I'll tell ya what Nic, you're probably a fine young man and a good hunter - but on this I'm thinking maybe kingwouldbe was right all along. 1. you just can't equate eyesight to intelligent, it's a hallow argument. 2. pigs have poor eyesight, it's that simple. 3. they have good hearing and exellent sense of smell. 4. I have no clue what you were writing about in post #20 - it's just not that coherent. 5. "orange vest and blue jeans"...pigs are colored blind. 6. Of course pigs will see you if you're moving - that's my point. Best wishes for continued success hunting in the islands - wish you would do some research on pigs, maybe for a school project. Maybe we'll hunt together some day - good luck.
- Thread starter Nic Barca
- Start date
Gentlemen:
I have access to a university research library and just did a bit of investigation on pig eyesight. Then I Googled and then I called a wildlife biologist. Here is what I came up with:
Pigs are thought to have poor eyesight relative to other wild game, such as deer, sheep, elk, etc. These other animals, compared to humans, have extraordinary eyesight. Compared to humans, the eyesight of pigs isn't so bad, but that is a relative term and I could find no quantitative data. Pigs do have excellent lateral vision compared to humans, meaning they can see to either side while looking directly ahead. Research is lacking on the micro-anatomy of the pig eye, specifically the lens, the retina, and the neurological structures associated with the eye. In other words, from a scientific standpoint, pig eyesight is a gray area.
Most of what is thought to be true about pig eyesight is anecdotal, meaning it is based upon the personal experience of people, their personal observations. From my experience as a researcher, anecdotal beliefs, even if they are shared by a majority of people, are notoriously suspect. It doesn't mean that they are wrong, but it does mean that there is such a wide range of personal beliefs on a subject such as pig eyesight that it's hard to come to a credible conclusion.
I'm no expert, but in the past 14 months I've shot 20 pigs, archery and rifle, and have encountered a hundred more. Here is what I believe, and this is strictly anecdotal and not worth any more than the opinion of another hunter whose views are different from mine: Pigs have better eyesight than many people generally believe. Their visual acuity, the ability to make out fine detail, is very limited. Their ability to spot movement, say a human moving 100 yards away, is a lot better than many hunters believe. I've had many, many pigs spook the moment I came into view or the moment I moved and they were often 50 to 100 yards away. There was no way they heard me and no way they smelled me, based upon wind and my silence at the time. I've had pigs mosey along 50 or 75 yards out in front of me, look up, focus their attention on me for a moment, and then wheel around and run away. Again, the wind was in my favor, but I was moving, ever so slightly.
For you Wilderness Unlimited guys, the one event that provides the most support for my belief that pig eyesight is not as bad as some people think took place at Cummings Ranch about 5 years ago. I was archery hunting, in full camo, and was standing absolutely still on the side of a hill, skylined, glassing the valley beneath. A pig trotted along a dirt road and stopped for a moment, looking up in my direction. I moved a step or two to get a better view. The pig immediately turned around and sprinted away. That distance, if I had to guess, was about 125 yards, wind in my favor.
It is very risky to take a position on anything controversial without having solid research to back you up. That's why everything in this post of mine is highly suspect and should carry no real weight. But in the absence of solid research, all you have to go on is your own experience. Mine is that pigs see better than many hunters realize and I will use that belief in my hunting strategies. Your experiences may be different and you other hunters should use your own experiences in strategizing your hunts.
I believe I am right on the matter of pig eyesight but I sure as heck could be wrong. If another person tells me that they have only anecdotal support for their personal belief, as I do for my personal belief, but then tell me that they are right and can't possibly be wrong, I simply shake my head and walk away.
This would make an interesting thread, the subject of pig eyesight. Interview a dozen top pig guides, guys who have years and years of hog hunting experience in all sorts of environments, everything from wide open spaces to thick jungle, and see what they have to say. I would guess that they will not come to a consensus on this matter.
Aloha for now. Gotta go get pig #21.
I have access to a university research library and just did a bit of investigation on pig eyesight. Then I Googled and then I called a wildlife biologist. Here is what I came up with:
Pigs are thought to have poor eyesight relative to other wild game, such as deer, sheep, elk, etc. These other animals, compared to humans, have extraordinary eyesight. Compared to humans, the eyesight of pigs isn't so bad, but that is a relative term and I could find no quantitative data. Pigs do have excellent lateral vision compared to humans, meaning they can see to either side while looking directly ahead. Research is lacking on the micro-anatomy of the pig eye, specifically the lens, the retina, and the neurological structures associated with the eye. In other words, from a scientific standpoint, pig eyesight is a gray area.
