Oklahoma Senate Committee Approves Measure Restricting Transport and Release of Live Feral Hogs

Senate Bill 2108, sponsored in committee by Senator Devers, won committee passage after senators debated measures intended to curb widespread damage from feral hogs and to limit transport and release of live feral swine.

Devers told the committee the bill is similar to one approved in committee last year and that drafting errors had removed references to "feral swine," which the current amendments restore. He said feral hogs cause severe economic harm in Oklahoma — citing industry estimates of more than $100 million annually in property damage — and argued the bill is necessary to protect farmers, ranchers and livestock.

The amendment the committee adopted restores previously stricken language and adds an explicit exemption allowing a feral‑hog hunting facility operated by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry (ODAFF). Devers also described written exceptions for scientific research and veterinary activities and a limited ‘‘Judas’’ tagging system to capture and temporarily monitor animals for population control.

Committee members asked whether a hunting license would be required. Devers said a license is not required except during the 16 days of deer gun season and that hunters must have written permission from a landowner or lessee if they are hunting on someone else’s property.

Nels Rodefeld, assistant director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, addressed practical concerns about transport loopholes. "It's the position of the bill that transport is only allowed to certain places," Rodefeld said, warning that broad transport exceptions can be exploited and create new disease and population risks.

Supporters framed the bill as a necessary step to reduce disease transmission, protect livestock and limit repeated property damage. Opponents and some questioners raised concerns about people who capture and "feed out" hogs for household consumption; Devers responded that the bill was not intended to stop people from harvesting hogs for food if they fall into one of the specified exception categories, but said the measure aims to close schemes that enable unlawful transport and spread.

The committee approved the amendment by voice vote and later adopted the bill on a roll call, with a recorded committee vote of 10 ayes and 2 nays. The chair declared the bill passed in committee.