Hunting the Russian Wild Boar !!!!

[justjohn]

From a web site that discuses boar hunting. I am really anxious to try to cook a wild boar. I have heard so many stories on how good they are.

Any people from 'across the pond' got any advice or experience with this ?

Hog Hunting History

The European wild boar is the undisputed number one big game exotic in this country. But, its origin in this country is somewhat debatable. Although many believe that wild boars, feral hogs and domestic swine are indigenous to this country all are exotics from Europe or eastern
Russia. The "true" European or as some call them "Russian boars" entered this country in 1912. The first shipment of hogs (three boars and 11 sows) arrived in Hooper's Bald, North Carolina to a Mr. George Moore. As far as historical documents can ascertain, this original stocking turned out to be the first introduction of wild boars in the country. Records also indicate that the boars Moore purchased were from an agent in Berlin, Germany who claimed his source was the Ural Mountains of Russia. This breed was the supposed home of the largest and most ferocious of the species. More current research has indicated this is very unlikely since the Ural Mountains are largely outside the range of wild boar and transportation would have been very difficult. The dealer probably used more local animals, from either Germany or Poland.


With no meat for my barbecue I decided to venture up to a hunting preserve in Pennsylvania. My brothers and I bought our father a hog hunt as a birthday gift. Since he's been through two angiography operations and open heart surgery, he does not have the physical capacity to run up and down mountains anymore. I could only hope he would get into something special. Although preserves may not constitute a real hunt to many hunters, our main objective was simply to take some meat home. Hopefully, our barbecue would have some hog meat instead of plain old hamburgers. If you have never eaten wild boar before there is simply no better table-fare than a medium-sized wild hog.



As we entered the 1,500 acre enclosure our anticipation grew when we saw that a handicapped hunter just harvested a 250 pound boar with his crossbow. In addition to handicapped hunters, Pete also caters to many young hunters who have never taken any big game animals. Our guide tried to calm us down and suggested that we go into another area and set up as he tried to push some hogs in our direction. Since I was filming the hunt, both dad and I set up behind a large pine.

Just when we thought nothing was coming our way a boar came directly toward us. Since all pigs have terrible eye sight, the boar had no idea we were there. While dad got ready, his heart rate must have went into overdrive because he shot an arrow directly over the hog's shoulder at 18 yards. As the hog kicked it in high gear our guide sprinted over the hill to cut the animal off. After 10 minutes the boar started back up the hill and ran by us, but just out of range.

For the next hour we tried to locate this boar with various sightings, but no shooting opportunities. Dad was starting to tire out when our guide set

us up along another well used trail. As he started to make another push the boar suddenly appeared along the crest of the hill and presented dad with a broadside shot at 15 yards. Even though his heart was beating like a drum, his broadhead and bow combination worked like clockwork. The boar only ran 35 yards away and collapsed in his tracks. Dad and I finally calmed down and cautiously approached the hog. The double lung shot proved to be a perfect shot and thoughts of our hog barbecue started to become reality.

Our guide finally caught up to us and smiled. Dad had shot his first boar which weighed in at respectable 225 pounds. As our guide field dressed the boar we headed back to club house and relaxed with a home cooked meal of buffalo meat the cooks had prepared for us. Our guide then skinned and quartered the hog and packed it into coolers for our ride home.

It only took one month for our barbecue to materialize and inspire us to once again return to hog country. The hog meat was some of the best meat a lot of our non-hunting and hunting friends have ever eaten. Many stated that if they had the chance to shoot a deer or hog, simply for the meat they would choose the hog...dad and I totally agree. Hog hunting sure isn't "boaring" and the meat is delicious!

[karl]

J.J.

I realize I may be swimming against the currant with this one, but please, please if you must kill and eat a wild boar, please make it a American one...

It is very true of a high population of wild Boar in Berlin, the very most are in the rural areas with sufficient cover for them. One estimate I have heard of in population numbers are in the area of 20.000, perhaps not accurate, but perhaps so.

These fellows though, are not a light weight for they are as adults, very powerful and have the potential to inflect some very heavy damage to a person if cornered or threatened. Occasionally the news we read of, is people being silly with walking a loud dog or some ones kitty cat being caught and eaten.

Yes, there are hired hunters {Stadtjäger} to hunt them and kill what they may. But, it should be remembered, although the rural areas are spacious, still, the incident of accidental shootings by glancing shots, is a real and present endangerment to other people, not to mention of a hit on a passing auto.

It is true, these fellows are a pest in many instance, but a pleasant pest. For they are for the most part, accustomed to people, and show very little fear. For many people feed the fellows even though it is a violation of the law to do so, but they will. What is more of an irritation is these fellows are opportunist, and enjoy to tip over garbage containers for the goodies, then leave a big mess as an aftermath.

