Feral swine population removal efforts using aerial operations on both public and private lands continued into 2021. Over the course of the year, more than 750 public and private cooperators continued to provide permission for aerial operations in support of feral swine removal. A total of 193.5 hours of aerial operations were conducted over the course of the year resulting in the removal of 1954 feral swine.

HB 369 passes in 2021

A major step in addressing the feral hog problem in Missouri in 2021 was the passage of House Bill No. 369. This bill redefines feral swine and increases penalties for possessing, transporting and releasing feral swine. To protect landowners, the bill specifically addresses preventing criminalization of accidental escapes, transportation of domestic hogs, and/or farming or raising domestic hogs. This piece of legislation clarifies laws regarding feral hogs and allows for enforcement by various enforcement agencies.

Additional Partnership Positions Added

At full staff, a total of 48 full-time trappers are deployed by the Partnership across the state to implement elimination efforts. Of the 48 trappers, 10 are new positions added in 2021.

In 2021, four Feral Hog Outreach Specialists were hired as part of the University of Missouri's Feral Hog Extension Program to act as liaisons for the Partnership. Specific goals of the Feral Hog Extension Program, complimentary to efforts of the Partnership, include 1) establishing relationships with landowners in strategic locations, 2) establishing a quarterly newsletter to improve communications, 3) engaging local organizations such as county Farm Bureau, local Cattleman's Association, County Commissions, etc., 4) conducting surveys and collecting data associated with feral hog damage, 5) connecting landowners with trappers, and 6) conducting landowner meetings and workshops. Efforts in 2021 have been successful, with an additional 39 landowners recruited to participate in aerial operations through Outreach Specialist efforts alone.

Looking forward....

Continued recruitment of landowners and communication of accurate information to the pubic regarding feral hogs in Missouri are top priorities for the Partnership continuing into 2022. Continued expansion of removal efforts on private property and procurement of additional funding to provide a full winter of aerial operations in 2022 are additional priorities. The Partnership also aims to expand the use of drones to find hogs and guide trappers to sounders, particularly in dense cover or in hard-to-access locations. The partnership also will make use of a dedicated helicopter for the entire winter. In an effort to aid landowners impacted by feral hog damage, equipment is being purchased utilizing Federal Farm Bill Grant (Feral Swine Control Projects- FSCP) funding and will be placed in counties for landowners to use to repair damage.

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