Hog hunting has recently become an extremely popular sport in Texas and other parts of the United States.
However, there are many hunters that do not understand the ins and outs of the sport or know how to approach it in the best possible way.
If you are one of these people, this article will show you some tips and tricks on how to go hog hunting near Austin Texas so that you can have a successful hunt without much effort involved.
Hog Hunting Near Austin Texas (Texas is Home for Hog Hunting)
The ever-growing popularity of hog hunting in Texas can be attributed to several factors, but there is no question that one of them is word of mouth.
Hogs are big, destructive animals that typically live in tight-knit family groups called sounders.
The sheer size and unruly nature of these animals make them a favorite prey item for hunters across America.
With thousands of hunters taking part in organized hunts every year, it isn’t surprising that more and more people are becoming interested in joining in on the fun.
To join them, you’ll need to plan ahead.
Best Places in Texas to Go Feral Hog Hunting
There’s a long list of places to go feral hog hunting near Austin Texas but where you hunt depends on what you want out of your hog-hunting trip.
Some hunters are looking for an adrenaline rush and prefer to hunt hogs at night with dogs or during archery season (Texas is famous for some great bow hunting).
If a nighttime adrenaline rush sounds like fun, there are four feral hog hunts that offer night hunts with trained dogs.
They’re not cheap—most start around $500 per person—but they do offer a totally unique experience.
For those who want more bang for their buck, there are plenty of landowner hunts that take place on private property during archery season and early rifle season in late fall and winter.
Do You Need a License to Hunt Feral Hogs?
You don’t need a special license to hunt feral hogs in most states.
For example, in Virginia, landowners or members of hunting clubs can shoot hogs without a license.
Hogs are defined as domestic animals, but because they aren’t owned and therefore aren’t protected by federal regulations and/or aren’t classified as livestock under state law, it isn’t illegal to shoot them (unless a local ordinance says otherwise).
In fact, many wildlife management organizations believe feral hogs should be fair game for hunters because they spread disease and cause property damage.
However, check with your state before taking aim because regulations vary greatly from state to state.
How much does it cost to hog hunt in Texas?
The cost of hog hunting near Austin depends on a few factors, including how many hogs you’re looking to shoot and what parts of Texas you’re in.
On average, full-day hunts start at $350 for private land and go up from there.
As far as state-managed properties go, a 1/2 day hunt starts at $120 per person.
Remember that these prices are just estimates; they will vary depending on property size, game population and other factors.
If it is your first time out hunting wild pigs, ask about getting teamed up with an experienced guide who can help teach you what to look for when identifying hogs.
How many acres in Texas do you need to hunt?
Hog hunting near Austin, TX is allowed in all almost counties. For a whole year, you can go hog hunting on any land that isn’t privately owned.
During your first year of hunting pigs on public land, you will be limited to a total of 150 wild hogs, unless you receive special permission from Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW).
After your first year, there are no limitations on how many wild hogs you can harvest as long as you hold a current Wildlife Management Area (WMA) permit.
If not harvesting all season, check TPW’s rules for tagging and report requirements when out searching for feral hogs in Texas.
Normally 10 acres of land is enough in Texas to hunt a hog.
What time of day is best for hog hunting in Texas?
Early morning to mid-morning is generally best for hog hunting. Hogs are most active during daylight hours.
That’s why you often hear Come home with a sunburn or your hunt is free!
Exceptions to that rule include fall hunts when hogs may be more nocturnal and cold weather when they’re likely to bed down.
If you do have an evening hunt, make sure there’s plenty of light, since night time hunting can be dangerous for both you and hogs (wild boars will be less cautious).
Can I hunt hogs on public land in Texas?
Yes, you can hunt hogs on public land in Texas.
But not all areas are open for hog hunting near Austin Texas. Before you head out, make sure to check local regulations and find out if any area is off-limits.
Since they are mainly nocturnal animals, it’s a good idea to visit your hunting grounds during early morning or late evening hours so that you have a chance of spotting them before they spot you.
There are many ways to keep from scaring off wild hogs if they’re nearby, but ultimately patience is key! Good luck! 🙂
What do you need to hunt on public land in Texas?
Before you go for hog hunting near Austin Texas on public land, there are few requirements you must be aware of.
First, check with your state or local government to see what permits and licenses are required for hunting hogs.
