The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will host a seminar on feral hog biology, control and management April 9 at Somervell County Expo Center, U.S. Highway 67 and Bo Gibbs Blvd., Glen Rose.

The seminar is sponsored by AgriLife Extension offices in Somervell, Bosque and Hood counties, and will cover "the good, bad and ugly" on feral hogs, said Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent in Somervell County.

What's good about feral hogs?

"Not much," Blanek said.

Feral hogs have long been a problem in his and surrounding counties, but numbers seem to be increasing, and with the increase in numbers, more reports of damage to pastures, hay meadows and small-grain fields, Blanek said.

"The aim with this program is to bring landowners up to date on the impact of feral hogs and their management," Blanek said. "Topics will include everything from feral hog biology to trapping techniques."

Feral hogs are now in just about every county in Texas, with the possible exception of a few far western counties, said Jim Cathey, AgriLife Extension wildlife and fisheries sciences specialist, College Station, and one of the featured speakers.

"And if they're not there, odds are they soon will be," Cathey said. "Feral hogs are not just a problem in rural areas. Now, damage reports are coming from suburban areas as well."

The seminar will help landowners "understand the feral hog challenge," Cathey said. "We will train people on the methods to reduce the population of this exotic invader."

Other topics will include: "Status and Distribution of Feral Hogs in Texas;" "Feral Hog Biology; Game Laws and Regulations;" "Disease Control; Feral Hogs – an Economic Nuisance or an Opportunity?;" and "Controlling Feral Hogs – Traps and Baiting."

Registration is $10; the program will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at noon with lunch. Lunch is included in the registration fee, as are refreshments and handout materials.

For more information or to register for the program, contact AgriLife Extension offices in Somervell County, 254-897-2809; Bosque County, 254-435-2331; or Hood County, 817-579-3280.