Texas hunting license for hunting on private land?
- Thread starter Twmaster
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Rules...
Keep in mind that depredation does not equal harvesting meat. So you could be hassled by a Game Warden if that was your plan. Out of state permits, I *think*, are less than 50 bucks for 5 days. If you are paying to hunt or lease land, you need a valid license.
Keep in mind that depredation does not equal harvesting meat. So you could be hassled by a Game Warden if that was your plan. Out of state permits, I *think*, are less than 50 bucks for 5 days. If you are paying to hunt or lease land, you need a valid license.
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You need a hunting license for native Texas game animals. Game animals "belong" to the State, no matter where they are.
That's why the exotics, like Axis deer etc, don't require a hunting license. They are not native so the State doesn't lay claim to them.
That's why the exotics, like Axis deer etc, don't require a hunting license. They are not native so the State doesn't lay claim to them.
If your an "out of state" hunter, that may or may not apply . Send the Texas DNR`s an e-mail, they`ll tell you.
"It's in the book": No license needed if taking feral hogs where the landowner want "depredating" feral hogs removed. Also true for coyotes IF they are attacking or have attacked livestock.
No other animals are named as exempt.
No other animals are named as exempt.
OP
OP
Stupid question. We come down from Kansas every year to hunt exotics and hogs. We have always purchased a 4 day license. Are we spending monies we don't need to?
OP
OP
Does TX require you to have a hunting license from your home state to get an out-of-state hunting license?
jbkebert, you need the license for the exotics. They are not exempt, as I noted above.
Twmaster, I guess it depends on a hunter's age insofar as the Texas Hunter's Education requirement. Some sort of proof in meeting the requirement.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us
Twmaster, I guess it depends on a hunter's age insofar as the Texas Hunter's Education requirement. Some sort of proof in meeting the requirement.
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us
I just printed out my receipt from my TX 5 day license. Just a shy 4 weeks until here piggy piggy.
Can't wait.
Can't wait.
If you are paying to hunt hogs,you would be advised to buy a license.
If the landowner is letting you hunt them for free,then he/she needs to put it in writing,stating that you have permission to hunt/remove hogs on the property.
If the landowner is letting you hunt them for free,then he/she needs to put it in writing,stating that you have permission to hunt/remove hogs on the property.
Flintknapper
Member
Jbkebert wrote:
Not a stupid question, quite intelligent in fact….(to make certain you are doing things legally and to save money where possible/practical).
IMO, you are doing the correct thing to purchase a hunting license.
While it is “possible” to get around it, doing so…puts a large burden of proof on you. The licensing laws in Texas (for hunting) simply state the following:
“A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in this State.”
It then goes on to list certain “exceptions”.
The pertinent exceptions for Feral Hogs and Coyotes are listed below.
“Exceptions: a hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.
Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.
Notes: All laws and regulations governing hunter education still apply.”
You will notice the key element to the exceptions is “depredation”.
If you plan to hunt Feral Hogs or Coyotes in Texas WITHOUT a license, then be prepared to provide/prove two things:
1. Explicit permission from the Land Owner to take the animals (kill or attempt to kill) AND permission to possess the animal/carcass (if you wish to retain any part of it).
2. Proof that depredation is occurring or has recently occurred. The mere presence of Feral Hogs and Coyotes does not in itself constitute depredation.
The obvious purpose of this law is to aid Land Owners (their designated agents) or lessee in managing the numbers of these two species. NOT to provide a loop hole for other persons simply wanting to hunt them.
In your case (non-resident), you have been purchasing a Type (157) non-resident 5 day Special Hunting Permit. It costs $48.00 for any 5 consecutive days and is money well spent to guard against potentially expensive fines, confiscation of hunting gear, etc….
“Penalty: A person who violates these laws commits an offense that is a Class A Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor ($500.00 to $4,000) fine and/or up to one year in jail”
Additionally, the license allows you to hunt ALL Exotics, ALL Non-Game animals and any legal Game Birds (except Turkeys). Remember, Feral Hogs are classified as “exotics”, Coyotes are not…they are Non-Game animals.
Having a license opens up other possibilities for you on your trip, even if they are not your primary quarry.
Some of the Non-Game animals you could legally take would be:
Armadillo, Bobcat, Coyote, Mountain Lion, Rabbits, Turtles, Prairie Dogs, Ground Squirrels, Frogs and more.
