How do Cattle Ranchers Control Feral Hogs in Texas Without Using Traps or Hunting Them Down? What do they use instead?
Invasive feral hogs wreak havoc on Texas cattle ranches, causing significant damage to pastures, livestock, and water sources. To combat this problem, ranchers have adopted innovative non-lethal methods to control their populations.
1. Contraception:
- Ranchers are using oral contraceptives to reduce hog reproduction rates. Bait stations are strategically placed to ensure the hogs consume the contraceptives.
2. Culling:
- Selective culling involves using thermal imaging drones to identify and remove only breeding sows. This prevents further population growth while preserving the genetic diversity of the herd.
3. Exclusion Fencing:
- Ranchers are installing 8-foot-tall perimeter fences with mesh spacing small enough to prevent hogs from entering their properties.
4. Predator Calls:
- The use of predator call devices mimics the sounds of wolves or coyotes, deterring hogs from approaching the ranch.
5. Monitoring and Research:
- Ranchers use camera traps and GPS tracking to monitor hog activity and identify areas of high density. This information helps them implement targeted control measures.
Related Questions and Answers:
What is the main reason for feral hogs being a problem in Texas?
- Feral hogs cause extensive damage to cattle ranches, including destroying pastures and livestock.
Why are traps and hunting not effective for controlling feral hog populations?
- Traps and hunting are costly, labor-intensive, and can disrupt cattle grazing.
How do oral contraceptives reduce feral hog populations?
- Oral contraceptives prevent female hogs from reproducing, slowing population growth.
What is the advantage of using thermal imaging drones for selective culling?
- Thermal imaging drones allow for precise identification and removal of breeding sows, preserving genetic diversity.
How do exclusion fences prevent hogs from entering cattle ranches?
- Exclusion fences with tight mesh spacing create a physical barrier that hogs cannot penetrate.
Related Hot Selling Products:
- Havahart Critter Ridder Animal Repellent
- Cabela's 8-Foot Fence Kit for Hogs
- ThermaCELL Woodsman Hunter Predator Call
- SPYPOINT Force-10 Cellular Trail Camera
- Garmin Alpha 200i GPS Tracking System
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