Do Wild Hogs Impact Deer Populations?

Feral hog populations pose many problems in the areas they live. Hogs impact local agriculture negatively, destroying the farmer’s hard work. Another negative impact is on the deer population. Here are some wild hog facts about how they impact deer populations.

Hog Facts: Overpopulation & Food Depletion

Feral hogs are prolific, and their diet overlaps with deer. As the hog population grows larger and larger, they consume more food, and their range increases. Wild hogs are hungry and invasive. They go beyond feeding themselves and, since they are not picky eaters, invade the food supplies of other animals. The younger hogs, being closer to the ground, quickly scavenge for food and eat everything they can find.

Deer consume the same plants as the hogs. The problem for the deer is that after the hogs come through an area, no food remains for them. In the end, the deer do not have enough food to sustain their population, and they starve. The deer population is negatively impacted as they have to compromise their diet.

Hogs Kill Newborn Fawns

Deer have no defense against wild hogs. Hogs have a sharp sense of smell. They recognize the scent of a live fawn birth taking place, and they track that scent to the location. When the hogs show up during a deer birthing, the doe is defenseless and can’t sufficiently protect their fawn. As a result, the wild hogs attack the deer and feed on the newborn. This act is natural, but the dark side of it. This fawn-killing behavior also results in a reduced deer population.

Natural Balance

When one species has such a negative impact on another, the natural order is unbalanced. This problem affects the deer and will also be reflected in other flora and fauna issues in the area. Keeping the environment in balance benefits all species. Controlling invasive or overpopulated animals by hunting them is one way to restore balance.

Gum Log Plantation

Wild hogs are a big nuisance and detrimental to the deer population. Hunting feral hogs is a specialty at Gum Log Plantation. We offer hog hunting retreats to help control the hog populations in Georgia. Our experts are well-versed in wild hog facts and techniques for successful hunts. For more information on our hunting retreats, call us at 229-318-9015.

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