Texas Legislature Approves Hog Hunting From Aircraft

The Texas legislature has approved a bill that allows hunters to shoot feral pigs from helicopters, a measure the bill's sponsors say is necessary to cull the growing population of the animals.

When it was introduced last year, some Texas lawmakers thought it was a joke, and handed out "Pork Chopper" buttons at the capital. But with the population growing, and wild hogs starting to damage suburban lawns and even cemeteries, this year the bill made it to the Governor's desk. It is as yet unsigned.

Texas already allows landowners to hunt hogs from helicopters on their own property, but this legislation would open the practice to any licensed hunter in the state, according to a report in the New York Times. Legislators said the wild hogs cause up to $400 million in damage to agriculture every year. Even wildlife biologists at the Texas Parks and Wildlife department say the hunting is beneficial in controlling overpopulation.

Not to mention the meat is said to be pretty tasty.

Ranchers say the wild hogs are very destructive to property, and are "vicious." One told the New York Times that he has killed over 500 of the animals, which can weigh up to 600 pounds, on his property over the past three years ... 90 this year alone.

If the legislation is signed, local helicopter pilots expect a bump in business. They charge between $300 and $600 per hour for the hunting expeditions. However, safety is a big concern. One said the biggest issue is how people handle guns when they are aboard the aircraft.

FMI: www.capitol.state.tx.us