Night hunting

[Dallas Jack]

A friend has a problem pig on his property. He only comes to the feeder in the middle of the night. His understanding of the regulations is if he is caught hunting, at night, with a gun capable of taking deer, in deer country, he was poaching deer. Hope that made sence. He knows the local game warden and he told him he would be fined if caught. Oh, BTW this is on his property (120 acres) in the Texas hill country. I always thought that you could shoot problem animals including deer on your property. Any suggestions?
Dallas Jack

 

[Grumulkin]

First of all, pretty much any firearm is "capable of taking deer," even the 22 LR. Is it illegal to hunt varmints at night in Texas (I don't live there so I don't know the rules)? If so, your friend could use a varmint gun on the pig. Also, if he was hunting "with a gun capable of taking deer" during the day, why wouldn't that also be considered poaching? He also might ask the game warden what he considers "a gun capable of taking deer" and use something else. Your friend might also consider contacting the Texas Department of Natural Resources or whatever it's called in Texas and find out if the local game warden's interpretation of game laws is correct.

In Ohio, one can get a nuisance animal permit for taking deer if they are damaging crops, etc. If your friends property consists of brush and other plants of no commercial value, it would be hard to say a deer or other animal was causing damage.

 

[marksman13]

I was going to suggest getting a nuissance permit if Texas allows such a thing, but I was beat to the punch. We can legally hunt several species at night here in Mississippi. Check the Texas Wildlife Department's website and see what they say. Additionally, call their headquarters and get your information straight from the horses mouth. Good luck.

 

[rhubarb]

B.S.

You can hunt hogs at night in Texas. You can hunt hogs with any weapon you wish. There is no regulation of hog hunting. Probably just an overzealous game warden spouting off.

See http://www.texasboars.com/

 

[Sunray]

Go here. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/nuisance/feral_hogs/
This is under 'How do I hunt feral hogs?'
"Night hunting with a spotlight is often used; however, the local game warden must be notified beforehand."
It does NOT say he has to approve it. Although that may be covered in the Hunting Regs. A hunting licence is required. .243 or greater is recommended.

 

[trueblue1776]

A friend has a problem pig on his property

Let em rip bro.

 

[Dallas Jack]

Thanks for all the info. I'll tell my friend to call the game warden before we go out (we plan on hunting this pig tonight) to hunt.
Dallas Jack