County in Southwest Florida to Open Preserves for Feral Hog Hunt

Officials in southwest Florida have approved opening county preserves for hunts for feral hogs.

The Lee County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve agreements with local hunting outfitters to bring clients to conservation land to target wild hogs.

The county already permits wild hog trapping on preserve land. From Oct. 1, 2014, through Sept. 30, 477 hogs were removed from county lands. Another 71 have been removed since Oct. 1.

The animals are considered an environmental nuisance. They are an invasive species that harm the natural habitat with their rooting and wallowing.

The outfitters will charge a fee of $250 per hunter, and the county will receive $25 per hunter for each hunt.

The hunts are expected to begin with 30 to 60 days.