Most of what is thought to be true about pig eyesight is anecdotal, meaning it is based upon the personal experience of people, their personal observations. From my experience as a researcher, anecdotal beliefs, even if they are shared by a majority of people, are notoriously suspect. It doesn't mean that they are wrong, but it does mean that there is such a wide range of personal beliefs on a subject such as pig eyesight that it's hard to come to a credible conclusion.
I'm no expert, but in the past 14 months I've shot 20 pigs, archery and rifle, and have encountered a hundred more. Here is what I believe, and this is strictly anecdotal and not worth any more than the opinion of another hunter whose views are different from mine: Pigs have better eyesight than many people generally believe. Their visual acuity, the ability to make out fine detail, is very limited. Their ability to spot movement, say a human moving 100 yards away, is a lot better than many hunters believe. I've had many, many pigs spook the moment I came into view or the moment I moved and they were often 50 to 100 yards away. There was no way they heard me and no way they smelled me, based upon wind and my silence at the time. I've had pigs mosey along 50 or 75 yards out in front of me, look up, focus their attention on me for a moment, and then wheel around and run away. Again, the wind was in my favor, but I was moving, ever so slightly.
For you Wilderness Unlimited guys, the one event that provides the most support for my belief that pig eyesight is not as bad as some people think took place at Cummings Ranch about 5 years ago. I was archery hunting, in full camo, and was standing absolutely still on the side of a hill, skylined, glassing the valley beneath. A pig trotted along a dirt road and stopped for a moment, looking up in my direction. I moved a step or two to get a better view. The pig immediately turned around and sprinted away. That distance, if I had to guess, was about 125 yards, wind in my favor.
It is very risky to take a position on anything controversial without having solid research to back you up. That's why everything in this post of mine is highly suspect and should carry no real weight. But in the absence of solid research, all you have to go on is your own experience. Mine is that pigs see better than many hunters realize and I will use that belief in my hunting strategies. Your experiences may be different and you other hunters should use your own experiences in strategizing your hunts.
I believe I am right on the matter of pig eyesight but I sure as heck could be wrong. If another person tells me that they have only anecdotal support for their personal belief, as I do for my personal belief, but then tell me that they are right and can't possibly be wrong, I simply shake my head and walk away.
This would make an interesting thread, the subject of pig eyesight. Interview a dozen top pig guides, guys who have years and years of hog hunting experience in all sorts of environments, everything from wide open spaces to thick jungle, and see what they have to say. I would guess that they will not come to a consensus on this matter.
Aloha for now. Gotta go get pig #21.
Nic Barca
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Wow doc, I commend you on that commentary. Very well written and thought out.
I'm rushing to post every time. It's a busy day at school.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wild1 @ Mar 15 2007, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Wild1, I'm screeming at the top of my lungs as I say this, hahaha, no I'm kidding and am enjoying the debate:
1. Intelligence? ...I was thinking more along the lines of waryness, acuity of senses, and dificulty stalking. Don't know whether or not I said "intelligence" (you did) but that wasn't my intent if I did, sorry. I'm not gonna compare pigs to dogs. We chase them all the time with dogs and 9 out of 10 pigs certainly censes the dogs and slips away unnoticed (depending on the dog of course). Uncle Ji would be the one to talk to if you want to discuss pig intelligence. I'm sure we're on the same page though I feel your underestimating their eye sight, as most hunters do. So to recap, eye sight is poor, hearing is decent to good, and nose is excellent... compared to say, a deer.
2. I though I agreed ? "I'm not saying pigs have good eyesight. Most of the time it's poor for sure, but..." It's not that simple. I'm obviously a splitter and your a lumper.
3. yeah
4. That's the last time I'll rush writing a post
5. I know their color blind. ...or at least I've read so; the point was I was in solid colors and not camoflauge. I'm sure they saw me fine, or something like me, at 30 yards.
"That's also the reason why, in areas of heavy pressure, pigs have gone nocturnal - it doesn't matter much because they can't see any worse than during the day."-Wild1
I agree, that's certainly one of the reasons, but there's more. The temperatures are more comfortable and fewer hunters if any are out. That's all I could come up with off the top of my head but multiple causation certainly applies.
