wild hogs, dogs, and gator question

N

nikko

Joined
Oct 19, 2008
Messages
24
Hey guys, I recently got (back) into outdoor activities, and want to start family camping on 160 acres I inherited. It has a beautiful 7-8 acre bass lake on it, with 80 acres pine and 80 acres swamp/hardwoods. I get giddy just thinking about spending weekends there with my family.

Anyway, you hear plenty and can find plenty of information about bears, but I'm in the south, and we don't worry about bears. I know there are wild dogs, hogs, and the occasional alligator on my land. Are these a big threat? I'm mainly thinking about after we turn in for the night. I've killed two alligators on the property in the past, but only when they became aggressive and charged us on the bank. We'll be setting camp up about 100 yards from the water, so I dont think a gator would venture that far.
 
In my opinion, of those three wild dogs are the most dangerous to humans if they get up a big enough pack. Feral hogs are probably more dangerous really but, at least in my experience, are most likely to attack when surprised or with babies. I'd cook off aways though; if they're going to rage, let them do it where you're not sleeping. :)

Also, at 100 yards from the water, I wouldn't worry about gators at all as long as you're in the pines and not the swamp. Have fun out there! And don't forget the bug repellant. Truth is, the skeeters are probably the biggest danger in the swamp.
 
I don't have much experience with gators, but hogs usually aren't a problem unless you leave a lot of food/garbage out to attract them, then try to run them off of the food/garbage. With the exception of surprising one as noted above by roughedges, keep a clean camp and they shouldn't be any problem.

DancesWithKnives
 
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The threat to your family should be minimal. Be extremely careful, however, if you choose to bring a family pet with you on your excursion. They can serve as "bait" to other predators and bring them into your camp.
 
With 160 acres I'd be wondering if someone hadn't set up a pot plantation somewhere out of sight. Threats priority would be two-legged,mosquitos,dogs,alligators,then hogs.
 
Like others have said, be careful and you should be okay. I would make a habit of keeping my .357 at my side, still. Besides protection, hogs are tasty.
 
I can't add any advice, but 160 acres of woodland with a small Bass lake sounds like heaven to me. Lucky dog!!
 
Gators don't hunt like that on land. They are more ambush predators when they can. You won't have to worry in the tent or grilling, just watch the small dog near the water.
 
tonym said:
I can't add any advice, but 160 acres of woodland with a small Bass lake sounds like heaven to me. Lucky dog!!
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Yeah, I'm REALLY looking forward to enjoying this property. I know it pretty well, and know that there aren't any pot grows on it. The swamp is absolutely beautiful. Big duck ponds with the longest beaver dam I've ever seen. It's at least 75 yards long, and 3-4 feet wide in spots.

It has seen its share of deer and turkey poachers though. I plan on eradicating that this spring.
 
nikko said:
Yeah, I'm REALLY looking forward to enjoying this property. I know it pretty well, and know that there aren't any pot grows on it. The swamp is absolutely beautiful. Big duck ponds with the longest beaver dam I've ever seen. It's at least 75 yards long, and 3-4 feet wide in spots.

It has seen its share of deer and turkey poachers though. I plan on eradicating that this spring.
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Good Luck and Be Careful - Poachers can be a nasty bunch to deal with
 
nikko said:
Yeah, I'm REALLY looking forward to enjoying this property. I know it pretty well, and know that there aren't any pot grows on it. The swamp is absolutely beautiful. Big duck ponds with the longest beaver dam I've ever seen. It's at least 75 yards long, and 3-4 feet wide in spots. It has seen its share of deer and turkey poachers though. I plan on eradicating that this spring.
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It sounds like a great place! Do us a favor and snap some pictures when you are there next time.

As for the poachers, their biggest fear is getting caught. If they know you are there on a regular basis they will likely avoid your place. Put up signs along the perimeter of your place. Odds are they will not take the chance of trespassing if they know you will be there.

On the main gate to my place I have a sign that reads:

"NO TRESPASSING
NO HUNTING
NO FISHING
NO NOTHING

VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED"

I haven't had any problems. ;)
 
I would be more worried about the two legged variety of vermin. Hogs, gators, heck even black bear are not really a problem unless you are threatening their young or just get too close.

Otherwise enjoy, congrats on your new piece of little heaven on earth.
 
wow... you lucky dog... i keep a pistol on me and my levergun near by, but you shouldn't have a problem. i do it because pigs are tasty and im now roving on private land so porkers are targets of opertunity..... if you keep ur camp clean enough that coons don't bother you there should have no worries....
 
Shoot the dogs, trap, snare, shoot & eat the hogs, and enjoy the gators (especially the tails).

Beckerhead
 
Get to working on those hogs, unchecked they can be bad news for your property and native species, as are feral dogs. Don't feed the gators and watch the dog around the water. Like Joe said, gators aren't much to worry about away from the water, unless you happen up on a nest. Sounds like a great place. Where in Al. are you?
 
Feral dogs can be a very real danger if the pack gets large.

How about SNAKES on the property? It's them that freak me out when sleeping outside (irrational I know but I dread they get attracted to body heat....) Otherwise, it sounds like you have a potential Eden on your hands,mixed landscape,good size and many species of animals&plants. Good luck to you!
 
fishshooter said:
Get to working on those hogs, unchecked they can be bad news for your property and native species, as are feral dogs. Don't feed the gators and watch the dog around the water. Like Joe said, gators aren't much to worry about away from the water, unless you happen up on a nest. Sounds like a great place. Where in Al. are you?
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I'm in Mobile, but the property is about 1.5 hours away in MS. The perfect distance for a weekend getaway!
 
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