Author Topic: How Many?? (Read 792 times)

Lawdog · « **on:** September 02, 2005, 09:43:25 AM »

There is a pond about 200 yards from where I am staying and a number of different animals come to drink. Blacktail Deer, Merriam Turkeys, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Coyotes, etc. not to mention a hugh flock of Mountain Quail. Among them is a number of Wild Boar(more than 50 of them have been there a number of times). This morning just at day break a big sow showed up with her litter in tow. ALL 16 OF THEM. I watched them for over 30 minutes before they wandered off back into the brush. I know a goodly number of those that post here know a heck of a lot more about Wild Boar than I do so what I want to know this, Is a litter this large uncommon in the wild? First time I have seen a sow in the wild with a litter this large. Lawdog

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** September 02, 2005, 10:44:35 AM »

Experts who have studied hogs in the wild say the average litter is about four with six being pretty much an upper limit for the most part. The reason we often see more with a sow is that a single sow will often be caring for more than her own pigs. Dunno. Seems logical. For sure I don't believe a single sow especially in the wild has ever had sixteen in her own litter.

FWiedner · « **Reply #2 on:** September 02, 2005, 02:31:00 PM »

Another factor to consider is that it is not unusual to see a sow with not only her most recent litter tagging along behind, but with the litter previous to that as well.

A sow will breed, ..what?... 3 times a year?

4 - 6 piglets in a litter...

Adds up.

Lawdog · « **Reply #3 on:** September 03, 2005, 11:09:39 AM »

Graybeard,

Maybe the old gal was caring for anothers litter but all the little ones were about the same size. There was another sow with hers in tow but she only had 5 and they were quite a bit bigger. I had a lot of fun watching those little ones playing around while momma was busy eating and drinking. Just seemed strange to see so many after seeing all the predators in this area. Although after seeing the 3 BIG old Boars(the leader looked to be about 275+ lbs., rangy with tusks over 6 inches) with them I would think twice about trying to pick off a little one. Lawdog

PEPAW · « **Reply #4 on:** September 06, 2005, 03:41:04 AM »

I have seen lots of sows with pigs, but never more than about 7-8. I bet you saw a sow caring for two litters. The other sow must have had an "accident". Apparently baby pigs can survive on their own very soon after being orphaned, if they escape the predators.
The old saying down here in TX is that a sow has 8 babies and manages to raise about 9 of them. :-) They seldom, if ever, lose a baby to a coyote or bobcat, but we do not have the larger predators.
If you can, I would begin thinning the herd ASAP. I shoot them on sight and enjoy the meat.

pepaw

Lawdog · « **Reply #5 on:** September 06, 2005, 11:16:50 AM »

PEPAW,

Quote

If you can, I would begin thinning the herd ASAP.

I have taken a few already from this spot and I am only waiting for the temperature to come down and I'll start taking some more. It is on private property and I do have permission from the owner to hunt there. Not very sporting though. Its only 200 yards at the farthest point from my travel trailer. I have a nice picnic table just outside the door that doubles as a bench rest when needed. But you are right about enjoying the meat. Those little ones that weight about 50 to 75 pounds are wonderful eating. Only thing is that one big Boar. A shoulder mount of him with those 6plus tusks sure will look great on the wall. Lawdog

PEPAW · « **Reply #6 on:** September 07, 2005, 09:13:56 AM »

Get close with a bow if you want sporting!

We had a discussion about tusks this weekend. Some of the TX Hill Country hogs have huge teeth. In East Central TX where we have killed several old boars, they never have good teeth. That boars of yours sounds like a good one.

A huge boar mount is mighty impressive. Hard to describe, but a shoulder mount of a big boar makes a real good buck look like Bambi!

pepaw

Lawdog · « **Reply #7 on:** September 07, 2005, 12:07:27 PM »

PEPAW,

Quote

Some of the TX Hill Country hogs have huge teeth. In East Central TX where we have killed several old boars, they never have good teeth.

Sounds like those boar in East Central Texas need to practice better dental hygiene. :-D :-D Have them get in touch with the Boars in the Hill Country for dental pointers. :-D Lawdog

PEPAW · « **Reply #8 on:** September 08, 2005, 04:25:56 AM »

LOL. Got me!
How old does a boar need to be to grow big teeth? Is it possible our boars are like our bucks and harvested too young?

pepaw

rockbilly · « **Reply #9 on:** September 08, 2005, 04:43:25 PM »

:roll: Now I know! I watched an old sow cross the creek on my place one afternoon, I counted 13 little pigs following her. She was about 300-350 pounds, I thought all the little pigs belonged to her, now I know she was only baby sitting for her sisters......She had several, 75-80 pound BBQ hogs with her, but there were no others in the group that appeared mature enough to be responsible for the little ones.