Landowners could use drones or contract for their use to help manage feral swine, according to a new bill proposed in the South Carolina legislature by Rep. Richard Yow of Chesterfield. Yow represents Chesterfield, Darlington and Lancaster counties in the northeast part of the state. The rural counties sustain significant agricultural financial losses annually to feral hogs. The bill would allow landowners — but not recreational hunters — to use drones for management aspects, but only with authority of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
Landowners currently can use or contract for helicopters for aerial surveillance, but Yow said drone technology opens the doors for those who can’t financially afford that expense. Feral hogs could not be shot with drones, which could be used only for location sightings. Landowners would be required to obtain an “aerial management program” permit from the SCDNR in accordance with FAA drone regulations. Operators also would be required to keep flight logs for game wardens to check. Drones could not be used by recreational hunters. Additionally, the “Aerial Management Program” permit also could be used for coyote management. The bill currently is making its way through the legislative process.
