What is the WHCP Youth Trapping Corps?

As part of its Wild Hog Control Program, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has partnered with Wildlife Dominion and the Mississippi FFA Association to launch the inaugural Wild Hog Control Program Youth Trapping Corps. The Youth Trapping Corps is designed to educate and professionally develop student members of agriculture-based organizations such as FFA and 4H on the impact of nuisance animals and the importance of wild hog management across the state.

How do I participate?

To participate in the Wild Hog Control Program Youth Trapping Corps, contact:

Peyton Pierce
Peyton@mdac.ms.gov
(601) 421-4469

or

Jack Robertson
info@wildlifedominion.com
(855) 464-3935

Program Objectives:

• Educate youth organization members and their advisors/teachers regarding the impact of wild hogs on the environment.
• Train youth organization members on how to trap wild hogs.
• Facilitate interactive experiences between local landowners and youth organization members.
• Provide opportunities for youth organization members to give back to their community and earn service hours.
• Provide opportunities for youth to interact with agriculture and natural resource professionals.
• Offer guidance to youth organizations regarding potential funding for the trapping program.
• Educate youth on the organizational skills needed to implement such a program and report the results.
• Provide career development training skills and work-based learning opportunities in wildlife management and conservation.

MDAC will provide:

• Personnel for education and training activities.
• Avenues to promote the program through social media, press releases, popular articles, and other communication outlets.
• Guidance on selecting properties and trap sites for trapping activities.
• Facilitation of youth interaction with agriculture and natural resources professionals, agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations.
• Guidance on potential funding sources.

Wildlife Dominion will provide:

• Personnel and facilities for education and training activities.
• Technical support for trapping equipment.
• Facilitation of youth interaction with agriculture and natural resources professionals, agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations.
• Guidance on potential funding sources.
• Special pricing for trapping equipment.

Youth Organizations will provide:

• Advisors to mentor and guide participating youth chapters/groups.
• Recruitment of youth to participate in the program.
• Acquisition and maintenance of trapping equipment.
• Facilitate/supervise trapping services for local landowners and stakeholders.
• Generation of revenue through donations and/or sponsorships for trapping services. 100% of proceeds will go to the respective youth chapter/group.
• Facilitation of interaction among participating youth chapters/organizations on a local and state level.
• Facilitation of youth interaction with agriculture and natural resources professionals, agencies, businesses, and non-governmental organizations.