Missouri feral hog elimination partnership makes progress

By Blake Jackson

Feral hogs are a major problem in Missouri, causing damage to land, trees, water sources, and wildlife. A partnership is working to eradicate feral hogs from public and private lands in 27 southern Missouri counties.

The partnership has had success in reducing the feral hog population, with the number of acres occupied by feral hogs falling by nearly 65% since 2016.

One landowner who is working with the partnership is Freddie Leroux. Leroux acquired land in southern Missouri for conservation, recreation, and hunting. The area is prime habitat for feral hogs.

Leroux is grateful for the help of the partnership and appreciates the expertise of MU Extension and USDA wildlife specialists. He gives them full access to his land and helps to promote the partnership with other landowners.

The success of the partnership depends on landowners like Leroux. With the group's help, he is working to repair the damage caused by feral hogs on his land and to prevent future damage.

To report feral hog damage or receive assistance, call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 573-522-4115 ext. 3296 or visit http://mdc.mo.gov/feralhog

Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic