Crossbows as we age....

[SwampCat]

We have more than enough pigs around here to scratch that night hunting itch.

It gets REAL fun when you add thermal optics in. Thermal night hunting with a good AR is about the only real way to remove enough pigs to affect the surrounding population… unless you hire professional trappers.


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USDA traps here free of charge. Where I was killing 150 in six months - I havent had a picture in 14 months.

 

[Telemark]

Are feral pigs any good to eat? I keep reading nightmare stories about trichinosis and brucellosis.

 

[Feelslikefar.]

No... I'd want to do it the old fashion way.
Using NV / thermal's no different, heck even easier than shooting them in the daytime.

 

[356]

Are feral pigs any good to eat? I keep reading nightmare stories about trichinosis and brucellosis.

Yes, they are good to eat. Older boars and sows are best slow cooked or used as sausage. Younger ones are very nice for loins and hams (brine them!). Trichinosis and brucellosis are killed off at a cooking temperature of 145 (lower if longer, such as sous vide) and, since I like port done, 165 degrees does not over cook and ensures safe meat. When handling the hogs, gloves are essential (I do the same with deer). Unlike venison, I aways use a thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked well.

I'll be going back to Oklahoma for my second feral pig hunt in April--this year I'll be combining it with a turkey hunt.