Yes, you need a hunting license to hunt hogs in Texas, with one major exception

Texas requires a hunting license for hog hunting on public land and most private land. The exception is your own property: if you own the land outright or have written permission from the owner, you can hunt hogs without a license on that specific property. On everything else — state wildlife areas, national forests, leased land where you do not own it — you must have a valid Texas hunting license in your pocket.

The license itself costs $25 for residents and $75 for non-residents if you buy it for the full year. Texas also sells 5-day licenses for $20 (residents) and $48 (non-residents), and one-day licenses for $10 and $25. You can buy a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, by phone at 1-800-895-4248, or at any authorized retailer — most sporting goods stores and many convenience stores sell them.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a hunting license to hunt hogs on public land and leased private land, but not on land you own or have written permission to hunt on.
  • A full-year resident hunting license costs $25; non-residents pay $75, with shorter-term options available at lower cost.
  • Hogs in Texas have no closed season and no bag limit, meaning you can hunt them year-round with no daily or possession limit.
  • You can hunt hogs during any legal hunting method season (rifle, shotgun, archery, or muzzleloader), but the weapon must match the season in effect for deer or other game.
  • Landowners and their when ready family hunting on their own property do not need a license, but written permission from the landowner is required for anyone else.

When you do not need a license on private land

If you own the land, you and your when ready family can hunt hogs without a license. Texas defines when ready family as your spouse and children living in your household. If you are leasing land or hunting on someone else's property, you need both a hunting license and written permission from the landowner.

Written permission does not have to be formal — a text message or email from the owner saying you can hunt there counts — but you should keep it with you or be able to show it to a game warden if asked. Many landowners require a signed lease or written agreement anyway, so get something in writing before you go.

Hog seasons and weapon rules in Texas

Hogs have no closed season in Texas. You can hunt them year-round, any day of the week, with no daily bag limit and no possession limit. This is different from deer or turkey, which have specific seasons and limits.

However, the weapon you use must be legal for whatever hunting season is currently open for other game. During deer rifle season, you can use a rifle on hogs. During archery season, you can use a bow. During shotgun season, shotgun. Outside all those seasons, you are limited to .22 rimfire rifles, air rifles, and archery. Night hunting hogs with a light is legal on private land with the landowner's permission, but not on public land.

Where you can and cannot hunt hogs

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages public hunting areas where hogs are present. You can hunt hogs on most of these areas during their open seasons, but rules vary by location. Some areas have specific hog hunting seasons; others allow year-round hunting. Check the specific area's regulations before you go — the TPWD website lists each area and its rules.

National forests in Texas (Sam Houston, Angelina, Sabine, and Davy Crockett) allow hog hunting year-round on most of their land. You still need a hunting license, but there is no separate permit. Private land is the most common place to hunt hogs, and landowners often encourage it because hogs damage crops and pasture. Always get permission in writing before you hunt anywhere that is not your own property.

How to buy your hunting license

The fastest way is online at tpwd.texas.gov. Go to the "Hunting" section, select "Buy a License," and choose your license type. You can print it when ready or have it sent to your phone. The license is valid the day you buy it.

You can also call 1-800-895-4248 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). A representative will process your license over the phone and email it to you. In-person purchases at sporting goods stores and authorized retailers take a few minutes and are valid the same day.

License types and costs for Texas hunting

A resident hunting license costs $25 for the full calendar year (January through December). If you are a non-resident, the annual license is $75. Both include the right to hunt all game in Texas during their respective seasons, including hogs.

Shorter options exist if you do not hunt year-round. A 5-day license costs $20 for residents and $48 for non-residents. A 1-day license is $10 for residents and $25 for non-residents. These are useful if you are visiting Texas for a specific hunt or testing whether you want to hunt regularly before buying the full-year license.

What to carry when you hunt hogs

You must have your hunting license with you at all times while hunting. A game warden can stop you and ask to see it. If you do not have it, you can be cited even if you own the land. Print it or keep it on your phone — both are acceptable.

On public land, you may also need a parking permit or day-use pass depending on the area. Check the specific location's rules. On private land, carry written permission from the landowner. Bring your driver's license as well — wardens often ask for it as a second form of ID.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt hogs on my own land without a license?

Yes. If you own the land outright, you and your when ready family do not need a hunting license to hunt hogs there. Anyone else hunting on your property must have a license and your written permission.

Do hogs have a hunting season in Texas?

No. Hogs can be hunted year-round with no closed season and no bag limit. However, the weapon you use must be legal for whatever season is open for other game at that time.

What if I am visiting Texas and want to hunt hogs for one day?

Buy a 1-day non-resident hunting license for $25. You can purchase it online at tpwd.texas.gov or by phone at 1-800-895-4248. It is valid the day you buy it. You still need written permission from the landowner if you are hunting on private land.

Can I hunt hogs at night in Texas?

Yes, on private land with the landowner's written permission. Night hunting with a light is not allowed on public land or state wildlife areas. You still need a hunting license unless you own the property.

Where can I find public land to hunt hogs in Texas?

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages public hunting areas across the state. Visit tpwd.texas.gov and search for "public hunting lands" to find areas near you and check their specific hog hunting rules. National forests also allow year-round hog hunting with a license.