Population status of the wild pig (Sus scrota) and a management program on Fort Hunter Liggett, California were evaluated with emphasis on public hunting. A check station was utilized to collect biological data from hunter-killed pigs and to investigate hunter attitudes and experience. Field observations were made to supplement data obtained from hunting harvest. Hunting pressure increased and pig take generally decreased over the period 1968-1977. Success averaged one pig per 119 hunter days of effort. Most study area pigs were European phenotypes. Sex ratio of the take was 46 male : 54 female. Dressed weights for pigs of all ages were variable with means of 42.7 kg and 34.1 kg for males and females respectively. Adult males were significantly heavier than adult females. Detailed carcass measurements were recorded from 40 hunter-killed pigs. Forty-seven percent of the pigs taken during 1976-1977 were less than 10 months old. Few pigs older than 24 months were taken. Field observations of 104 pigs during 1977 revealed an average litter size of 5.2 and an adult : young ratio of 1 : 9.4. Oak grassland habitats were most important foraging areas. Conclusions include recognition of the need to investigate sport hunting as a means of controlling pig populations while utilizing their high reproductive potential. A statewide pig survey resulting in stratified pig density mapping is recommended along with an active research program and improved management policy.
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