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The answer is Yes, there are feral hogs in Oregon. The truth is that their presence has been overblown and propagandized by the ODFW, in their effort to shut down Clover Creek Ranch (high fence ranch). I do not speak in defense of high fence hunting, nor do I speak in defense of Clover Creek Ranch or Clark Couch (the owner). Yes, I have hunted there (with buddies from a club) about 7 years ago. I was after a Russian boar with bow and arrow, and I actually went twice, and hunted hard and far (on foot), and was unsuccessful. For THAT animal with THAT weapon, it was NOT a "canned hunt". The ranch featured multiple exotic species, and "hog" hunting, and some of those pursuits seemed to me to be of little or no challenge. I decided it was not my cup of tea, and will never go back. Such a place has its application for youngsters or oldsters that cannot get around very well, offers a plethora of game to be seen, and I believe that if done right, it can work very well for those who choose that type of experience.

ODFW has been trying to shut down Clover Creek Ranch for years, in an effort to nip "high fence" hunting in Oregon in the bud. Clark won a couple early political battles, and that only fueled the ODFW fire to pursue further. I am actually not a proponent of high fence hunting, and (as noted above), speak from experience, not subjective opinion. But I believe it has its place, and I believe Clark ran his place very well, and was very concientious about fence maintenance,vaccination programs, etc. What I do NOT want to see in Oregon (and perhaps this is what I share with ODFW in this regard), is the "Texas situation", where landowners practically own the wildlife, statewide.

A large amount of perceived hypocrisy exists where ODFW's position is concerned. They fully justify their "high fence" hunting at the Starkey Experimental Unit. (And yes, in the interest of full disclosure, I have applied for permits there.) Again, I believe such hunts and hunting places have good application. More perceived hypocrisy exists where ODFW's position on exotic game is concerned: Ringneck pheasants, and Chukar Partridge don't belong here anymore than Russian Boars. Turkey are regularly introduced into areas where they never existed, and nonsensical hunting regulations allow them to populate to the point of property damage. None of this is derogatory to Pheasant,Chukar,or Turkey hunting opportunity (I do it all), but all of it is absolutely true.

It seems that a minute number of hogs and/or Russian-mix pigs did get out of Clark's fence, and some are purported to be in the general area around there.(Ashwood). I believe ODFW was finally successful in prohibiting Clark from having pigs on the place. (So much for property rights.) I would also not doubt that the high population of wild pigs in Northern California is unprevented from traipsing across the border.

Bottom line: I'm not seeing huge amounts of "trophy photos" of Oregon hogs on the bragging boards at stores yet. Perhaps someone else has.

Schwabdl offered a link to ODFW regarding wild pigs. I am just finishing rolling on the floor laughing, catching my breath, since ODFW's page has a link to see pictures. It is a link to Wisconsin. So, I guess even ODFW admits that if you want to see pigs in Oregon, you have to go to Wisconsin.
 
There are in fact pigs here in Oregon. I recently spoke to Several (3) different game biologist and was given information by all three of them. They were very helpful but the only problem is that most of the sightings are on Private land. It is however Illegal in Oregon to have paid hunts for wild bore which makes the property owners angry. There is no "bag limit" and no "wasting of game" issues to worry about with these things. They are a shoot on sight and shoot all you can animal. The only thing the ODF&W ask is that you have a Oregon hunting license.
I am actually leaving this afternoon for the general area where they are seeing hogs. Gonna do some rat shooting and maybe see if we can get down along the John Day River and see what we can see.
On a last note, if you look around this sight there are several other "pig" discussion that you may find helpful. They have included maps and some other helpful links. So yes, the pigs are here and can be found. Are they in numbers like Texas? No, not yet at least!
 
I'm starting to put pieces together now. I was down to Prineville area a couple of weeks ago looking for pigs and the local ODFW give me a "tip" that the hottest area for hogs was the Ashwood area and in particular the Trout Creek area. So i went over and talked with one person in particular and and she said that there were a few hogs around but the best sighting of them would be their butt as they scrambles through the brush, and a "no hunting in this area" welcome and a no fishing in the creek invite.
If it wasn't for the Rooster Pheasant guarding and escorting my car into and out town it would have been a bummer of a trip.
*oh yeah, i did get a picture with my cell phone of the pheasant running along side of the car

Like every one else, i too am looking for the pig
 
Tacinsert guy is right. Paid hunts for pig were finally made illegal in Oregon. Since Clover Creek Ranch was the only "paid hunt for pigs" in existence in Oregon prior to the law, you may deduce ODFW's original targeted efforts and intent (and desired result) for yourself. The ODFW "Hog Hype" reached its peak just prior to the passing of that law.

You may also draw some conclusions from the fact that ODFW finds it extremely difficult to produce a picture of a feral hog in Oregon. Compare this to wolves. I believe the generally accepted population of wolves in Oregon is dwarfed by the "1000-2000" feral hogs that ODFW claims are running around. They've got pictures of Oregon wolves.

I am happy for Shawn that he got to view one of what ODFW considers an "approved" exotic animal, that is also still permitted to be hunted for money. The logic and differentiation escapes me.
 
to be breif, there are hogs in central oregon, not a lot of them yet. last deer season hunters from a neighboring camp reported seeing them on public land in the grizzley unit in the trout creek/bear creek darinages. i went looking and found hog tracks but no hogs. a friend of mines son has a little piece of dirt in past the trout pond on haycreek ranch, he says he has seen them several times, brown spot under the tail mostly. finding where they have been doesnt seem to be a problem, finding them in their tracks does
 
Another fine (and current) example: Today's Oregonian proudly displays a picture of a Wolverine! The last one was purportedly killed in Oregon in 1935. ODFW was all over this, and a biologist baited with roadkill, set up trail cams to get the picture. They want to confirm the possibility of a breeding pair. That would mean two. TWO. Yes, TWO! and ODFW has a picture of one of 'em, but still can't seem to display a picture of ONE wild pig in Oregon. Again: draw your own conclusions about ODFW's estimates of the "Hog Problem" in Oregon. BigFoot hunters might have better luck.
 
I can honestly say I have seen one hog hanging in a deer camp in 2004. This was near Gray Butte North of Redmond (kind of near Haystack Reservoir for a reference point) It was a 325 sow with tusks a guy shot while it was running up the hill. Since then I have seen nothing and I used to be in that area a lot. I would not waste my time trying to hunt them unless the main emphasis is on a nice camping trip with a lot of hiking and sight seeing.
 
I just re-read my post and laughed and spit my coffee. I actually did see some pigs near the mule shoe area. Hunter said they we on top of the bluffs on the North side of the John Day. I'm not sure if it was public or private land though.
 
I'm confused, Bassman. You say you saw pigs. Then you say "Hunter said they we(re) on top of the bluffs..." I'm interpreting these as seperate sightings. If you saw them and took a picture, I bet ODFW would give you photo credits (and save themselves a trip to Wisconsin). If you actually saw them, "You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!"
 
I saw the pigs hanging, cleaned and gutted. Talked to the hunter while drinking a beer. He gave us the full story and was celebrating.

If you find the muleshoe rec stop on the map, the hogs were taken from the area just North of Hwy19.
 

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