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JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced Shane Cochran of George County as the winner of the Commissioner’s Wild Hog Challenge today at the Mississippi State Fair. Cochran won a wild hog trapping system, valued at $6,000, donated by HogEye.
The Commissioner’s Wild Hog Challenge is a new initiative to help protect Mississippi’s agriculture from wild hogs. It was initiated to raise awareness of wild hogs and their significant negative impact to agriculture.
“Wild hogs cause over $60 million in property damage every year in our state,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I am proud to be a part of the efforts to reverse the negative impact these animals have on agriculture, and I am so appreciative to all those that participated in helping combat this nuisance animal.”
The Commissioner’s Wild Hog Challenge had over 180 entries across 36 counties in the state. An estimated 730 wild hogs were harvested and 96,744 acres of crops protected.
In addition to Cochran winning the HogEye trapping system, Commissioner Gipson also announced Jerry Williams of Stone County as the winner of the firearm donated by the Central Mississippi Friends of the NRA. By harvesting the heaviest wild hog, Williams will receive a Diamondback 300 Blackout.
For more information about the Commissioner’s Wild Hog Challenge and to view pictures submitted, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/wildhogchallenge.
