1. County Hog Abatement Matching Program (CHAMP)
Sponsored by Texas Department of Agriculture
Provides matching funds up to $30,000 on a 1:1 basis
Requires at least 2 counties working together…Hays and Caldwell!
Funds secured from partners will go directly toward feral hog control
Caldwell County Feral Hog Task Force will manage grant with oversight from Hays and Caldwell County

2. Our Feral Hog Problem Feral hogs are non-native and invasive
2.6 million feral hogs in Texas as of 2012
Population expected to double by 2017 – exponential growth
$52 million in agricultural losses per year with overall economic impact estimated at over $500 million annually
Destroy wildlife and aquatic habitat
Predation on wildlife, livestock and aquatic species
Destroy pastures and crops
Increased erosion
Direct deposition of bacteria to streams
Host of diseases including Brucellosis
Economic Impact to Hays and Caldwell County, likely over $2 million annually with a population that may exceed 10,000 individuals

3. Caldwell County Feral Hog Task Force
December 21, 2012 – Watershed Coordinator met with Lt. Governor’s Office to discuss potential funding for feral hog project in Caldwell County and Hays County
January 8, 2013 – First meeting of the Task Force facilitated by Plum Creek Watershed Coordinator
February 18, 2013 – Watershed Coordinator met with State Representatives to discuss funding for local feral hog program
Developed FY2014 and FY2015 feral hog action plan for Hays and Caldwell County
February 26, 2013 – Task Force meeting approved Action Plan
March 6, 2013 – Meeting with TDA staff to propose pilot project
May 14, 2013 – Task Force meeting approved Leadership Committee
May 28, 2013 – Resolution passed by Caldwell Co. Commissioners officially adopting Task Force
The future of feral hog management!

4. CHAMP Grant Details for Hays County and Caldwell County
Supplement aerial control from Texas Wildlife Service
20 hours – Helicopter Tours of Texas (local company)
Estimated 600 feral hogs removed
Professional trapping
Ortiz Game Management
Estimated 500 feral hogs removed
Landowner incentives
Purchase 2 floating traps for landowners
Magnetic drop net
Feral hog exclosures (cost share)
$5 per hog bounty
Estimated 4,720 feral hogs removed
OVERALL REDUCTION OF 75% of feral hogs in Hays and Caldwell County in 1 year
60% reduction in feral hogs from CHAMP Program

5. Project Partners

6. Summary
Total Project Cost of $85,000 including landowner participation fees and in-kind services for FY2014
Aerial control, professional trapping, landowner incentives for Hays and Caldwell County
Goal of 75% reduction in feral hog population in two-county area over 1 year
Goal to secure at least $30,000 in support from project partners with $30,000 match from TDA
$14,500 secured as of June 18, 2013
$10,000 requested from Hays County
Recommend Hays County appoints representative to Caldwell County Feral Hog Task Force
Application due July 1, 2013