JACKSON — The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks announced that House Bill 1065 went into effect July 1, 2022. The bill bans the transport of wild hogs which had perviously been allowed under a permit system.

According to the bill, hunters may not release wild hogs from a device or vehicle unless it was into an enclosure for the purpose of slaughter.

Feral Hogs cause $1.5 billion in damages annually across the US. Sows can reproduce as young as six months and average 4-6 piglets a litter and can have as many as 12 piglets. Gestation for Wild Hogs is about 114 days which means they can breed twice a year.

Hog meat is safe to eat although it is best to take appropriate precautions while cleaning them.