This month’s cover art is entitled “Boar in Fern,” by renowned International Artist, Hans Bulder.  It’s a painting that makes one stop and think “Wow,” as if this animal had been been encountered in the wild as man and beast’s paths crossed and each were sizing up the other.

Most know wild hogs are not native to North America, and those that range across our continent are descendants of the large Eurasian boar found in the Veluwe Hills and Soeren Forrest that surrounds Bulder’s home in Apeldorn Netherlands.  This beautiful region is home to the Big Five of the Netherlands consisting of Keiler (wild boar), red deer, roe deer, foxes and Scottish Highlanders.

The wild boar on this month’s cover is an imposing animal with thick shoulders, massive head, razors sharp tusk it uses for a variety of reasons plus beady eyes.  Texas hunters that have encountered a free-range wild boar that retains a large percentage of the original European genes know this is a serious game animal with its own challenges and physical beauty.

Interestingly Bulder chose to depict this animal in fern.  Like the Netherlands patches of fern are found in the Lone Star State in a variety of scattered locations.  Fern in both locations are consumed but also used to build nests for their young.  In fact, one stalk seems to have been chewed upon and broken by something, presumedly a wild swine.

In its home range Europeans deals with many of the same challenges found here in America.  The biggest difference is the hunted is revered and much respect for the game animal is paid.  There is pageantry associated for the hunt with the meat utilized and not wasted.

The connection with our wild hogs that root, are seen, full body mounted trophies and paintings like Bulder’s provides a historical association with the descendants with those that make Texas home.  While management challenges continue the connection from the Old World, to the new and why they were introduced only adds to the story.

For more information on “Boar in Fern” or other fine works of art by Hans Bulder visit www.hansbulder.com or email info@hansbulder.com.— Bill L. Olson

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