Feral hogs inflict tens of thousands of dollars annually to Fannin County agriculture producers, municipalities and individuals. Their nature of feeding habits and activities, make farming and ranching difficult and expensive by destroying crops, tearing up pastures, fields and meadows. Municipalities and individuals experience damage to golf courses, cemeteries and backyards.
We all need to take care on the highways and farm to market roads where feral hogs feed on the sides of roads and decide to cross in front of an oncoming car, especially at night. In addition to a direct impact on us, they have an even more direct impact on our indigenous wildlife. They compete with wildlife for food and shelter.
The Fannin County Commissioners Court has elected to participate in the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Hog Out County Grants Program. The program is designed to make a concentrated and coordinated effort to reduce the population and the damage caused by these animals during the months of October 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012, with October being “Hog Out” month. The top three counties in the state will receive TDA grant funds to extend the educational and feral hog abatement activities in 2013.
As an incentive the Fannin County Commissioners have agreed to post a reward to the top two participants in the “Fannin County Hog Out.” Participants will be awarded 1/2 point for each feral hog captured and delivered to a certified buying station or killed and certified by an agent for the Fannin County Commissioners at the County Extension Office or the Fannin County Precinct Barns.
Hogs can only be certified between the hours of 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. of normal work days. Each participant will be awarded 1 point for attending an organized educational meeting on feral hogs. First Prize will be $750 for the most points, Second will be $250 for the second most points. Fannin Hog Out rules are available at the Fannin County Extension Office, Fannin County Courthouse and at the Fannin County Precinct Barns.
For more information contact the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office at 903-583-7453 or your Fannin County Commissioner.
Thursday, November 8 at 6:00 p.m.
Bonham Civic Center (Armory) Hwy 121 and Hwy 56 - Bonham
TOPICS
• Welcome and Introductions
Fannin County Judge Spanky Carter
• “Fannin Hog Out”
Roger Skipper, Fannin County Extension Agent AG/NR
• “Feral Hog Life History and Control - What’s Legal and What’s Not”
Dr. Billy Higginbotham, Extension Wildlife Specialist
• “Texas Parks And Wildlife Rules Regarding Feral Hogs and Hunting”
Randolph McGee, Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden
• “Impact of Feral Hogs on Wildlife”
Regan White, Texas Parks and Wildlife – Wildlife Biologist
2 CEU’s for TDA Licensed Private Applicators
(1.5 Laws and Reg’s & .5 general)
No Charge!
Please Call and Register for this event!
For more information, contact Roger Skipper
County Extension Agent – Agriculture & Natural Resources,
Fannin County @ (903) 583-7453 or rdskipper@ag.tamu.edu
Meal and program sponsored by Helena Chemical Company,
Agriland Farm Credit, City of Bonham, Fannin County