Home› Main Category› Hunting
JerryBobCo
Senior MemberPosts: 8,227 Senior Member
Shooting feral hogs from choppers

I watched a show last night that featured shooting feral hogs from helicopters. Most of the participants were wounded vets, and the whole affair was part of some sort of appreciation for their service to the country. They killed a LOT of pigs, as well as a few coyotes.
I'll have to say, it looked like a hoot. Perhaps the ethics of this is questionable, but I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could. I suspect it cost a pretty penny to do this, and don't know that I want to participate that badly, though.
Anyway, just wondering what others thought of this practice. I think the event was in south Texas, where there's an out of control pig population and hunting them from a chopper is legal.
I'll have to say, it looked like a hoot. Perhaps the ethics of this is questionable, but I'd do it in a heartbeat if I could. I suspect it cost a pretty penny to do this, and don't know that I want to participate that badly, though.
Anyway, just wondering what others thought of this practice. I think the event was in south Texas, where there's an out of control pig population and hunting them from a chopper is legal.
Jerry
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
Replies
Jerry
Jerry
Anyway, with the smaller pig problem even here in NC I don't think it matters if you take out a couple at a time you gotta take out number and if there are guys willing to pay for helicopter hijinks and take out a bunch of Porkys I say have at it!
- George Orwell
The upshot is that trapping is far more efficient at putting a dent in hog populations than hunting is. Both shows were interesting.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
Jerry
Helicopters are way more effective than hunters but it seems the guys who trap an entire sounder and eliminate it would be more effective.
Dad 5-31-13
FIFY
Dealing with problem animals like feral hogs, in my view falls into the category of culling. Some, if not all the ethics and rules governing hunting are suspended.
I agree, with your 'hoot' comment. Having carried out culls from a variety of powered conveyances ( unfortunately not a helicopter though) it is actually harder than most people think. It changes a lot of the variables like holdover and 'lead' etc and is based more on quick reactions and reflexes rather than a 'studied' approach to taking the shot.
Not with machine guns..........semi autos from helicopters.
This link is to a 4 part doco called Deer Wars which is worth a watch if you have the time............
https://www.nzonscreen.com/title/deer-wars-2007
Jerry
- George Orwell
Thank you...
Jerry
One thing, I'm strictly against poisoning them. Helicopters are almost as efficient and offer far less risk. I know a guy that uses Golden Malrin Fly Killer to get rid of coons, but he's also killed a few deer and some dogs too.
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
As long as folks are willing to pay high prices to hunt hogs, so called greedy farmers and ranchers are going to take advantage of it. They're not in business to provide you a place to hunt. Also, there are some (maybe most of them at one time or another) who need the extra income to make through a bad year. You only see one side of the equation.
I know a woman who owns a ranch in eastern Colorado. She raises cattle, and lives in a very modest house out in the middle of nowhere. Her son is also a rancher, and lives in a house that looks like it wouldn't survive a good puff of wind. The last time I talked to her, she told me that when her husband died, she was $1,000,000 in debt. The myth of rich ranchers is often just that. A myth.
I know that it sucks to not have a place to hunt because you can't afford it. But, like everything else, there's two sides to this coin.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
Hunting hogs is not the same issue as hunting deer. These are the same people that bitch and moan daily about hogs. Yet when you ask them if you can shoot them to help with their problem they want you to pay them like you were going on African Safari.
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
You're not getting my point. AS LONG AS SOMEONE IS WILLING TO PAY, THEY ARE WILLING TO TAKE THEIR MONEY. It's simple economics. If others stay away in droves, the farmers and ranchers will lower their prices. It's those people who pay a lot of money to hunt hogs that make it so expensive for you.
Gun control laws make about as much sense as taking ex-lax to cure a cough.
- George Orwell
"The Un-Tactical"
Don't be an ass clown. Make friends.
I currently have 4 ranchers/farmers that have given me free range to kill the pigs on their places. I help them out and take care of their place, saving them money and gaining a place to hunt in the process. But, it started with an introduction and recommendation from a mutual friend. Then, a friendly meeting and conversation. From there it budded into an acquaintance or friendship and finally, an opportunity.
When planting season gets in full swing, I have more opportunity than I can shake a stick at.
Because I met people and was personable.
:guns:
Jerry
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
Make Friends? Hell I went to school with half of em. They were asshats then too!
Son that's somebody with nothing to do with his time but keep me in trouble with mom.
I'm well trained in the art of Espionage.
Most outfits cost about $2000 for a 20-30 min hunt.
I'd pay double if I could use a M32 MGL 40mm launcher.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk