The Wild Invasion: Hunting Wild Pigs in California's Backcountry

In the early days of North America, a handful of hoofed escapees forever changed the landscape. What began as a food source for Spanish explorers has evolved into one of the most resilient and destructive invasive species on the continent: the wild pig. Today, California stands at the center of a porcine battleground, where hunters, ranchers, and conservationists confront the damage wrought by these tusked invaders. This article explores the history of wild pigs in North America, their introduction to California, and how public lands have become both refuge and frontline in the effort to control them.

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A Brief History of Wild Pigs in North America

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa), often referred to as feral hogs or wild boar, first touched North American soil in 1539 when Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto released domestic pigs in Florida. These free-ranging pigs quickly adapted, spread, and established feral populations throughout the Southeast.

The 20th century brought new complexity: Eurasian wild boars were imported by game ranchers, primarily in New Hampshire and North Carolina. Some escaped or were released, interbreeding with feral pigs. The result is today’s hybrid wild pig—tough, intelligent, and environmentally destructive.

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California: From Ranchos to Rampage

Domestic pigs arrived in California with Spanish settlers and missionaries between 1769 and the early 1800s. These pigs often roamed freely and, over generations, established feral populations.

In 1925, publisher William Randolph Hearst imported pure Eurasian wild boars to his San Simeon estate on the Central Coast. Unsurprisingly, some escaped. The ensuing hybridization with existing feral pigs catalyzed an explosion of wild pigs across California. They now inhabit 56 of the state's 58 counties.

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Prime Hunting Grounds in California

The state's Central Coast remains the epicenter for wild pig hunting, thanks to a mix of private ranch land and ideal habitat. Some of the most notable hotspots include:

• Paso Robles & Parkfield (San Luis Obispo County): Dense oak woodlands and grassy hills make this pig paradise.

• Bitterwater Outfitters: Over 320,000 acres of prime private land offering guided hunts with high success rates.

• Skyrose Ranch (Monterey County): Hunters report seeing 30–80 pigs in a single outing.

• Tehama County: Leads the state in wild pig harvests.

• Fort Hunter Liggett: A military base offering 288,000 acres of prime pig terrain, open to public hunters through a controlled access system.

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Public Land Opportunities and Challenges

Hunting pigs on public lands in California presents both opportunity and challenge. Success rates are lower compared to private lands, but the experience is affordable and accessible.

Top public hunting areas include:

• Cow Mountain Recreation Area: A rugged public land in Lake and Mendocino counties known for its feral pig populations.

• Laguna Mountain/Sweetwater BLM Lands (near Coalinga): Consistent sightings reported, but remote terrain demands persistence.

• Mendocino National Forest & Clear Creek Management Area: Mixed success but potential with proper scouting.

• Camp Roberts and Fort Hunter Liggett: Require permits, but offer structured hunting seasons and higher success rates.

Tips for Public Land Pig Hunting:

• Always carry a valid California hunting license and wild pig tags.

• Use non-lead ammunition as mandated statewide.

• Scout the land for pig signs: wallows, rooting, and scat.

• Pigs are most active during early morning and late afternoon.

• Know the access rules; some lands have walk-in restrictions or permit-only entry.

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Weapons of Choice: Firearms for Pig Pursuits

Due to the size and resilience of wild pigs, hunters need firepower that combines stopping power with accuracy. Here are the most popular options:

1. .30-06 Springfield – Versatile and powerful for any terrain.

2. .308 Winchester – A favorite for medium to large game.

3. .223/5.56mm (AR-15) – Fast and nimble for smaller hogs (shot placement critical).

4. 12-Gauge Shotgun with Slugs – Devastating at close range in brushy areas.

5. .45-70 Government Lever-Action – Big bore power for dense terrain encounters.

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Pig Tales from the Golden State

Hunter stories offer a glimpse into the thrill and unpredictability of California pig hunting:

• Craig Boddington recounted a successful Central Coast hunt with close friends, culminating in a rare shot on a bedded boar.

• SC2 Outdoors reported a daylong hunt in Shasta County, where glassing vast ranchland led to a mature boar harvest.

• Carrizo Plains hunters described the unique challenges of tightly regulated public access, where success hinges on planning and persistence.

• Lake County residents documented crop destruction and ecological damage caused by rising pig populations.

• Geyserville School Grounds faced uprooted lawns and damaged fields after pigs invaded, prompting a professional trapper's intervention.

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Conclusion: The Hunt and the Fight

Wild pigs in California are more than just game; they are a challenge to landowners, ecosystems, and wildlife managers alike. While private land offers guided success, public lands allow the determined hunter a chance to track, stalk, and harvest pigs on their own terms. As their numbers grow, so too does the opportunity for hunters to play a vital role in managing this invasive species.

With knowledge, preparation, and the right equipment, California’s backcountry becomes the arena where tradition meets necessity. The hunt is on.

How Trump’s Proposed Tariffs May Impact Recreational Hunting and Fishing

President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on imported goods are poised to significantly affect the recreational hunting and fishing industries in the United States. These changes could increase costs for consumers, disrupt supply chains for manufacturers and retailers, and create uncertainty across the outdoor recreation economy.

Increased Costs for Hunters and Anglers

Many of the products used by recreational hunters and anglers are imported, particularly from China and Southeast Asia. Under Trump’s proposal, a new round of tariffs would apply to these items, raising prices on gear essential to the outdoor lifestyle.

