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’d think the state would go broke on hog bounties. Maybe we can get some stimulus for it? :-)
Wild pigs breed like rabbits. 4 to 6 pigs/litter, 1-2 litters per year. Live 5-10 years.
They’re a real problem.
1. Yes, a few counties have hosted individual bounties. I recall one county offering $10 for a set of ears.
2. Hogs can die of old age at about 10 or so years.
A healthy sow can have litters as large as 12, and its not uncommon to produce 3 litters a year. ( Thats 36 !).
This doesn’t include mortality rates due to predation.
Or maybe some type of sliding scale...$10/hog up the first 25..then $50 after that..or would people collude? ( NAH...)
Or prizes for the biggest....makes people wanna go after them
Seems to me there's some way to do this to make a profit...maybe a TV series...and accomplish a worthwhile goal..
To tell the truth, I know nothing about the science or economics of varmint bounties and I was just flapping my jaws er, I mean, offering my opinion.
I recall stories about the rattlesnake roundups..bounties were paid...
But it seems to me that where you have this obvious problem..a dangerous, destructive feral hog population...and lots of hunters...there has to be an economically driven solution..
maybe the state, and the most affected counties..contribute some funds...maybe charge a fee for the hunt permit..but also pay bounties, prizes, maybe have drawings...maybe a reality TV show....I'mm sure one of the hunting themed cable nets would buy into it...
http://feralhogs.tamu.edu/files/2011/05/FeralHogFactSheet.pdf
This guy has an interesting solution (trapping).
The predation includes humans and their dogs....
The best pork is fresh off tha tit. ( grilled whole )
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