USDA outlines feral hog abatement program for Bell County; local trapper reports 70 pigs removed

Bell County Commissioner—s Court heard a presentation from USDA Wildlife Services and the county—s contracted trapper on an ongoing feral hog abatement program and new equipment purchased with grant funds.

Adam Henry, assistant district supervisor for USDA Wildlife Services—s Fort Worth district, told the court the county received a feral hog abatement grant through the Wildlife Damage Management Association and, beginning Jan. 1, the county received funds to buy equipment, including two "pig rig" traps. Alex Hahn, identified in the meeting as the Bell County trapper, will operate the traps and provide abatement services to landowners on request.

The presentation outlined how landowners can request assistance. Hahn provided a contact number on the record: (254) 931-0915, and said county residents may call or text that number to request service. Henry said the traps and USDA resources are deployed by request rather than through proactive door-to-door trapping.

Henry and Hahn described operational constraints: the net-style traps can catch non-target wildlife and may present risks where livestock share pastureland; they noted that trap checks and placement decisions are intended to reduce incidental capture. Henry said the trap type is a new model for Hahn and that trappers must assess where use is appropriate.

Henry reported that, in the current federal fiscal year (beginning Oct. 1), Hahn had removed about 70 feral hogs in the county through the program—s existing abatement activities. County leaders and the presenters asked commissioners and the public to spread the word about the service so more landowners can request assistance.

County Judge and commissioners thanked Henry and Hahn for the partnership and for the presentation.

The presentation was informational; no court action was required or taken on the item during the meeting.