Hunting in Hawaii: 3 Things to Know About Urban Pig Hunting in Cities and Suburbs

Any animal species, left unchecked, can overrun not only its natural habitat but also public lands and even residential neighborhoods. That’s why urban pig hunting in Hawaii is a thriving business.

While many feral species have caused significant damage in the state, it’s the Eurasian feral pig that is the biggest nuisance, according to the New York Times. No longer confined to the wilderness, wild pigs are frequent unwanted visitors in backyards and urban streets. Reports of pig sightings in urban and residential areas have skyrocketed over the last several years, leaving many property owners to take matters into their own hands.

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You can legally hunt pigs in urban areas in Hawaii, but you must respect the state’s hunting laws and guidelines for public safety. After all, killing a pig in a residential area can be more dangerous than in wilderness areas and designated hunting grounds, owing to the close proximity to homes and potential danger to bystanders. Before you hunt wild pigs in Hawaii’s cities and suburbs, keep the following tips in mind:

1. You can’t use a gun. Honolulu Magazine said it’s illegal to hunt pigs using a handgun in a residential area. Instead, you’ll need to hunt using a knife or a bow and arrow. You can also take a hunting dog with you to aid in tracking and killing your prey. The dog chases the pig and corners it so you can kill it with your knife.

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2. Abide by hunting season laws. Hawaii has regular pig hunting seasons, which vary based on location. The Honolulu Advertiser said the state also has sporadic open seasons on pigs to help keep the numbers down. Before you hunt in an urban area, check with the local Division of Forestry and Wildlife to verify that hunting is permitted at that time.
3. Respect private property. The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said all hunters must have permission from the owner to hunt on private property. If you’re hunting pigs in an urban area, your prey might not stay out in the open but may instead dart into the nearest backyard. Before you follow it, ask permission from the owner. If you don’t, you could face fines or jail time for trespassing or illegal hunting.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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