Will Texas Use Poison to Eradicate Hogs?

by
posted on April 18, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
texas_hogs_poison_f.jpg

Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture (DOA) commissioner, proposed a change to the Texas Administrative Code in an attempt to control the 5 million feral hogs in the state. The destructive hogs are estimated to cause upwards of $52 million in damages a year in Texas alone, and Miller suggested using poison, specifically Kaput Feral Hog Lure, a bait mixed with the blood thinner warfarin that is normally reserved for humans but happens to be lethal to pigs.

While most agree that hogs must be reined in, some are opposed to poison being considered as an option. The vice president of the Texas Hog Hunters Association, Eydin Hansen, argued, “We don’t think poison is the way to go … If a hog is poisoned, do I want to feed it to my family? I can tell you, I don’t.” Though Miller argues that his proposition would only be a “minimal” threat to other animals, Hansen and others worry the poison will harm more than just pigs.

Hunters who shoot a tainted pig will know it because the swine’s fatty tissue will be bright blue.

At the time of this report, the DOA’s potential rule change was temporarily suspended due to a decision by District Judge Jan Soifer in Austin. Though no timeline has been given for a decision on the potential rule change, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) published a disclaimer on its website stating it hasn’t “… evaluated the risks and impacts this toxicant may have on non-target species. … Once an assessment of the research on Kaput is completed, TPWD hopes to express its position on the risks the use of this toxicant may have on Texas wildlife.”

Latest

Success
Success

Building the Ultimate Elk Bow

Elk are remarkable creatures that dwell in some of the most hellish landscapes on earth. An elk bow needs to be tough, light, and ultra-accurate. Here's how to build the right one for you.

First Look: Spandau S2 20-Gauge

Spandau Arms, a brand of SDS Arms, has announced that the  Spandau S2 Shotgun is now available in a 20-gauge model in both a Mossy Oak Bottomland and a traditional wood finish.

Count Some Quail, Tally Some Turkeys

The Arkansas turkey season ended in May, but there’s still good reason for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to keep the birds in mind when they head out to their favorite hiking trail or drive the backroads of The Natural State. Outdoorsmen who scare up coveys of quail are welcome in the survey as well.

2025 Online Firearm Sales Continue to Grow

While nationwide firearm sales have held steady this spring, guns.com is reporting significant growth, surpassing 10-percent year-over-year gun sales growth in the first half of 2025, according to the company's internal data.

#SundayGunday: Henry Special Products Division HUSH

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the HUSH Series, from Henry’s new Special Products Division, SPD for short.

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.