Wild Pig Trapping: What ate my bait?

By Mark Tyson, M.S.

 

Knowing what species consumed your bait is a key principle in wild pig management. In most cases this is accomplished through the use of game cameras. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and boy does that ring true when evaluating bait consumption in a trapping scenario. In a given trapping situation multiple species can consume bait intended for wild pigs. Some individuals may shy away from technology or just refuse to put forth the money to purchase a game camera. Alternatively those trapping on land accessible to the public may choose not to place a game camera due to fear of theft. No matter why you find yourself trapping without a game camera these two scenarios can help you to better understand what may have ate your bait. 

Scenario One: A pre-baiting site was selected along an existing trail near a creek that seasonally held water. 

Bait Utilized: Whole shelled corn

 

Bait Condition Observed:  Most of the bait is missing but the remaining pieces of bait resemble cracked corn.

Observed Culprit(s): Game camera evidence at the bait site revealed that raccoon and opossum were exclusively feeding on the bait when the above photo was taken.

 

Lesson Learned: Small mammals are the most likely visitors to a bait site when the remaining corn appears similar to cracked corn.

Scenario Two: A pre-baiting site was selected along a heavily used trail that paralleled a major river.

Bait Utilized: Whole shelled corn

 

Bait Condition Observed:  All of the bait is missing.

 

 

Observed Culprit(s): Game camera evidence at the bait site revealed that crows, deer and wild pigs were feeding on the bait.

 

 

Lesson Learned: When the bait provided is missing birds, deer or wild pigs could be the most likely visitors. Signs such as tracks can be helpful in determining if visitations occurred from deer or wild pigs. You can learn how to determine the differences between wild pig and deer tracks by watching the video below: 

To learn more about pre-baiting and selecting a trap site you can read “Pre-baiting and conditioning feral hogs for trapping” and “How to select a feral hog trapping site”. For more information on wild pigs and their management visit our wild pig online resources page.