Guides · Updated August 2026

Is feral hog hunting legal year-round in Texas?

Yes. Texas classifies feral hogs as an unprotected, exotic, non-game species. There is no closed season, no bag limit, and no possession limit, as of 2026, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).

Hogs may be taken by any lawful means at any time of year. This applies to private property with landowner authorization, per TPWD's regulation page for nongame and exotic species.

License and land-status nuance

The no-season, no-limit rule applies to private property with the landowner's authorization. Hunting feral hogs on public land — state or federal property — still requires a valid Texas hunting license, same as any other regulated hunt.

This distinction trips up out-of-state hunters more than the season question does.

What year-round legality does not change

• No live release. Transporting or releasing a live feral hog anywhere in Texas is unlawful unless it complies with Texas Animal Health Commission rules. The year-round allowance covers taking the animal, not moving it live.
• Local ordinances still apply. County-level restrictions on discharging firearms — especially near property lines or in populated areas — still apply. The state's feral hog classification does not override them.
• Landowner consent is still required. "No season" does not mean "any land." Authorization from whoever holds hunting rights on a property is a separate requirement.

Why this stays current

Texas feral hog regulations get revisited periodically as population and damage estimates evolve. Texas A&M's Natural Resources Institute published an update on feral pig laws and regulations as recently as April 2026.

Checking the current TPWD regulation page before planning an out-of-state or public-land hunt is worth the two minutes.

Year-round means the reading matters more, not less

Year-round legality means timing is not limited by season — only by what you can see on the ground before you sit.

HogSight reads the trail-camera photos you already have and maps the sounder: group size, timing, and which individuals keep coming back. See how HogSight reads your camera roll →

Go further

• All HogSight guides
• Farm Bill feral swine funding: where reauthorization stands
• What feral hog damage costs Texas landowners

This guide is informational. Hunting and wildlife regulations change and vary by state and county — always verify current rules with your state wildlife agency (in Texas: TPWD) before acting. Content drafted with AI assistance and reviewed by the publisher before publication.