Yes, you need a hunting license to hunt hogs in Texas, even on private land
Texas requires anyone hunting hogs — whether on public land, private land, or leased property — to hold a valid hunting license. The state does not make an exception for hogs the way it does for some other game. You cannot legally hunt them without one, and the fine for hunting without a license starts at $250 and can reach $500 or more depending on the circumstances.
The license itself is inexpensive and takes minutes to obtain. You can buy one online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), at any authorized retailer, or in person at a TPWD office. Most hunters buy their license before the season opens and renew it annually.
Key Takeaways
- Texas hunting licenses are required for hog hunting on any land, public or private, and cost between $25 and $48 depending on your residency and age.
- You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website, at retail locations like Academy Sports, or at TPWD offices.
- Hog season in Texas runs year-round with no bag limit, so you do not need to worry about seasonal closures or harvest restrictions.
- Your license must be on your person while hunting, and you should carry proof of purchase in case a game warden asks to see it.
- If you are under 17, you may be able to hunt without a license under certain conditions, but you must still follow all other hunting regulations.
What type of hunting license you need for hogs
Texas offers several hunting license types, and the one you need depends on whether you live in the state and your age. A resident hunting license is the standard choice for Texas residents and costs $25 per year. A non-resident hunting license costs $48 per year. If you are between 17 and 64, you must buy a full license; there is no reduced-price option for hog hunting specifically.
If you are under 17, you may hunt hogs without a license under Texas law, but only if you are under direct supervision of a licensed adult. "Direct supervision" means the adult must be able to see and hear you at all times. If you are 65 or older and a Texas resident, you can hunt for free with a senior license, which you obtain by showing proof of age at a TPWD office or authorized retailer.
You do not need any special endorsement or tag to hunt hogs. Unlike deer or turkey, hogs have no season closure and no bag limit in Texas, so your standard hunting license covers everything you need.
Where and how to buy your hunting license
The fastest way to buy a license is online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website (tpwd.texas.gov). You will need a valid email address and a payment method — credit card, debit card, or electronic check. The license is issued when ready as a PDF that you can print or save to your phone. The entire process takes about five minutes.
If you prefer to buy in person, you can visit any authorized retailer. These include Academy Sports and Outdoors, Walmart, Bass Pro Shops, and many local sporting goods stores and bait shops. Call ahead if you are unsure whether a specific location sells licenses. You can also visit a TPWD office directly, though these have limited hours and are usually busier than retail locations.
Licenses are valid for one year from the date of purchase. If you buy your license in March, it expires the following March. You can renew online, at a retailer, or at a TPWD office using the same process.
What to carry while hunting and what happens if you are checked
You must have your hunting license on your person at all times while you are actively hunting. This means carrying the physical license or a digital copy on your phone. If you printed your license, keep it in a waterproof pocket or bag. If you have the digital version, make sure your phone is charged enough to display it.
A Texas game warden can stop you and ask to see your license. If you cannot produce it, you can be cited for hunting without a license even if you actually own one. The citation process is the same as any other traffic stop — the warden will write a ticket, and you will have the option to pay the fine or contest it in court. If you paid for the license but forgot to print or read it, you may be able to show proof of purchase on your phone instead, but do not count on this — carry the actual license.
Game wardens also check that you are following other regulations: that you are hunting during legal hours (typically 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset), that your firearm is legal for the type of hunting you are doing, and that you are not hunting from a public road. Hog hunting has fewer restrictions than other game hunting in Texas, but these core rules still explore.
Hog season and bag limits in Texas
Hogs have no closed season in Texas and no bag limit. You can hunt them year-round, any time of day or night on private land with the landowner's permission. This is one of the few advantages hog hunting has over hunting other game — you do not have to wait for a season to open or stop when it closes.
On public land managed by TPWD, hog hunting is allowed during the general hunting season, which typically runs from early September through early January. Some public areas have additional restrictions, so check the specific rules for the wildlife management area where you plan to hunt. The TPWD website lists these by location.
The lack of a bag limit means you can take as many hogs as you want in a single day, which is why hog hunting is often used as a population control tool on ranches and farms. However, you still need the license, and you still need permission from the landowner if you are hunting on private property.
Special situations: Hunting on leased land or with a guide
If you are hunting on leased land, you still need your own hunting license. The lease agreement does not replace the state license requirement. The landowner or lease holder may also require you to show proof of your license before you hunt, so have it ready.
If you are hiring a hunting guide or outfitter, ask them whether they provide licenses or whether you need to buy your own. Most outfitters expect you to bring your own license, but some include it as part of the package. Confirm this before you pay, because you cannot hunt legally without one.
If you are a non-resident and plan to hunt multiple times in Texas, consider whether buying an annual non-resident license ($48) makes sense compared to buying daily licenses. A daily non-resident license costs $20, so if you hunt more than twice a year, the annual license saves money.
Renewing your license and keeping it current
Your hunting license expires one year from the date you purchase it. You can renew it at any time before it expires, and the new license will be valid for one year from the renewal date. Most hunters renew their licenses a few weeks before the season they plan to hunt in, but you can renew anytime.
If your license has already expired, you can still buy a new one — there is no penalty for letting it lapse. You straightforward purchase a fresh license and start the one-year period over. Keep your receipt or confirmation email as proof of purchase in case a game warden asks.
If you lose your license or your phone dies and you cannot display it, you can show a game warden your receipt or confirmation email as temporary proof. However, this is not ideal — print or save your license before you go hunting so you have it no matter what happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hunt hogs on my own property without a license?
No. Texas law requires a hunting license for anyone hunting hogs, regardless of whether the land is yours, leased, or someone else's private property. The only exception is for children under 17 hunting under direct adult supervision.
What if I buy a license but forget to bring it with me?
You can be cited for hunting without a license even if you own one. Carry your printed license or have the digital version on your phone. If you have your receipt or confirmation email, show that to a game warden, but do not rely on it — bring the actual license.
Do I need a separate tag or permit for hogs?
No. Your hunting license covers hog hunting completely. Unlike deer or turkey, hogs do not require tags, permits, or special endorsements. The license alone is all you need.
How much does a Texas hunting license cost?
A resident hunting license costs $25 per year. A non-resident license costs $48 per year. A daily non-resident license costs $20. Senior residents (65 and older) can hunt for free with a senior license obtained at a TPWD office or authorized retailer.
Can I hunt hogs at night in Texas?
On private land with the landowner's permission, yes — hogs can be hunted 24 hours a day. On public land, hog hunting follows the general hunting hours, which are typically 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check the specific rules for the public area where you plan to hunt.