I suggest you re read my posts if you haven't done so already.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Wild1 @ Mar 15 2007, 02:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
Wild1, I'm screeming at the top of my lungs as I say this, hahaha, no I'm kidding and am enjoying the debate:
1. Intelligence? ...I was thinking more along the lines of waryness, acuity of senses, and dificulty stalking. Don't know whether or not I said "intelligence" (you did) but that wasn't my intent if I did, sorry. I'm not gonna compare pigs to dogs. We chase them all the time with dogs and 9 out of 10 pigs certainly censes the dogs and slips away unnoticed (depending on the dog of course). Uncle Ji would be the one to talk to if you want to discuss pig intelligence. I'm sure we're on the same page though I feel your underestimating their eye sight, as most hunters do. So to recap, eye sight is poor, hearing is decent to good, and nose is excellent... compared to say, a deer.
2. I though I agreed ? "I'm not saying pigs have good eyesight. Most of the time it's poor for sure, but..." It's not that simple. I'm obviously a splitter and your a lumper.
3. yeah
4. That's the last time I'll rush writing a post
5. I know their color blind. ...or at least I've read so; the point was I was in solid colors and not camoflauge. I'm sure they saw me fine, or something like me, at 30 yards.
"That's also the reason why, in areas of heavy pressure, pigs have gone nocturnal - it doesn't matter much because they can't see any worse than during the day."-Wild1
I agree, that's certainly one of the reasons, but there's more. The temperatures are more comfortable and fewer hunters if any are out. That's all I could come up with off the top of my head but multiple causation certainly applies.
I suggest you re read my posts if you haven't done so already.
My personal experiance in hunting pigs in Hawaii (do pigs vary from other areas?) the last 30 something years is that forest pigs seem to rely less on their eyesight more on their nose so ignore brief movement if you stay still and the wind is in your favor, BUT above treeline and in more open rolling hills where visibility can be 100s of yards these pigs rely more on their eyesight and will react to movement alot quicker even at distance than a rain forest pig. I believe rain forest pigs are used to movement and sounds (walking) of other pigs even if out of clear sight that they shrug off these things as being natural. I believe the skittish pigs are usually the ones that grow to be big dominant boars by avoiding being shot making them also difficult to hunt. Pigs are extremely intelligent and that is why they are so adaptable to various terrain open or thick forest. My Lucille when she sees movement from a distance will react by coming towards the movement that movement usually being human expecting food (hope she never gets loose), but also she is easy to stalk and startle with the right wind condition.
The deer here I have found extremely difficult to stalk yet on my way back from work at 5 pm there was a heard of 50 deer right nest to the busy with rush hour Kula hwy. What's smarter pig or deer? Deer are harder to hunt but I still beleive the pig's IQ is superior to most if not all 4 legged critters. Just my experiance, your milage may vary.
The deer here I have found extremely difficult to stalk yet on my way back from work at 5 pm there was a heard of 50 deer right nest to the busy with rush hour Kula hwy. What's smarter pig or deer? Deer are harder to hunt but I still beleive the pig's IQ is superior to most if not all 4 legged critters. Just my experiance, your milage may vary.
Nic Barca
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For Immediate Release: November 1, 2005
DLNR Changes Start Date of Public Hunt
For Feral And Trespass Cattle
HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces that the opening for a feral and trespass cattle hunt only in the Hilo Watershed north of Saddle Road will be changed to Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2005. The original start date was Nov. 4, 2005.
This temporary extension will give ranchers further opportunity to recover trespass cattle from forest reserves. Access for wild cattle hunting will be from Saddle Road only. There will be no entry from adjacent ranch lands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed.
In the Hilo Forest Reserve watershed, cattle are a problem to natural resource managers, and their numbers, estimated at between 200-400, are sufficient to warrant a public cattle hunt
“Cattle pose a major threat to our native forests. They remove the native understory vegetation, which allows alien weeds to move in and take over the native forest,” says Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
"They lower the quality of our watersheds by removing native vegetation and compacting soils which results in increased surface runoff and less percolation through the soil,” he said.
“Our wildlife staff works with neighboring ranchers to remove their domestic cattle from the forest reserves and repair their fences to keep their cattle from re-entering the forest reserves. After the ranchers have removed what animals they can, DLNR staff will go in and remove the remaining animals.
Rules for the hunt are as follows:
1) Feral pigs may be hunted as usual.
2) The same rules as above apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be done only in the Hilo Watershed. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will begin on November 11, 2005 and continue each Saturday, Sunday and State holiday through November 2006, The daily bag limit for cattle is two per hunter per day.
