News Release

Feral Hog Trapping Permits Available February 1, 2021

Trail camera photo of feral hogs in the woods.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: January 27, 2021

Contact: Andrew Bennett, 409-951-6823

KOUNTZE, Texas – Superintendent Wayne Prokopetz announced today that the preserve will begin issuing this season’s free feral hog trapping permits on Monday, February 1, 2021.

“Hog management is an ongoing priority for the preserve and southeast Texas in general. We are encouraged by the success of last year’s hog trapping season and look forward to providing more opportunity to harvest hogs from the preserve this season,” stated Superintendent Prokopetz.

Feral hogs are an invasive species descended from domesticated pigs brought to North America by European settlers. Their populations have increased in recent decades resulting in greater competition with native wildlife and increased habitat damage caused by their feeding activities.

The 2020 hog trapping season offered permits to 50 participants and resulted in 225 feral hogs removed. The 2021 season will offer permits to 50 participants, each allowing 1 trap and feeder to be set at an approved location.

Permits will be issued first-come, first-served and can be picked up at the visitor center, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. Hunters will need to bring in their hunting permits and will pick the locations of the preferred trapping site when picking up the permit.

Before coming to the visitor center to pick up a permit, those interested are highly encouraged to review the Big Thicket feral hog trapping regulations and scout out several trap locations to be approved upon receiving a permit. Any questions may be directed to the preserve biologist.

The recreational pursuits of hunting, fishing and trapping have been a part of the preserve since the beginning. In the fall of each year, Big Thicket National Preserve permits public hunting of white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbit and other game species. Public trapping of furbearing species in the preserve has also been a long-standing tradition since the preserve was established in 1974. More information about public hunting and furbearer trapping programs can be found on the preserve's hunting and trapping page.

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