The University of Arkansas and LSU have held a long rivalry on the football field chasing the pigskin, but Louisiana residents may soon control the skies.
Helicopter hog eradication programs are growing. Texans have been using the practice for a couple of years now with huge success in both the quantity of hogs removed and in economic gains due to commercial activities that have risen form these activities. Organizations like Vertex Aviation Group have grown and adapted to help land owners, outdoor enthusiast and even many tactical enthusiasts like SHWAT control hog populations.
The success of these types of programs could soon have many LSU fans calling the hogs too. All SEC rivalries aside, this week the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) has announced plans to implement regulations that would allow the practice in Louisiana.
According to a recent Louisiana Sportsman article, “Landowners, or groups of landowners, would have to contact LDWF and provide authorization to the permit holder to take hogs on their property. And the landowners could provide permission to the aviation companies to use ‘subagents’ like gunners or observers to directly participate in hog control activity.”
Interested parties are encouraged to voice their comments and any possible concerns to the LWFC during the open comment period. Camille Warbington, LDWF Wildlife Division, Post Office Box 98000, Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9000, or email cwarbington@wlf.la.gov prior to Aug. 30, 2014.
Its unclear whether the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will follow suit, but in addition to Texas, and possibly Louisiana, Oklahoma passed legislation allowing the practice in 2013. Arkansas, as Ricky Bobby would say, “if your not first, your last”. All I’ve got to say is AGFC should consider the practice and remove any and all obstacles to help not just control the hog population in Arkansas, but eradicate it. We’re ready for some cooler weather, some good BBQ and lets win some ball games this fall. “Woo Pig Sooie – Razorbacks.”