3) Hunter checking stations will be posted with notices regarding the hunt. Hunters are reminded to check in and out, be accurate in recording their hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
4) There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
5) The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. (Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, 13-123-2 Definitions.)
6) Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Hilo at (808) 974-4221.
# # #
For more information, media contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407
DLNR Changes Start Date of Public Hunt
For Feral And Trespass Cattle
HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) announces that the opening for a feral and trespass cattle hunt only in the Hilo Watershed north of Saddle Road will be changed to Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2005. The original start date was Nov. 4, 2005.
This temporary extension will give ranchers further opportunity to recover trespass cattle from forest reserves. Access for wild cattle hunting will be from Saddle Road only. There will be no entry from adjacent ranch lands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed.
In the Hilo Forest Reserve watershed, cattle are a problem to natural resource managers, and their numbers, estimated at between 200-400, are sufficient to warrant a public cattle hunt
“Cattle pose a major threat to our native forests. They remove the native understory vegetation, which allows alien weeds to move in and take over the native forest,” says Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
"They lower the quality of our watersheds by removing native vegetation and compacting soils which results in increased surface runoff and less percolation through the soil,” he said.
“Our wildlife staff works with neighboring ranchers to remove their domestic cattle from the forest reserves and repair their fences to keep their cattle from re-entering the forest reserves. After the ranchers have removed what animals they can, DLNR staff will go in and remove the remaining animals.
Rules for the hunt are as follows:
1) Feral pigs may be hunted as usual.
2) The same rules as above apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be done only in the Hilo Watershed. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will begin on November 11, 2005 and continue each Saturday, Sunday and State holiday through November 2006, The daily bag limit for cattle is two per hunter per day.
3) Hunter checking stations will be posted with notices regarding the hunt. Hunters are reminded to check in and out, be accurate in recording their hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
4) There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
5) The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. (Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, 13-123-2 Definitions.)
6) Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife in Hilo at (808) 974-4221.
# # #
For more information, media contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407
Nic Barca
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STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FERAL AND TRESPASS CATTLE HUNT TO OPEN IN HILO WATERSHED
ISLAND OF HAWAII
Legal Notice DOFAW 05-18
Pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces the opening of a feral and trespass cattle hunt in the Hilo Watershed North of Saddle Road. Access for wild cattle hunting will be from the Saddle Road only. There will be no access from adjacent ranch lands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed without official permission from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and a valid permit. Following are the rules for the hunt:
Feral pigs may be hunted as usual. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Exhibit 11, Hunting Unit D.
The same rules as above apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be done only in the Hilo Watershed, with a bag limit of two (2) cattle per hunter per day, with no season limit. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will begin on November 5, 2005 and continue each Saturday, Sunday and state holiday through November 26, 2006.
Hunter checking stations will be posted with notices regarding the hunt. Currently licensed hunters are reminded to check in and out, be accurate in recording their hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, §13-123-2 (Definitions).
Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office in Hilo at 974-4221.
Done at Honolulu this ______ day of September 2005.
Peter T. Young, Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FERAL AND TRESPASS CATTLE HUNT TO OPEN IN HILO WATERSHED
ISLAND OF HAWAII
Legal Notice DOFAW 06-17
As authorized by Title 13, Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, and HRS 183-19, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announces an extension of the feral and trespass cattle hunt in the Hilo Watershed North of Saddle Road. Access for cattle hunting will be from the Saddle Road only. There shall be no access from adjacent ranchlands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed. Following are the rules for the hunt:
1. Feral pigs may be hunted as usual. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Exhibit 11, Hunting Unit D.
2. Unit D rules cited above will apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be conducted only in the Hilo Watershed. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will be extended from November 26, 2006 and will continue each Saturday, Sunday and state holiday from December 2, 2006 through November 30, 2008. The daily bag limit is two per hunter per day, no season limit.
3. Hunter checking stations are posted with notices regarding the hunt. Hunters are reminded to check in and out, accurately record hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
4. There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
5. The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, §13-123-2 Definitions.
6. Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office in Hilo, telephone number: 974-4221.
Done at Honolulu this ______ day of October 2006.
Peter T. Young, Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FERAL AND TRESPASS CATTLE HUNT TO OPEN IN HILO WATERSHED
ISLAND OF HAWAII
Legal Notice DOFAW 05-18
Pursuant to Title 13, Chapter 123, “Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting,” the Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces the opening of a feral and trespass cattle hunt in the Hilo Watershed North of Saddle Road. Access for wild cattle hunting will be from the Saddle Road only. There will be no access from adjacent ranch lands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed without official permission from the Division of Forestry and Wildlife and a valid permit. Following are the rules for the hunt:
Feral pigs may be hunted as usual. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Exhibit 11, Hunting Unit D.