Second, familiarize yourself with your state’s hunting laws and regulations (including any restrictions on when and where you can hunt).
Third, be sure to obey all posted signs at each state-managed facility.
And finally, make sure you’re both mentally and physically prepared for what could be hours of walking in search of an elusive hog.
The pay off is worth it – so good luck!
What are TPWD E postcard hunts?
A TPWD E postcard hunt is a way for you to purchase an e-postcard hunting or fishing license and receive two free bonus deer/turkey combo licenses or two free bonus fish combo licenses with one of our special hunts.
To participate in an E-postcard hunt, you must already have your primary hunting or fishing license.
You can still participate if you need to buy a deer/turkey combination license.
Purchasing a new E-postcard hunt does not replace your need to purchase hunting and fishing licenses separately, it just provides some added bonuses for those who have their primary hunting and fishing licenses already in hand.
With an E-postcard hunt, you will automatically receive these bonuses when your main hunting and fishing license is purchased.
Is there a hog season in Texas?
The short answer is yes.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regulates hunting seasons for alligators, deer, turkeys, pigs and other animals in areas throughout Texas.
At times, those seasons overlap with various events such as dove season (August) or spring turkey season (April).
As a rule of thumb, if it’s native to Texas, you can hunt it at some point.
Visit TPWD’s website to see which dates you need to know and how to get permission from landowners.
There are also state parks that offer free hunting opportunities year-round; you’ll find those on TPWD’s website as well.
If you’re looking for more information about when and where you can go hog hunting near Austin, consider a guided tour or day out with local outfitters.
Are hog snares legal in Texas?
Yes, they are legal. But you must use a very specific type of snare (called a body-gripping trap) and follow certain restrictions.
For example, there are size limits for snares and it is illegal to set them in any location where you know or have reason to believe other wildlife will be caught besides hogs (such as predators or endangered species).
You also cannot set snares in public areas such as state parks. Visit our page on hog trapping laws for more information on these regulations.
Be sure to note that these regulations do not apply if you’re hunting feral hogs on your own property.
However, we would still recommend taking steps to make sure any traps are humane: Humane Feral Hog Traps — The Way To Go!
Can you shoot pigs at night in Texas?
Yes. Night hunting is legal in many areas of Texas.
In some counties, there are even designated night hunting areas were permitted and licensed hunters can take their shot at a game that includes feral hogs.
That being said, you can’t just shoot anything you want during nighttime hours – make sure you know what species of animals are allowed to be hunted at night in your area before you start shooting.
And be aware that it’s important to keep your headlights off while driving on public roads at night – or if you have them on, avoid shining them directly into an animal’s eyes.
You don’t want to accidentally blind an animal (or yourself!) and end up crashing into something or someone else!
Also check with local laws for detailed information about hunting at night in your area.
Is selling wild hogs illegal in Texas?
The answer to that question is maybe.
It all depends on where you are, what you’re doing, and who gets to decide whether or not your wild hog sale was legal.
According to State Representative James Keffer (R-Eastland), Selling hogs in Texas is probably illegal.
There’s no market for hogs in Eastland County.
Another obstacle to selling wild hogs in Texas is that apparently there are no state or federal programs that allow the sale of wild game meat.
However, it is still possible to sell feral pigs in other states such as Oklahoma. So basically it would be illegal if you were caught, but many people do it anyway.
What animals Can you hunt in Texas without a license?
Animals You Can Hunt in Texas Without a License.
Many people don’t realize that there are certain animals that can be hunted without a license.
These include skunks, ground squirrels, gray squirrels, black raccoons, and foxes.
Be advised that all wild pigs are considered predatory animals in most of our states and a hunting license is required to hunt them.
In case you were wondering, no it isn’t against to law to shoot an animal in self-defense and/or for the protection of property.
These animals can also be hunted with a hunting license if one is purchased.
Conclusion about Hog Hunting Near Austin Texas:
Hog hunting near Austin Texas sport can be lots of fun as long as you do your research and go into it with a game plan.
In order to make sure that you are having a successful hog hunt, there are some things that you should do beforehand.
When considering hogs in Austin Texas, it is important to note that they are very intelligent animals.
They will not fall for your trap or tricks easily. You have to have an extensive plan set up before you begin.
There is nothing worse than planning for something for days only to have it not work at all like you had planned.