But, it is all worth while, for once if a person is to view a mommy sow being followed in line, with her little babies, it will break your heart. For the little fellows are so cute with their stripped back sides.

Karl

[indianamike]

Karl,

We did not ask to have the Russian wild boar here, but now they are over running a lot of places, and must be controled, and this is the best way to do it, and they taste good.

Mike

[justjohn]

Jul 5, 2010 8:21:04 GMT -7 karl said:

J.J.

I realize I may be swimming against the currant with this one, but please, please if you must kill and eat a wild boar, please make it a American one...

It is very true of a high population of wild Boar in Berlin, the very most are in the rural areas with sufficient cover for them. One estimate I have heard of in population numbers are in the area of 20.000, perhaps not accurate, but perhaps so.

These fellows though, are not a light weight for they are as adults, very powerful and have the potential to inflect some very heavy damage to a person if cornered or threatened. Occasionally the news we read of, is people being silly with walking a loud dog or some ones kitty cat being caught and eaten.

Yes, there are hired hunters {Stadtjäger} to hunt them and kill what they may. But, it should be remembered, although the rural areas are spacious, still, the incident of accidental shootings by glancing shots, is a real and present endangerment to other people, not to mention of a hit on a passing auto.

It is true, these fellows are a pest in many instance, but a pleasant pest. For they are for the most part, accustomed to people, and show very little fear. For many people feed the fellows even though it is a violation of the law to do so, but they will. What is more of an irritation is these fellows are opportunist, and enjoy to tip over garbage containers for the goodies, then leave a big mess as an aftermath.

But, it is all worth while, for once if a person is to view a mommy sow being followed in line, with her little babies, it will break your heart. For the little fellows are so cute with their stripped back sides.

Karl

Karl,

I didn't intend to frighten you. I promise I will only have American Russian Boar. The only information I was attempting to gather is recipe and method of cooking.
I am not physically able to go on a long hunt anymore, so, I will have to rely on meat already available.

See this website.: www.brokenarrowranch.com/Shop-Main.htm

It is my curiosity of this cooking method that I am looking what people actually do to cook this meat.

The nearest area to hunt the boar to me is 8 to 10 hours drive south in Pennsylvania. There is a private game preserve here called Corbins Park but you only join by invitation and the fee up front is $250,000.00 plus another
$ 35,000.00 per year. That could buy me a lot of meat for my freezer.

[justjohn]

Jagerschnitzel

Jagerschnitzel translates as "Hunter's Cutlet" so wild boar is perfect for this recipe.

Ingredients
2 lbs Wild Boar Cutlets
Kosher salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp oil
2 cups mushroom sauce (See linked recipe)

Place cutlets between two sheets of wax paper and pound to about 1/8" thick with a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both side of cutlet with salt.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While oil is heating up, measure flour and bread crumbs onto separate plates or shallow bowls. Whisk together egg and milk in a bowl.

Cook small batches in "assembly line" fashion: Lightly coat cutlet in flour, shake off excess. Dip cutlet into egg mixture. Coat cutlet with bread crumbs, press crumbs to make them stick. Add cutlets to skillet. Cook about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Keep cutlets in a warm oven (200° F) until all are cooked. Serve topped with mushroom sauce.

Wiener Schnitzel and More

Prepare the basic recipe above for making schnitzel with wild boar cutlets. You can change up the sauces to suit your taste. Many of the pan sauce recipes we have will work great.

Traditional wiener schnitzel is served with quartered lemons to be squeezed over each cutlet.

Serves 4-6.


Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients

2 tblsp butter
¼ lb mushrooms, sliced
2 tblsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tblsp red wine
1 cup Brown Sauce

Sauté 1/4 lb. sliced mushrooms in 2 tblsp melted butter. Add 2 tblsp Worcestershire sauce and 2 tblsp red wine. Add 1 cup Brown Sauce and gently stir until heated.

Makes about 2 cups.

_{(Remember, continue sipping the red wine while cooking. This enhances the flavor of the meal.)}

[justjohn]

;D ;D ;D


Ok Eric, This for you .


Wild Boar Hunting in Russia



There is no better place to hunt for a wild boar trophy than Russia. The Russian wild boar is essentially the same animal that populates all of Europe, Northern Africa and part of Asia. What makes the Russian wild boar uniquely different is the size of the trophies. Harsh winters with deep snow cover allow only the biggest boars to survive. In addition, predation by wolves, lynx and Siberian tiger in the Far East breads especially mean and strong animals. Many mature males will reach 200-300 kg. (440-660 lbs.), occasionally topping scales at over 350 kg. (770 lbs.). The density of the wild boar population in most of Russia is not as high as in Europe, or in the Muslim countries of Asia, but it is well compensated by the quality of the trophies, which will frequently have tusks of over 24 cm. (10 in.) with record trophies reaching 30 cm. (12 in.). When confronted, this animal can be extremely dangerous, and big hogs may not hesitate to attack a brown bear when defending themselves. Hunts, especially early in the season are usually conducted from the stands positioned close to boar’s favorite feeding grounds: different crop fields. With snow on the ground driven hunts are the most successful. In some parts of the country stalking, or using dogs is the method of preference.

