Table of Contents

Wild Pigs in South Carolina: A Growing Problem with No Closed Season on Private Land

HAMPTON, S.C. — Wild pigs, a mix of feral hogs and wild boars, are a persistent problem in South Carolina and beyond. Known for their adaptability and destructive tendencies, these animals are subject to specific rules and regulations within the state.

Trapping and Hunting Regulations

On private property, wild pigs can be trapped with few restrictions, though the use of snares is prohibited.
Night hunting is not allowed on Wildlife Management Areas.
Landowners can hunt wild pigs year-round during daylight hours with a valid hunting license. A free depredation permit is available for those without a license.
Properties can be registered online for nighttime hunting at www.dnr.sc.gov/nighthunt.

For more information, consult the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) rules and regulations.

Wild Pig Identification

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) include both:

Feral hogs: Domestic pigs that have escaped captivity.
Wild boars: Native to Eurasia and introduced to North America.

These animals freely interbreed, making the term “wild pigs” a generic descriptor. Wild pigs vary in size, ranging from 50 to 75 inches in length and 75 to 250 pounds in weight. Their physical traits depend on their breed, diet, and hybridization level. Males are typically larger than females, and young boars exhibit distinctive red-brown stripes that fade as they mature.

Health and Safety Concerns

Wild pigs are carriers of diseases harmful to humans, livestock, and wildlife, including:

Swine brucellosis: Can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, causing flu-like symptoms.
Pseudorabies: Deadly to dogs, livestock, and wildlife, though not contagious to humans.

Safety Tips for Handling Wild Pigs:

Always wear disposable gloves when handling carcasses.
Avoid direct contact with blood or reproductive organs.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and hot water.
Disinfect tools and cook meat thoroughly.

Habitat and Behavior

Wild pigs thrive in diverse habitats, from tidal marshes to mountainous areas. They are omnivorous, with plants making up 85% of their diet, including acorns, roots, and herbaceous plants. However, they also consume bird eggs, small animals, and carrion.

Wild pigs are highly intelligent, social animals that adapt quickly to human activity. Sows and their offspring form family groups called “sounders,” while males are typically solitary. These animals are active during cooler parts of the day, wallowing in mud for cooling and feeding on vegetation and invertebrates.

Damage Caused by Wild Pigs

Landscapes: Rooting behavior damages lawns, golf courses, and public spaces.
Agriculture: Pigs destroy crops, rangelands, and livestock watering areas. They also prey on young livestock like calves and lambs.
Structures: Pigs often damage fences by using them as rub posts or breaking through to access food sources.

Control Methods

Trapping: Corral traps are the most effective, especially when using remote-sensing technology to trigger traps once all members of a sounder are inside.
Shooting: While effective, shooting may not be viable in urban areas due to safety concerns. Always consult local ordinances.
Exclusion Fencing: Heavy wire mesh or electric fencing can help protect small areas like gardens or yards but may not be practical for large properties.

Legal Considerations

Relocating or translocating wild pigs is illegal in South Carolina without a special permit from SCDNR. The most humane method of euthanasia is a well-placed shot to the head with a high-powered rifle.

Methods Used in Illegal Wild Pig Hunting from Moving Trucks

Spotting Pigs from the Road
- Hunters use powerful spotlights or thermal imaging equipment mounted on the truck to locate pigs at night.
- Pigs are often visible in open corn fields or near water sources, especially when feeding or cooling off.
Shooting from the Truck
- Hunters fire at the pigs from the truck while it’s in motion or briefly stopped. Typically moving slow.
- Firearms used include rifles, shotguns, or crossbows, depending on local hunting laws (even if the method itself is illegal).
- Some use suppressors to minimize noise and avoid detection.
Chasing Pigs
- Drivers may use the truck to chase pigs across fields or wooded areas.
- Pigs are often cornered or run to exhaustion before being shot.
Using Dogs
- In some cases, hunters release trained hunting dogs from the truck to pursue and corner the pigs.
- Once the pigs are held in place by the dogs, hunters exit the vehicle to kill the pigs.
Baiting
- Some hunters illegally bait pigs with food near accessible roads, returning later to hunt them from their trucks.

Risks and Consequences

Legal Penalties
- Firing a weapon from a moving vehicle is illegal in South Carolina and most other states.
- Hunting without proper licenses or outside legal hours (e.g., at night without a depredation permit) can result in steep fines, loss of hunting privileges, and even jail time.
Safety Hazards

Shooting from a moving vehicle poses significant risks to public safety, including stray bullets or ricochets. Like shooting out a truck mirror like Patrick Wilson told us he did to Shawn Connelly’s lifted Z71 Blue Chevy Pick-up truck with large tow mirrors sticking out of it.
Drivers may lose control of the truck when focusing on hunting instead of the road. People like Stephen Smith, out walking on a pitch dark, narrow road may think a wild hog hunter is actually looking for him, possibly to pick him up at 3 AM. But in reality, the driver of the truck is going slower, down the middle of the road, and not looking for someone like Stephen. This could result in Stephen thinking he was getting picked up by the hunters, but in reality, he’s likely get hit by the large tow mirror sticking out, and die from the result of hitting the back of his head hard on the highway.

Shawn Connelly - Wild Pigs — Shawn Connelly’s Z71 Blue Pick-Up Truck from 2018

Connect with CC News Network:

Stay updated with CC News Network’s latest investigations, book releases, and appearances by following him on social media. Join the growing community of readers and true crime enthusiasts who trust James Seidel for his insightful analysis and gripping storytelling.

Over 1,200,000 Million likes of Tiktok alone!

Join Our Close to 100,000 Social Media Fans: