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Feral Hogs
Feral Hogs
Feral Hogs are responsible for extensive amounts of damage to:
Agriculture
Farm/Crops
Pastures
Roads and Equipment areas
Soil
Water Sources
Other Wildlife and habitats
Carry Diseases
Reproduce Rapidly
Feral Hogs compete with other wildlife for food sources. They have been known to prey on whitetail fawns, young turkey poults and eggs, as well as quail and other small wildlife. Their rooting destroys agricultural and livestock farmland. They also destroy and contaminate water sources. Feral Hogs reach sexual maturity in 6-8 months and are able to reproduce 2-3 times per year having a litter of 4-12 piglets. In Southeast Alabama we are seeing more of the larger litters on Cotton and Peanut Farms.
WHITETAIL DEER
White-tailed deer are an important part of the environment, but too many deer can cause problems. A healthy property may support about 1 deer per 20-30 acres, depending on food, habitat, and land quality.
A good management goal is often around 1 buck for every 2-3 does. Too many does can cause deer numbers to grow too quickly and create more competition for food.
When properly managed, deer provide hunting opportunities, income for landowners, and value to the ecosystem. However, too many deer can damage crops, food plots, young trees, and native plants. Heavy browsing can also reduce food and cover needed by turkey, rabbits, birds, and other wildlife.
The goal is not to have the most deer possible, but to maintain a healthy deer herd that the land can support without harming agriculture or wildlife habitat.
TURKEY
Wild turkeys are an important part of the ecosystem and a popular game species. Unlike deer, turkey numbers are not usually managed by a simple “per-acre” goal. Healthy populations depend more on good nesting cover, insects for poults, open feeding areas, mature woods, and safe roosting trees.
A healthy turkey population should have enough hens successfully raising poults each year. Too many predators, poor nesting habitat, bad weather, and competition for food can lower turkey numbers.
Wild turkeys can benefit farms and forests by eating insects, seeds, and other natural foods. However, large groups may sometimes feed in fields or disturb newly planted areas.
The goal is to maintain quality habitat, healthy reproduction, and balanced predator pressure so turkey populations can remain strong for future generations.
COYOTE
Coyotes are highly adaptable predators found across the Southeast. They help control rodents, rabbits, and other small animals, but they can also negatively affect wildlife and livestock when their numbers are high.
Coyotes may prey on whitetail deer fawns, turkey nests and poults, small livestock, and other wildlife. Their impact is usually greatest during fawning and nesting seasons.
Coyotes also provide some benefits by eating rodents, carrion, and other animals that can become overabundant.
The goal is not necessarily to remove every coyote, but to use responsible predator management where coyotes are causing measurable problems for deer, turkey, livestock, or other wildlife.
Fall Line Wildlife Solutions
Fall Line Wildlife Solutions works to promote healthy, balanced wildlife populations and stronger habitats through responsible, science-based management. Our efforts focus on reducing damage caused by feral hogs and other problem wildlife, improving habitat for whitetail deer and wild turkey, managing predator impacts when necessary, and assisting farmers and landowners with protecting agricultural resources. Through wildlife monitoring, trapping, habitat improvement, education, and responsible population management, FLWS strives to protect farmland, conserve native wildlife, and create healthier ecosystems for future generations.
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