So is it or is it not unlawful to tag and release a hog? I'm not talking about ethics here, I'm just trying to understand exactly what this classification means. I have always been under the impression that it is illegal to release a trapped hog - marked or not. However, I don't believe that's the case with exotic livestock such as Axis Deer.
Mandi, If a hog is released on a game ranch it will have an ear tag with a identification number (TAHC Rules regulate this). If that hog escapes it will be treated as an estray. Same deal on an Axis, if it is on the neighbors it belongs to the neighbor, unless it has an ear tag.