History

• Wild hogs have patrolled the Albany area since the 1520s, when domestic hogs were released from early settlements. As the hogs were released, they quickly turned feral. They thrived in the habitat around Albany due to the abundance of food, water and shelter and lack of predators.
  
  

Significance

• Wild hogs can be destructive to crops, vegetation and waterways. Many wildlife biologists consider wild hogs to be invasive, exotic species that need to be reduced in numbers. One of the safest ways to reduce the hog population is through organized hunting. Wild hogs are also significant carriers of many diseases that are infectious to humans, pets, livestock and other wildlife. Pseudorabies can be easily transferred to dogs, while brucellosis can be transferred to humans. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources recommends wearing rubber or latex gloves when coming into contact with a wild hog.
  
  

Regulations

• Hog hunting in Albany has very few regulations. One is that residents and nonresidents must purchase a hunting license. A combination annual hunting and fishing license costs $17 for the resident and $100 for the nonresident. No additional permits are required to hunt hogs. The season is open year-round, including the deer, turkey and small-game seasons, with no limit on the number of hogs you can harvest. However, blaze orange must be worn if you are hunting during the firearm deer season. Hogs may be hunted 24 hours a day.
  
  

Public Land

• The Albany area has several Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) that are available for public hunting. Drew Hall, from Georgia Outdoor News, recommends using the small-game season that opens Aug. 15 to hunt hogs on a WMA. Hall suggests Hannahatchee, Chickasawhatchee and Flint River. Julie Robins, senior wildlife biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division, says, "The hogs will be in the scattered creek drains north and east of the shooting range at Hannahatchee WMA." She also adds, "Flint River WMA is full of scattered wildlife openings. Many hogs have been spotted in these areas." For other WMA choices, research the Georgia DNR website (see Resources).
  
  

Hunting Methods

• With the varied dense cover, hunters have a variety of choices for hunting methods. Some hunters prefer to execute spot-and-stalk techniques during the cooler months as they move through the brush locating a hog. Once a hog has been spotted, they carefully stalk into position to execute a shot. The area around Albany receives little sea breeze and experiences high humidity, which makes tree stands or ground blinds a better option. Position the blinds or stands along trails, over waterholes or next to feeding areas.