- Contact: Lisa Prcin, 254-774-6008, lprcin@brc.tamus.edu
LAMPASAS – Texas A&M AgriLife will conduct a Wild Pig Management workshop for area landowners and the public April 26 in Lampasas.
The workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m. at the Grace Fellowship Church, 2974 S. U.S. Highway 281. It is is a joint effort among Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Lampasas River Watershed Partnership and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Wild pigs are a major nuisance to Texas producers and landowners. Management programs around the state educate landowners about best management practices to curb their numbers and damages to property and crops. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service photo)
Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator licenses holders can earn three continuing education units — one integrated pest management, one laws and regulations and one general — by attending this workshop.
“Wild pigs continue to have a tremendous impact on agricultural production, water quality, habitat and native species,” said Josh Helcel, AgriLife Extension wildlife associate, Gatesville. “This workshop will connect producers and landowners with wildlife professionals who will provide information and resources on how to effectively control wild pigs.”
Heath Lusty, AgriLife Extension agent for Lampasas County, said the event will also focus on direct instruction and demonstration regarding methods to control wild pig populations. Several publications and other free resources related to wild pigs will be available for attendees.
Lisa Prcin, AgriLife Research watershed coordinator for the Lampasas River Watershed, Temple, said feral hogs are a top concern in the Lampasas River Watershed Protection Plan due to their contributing bacteria to the river and stream system.
“It is our goal to help people to develop a control strategy specific to their situation on their property,” she said.
Workshop topics will include basic wild pig ecology and biology, transportation regulations, emerging technologies and related disease concerns. Wild pig control and hunting techniques, and other resources will also be discussed.
Speakers will include Helcel and Dave Haehn, Hogs for a Cause Ministries in Belton, as well as Dr. Pete Fincher, Texas Animal Health Commission Region 7 director, Rockdale, and Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo.
The workshop is free, and an optional catered lunch will be available for $15 with preregistration and $20 at the door. Preregistration is requested by 5 p.m. April 24 by contacting Prcin at 254-774-6008 or lprcin@brc.tamus.edu to ensure an accurate count for meals and handouts.
More information about the Lampasas River Watershed Partnership and this program can be found at http://www.lampasasriver.org.
Funding and support for the Lampasas Watershed Protection Plan is provided through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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