Since Michigan's greatest attributes are its natural ones and agriculture - my two favorite things so this is why I love Michigan so much.... feral hogs jeopardize both tremendously. So in the interest of getting the word out I have cut and pasted from a DNR Freq Asked Question sheet on their website.
Between racoon, squirrel, possum deer, birds and what not.....how many months of non-hunting season are there?
I would assume that in addition to the liberal policies below that any feral pig could be shot in self-defense with any CCW you have on hand (not that a handgun is going to work mind but if I were hiking and one was chasing me you can sure bet I'd try!) whether you had a hunting license or not.
What is a Feral Swine?
A Feral Swine is a free-ranging pig.
Is it legal to harvest a Feral Swine?
Yes, if you are legally hunting game during an open season (of any type) and see
a swine you may pursue that animal if you wish, following all the regulations of
the open season which you are hunting. For open seasons and regulations,
please view the most current Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.
What type of hunting license do I need to pursue Feral Swine?
A valid hunting license of any type is all that is needed.
When can I legally harvest a feral swine?
Any time during regular hunting hours and when actively night hunting Raccoon,
Opossum, Fox and Coyote. (Please be sure to follow all day and night hunting
regulations for the season in which you are hunting game. Refer to the current
Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide for details.)
What counties in Michigan are open to the taking of feral swine?
Houghton, Baraga, Marquette, Dickinson, Menominee, and Delta counties in the
Upper Peninsula. Emmet, Cheyboygan, Presque Isle, Antrim, Otsego,
Montmorency, Alpena, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona, Wexford, Roscommon,
Ogemaw, Iosco, Mason, Lake, Osceola, Clare, Gladwin, Arenac, Oceana,
Newaygo, Mecosta, Isabella, Midland, Bay, Montcalm, Gratiot, Saginaw, Tuscola,
Sanilac, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St Clair,
Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Livingston, Oakland, Kalamazoo, Calhoun,
Jackson, Washtenaw, Wayne, Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, Branch, Hillsdale,
Lenawee, and Monroe in the Lower Peninsula.
Can I shoot feral swine on private property?
Yes, as long as you have permission from the landowner and have a valid hunting
license of any type.
Can I shoot feral swine on Public land?
Yes, on public lands open to public hunting.
What can I use to shoot feral swine?
You can only carry with you the firearm or bow and arrows allowed for that open
season in which you are hunting. For a detailed listing of all the regulations,
please view the current Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.
Can I use dogs to pursue swine? If so, when and where?
Yes, except April 15 – July 15 (which is closed to use of dogs).
Can I use bait to lure swine?
No.
Can I shoot swine from a tree stand?
Yes, if you are bow hunting. Also, anyone who is hunting bear, deer, fox or
coyote with a firearm may shoot swine from a tree stand.
Can I use an artificial light to locate hogs at night?
Yes, within the night time predator (Raccoon, Opossum, Fox and Coyote) hunting
regulations, while engaged in these activities. For a detailed listing of these
regulations, please view the current Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide.
When I shoot or see a feral swine, who do I contact?
Department of Natural Resources: 517-336-5030 or email
brownkr@michigan.gov; Department of Agriculture: 1-800-292-3939 and press
"4" for the Animal Industry Division or USDA Wildlife Services: 517-336-1928.