Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Tom Buchanan issued the following statement in response to Gov. Mary Fallin’s veto of SB 1142, which would have eliminated all restrictions on the removal of feral hogs.
“Oklahoma Farm Bureau is disappointed in Gov. Mary Fallin’s veto of SB 1142, which would have allowed landowners to remove feral hogs from their property at any time without a permit.
“Feral hogs are an invasive species, and should be treated as such. By giving the Department of Wildlife Conservation jurisdiction, the feral hog remains a game species.
“Farmers and ranchers are our state’s largest landowners, and should have the right to remove the nuisance from their land without the hassle of applying for a permit or calling a game warden.
“Private property rights are cornerstone to Farm Bureau and agriculture. This bill fell directly in line with Oklahoma Farm Bureau policy, which is set by the nearly 100,000 Farm Bureau members and private property owners across the state. We believe the veto strongly disrespects the rights of landowners. As the state’s largest general farm organization, we will continue to fight for stringent rules until feral hogs are completely eradicated in Oklahoma.”
