Biological considerations
 Wild pigs extensively damage agriculture, landscaping, and native wildlife habitats.
 Wild pigs are vectors for a host of diseases that are transmissible to pets, livestock, wildlife, and
humans.
 Wild pig populations are rapidly emerging throughout the eastern U.S. due to illegal releases for
hunting opportunities.
 Releases are introducing a new vector species and diseases into areas.
 USDA has already confirmed pseudorabies and swine brucellosis Kentucky wild pigs.
 The KDFWR and KDA strictly prohibit the possession of wild, feral, and Eurasian swine.
 Sows can breed at 6 months of age and produce 2 litters of 10 piglets per year; though litters
of 3-8 are more typical.
 Few population control measures can outpace the reproductive potential of wild pigs.

Traditional hunting
 Boars are often targeted by hunters, which does little to reduce population growth.
 Even mortality rates of 90-100% of adult females may not result in population decline as juvenile
females can sustain the population.
 Wild pigs are extremely sensitive to human-related disturbance.
 Pressure from hunters quickly causes pigs to become nocturnal and shift movements to areas
of fewer disturbances.
 Night-time activity then removes day hunting as an effective control measure.
 Traditional hunting simply incapable of controlling established pig populations.
Night hunting
 Use of high-caliber rifles to hunt at night is a serious human-safety concern.
 Errant shots at night can have unintended, and fatal, consequences.
 When hunting pressure at night becomes too great, similar to traditional hunting, pigs shift
movements to areas of fewer disturbances.
 Ultimately, night hunting will often promote range expansion by pigs and like traditional hunting
cannot remove large numbers of pigs from all age classes.

Trapping
 Corral traps are one of the most effective means to quickly decrease pig densities.
 Traps are relatively inexpensive, can be used year-round, and simple to operate.
 Pigs are generally removed in larger numbers, from all age classes, without disturbance to the
area.
 Entire properties can be trapped simultaneously, and during the night with no human-safety
concerns.
 The lack of human-related disturbance ensures continued effectiveness of traps.
 Trapping success generally decreases in the presence of hunting, due to resulting shifts in
behavior and range.

Trapping cost-share program
 The KDFWR has initiated a cooperative wild pig trap cost-share program with USDA WS to
assist private landowner’s wishing to purchase a corral style trap.
 Corral trapping projects are funded through the Habitat Improvement Program (HIP) and require
prior approval of eligibility before purchase and installation.
 Traps must meet predetermined specifications for funding eligibility.
 For $225 ($800 initial cost, $575 cost-share) a USDA WS biologist will deliver and install a
corral trap. Independent purchases and installations of corral traps will be cost-shared at a rate
of %75, maximum payment not to exceed $575.

Case studies
 Henry County – high hunting pressure, regular use of dogs, established pig population
o 3-5 corral traps at a time have been regularly active for the last 1.5 years.
o Only 14 pigs have been removed
o Observations of pigs and damage remain regular.
 Harrison County – low hunting pressure, early establishment of pig population
o 1-2 corral traps at a time were regularly active for 6 months since July 2010.
o 32 pigs were removed
o Observations of pigs and damage have ceased.
 Bullitt / Nelson Counties – low to regulated hunting pressure, established pig population
o 3-6 corral traps at a time were regularly active on the Bernheim Arboretum property
for ~3 years from February 2008.
o 136 pigs were removed
o Observations of pigs and damage have ceased.
 In conclusion, disturbances from hunting, especially with dogs, as evidenced in Henry Co.,
simply shift pig movements, encourage range expansion, and hinder effective control,
encouraging pig population maintenance or growth.
To find out more about effective wild pig population control please contact the KDFWR
Information Center at: 1-800-858-1549