By Gary Joiner
TFB Radio Network Manager
Any person with the consent of the landowner may take feral hogs without a state hunting license, thanks to a new law signed recently by Gov. Greg Abbott.
SB 317 by State Sen. Bryan Hughes (R-Mineola), supported by Texas Farm Bureau (TFB), amends current law by removing the requirement that feral hogs must be causing damage on a landowner’s property in order to be hunted without a license.
The new law takes effect Sept. 1.
“This bill, although a small step, gives landowners some ammunition in the ongoing battle against the growing feral hog population,” Tracy Tomascik, TFB associate director of Commodity and Regulatory Activities, said.
Feral hogs cause millions of dollars in damage to crops and private property, as well as spread E. coli.
“The original bill (from 2005) required that the hogs be causing depredation and that a landowner or landowner’s agent or leasee would be exempt from the hunting license requirement to take them. The language of the new bill basically says that any person with the consent of the landowner may take feral hogs without a license,” Stormy King, assistant commander of Wildlife Enforcement for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), said in an interview with the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network.
King said TPWD suggested removing the agent or leasee language to remove confusion and to prevent some enforcement issues that had occurred because of interpretations.
“I think it’s a win-win for everybody involved. I think it addresses the intent of the Legislature and of the people of Texas to try to at least in some small way curb the problem, and at the same time, making it easier on our Parks and Wildlife enforcement folks,” King said. “The new law exempts any person from a license requirement to take feral hogs, as long as they have the consent of the landowner to be hunting on the property.”
Tomascik noted feral hogs are among the most destructive invasive species in Texas and the U.S. today.
“They tear up farms, ranches, recreational areas and urban areas,” Tomascik said. “It’s not just a problem in rural Texas anymore, but hunters should still abide by hunting laws and trespassing laws.”
King reminded hunters to be mindful of other hunting laws, as well as general hunting safety, when out in the field. King also noted hunter education requirements still apply.
“One issue we do run into a little bit, and we ask people to be mindful of, is obviously gun safety and general safety,” King said. “It’s still a violation of law for your projectile, your bullet, to cross a property line without the consent of the people on the other side of the fence. But, in general, there are no restrictions on shooting hours or a firearm type or anything like that for feral hogs.”
I think this is a bad idea. Who does not have a hunting license that has completed Hunter’s Education?
What’s next…letting people hunt predators (coyote, fox…etc) without a license also?
If you hunt in the state of Texas, you should have to have a hunting license, not only does this support TX Wildlife efforts, but keeps things simple….you hunt…you have a license.
I was checked for my license for hunting nuisance prairie dogs. Why do I need a license to hunt rabbits or coyotes. Without the support of our sportsmen and women will we end up with a state tax to support Parks and Wildlife. Although, when the TPW gives how many hundred thousand to help build a city of Cactus water park who really knows why we pay to keep actual state parks open.
Great law. Not much of a hunter but live outside the city limits. Theres a green belt and feral hogs. Haven’t had any issues yet, but glad I can shoot and kill whenever I like.
No license in Nevada to hunt coyotes…no problems. Texas wants to get rid of feral hogs….give out of state hunters a break on fees!! We love getting these hogs and enjoy eating them. It’s just gotten tooooo expensive.
What does a Non Resident Hunter need?
If he has the land owner/lease permission./..
Well, that is one opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion and their expression of their opinion. Personally, I think this new amendment to the law does clear up some previous issues with the law as previously written and enforced.
“Rodney” doesn’t get it.
It’s not hunting, it’s eradicating and invasive species. If this licensing garbage were done away with years ago, there might not be such a problem…..but bureaucrats love their revenue streams.
I have to agree with Rodney. All hunters should be licensed and have the basic education.
I agree with Rodney, basic knowledge should be a priority for safety. Supporting TPWD is very important too.
foxes,coyotes and other species do not tear up are land and spread e-coli (in which I am Licensed in it’s harm) You cannot compare feral hogs to any other of the wild species! The issue of having a Hunting License might be another issue!
So does this law also specify weather killing them inside city limits makes a diffrence or is it still county only. Family member inside city limits is having a hog problem so curious
Michael I also have the same question killing hogs within the city limits. Hogs have been coming to my yard 7 times and destroyed my yard. Seems the City and HOA are not doing anything to solve problem.