More notes:
All persons over the age of 17 (Born after Sept. 2nd 1971 ) are required to show proof of having successfully completed a Hunters Safety Course (either in your State or Texas). You will also have to provide your Social Security number (no one likes it, but its required) in order to purchase a hunting license.
Hope this helps,
Flint.
Not a stupid question, quite intelligent in fact….(to make certain you are doing things legally and to save money where possible/practical).
IMO, you are doing the correct thing to purchase a hunting license.
While it is “possible” to get around it, doing so…puts a large burden of proof on you. The licensing laws in Texas (for hunting) simply state the following:
“A hunting license is required of any person, regardless of age, who hunts any animal, bird, frog or turtle in this State.”
It then goes on to list certain “exceptions”.
The pertinent exceptions for Feral Hogs and Coyotes are listed below.
“Exceptions: a hunting license is not required to hunt the following:
Coyotes, if the coyotes are attacking, about to attack, or have recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowl.
Depredating feral hogs, if a landowner (resident or non-resident) or landowner's agent or lessee is taking feral hogs causing depredation on the landowner's land.
Fur-bearing animals, if the hunter possesses a trapper's license or if the fur-bearing animals are causing depredation.
Notes: All laws and regulations governing hunter education still apply.”
You will notice the key element to the exceptions is “depredation”.
If you plan to hunt Feral Hogs or Coyotes in Texas WITHOUT a license, then be prepared to provide/prove two things:
1. Explicit permission from the Land Owner to take the animals (kill or attempt to kill) AND permission to possess the animal/carcass (if you wish to retain any part of it).
2. Proof that depredation is occurring or has recently occurred. The mere presence of Feral Hogs and Coyotes does not in itself constitute depredation.
The obvious purpose of this law is to aid Land Owners (their designated agents) or lessee in managing the numbers of these two species. NOT to provide a loop hole for other persons simply wanting to hunt them.
In your case (non-resident), you have been purchasing a Type (157) non-resident 5 day Special Hunting Permit. It costs $48.00 for any 5 consecutive days and is money well spent to guard against potentially expensive fines, confiscation of hunting gear, etc….
“Penalty: A person who violates these laws commits an offense that is a Class A Parks and Wildlife Code misdemeanor ($500.00 to $4,000) fine and/or up to one year in jail”
Additionally, the license allows you to hunt ALL Exotics, ALL Non-Game animals and any legal Game Birds (except Turkeys). Remember, Feral Hogs are classified as “exotics”, Coyotes are not…they are Non-Game animals.
Having a license opens up other possibilities for you on your trip, even if they are not your primary quarry.
Some of the Non-Game animals you could legally take would be:
Armadillo, Bobcat, Coyote, Mountain Lion, Rabbits, Turtles, Prairie Dogs, Ground Squirrels, Frogs and more.
More notes:
All persons over the age of 17 (Born after Sept. 2nd 1971 ) are required to show proof of having successfully completed a Hunters Safety Course (either in your State or Texas). You will also have to provide your Social Security number (no one likes it, but its required) in order to purchase a hunting license.
Hope this helps,
Flint.
Flintknapper.....thank u for posting the last part on the safety course, i've been argueing with walmart emplyees for years because they claim a MN safty course doesn't count. I never could find the part that said it had to be a TX course.
Flintknapper
Member
shiftyer1 wrote:
You were correct Sir!
Next time you have that problem, politely point them to the following link:
From the TPWD site!
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/learning/hunter_education/#ostate
Question:
I took Hunter Education in another state. Do I still need to take the Texas course?
Answer:
No, Texas recognizes Hunter Education certificates from all other states. You will need to carry a proof of that certification on your person while hunting in Texas.
We cannot duplicate Hunter Education certification from other states and provinces, you will need to contact the agency that regulates Hunter Education in that state.
You were correct Sir!
Next time you have that problem, politely point them to the following link:
From the TPWD site!
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/learning/hunter_education/#ostate
Question:
I took Hunter Education in another state. Do I still need to take the Texas course?
Answer:
No, Texas recognizes Hunter Education certificates from all other states. You will need to carry a proof of that certification on your person while hunting in Texas.
We cannot duplicate Hunter Education certification from other states and provinces, you will need to contact the agency that regulates Hunter Education in that state.
My TX hunting license arrived today. Just three weeks from today it becomes valid. My sights are on, my broadheads sharp and I can't wait.
I let the air out of a really nice Aoudad last year and one hog. Hopefully this season proves just as good.
I let the air out of a really nice Aoudad last year and one hog. Hopefully this season proves just as good.
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