By: Paul Schattenberg, 210-467-6575, paschattenberg@ag.tamu.edu

KEMP — To provide landowners with more information about feral hogs and trapping techniques, there will be a half-day workshop May 4 at the Becker Community Center in Kemp.


The May 4 program in Kaufman County will focus on feral hog behavior and control. (Texas AgriLife Extension Service photo)

The center is located at the intersection of Farm-to-Market roads 1895 and 2860, southeast of Kaufman.

Program registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with presentations from 9 a.m. -12:15 p.m.

“With the high reproductive capacity of feral hogs, their numbers grow every year and are creating more conflict with landowners and the agriculture industry in Texas,” said Ralph Davis, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent for Kaufman County and workshop coordinator. “Therefore, it is important for landowners to be aware of the issues surrounding feral hogs and the management techniques used to control the population.”

During the program, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist Dr. Billy Higginbotham will present information on basic feral hog biology, laws and regulations for control methods, and different techniques for reducing feral hog numbers.

AgriLife Extension associate Blake Alldredge will explain a new project focusing on restoring the Trinity River and its surrounding lands, as well as the efforts of Trinity Waters — a local landowner organization promoting conservation in tandem with economic stability for landowners within the basin.

In addition, Higginbotham and Casey Becker of Becker Farms will conduct an outdoor demonstration of trapping techniques and the use of wildlife cameras to evaluate feral hog behavior and increase trapping efficiency.

The workshop is $15 and offers three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units — two in general and one in laws and regulations.

Space is limited, so attendees must preregister by April 27 by calling the AgriLife Extension office in Kaufman County at 972-932-9069.