I think the wild hogs were, in the beginning, around for at least forty years, but there weren't that many. As people migrated away, the wild hogs spread and took over where people left. I should say they are "
feral" hogs, and I'd be more accurate. One thing I'd differ on in that article is that I wouldn't approach any wild
or feral hog unless I was carrying a 30.06 rifle. As fond as I am of my antique .22 that was given to me by my dad when I was old enough and responsible enough, it just wouldn't do the job against a hog, not even if I was using long rifle shells (in contrast to the shorts that were good enough for rabbits.)