I learned something new about wild pigs. In the past, wild pigs were a potential threat to our horses when we horse camped along the California northern coast, and so I was always on the lookout for some crazy wild beast to come charging out of the bushes, spook my little quarter horse, Tucker, and I'd go flying over the handlebars!
What I didn't know was that pigs did not exist in California before the early 1700s. Spanish and Russian explorers and settlers introduced domestic swine to California and allowed them to forage freely, especially in the fall, to take advantage of fallen acorns. Since those early days, the domestic pig has escaped and been added to the wild population. And then in the 1920s, a Monterey County landowner introduced the European wild boar into California. European wild stock from this introduction bred with the established feral pig population, resulting in a wild boar/feral domestic pig hybrid.
Jaime's boyfriend, Nate, an avid, skilled bowhunter was successful in locating one of these wild pigs. Nate remarked that feral pigs are awesome animals to hunt in that they’re dangerous, alert, smart, vicious and challenging (and spook innocent horses and riders!). Needless to say, Nate was successful in his bowhunt and we were invited over to their home for a Going Hog Wild dinner party.
The final reward was having Jaime create a California rice dish to complement the wild pig. Jaime added carrots, onions and celery along with special herbs and seasonings to make a delicious meal. The pig was great, we met new friends, and even celebrated with a yummy bottle of Hog Wild Red table wine from Indian Springs Vineyard! Now that's hog wild!
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