Wild boar roundup call in Prescott-Russell ACTUALITÉ • NEWS
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GREGGCHAMBERLAIN gregg.chamberlain@eap.on.ca
Wild boars are on the loose in Pres- cott-Russell and the provincial govern- ment wants farmers, hunters and private landowners to help corral and kill them. The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has issued to landowners in the region warning them about the risk that wild boars pose to the local environment and public safety and asking for assistance in dealing with the problem. The United Counties of Prescott-Russell (UCPR) council also re- ceived a letter from Joy Sterritt, resources management supervisor at MNR’s Kempt- ville office regarding the problem. “Wild boars have been observed in wood-
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VENTE-SALE ANNIVESAIRE ANNIVERSARY 7 e th ed areas and in adjacent farm fields in the United Counties of Prescott-Russell begin- ning in late summer of 2013,” stated Sterritt.
“This letter is to inform you that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry would like to ensure that these escaped farm ani-
mals are removed from the landscape as soon as possible.” Wild boars are not native to North Amer- ica. They are a European breed of wild pig that has been imported to both Canada and the United States by various private breed- ing farms for the exotic meats market or for private hunting preserves. Over the years there have been various incidents where wild boars have escaped from their pens and made their way into the surrounding countryside. In 2008 there was a breakout of 16 wild boars from a farm near Embrun, but they were all believed killed either by local pred- ators and hunters or through “roadkill” en- counters with local traffic. A $1000 fine was levied against the farmer who was keep- ing wild boars on his property for failure to notify local game officials about the es- caped animals. The ministry has received no reports of any recent escapes of wild boars from any farms or breeding outfits in the Pres- cott-Russell region. But it has received re- ports of sightings of the animal. The con- cern is that, if left unchecked, the wild boars could cause damage to local farm fields, crops, and the natural eco-system. MNR is allowing farmers and other local landowners to kill any wild boars they see near or on their property. Hunters are also allowed to “shoot on sight” any wild boars they encounter as long as they have a small game hunting licence. The ministry’s memo recommends aiming for the shoulders of the boar when shooting. Residents are warned to be careful if they see a wild boar. It can be dangerous if cor- nered or injured or if it is a sow with young. Anyone who sees or shoots a wild boar is asked to report it to Mary Dillon, MNR management biologist, at the Kemptville office at 613-258-8267. The breed is known for its ferocity when provoked. During medieval and later times in Europe, wild boar hunting was a popular, but dangerous, sport for the nobility. Spe- cial boar lances and swords were designed that featured flared guards close to point of the lance or sword to prevent a wounded boar from pushing its way along the shaft of the lance so it could use its tusks to gore the hunter who had hurt it before it died. Wild boar hunting in season is still popu- lar in some parts of Europe. Experts recom- mend either a 30.06 or .308 rifle for hunt- ing the animal. The very smallest caliber deemed feasible would be a .243. Anyone in the area whose only firearm is a .22-calibre should not try to shoot a wild boar.
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