INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Indian River County will join St. Lucie County for its annual hog challenge Sept. 12-13, in order to address a major problem with feral hogs invading the Indian River County landfill.
County Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the a 12-hour hog challenge in which pre-registered teams of hunters who meet all proper safety requirements to compete for awards such as “single heaviest hog, most hogs killed, and cutter contest.”
According to Director of Utility Services Vincent Burke, this September will mark St. Lucie County’s second annual competition, which was widely praised after its success last year.
Indian River County’s version of the hog hunt will be limited to 12 hours as opposed to St. Lucie County’s 24-hour competition, and will take place on county landfill property from 6 p.m. Sept. 12 to 6 a.m. Sept. 13 to avoid overlap with the landfill’s operating hours.
There will be an entry fee of $300 per team and teams may consist of up to three people, according to the information provided.
Prior to the vote, Commissioner Bob Solari said he had “a soft spot” for feral hog hunters, and is willing to front the $300 entry fee for any team with two or more county employees listed on its roster. Solari said teams interested in taking him up on his offer will have to contact him personally.