The same rules as above apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be done only in the Hilo Watershed, with a bag limit of two (2) cattle per hunter per day, with no season limit. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will begin on November 5, 2005 and continue each Saturday, Sunday and state holiday through November 26, 2006.
Hunter checking stations will be posted with notices regarding the hunt. Currently licensed hunters are reminded to check in and out, be accurate in recording their hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, §13-123-2 (Definitions).
Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office in Hilo at 974-4221.
Done at Honolulu this ______ day of September 2005.
Peter T. Young, Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
STATE OF HAWAII
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
FERAL AND TRESPASS CATTLE HUNT TO OPEN IN HILO WATERSHED
ISLAND OF HAWAII
Legal Notice DOFAW 06-17
As authorized by Title 13, Chapter 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, and HRS 183-19, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announces an extension of the feral and trespass cattle hunt in the Hilo Watershed North of Saddle Road. Access for cattle hunting will be from the Saddle Road only. There shall be no access from adjacent ranchlands for hunting in the Hilo Watershed. Following are the rules for the hunt:
1. Feral pigs may be hunted as usual. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, Exhibit 11, Hunting Unit D.
2. Unit D rules cited above will apply to the feral and trespass cattle hunt, which will be conducted only in the Hilo Watershed. The feral and trespass cattle hunt will be extended from November 26, 2006 and will continue each Saturday, Sunday and state holiday from December 2, 2006 through November 30, 2008. The daily bag limit is two per hunter per day, no season limit.
3. Hunter checking stations are posted with notices regarding the hunt. Hunters are reminded to check in and out, accurately record hunting results and help keep the checking stations in good order.
4. There is no limit to the number of licensed hunters that may participate.
5. The “Hunter Assistant” may accompany a licensed hunter. Reference Ch. 123, Rules Regulating Game Mammal Hunting, §13-123-2 Definitions.
6. Questions regarding this feral and trespass cattle hunt may be directed to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife office in Hilo, telephone number: 974-4221.
Done at Honolulu this ______ day of October 2006.
Peter T. Young, Chairperson
Department of Land and Natural Resources
Nic Barca
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From The Star Bulletin November 3, 2005
Cattle hunt postponed for Hilo ranchers
Associated Press
The state has postponed open hunting of cattle in the Hilo watershed area until next week to give ranchers time to recover animals that might have trespassed in forest reserves.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources had originally scheduled the eradication effort to begin tomorrow.
The hunt will now start Nov. 11 and target feral and trespass cattle found above the city each weekend and state holiday through Nov. 26.
The state has worked with ranchers on the Big Island to fix their fences and remove wandering cattle from state forest reserves. But the estimated 400 cows in the area that stretches north from Saddle Road and along the slopes of Mauna Kea to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge are sufficient to warrant a public hunt, according to the department.
"Cattle pose a major threat to our native forests," DLNR Director Peter Young said Tuesday. "They remove the native understory vegetation, allowing alien weeds to move in and take over the native forest."
Each licensed hunter will be permitted to kill and remove two cattle a day, with no season limit. Access to the state land will be from Saddle Road, unless the hunter obtains a special permit from the state.
Public notices have been published informing people of trespassing cattle on state forest lands in Hilo, Hamakua, South Kona, Kohala and Kau.
Cattle hunt postponed for Hilo ranchers
Associated Press
The state has postponed open hunting of cattle in the Hilo watershed area until next week to give ranchers time to recover animals that might have trespassed in forest reserves.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources had originally scheduled the eradication effort to begin tomorrow.
The hunt will now start Nov. 11 and target feral and trespass cattle found above the city each weekend and state holiday through Nov. 26.
The state has worked with ranchers on the Big Island to fix their fences and remove wandering cattle from state forest reserves. But the estimated 400 cows in the area that stretches north from Saddle Road and along the slopes of Mauna Kea to Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge are sufficient to warrant a public hunt, according to the department.
"Cattle pose a major threat to our native forests," DLNR Director Peter Young said Tuesday. "They remove the native understory vegetation, allowing alien weeds to move in and take over the native forest."
Each licensed hunter will be permitted to kill and remove two cattle a day, with no season limit. Access to the state land will be from Saddle Road, unless the hunter obtains a special permit from the state.
