Hello all!

It was the magazine cover that caught my eye –  “Hogs R Us” From Florida’s Mangrove Swamps to California’s Central Valley and the Hawaiian Islands, Wild Hogs Swarm the USA – American Hunter June 2013

“Sows begin breeding at six months and can drop litters of four to 12 piglets every 12-15 months. Piglets as young as two weeks begin to forage for themselves and are weaned in three months, by which time they’re large and strong enough that only bears, cougars and humans can kill them. Hogs root up fences, gobble up quail and turkey eggs, ravage gardens, tear up corn and bean fields. . .” Ron Spomer, Field Editor

As if the ones that descended from the era of Spanish explorers weren’t bad enough, now thanks to some not so bright people we have mutant varieties as well. “The story I was told: A local who raised Vietnamese potbellied pigs as pets decided to buy a Russian boar and see what would happen. Russian-pot bellied pigs happened – lots of ’em. And they were considerably bigger than the Asian variety, too big for the local’s fences. So some escaped. That was five years ago, and the crossbreeds are thriving among the sage brush and the irrigated pivots of green alfalfa.” – Brian McCombie, Field Editor

The cover caught my eye because I always like to know what pests new and old people are dealing with. I haven’t seen any wild hogs or Russian-pot bellies wandering around my back forty, but maybe they are in your area. Now of course, the writers in American Hunter are advocating hunting and shooting the hogs, but for those of you who want a kinder, gentler way to keep your gardens and yards safe from the rooting, destructive pests, well – you guessed it – we’ve got a pee for that.  Mt. Lion Pee to be exact. Yep, that’s right – put the predator-prey instinct to work for you even against this formidable adversary.

But, as I like to say, don’t just take my word for it – Life on Kaua’i: Wild Pigs in Paradise By Gabriela Taylor “A big break through occurs at my place. My housemate goes online and discovers the Predator Pee.com website. The principle of this strange strategy is that specific animal urine scents, such as wolf, bobcat, coyote and fox will deter specific predators. I briefly reflect upon how on earth anyone would collect pee from those animals and decide that I don’t want to know, although I am excited about the promise of purging pigs in such a peaceful way.  The website says that mountain lion pee is guaranteed to drive off desert animals such as armadillos and javalinas, as well as wild boar. I immediately place an order online…. Several months later, I can report that no plant-plundering pigs have returned to my property.” 

Well, I hope everyone had a restful Memorial Day. My thanks to the many veterans who have fought and are fighting for justice and freedom. Your service does not go unnoticed and it is heartily appreciated. God Bless You.

The PeeMan