Regulations on Wild Hogs in Florida

Known scientifically as sus scrofa, the wild hog is an invasive non-native species to Florida and is present in all 67 counties. The species is considered a serious problem in the state because of the damage the animals can cause and as a case of public safety. The animals are large, powerful, aggressive and capable of causing serious damage to humans.

  1. Trapping Hogs

    • It is hard to keep hogs out of anywhere they want to get into, as these powerful animals can knock down weaker fences. Hogs getting into crop fields can do devastating damage. If the hogs get onto private property, they can be removed by live trapping at any time of the year. Only licensed individuals can perform trapping, using pen traps with trapdoors and bait such as acorns or old corn.

    Moving Hogs

    • Once the hogs are captured, the licensed individual must dispose of them based on Florida regulations. The individual must always carry his license with him to present to any relevant authority. Wild hogs cannot be released back onto private properties or near any areas with domestic pigs. This is to avoid diseases from wild swine being transferred to farm animals. The hogs can only be moved to a slaughter facility or to a designated wildlife management area (WMA).

    Hunting on Private Land

    • Hunting wild hogs on private land is, for the most part, unrestricted. The only requirement for hunting is to obtain the permission of the land owner which should be easy considering the problems caused by hogs. Hunting can take place year-round using shotguns, rifles, pistols, bows or crossbows. As maintaining a breeding population in the species is not a concern, both males and females can be killed and there is no size or bag limit.

    Wildlife Management Areas

    • Hunting in a WMA is a little more restricted, and hunting licenses and management area permits are required. Wild hog hunting is legal almost year round with the exception of spring turkey season. Restrictions apply to weapons used; for example, bows in archery season, muzzle loading guns in muzzle loader season and so on. Specific areas may have bag limits and size limits in order to maintain a sport hunting population.