The Georgia House has approved legislation aimed at expanding how landowners and wildlife control operators can trap and hunt feral hogs—an invasive species blamed for widespread damage to crops, pastures, wildlife habitat, and property across the state. Supporters say the measure is designed to remove red tape and help reduce hog populations that reproduce quickly and are difficult to control.

The proposal, House Bill 946, would broaden circumstances for hunting and trapping feral hogs and changes permitting rules tied to hog control. The bill also includes language related to locating feral hogs using unmanned aircraft systems, as lawmakers look for more effective tools to address the growing problem.

For Northwest Georgia, the issue is familiar: feral hogs can tear up fields and food plots overnight, damage fencing, and increase erosion along creek banks and wooded areas. If the bill becomes law, supporters say it could give farmers and property owners more flexibility in how they respond—especially during peak damage seasons—while opponents and some wildlife advocates urge careful oversight to ensure safety and responsible use of new methods.

The legislation now moves to the Georgia Senate for further consideration.