Wild Hog Population By State: 2024 Trends [Statistics]

A common species of wild pig endemic to much of Eurasia and North Africa is the wild hog (Sus scrofa).They were introduced to several parts of the USA in the 1900s for the reason of sporting hunts.

Neighbors of domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus), wild hogs interbred and escaped from farms to become one of the nation’s most invasive species via mating with feral animals.

Nowadays, when referring to colonies of pigs (wild or feral) living in the wild, the phrases “wild hog,” “feral pig,” and “feral swine” are used interchangeably. These are the current wild hog populations according to state trends, which are attempted to be controlled and eradicated by most authorities.

Key Facts

• If states that did not provide census or population density statistics are excluded, the estimated number of wild pigs in the USA is between 7 and 7.6 million.
• With an estimated 2.6 million wild pigs, Texas has the highest population of any state in the United States.
• Colorado was the first state to completely eliminate invasive feral pigs in 2020. 16 more states have eliminated wild pigs in recent years.
• Despite being introduced in the 1950s, wild pigs have never developed a population in any state other than Alaska.
• An invasive non-native species are wild pigs. Under the right circumstances, an unchecked population may quadruple in size in just four months.

Jurisdiction	Estimated Wild Hog Population*	Wild Hog Sighting Frequency**
Alabama	255,000	Common
Alaska	0 (None)	Rare
Arizona	500 – 1,000	Rare
Arkansas	200,000	Common
California	400,000	Common
Colorado	0 (None)	Rare
Connecticut	0 (None)	Rare
Delaware	0 (None)	Rare
Florida	500,000	Common
Georgia	200,000 – 600,000	Common
Hawaii	Unknown	Common
Idaho	Unknown	Rare
Illinois	Unknown	Rare
Indiana	0 (None)	Rare
Iowa	52,000	Common
Kansas	400	Rare
Kentucky	Unknown	Common
Louisiana	700,000 – 900,000	Common
Maine	0 (None)	Rare
Maryland	0 (None)	Rare
Massachusetts	0 (None)	Rare
Michigan	Unknown	Common
Minnesota	0 (None)	Rare
Mississippi	500,000	Common
Missouri	100,000	Common
Montana	Unknown	Increasing
Nebraska	Unknown	Rare
Nevada	Unknown	Common
New Hampshire	200 – 400	Common
New Jersey	1,000	Common
New Mexico	500,000	Common
New York	Unknown	Common
North Carolina	100,000	Common
North Dakota	0 (None)	Rare
Ohio	1,000	Rare
Oklahoma	750,000	Common
Oregon	2,000 – 5,000	Common
Pennsylvania	3,000	Common
Rhode Island	0 (None)	Rare
South Carolina	150,000	Common
South Dakota	0 (None)	Rare
Tennessee	Unknown	Common
Texas	2,600,000	Common
Utah	0 (None)	Rare
Vermont	0 (None)	No sightings
Virginia	200 – 500	Rare
Washington	0 (None)	Rare
West Virginia	Unknown	Common
Wisconsin	0 (None)	No sightings
Wyoming	0 (None)	No sightings

Estimates of the number of wild hogs were obtained from the Game and Fish or Wildlife Departments in the pertinent states, as well as reports from governmental authorities, academic publications, news sources, and other official sources that are referenced in the article. As of January 2023, all information is accurate and should only be used as a guide. At any moment, pertinent authorities may update the census data.

** Estimates of the frequency of sightings are based on information that locals, visitors, and hunters in each state provide to government departments and agencies. They are meant to be used as a guide only and are not a measure of population density.

Wild Hog Population Trends By State:

Alabama

• • Estimated population size: 255,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. A valid hunting licence and a permission or license for the management area will be required.
  • Hunting season: Year-round.

One of the states in the Heart of Dixie where you might readily encounter these creatures is Alabama, home to an estimated 255,000 wild pigs.

However lesser populations may be found in 35 other wildlife management areas across the state, the Lowndes WMA in Central Alabama has the greatest density per acre, according to the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

There is no bag limit for year-round hunting of wild or feral hogs. Licensing is required for hunters to pursue these species on public land, but not for those who harvest them on private property. Relocating and live-trapping pigs from the harvest place is illegal.

Alaska

• • Estimated population size: 0
  • Hunting permitted: No

Alaska is the only state out of the 50 that has never experienced problems with this invasive species and is among the states without a sustainable wild hog population.

In the 20th century, private people tried to bring wild pigs to Alaska, but the unfavorable environment kept the population from growing. In addition to wild hogs, raccoons were another unsuccessful game transplant in Alaska.

Arizona

• Estimated population size: 500 to 1,000
• Hunting permitted: No laws or regulations

Arizona was among the states without a wild pig population until recently. It was recently established that there is a tiny wild hog population in the state. Experts believe that there are between 500 and 1,000 wild pigs in all, distributed over four counties.

