2022 Wild Hog Control Program Application Period

Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) on Monday, August 1. The application period will close on Monday, August 15. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period.

Through the WHCP, MDAC provides “smart” wild hog traps to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. MDAC provides the training necessary to use the “smart” traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands.

“We are entering the third year of the program and demand for traps is growing,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This demand is a result of more landowners learning about the success of our program and needing assistance to help fight this nuisance animal. On August 5 at the Ag and Outdoor Expo, I will announce how my agency will be expanding the Wild Hog Control Program through a new partnership that will provide more assistance to landowners.”

Trap applications must be completed and submitted online at www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp. Submitted applications will be evaluated based on the number of acres available for trapping, historical agricultural losses caused by wild hogs on the property and current trapping efforts on the property. A cooperative application is encouraged for small acreage (i.e., adjoining land managers of small parcels should work together to submit one application). Traps will be available for one-month intervals, dependent upon use and success. One trap per 500 – 1,000 acres is recommended, depending on landscape and land use.

The Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo, hosted by the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and presented by Southern AgCredit, will be held at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds from Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7, in the Trade Mart. MDAC will have a booth at the Expo promoting the WHCP and demonstrating the use of trapping equipment. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp for WHCP guidelines, applications and additional information. Submit questions regarding the WHCP to Chris McDonald at chris@mdac.ms.gov.

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