Predburner
New member
Commissioners created a Feral Hog Subcommittee after viewing a presentation about feral hogs in Oklahoma and surrounding states by Jeff Pennington, central region supervisor in the Wildlife Division.
Feral hogs are now found in nearly every county of Oklahoma and are posing problems for farmers and wildlife, he said. Primary responsibility for feral hogs lies with the Agriculture Department, as these animals are not considered wildlife. Feral hog populations have been increasing in Oklahoma in the past few decades. Pennington said in order to prevent feral hog population growth, 65 percent of the population would need to be eradicated annually. He said research indicates that hunting is ineffective for long-term population reduction. The most efficient forms of control are trapping and aerial gunning, he said.
Bill Hale, assistant chief of law enforcement, outlined Wildlife Department regulations that are in place concerning feral hogs. Oklahoma requires feral hog hunters to possess a state hunting license when hunting on public land, but no license is required for shooting hogs on private land. Also, removing any feral hog alive from a wildlife management area is prohibited.
Wildlife Department Assistant Director Wade Free said several proposals concerning feral hogs are likely to come before the State Legislature this session. Among those, Senate Bill 1451 would designate the Wildlife Department responsible for feral hog issues in Oklahoma.
Feral hogs are now found in nearly every county of Oklahoma and are posing problems for farmers and wildlife, he said. Primary responsibility for feral hogs lies with the Agriculture Department, as these animals are not considered wildlife. Feral hog populations have been increasing in Oklahoma in the past few decades. Pennington said in order to prevent feral hog population growth, 65 percent of the population would need to be eradicated annually. He said research indicates that hunting is ineffective for long-term population reduction. The most efficient forms of control are trapping and aerial gunning, he said.
Bill Hale, assistant chief of law enforcement, outlined Wildlife Department regulations that are in place concerning feral hogs. Oklahoma requires feral hog hunters to possess a state hunting license when hunting on public land, but no license is required for shooting hogs on private land. Also, removing any feral hog alive from a wildlife management area is prohibited.
Wildlife Department Assistant Director Wade Free said several proposals concerning feral hogs are likely to come before the State Legislature this session. Among those, Senate Bill 1451 would designate the Wildlife Department responsible for feral hog issues in Oklahoma.