Alberta introduces Wild Boar Control Program

Albertans can earn $75 per set of ears

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

The Alberta government has launched a new program to help control wild boar populations in the province.

The Wild Boar Control Program rewards hunters, trappers and landowners who work together to manage these feral animals.

“Wild boar at large are a threat to our animals and environment, as well as a vector for diseases like African swine fever. We are taking action to get rid of this menace and help those affected by it before it gets worse,” Nate Horner, Alberta’s minister of agriculture, forestry and rural economic development, said in an April 5 statement.

The Wild Boar Control Program is divided into two individual programs.

The Whole Sounder Trapping Incentive, which launched April 1, compensates government-approved trappers $75 per set of ears per sounder (herd), with the expectation the trapper eliminates the whole sounder.

Landowners who assist trappers can also receive $75 per set of ears.

The program expires on March 31, 2024.

The Wild Boar at-Large Ear Bounty Program also launched on April 1.

This program provides hunters with $75 per set of ears.

The hunting program expires on March 31, 2023.

Wild boar has been reported in 28 Alberta municipalities.

Each municipality will be responsible for administering the bounty programs.

So far, the Municipal District of Peace and the County of Stettler are the only listed participating jurisdictions.

Anyone who sees a wild boar is encouraged to take a picture, note the location and fill out an online reporting form.

Wild boars have been spotted in B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.

Farms.com has contacted Alberta Agriculture for more details about the wild boar programs.