Mississippi to Open Wild Hog Control Applications

Landowners across the state can apply for trapping assistance to mitigate crop damage starting in November.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Agriculture

A metal smart trap cage sits in a rural Mississippi field with dense woodland in the background. — The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce opens applications for its wild hog control program, offering equipment to help landowners curb $60 million in annual crop damage. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you participate in a state-sponsored program to manage invasive wildlife on your property?

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will accept applications for its wild hog control program from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15, 2026. This initiative aims to assist property owners in managing feral hog populations that threaten agricultural and forestry resources.

Why it matters

Wild hogs pose a significant threat to the states agricultural sector, inflicting an estimated $60 million in damage to land annually. This program provides necessary tools and guidance to help land managers combat these destructive infestations.

The program is open to applicants in all 82 Mississippi counties to address losses resulting from an estimated $60 million in annual wild hog damage. The specific number of trapping units allocated for the current cycle has not been finalized.

The players

Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce

This state agency is responsible for overseeing agricultural policy, regulating commerce, and managing resources to support the states farming industry.

The details

Eligible participants include landowners and managers across the state who seek to use smart traps on private agricultural and forestry properties. The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will support the initiative by providing both specialized trapping equipment and technical training for users.

The application window for the wild hog control program opens on Nov. 1, 2026.
The deadline to submit applications for the program is Nov. 15, 2026.

Market Landscape

This program aligns with the ongoing operational goals of the Mississippi wild hog control program to protect state land assets. It represents a systematic shift toward providing private landowners with advanced technology to handle widespread agricultural pests.

Landowners and managers may benefit from access to professional-grade smart traps designed to reduce costly damage to their properties. Participants will also receive department-led technical training to ensure the effective use of these tools.

The takeaway

Landowners should ensure their historical loss data and acreage records are prepared prior to the November opening of the application window. Implementing systematic trapping efforts can be a vital step in protecting forestry and crop yields from persistent hog populations.