The heart of the issue: Why Hogs Descend on Deer Feeders
Understanding Their Behavior
Wild hogs are incredibly resourceful and adaptable animals, thriving in a diverse range of habitats. Their opportunistic nature and insatiable appetites make them constant seekers of food. And that’s exactly why deer feeders become a prime target. Understanding their behavior is the first step in effectively deterring them.
Hogs are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They are not picky eaters and will consume just about anything available. Their diet includes roots, acorns, insects, fruits, and, crucially, the corn, protein pellets, and other attractants you use to feed deer. Deer feeders provide an incredibly easy and concentrated food source, making them irresistible to these creatures. Hogs have a powerful sense of smell, allowing them to detect feed from a considerable distance, and they are incredibly persistent in their pursuit of sustenance.
Negative Impacts of Hog Infestation
The negative impacts of a hog infestation around your deer feeder are numerous and significant. Firstly, they consume the feed meant for deer, depriving your target species of vital resources. This can lead to poorer antler development, reduced fawn survival rates, and overall decreased deer population health. Furthermore, hogs are notorious for damaging feeders, frequently flipping them over, breaking legs, or chewing on components in an attempt to access the feed. This damage can lead to costly repairs or the need for complete feeder replacement. Hogs also wallow in the mud and root up the ground around the feeder, creating unsightly and potentially hazardous conditions.
Beyond the immediate effects on your feeding program, hogs can also pose health risks. They are known carriers of various diseases, including swine brucellosis, pseudorabies, and even foot-and-mouth disease, which can be transmitted to both deer and other livestock. Controlling hog access to your feeder is therefore a crucial step towards safeguarding the health of your deer herd and minimizing potential disease outbreaks.
Physical Defenses: Building Barriers Against Hogs
Feeder Design and Placement
One of the most effective approaches to hog control centers on creating physical barriers that prevent them from accessing your deer feeder. This requires strategic planning and the right tools.
Feeder design and placement play a pivotal role. A well-designed and strategically placed feeder can go a long way in deterring hogs. Elevated feeders are particularly effective, especially those with legs extending to a significant height, typically six to eight feet. This height makes it difficult, if not impossible, for hogs to reach the feed dispensing mechanism. The overhang of the feeder, including the feeding platform, should be designed to minimize accessibility from below. Choose feeders made of durable materials, such as galvanized steel or heavy-duty plastic, as these can withstand the relentless abuse that hogs often inflict. Avoid thin, flimsy plastic feeders that can be easily broken.
The location of your feeder is just as critical. Place your feeder in an area that is less attractive to hogs, such as in a clearing or an open area. Hogs often prefer cover, so avoid placing feeders near dense brush or thickets where they can easily hide and approach undetected. Consider placing feeders along existing trails used by deer, ensuring that the deer are the primary beneficiaries of the food source.
Fencing Solutions
Fencing offers another robust solution. Numerous fencing options are available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Hog wire fencing is a reliable choice, constructed with closely spaced vertical and horizontal wires to prevent hogs from squeezing through. Electric fencing, especially solar-powered electric fencing, can be highly effective. Hogs are deterred by the electric shock, and they quickly learn to avoid the fence. When erecting an electric fence, ensure the wires are properly grounded and that the voltage is sufficient to deliver a strong deterrent.
Proper fence construction is vital for success. The fence should be tall enough (typically 36 to 48 inches) to prevent hogs from simply jumping over it, and the wire should be buried sufficiently deep (6 to 12 inches) to prevent them from digging under it. Consider angling the fence outwards at the top to make it even harder for hogs to climb. Leave sufficient distance between the feeder and the fence to allow the deer to access the feed without touching the electric wires. Use gates or strategically placed gaps that deer can easily pass through but hogs cannot. Regularly inspect and maintain your fencing to ensure it remains effective.
Other Physical Deterrents
Other physical deterrents can augment your defense. Motion-activated sprinklers can surprise and startle hogs, encouraging them to move on. These sprinklers can be strategically placed around the feeder to detect and deter approaching animals. Spike strips, though controversial and potentially harmful to deer if not carefully placed, can be used in specific areas around the feeder to discourage hog access. Ensure that any spike strip placement is considerate of deer trails and does not pose a risk to them.
Employing Odor-Based Deterrents
Commercial Hog Repellents
Harnessing the power of scent can also be a valuable strategy in hog management. Odor-based deterrents utilize smells that hogs find unpleasant, encouraging them to stay away from the targeted area.
Commercial hog repellents are readily available on the market. These repellents often contain ingredients that hogs dislike, such as putrescent egg solids, capsaicin (the active compound in chili peppers), or predator urine. Research various options and choose one that is proven to be effective in your area and suitable for the type of feed you are using. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, and reapply the repellent as needed, typically every few weeks or after heavy rainfall. Be sure to select repellents safe for deer.
Natural Odor Deterrents
Beyond commercial products, you can explore natural odor deterrents. Hogs are known to dislike certain smells, such as those of specific herbs and strong scents. Examples could include certain essential oils or extracts. However, the efficacy of these natural deterrents can vary, and thorough research is critical. Some natural deterrents might also repel deer, so carefully consider the potential impact on your target species. Test any natural deterrent on a small scale before applying it widely.
Implementing Additional Tactics for Effective Hog Management
Feeding Schedule and Amount
The strategies discussed so far are just the primary tactics. Additional tactics can also improve your results.
Adjusting the amount of feed can also play a part. Avoid over-feeding, as excess feed can attract hogs and other unwanted animals. Regularly monitor the amount of feed consumed and adjust your feeding program accordingly. Consider using a timed feeder, which dispenses feed at specific times throughout the day. This can help to ensure that the feed is available only during the times when deer are most active and help to avoid attracting hogs.
Maintaining Cleanliness
Maintaining cleanliness is crucial for keeping hogs away. Regularly clean up any spilled feed around the feeder, as this can attract hogs and other pests. Remove any other potential attractants from the area, such as fallen fruit or other food sources that hogs might be drawn to.
Legal Considerations
Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding hog control. Some areas may have hunting seasons or trapping regulations in place to manage hog populations. Understanding and complying with these regulations is crucial for responsible and effective hog control. The potential for trapping may be a significant tool in your overall plan.
Maintenance and Adaptability
Regular inspection of your feeders, fences, and other deterrents is essential. This includes checking for any damage, ensuring that electric fences are working correctly, and reapplying repellents as needed. Vigilance is key to maintaining a successful hog control program.
Continual evaluation is vital. Note which methods prove most effective in your specific situation. Observe hog behavior and adjust your strategies as needed. This adaptability is key to staying ahead of the hogs.
In Conclusion: Securing Your Deer Feeding Program
Keeping hogs away from your deer feeder requires a proactive and multifaceted approach. By understanding the behavior of hogs, implementing physical barriers and deterring them through odor control and consistent maintenance, you can protect your deer feeding program. The best approach is usually a combination of methods. Consistent effort, strategic thinking, and vigilance are essential for success. Implement these strategies and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are taking steps to protect your deer resources and maximize your hunting or wildlife viewing experience. This will contribute to a healthier deer population and a more enjoyable and rewarding experience for you.
