The Natchitoches SWCD is accepting applications for its Feral Hog Damage Control Program thru Dec. 16. The Feral Hog program assists landowners with the control of feral hog populations and the associated diseases and damages within the Red River Valley area of Natchitoches Parish. The Natchitoches SWCD encourages landowners to enroll and recommends that they contact adjoining landowners to get them enrolled in the Feral Hog Program because this facilitates the control of the hogs in the area.

The Districts Feral Hog Control Program cost to landowners this year is $.60 per acre for enrolled acres with a minimum of $100 for tracts smaller than 167 acres in size. This will include helicopter aerial gunning by USDA APHIS Wildlife Service in February or March 2017 and the use of Natchitoches SWCD state of the art remote operated cellular trapping systems throughout the year (based on availability). This will also include assistance from the APHIS Wildlife trapper to further reduce hog damage.

Landowners will need to call the Natchitoches SWCD Office to schedule an appointment with Benny Dobson or J.D. Cox to sign up for the program at 318-352-7100 ext. 3.

The Natchitoches SWCD removed 381 feral hogs through the February 2016 aerial gunning program and 196 by trapping from Jan. 1 – Oct. 24 in the cooperative program area for a total of 577 hogs removed. The Natchitoches SWCD has removed a TOTAL 2,176 feral hogs over the past 3 years of the program.