In recent news, two Texas lawmakers are pushing for a bill which would allow feral hogs and coyotes to be shot from aerial vantage points in hot air balloons. State Representatives Mark Keough and Cecil Bell are two of the various sponsors of House Bill 3535, which was originally introduced by Keough in March 2017. The bill was originally designed for the shooting of hogs only but was later revised to include coyotes, and after being approved with no opposition at the House on Tuesday (May 9), the measure moved to the Texas Senate.
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Practicality of Hunting Hogs from a Hot Air Balloon: Will It Help?
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Vast areas of the American southwest, including Texas, have a pending issue with the growth of the hog population, and because of that, hunting these animals from helicopters has been legal in the Lone Star State for some time now. This new law proposed by Keough and Bell would expand the permission of aerial hunting to include hot air balloons due to the fact that supporters have identified that hunting from helicopters has limitations. In an interview with My San Antonio, Keough’s Chief of Staff Jason Millsaps identified, “The hogs are smart creatures so they scatter when they hear the helicopters coming.” On this premise, balloons could provide a substantial hunting platform which is quiet as well as more cost effective than a helicopter.
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With the caveat that they do not provide feedback on pending legislation nor opinions on this particular bill, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has estimated there to be over 1.5 million feral hogs in the state of Texas. With little influences to curtail their growing population, i.e. natural predators, the hog issue across the state has literally been allowed to run wild. Damage which is caused by the animals, like the rooting up and trampling of crops and wrecking livestock feeding and watering facilities, continues to grow as a result, causing undue expense to farmers and ranchers. Not to mention the imbalance they’re causing for the natural wildlife and habits throughout the state.
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The issues foreseen, at present, with hunting from a hot air balloon is the safety of having a firearm on a balloon lift (whether the proximity of firing near the balloon operating mechanisms would be an issue), as well as practicality. Unlike helicopters, immediate pursuit of the hogs wouldn’t be permissible, as an operator is unable to direct a balloon in the same fashion that a helicopter pilot can steer a chopper. At this time, however, it’s unclear as to when the Senate will have the measure up for review and debate.
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