Feral Hogs? In Indiana?

[Josh Smith]

Hello,

From the Indiana hunting guide:

Feral Hog
Reporting
Populations of feral (or wild, free-ranging)
swine have been a problem in pockets around
the state in the past. In addition to being a
disease/predatory threat to Indiana livestock
and poultry production, they are known to
cause damage to crops and native plants and are
detrimental to native wildlife and their habitats.
As part of a risk assessment program, the
Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH)
is asking hunters who spot or take a feral hog
to report the animal to the agency. Reports will
help BOAH and DNR determine if additional
census, disease monitoring and/or control steps
are necessary.
Anyone who sees or takes a feral hog
should call BOAH at (877) 747-3038 or
email: animalhealth@boah.IN.gov to report
the approximate location, number, sex and
estimated size of the animal(s).

Has anyone seen these? I take it they can be hunted any time. Where did they come from? Are they farm escapees or what?

I've never hog hunted and frankly, I don't see feral hogs as a bad thing.

How would one go about hog hunting? Would a .45acp work, or should I use a rifle or shotgun, if I should be able to even find these critters?

Josh <><