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GEORGIA (WALB) - A new program gives landowners an incentive to combat feral hogs on their property. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GDNR) said feral hogs are an invasive species. They cost landowners millions in damage, affecting multiple industries in agriculture and forestry each year. They also carry diseases that spread to livestock, pets, wildlife and humans.

The new GDNR Hog Down Awards Program could award qualifying landowners a sounder trap. These traps have a high upfront cost of around $3,500 and can catch multiple hogs at once.

“While hunting is an effective way to remove small numbers of hogs, whole sounder trapping is your best bet to make a dent in the actual population on your property. You can remove much greater numbers of animals at a time, and at less effort.”

To qualify for the program, landowners must fulfill the following criteria:

• Reside in Georgia
• Lawfully kill a minimum of ten feral hogs during the quarter
• Provide photos of hogs — must be taken with a smart phone or camera capable of including location and with time/date enabled
• Provide first and last name of individual, county or counties in which hogs were killed, method and date of take
• Provide DNR Customer Number or Hog Control Permit Number

Road-kills, spoiled carcasses and live hogs are not eligible.

Entries that meet the above criteria will be entered into a random drawing. Five winners will be given a sounder trap per quarter. Winners will be required to participate in monitoring surveys.

For a full list of rules, click here.

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