it is illegal to hunt hogs in NE.
Hogs are not a "huntable" species because statute specifically states that "wild" or "feral" swine are subject to extermination. Game & Parks is working to bring about the "complete elimination of this species in the wild." The relevant statute (
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=37-524.01) states the following: "It shall be illegal to knowingly engage in, sponsor, instigate, assist, or profit from the release, killing, wounding, or attempted killing or wounding of animals of the Families Tayassuidae and Suidae
for the purpose of sport, pleasure, amusement, or production of a trophy. The commission shall destroy any feral swine and may authorize any agents, including landowners, to destroy and dispose of any feral swine." [emph. added]
The same statute defines feral swine as "swine whose reversion from the domesticated state to a wild state is apparent or an otherwise freely roaming swine having no visible tags, marking, or characteristics indicating that it is from a domestic herd, and reasonable inquiry within the area does not identify an owner."
G&P's strategic plan for '11-'16 describes their intentions regarding wild pigs in Nebraska:
Objective 9.
Continue efforts to ensure feral pig populations are not established in Nebraska.
ISSUE 1. Feral pigs are non-native and pose an economic and ecological threat.
Strategy 1. Identify feral pig populations in Nebraska.
Tactic 1. Investigate and document reports of pigs living in the wild in Nebraska.
Tactic 2. Request observations of feral pigs and pig sign during deer check, Expos, through surveys or the media.
Strategy 2. Eliminate feral pig populations upon discovery.
Tactic 1. Create a feral pig response and eradication plan that provides direction and the tools necessary to eradicate newly discovered populations of feral pigs.
Tactic 2. Work with landowners and district staff to carry out a feral pig eradication program in any area they are discovered.
(http://outdoornebraska.ne.gov/admin/commission/pdf/Focus_on_the_future2011-2016.pdf)
G&P doesn't want people profiting off of the sport-hunting of pigs in Nebraska because they don't want anyone starting to manage populations in a way that would further establish feral pigs in the state. But if you know that feral pigs have moved onto your land, contact Game & Parks about it (402-471-5174). I'm betting that their response will be "swing for the fences," although they may want to come out and get some samples to test for pseudorabies and other diseases. They are supposed to be working with people to wipe these suckers out, and I bet they do it.
I think your biggest obstacle to shooting feral pigs in Nebraska is going to be finding them.
