History Channel’s Monster Quest Explores Mega Hogs
ESPN
There is no doubt that across much of the country feral hog populations are growing leaps and bounds. Here in North Carolina what was once isolated problem in just a handful of areas is now a problem in many areas across the state. Within the feral hog population is there a strain of monster size hogs or hogzilla that will see more and more of? Stories like the National Geographic story a while back and the story of the little boy killing a monster pig has fueled speculation that such a strain exists. Both these stories have been stretched and are don’t seem to hold up to public scrutiny.
I have no doubt that there are some huge hogs out there but I believe that for a hog to exceed 1200lbs or more he either has been pen raised and released or he is being fed something to get him to grow that big. I find it hard to believe that on it’s own a pig could grow that big. We have a few large hogs in North Carolina but nothing close to the size reported in these two national stories. None the less once a hog gets over 500 lbs in my book that’s a big hog and not one I’d want to encounter in the wild with out my 30/06.
I’ll admit I missed the show last night it bumped up against the hockey game. So if your like me and missed Monster Quest there will be a few more opportunities to catch this episodes airing. The marvel of satellite TV. So check it out.
Hey Moose, you can check out the Hog Blog if you want to find out a bit more about Jamison and his big hog. Bottom line, it was raised by a couple down the road until a few days prior to the “hunt”… at which point the outfitter bought it and released it into the pen.
I agree… real wild hogs won’t ever see those 1000lb weights without a LOT of help. Of course, if you define feral as first generation escapees (as they do in Florida and some other states), then it’s possible to see farmyard-sized hogs. But within a couple of generations the pigs become smaller and leaner as the feral lifestyle prohibits the obesity.
Besides, I have a hard enough time getting a 200lb hog out of the back country. I’d have to pass up a shot on a “grander”!
Comment by Phillip — May 29, 2008 @ 12:30 pm
Phillip has a good point - a person wants to go shootin’ 1000 pounders - it’s gonna take some pack animals to get them out of some of the backcountry! Pack animals, or a willing and slightly less than smart friend!
Comment by Tom Sorenson — May 29, 2008 @ 3:10 pm