Wildlife Committee clears duck-season, feral-swine and commercial-hunt bills; one item laid over

After advancing the bear-season measure, the House Wildlife Committee considered several additional bills and took unanimous committee votes on three measures.

Representative Dempsey introduced House Bill 3,659, which would restrict nonresident duck hunting during the last 30 days of duck season to Monday through Thursday so weekend days would be reserved for residents. The sponsor moved adoption, the committee recorded 7 yays and 0 nays, and the motion passed.

Representative Archer introduced House Bill 32 70, a constituent request aimed at addressing feral swine damage—Archer said peanut farmers in western Oklahoma sought relief. The sponsor asked the committee to adopt the proposed committee substitute (PCS), said he would engage stakeholders, and the committee adopted the PCS and passed the motion (7 yays, 0 nays).

Representative Cornwell moved to adopt a PCS to clarify tagging and rule interpretation for commercial hunt areas statewide (House Bill 31 45). The committee voted 7 yays, 0 nays to pass the motion.

Earlier in the meeting the chair announced House Bill 4,147 would be laid over at the author's request and not considered that day.

All votes recorded in the hearing were unanimous in committee; sponsors said they would continue stakeholder engagement and staff follow-up on implementation details as needed.