The above video was produced by Beth Block and demonstrates proper practices for butchering a caught feral pig at home to make a smoked meat product. Funding for the Feral Pig Control Project was provided by the County of Hawai’i Department of Research and Development which assisted this effort with a grant. That funding was also used to construct single feral pig live traps, acquire a pig brig for multiple capture of feral pigs, develop a hunters list specific to the Puna area, and develop both best hunting practices and a hunters code of conduct.
Click here to view hunters code of conduct.
FERAL PIG CONTROL PROJECT
Malama O Puna became involved in efforts to control the explosive population of feral pigs on the Big Island starting in April 2022. Efforts began as the major subdivisions in Puna expressed safety concerns over excessive feral pig presence and their destructive habits in terms of damage to properties, gardens and agricultural concerns. The feral pig problem is not confined to Puna, nor to the State of Hawaii but has become a major problem in the continental U.S. causing an estimated $2. 5B in damages to crops and ecosystems.
Click here to view best hunting practices
Malama O Puna began with a grant from the County Research and Development that allowed construction of 10 live trap cages and purchase of a large trap system known as a Pig Brig. We were successful in lobbying the State DLNR to change the hunting rules for the Lower Puna forest reserves (Keau’ohana, Nanawale, and Malama Ki) to allow hunting 7 days a week and an increase in the bag limit. We hosted a well attended meeting in April 2024 with DLNR, USDA, Hunters, Fence contractors and elected officials present. From that conference a 4-Point Plan was developed and Malama O Puna entered into a 18-month professional services contract with the County to implement the plan starting July 1, 2024.
We also provided live trap cages to many of the Homeowner Associations (HOAs) in Puna including HPP and Nanawale. We encourage residents to borrow these traps and contact one of the hunters on the provided list should they need assistance in disposing of the caught feral pig. Another option for homeowners using a cage trap is to watch the 20 minute video on backyard butchering, gather the needed equipment, and some extra hands to properly prepare the pig to either make smoked meat or other preparations with the meat. Please be sure to use protective gear (gloves and closed toe shoes) to avoid blood borne diseases and cook the meat thoroughly.
Click here to access the 4-point plan.
To date, Malama O Puna has developed a list of 15 hunters willing to serve the Puna district and Best Hunting practices. A grant was acquired to host a Smoked Meat festival in Oct. 2025 as we can’t trap our way out of the problem unless there are facilities to process the caught pigs and products that can be safely made and marketed to the public. If you are having issues with feral pigs or you’re a hunter wishing to connect with this program, please contact our Project Coordinator, Amedeo Markoff (808) 937-4146. Amedeo hold his HACCP certificate in meat processing and is currently President of the Big Island Meat Cooperative.