I guess I'm not realizing how big those things can get. I use an 06 for elk and mule deer. Deadfall trapping wild hogs sounds like fun.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

FACTS ON FERAL HOGS

The story is that "hunting guides", thinking that they could make more money, introduced breeding stock into about 38 states now. F*****g D****ss*s

Invasive species, plant, animal, aquatic, microbiological, promise a special place in hell for people who intentionally spread them. That is the official Twitchkitty warm, fuzzy sentiment for the day.

Some of the biggest culprits of exotic species introduction are the pet trade, the horticulture trade and the USDA.

In a rare moment of solidarity, I'm in full agreement with Twitchkitty. Probably keep him up tonight in worry and wonder.

I'm not even sure how one can figure an "average size". Based on the local populations, hogs seem, more than other species, to be incredibly variable based on diet and habitat. I've seen areas where 100lbs is considered big, and areas where 250lbs isn't. I'm supposed to go up to a buddy's ranch this weekend and scope some out. They get fat and tasty eating citrus, so I might see about picking up a Christmas ham.

And El Chivito, they can be thought of as mule deer with shorter legs and thicker hide if that helps. Their "armor" is known to be tough on small bullets, and the short legs make them harder to drag back to the truck. I told myself I was going to get a bayonet for my .270, so as to herd them down to the truck before shooting them. I can't imagine dragging one uphill.

But now I have a new gun that should be well suited. Once I get it sighted in for lead-free ammom that is.

MV

I like the short-legged mule deer analogy as far as size goes. They can get pretty big around here (hogs) 200# to 300#. If I were hunting the big ones I'd go with the centerfire, too. I'd hate to deal with a 300# pysst-off boar carrying a small caliber wound.

Is there much fat on a feral hog?

I have some fat here from commercial pork. I am going to render my own lard so as to have some that is not artificially hydrogenated. It will still be chemical laden but that is the best I could do for now. If I could shoot a hog and get relatively chemical free fat it would make me smile.

I am used to eating fat in meat. Meat without fat is not an easy adjustment.

Why, that's outrageous. I'll bet you can't back that up.

Anybody heard from John Doe or his spiral horn alter ego?

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

The best fat on any animal is the leaf fat that surrounds organs, not the subcutaneous fat. Leaf fat from a home raised pig makes perfect, snow white lard with zero taste once rendered. Leaf lard is pricey stuff if you buy it commercially. Barring any existing cholesterol issues, it's pretty good for you, too.
I have a filter holder that is made to strain fat from restaurant deep fat fryers. It holds what amounts to a giant coffee filter about 2ft. across. We pour melted lard thru it and it's instantly purified, no skimming required. You can get the filters and holders at restaurant supply houses or online.
The very best pie crust in the whole world is made from half lard and half butter. Forget that hydrogenated Crisco garbage. All it's good for is lubricating rifle cartridges when you're reloading them.

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You're a daisy if you do.
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84 Euro 240D 4spd. 220.5k sold
04 Honda Element AWD
1985 F150 XLT 4x4, 351W with 270k miles, hay hauler
1997 Suzuki Sidekick 4x4
1993 Toyota 4wd Pickup 226K and counting

Not only is it outrageous, it is also true. It's commonplace around here.

y'all got a strange way of havin' fun...

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On some nights I still believe that a car with the fuel gauge on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio. - HST

1983 300SD - 305000
1984 Toyota Landcruiser - 190000
1994 GMC Jimmy - 203000

https://media.giphy.com/media/X3nnss8PAj5aU/giphy.gif

Yep after castrating some hogs for sport we're going fist fishing!

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

Cuts down (so to speak...) on swine reproduction while vastly improving the flavor.

I had a feeling it might be true but I wonder about the efficacy of it. I gather that with feral cats, those who work in that field say that neutering males has little effect as if there are fertile females out there, enough males will remain fertile to find and service them.

Improves the flavor? You mean if the castrated male is released and then taken later for meat it will taste better? Seems like a gamble of an investment. Unless maybe it's some game preserve and they tag the male for future reference.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K

It isn't a scientific program. It's an alternative way to hunt feral hogs and leave them for another time. I know guys who hunt them with dogs and knives. There are ancient tapestries that depict noblemen on horseback spearing them before packs of dogs.

That they are a pest species is beyond question. They damage the natural environment and eat anything -- vegetation, young animals, eggs, chicks, whatever. I'd be okay with people clubbing them like baby seals.

I can only imagine that there's a sort of macho thrill in castrating a pest animal with a reputation for lethality. I reckon feeding the back country oysters to your dogs would be fun too. I can't help but think there'd be greater efficiency in just killing the critter and feeding all of it to your dogs. I can only imagine that there are butchering services available if one is unwilling to go to that trouble - not to mention pork must be dealt with properly or else that 'free' dog food would have a steep price.

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1986 300SDL, 362K
1984 300D, 138K