Aug 12, 2019
Today on the show we’re going to learn all about the spread of sus scrofa, and no, this is not something Clint started in college, we’re talking about Feral swine, and specifically where landowners can get assistance in managing this damaging invasive species.
We’re excited to have Leif Stephens on the show with us today. Leif is the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services assistant state director for Alabama, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Leif is a bona fide and certified hog killer. Leif welcome to the show. Tell us about yourself and the USDA APHIS Wildlife Services division.
Unless you've been living under a rock for the last 15 years or so, you know that Wild Hogs are spreading across this great country of ours. Tell us, how big of a problem are feral hogs?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is offering $75 million in funding for the eradication and control of feral swine through the Feral Swine Eradication and Control Pilot Program in a joint effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Today on Huntin’ Land we will learn:
Where is this funding coming from?
How much of this funding will be directed at partnering with landowners?
What states are eligible for the pilot program?
What kind of partnership efforts will the program offer?
What are the eradication methods?
How long will the pilot project last?
How do landowners send in a proposal for partnership?
Is the private sector being engaged to help with the eradication and restoration efforts?
What is the deadline for application for a grant?
For more information about APHIS’ national feral swine damage management program, please contact the APHIS Wildlife Services program for your state at 1-866-4USDA-WS or online at the link in the show notes. Here is the link.