ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia hunters, landowners, and farmers could soon gain powerful new tools in the fight against feral hogs after the Georgia Legislature passed major reforms in 2026 addressing one of the state’s most destructive invasive species.
At the center of the push is House Bill 946, a bill that would expand legal methods for hunting and trapping feral hogs while removing several license and permit barriers. A second measure, Georgia’s newly passed state budget, also includes hundreds of thousands of dollars for hog control and eradication programs.
HB 946: Expanded Hog Hunting and Trapping
HB 946 passed the Georgia House by a 161-1 vote on Feb. 3 and later cleared the Senate 46-0 on March 20, showing overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill was officially sent to Governor Brian Kemp on April 6, 2026, where it now awaits final action.
If signed, the bill would make several major changes:
- Allow trapping feral hogs without a hunting or trapping license, provided the hogs are killed upon capture
- Remove certain wildlife control permit requirements for hog removal
- Allow feral hog hunting from motor vehicles on private land under expanded rules
- Authorize the use of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) to locate feral hogs for hunting purposes on private property
What “Drone Hog Hunting” Really Means
Despite attention-grabbing headlines, HB 946 does not appear to authorize weaponized drones or shooting hogs from the air.
Instead, the bill allows drones to be used to locate hogs, helping hunters or trappers find sounders in crop fields, swamps, timber blocks, and other difficult terrain before taking them through lawful methods on the ground.
That could be especially useful for nighttime hog movement, crop depredation, and locating groups before they scatter.
When Could It Become Law?
As of April 17, there is no confirmed public record that Governor Kemp has signed HB 946 yet.
If signed, the effective date would depend on final enactment language. Georgia bills commonly take effect either:
- Immediately upon the governor’s signature, or
- July 1, the start of the new fiscal year
That means hunters could potentially begin using the new methods later this spring or by early summer.
Second Measure: Georgia Funds Hog Eradication
Alongside HB 946, lawmakers also advanced anti-hog efforts through the state budget. Reports indicate the spending package includes:
- $400,000 for a feral hog eradication incentive program
- $500,000 for a statewide hog management program
Those funds would support control efforts beyond recreational hunting, likely including coordinated trapping, removal programs, and agricultural relief.
Why It Matters to Hunters
Georgia’s feral hog population continues to impact wildlife habitat, crops, food plots, wetlands, and native species. Hogs are known to destroy turkey nests, uproot deer habitat, damage farm ground, and compete with wildlife for food resources.
For hunters, HB 946 could mean:
- More year-round hog opportunity on private land
- Easier access for friends or family helping landowners
- Better scouting with drones and technology
- Faster response to crop damage complaints
- More private-land hunting demand during summer months
Conservation Angle
Wildlife managers often note that casual hunting alone rarely eliminates hog populations because of their rapid reproduction. Large-scale trapping and coordinated removal tend to be more effective.
That makes Georgia’s two-part strategy notable: expanded hunter access plus dedicated state funding.
Hunterizer Takeaway
Georgia appears poised to become one of the most hog-friendly states in America for hunters and landowners.
If Governor Kemp signs HB 946, expect a surge in private-land hog opportunities, increased use of thermal and drone scouting, and stronger partnerships between hunters and landowners trying to protect habitat and crops.
For sportsmen, it could be one of the biggest hog hunting law changes of 2026.
