Question:
Where can I find resources on feral hog management on cattle production/range lands? My neighbor is interested in possibly some large-scale trapping but is concerned about problems with calves getting into the traps.
Answer:
Your neighbor can look to our 5 new feral hog management publications developed for the Plum Creek Watershed Partnership,and Coping with Feral Hogs a web-site run by our Wildlife and Fisheries Extension Unit. Also, I was just alerted to a new publication written by my extension colleague, Dr. Ben West, who works for the Berryman Institute. This is a great resource for anyone interested in trapping feral hogs.
A simple fix for corral traps and box traps is to string a piece of barbed wire across the door opening about 2/3 up from the ground. Calves and deer will shy away from this addition, but a hog is a hog and will give the wire little thought, if it wants the bait.
To take the question a bit further, think about how to get the trap door open prior to an occasional capture of a calf or deer. One must anticipate an accidental capture, but being prepared will keep a calf or deer from damaging itself, while the trapper comes up with a plan, finds a rope, ties it to the door etc. Simply tie a rope or cable to the door and leave it there for emergency use. Make sure that it will not tangle and hang the door open, allowing escape by pigs.
All landowners need to participate in the removal of feral hogs. Remember they are a non-native, invasive species, with a high reproductive rate. They negatively impact water quality, native wildlife and are a disease threat to livestock.
I hope this helps.