Unfortunately, what Steve357 describes is the truth. The Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR, not WMA) in south Arkansas probably holds the greatest concentration of feral hogs in a state whose college mascot is the Razorback. These hogs are many, many generations removed from the slop pen and are as wild as any hog anywhere. Whether or not their hair is split or if their ancestors were communist I don't know, but they get big and tough, up to 300+lbs with 2+" of gristle plate and 3-4" tushes. I do know some outfitters sell hunts for Russians in fences in MO and MS, so they can make it here. The F&WS advertises hog hunting for this refuge, and since they are not considered game, there is no regulated season in the state. At the same time, the NWR regulations read that hogs may only be hunted during open game season and only with weapons legal for the game that has an open season at that time on the NWR. And since there is only a very limited number of rifle permits allotted to hunt deer for a very short time there, only weapons legal for furbearers, small game and watefowl (shotguns w/ steel shot, rimfires, archery) are what can be used on hogs. I have never taken hog in Felsenthal, but I know many who have. I grew up in the area and have duck hunted there extensively for almost 20 years. My in-laws have taken around a dozen hogs off the refuge, most in the 100-150 lb range, with at least a couple around 250. In addition, they have taken another dozen or so off nearby timber company land their deer lease is on in the same size range. In almost all cases, a Winchester 9422 Magnum was used. Almost all people I know in the area that hunt hogs use a 22 magnum. Is it ideal? No. Does it work? Yes, and surprisingly well I might add. I verified that less than 20% of the hogs I mentioned needed more than a single shot or got more than 40 yards after the first shot and that none were lost. I was told that the hogs taken with the rimfire generally died faster than the couple taken during deer season (off NWR) with a 30-06. I know it doesn't seem to make sense based on paper ballistics and reports of hogs lost to 7mags, and with the school of thought on this board that african rifles are needed for hogs, but it is fact, not theory, and is how it is has been done there for some time. I do know they are rarely, if ever, hunted by men wearing berets :grin:
