Deevers’ Free to Hunt Feral Hogs Bill Passes Committee

OKLAHOMA CITY- The Oklahoma Senate Agriculture and Wildlife Committee approved Senate Bill 2108 on Monday. The bill, authored by Sen. Dusty Deevers, R-Elgin, would repeal burdensome licensing requirements related to the hunting of feral hogs, streamlining and simplifying the process.

Feral hogs destroy crops, kill livestock, spread disease, degrade pastureland, harm water quality, damage property, threaten the lives of children, and cost Oklahomans over $100 million annually, according to estimates from the Farm Bureau. Currently, Oklahomans must navigate permits and regulations from up to four state agencies to hunt feral hogs.

Senate Bill 2108 would repeal all licensing requirements for hunting feral hogs, while still allowing some protections during deer gun season. It also repeals the state permit requirement for nighttime hunting with landowner permission, allowing use of thermal imaging and night vision, and frees up Oklahomans to hunt feral hogs aerially, requiring only standard FAA compliance while repealing specialized state permits and expensive liability insurance.

“For too long, red tape has stood between Oklahomans and the defense of their property. Oklahomans should not have to navigate a maze of permits from multiple agencies just to protect their land, livelihood, and children’s lives from these destructive animals,” Deevers said. “I thank the committee for their support and look forward to continuing to work on this measure to repeal red tape and free up Oklahomans to hunt feral hogs.”

Senate Bill 2108 is now eligible for consideration by the full Senate.

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For more information, contact: Sen. Dusty Deevers at (405) 521-5567 or Dusty.Deevers@oksenate.gov.