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So, the siren’s call to get those hogs that have been waltzing behind my house keeps getting louder and louder. For one, Florida is being overrun with the damned things and even the lack of limits on hunting hasn’t done a thing. From everything I’ve read, there are no bag limits, no size limits, no date limits, etc. You can hunt with rifles, shotguns, handguns, bows, sharpened sticks, bats, traps, explosives, nerve gas, and low yield nuclear weapons. Well, maybe not the last three, but you get the point.
These things are such a nuisance that you don’t even require a hunting license if it’s on private property.
Which brings me to my biggest sticking point. The land they roam around in belongs to some unsavory people who I have no desire to ever interact with. My back yard is separated from the road by a big, brick fence (as can be seen here), so it’s not like I could get the hogs to roam into my yard. I could put bait on the outside of my fence and then pop them as they come over, but that brings up legal issues since I’d technically be shooting them on public property plus I would ostensibly be getting the hogs out where people walk their dogs / kids / go jogging etc. At this point, nobody has complained about them being out during the day, but it scares me that one of those things could possibly charge any of the kids who walk to school every day.
I don’t need a hunting license if I’m on private property with permission. I can’t (won’t) get permission from the land owners and I don’t think shooting them while they’re sitting on a sidewalk is the brightest of ideas. But dammit… they’re mocking me and even my neighbors have all asked me why I haven’t taken them out yet.
On another note, even if I could shoot them outside of my fence there would also be the problem of getting the carcasses somewhere to be butchered properly, another skill I do not possess.
Comments
dhawk
says:
Time to learn to use a bow. Its quick queit and safe in close quarters. And butchering a hog isnt that hard only done it once and Im sure not perfect but very managable. I hunted hogs in Florida and would not want them running free around any kids them things can be just plain mean
Shotgunner
says:
Forget about one of those hogs harming children or humans for that matter. They are too scared and too smart for that. Notice despite how many your area has how few are found dead on the road? It's because they are smart!
That does not mean you should not kill them!
My guess is public land is public land. If you live in a city there may be laws against hunting in any form on any property, or not. You have to check.
If you are within a city, then discharge of a firearm is out of the question. That leaves you with a high powered airgun or a bow and arrow.
http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/
Of course, all licensing is still required, so go take hunter's safety and get a license, easy peazy. Plus the class instructor will know if and how you can kill these particular pigs.
Lastly, as already pointed out, butchering a pig need not be some big scary process. Gut it with a belly slit navel to sternum and discard the guts (wear gloves!), skin the hog remove the legs, carve the meat from the spine, bones out the legs and have a neighborhood barbecue!
Just do it!
Feel free to hit me up off list for more details.
That does not mean you should not kill them!
My guess is public land is public land. If you live in a city there may be laws against hunting in any form on any property, or not. You have to check.
If you are within a city, then discharge of a firearm is out of the question. That leaves you with a high powered airgun or a bow and arrow.
http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/
Of course, all licensing is still required, so go take hunter's safety and get a license, easy peazy. Plus the class instructor will know if and how you can kill these particular pigs.
Lastly, as already pointed out, butchering a pig need not be some big scary process. Gut it with a belly slit navel to sternum and discard the guts (wear gloves!), skin the hog remove the legs, carve the meat from the spine, bones out the legs and have a neighborhood barbecue!
Just do it!
Feel free to hit me up off list for more details.
Jake
says:
I'd bet they mean "public areas designated for hunting" and not "heavily trafficked street near a school".
How far is "near a school"? You may have to worry about running afoul of federal law. The (unConstitutional) GFSZA makes no allowances for discharging a firearm off of your own property.
GFSZ has an exception for holders of CCW's from the state in question. Robb would be covered.
As for butchering 'properly': (unless you want all the fancy raosts and chops and such) Take the front shoulders (picnic roast), and rear quarters (hams) and brine/cure them both for hams. Cut the ribs from the spine, and the belly meat for bacon... nuff said. As for the rest? Hack n slash to get it off the bone and grind it up for sausage
As for butchering 'properly': (unless you want all the fancy raosts and chops and such) Take the front shoulders (picnic roast), and rear quarters (hams) and brine/cure them both for hams. Cut the ribs from the spine, and the belly meat for bacon... nuff said. As for the rest? Hack n slash to get it off the bone and grind it up for sausage
The first law you'll probably run afoul of is the one restricting shooting near or across a right-of-way. Of course, the distances involved mean that, unless you own acreage of some sort, you won't be (legally) able to shoot from anywhere on the average home lot.
