Feral Hog Program

Hog

As in many areas across the Texas landscape and elsewhere in the nation, feral hog numbers are increasing. This includes the Plum Creek Watershed. These animals damage crops, livestock, pets, landscaping, and natural habitat in rural and urban areas alike.

Feral hogs also have the potential to contribute to water pollution by increasing the levels of sediment, nutrients, and bacteria in streams and lakes.

The Texas AgriLife Extension Service is cooperating with the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership to address this growing local issue. Working to provide information and assistance to watershed landowners, we may reduce the effects of feral hog activity.

Feral Hog Links

Fact Sheets on Feral Hog Issues

Texas AgriLife Extension has developed publications for landowners on a variety of issues:

Capture Techniques

Feral hogs are not considered wildlife and are not classified as a game species in Texas. Instead, this exotic species is considered free-ranging livestock. Feral hogs and their damage are the responsibility of the landowner where they are found. As a result, landowners spend considerable time and money in attempt to manage these animals.

Once feral hogs are established in an area, complete eradication is almost impossible. There is no “silver bullet” or a single quick fix. However, by using multiple approaches, landowners and mangers can limit the size of feral hog populations and reduce the level of damage.

Each approach may be viewed as one option in the “toolbox” for feral hog management, and a combination of techniques will likely be needed to have a sustained effect and diminish feral hog impacts. For best results, these different techniques should be used simultaneously.