Although there are no explicit management restrictions in the Grand Canyon State, feral pigs are seen as a nuisance. It is possible to go hunting on private property.

Arkansas

• • Estimated population size: 200,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round

In Arkansas, their are said to be 200,000 wild pigs. Similar to Arizona, this state uses a range of management techniques to deal with feral pigs, viewing them as a nuisance.

The state’s Feral Hog Eradication Task Force eliminated almost 30,000 hogs in 2021 alone. On the other hand, the government urges hunters to cooperate in order to help eradicate as many pigs as possible.

On private property, hunting is allowed year-round, day or night, and without a hunting license. Only during the day is it permitted to hunt on public grounds, and a valid license is needed. Live pigs are not permitted to be transported or owned, but there is no bad limit.

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California

• • Estimated population size: 400,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. You must have a current hunting license and a wild hog identification.
  • Hunting season: Year-round

California is home to over 400,000 wild hogs, which are categorized as game animals. In all counties, the season is open all year round with no bag restriction.

However, hunters also require a wild pig tag in addition to a current hunting license. In many regions, hunting on private land may be permitted without a license; however, you should first confirm this with the local Game and Fish Department.

Colorado

• Estimated population size: 0
• Hunting permitted: Yes
• Hunting season: Season closed

All 50 states classify wild hogs as invasive species, and Colorado was the first to successfully exterminate the wild hog population in 2020. State representatives and hunters collaborated on the task, with the hunters having authority to shoot the pigs on sight during the open season.

Despite their ongoing extermination from Colorado, wild pigs remain illegal game and are still subject to hunting permits.

Of course, the wild hog season is closed at this time because there are no feral pigs remaining in the state.

Connecticut 

• Estimated population size: 0
• Hunting permitted: No

The Constitution State worked closely with Colorado to limit the feral hog population, and it was successful in doing so. In Connecticut, wild pigs are extinct now. State police were authorized to shoot any hog they came across in order to stop them from invading.

But Connecticut never let hunters to kill the pigs.

In this state, wild pigs are included in a wide category alongside other mammals, such as moose and black bears, and are considered non-game animals.

Delaware

• • Estimated population size: 0
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Fall; Winter

Delaware does not currently have a wild hog breeding population, nor does the state intend to allow one to grow.

Delaware allows shooting of wild or feral hogs during the deer season, given the rising number of reports of sightings of these animals throughout the state.

For deer hunting, the same regulations apply, meaning that licenses must be current. hogs are exempt from both bags restrictions and identification requirements.

Florida

• • Estimated population size: 500,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. needs a current hunting license to be used on public land.
  • Hunting season: Year-round

The wild hog population in Florida is growing. Official estimates place the number of animals in the state at about 500,000, however there may be more.

Although certain native species are in competition with this destructive and invasive species for resources, wild pigs actually benefit the state’s hunting economy.

All year long, the season is open. Hunting for pigs on private land does not require a valid hunting license, but it is required to hunt in wildlife management areas. Feral pigs can be hunted or trapped on private land year-round, day or night, with the landowner’s consent.

Georgia

• • Estimated population size: 200,000 to 600,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. must have a current hunting license to hunt on public land.
  • Hunting season: Year-round

Another state where wild hog populations are growing is Georgia. In an effort to reduce their population, the Wildlife Department believes that there are between 200,000 and 600,000. Hunting is permitted year-round with no bag limit.

Georgia permits feral hog hunting on both public and private properties, just like Florida does. On private properties, there are few restrictions and permission requirements. Hunters are free to use any authorized weapon. Additionally, no hunting license is necessary on private property.

However, hunters need to have a current license in order to hunt on federal lands or wildlife management areas. In this instance, hunting pigs is only permitted during open seasons for other species, and hunters are only permitted to use weapons that have been licensed for that particular season.

Hawaii

• • Estimated population size: Unknown
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round

One state that doesn’t worryabout invasive or harmful animal species is Hawaii. For example, the island is devoid of bears, coyotes, and mountain lions.

However, feral pigs abound. Hawaii has so many wild hogs—it’s hard to say how many exactly—that the state opened a year-round open hunting season.

There are little limitations other from the need for a current hunting license, which applies to both citizens and non-residents. Hogs of either gender may be taken, and there is no bag restriction.

Idaho

• • Estimated population size: Unknown
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Hunting or trapping license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round

The sole description of Idaho’s feral hog population is “not sizable.” The number of wild pigs in the state is unknown, but one thing is for sure—they aren’t regarded as wildlife.

There are therefore no rules or regulations governing their hunting. This implies that, if you’re hunting on public property, you can use the authorized weapons to hunt or trap them all year long throughout other open seasons. On private territory, any kind of weapon may be used.

Illinois 

• • Estimated population size: Unknown
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: During firearm deer season.