Seeking to hunt on any sort of public land will leave you ensnared in a byzantine web of redundant and often contradictory rules and regulations. A web so complex that it seems near impossible to determine where and when one can actually hunt without having to put an entire law firm on retainer so as to ensure one is not risking some variety or other of life- and/or financially-destructive punishment.
Of course, nearly all of that but the seasons and bag limits go away if you're hunting on private land, but at an average of $10k per acre in Florida, it's pretty hard to come by for those who work for a living.
Seeking to hunt on any sort of public land will leave you ensnared in a byzantine web of redundant and often contradictory rules and regulations. A web so complex that it seems near impossible to determine where and when one can actually hunt without having to put an entire law firm on retainer so as to ensure one is not risking some variety or other of life- and/or financially-destructive punishment.
Of course, nearly all of that but the seasons and bag limits go away if you're hunting on private land, but at an average of $10k per acre in Florida, it's pretty hard to come by for those who work for a living.
Shotgunner
says:
I just finished reading your other posts about these pigs. I specially like the satellite images of your neighborhood. This is very informative.
I think your opportunities to hunt/kill them are ONLY in that large field north of the mansion. You cannot legally hunt with any method on a road or thoroughfare. Because you will not be obtaining permission to hunt this small chunk of forest land, you seem to be SOL.
I think your opportunities to hunt/kill them are ONLY in that large field north of the mansion. You cannot legally hunt with any method on a road or thoroughfare. Because you will not be obtaining permission to hunt this small chunk of forest land, you seem to be SOL.
Wolfman
says:
I havent done a hog, but have done plenty of deer and helped on beef. The biggest issue is temperature- get a really big cooler (or several) and plenty of ice. As soon as its field dressed, and bled, load the cavity with bags of ice to cool it out. Get them to refrigerated temp as fast as possible. After that, just dive in and cut into pieces that look like food. Chops come from the long muscle that runs down either side of the spine, hams from, lets face it, the parts that look like hams, bacon from the belly, and all the rest go in these wonderful tubes known as Sausage. If you can carve a turkey, I bet you can butcher a hog. Also, I've been apprised its a good thing to freeze pork at zero degrees or cooler for a period of time, to freeze out any beasties. You can do it! Wear pants when hunting, though. Hunting without pants makes one look crazy.
"Robb Allen says:
In Florida, there are no limits at all on hogs on private land. None. Zero. Zilch. As many as you want, any size, any age, and any way you want to take them."
Same holds for hunting on public land...the only difference is you need a plain ol' hunting license to utilize public lands. Other than that it's still no limit, no size restrictions, no season, no NOTHING between you and sweet sweet free bacon.
In Florida, there are no limits at all on hogs on private land. None. Zero. Zilch. As many as you want, any size, any age, and any way you want to take them."
Same holds for hunting on public land...the only difference is you need a plain ol' hunting license to utilize public lands. Other than that it's still no limit, no size restrictions, no season, no NOTHING between you and sweet sweet free bacon.
Jake
says:
Phssthpok: The exemption is only for possession (while loaded and not being transported). The section on actually firing only exempts people on private property.
From Wikipedia (I know, but it does have the actual text):
On public property, actually firing it - even in otherwise lawful self-defense - would be a federal felony.
I've paid attention to this because my house is well within 1000' of a school. If I'm on the street edge of my property and I'm attacked, if I have to evade into the street instead of towards my home (or, arguably, my neighbor's house) I can no longer legally use my firearm to defend myself.
It really pisses me off. One step the wrong direction and I could be forced into becoming a felon.
From Wikipedia (I know, but it does have the actual text):
(3) (A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B), it shall be unlawful for any person, knowingly or with reckless disregard for the safety of another, to discharge or attempt to discharge a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the person knows is a school zone. (B) Subparagraph (A) does not apply to the discharge of a firearm—
(i) on private property not part of school grounds;
(ii) as part of a program approved by a school in the school zone, by an individual who is participating in the program;
(iii) by an individual in accordance with a contract entered into between a school in a school zone and the individual or an employer of the individual; or
(iv) by a law enforcement officer acting in his or her official capacity.
(4) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed as preempting or preventing a State or local government from enacting a statute establishing gun free school zones as provided in this subsection.
On public property, actually firing it - even in otherwise lawful self-defense - would be a federal felony.
