Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Josh Helcel, 512-554-3785, josh.helcel@tamu.edu
BURNET – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a Wild Pig Management Workshop for landowners and the public from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 24 in Burnet.
The workshop will be held in the AgriLife Extension office at 1701 E. Polk St., Suite 12, said Kelly Tarla, AgriLife Extension agent in Burnet County.
“Wild pigs negatively affect agricultural production, water quality, habitat and native species,” said Josh Helcel, AgriLife Extension associate at Gatesville. “The adaptability and high reproductive success of these animals present unique challenges. So, the goal of this workshop is to help landowners better understand what they are up against, thus enabling them to develop control strategies specific to their property.”
Adam Henry, Texas Wildlife Services wildlife biologist, Fort Worth District, will provide control tips for wild pigs. Henry and Helcel will demonstrate different trapping systems and snaring techniques. Additionally, Brent Whitus, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden in Burnet County, is set to address questions on laws and regulations during the workshop.
Other speakers will include Dr. Pete Fincher, Texas Animal Health Commission Region 6 director, Lampasas, and Andy James, AgriLife Extension assistant with Texas A&M Institute of Renewable Natural Resources in Coryell County, who serves the Leon River Watershed.
“This workshop will not only provide direct how-to instruction and demonstrate control techniques, but will also address water quality impacts and specific disease concerns associated with feral swine,” Helcel said.
A number of free publications and other resources will be available during the workshop.
Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general category will be available for private pesticide applicator licensees.
The meeting is free, though a catered lunch will be available for $12. An RSVP is requested by Feb. 19. For more information and to RSVP, call the AgriLife Extension office in Burnet County at 512-756-5463.
The workshop is sponsored 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.
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