Posted on 08/31/2011 10:10:30 AM PDT by waterhill
Press Releases
Print Commissioner Todd Staples Texas Department of Agriculture FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08-30-2011 CONTACT: Bryan Black Veronica Obregon (512) 463-7664
Commissioner Staples Announces Second-Annual Statewide Hog Out Month County Challenge
AUSTIN - Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today called upon all 254 Texas counties to participate in Hog Out Month - a statewide challenge to decrease the state's feral hog population. This challenge will coordinate various feral hog removal strategies implemented across the state into one statewide effort.
"Wild hogs are finding their way into urban and rural areas destroying yards, golf courses, parks and crops at a cost of up to $400 million each year," Commissioner Staples said. "These animals reproduce at staggering rates and are now a menace on Texas highways, which is why I encourage all Texans to continue to step up efforts to reduce the number of feral hogs and protect our state from further damage."
It is estimated 2 million feral hogs live in Texas, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage across the state each year. The statewide challenge, which kicks off Oct. 1 during Hog Out Month, will run through Dec. 31. Grants will be awarded to the five counties with the most hogs removed and highest participation in feral hog abatement programs. The deadline for counties to submit a notice of intent to participate is Sept. 30.
In October 2010, Commissioner Staples kicked off the first county challenge to rally Texans to reduce the number of feral hogs in the state.
Additionally, TDA works with the Wildlife Services branch of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, which removes thousands of hogs annually through various feral hog abatement strategies that result in an estimated savings of more than $4 million to Texas landowners.
Landowners are encouraged to call their local AgriLife Extension Agent for information on feral hog control measures.
"The only way to combat a problem as far-reaching as feral hogs is to aggressively employ multiple tactics in a coordinated and concentrated effort, starting at the local level," Commissioner Staples said. "Good local participation complements the work done in other communities resulting in a comprehensive statewide strategy."
Counties may obtain a notice of intent to participate in the Hog Out Month challenge by clicking here, calling (512) 463-6695 or emailing Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov. More details about the program can be found by clicking here.
Texas Feral Hog Facts (source: Texas AgriLife Extension Service)· Feral hogs cause an estimated $400 million in damages annually. · There are an estimated 2 million feral hogs in Texas. · Feral hogs are predators of lambs, kid goats, baby calves, newborn fawns and ground-nesting birds, and compete for food and space with many native species of wildlife. · Feral hogs commonly destroy urban yards, parks and golf courses, as well as rangeland, pastures, crops, fencing, wildlife feeders and other property. Additionally, they contribute to E. coli and other diseases in Texas streams, ponds and watersheds. · Vehicle collisions with feral hogs cause an estimated $1,200 in damage per collision, and create safety hazards for those involved.
I think the drought is keeping their numbers in check this year. I hope it isn’t affecting the deer the same, though.
I’m up for some hog huntin’. Anybody got a chopper?
“Hog Out”
*snicker*
These things look like they would be delicious on a huge barbeque, roasting slowly for about 24 hours on a spit.
...or night vision?
PETA is deeply saddened.
[ These things look like they would be delicious on a huge barbeque, roasting slowly for about 24 hours on a spit. ]
As long as they are completely and througly cooked as wild hogs can carry quite the large number of horrifying parasites.
Though if you cook them well you kill all the parasites and get the side benefit of the meat just falling off the bone.
Hope Texans do some serious killing of these voracious pests in the last three months of the year. The lack of acorns and wildlife caused by the severe drought will only make them invade more urban territory this winter as they search for food.
What a great excuse to pick up a “hog rifle”, a .45-70.
Texas is a fun place to live.
I’ll try to do my part!
I prefer using one of my bolt rifles, in 30-06.
Although 45-70 would work ;-)
Two words:
Lu au
I’m headed to Tennessee Colony this weekend to reduce the hog population there.
1. Has Texas ever considered, or actually paid, a bounty for each hog killed? If they cause so much damage, wouldn't that be the most effective way of getting people out to thin the population. What amount would be needed to get folks out. $100? Also, should it be limited to sows?
2. I assume that there have been extensive studies of the feral hog population. How long do they live in the wild? How many litters will a sow produce? How rapidly does the population increase...?
“What a great excuse to pick up a “hog rifle”, a .45-70.”
I prefer an AR-10.
PETA=Pigs Eating Tons of Ammo!
>> PETA=Pigs Eating Tons of Ammo!
Good one!
Pig Entrails Torn Away........(I’ll be here all week).
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.