Pig Brig and NWCOA launch feral hog certification

Pig Brig Trap Systems and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association launched a new certification program on Sept. 9, 2026 to train landowners and wildlife professionals in feral hog biology, trapping and management. The course is meant to improve results while reducing damage to crops, livestock, native species and other non-target impacts.

Why it matters: - Feral hog damage can affect crops, livestock, native species, disease risk and food safety. - The new certification is designed to give landowners and wildlife control professionals a fuller framework for managing hogs, not just a trap-by-trap approach. - Better training can improve site-specific management decisions and reduce unintended harm to non-target species.

What happened: - Pig Brig Trap Systems and the National Wildlife Control Operators Association launched a new Feral Hog Species-Specific Certification program on Sept. 9, 2026. - The program is aimed at landowners, wildlife control professionals and others who manage feral hogs. - The certification is designed to build practical knowledge in feral hog biology, management, trapping and field practices.

The details: - The Level 1 certification covers feral hog biology and behavior, including reproductive capacity, intelligence, movement, seasonal behavior and the environmental factors behind population growth. - The course examines ecological and economic consequences of feral hog activity, including impacts on native species, livestock and crop production. - The program also covers disease and food-safety concerns linked to feral hogs. - Participants learn to develop site-specific management plans based on goals, resources and ecological conditions. - The course includes instruction for small-scale and urban environments. - The field section covers baiting, legal management methods, trap types and operation, behavior-based and advanced trapping strategies, and practical field tactics. - The certification addresses post-capture handling, state-level regulatory considerations and best practices for minimizing impacts on non-target species. - The program is priced at $245 for NWCOA members and $295 for non-members. - More information is available through the course page.

Between the lines: - Pig Brig is positioning the course as a broader management tool, not just a technical trapping class. - The training appears tailored for multiple user groups, from property owners to professionals building feral hog services. - The focus on regulation and non-target species suggests the certification is also meant to support more compliant and selective control efforts.

What's next: - Interested users can enroll in the certification program now. - The course may become a reference point for professionals expanding feral hog management offerings. - Additional visibility is likely as landowners and operators look for more structured control training.