[karl]

J.J.

Thank you for your thoughtful kindness, most appreciated

In actuality, I understood you meaning and situation. My intent was of information at our end with this boar fellows.

It appears you have found your source for some recipes for cooking boar meat. Although now, where to locate within reason, some to cook with..

Karl

[justjohn]

Jul 6, 2010 6:08:11 GMT -7 karl said:

J.J.

Thank you for your thoughtful kindness, most appreciated

In actuality, I understood you meaning and situation. My intent was of information at our end with this boar fellows.

It appears you have found your source for some recipes for cooking boar meat. Although now, where to locate within reason, some to cook with..

Karl

Am I to understand that this is not readily available or eaten in Europe?
Since there is a large population of boar there, you would think someone would harvest this resource. Especially since it is destructive.

[karl]

Jul 6, 2010 7:32:23 GMT -7 @justjohn said:

Jul 6, 2010 6:08:11 GMT -7 karl said:

J.J.

Thank you for your thoughtful kindness, most appreciated

In actuality, I understood you meaning and situation. My intent was of information at our end with this boar fellows.

It appears you have found your source for some recipes for cooking boar meat. Although now, where to locate within reason, some to cook with..

Karl

Am I to understand that this is not readily available or eaten in Europe?
Since there is a large population of boar there, you would think someone would harvest this resource. Especially since it is destructive.

J.J.

Much is available of course, that of which is sout. For as in the U.S., much depends upon the location and availability within reason price wise.

The following url is some what disappointing, but, is a general indication of the situation in as much of restaurant menu's. Perhaps Tufta has better information of what is available in the restaurants in his area..

In Berlin, yes, I have viewed wild boar on the menu, in as well as: Venison and quail. These are for the most part, grown in controlled farming, the animals are yes, same as wild. It is just my personal feelings of not to eat the poor things.

I say these words as above, but please not to believe I am against the appetites of others, for I am not. My own personal feelings has very little to do with the present. I think it is simply a reaction to experience a very long time past whilst assigned in Kosovo.

www.destination360.com/europe/germany/dining

I would only suppose it is similar in your area for as what is available on the menu..and the amount of what your wallet will handle..even if it is kangaroo..

Karl

[justjohn]

Reuters

Oddly Enough

Texas declares war on hogs gone wild

Wed, Oct 06 14:07 PM EDT

By Ed Stoddard

DALLAS (Reuters) - October won't be the best month to be a feral hog in the state of Texas.

The state's Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples has declared October "Hog Out Month - Get the Hog Outta Texas!" as part of a campaign to eradicate the pests.

The campaign aims to get Texans to lock and load and hunt down the animals, which cause widespread damage to farmers and other landowners.

"Not only are feral hogs a costly nuisance to agricultural operations and wildlife habitats, but they are increasingly finding their way into urban areas and destroying residents' yards, public parks and golf courses," Staples said in a statement this week when the campaign was unveiled.

"On my ranch in East Texas, I have eliminated a number of hogs and I am asking Texans around the state to step up and join the county challenge to learn about feral hogs and how best to legally hunt and trap them in their area," he added.

Feral hogs are mostly domestic pigs that have gone wild, with some European wild boars that have escaped from exotic game ranches thrown into the mix and bloodlines.

State officials estimate the feral hog population in Texas to be around 2 million and they are estimated to cause around $400 million in damage annually as they eat or root up pastures, crops and even golf courses.

This makes them one of the most costly invasive species in the country.

The campaign may not please some animal rights groups but Texas farmers don't need much prompting to pull the trigger when it comes to feral hogs.

Their numbers are growing because they are prolific breeders with few natural predators and are moving into suburban and urban areas.

They are also regarded as a challenge to hunt or trap because they are wary and intelligent. In author George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm," the pigs ran the show for a reason.

"Get the Hog Outta Texas" month will feature a challenge among Texas counties that will run until October 31. The county that documents the most hogs removed during the month will get a $25,000 grant toward what the Texas Department of Agriculture terms "feral hog abatement technologies."

_{Looks like I have found a source of wild boar.}

[justjohn]

Jul 5, 2010 8:21:04 GMT -7 karl said:

J.J.

