Shopping for the Most Humane Hog Traps
Shopping for the most humane hog traps can be very confusing because different trappers have different ideas about what humane means. Feral hogs can pose a serious problem for homeowners. They raid gardens, tear up lawns and will repeatedly return to the same location to wreak havoc. Furthermore, with their sharp tusks, speed, brute strength and aggressive behavior, they can be quite dangerous to anyone who gets in their way. You certainly do not want to encounter a mother hog with her young and you probably do not want any hogs at all fighting with your dog in your backyard. Hogs are very difficult to get rid of, though. No matter what type of trap you use, you are going to want to be very careful around any hog that you catch.
Learn the Law
Before you attempt to trap any feral hogs, you are definitely going to need to learn the local laws about trapping wild animals. In some states, it is illegal for you to attempt to trap the hogs yourself. In other states, you need to apply for a permit before you lay a trap, even if the trap is on your own property. In some places you will be required to destroy any hog you trap. In other places, you will be required to relocate the hog. You should definitely not attempt to relocate a feral hog yourself. A single hog can weigh over 200 pounds. Besides being difficult and dangerous to relocate, you would need to find a place where you are legally permitted to release the hog. Do not rely on the person selling you the hog trap to know the local trapping laws.
Features to Look For
Once you have clarified whether and how you are permitted to trap a feral hog, you will need to shop for your trap. Nearly every modern trap is made as humanely as possible and most states have laws governing the manufacture and sale of animal traps. While shopping for a trap, you should look for one that has an opening at the top. This opening will allow animals that you did not intend to trap, such as deer, to jump out. You can also look for traps that have open bottoms to prevent trapped hogs from injuring their feet. Avoid purchasing any homemade feral hog traps. Besides being less likely to be humane, some homemade traps are downright dangerous. You certainly do not need your trap to fall apart and free an angry wild hog in your presence.
Use the Trap Humanely
No trap is inherently humane; you need to use the trap in a humane manner. Getting stuck in a trap is extremely stressful for any type of animal. Once you set your hog trap, you need to check it regularly. You should absolutely not leave a hog stuck in a trap without food or water for days on end, where it could potentially be antagonized by other animals. Once you set your hog trap, you are going to have to be vigilant about monitoring it.
