Texas Cooperative Extension offices in Coke and Sterling counties have teamed up to present a "Feral Hog Appreciation Day," beginning at 8 a.m. on Nov. 12 in the Robert Lee Recreational Hall. The hall is located at the County Park in Robert Lee at the corner of Austin and 15th streets.

A number of Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be offered: three general, two integrated pest management and one and a half laws and regulations.

"Feral hogs are a growing menace across much of our area, and until recently, we haven't had much of a problem here," said Tommy Antilley, Extension agent for Coke County. "That's all changing now as evidenced by the increasing number of hog calls we are getting these days.

"These appreciation days have been held around the state to bring landowners and managers up to date on what is happening in their particular area. Now it's our turn, because we have feral hogs here now. Unfortunately, once you have them, they are all but impossible to get rid of. Our aim is to teach producers what tools are available to help them cope with this new factor on our ranges."

Morning topics are: "What's Your Feral Ho! g IQ," "Appreciating Feral Hogs," "Feral Hogs in Texas, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "Status and Distribution of Feral Hogs in Texas," "Feral Hog Biology," "Animal Health Regulations, Transfer of Feral Hogs, Diseases," "Interactions with Native Wildlife," and "Research Updates."

Following a catered lunch, the afternoon session will include: "Controlling Feral Hogs," "Hunting Opportunities of Feral Hogs-Feral Hog Damage to Landowners," and "Laws and Regulations Governing Feral Hogs."

Individual pre-registration to cover the meal and printed materials is $20 if paid by Nov. 5 and $30 thereafter.

For more information, call the Extension office in Coke County, 325-453-2461, or Sterling County, 325-378-3181.