TEACHING PRODUCERS HOW TO EFFECTIVELY CONTROL FERAL HOGS WITH TRAPS AND DRONES
Natural Resources/Aquaculture
Terrell Davis
CEA - Agriculture
University of Tennessee Institute of Ag
Dyersburg
Abstract
Feral hogs are non-native invasive pests to North America. Their presence has been document by the United States Department of Ag in 29 states. Feral hog damage includes farm crops, pastures, livestock, timber, wetlands, and landscapes. This results in crop losses, threats to produce safety, transmission of diseases and threats to livestock, people, and pets. They pollute water and irrigation sources, and compete directly with native wildlife, causing habitat loss. According to the Arkansas Ag Department, damage from feral hogs in Arkansas is estimated at $19 million annually. They are located in all 75 Arkansas counties. The Arkansas Feral Hog Eradication Task Force and federal agencies have begun pilot efforts to remove feral hogs on private lands in four areas of the state (12 of 75 counties). To fill the gaps in support of these efforts, the UA Division of Ag, Cooperative Extension Service developed a protocol for using traps to catch the whole sounder and implemented the use of drones to survey and document damage. Drones are also utilized to identify hog populations using infrared technology. Understanding the composition of feral hog sounders and their habitats allow Extension educators to assist farmers who seek sustainable tactics for reducing feral hog damage on their farms. This presentation will inform participants about the biological characteristics of feral hogs, the protocol used for educational demonstrations, grant funding used for equipment and educational materials, and how drones are used to detect and document feral hog damage.
Authors: Jennifer Caraway, Terrell Davis
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Jennifer Caraway County Extension Agent-Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Ag, Arkansas, 71954
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Terrell Davis County Extension Agent- Agriculture, University of Arkansas Division of Ag, Arkansas, 71958