I've paid attention to this because my house is well within 1000' of a school. If I'm on the street edge of my property and I'm attacked, if I have to evade into the street instead of towards my home (or, arguably, my neighbor's house) I can no longer legally use my firearm to defend myself.
It really pisses me off. One step the wrong direction and I could be forced into becoming a felon.
Robb,
you don't state what the problem with the landowners is. Might help if we knew what it is.
Anyway, it might be that they would like the hog situation dealt with, but don't want to get involved with the situation.
Perhaps you could let them know you are interested in removing them for neighborhood safety reasons. THAT might get you permission, as they may decide that any sort of local gov't attention/interest would be bad for them. Might want to mention that some of his neighbors are getting concerned, and that they might initiate gov't attention to fix the problem.
Mail, or deliver/post a note with a brief explanation. Maybe ask, if they do give the ok, what areas they would want you to stay away from, other restrictions, time frame, etc.
Include info on the problems with hogs in general, to help nudge them into saying yes. Maybe include a form letter for them to sign giving you written permission to do it. Make it as simple for them to deal with, and you may not even have to meet them personally.
What Shotgunner says about them being harmless to humans I would take with reservations. Might not be common, but they will attack.
you don't state what the problem with the landowners is. Might help if we knew what it is.
Anyway, it might be that they would like the hog situation dealt with, but don't want to get involved with the situation.
Perhaps you could let them know you are interested in removing them for neighborhood safety reasons. THAT might get you permission, as they may decide that any sort of local gov't attention/interest would be bad for them. Might want to mention that some of his neighbors are getting concerned, and that they might initiate gov't attention to fix the problem.
Mail, or deliver/post a note with a brief explanation. Maybe ask, if they do give the ok, what areas they would want you to stay away from, other restrictions, time frame, etc.
Include info on the problems with hogs in general, to help nudge them into saying yes. Maybe include a form letter for them to sign giving you written permission to do it. Make it as simple for them to deal with, and you may not even have to meet them personally.
What Shotgunner says about them being harmless to humans I would take with reservations. Might not be common, but they will attack.
It seems like Robb just wants to get into trouble. Let him go. We can bail him out once he sobers up.
Supressor?
Poison tipped blow dart?
Many farmers in TX are content in their being gone. They dont care about the carcass. They will shoot to have them run off and die in the woods.
Poison tipped blow dart?
Many farmers in TX are content in their being gone. They dont care about the carcass. They will shoot to have them run off and die in the woods.
The only way I can see for you to hunt them is with a bow and arrow. That neighborhood is simply too built up to use anything else (and I'd not want to have to buy an airgun capable of taking down a hog; those things are freaking expensive). EVEN IF you somehow get permission to hunt that wooded area.
Make sure you check your local hunting regulations as well as any pertinent regulations for your city; they may shed a bit more light.
Make sure you check your local hunting regulations as well as any pertinent regulations for your city; they may shed a bit more light.
Gents
Please read the Federal GFSZ statute carefully; unless I am totally wrong and can no longer understande English, it is a PENALTY ENHANCEMENT law.
It is aimed at people who commit crimes while armed in the magic gun free school zone by adding additional svere penalties; if you are not otherwise committing a crime it has no effect.
I drop off my kids at school every morning while wearing a 1911; at my right elbow a Colt Detective Special rests in the console of the Ford Expedition. Perfectly legal.
Does Florida have a state GFSZ law that is no penlty enhancement ?
Regards
GKT
Please read the Federal GFSZ statute carefully; unless I am totally wrong and can no longer understande English, it is a PENALTY ENHANCEMENT law.
It is aimed at people who commit crimes while armed in the magic gun free school zone by adding additional svere penalties; if you are not otherwise committing a crime it has no effect.
I drop off my kids at school every morning while wearing a 1911; at my right elbow a Colt Detective Special rests in the console of the Ford Expedition. Perfectly legal.
Does Florida have a state GFSZ law that is no penlty enhancement ?
Regards
GKT
Should you ever discover a way around not being able to legally discharge a firearm within sufficient range of the hogs to effect their demise, you might want to re-think the butchering/eating thing. Frank James, who does quite a bit of feral hog hunting, mentioned several times on his blog about the myriad of diseases feral hogs carry. His philosophy was to leave them where they lay, and within 24 hours the survivors resolved the disposal problem. That process, BTW, offered additional opportunities for hunting success, and I don't think it's regarded as "hunting over bait."
