U of A System Division of Agriculture offering feral hog trap demo
By Ryan McGeeney
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Sept. 7, 2016
Fast Facts:
- Free feral hog trapping demonstration
- Feral hogs are a nuisance pest
- Although they typically avoid humans, some have been seen encroaching on urban and residential areas
(312 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Growers and residents concerned with encroaching feral hog populations in central Arkansas are invited to attend a free trap demonstration Friday, Set. 9, presented by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
Becky McPeake, professor and extension wildlife specialist for the Division of Agriculture, said the demonstration is designed to inform people about ways to control feral hogs on their own property.
William Dismang, owner of Bull Creek, is scheduled to demonstrate the use of a corral trap that operates with the use of surveillance cameras and live streaming to cell phones. Bull Creek, located in Beebe, manufactures hunting blinds, feral hog traps and other equipment.
The exact number of feral hogs in Arkansas is unknown, although McPeake and other experts note that the population has steadily increased over the past few decades. The hogs, which use their tusks to root into ground in search of food, can destroy large amounts of farmland and other valuable property overnight, she said.
“They’re around and growing,” McPeake said. “They typically avoid human contact, but they’re becoming so prevalent that we’re now seeing them near people’s houses. They’re transient — they go where they need to go to find food.”
Speakers at the demonstration will discuss topics including the use of trail cameras, how to trap feral hogs and applicable laws and regulations.
The demonstration will be held at a private hunt club, located west of Wrightsville. From Little Rock, travel south on Interstate 530 and take Exit 7. Travel east on 145th Street, and follow signs for the Feral Hog Control workshop.
The event is outdoors, and McPeake recommended the use of insect repellant for attendees.
The demonstration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 11 a.m. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. To register, visit http://uaferalhogdemo.eventbrite.com, or contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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