I got these pictures one day while up in Kula Maui - two trucks stopped at Morihara Store and I grabbed my camera and took a bunch of pictures. It was a weekend - that's when a lot of the local pig hunters take their dogs out in the country to "bring home the bacon". These dogs look tired - it's not easy to run down a large boar like this, and hold it until the boys come with their guns. Check out the tusks!
Conservation efforts are underway to remove a large part of the pig population in Maui County. Read what the Nature Conservancy has to say about this.
On Maui you can find wild and feral pigs in most of the countryside - and especially up in the forests. They are BAD NEWS on the ecosystem, with their rooting and foraging which disturbs the ground and native plants. Don't cry for this little piggie. Locals are doing a good thing by reducing the pig population, and "living off the land".
The truly wild pigs are all black like this. The males have the big tusks, which make nice trophies. Feral pigs are those which have resulted from cross breeding wild pigs with domestic pigs, and they come in all colors including white and red, and spotted. I think the meat is a little tastier than the purely wild ones.
The dogs are crucial for pig hunting here. A good pig dog is very important. The dogs get the scent of a pig and chase it, sometimes for miles. When they get it cornered, one or 2 dogs will grab onto the ears and hold on. Another dog will bark and bark so the hunters can find them. It's a risky business for the mutts, but they love the action. Some dogs get seriously hurt and some get killed by the mean old boars. Those tusks can be sharp!
These hunters were showing off their catches, by strapping them onto the trucks. Some guys like to strap them to the hood and drive home... I don't get it. It's a lot easier to just dress the kill on the spot and pack the quarters out... leave all the "junk" behind in the forest. But that doesn't impress the chicks I guess!
Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) - your MAUI Realtor
EMAIL ~ 808 283-0635
On Maui since 1980. North Shore specialist.. Paia, Haiku and upcountry towns of Haliimaile, Makawao, Pukalani and Kula. Condos too. Living the off-grid lifestyle for decades. Cattle ranching. Aloha
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Georgina, Wow, now that is a lot of bacon! I know men who love to deer hunt, bear hunt and elk hunt but never knew a pig hunter!
Pretty unusual post, there, Georgina - I had no idea there were wild pigs in Hawaii!
I love it. I was just telling my wife the other day that I would love to go do this. I enjoy bird hunting. I have had and still have a bird dog. I have never been a big "Big Game Hunter." But this looks like fun. Thanks for the pics
thats a big big! nice teeth on him!
WooHooooo! Kahlua pig a comin'!
Roberta - pig hunting is still popular here - especially with the price of groceries
Virginia - yes, there are plenty of wild pigs, and deer too!
Ron - sounds like a good excuse for a vacation
Christopher - sometimes you'll see a garage with the jawbones nailed up as trophies
Sally - and sausage, and smoked meat...
Thanks for all the comments
Georgina - BTW - what is the PETA crowd ?
hahaha - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals = PETA
I'm all for animals rights, but I don't get too extreme.
I'm always afraid of talkin' about huntin' and stuff on here for those who might be appalled. I've heard of coon dogs, deer dogs, rabbit dogs, bear dogs, but never pig dogs. Good eatin' I'm sure.
Vicki - don't let the fear hold you back.
We have an abundance of wild hogs over here in South Texas. It is legal to shoot to keep them thinned out or they can really destroy the pasture. Our son's ranch if you would like to take a peek. Carl
www.wintersranches.com
Never thought much about wild hogs on Maui. You do need to be careful that they don't get you with their fangs.
Car and Ceil - You're right about that - they can mess up a dog! thanks for the link, I'll check it out.
Georgina - wow, great shots! The last time I had wild pig was in Germany and it was fantastic!!!!!
Well, all the questions I had in my mind, you answered in the post. I was concerned about the dogs vs those tusks! I can understand the need to reduce the popuation though.
Thanks again for posting to the Things to Do/Places to Visit group =)
That is pretty cool that the hunter's themselves found this post. More cajones than me taking one of those buggas down with a knife.
BJ - You snuck by me again.... and Lisa too.... thanks for commenting.
JN - You da man! Thanks for coming by and leaving your positive feedback. Go get 'em!
Pete - Maybe you should go sometime?