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Suncoast Pasco News

Hog Hunt Permits Available Through Nov. 3

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: October 15, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - Hog hunt permits are now available online from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

Prospective hunters can purchase the $50 permits by going via the SWFWMD Web site until the deadline at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, district spokeswoman Robyn Felix reports. Maps are available through the Web site.

The cost is $50 for each permit, which will be issued on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Hog hunts will be held the Starkey Wilderness Preserve Jan. 22-25 and March 3-6.

In East Pasco, the hunts at Upper Hillsborough, Alston Tract are scheduled for Feb. 6-8 and Feb. 20-22.

The Conner Preserve hunts will be Feb. 18-20.

Only selected hunters will be allowed on the properties during these dates.

Wild hogs are not native to Florida and are believed to have been introduced by explorer Hernando DeSoto as early as 1539. They can weigh more than 150 pounds and travel in herds of several females and their offspring.

Wild hogs live throughout Florida in various habitats, but prefer moist forests and swamps, as well as pine flat woods. They are omnivorous and feed by rooting with their broad snouts, which can cause extensive damage to the natural habitats. In fact, they can leave an area looking like a plowed field.

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