Hog Out hunting contest aims to thin population

BURNET — At least one pest is thriving in this drought. And it’s not roaches.

“The feral hog is a pest,” said Wade Hibler, Burnet County AgriLife extension agent.

If you don’t believe him, Hibler said, look around.

According to published reports, feral hogs are damaging water quality, landscapes, gardens, native plants, animal communities and agricultural production.

“Being that they’re pests, they’re a problem,” he said.

Hogs can be hunted year-round in Texas, although hunters still need a hunting license.Courtesy photo

“Feral hogs appear to be really abundant,” said Dale Schmidt, the wildlife technician for Llano and San Saba counties. “Last year was a good year for the acorn crop. I’ve been out here doing spotlight surveys, and hogs are on the side of the road. Usually, you don’t see that very often.”