Public notices have been published informing people of trespassing cattle on state forest lands in Hilo, Hamakua, South Kona, Kohala and Kau.
Nic Barca
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 19, 2006
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- 223
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Whatever Happened To...
An update on past news
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild-cattle hunt has limited success
Question: What ever happened to public hunting of wild cattle in the state's Hilo Watershed off Saddle Road?
Answer: Success has been very limited in the hunting program that was authorized by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to remove an estimated 200 to 400 wild cattle damaging native forests above Hilo.
In the three months since it was authorized, hunters have killed only eight wild cattle, said state Forestry and Wildlife technician Wayne Taka.
But Forestry and Wildlife biologist Joey Mello said the intent was primarily to give hunters the first chance to take the animals for food. After the one-year program ends, professional hunters will go in and kill remaining cattle, he said.
The hunting area extends from the 9-mile marker to the 19-mile marker of Saddle Road, Taka said. It reaches from the road to the Wailuku River, a distance of one to two miles. (THIS IS WRONG INFORMATION, the real hunting area is just past the area mentioned, on the other side of the river. The next two paragraphs better descibe the above mentioned area.)
A number of factors make the area unattractive to hunters, Taka said.
"The area is pretty rough. To get in is very hard walking through thick forest," he said. Mats of uluhe, false staghorn fern, also slow movement.
"It's pretty wet back in there, too," he said.
The single muddy road into the area has just been bulldozed, but driving it is still unpleasant, Taka said.
Mello said a period of dry weather toward the end of last year encouraged hunters, some of whom have marked trails and can reach hunting areas in about two hours.
Hunting had another beneficial effect. Ranchers with bordering lands, knowing stray animals might be shot, have repaired fences to keep cattle out of the forest, according to a Land Department statement.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This update was written by Star-Bulletin reporter Rod Thompson.
Ever wonder what happened to a person, event or issue that has been in the news? We'll find out for you if you e-mail us at cityeditors@starbulletin.com, call us at 529-4747 or write 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana, Honolulu, HI 96813. "What Ever Happened to ..." runs Saturdays.
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© Honolulu Star-Bulletin -- http://starbulletin.com
An update on past news
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wild-cattle hunt has limited success
Question: What ever happened to public hunting of wild cattle in the state's Hilo Watershed off Saddle Road?
Answer: Success has been very limited in the hunting program that was authorized by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to remove an estimated 200 to 400 wild cattle damaging native forests above Hilo.
In the three months since it was authorized, hunters have killed only eight wild cattle, said state Forestry and Wildlife technician Wayne Taka.
But Forestry and Wildlife biologist Joey Mello said the intent was primarily to give hunters the first chance to take the animals for food. After the one-year program ends, professional hunters will go in and kill remaining cattle, he said.
The hunting area extends from the 9-mile marker to the 19-mile marker of Saddle Road, Taka said. It reaches from the road to the Wailuku River, a distance of one to two miles. (THIS IS WRONG INFORMATION, the real hunting area is just past the area mentioned, on the other side of the river. The next two paragraphs better descibe the above mentioned area.)
A number of factors make the area unattractive to hunters, Taka said.
"The area is pretty rough. To get in is very hard walking through thick forest," he said. Mats of uluhe, false staghorn fern, also slow movement.
"It's pretty wet back in there, too," he said.
The single muddy road into the area has just been bulldozed, but driving it is still unpleasant, Taka said.
Mello said a period of dry weather toward the end of last year encouraged hunters, some of whom have marked trails and can reach hunting areas in about two hours.
Hunting had another beneficial effect. Ranchers with bordering lands, knowing stray animals might be shot, have repaired fences to keep cattle out of the forest, according to a Land Department statement.
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This update was written by Star-Bulletin reporter Rod Thompson.
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larrysogla
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Thanks Nic for the Wild Cattle hunt rules. I probably will not be hunting Hawaii but just reading about it makes the juices flowing. Those are serious 2+ hour hikes one way and another 2+ hour hike coming back. With steaks and loins in the backpack coming back. You guys are in eeeeexcellent shape. I am just looking forward to Doc's Marlin 45-70 and Uncle Ji's Lee-Enfield 45-70 and your shotgun slugs thumping some more of these huge animals. Amazing!!! Wild cattle in the U.S.A. open for hunting!!!! WOW!!! Thanks guys for sharing. God Bless y'all. 'Nuff said.
THE ROMAN ARCHER
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congrats on your wild cow hunting adventure!........tra