As for the original problem, once someone invents a bullet that leaves a wound which looks like a tire track, that and a good suppressor seems like the ticket.
As for the original problem, once someone invents a bullet that leaves a wound which looks like a tire track, that and a good suppressor seems like the ticket.
Trap the hogs, using bait like seed corn and hog wire panels.
Start with a pile of corn. Add 4 corner posts one at a time over 4 days. Add a panel of hog wire per day over 3 days. Add the 4th panel as a "sliding door" that falls down and latches when a piggy triggers a foot-panel. Like on a Have-A-Heart Live trap, just super sized.
Box the hogs into a crate and drive them to the butchers, or a quiet field, for slaughter.
Unless shooting the hogs is the point of the exercise, this is the most efficient way to catch and kill the highest number of them.
Start with a pile of corn. Add 4 corner posts one at a time over 4 days. Add a panel of hog wire per day over 3 days. Add the 4th panel as a "sliding door" that falls down and latches when a piggy triggers a foot-panel. Like on a Have-A-Heart Live trap, just super sized.
Box the hogs into a crate and drive them to the butchers, or a quiet field, for slaughter.
Unless shooting the hogs is the point of the exercise, this is the most efficient way to catch and kill the highest number of them.
Get a crossbow. It was the assault weapon of the Middle Ages. It will get the job done quietly.
Jake
says:
unless I am totally wrong and can no longer understande English, it is a PENALTY ENHANCEMENT law.
It is aimed at people who commit crimes while armed in the magic gun free school zone by adding additional svere penalties; if you are not otherwise committing a crime it has no effect.
Which specific section are you getting that from? I don't see anything in my reading that would make it an enhancement. It only says "it shall be unlawful", with nothing that requires a person to be committing another crime first.
John Richardson
says:
This is what you need:
http://www.lonesomepineknives.com/CatalogPage.asp?ID=19
I remember talking to Master Bladesmith Larry Harley years ago about hog hunting. He puts on hunts with just you, the dogs, the hog, and his Battle Bowie. He swore that you could kill a hog quicker with a knife than with a gun.
A client was telling me just today that once you can get the hog's hind legs in the air you'll have complete control over it and you can walk it around like wheel barrow. I'm sure if it works with Russian Boars in the Smokies, it would work with the hogs in your neighborhood.
http://www.lonesomepineknives.com/CatalogPage.asp?ID=19
I remember talking to Master Bladesmith Larry Harley years ago about hog hunting. He puts on hunts with just you, the dogs, the hog, and his Battle Bowie. He swore that you could kill a hog quicker with a knife than with a gun.
A client was telling me just today that once you can get the hog's hind legs in the air you'll have complete control over it and you can walk it around like wheel barrow. I'm sure if it works with Russian Boars in the Smokies, it would work with the hogs in your neighborhood.
Dear Robb,
I turned your post into a movie pitch, and the studio green-lighted it as a light romantic comedy! I'm writing the screenplay now. They warned med that there is a 50% chance they will need to turn it into a teenage horror flick at the last minute, but that's Hollywood. Thanks again for the idea!
I turned your post into a movie pitch, and the studio green-lighted it as a light romantic comedy! I'm writing the screenplay now. They warned med that there is a 50% chance they will need to turn it into a teenage horror flick at the last minute, but that's Hollywood. Thanks again for the idea!
What are the laws that pertain to discharging a firearm ON YOUR OWN PROPERTY?
As for the Hogs
1. Get a mason's hammer and a cold chisel.
2. Break a 4 foot section of your brick wall to allow piggie entry.
3. Get some wood and build a STRONG gate. Consult Agriculture Department on hog enclosures for suggestions on strength.
4. Use bait to draw piggies to your land.
5. Shoot piggies as you wish.
6. If you're through shooting piggies buy 120 lbs of mortar mix and misc bricks to replace any damaged, and rebuild wall.
As for the Hogs
1. Get a mason's hammer and a cold chisel.
2. Break a 4 foot section of your brick wall to allow piggie entry.
3. Get some wood and build a STRONG gate. Consult Agriculture Department on hog enclosures for suggestions on strength.
4. Use bait to draw piggies to your land.
5. Shoot piggies as you wish.
6. If you're through shooting piggies buy 120 lbs of mortar mix and misc bricks to replace any damaged, and rebuild wall.
Comments have been closed on this topic.
Archery?
What's FL law like on hunting on public property?