The Austin County Feral Hog Bounty Program is still underway, with support from the Austin County Commissioners Court.
Participants receive $10 per feral hog harvested in Austin County. To collect the bounty:
-Provide biological evidence in the form of a pair of feral hog ears
-Each pair must be placed in an individually sealed bag

Drop them off at one of three locations:
-Steinhauser’s – Sealy
-Linseisen’s Feed & Supply – Bellville
-Lindemann Store – Industry

A limit of 20 pairs per household per month is allowed. All hogs must be harvested in Austin County, and required paperwork must be completed at the time of drop-off.

How Much Damage Do Feral Hogs Cause?

Feral hogs cause an estimated $2.5 billion in damage every year in the United States, with the majority of that damage occurring in Texas.
They:
-Destroy crops (corn, rice, hay, peanuts, and more)
-Tear up improved pastureland
-Damage fences and water lines
-Contaminate water sources
-Compete with livestock and native wildlife

For ranchers and farmers, the damage can be devastating in a single night. A sounder (group of hogs) can root up several acres before sunrise.

Moving Into Cities

Feral hogs are no longer just a rural problem. Across Texas, they’ve been pushing into neighborhoods and small towns, especially as development expands into former farmland.
In urban and suburban areas, they:
-Rip up lawns, parks, and golf courses
-Damage landscaping and irrigation systems
-Destroy athletic fields
-Cause costly repairs for homeowners and cities

Entire neighborhoods have woken up to yards that look like they’ve been plowed overnight.

Why They’re Dangerous

Feral hogs are not just destructive — they can be dangerous.
-Adult hogs can weigh 200–400+ pounds
-They have sharp tusks capable of causing serious injury
-They can charge if cornered, especially sows protecting piglets
-They carry diseases that can affect livestock, pets, and humans
-They create major road hazards when crossing highways at night
-Vehicle collisions with feral hogs are increasing, and the size and strength of these animals can cause severe vehicle damage.

The bounty program is one tool being used locally to help control the rapidly growing feral hog population. Reducing their numbers helps protect farmland, neighborhoods, livestock, and public safety across Austin County.

If you’re participating, be sure to follow all guidelines and complete the required paperwork at drop-off. You can find a flyer with the information HERE.
Additional questions can be directed to Agrilife of Austin County. 

Austin County News Online had a sit down with Jay Long and Stacie Villerral from Agrilife about feral hogs. You can view that podcast on Hello Austin County or watch it from the link below.