Thousands come to Winnfield for "Uncle Earl's" hog dog trials - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

Story by: Jordyn Taylor

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Statues of dolled up pigs decorate the city of Winnfield - the town is showing its love for the annual "Uncle Earl's" hog dog trials.

"Its just a big rush win you catch a big hog and you get to tie him," said hog hunter David Jones.

The heritage of hog hunting is a traditional sport in Winn Parish - but thousands from all over the world come out to take part in the event.

"We all take a week's vacation, come down here, we have for eighteen years," said Jones. "It's a great family event. My son's being going, I have pictures of him when he was probably three of four years old going hog hunting with me."

"Economical impact this event brings to Winnfield is just astronomical," said one board member.  "From every restaurant, Walmart, convenient store, hotels, we all benefit from it."

As exciting as the event maybe, hog dog baying isn't just a sport. It's a tradition and a livelihood for some families.

"It's a livelihood," said the board member.  "From feeding your families to protecting your land to protecting your livestock. I mean this is just a way of life."

Over the last few years, many states including Louisiana have been over run by feral hogs - causing a lot of damage to land. That's why hog hunters say these hog dogs are so important for many of the families.

"They can tear up a lot of good farming in land," said Jones. "You know we have to move them when they get to tearing up people's property, we'll go in there with the dogs and catch what we can and move them for them. "

But even if you're not a hog hunter, families are encouraged to come out to the event. From funnel cakes to crawfish, or jewelry, you can find anything there on the fairgrounds.