• Fishing Equipment: Roughly 60% of all fishing gear sold in the U.S. is imported, with China accounting for the majority. A 25% tariff on these goods would likely increase the cost of rods, reels, and tackle for consumers.
• Aluminum Components: Tariffs on imported aluminum, especially from Canada, could drive up costs for aluminum-based gear such as rod holders, landing nets, and high-performance fishing reels. These components are critical for modern gear durability and performance.
•  Outdoor Clothing and Accessories: Tariffs as high as 125% on products from China, Vietnam, and Cambodia would affect a wide range of items, including waders, boots, backpacks, and technical apparel used by hunters and anglers. These tariffs could eliminate discount pricing and result in higher retail costs.

Challenges for Manufacturers and Retailers

Domestic manufacturers and outdoor retailers are also facing pressure due to the proposed tariffs.

• Supply Chain Disruptions: Anticipating price hikes, many companies preemptively imported extra inventory to delay the impact of tariffs. However, as that inventory dwindles, the full force of increased costs is expected to hit both businesses and consumers.
• Production Cost Increases: Companies like St. Croix Rods, which operate manufacturing in both the U.S. and Mexico, are dealing with rising costs on imported materials. These costs will likely be passed on to consumers, increasing prices even for products that are assembled domestically.
• Uncertainty in Planning: Tariff policy fluctuations create a volatile environment for strategic planning and investment. Businesses hesitate to expand or invest in new equipment when future costs and supply stability remain unclear.

Broader Economic Impacts

The ripple effects of increased costs go beyond individual purchases.

• Reduced Consumer Spending: Higher prices for outdoor gear could reduce participation in recreational hunting and fishing, which are major economic drivers for rural areas. Local economies reliant on tourism and outfitting may see declines in business.
•  Industry Instability: Retailers, especially small businesses, could face shrinking margins or lose customers unwilling to absorb the price increases. Meanwhile, multinational brands must recalibrate global supply strategies to adapt to the changing trade landscape.

Conclusion

Trump’s proposed tariffs are likely to increase the price of essential hunting and fishing gear, placing a financial burden on outdoor enthusiasts and threatening the economic stability of a multi-billion-dollar recreational industry. With broad implications for consumers, retailers, and manufacturers alike, the proposed changes have raised alarm among industry stakeholders who are now bracing for a more expensive outdoor experience.

References

Advnture. (2024, March 10). Trump’s tariffs mean your outdoor gear is about to get more expensive. https://www.advnture.com/news/trumps-tariffs-mean-your-outdoor-gear-is-about-to-get-more-expensive-heres-what-you-could-pay-more-for-and-why-store-discounts-may-disappear

Angling International. (2024, February 20). Reels, landing nets and fishing accessories hit by Trump’s 25% tariffs. https://angling-international.com/2025/02/20/reels-landing-nets-and-fishing-accessories-hit-by-trumps-25-tariffs/

Outdoor Life. (2024, March 5). How Trump’s proposed tariffs could impact your fishing gear. https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/tariffs-affect-fishing-gear/

Pay to Play? Michigan Outdoors Faces a Fee Hike Shake-Up

Michigan’s outdoor traditions may soon come with a higher price tag—but for many, it’s a long-overdue investment in the state’s natural resources.

In a bipartisan effort, lawmakers introduced a package of bills this week aimed at addressing serious funding shortfalls in Michigan’s conservation and parks systems. Chief among the proposals: automatically including a state parks recreation passport with vehicle registrations, and raising hunting and fishing license fees for the first time in more than a decade.

The bills, introduced in the Michigan Senate on May 1, are a direct response to what officials describe as a “dire” situation. Years of inflation have driven up the costs of everything from fish feed to equipment fuel, while a decline in hunting and fishing participation—a national trend—has eroded the license revenue that funds the bulk of conservation work.

Why It Matters

For decades, Michigan’s fish and wildlife management efforts have been powered by user-based funding. Anglers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts pay into the system through licenses and permits, sustaining the very resources they enjoy. But with fewer people participating in these activities, the system is under strain.

At the same time, state parks are seeing record visitation with fewer dollars for upkeep. Officials say routine maintenance has been deferred, trails are in disrepair, and staffing is stretched thin. Lawmakers hope the automatic inclusion of the $14 recreation passport with vehicle registrations will create a stable base of funding to keep parks open, clean, and safe.

Changes on the Horizon

The proposed legislation includes updates to Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (1994 PA 451), revising definitions and rules on wildlife feeding, baiting, and conservation practices.

Key components include:

• Automatic Recreation Passport Purchase with vehicle registration (opt-out available)

• Increased License Fees for hunting and fishing (first hike since 2013)

• Creation of a Deer Baiting License, priced at $15 for residents

• Clarified Rules on agricultural feed storage and wildlife feeding practices

• Temporary Repeal Clause, with provisions set to expire in 2029

The Bigger Picture

While fee increases are never popular, lawmakers argue they are necessary to maintain Michigan’s status as a top destination for outdoor recreation. The legislation seeks to strike a balance between accessibility and sustainability, ensuring that wildlife habitats, fish populations, and public lands are protected for generations to come.

Conclusion

This legislation is more than just a budget fix—it’s a signal that Michigan is ready to modernize its approach to conservation funding. With bipartisan support, a clearer regulatory framework, and stable revenue streams, the state is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of its land, wildlife, and people.