Wild pigs have undoubtedly been roaming the North American landscape for hundreds of years following transportation and release by some of the earliest settlers. Since that time, these prolific animals have flourished, expanded their range, and caused widespread damage to numerous industries. In fact, damage and disease caused by wild pigs is one of the greatest threats to native plant and animal species and one of the most prevalent concerns of wildlife biologists, natural resource managers, and livestock farmers.
Since the first organized meeting regarding wild pigs in 1977, ecological, economical, and social concerns surrounding pig damage have evolved presenting new challenges and unique opportunities to managers. As pig populations continue to elude control measures, professionals have recognized the need for a regular venue to discuss wild pig related issues. Starting in 2004, a national conference on wild pigs has been conducted biennially with attendance growing at each event. At the 2008 National Conference on Feral Hogs in St. Louis Missouri, conference committee members voted to turn conference organization activities permanently over to organizers at Mississippi State University who specialize in professional development and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.
Who are the organizers?
The organizers for this conference are comprised of national experts dedicated to the research and management of invasive wildlife species such as the wild pig who cause damage and threaten human health and safety. Mississippi State University is a recognized leader in education and research surrounding human-wildlife conflicts. Personnel within the Extension Service at Mississippi State University strive to offer educational, training, and internship opportunities for students and professionals in wildlife sciences. In addition, researchers have become particularly invested in creating venues for professionals to share management experiences and generate new dialogue to help mitigate conflicts between human and wildlife interests. The conference organizers at Mississippi State University look forward to seeing you at the Menger Hotel in San Antonio! For more information on wild pig research at Mississippi State University, visit our website at www.wildpiginfo.com.
How can my business or organization benefit?
Wild pigs affect a wide variety of industries including watershed, agriculture, veterinary, hunting, conservation, wildlife damage, land planning, and timber to name a few. Wild pigs also harbor diseases which threaten public, livestock, and wildlife health. If you are part of a business or organization dedicated to finding solutions for wild pig damage, this conference will encompass the perfect target audience! Not only will this venue bring you face-to-face with experts and researchers in the field, you will discover the products, materials, and people they need to make wild pig management a reality. This conference is a tremendous opportunity to network and build contacts throughout the science and natural resource management community and build existing relationships with nationwide colleagues. As a conference sponsor, your business and organization will be featured on both the conference website and the program ensuring exposure and placing products at the fingertips of all attendees- or anyone who visits the website! We will also place your logo on our conference signage and publicity materials! Higher sponsorship levels also receive free booth space to display business or organization advertising and speak with conference attendees directly. The booths are located in areas that guarantee ample traffic.
