Missouri Reports Significant Progress in Fight Against Feral Hogs

Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Missouri conservation officials say ongoing efforts to eliminate feral hogs from the state are producing significant results, particularly in southeastern Missouri where wild hog populations have long threatened agriculture, wildlife, and natural resources.

Missouri Department of Conservation Director Jason Sumners updated the Missouri Conservation Commission last Friday on the state's feral hog eradication efforts. Sumners said the partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation and the United States Department of Agriculture continues to make substantial progress in reducing feral hog numbers.

"The use of drones and helicopters continues to be an extremely effective and efficient method of removing feral hogs from the landscape," Sumners told commissioners. According to Sumners, state and federal crews removed more than 6,100 feral hogs during the past year.

Of that total, more than 2,700 feral hogs were eliminated through aerial operations. Officials say aircraft remain one of the most effective tools for locating and removing large groups of wild hogs in remote areas.

The USDA also expanded its aerial capabilities this year by adding a second helicopter equipped with forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera technology. The advanced imaging equipment allows crews to detect animals more effectively during winter operations and has increased the success rate of eradication efforts.

Final removal numbers for 2026 will not be released until next year.

According to the State of Missouri, a feral hog is any swine that is born, living, or has lived in the wild, including its offspring. Feral hogs can cause extensive damage to crops, forests, and waterways while also competing with native wildlife for food and habitat.

While feral hogs have been known to act aggressively and occasionally attack people, conservation officials say the greater concern is the spread of diseases carried by the animals.

Residents who encounter feral hogs are urged not to shoot them. Wildlife experts say shooting at feral hogs often causes the animals to scatter, making organized trapping and removal efforts more difficult. Instead, sightings should be reported to the Missouri Department of Conservation or the USDA so trained personnel can respond.

Officials say continued public cooperation, combined with advanced technology and coordinated removal efforts, remains critical to the state's goal of eliminating feral hog populations in Missouri.