A heated battle between Michigan pig farmers and the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reignited, with accusations of government overreach, faulty science, and attempts to shut down hunting operations.
At the center of the controversy is Michigan’s 2010 invasive species order, which classifies certain pigs — notably Russian Boar and their hybrids — as invasive and illegal to own. While the intent is to protect ecosystems and prevent the spread of feral hogs, farmers say the DNR is using aggressive tactics and questionable science to enforce the rules, threatening their businesses and livelihoods.
At a Michigan House Oversight Committee hearing in June, pig farmer Roger Turunen and veterinarian Dr. Barry Wehner testified about their experiences. Turunen has been fighting the state in court for over a decade, seeking to keep his pig breeding operation alive. Meanwhile, Dr. Wehner and his co-owned Superior Wildlife Adventures in Marquette were shocked to learn that hunters visiting their farm were undercover DNR agents, collecting DNA samples without disclosing their true identities.
Wehner, a veterinarian for 30 years, argues that the DNR’s genetic testing methods are flawed. According to him, even major animal health companies like Zoetis have confirmed that no genetic test can definitively classify a pig as feral. “They’re making it up. It’s not science, it’s harassment,” Wehner told lawmakers.
Despite these claims, the DNR defends its approach. Ed Golder, the department’s spokesperson, said genetic testing is “the best available scientific evidence” to fairly enforce Michigan’s law against Russian Boar and hybrids.
Lawmakers, however, remain skeptical. Representative David Prestin, R-Cedar River, accused the DNR of targeting pig hunting operations out of spite, claiming the department relies on physical traits like ear shape, hair color, and tusk length to classify animals — not science. Prestin stated that after Turunen’s past court victories, the DNR appears determined to shut him down.
The DNR was notably absent from the committee hearing, as committee chair Rep. Angela Rigas, R-Alto, said time was deliberately reserved for affected farmers to share their experiences.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rep. Jason Woolford, R-Howell, said courts have ruled the pigs in question were not Russian Boar, yet the DNR continues inspections and what Woolford calls harassment — including a fresh inspection at Superior Game Ranch following Wehner’s testimony.
For the Michigan pig farming and hunting community, the stakes are high. The outcome of this ongoing battle could set a precedent not just for pig hunting operations but for how states balance invasive species management with farmers’ rights — and whether science or appearances will guide those decisions.
Stay tuned to Swine Web for updates on this developing story.
