Do you need a hunting license to hunt Hogs in Texas?

As of May 31, 2019 you do not need a license to kill feral hogs on private lands in Texas. This includes hunting on a private ranch or a deer lease. The only place you are required to have a valid hunting license while hunting feral hogs is on public hunting grounds in Texas.

Hunting Hogs on Private Lands in Texas

Previously a hunting license was required to harvest a feral hog unless the hunter could prove that wild pigs were actively depredating or causing damage. In other words, there was a chance that if a hunter was caught harvesting a wild hog without a license they would have the burden of proof to show damage that it caused. Although it’s often not hard to find damage caused by pigs (and one could certainly argue that feral hogs are continuously causing damage) the recent passing of Senate Bill 317 removes any doubt for the hunter.

As long as you’re hunting on private land you do not need a license to hunt hogs. Simply leasing land for hunting now qualifies an individual to harvest feral pigs. This right is extended to non-residents of Texas as well.

Hunting Hogs on Public Lands

Texas does require a hunting license when hunting any species on Texas’ public land and this includes hunting feral hogs. You are also required to maintain an active hunting license to harvest any game species, which include deer, turkey, dove, javelina, and others. To purchase a Texas hunting license online click here!