Examining the monetary risks and rewards for the anthropogenic spread of wild hogs
Date
2014-09
Authors
Caudell, Joe N., speaker
Welch, Katelyn, speaker
Dowell, Emily, speaker
Higginbotham, Billy, moderator
International Wildlife Ranching Symposium, producer
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Wild hogs (Sus scrofa) are an invasive, exotic species that have spread through much of the US through anthropogenic means. Many states have laws and regulations with the intent of reducing the illegal importation, introduction, and establishment of wild swine populations. However, in many cases, these laws have been ineffectual for stopping the anthropogenic spread of wild swine. To assess the risk for moving wild hogs, we examined various wild hog-related laws throughout the US and assessed the potential reward for their illegal movement. We found that fines ranged from 0 to > $10,000, with the mean minimum fine of $497 a mean maximum fine of $2578. The average number of years in jail for the release or possession of wild hogs was .65 years. The mean cost of a single-day hunting trip was $500; however, this varied widely among states. In many cases, the potential rewards for releasing wild hogs far outweighed the monetary risk from getting caught. States with few or no wild hogs and weak laws and/or fine are at a substantial risk for the illegal importation of wild hogs. In many cases, the risk of getting caught and having to pay a low fine is far outweighed by the money and opportunity costs saved by being able to hunt hogs in their own state. To reduce the potential for the spread of wild hogs, agencies should concentrate on increasing monetary fines or increasing the perceptions that this illegal activity will be successfully prosecuted.
Description
Moderator: Billy Higginbotham.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Video presenter: Joe Caudell.
Presented at the 8th international congress for wildlife and livelihoods on private and communal lands: livestock, tourism, and spirit, that was held on September 7-12, 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado.
Video presenter: Joe Caudell.
Rights Access
Subject
Wildlife management -- Congresses
Range management -- Congresses