Permits to Be Given For Hunting Wild Hogs

By Tom Palmer
The Ledger

LAKE WALES, FL -- Thirty hunting parties will get a chance next month to match their wits against a persistent pest that has roamed Florida's wilds for hundreds of years.

And they will help to protect public lands in the process.

The hunt for wild hogs at Polk County's Sumica environmental lands tract east of Lake Wales will be Dec. 16-17.

To join the hunt, you must apply in person between 7 and 7:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Polk County Natural Resource Division Office off Bomber Road.

The hog hunt is an attempt to reduce damage to habitat and other wildlife at the 4,031-acre site on State Road 60 that stretches south to the northern shore of Lake Walk-in-the-Water.

Hogs cause great damage by rooting with their broad snouts, leaving large areas that look like plowed fields. An estimated 500,000 wild hogs inhabit Florida and have been found in all 67 counties.

County officials will issue up to 30 permits. Permits may be used for a single party consisting of one or two hunters. An adult may have up to three children younger than the age of 16 registered under a permit.

Hunters are also required to have all other necessary permits and licenses, including a valid Florida hunting license. Shotguns, muzzle loaders or primitive weapons are the only weapons permitted during this hunt. No dogs will be permitted.

Information on the hunt may also be downloaded from the Polk County Web site at www.polk-county.net. Under "How can we help you?" click on Environmental Lands and follow links to Hog Hunt information.

For more information, call Polk County Natural Resources at 863-534-7377.