There are a variety of tools available to manage feral hogs and limit the amount of damage they can cause. While there are some tools that have been successful in excluding hogs from small areas, most management tools for this species focus on lethal removal or sale to a processing facility. Feral hogs are a non-native, highly invasive species, so relocation to release is not a feasible option and in Texas is illegal.
In order to improve the success of management efforts, an Integrated Pest Management approach is recommended. This kind of approach means that a variety of tools are used together to improve the overall success of feral hog management. For example, corral traps may be used for a period of time to capture large quantities of feral hogs, then selective shooting may be used as a follow up tool to remove remaining hogs after trapping success begins to decrease. Another ideal combination is placing snares on trails frequented by feral hogs before aerial gunning takes place to increase the number of pigs removed. After a gunning event, selective shooting over bait can help to remove any stragglers.
Tool selection will vary from one situation to the next based on habitat, resources, property goals, number of hogs, and available time. As with any other management plan, long-term success will require long-term management and the flexibility to adapt as the situation changes.
Some of the more common tools for managing feral hogs can be seen below.
For more information on any of these management practices, check out our list of in-depth publications. For technical assistance with implementing any of these practices, reach out to Texas Wildlife Services.
