Special feral pig hunt announced on Big Island

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife announces a special feral pig hunt on the Big Island.

Hunting is allowed on non-bird hunting days of Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays during the general game bird hunting season, which runs through Jan. 25, 2025, then every day after through Feb. 28, 2025, excluding state and federal holidays.

Two areas are open for hunting:

• Puʻu Mali Restoration Area portion of Unit A of the Mauna Kea Game Management Area and Forest Reserve, excluding the central safety zone.
• Kaʻohe Restoration Area of Unit G of the Kaʻohe Game Management Area and Restoration Area.

The use of dogs is permitted in both areas, as are rifles or knives. No shotguns are allowed during the special hunt.

There is no bag limit for pigs and no limit on hunter group size or number of dogs.

Each hunter must fill out a permit form at the Kilohana hunter check station if hunting in the Kaʻohe Restoration Area or at the posted mailbox near the front gate entrance to Puʻu Mali Restoration Area off Keanakolu/Mana Road if hunting Puʻu Mali.

Follow all instructions on the permit.

Hunters must use the designated check-in/check-out sheet specific for this special hunt at each respective check station (rather than digital check-in/ckeck-out via the Outerspatial mobile app).

Access to Puʻu Mali is only from Keanakolu/Mana Road for this special hunt.

Hunters can drive designated roads in both areas, but should be mindful of dry conditions and wildland fire risks. They also can drive through the Puʻu Mali safety zone following the route identified in the map at the check stations.

Entrance to the two front gates off Keanakolu/Mana Road into the Puʻu Mali Restoration Area requires a combination code that can be obtained by calling the Hilo office of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-974-4221.

Any questions can be directed to the Hilo office Division of Forestry and Wildlife in person at 19 E. Kāwili St. or by calling the above number.