Rooting around for feral pig solutions

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Feral hogs can be found in all 77 counties of Oklahoma. They cause problems with agricultural production, wildlife, soil health, water quality and ultimately anything else they come in contact with.

During a free public workshop from Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension on Feb. 2, attendees can learn about feral pig biology, control methods, state regulations and federal assistance programs.

“Landowners who are dealing with feral hog problems should attend this meeting,” said Dwayne Elmore, OSU Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “Disease transmission is a serious issue. Feral hogs carry multiple diseases that are transmissible to cattle and people.”

Hogs can do tremendous damage to row crops as they root for seedlings and have been known to destroy entire plots. They also rub against trees to remove external parasites, which can damage or kill trees, which is bad news for pecan growers.

Lacking sweat glands, the pigs will wallow in mud and water, creating erosion and soil health problems and well as water quality issues.

Ideally, all feral pigs would simple be removed, but that is not a realistic option, said Elmore.

“Eradication is very unlikely for most landowners, but they can control the damage,” he said. “Feral hogs cause damage by eating crops, damaging pasture, competing with wildlife, causing erosion and water quality concerns.”

The workshop is slated from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Payne County Fairgrounds. To RSVP or get any additional information, contact Stan Fimple, OSU Cooperative Extension ag educator for Pawnee County at 918-762-2735.