CA SB856

Reclassifies wild pigs as "exotic game mammals" rather than game mammals, and expands the definition of "wild pig" to include any pig with 2 or more specified phenotypical characteristics lacking permanent identification marks, or any free-roaming pig with no visible tags or domestic herd indicators.

Replaces wild pig tags with a wild pig validation system, with residents paying $25 and nonresidents paying $90 for the 2024 license year, authorizing hunters to take any number of wild pigs specified by the Fish and Game Commission during the license year.

Prohibits the use of poison to take wild pigs and restricts depredation permits by preventing the Department of Fish and Wildlife from limiting the number of wild pigs taken under such permits based on the animal's sex.

Makes it unlawful to intentionally release hogs, pigs, or boars into a wild or feral state, and prohibits contained hunting preserves for wild pigs, feral pigs, or European wild boars, except for those in operation before January 1, 2022 (with restrictions on acreage and transfers).

Requires the Fish and Game Commission to adopt regulations governing wild pig carcass transportation and reporting of takes electronically, and mandates that domestic swine with wild pig phenotypical characteristics be permanently marked or tagged per Department of Food and Agriculture regulations; most provisions become operative July 1, 2024.