BEAUMONT, Texas — (AP) - State Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples will take to the air in Southeast Texas to show how
helicopters can be used to hunt feral hogs.

The demonstration in Beaumont is part of the kickoff Wednesday of a statewide competition to reduce the state's feral hog population.

According to a statement from Staples' office Tuesday, the Hog Out Challenge is aimed at cutting into the hot population and highlight the nearly $500 million in damage feral hogs cause each year to the Texas landscape.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department estimates the state's feral hog population to be as large as 2.6 million.

The contest runs through December 31st.

Through Sept. 30, counties may obtain a notice of intent to participate in the Hog Out Challenge by  calling 512-463-6695 or emailing Grants@TexasAgriculture.gov.