The Arkansas Legislative Council (ALC) has approved an amendment to the Arkansas Department of Agriculture Rules on Pesticide Use (2 CAR Part 70) establishing requirements for the use of warfarin-based bait products labeled for the control of feral hogs. The amended rule became effective June 29, 2026.
The rule creates a new Class J pesticide classification for all pesticides containing warfarin when used as a feral hog toxicant. These requirements apply in addition to the federal product label and govern when, where, and by whom such products may be used in Arkansas.
The effective date of the rule does not authorize immediate sale or use of feral hog toxicants in Arkansas. Use remains subject to each of the following:
- Future product registration by the State. Before a specific product may be sold or used in Arkansas, the product must be registered by the Arkansas State Plant Board, which administers pesticide registration through the Department of Agriculture. That registration is a separate step that has not yet occurred.
- Availability at restricted-use pesticide dealers. Feral hog toxicants are a restricted-use product that may be sold only by licensed restricted-use pesticide dealers, and only to licensed applicators who have completed the required product-specific training.
- Use in accordance with the product label. Products must be used strictly in accordance with their U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved product label. Under federal law, it is a violation to use the product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling.
The rule limits where and when warfarin feral hog bait may be used:
- County (black bear) restriction. Use is prohibited in any county where black bears have been harvested since 2023, according to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Black Bear Harvest Report.
- Seasonal (date) restriction. In all other counties, use is prohibited from April 1 through November 30. Use is therefore allowed only from December 1 through March 31.
In addition, applicators must hold a valid commercial, noncommercial, or private applicator license, complete label-specific training provided by the product registrant and maintain records of each application — including location (with GPS), dates, product brand and EPA registration number, and applicator name — for two years.
Warfarin-based toxicants provide an additional tool that can be used to assist with feral hog control efforts. The Department will continue to work with producers, dealers, and applicators so the requirements are clearly understood.
Feral hogs cause significant damage to agricultural lands and natural resources across the state. Establishing a distinct category for these products supports ongoing efforts to manage and reduce feral hog populations. In addition, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized $47 million for the federal Feral Swine Eradication and Control Program. Arkansas is one of 14 states selected to receive funding for feral hog eradication efforts over a five-year period. More information about feral hog eradication efforts in Arkansas can be found on the Department’s website here.