Contact: Ellary TuckerWilliams, Inter-Mountain Western States Coordinator
Last month, the National Wild Pig Task Force (NWPTF) voted to create a permanent position on the Task Force, specifically for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), in order to continue to act as a valued resource in perpetuity.
“We have had a quality relationship with the CSF for years, but this codification of the partnership is an important step forward in continuing the wild pig control and eradication efforts across North America,” said Dr. Gray Anderson, Chair of the NWPTF.
With CSF’s previous engagement as a Member-at-Large on the National Wild Pig Task Force, CSF fully recognizes the importance of the NWPTF in further improving wild pig management nationwide. CSF welcomes this new commitment from the NWPTF to create a consistent and permanent relationship with CSF to collectively work toward shared objectives. After careful deliberation and consideration, CSF decided to appoint Inter-Mountain Western States Coordinator Ellary TuckerWilliams to the position of CSF Liaison on the National Wild Pig Task Force. TuckerWilliams’ extensive background in wild pig management and research, in addition to her political acumen, make her an excellent fit for this position.
“The selection of TuckerWilliams is great news for the NWPTF,” Dr. Anderson said. “Her expertise and enthusiasm are great assets that make her a natural fit for the partnership.”
Classified as a nuisance species in many states and not native to the Americas, wild pigs cause significant damage to our natural resources and negatively impact agricultural production across the country. Recent research highlights the growing negative impacts wild pigs can have to our water, plants, wildlife communities (both game and non-game) and their habitat. The prolific reproductive capabilities of wild pigs create an enormous challenge for effectively managing this invasive species and mitigating their damage. Many states have implemented transportation bans for wild pigs, as well as other measures to curb the spread of these animals. Further research is currently being pursued regarding the use of toxicants as a control technique.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
