Male wild boar are typically 4-5 feet in length and stand approximately 2 1/2 feet high at the shoulders.
Males tip the scales anywhere from 250 to 400 pounds, but sows are a bit smaller at 150-200 pounds. Although sows typically do not breed until they are 18 months old, it has been documented that they can start producing offspring when they are as young as 6 months of age. Litters are born in the fall and spring, with spring being peak farrowing time. Litter size averages from four to six young, but as many as 10-13 young can be born.
Probably the most recognizable characteristics of wild boar are their razor-sharp tusks. These continuously growing, modified canine teeth are present in both males and females. In males, the upper tusks are bent upwards and grind against the lower tusks, which keeps them razor sharp.
Wild hogs normally can be found in hardwood forests, where they are not far from their favorite food, acorns. However, they can be found from coastal marshes to mountainsides and all points in between. They can be found in almost every county in Mississippi, from the southern pinelands all the way up to the alluvial flats of the Delta.
If you’ve ever walked through the woods where a family of hogs stays, you will understand. Hogs compete with deer and other wildlife for food. Hogs love acorns. Hogs like to wallow, and root and destroy the earth. It’s just their nature, but they are quite a nuisance in some areas of the state, and they populate at an alarming rate.
Editor’s Note: This story appears as part of a feature in Mississippi Sportsman’s August issue now on newsstands. To ensure you don’t miss any information-packed issues of the magazine, click here to have each issue delivered right to your mail box.
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