The bill amends existing laws in Oklahoma concerning the control and removal of feral swine and nuisance wildlife. It requires individuals to obtain written permission from landowners or lessees to remove feral swine from any property, replacing the previous requirement for a permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation for nighttime removal. The bill also prohibits the transportation, importation, and release of live feral swine, with exceptions for scientific research and the use of a Judas pig tagging system. Violations can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, with penalties including fines and potential revocation of hunting or agricultural licenses. Additionally, the bill updates provisions related to nuisance wildlife management, allowing landowners and agricultural lessees to control nuisance wildlife without a permit during designated times and ensuring the language in the statutes is gender-neutral.
Moreover, the bill revises regulations regarding the control of nuisance coyotes at night, eliminating references to feral swine. It prohibits the discharge of firearms and the use of headlights, thermal or night vision equipment, or spotlights from public roadways while hunting. Upon final conviction for violating these regulations, any hunting or fishing license issued by the Department of Wildlife Conservation will be automatically revoked for at least one year. Individuals convicted of specific violations within the past three years will also be barred from controlling nuisance coyotes at night. The bill includes a repeal of a specific section of the Oklahoma Statutes and sets the effective date of the act to November 1, 2026.