Wild Pigs Killed from Helicopter in Nebraska

Fifteen boar dead.

The State of Nebraska employed a helicopter and two “trained aerial gunners employed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services . . .” to shoot 15 wild nuisance pigs.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which manages Harlan County Reservoir, also participated in the operation”, writes by Joe Duggan in the Lincoln Journal Star on March 01, 2009.

Sam Wilson, non game mammal and furbearer specialist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission said: “A similar helicopter-assisted shoot last year removed 69 animals, which made wildlife biologists hopeful they’re coming close to wiping out the state’s largest feral pig infestation . . .”.

Because of the damage done by wild pigs to crops, predation on other wildlife and a potential for spreading disease to domestic pigs, feral pigs aka wild pigs or wild boar are illegal to possess and to hunt in Nebraska.

Writes Joe Duggan: “The Game and Parks Commission wants to hear from turkey hunters or others who see feral pigs. But they urge hunters not to attempt to shoot the animals. Not only is it illegal, hunting often pushes the pigs into a nocturnal pattern or spreads them out, making them harder to track.”

And takes food out of the mouth of the helicopter pilot who specializes in wild pig hunts by helicopter.

I wonder how good the hunter cooperation will be. One wild turkey feeds one family once. One wild pig can feed a family multiple times. Should the helicopter pilot look for work in Alaska?

PJJ