Open Season On Wild Boars: What You Need To Know

A creature whose rooting can devastate an ecosystem and drive property owners and farmers to madness is continually trying to expand its "hoof" print in Michigan. As a result, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has declared open season on one of the state's largest and potentially most destructive invasive species.

RELATED: Invasive Species: Northern Snakehead Threatens Michigan Ecosystem

Wild boar, particularly the Russian Boar, have been creating problems for landowners and wildlife alike. It's easy to see how they might be a problem as they aren't known for keeping a tidy home.

Michigan's Century-Plus History With Wild Boar

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Russian boars were first introduced in the early 1900s as game for hunters. As time moved on, Michigan's feral swine population became a mix of Russian boars and escaped farm swine. It's thought that at least some of the current population may have escaped from a private hunting facility.

Get our free mobile app

Since their preferred habitat is a wooded area adjacent to farms, which serves as a food source, their aggressive nature poses a danger to people and native species. They also carry diseases and damage land when they root with their tusks, which can cause erosion that affects water quality.

Shoot (Legally) on Sight

Wild boars in Michigan are considered "at large" animals for several reasons. As of 2009, government employees, including law enforcement and conservation officers, are authorized to shoot "at large" swine on both public and private property.

RELATED: Scarce Invasive Species Set Surge in Michigan This Summer

Private citizens can also legally hunt feral pigs under these circumstances, according to MCL 433.14a(3), if you have either a concealed carry permit or a valid hunting license:

• You can lawfully hunt and trap feral swine year-round on private land if you own the land or are accompanied by or have permission from the land owner or lessee
• You may legally hunt and trap on public land year-round

Keep in mind that these laws do not supersede any postings on that property forbidding it. For more on feral swine, see the DNR's 2025 Small Game Hunting Regulations or click here.