Committee hears bill to loosen restrictions on feral hog control, allow drone use on private property

Representative Rob Clifton presented House Bill 946 to the Senate Natural Resources Committee, saying the measure is intended to make it easier for landowners to locate and eradicate feral hogs.

"This is the feral hog bill," Clifton said as he described provisions that would eliminate current seasons, permit and license requirements and allow shooting from motorized vehicles. He told the committee the drone-related portion would permit "personal drones on private property" only and would not authorize operations on federal property or wildlife management areas.

Clifton cited a University of Georgia Extension estimate that feral hogs cause about $150,000,000 in damage annually and said some informally cited higher figures. "We are making it much easier," he said, describing lines in the bill that delete existing restrictions.

Members pressed for details. One senator asked whether the bill would allow shooting from a helicopter; Clifton said, "Motorized vehicle would be including a helicopter," and if the bill becomes law in time, it would allow methods similar to some Texas practices.

The committee asked the Department of Natural Resources to comment. Dr. Joe Hanson, assistant chief in the wildlife resources division, confirmed the bill as written applies to feral hogs on private property. "We are not allowing drones on federal property, WMAs," she said, and added that coyotes are considered invasive species and could be covered if language is broadened.

Several members suggested amending the bill to refer to "invasive species" rather than only feral hogs so it would also cover predators such as coyotes and, possibly, armadillos. Chair asked Representative Clifton to return with revisions and to consider adding counties to the bill's text.

The committee treated HB 946 as a hearing-only item; no vote was taken. The chair directed the sponsor to bring back amended language for further consideration.