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May 2008) Oregon has low numbers of feral swine in Oregon at present (between 500-1,500 pigs in 14 Oregon counties). Most observations are on private land but there have been a few seen on public land.
ODFW in partnership with the Oregon Invasive Species Council is committed to ERADICATING feral swine from the state because of the damage they do to wildlife, habitat and crops. Feral swine are not native to Oregon; they are an invasive species.
Hunters may be able to help in that eradication effort. But remember Oregon has low numbers of feral swine and most are probably on private land, so they are difficult to hunt. But if you do see one (while hunting another animal for example), and have landowner’s permission, you should take the animal. You will be doing wildlife and habitat a favor.
Local ODFW districts have limited knowledge of huntable populations of feral swine due to the elusive nature of these animals; the fact that most exist primarily on private property; and that the animals are mostly nocturnal.
Hunters looking for swine will see obvious signs in suitable areas such as in drainages - with water or springs e.g. rootings, wallows and rubs in these areas. More information and some images of sign
1 – North Central Oregon. Population roughly estimated to be 500-700 and expanding. Mainly on private property between Madras and John Day. Most pigs believed to be between Service Creek and Spray, on the south side of the John Day River.
2 – Southwestern Oregon. Exact population and distribution unknown, but reports of sightings as far north as Coos Bay and as far east as Klamath Falls. Coos, Curry, Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, and southwest Klamath counties are possible search areas. Range would most likely expand with pigs moving north from California. Public land on drainages along the Oregon-California border are other locations to look at.
3 –Small populations in Harney County northwest of Burns – particularly in Silvies River drainage. Estimated to be less than 50.
4 – Two small populations – reported on Malheur NWR several years ago have since been ERADICATED. Private land in vicinity possible other locations.
5 – Unsubstantiated, but highly credible report (9/26/07) of feral swine moving through KOA Campground at Lincoln City. No other sightings or reports in this area since.
6 – Feral-looking swine taken on BLM land in Nov 2007. Two known feral swine were removed in mid-December, 2007 and another in March 2008.
7 – ERADICATED: Historic report of 10-12 feral swine on Green Mountain near Sisters. Population believed to be eradicated.
8 – ERADICATED: Report of 60 feral swine near Hampton/Glass Buttes by an ODFW employee in 1995. No recent reports in the area.
9 – ERADICATED: Local ranchers and USDA – Wildlife Services eradicated 10 feral swine in High Valley in 2006.
10 – ERADICATED: Feral swine killed by local rancher in January, 2007 near Westfall. |