Numerous times, the wild swine population in Illinois has been referred to be the most dangerous and invasive species. State officials permit feral hog shooting during the rifle deer season in an effort to manage it.

In this state, hunters are only permitted to use firearms authorized for deer hunting in order to take a feral hog. They also need to make sure the hog isn’t just an escaped animal but a true wild.

It is against the law to capture, move, or release wild pigs on public or private property. Furthermore, it is forbidden to hunt wild hogs inside such boundaries.

Indiana

• • Estimated population size: 0
  • Hunting permitted: Yes, on private land only
  • Hunting season: Year-round

Indiana has no wild hogs, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The department acknowledges the species as invasive, notwithstanding this.

Therefore, the law permits year-round feral hog hunting on private property even in the absence of an open season for wild hog hunting. On that private property, feral pigs may be shot or trapped without a hunting license or permit by landowners, tenants, or anyone else with written permission from the landowner.

Transporting or releasing trapped animals on any other property or into the wild is prohibited, thus they must be put down right away at the trap site or put to death.

Iowa

• • Estimated population size: 52,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round 

With only 52,000 animals, the feral hog population in Iowa is rather tiny and has only recently been formed.

For this reason, wild hogs are not game in this state. Although the state permits feral hog hunting on public lands in locations where hunting is often allowed for other animals, there are no formal hunting laws or restrictions in place.

Only firearms authorized for that particular season may be used by hunters, and they must possess a current small game license.

Kansas

• Estimated population size: 400
• Hunting permitted: No, except on private land

With about 400 animals left in the wild, Kansas has one of the lowest numbers of feral pigs in the United States. Wild pigs used to be abundant throughout the state, nevertheless.

Kansas outlawed the killing of feral hogs in order to effectively manage and eradicate the population. By doing this, the state avoids unauthorized imports from other states, which may spiral out of hand.

On private property, it is still legal to shoot wild hogs. If feral pigs are bothering landowners or renters, they can kill them at any time of year, day or night, with any authorized weapon.

Kentucky 

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: No

To combat this invasive species, Kentucky followed Kansas’ lead and adopted a similar regulation. While the precise number of wild hogs in Kentucky is unknown, killing them is prohibited by law, and sightings and damage reports are encouraged.

It is legal for landowners to remove hogs that are causing damage to their property or endangering their animals or pets. Nonetheless, wild pigs are not regarded as game species by the state.

Louisiana

• • Estimated population size: 700,000 to 900,000
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round

In contrast to Kansas and Kentucky, the Pelican State handles an uncontrollable circumstance. Estimates put Louisiana’s wild hog population between 700,000 and 900,000, making it one of the largest in the nation.

In all wildlife management areas where hunting is allowed, the state not only permits year-round wild hog hunting, but state authorities actively participate in efforts to reduce the population.

For example, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries collected 213,300 animals with hunters between 2019 and 2020.

Maine

• Estimated population size: 0
• Hunting permitted: No

The Wildlife Department is aware of no established breeding population of wild hogs in Maine, assuming any exist at all. Sightings do occur, though, and the state officials are worried about these pests becoming established in the area.

However, wild pigs are not considered game animals in Maine, and hunting them is prohibited on public lands.

Feral pigs may be shot by landowners year-round, but not for recreational purposes. A hog may only be removed if it has caused damage to the property and there is sufficient evidence that it is not an escaped animal.

Maryland

• Estimated population size: 0
• Hunting permitted: No

Like Maine, Maryland does not have a wild swine breeding population. In this state, wild pigs are not classified as game animals and cannot be hunted.

The sole exemption is when someone shoots a wild hog on private property, much like in Maine. Though tales of sightings are infrequent, most of them turn out to be escaped domestic pigs.

Massachusetts 

• • Estimated population size: 0
  • Hunting permitted: Yes. Valid hunting license required
  • Hunting season: Year-round

According to experts, there are no established breeding populations of wild pigs in Massachusetts, which raises concerns about their population size. However, wild pigs have occasionally been seen and occasionally even killed while traveling.

Like coyotes, wild hogs are classified as invasive and nuisance species in Massachusetts. Although official rules and regulations are still pending, it is anticipated that wild pigs will be subject to the same laws already in effect for coyotes.

It is probable that hunters will have unrestricted access to harvest them throughout the year, provided they possess a valid hunting license.

Michigan

• Estimated population size: Unknown
• Hunting permitted: No

Although the precise number of wild hogs in Michigan is unclear, the state views these invading animals as a problem.

The state first permitted shooting of wild hogs in an effort to reduce their population. But all this accomplished was to free the animals from farms or import them illegally, giving game ranch owners enormous profits from sports shooting.

Since they were outlawed, most of Michigan’s wild hog population has vanished. Today, they are limited to 3 of the state’s eighty-three counties.