by Kristen Tyson, M.A.
Do you trap or hunt feral hogs on your property? Would you
like to save on your tax bill? Read on.
Improved Feral Hog Box Trap
Wildlife Management Plans (WMP) are usually created by
landowners or managers who have a vision for their property and seek to utilize
all that the land has to offer, whether it’s part of their livelihood, to be
hunted, or simply to be enjoyed as a nice getaway spot. A successful plan will
incorporate several key activities that not only benefit native birds and
wildlife, but livestock as well, where applicable. For landowners who create
and implement these plans, the time and money invested are usually worth more
than they expected. The land flourishes and native plant and animal species are
healthy and diverse.
Thanks to changes in Texas legislation, updated laws allow
landowners who already qualify for Agricultural Valuations, or Ag Exemptions,
can now switch to wildlife management under the same valuation. This change
creates an environment where agriculture-based lands can diversify their
activities to attract wildlife, further allowing the land to rest from grazing,
without losing tax credits.
There are 7 activities to choose from when creating a WMP
but only 3 are required. They include: habitat control, erosion control,
predator control, providing supplemental water, providing supplemental food,
and providing supplemental shelter.
So what counts as predator control? Predators are known
species that compete with or threaten native species. Imported red fire ants,
brown-headed cowbirds, grackle, starling, house sparrow, coyotes, feral hogs,
raccoons, skunks, feral cats and dogs are all part of predator control.
Although each of these invasive animals needs to be eradicated, feral
hogs/cats/dogs are a priority species for removal.
Some landowners view feral hogs complacently and see them as
potential investments for hunting purposes, but the sad truth is that they
cause more damage to the land and to native deer and other species than the price
tag on their heads, or snouts, is worth. Feral
hogs not only devastate crops and pastures (They have been linked to at
least $52 million in agricultural damage, annually in Texas.), they are also responsible
for automobile accidents and contributing to increased bacteria levels in
watersheds across the state.
Some land managers simply wanting the benefits of the tax
valuation choose predator control and half-heartedly pursue the trapping of
feral hogs. Whatever your reasons for choosing predator control, realize that
like habitat control or providing supplemental water supplies, you cannot be successful
unless you give it 100%. I would advise you to do some homework before buying
traps or setting snares. There are resources (publications, videos) available
by the dozen to help you understand the steps it takes to effectively catch
feral hogs. Simply buying a trap because it was on sale and putting it just
anywhere on your property will get you the same amount of results as the effort
you put into it: minimal. Call your local county Extension Agent to find out
what the best management practices for your land are, for free! And execute
their advice! If you plan on purchasing a tractor, you wouldn’t just go find
the cheapest one on the lot with no idea what it’s capable of. You would do
some research, shop around, and ask professionals what would work best for your
land.
If you are already implementing predator control along with
two other activities, you may be able to qualify for your county’s wildlife tax
valuation. Contact your local Appraisal
District for more details about a wildlife management exemption. Remember,
local wildlife professionals are available to consult with landowners and
managers to ensure the measures being used to control predators are beneficial
to your land and to offer advice on trapping or selling feral hogs. For more
information on feral hog management, visit our website Coping with Feral Hogs for
publications and the feral hog video series at AgriLife
YouTube.