I realize I may be swimming against the currant with this one, but please, please if you must kill and eat a wild boar, please make it a American one...

It is very true of a high population of wild Boar in Berlin, the very most are in the rural areas with sufficient cover for them. One estimate I have heard of in population numbers are in the area of 20.000, perhaps not accurate, but perhaps so.


Karl

Karl,

I agree with your statement.



Radioactive boars in Germany a legacy of Chernobyl

Radioactive boars: A quarter century after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union carried a cloud of radiation across Europe, these animals are radioactive enough that people are urged not to eat them.

Matthias Schrader/AP


By Juergen Baetz, Associated Press / April 1, 2011

BERLIN

For a look at just how long radioactivity can hang around, consider Germany's wild boars.


A quarter century after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union carried a cloud of radiation across Europe, these animals are radioactive enough that people are urged not to eat them. And the mushrooms the pigs dine on aren't fit for consumption either.

Germany's experience shows what could await Japan — if the problems at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant get any worse.

Nuclear power around the world

The German boars roam in forests nearly 950 miles (1,500 kilometers ) from Chernobyl. Yet, the amount ofradioactive cesium-137 within their tissue often registers dozens of times beyond the recommended limit for consumption and thousands of times above normal.

"We still feel the consequences of Chernobyl's fallout here," said Christian Kueppers, a radiation expert at Germany's Institute for Applied Ecology in Freiburg.

"The contamination won't go away any time soon — with cesium's half-life being roughly 30 years, theradioactivity will only slightly decrease in the coming years."

Cesium can build up in the body and high levels are thought to be a risk for various other cancers. Still, researchers who studied Chernobyl could not find an increase in cancers that might be linked to cesium.

Cesium also accumulates over time in the soil, which makes boars most susceptible They snuffle through forest soil with their snouts and feed on the kinds of mushroom that tend to store radioactivity, Environment Ministry spokesman Thomas Hagbeck said.

The problem is so common that now all wild boars bagged by hunters in the affected regions have to be checked for radiation. Government compensation to hunters whose quarry has to be destroyed has added up to €460,000 ($650,000) over the past 12 months, Hagbeck said.

"It's really sad when you have to throw out meat that is normally extraordinarily tasty," said Joachim Reddemann, managing director of Bavaria state's hunting association.

Thousands of wild boars killed in southern Germany every year register unacceptable levels of radiation. It's calculated in becquerels, a measurement of radiation given off. Anything beyond 600 becquerels per kilogram isn't recommended, according to Germany's Federal Office for Radiation Protection.

Normal meat has an average contamination of 0.5 becquerel per kilogram, and a German would normally consume about 100 becquerels per year from plants and dairy products, the agency said.

About 2 percent of the 50,000 boars hunted are above the legal radioactivity limit, Reddemann said. And the government's radiation protection office says some mushrooms have registered up to 20 times the legal cesium limit.

Even farther away in France, there is still soil contamination, though levels have dropped significantly. It is now rare to find unsafe levels of cesium in boars and mushrooms, said radiation expert Philippe Renaud of France's Institute of Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety.

In Austria, too, traces of radioactive cesium remain in the soil. Along with boars and mushrooms, deer have been affected — some testing at five times the legal limit, that country's environment agency says.

Japan's Fukushima plant has so far not leaked nearly as much radiation as Chernobyl, but authorities there have banned the sale of milk, spinach, cabbage and other products from surrounding regions as a precaution.

European officials insist that occasionally eating contaminated boar meat or mushrooms does not pose an immediate health risk. Public health agencies are typically conservative in setting limits for radioactivity in food.

Eating 200 grams of mushrooms tested seven times above the legal cesium limit, for example, would amount to the same exposure as the altitude radiation taken in during a 2,000-mile flight, according to Germany's Office for Radiation Protection.

In Austria, authorities say that eating the unlikely amount of 2 pounds of contaminated boar meat that is 10 times above the legal cesium limit would amount to two-thirds of an adult's normal annual radiation intake by food.

However, the possibility of exposure will not be going away anytime soon.

"We assume that wild game will still be similarly affected until 2025 and then very slowly recede," said Reddemann, of Bavaria's hunting association. "The problem will certainly still be around for the next 100 years, and Chernobyl will still be an issue for our children and grandchildren."

[karl]

J.J.

Yes, the wild boar. Until at present, I had long forgotten them and the long past post return to you....{excellent memory you have }

Well, today the wild boar, but not to be out done. For in short time, it will be the fish in the seas. For it would seem as one more house of cards or domino effect, the Japanese must out pump nuclear contaminated water into the sea, for to create space for fresh sea water to replace the former contaminated coolent water into the reactor jacket.....

If it swims, very nice, if it glows, toss it back

Karl