision and allows for longer shots with more accuracy. Upon harvest, the swine are field dressed and slow cooked on-site by Chris Hughes of Broken Arrow Ranch – an operation outside of Dallas specializing in wild game meat. While the team may not be able to make a significant dent in the wild hog population, a small contribution is better than none at all – especially when it entails a fun hunt culminating in savory table fare.
Sporting Classics with Chris Dorsey airs on Outdoor Channel Saturdays at 12:30 pm, Sundays at 11 pm, Mondays at 3 pm, and Thursdays at 11:30 am (all times ET).
Dorsey Pictures – A Red Arrow Studios Company — are the only producers in the outdoor industry named to Real Screen Magazine’s Global 100 List of the largest and best production companies.
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