Is an open season on wild pigs the answer?

Likely not, according to most of the experts, who say it’s likely that could actually make the problem worse.

Private hunting may actually scatter a sounder and spread the problem unless the whole group is contained, Canadian Pork Council veterinary counsellor Dr. Egan Brockhoff said at the last Manitoba Pork Council annual meeting.

More importantly researcher Ryan Brook said, those scattered pigs will become even more reclusive, nocturnal, and may be pushed into heavier hiding cover.

“Sport hunting is not the answer,” he said. “Experienced teams of hunters that have good communication and training and ideally have aircraft support can be very effective.”

Brian Kotak of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, says that there are not enough private hunters targeting wild pigs even if conventional hunting were effective.