Rural landowners often face a significant challenge when it comes to managing feral hog populations. These invasive animals can cause extensive damage to crops and property, making it crucial to find effective and efficient ways to control their numbers. We have used traditional traps for years and I’ve invested in thermal & night vision optics, ran hog dogs and nothing is slowing down their population growth. We continue to learn more and more about wild hogs and the only way to slow down the population is that you have to trap the entire “sounder” or herd. This has changed the types of traps that are needed. There are lots of fantasy traps out there right now. I received a grant from the state and they loaned me a trap that I could set from my phone. The only problem is that we don’t have cell service out here.
I had to set the trap where I had service, not neccasirly where I had hogs. One solution that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the PigBrig Hog Trapping System. I
Now this isn’t a paid advertisement for PigBrig and you can google them and they have some great videos but it is an innovative trap that solves multiple problems.
The PigBrig Hog Trapping System is a cutting-edge, technology-driven approach to feral hog management. Developed with the specific needs of rural landowners in mind, this system offers a host of benefits that make it a standout choice for controlling feral hog populations.
- Efficiency: Traditional hog trapping methods can be time-consuming and require constant monitoring. The PigBrig system doesn’t require you to stay up all night to remotely set your trap.
- Cost-Effective: While initial setup costs may seem substantial, the long-term savings are substantial and it is much cheaper than other comparable traps that capture the entire herd.
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Poison and aerial hunting, common methods used to control feral hogs, can have unintended consequences on other wildlife and the environment. PigBrig provides a more humane and environmentally friendly solution.
Mississippi Agricultural Department’s Support
Recognizing the importance of effective feral hog management for rural landowners, the Mississippi Agricultural Department has taken steps to support the adoption of a more sophisticated trapping system and hopefully slow down the population growth.
- Cost-Share Programs: The Mississippi Agricultural Department has introduced cost-share programs that provide financial assistance to landowners who invest in the PigBrig system. This financial support makes the initial investment more accessible to a broader range of rural landowners.
- Educational Workshops: The department organizes educational workshops and training sessions to help landowners understand how to best utilize the PigBrig system. This ensures that landowners can maximize the system’s effectiveness.
- Technical Assistance: Landowners can access technical assistance from the Mississippi Agricultural Department when setting up and maintaining their PigBrig systems. This support helps landowners navigate any challenges they may encounter.
- Data Sharing: The department encourages data sharing among landowners using the PigBrig system. This collaborative approach helps build a comprehensive picture of feral hog populations in the region, leading to more effective control efforts.
Conclusion
While we’ll probably never completely get rid of wild hogs, I’m hoping that this cost-share program and LSU’s pending hog poison will help reduce the population. I’m glad that the state of Mississippi is helping landowners deal with this problem because it will take a public/private partnership to kill out these bastards 🙂 I’ll give an update on when I get my trap and capture my first group of pigs.
