LULING – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a Wild Pig Management Workshop for landowners and the general public from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Luling Foundation, 523 S. Mulberry St. in Luling.
The program is free, but attendees have the option of paying for a catered lunch.
Five Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units – two general, two integrated pest management and one laws and regulations – are available for private pesticide applicator licensees who attend.
“Wild pigs are responsible for millions of dollars in agricultural and other losses annually in Texas,” said Josh Helcel, AgriLife Extension associate, Burnet County “They are also known as sources of bacterial impairment and potential carriers of disease.”
Helcel also noted that the prolific breeding of wild pigs has created additional challenges for landowners and increased the need for further education on the control strategies that might work best for their property.
Michael Haynes, former AgriLife Extension agent for Caldwell County now the AgriLife Extension agent in Bandera County, said the event is provided at no cost through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Additional funding was contributed by the San Antonio River Authority.
Haynes said workshop presenters will include experts from AgriLife Extension, Texas Wildlife Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Animal Health Commission.
“This workshop will provide direct how-to instruction and demonstration of control techniques,” he said. “It will also address water quality impacts, laws and regulations, disease concerns and the Caldwell County Feral Hog Task Force Program. Attendees will have access to a number of publications and other free resources.”
Haynes said the optional catered lunch will be available for $15 to those attendees who preregister with the AgriLife Extension office in Caldwell County by Feb. 5. Past that date, the cost is $20 at the door.
“After lunch, Jacob Hetzel, AgriLife Extension wildlife damage management biologist in San Antonio, will provide a hands-on demonstration of a number of different snaring techniques,” he said.
Haynes said program registration will begin at 8 a.m., but preregistration by Feb. 5 is strongly encouraged to ensure an accurate meal count and sufficient handouts.
To register, visit or contact the AgriLife Extension office in Caldwell County, 1403 Blackjack St., Suite B in Lockhart, 512-398-3122, caldwell@ag.tamu.edu. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Extension office two days prior to the event so accommodations can be made.
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