Using a recently received grant from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Wildlife Services, Hays County launched a new program July 25 to help reduce the area's feral hog population.


To assist residents with feral hog management efforts, the program will include a Feral Hog Workshop and webinar, a bounty program, a countywide damage assessment and financial assistance to selected landowners who want to trap hogs.


The county has partnered with the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, the Cypress Creek Project, the San Marcos Watershed Initiative, the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership, Caldwell County and Guadalupe County to assist with educational components of the program.


“The 2018 feral hog program in Hays County has a great opportunity for sustained success as we have received both the funding and support to coordinate on a regional scale with projects in Caldwell County and Guadalupe County,” said Nick Dornak, Watershed Services Coordinator at the Meadows Center.


Feral hogs can impact water quality in creeks and rivers and result in reduced agricultural production. Texas is home to an estimated 3 million feral hogs, according to the Meadows Center.


“Feral hogs continue to pose significant problems for both agriculture producers and residential property owners in Hays County,” said Jason Mangold, Hays County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources.


The Hays County bounty program is held every Wednesday until Aug. 22. Participants are required to complete a form at the Hays County Extension Office, 1253 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos, or on the Central Texas Feral Hog Task Force website.


The Hays County Feral Hog Workshop will be held Aug. 15 at the Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 W. MLK St., San Marcos, 12:30-3:30 p.m., for residents to learn about feral hog management measures.