AUSTIN COUNTY TO SEEK GRANT FUNDING FOR FERAL HOG PROGRAM

  

Austin County is going to pursue grant funding in order to increase their effort to fight the Feral Hog problem.

The Austin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved pursuing up to $20,000 in grant funding, which could be used for traps, increasing the bounty, and education.

Currently, the bounty is $5 for a pair of ears of feral hogs that are killed in Austin County.  The commissioners have considered increasing the bounty to $10.

The ears must be in an individually sealed bag, and can be dropped off at one of three locations: Lindeman’s Store in Industry, Linseisen’s Feed and Supply in Bellville, and Steinhauser’s in Sealy.

County Extension Agent Stacie Villarreal said that they are also looking at traps, and needing education programs in order to teach landowners how to use them properly.

Austin County Precinct Four Commissioner Chip Reed added that while programs like this can be helpful, they still need to have good oversight, and be properly administered.